#hello i offer free hurt and a little comfort
Note
hello! Im kinda new to tumblr so i dont really know if im supposed to send requests here so sorry if im supposed to send it somewhere else, but for my request can it be fem! Reader x sanji? Hurt to comfort where he says something mean but then apologizes? And can you pull out the angsty bit a little, but make the ending fluffy? And for the format can it be like a mini fic? If you want you can add other characters but i mainly want sanji! Thats all! Sorry if my request didnt make sense as im new to tumblr😔. Thank youu!
A/N: Hi! You did everything perfectly!! Thank you for the request <3 it was so hard to make Sanji mean even accidentally 😭 I hope this is good! It’s also not edited so please forgive any grammatical errors!
Characters: fem reader x Sanji
Cw: Sanji is an idiot and says mean things (and is a little sexist)
Total word count: 900
Rude Comments
“I can do it, Sanji.” Your words came out quick and short. Your temper was rising, both at your task at hand and the blonde who was hovering behind you. He didn’t normally come with you on jobs for Franky, but he had been free today.
“It’ll be faster if I do it,” Sanji offered. He reached out for the wrench.
“I can do it!” you snapped again. You pulled away from the task and glared at him. “Franky asked me to do this, so let me do it!”
“Well, it’s just…” Sanji eyed your clenched fist around the wrench and took a step back. “It’s not really a woman’s job to do this sort of thing, and-”
“What the hell do you mean by that?” you bellowed. “You think I’m not capable of doing this?”
Sanji threw his hands up in a plea. “No my love! It’s not that at all! It’s just…you’re not very good at this.”
It felt as though you had swallowed a stone. “Franky always asks me to do this.”
“And you’re being very helpful!” Sanji said quickly. “But he gives it to you because it’s not exactly a top priority task and…well, it’s really hard to mess up.”
Sanji gave a weary look back to your workplace as if your handiwork spoke for itself. His pitied gaze and words made you suddenly want to be alone.
“Fine,” you mumbled, dropping the wrench to the ground. “Fix it for me, then.”
“Of course, darling!” Sanji jumped at the wrench. You were fairly sure he was already starting to explain how he turned the bolt, but you walked out the door without listening further.
You didn’t see Sanji for a while. That was fine with you, though. You retreated to the back of the ship and perched atop a barrel, staring out at the sea to think. Did Franky always give you useless tasks just to keep you busy? You frequently had to return to the same tasks again and again. What if Franky broke things just to have you fix them?
The thought brought tears to your eyes. You had been so sure Franky enjoyed your company and valued your help. He had called you “super indispensable” more times than you could count. Was it all just a lie?
“Darling?”
Sanji’s voice broke through your mental spiral and you quickly wiped the tears from your cheeks.
“Yeah?” Your voice came out wobbly, but there was no point in hiding from Sanji.
You turned to face him. You had been ready for him to fuss over you, but you found that he was covered in sweat and grease and plenty of other weird stains and smears. He didn’t even seem to acknowledge your puffy eyes at first. He looked too exhausted.
“So, this is the part where I apologize,” he said softly.
He strode over to you in three steps and swept your hair out of your face. His hands were covered in grime, and you could feel the oily substance stick to your face. The feeling made you jerk away from him, but he was already pulling out a clean cloth and wiping it away.
“I’m sorry I said those things, my love. I know you are very capable of doing anything you put your mind to. Your persistence is one of my favorite things about you. I shouldn’t have tried to take that away from you. You didn’t deserve that, and I’m so sorry I thought I could do something better than you just because of our genders.”
His words made your eyes swell. You had planned on still being mad at him after this. But seeing those crystal blue eyes and hearing his sweet words made you crumble all over again.
“I forgive you.” You sniffed and wiped the tears from your eyes again. “Just don’t do it again.”
Sanji let out a laugh. “Oh, I will never be taking on a task Franky gives you again. You know how I said it was ‘hard to screw up’? It turns out that was wrong. I broke the whole pipe. Franky was pissed. He said he doesn’t let anyone touch that problem except you and him. Something about the pressure system needing a delicate hand, and only the two of you have the knack for it.”
It took a moment for his words to process, but you could feel your heart swelling. “Franky only lets me do that?”
Sanji nodded, guiding you towards the kitchen. “And a few other tasks. Says you’re the only one he trusts to do it right.”
“I didn’t know that.” You had a vague feeling that you needed to cry for an entirely different reason now.
He gave another laugh and sat you at the counter. “Well, you always excel at everything you do. It turns out I have a lot to make up for. What should we start with, chocolate cake or ice cream?”
#one piece#one piece scenario#one piece imagine#one piece x reader#one piece x you#black leg sanji#sanji x reader#sanji x y/n#sanji x you#cozage#i hope this is decent i haven't written in SO long but I'm (trying to) be back!!!!#✧˚sanji✧˚
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"Love isn't a thing," Billy scoffs and it's like he's putting his hand right around Steve's throat. "Grow up, Harrington."
Steve shakes his head, his breath still taken away. He tries to inhale, but he's choking. He said it too early, he's too much, he fucked up.
"You'll get over it," Billy says, not looking at Steve. He makes an absent gesture at himself. "There's nothing to love here."
Finally, Steve finds his voice again. He's still strangled, but even now he can't let Billy believe this. He can't let Billy say these things about himself. He can't let Billy think like this.
"I love you," he repeats. "I don't wanna get over it."
Billy just glares at him, a line on his forehead, like he can't figure Steve out.
"Steve," he says, his voice cracking. For the first time, he sounds unsure, like he's a child that got lost. Steve's heart skips a beat. "I'm not… good for you."
Steve sees it, then. Billy doesn’t talk much about home. Only once he said something about his mother who just left him behind. Behind with a man that's supposed to be a father but only knows violence and anger.
"You're right," Steve says. Billy seems to shrink a little.
"Loving you is hard," Steve continues. He cups Billy's face with his hands, plants a kiss on his nose. "But it's worth it. You're worth it."
Billy shakes, eyes red. "Don't say that," he begs, the kid that got left behind. "Steve, don't."
"You're worth it," Steve says again. "I love you. Even when it hurts."
"Shit." Billy sniffs.
"I'll say it until you believe me," Steve threatens - or promises.
"That will take a while," Billy mumbles.
"That's okay." Steve kisses him. Billy kisses back.
#hello i offer free hurt and a little comfort#harringrove#billy x steve#billy hargrove#harringrove ficlet#steve x billy
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The Slaughterhouse
Aaron Hotchner x plus-size fem!reader part 1 5.3k words
Minors dni please
Warning(s): VERY DARK, graphic murder description, injury, gore, blood, fatphobia, extreme angst (with a happy ending), sort-of enemies to lovers, kidnapping, torture, references to SA, derogatory nsfw comments. Oh and I use the word fat because I personally reclaimed it to not rly insult me as it is merely a descriptive word. I do not use it in an insulting way even once in the series.
Please heed the warnings, this series is going to be dark asf. No smut in this series tho.
An escalating string of gruesomely murdered fat women begin to stack up with no end in sight. What started as an unfortunate routine case for the BAU team, takes a disturbing turn as you become entangled in the unsub's web, danger approaching closer and closer. It's only a matter of time before it's too late to bring the madness to an end.
Hiiiii everyone! I'm really happy to start my new series! It's a vast departure from my previous series lol but I hope you all enjoy regardless! As stated tho in the warnings it's gonna get dark so feel free to skip if you're not comfortable! But if you'd like to be tagged then please let me know! Happy reading 💖💖💖
A thin trail of red tinged water trickled down into the drain, not quite blending together more so than the red slowly spread out in the clear liquid like drops of crimson ink.
"Has Pen got a cute bandaid I could use, you think?" You asked the woman beside you as you rinsed a papercut you'd gained from the insultingly tall stack of paperwork on your desk. The woman, Emily Prentiss, shrugged slightly, tussling her silky, black hair.
"Maybe. I'll text her and ask."
"Thanks."
It didn't take long for the door to the women's restroom to burst open, almost slamming into the wall as a frantic Penelope Garcia rushed over to you, a pink first aid kit in her bejewelled hands.
"I'm here, I'm here! Nurse Garcia to the rescue!!" She cried, her blonde curls bouncing with every step. You chuckled at her as Emily stepped out of the way.
"Thank goodness, I was really starting to have second thoughts about my survival rate here."
Penelope was quick to spring into action, setting the kit down and upon opening it she retrieved an antiseptic wipe.
"Give me your hand, I'm going to clean the area." She instructed, eyes a little narrowed as she began to concentrate. You winced slightly when the antiseptic stung a little, but soon you were sporting an adorable pink bandaid with a Hello Kitty pattern on it. You held your hand out to admire it with a grin.
"Thanks so much, Pen!"
The ditzy blonde woman smiled.
"You are so welcome, my lovely."
"Come on, we need to head back to the bullpen before somebody notices we disappeared." Emily said pointedly, glancing at Penelope who returned the look. You grimaced slightly and took the empty bandaid wrapper to shove in the trashcan under your desk.
"Yeah true, we should go before I end up with another stack of paperwork." You muttered, heading towards the door and pulling it towards you. That somebody was none other than your up-tight, impersonal boss and unit chief Aaron Hotchner. Well, impersonal with you that is.
Your time in the BAU had only been a mere year, but it was long enough to form relationships with your coworkers. Whenever possible, you attended ladies' nights with Penelope, Emily and the only other woman in the BAU; Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau, spent time with the ever charmer Derek Morgan whilst he worked on his house projects and happily listened to the young Doctor Spencer Reid as he spoke extensively about chemistry or some sort of engineering related topic. Hell, sometimes you even offered an ear to the oldest member of the team; David Rossi, discussing his passion for cooking and other such things from his life.
But no matter what you tried, there was no breaking down the walls around Aaron Hotchner and at this point you'd begun to stop trying. And it hurt like hell. Not because he was your boss, you didn't care so much about that, but because you happened to like him very much. Probably too much even. He was gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. Even now you couldn't stop yourself from letting your eyes wander over to glance at him, to take in his tall stature and handsomely seasoned features. And you knew he had a kind and loving side to him as well from the interactions you'd witnessed between him and your coworkers. But the same couldn't be said for you. He never offered that olive branch to you, never spoke to you besides work related discussion when on cases. Hell, you basically knew nothing of his son besides the snippets the others had told you of the elusive boy. Not from Agent Hotchner, but from Emily, Derek, Penny...
There was no way of saying it didn't sting, because it did very much so. And it had been this way right from when you walked through the door per section chief Erin Strauss' recommendation. Your interview was tense between yourself, Hotchner and Rossi with the two of them seemingly being in disagreement about you. Rossi, on one hand, was adamant about your capabilities and of what you would bring to the team, whereas your now boss was reluctant. Nitpicky. Wanting to find something to use to keep you from the position in the team. And when he realised you were officially in the team on your first day, walking into the bullpen with your slightly busted brown box of desk essentials and trinkets, was when the walls were raised to impenetrable heights.
Sighing quietly, you returned to the bullpen, fingers of your uninjured hand fiddling with the balled up wrapper. Your eyes flicked to the familiar windowed office above the main desk area. The blinds were open. He no doubt knew yourself and Emily had disappeared for a short while. You scowled a little to yourself. What did it matter? As long as you got your work completed all the same then it didn't matter if you were at your desk the whole day or not. And it didn't matter what he thought, or if he even did take notice of your absence or if he knew why you were gone. Or if he worried over you. It didn't matter, you told yourself.
"Hey sweet thing, what's that frown for, huh?" You blinked as you were brought to the present by the voice of your friend Derek Morgan. You turned in your chair to face him with a sheepish grin.
"Oh, I'm just annoyed I got a papercut. Like are you kidding me?" You said humourously and the dark skinned man laughed, his teeth gleaming under the artificial office lights.
"Aww I'm sorry, did you accidentally touch these abs or something?" His eyes were shining mischievously now and you rolled your own with a scoff.
"Yeah yeah, you wish. The culprit was this pile of paperwork though."
In response, Derek formed a heart shape with his hands, only to break it when he moved his hands away from one another, pouting sadly as he slumped back in his chair. You giggled quietly and rolled your eyes before you returned your attention to the casefiles on your desk. But it wasn't long before you spotted the colourfully dressed Penny again as she rushed towards your unit chief's office, meaning there was a case about to unfold. You eyed your coworkers, who returned the glance, then automatically made a move to close the casefile you had open on your desk and added it to the paper tower. You rose from your seat just as the office door swung open again and Penny reappeared with Hotch behind her. As she made her way to the conference room the tall man leaned over the walkway in the direction of your colleagues and yourself.
"We have a case. Be in the conference room in 2 minutes." He said curtly, eyes flicking between each face. They lingered on you for a moment, brows pulled together in a deep frown, then moved away as he followed the blonde woman. Over time you'd come to understand that look; this case was bad. Very bad.
JJ was already in the conference room when you trailed in behind Reid, Rossi following behind you and closing the door as the last person in the room. You took a seat near the far side of the round table from the doorway, Emily moving to sit on your left. Your eyes drifted around the room, brows furrowing very slightly when you couldn't find the unit chief in his usual position at the table. The chair beside you made a sound as it was pulled out and to your horror you realised none other than Derek Morgan had taken Hotch's seat, which meant...
You heard Aaron Hotchner clear his throat to your right as he shifted to get comfortable in the chair, the leather squeaking beneath his weight. You didn't dare look his way, instead turning your head to Emily with a slightly skittish look in your eyes. To your horror she was already looking at you, a devilish smirk battling its way on her face.
"You okay there, (L/n)?" She asked sweetly. You scoffed.
"Always am."
You could have sworn you heard the man beside you draw in a sharp breath.
"Let's get started." He said in his smooth, deep voice.
JJ had laid out the casefiles for everyone to look at, but as you reached forward to grab your copy a tanned, hairy hand gently grasped your wrist. You flinched, body turning to the culprit as none other than your boss. He stared back, brows furrowed deeply and his emotions guarded.
"Careful."
You knew all eyes were on the two of you, the burn of the stares was almost unbearable, like fire ants crawling all over you. And then Penelope cleared her throat, ending the moment. Hotch retracted his hand from your wrist carefully and you turned your attention to the two blonde women about to present the case.
It became very apparent almost immediately why your boss was hesitant for you to open your casefile.
You had seen all manner of depravity in this field of work. And while you didn't exactly enjoy seeing the bodies of victims, even the most gruesome crimes didn't really affect you as much as they used to. But what you didn't expect was seeing the horribly mutilated corpses of women, women who had a common similarity with you. Every single one was fat like you. Well, as best as you could tell through the extent of the mutilations to the bodies. With the side-by-side comparison of the photos of the victims as they were alive and happy, their cheerful smiles besides the butchered bodies was... difficult. Hell, you could effortlessly imagine a photo of yourself alongside theirs with how similar their bodies were to yours.
The voices of your colleagues around you seemed distant as your eyes read the current details of the case. Over the course of 4 months, seven women of varied ethnicities, between the ages of 19 and 25, had all been found dumped naked in a variety of locations in a large town in Texas. Their bodies were butchered and there was evidence of violent sexual assault. A chilling detail was each victim had had their blood drained entirely. You couldn't stop your eyes from drifting back to the photos of their faces.
"(L/n)?"
You blinked, looking up to see who had spoken. All eyes were on you, causing you to wince slightly.
"Yeah?"
Beside you, Emily placed her hand on your arm.
"You alright?" She asked quietly. You were quiet for a moment.
"Oh, yeah I'm... fine. I was just reading the details." You managed to murmur.
"Any thoughts so far?" Rossi cut in, staring at you intently.
"Mhm, this killer holds a lot of resentment towards fat women from the way they've sliced and butchered their bodies. The blood draining is a bit unusual, however I don't think it's for ritualistic purposes."
"What do you suspect it to be about?" JJ spoke. You narrowed your eyes a little as you thought about it.
"I'm... not sure. Maybe there isn't a purpose other than to get rid of the mess."
Beside you, the leather of the chair Hotch sat on creaked under his movement when he closed his copy of the casefile and pushed away from the table.
"We'll continue to discuss theories on the plane. For now, get yourselves ready to go. Wheels up in thirty." He concluded and stood up from his seat, everyone else following along. You closed your file and made a move to follow behind Emily, when the familiar touch of Hotch's hand grasped your wrist gently again. "(L/n), a word."
Helplessly, you watched everyone file out of the room and you sighed gently. His hand dropped away and as you glanced down at your feet you could feel his scrutinizing stare.
"I need you to remain by my side for this case." He said bluntly.
"Huh?"
You frowned at him. This certainly wasn't what you thought he was going to say. You watched as his brow creased.
"I want to keep an eye on you."
What? You blinked at him.
"Why's that, sir? I don't quite follow."
"I don't want to be insensitive but you have seen the victims the unsub targeted. I just want to make sure you're safe." Hotch explained in as gentle of a way he had ever spoken to you. Oh... You swallowed thickly and nodded once.
"I see. Uh, well I appreciate it, sir. I should be okay though, I have you all around me after all."
It was your boss' turn to frown now, evidently displeased with your response. But he didn't push it, picking his casefile off the table and fixing his watch around his wrist.
"If you insist. But I don't approve of this though."
You nodded and cleared your throat, following him as he stalked out of the conference room. As he made a right turn towards his office, you continued forward until you were with the others again. JJ was the first to break the air of curiosity.
"What did Hotch want?" She asked you as she checked she had everything she needed in her go bag. You sighed and crossed over to your desk.
"Said he wants me to stay by his side, given the nature of what we're dealing with."
"And are you doing that?" Derek asked, eyeing you pointedly. You shook your head.
"I don't really want to have to hang back from working on this case as much as I intend on doing so."
Emily lightly nudged you when she approached your desk, her bag slung over one shoulder.
"Maybe he has a point though." She offered but you scrunched your nose up.
"I also don't really feel like spending the whole time with someone who acts like I'm as worthy of their time as a plank of rotting wood would be." You muttered to yourself as you shoved the casefile in your bag, missing the uncomfortable shared glances of your team mates when the subject of your conversation approached the group.
You felt Emily nudge you again and you straightened up, sealing your bag shut.
"Alright, alright I'm ready to go n..ow..." she wasn't looking at you, you realised, and your body tensed when you heard him speak.
"Let's head out." Agent Hotchner said roughly and turned to leave, face sour. Damn, you strongly hoped he hadn't heard you just now but judging from his expression you knew he must have done. Sighing softly, you picked your bag up and swung it over your shoulder. And followed behind the others to head to the airport. It was never a good idea to start a case off with conflict.
Work began immediately when the team met up with the Police department in Memphis, with everyone splitting up to take care of different tasks. Much to your relief, Hotch had teamed you up with Derek to visit the bar the latest victim had been last seen before her disappearance and murder. Despite the time in the day it was rowdy inside, a significant hum of conversation ever present as the two of you navigated around to interview staff and patrons. So far, there had been no luck though with finding any information on whoever was responsible for the crimes.
As your eyes drifted around the room they settled on a young woman who had just entered the bar. She stood around five feet six inches tall with dyed red curls which ended around her shoulders and her figure was similar to your own, albeit slightly bigger. Someone the unsub would target, you thought to yourself bitterly. Her eyes found you and she nervously approached you, gaze darting around. Nudging Derek subtly, you met the girl halfway across the bar. She was shaking.
"Hey, I'm agent (Y/n) (L/n) and this is agent Derek Morgan of the FBI. Are you alright?" You asked her gently and she cleared her throat.
"You're... you're investigating the murders, aren't you?" Her voice was quiet. You nodded and brought your hands up to take hold of her arms.
"I understand it's very frightening right now, but we're here to do whatever we can to find this person."
Derek eyed the young woman, gaze sincere but analysing.
"Do you have anyone of note who could be a person of interest?" He questioned her. Her eyes flitted to him.
"I... I'm not sure. There's a lot of people who treat us badly," She shifted around, folding her arms close to her body. "J-just five months ago there was a girl who got- um, assaulted because she rejected someone. She was like us, a bigger woman."
Derek's frown deepened.
"Is there records of the assault?"
She shook her head.
"Only of her initial report and visit to the hospital. She was um, too scared to say who it was." She scrunched her eyes shut for a second and shuddered. "H-her name was Amelia Dougherty."
A coldness sunk deep within your abdomen and you fought off the twitch of your lower lip. That was the first victim found dead four months ago. You offered a gentle squeeze of her arms.
"What's your name, lovey?" You said sweetly, feeling the young woman relax under your touch slightly.
"Carla. Carla Reynolds, ma'am."
Your thumbs soothingly brushed against her arms, hopeful she took it as encouragement.
"Well, Carla. I want to thank you for talking to us today. Right now though I need you to head home, protect yourself. Try your best not to go out and about alone if you can help it, yeah?" You instructed her and she nodded.
"Okay..."
With one last squeeze, you let go of her and smiled faintly. Beside you, Derek slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small rectangle of card.
"If you think of anything or see anything suspicious, call my number. Thank you for your time, Miss Reynolds." He said politely, but not unkindly and you both watched as she quickly left the bar. You exhaled softly and turned to the man beside you.
"We certainly know the possible trigger that started this whole murder spree." You murmured. The man beside you nodded and pulled his phone from his pocket with the intention to make a call.
"We'll head back to the station with what we know. I'm gonna ask Garcia for any files on assault reports within the last few months before the murders." He said as he pressed his phone to his ear.
"Sure, I'll just have one last sweep around."
As the man turned to make a call, you let your eyes drift around the room again to analyse everyone. None seemed to stand out, nor were there any other larger women around at this point. Distantly, you could hear Derek chatting lightly to Penny on the other end of the line but you paid little mind to it. But as you turned around to make your way outside a flurry of people entered the bar and, as a consequence, someone bumped into you and caused you to stumble.
"Hey! Watch it, man!" You heard your companion snap, but whoever it was had long since disappeared into the crowd. You sighed and fixed your clothing.
"It's fine, Der. We have more important things to focus on right now anyway."
You could tell from the expression on Derek's face that he was reluctant to let this drop, but he didn't challenge you. And at this point he had finished the call anyway, so without any further delay the two of you headed outside to drive back to the station.
There were no patterns between any of the assault victims from before the murders. All were a much wider range of women, a wider age range, varying body types and there was a multitude of perpetrators committing these assaults as opposed to one, who was suspected to be acting alone committing the murders. And this didn't even include male victims either. The first day of the case was chalking up to being a frustrating dead-end.
Standing in front of the whiteboard that was covered in tacked on pictures and scrawled out notes, you rubbed a hand over your face as you felt your brain turn into cotton in your skull. It was then you felt a presence beside you, causing you to stiffen slightly.
"Got anything?" You heard the soft, deep rumble of Hotch's voice. You exhaled. As you glanced to your side you realised how close to one another you were and the scent of his cologne hit your senses. It made your head feel a bit fuzzy.
"Other than what we already have, no. Maybe just theories on why the unsub picked out these women in particular." You murmured.
"Let's talk about them."
You turned to him with a slight nod, eyes reluctant to leave the board.
"Well, the photographs; the body language suggests a lot of discomfort. The women don't really like being the centre of attention. They're insecure." You began, motioning to the pictures of the victims from when they were still alive. "The unsub will have taken advantage of this, approaching the women in clubs and bars to flirt with them."
Hotch hummed, his focus entirely on you.
"It would seem likely, yes."
"But why go with the guy if they were so insecure?" A different voice chimed into the conversation, causing the two of you to turn. Behind you, Spencer stared with a furrowed brow and you sighed gently.
"If you're in a position where you've never had anyone show interest in you, or at least never seem genuine about it, it really messes with your self esteem. So having someone spend time with you flirting with you will inevitably cause you to drop your defense a bit. Because, well, you've never experienced this before." You turned to the board again and grabbed one of the markers to write some notes down. "With this I can only imagine the unsub is definitely above average in attractiveness but not so much to the point where the victims wouldn't trust their supposed interest."
"Most likely in the late twenties to early thirties. But we'll continue the profile with fresh eyes in the morning." Hotch said and he motioned to address the others. "We should stop for the night and check in to the hotel. We'll be up early in the morning."
There was a mutual sound of agreement from your colleagues but before you could say anything more to your unit chief, he was walking away briskly and pulling his phone out of his pocket to seemingly make a call. He never seemed to linger around you more than what was required of him. You puffed out a breath and capped the pen in your hand again before setting it down. To your left, you were aware of Emily approaching you.
"Sooo..." She began and you huffed.
"Oh, don't start."
"I didn't say anything!"
With a scowl you turned to her, noting the grin she was trying desperately to fend off. You folded your arms.
"Don't be sly with me, dumbass." You spat and she chuckled.
"You know I don't mean any ill-will. Just wondering how you're getting on."
You scoffed.
"Yeah, yeah sure you are."
"Well, I'm sure it's not easy working beside the man you're definitely not interested in!"
A tired grumble left you as you crossed the room to grab your casefile.
“Girl, we are literally trying to solve a serial murder case right now. I got no time to be thinking about anything but this.”
Emily chuckled and leaned her weight onto her hand braced on the table in the centre of the room.
“I know you’re struggling hard not to think about him though.”
You jabbed her with your elbow and scowled at her.
“That’s enough out of you. Now come on, we’re done for the day.” You said and tucked the manila folder under your arm, not missing the little chuckle from the raven haired woman. Once everyone was ready to depart, you found yourself in the same car as the girls and Reid, sitting in the back as you scrolled through your phone. There was a group chat you all used, originally created for strictly case related situations, but with Garcia around there was no way it was going to remain professional for long. And so now it was a mix of light-hearted conversation and sharing as well as more serious messages. The aforementioned had sent a series of messages in response to knowing you were all retiring for the night and you idly sent your own, typically the one to try and send things that would bring a smile to everyone’s faces. The lights from distant buildings and streetlamps would occasionally light up the interior of the car, illuminating your grip on your phone and the face of Reid sitting beside you in the back seat.
Before long, you had reached your destination following behind the car Derek, Rossi and Hotch were in. After parking up, you all grabbed your bags and trailed in behind the two eldest members of the team as they strode towards the reception desk. After a few minutes, the remainder of you decided to take up the couches in the foyer, realising Hotch and Rossi were taking longer than you thought to sort out the rooms. This was not a good sign, only further proven when they turned to the group, mild agitation on their faces. You sighed.
“Oh no, they don’t look too happy, do they?” You mumbled to Derek, leaning towards him. He chuckled.
“No, they do not. I can only imagine what that means.”
And soon enough the situation was brought to light.
“There was a mishap with the booking and there’s no longer enough rooms for one each,” Hotch said flatly, his shoulders slumped and his jaw clenched. “We’ll have to double up.”
Shit. Your eyes flicked to Emily immediately and your heart jolted upon realising she was staring at you with a widening grin. Oh no.
She pushed up off the couch and grabbed her bag, throwing the strap over her shoulder.
“Let’s go, JJ.” She declared and the blonde woman’s head shot up, gaze switching between the two of you. And much to your dismay, she too stood up and followed Emily to grab their room keys.
“Sure.”
Your eyes drifted towards Derek and Reid, feeling slightly hopeful knowing Derek didn’t often enjoy sharing with the young doctor. It startled you when he winked at you, then dragged the wild-haired man to stand up with him.
“C’mon, pretty boy. It’s you and me now.”
Reid seemingly had nothing to say, his brow crooked as slight confusion settled in. Now all that remained was the last two eldest members. Slowly, you turned to look at the eldest.
“...Rossi?”
“Actually, you’ll be sharing with me.” the man beside him spoke, drawing your attention. Hotch eyed you carefully, his brows pulled together slightly. You swallowed.
“I could always take the single room..?” you offered weakly.
“No, I would feel more at ease if you were sharing.”
Rossi raised his brows as he sniffed loudly, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards.
“And I need my peace and quiet, so I will take the single.” he said and before you could protest the seasoned agent spun on his heel and retreated towards the elevators.
You sighed gently, slowly rising to your feet and awkwardly approaching Hotch.
“Okay… I guess that leaves us then.”
“Yes. If you don’t mind.” he said, brows pulled together. You held your tongue.
“I don’t.”
With a slight nod, he turned away to find the elevators and you quickly followed, pattering after him with your go-bag held at your side. Hotch reached the elevators quickly, holding the doors open for you then pressing the number for your floor. The ride up was silent, painfully so and despite being less than a minute long it felt as though the seconds had been dragged out to an hour long. Tiredly, you dumped your bag in front of you, eyes wandering around the steel walls around you the longer the ride took. Should you speak? You had no idea, unsure what to even say to the man. As though feeling the same discomfort, Hotch cleared his throat and shifted his weight from one foot to another in the empty space the both of you were in. The chime of the elevator stopping to open its doors startled you, blinking a few times at the sound.
As you turned your attention to your bag, Hotch’s hand appeared in view and briskly grabbed the handles of your bag and picked it up. You gasped, looking up at him and realising he was watching you. You drew in a sharp breath.
“Um, thanks.”
“Mhm.”
Once again, he held the elevator door open with his elbow, his hands full with your bag and his. You didn’t comment on it, instead smiling sheepishly and uttering another ‘thank you’ as you passed him. He led the way again, stalking down the carpeted corridor until he stopped in front of a random door. He placed the bags down and made a move to unlock the door, the keys jangling being the only noise in that moment. You both heard the click of the lock coming loose and, after picking the bags up again, Hotch pushed the door open to step inside. But as you followed, you bumped into his solid form and earned a quiet grunt from him, not expecting him to have stopped so suddenly.
“What’s wrong?” you wondered aloud, inching around him to see the problem- oh. Hm.
One king-sized bed sat in the centre of the room against the left wall, not the two beds you were both expecting. Fuck.
“I’ll return to the front desk and see if there’s anything they can do to change this.” Hotch said and you turned to look back at him.
“You know there isn’t anything available, though. Let’s just, um, head in and sort out in the morning.”
The longer you stared at the seeming displeasure on his face, the worse you began to feel about sharing with him. Great, he probably was regretting this now.
“Are you certain?”
It made you frown.
“I’m tired, sir. I just want to have a shower and get some rest.” you muttered. He let out a heavy sigh, deepening the uncomfortable feeling in your lower abdomen, but relented by following you inside the room and closing the door when he had deposited the bags onto the bed.
“You can take the first shower.” he offered quietly and your face twitched into a miniature smile.
“Thanks. Won’t be long. You can choose which side to sleep on.”
Unpacking your toiletries and your (regretful choice) of pyjamas, you tiptoed towards the shower room after kicking your shoes off. Hotch had already made claim of the table in the room, spreading out his work across the surface. You closed the door behind you quickly when he shrugged his suit jacket off and loosened his tie, electing to restrict yourself from seeing him in anything less than his standard clothing for your own wellbeing.
You began to undress, untucking your shirt from your trousers, when you finally noticed something truly off.
Your FBI ID was gone. With one brow quirked, you searched through your pockets and in your toiletry bag, expecting to have maybe misplaced it in a sleepy state. But no… You swallowed thickly and opened the shower room door again. Automatically, Hotch’s head moved to your direction from where he was seated on the side of the bed nearest the hotel room door and he tilted his head.
“What is it?”
You cleared your throat.
“U-uhm… My ID; it’s gone.”
Wooooooo spooooky idk idk I HOPE PPL ENJOYED THIS FIRST PART it's not gonna be jolly from here on out until the end 🥴 if you'd like to be tagged let me know!
Taglist:
@southernraven, @deludedfruitcake , @tgskitten , @zaddyhotch , @cm-slvts-31 , @dins-cyarika @midnghtprentiss
#aaron hotchner x reader#hotchner x reader#hotch x reader#aaron hotchner x plus size!reader#aaron hotchner x plus size reader#aaron hotchner x you#hotch x you#hotch x y/n#hotch x fem!reader#aaron hotchner x fem!reader
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Schneider returns as a Carbuncle.
This is the first chapter of the Schneider Caruncle fic I've been screwing around with. The whole thing may never make it online, but I can share this bit (until I get embarrassed and delete it).
The story is called Tarocco.
Orange orchards.
Doves in flight.
Bullets and bloodstains.
Her thoughts shifted into abstraction before she could collect them. The river of time flowed steadily and she drifted on its current along with trickles of Dust. How long has she been here? Perhaps she's always been here. It didn't matter since she will never know the answer.
Or so she thought.
A two-dimensional line appeared before her, beckoning her to grab hold. Someone's calling her. She grasped the line and it reeled her out of the currents of time. Dust convened around her, giving her spirit a physical body but it wasn't enough. She needs more before she reaches her destination wherever that might be–
Crimson eyes opened to the sight of a golden spinning wheel. The currents of time were neither cold nor wet as they receded away from her.
“The wheel summoned a Carbuncle?” A voice asked from behind her.
She sprung onto all fours–
Fours. That didn't sound right. She looked down at her chocolate colored paws and then behind her at a ridiculously fluffy tail.
She can't fight like this! She's no bigger than a kitten! How did this happen? She glared at two young women observing her. One's wearing a ridiculous top hat concealing her face. The other had a head of fiery long hair.
“Shall I take care of it, Timekeeper?” The redhead raised her wand. Green eyes honed in on the furball in front of her like a hound on a rabbit.
The Carbuncle extended her claws in response and bared her fangs. She won't go down with a fight against this! This! Old woman!
“That won't be necessary, Sonetto. The wheel must have brought her here for a reason.”
Her words failed to allay the Carbuncle’s hostility. She's been in this situation before. She can't remember when or how, but the feeling of being cornered felt at home in her anxious body.
She's going to slash that stupid hat into ribbons and scratch out her target's eyes the moment she gets closer. If she's lucky, the bodyguard will be too busy helping her friend to chase her while she makes her escape.
Top Hat crouched down on one knee like a prince about to propose. “Hello, my name is Vertin and this is my assistant Sonetto. We're not going to hurt you.” Sonetto nodded but her gaze didn't soften in the slightest. She tensed as Vertin lowered herself within the bristling Critter's reach. Sonetto's free hand gripped the back of Vertin's jacket, ready to yank her away at a moment's notice. What a protective little dog this “Vertin” has.
A memory laced in gold and coated in slime pricked at the back of the Carbuncle's mind but it refused to surface. She's too focused on the opening before her to dwell on them. She approached Vertin cautiously.
The gullible fool extended her hand. “Can you understand us? Nod your head if you can.”
The Carbuncle resisted rolling her eyes. What next, roll over? Play dead? She nodded and nudged the offered hand with her head. Feather light fingertips scratched under her chin in a way that was loathsomely comforting. Stick to the plan. Be strong. She's not a pet! Ugh, this form is messing with her mind and Vertin finding the sweet spot behind her ears wasn't helping her focus. A genuine purr escaped her throat against her will.
“See, Sonetto? She's friendly. We should bring her back with us.”
That snapped her out of her trance.
The Carbuncle locked eyes with her prey, finally able to see past the brim of her hat–
Hair like threaded silver. Tempestuous gray eyes rivaled storm clouds. A sweet splattering of freckles across her nose.
Oh no, she's gorgeous.
Vertin gave a small smile when the Carbuncle nuzzled her hand. “Would you like to come home with me?”
An echo of a memory played in her mind.
“What if I say, I can provide you with shelter?”
The Carbuncle pushed herself into Vertin's arms. Shelter. This person will protect her. She can feel it.
The scent of rain. A red umbrella. A stolen kiss.
Vertin scooped her up and held her against her chest. “I'll take that as a yes. You'll be safe with us while we figure out why you're here.”
The rhythm of Vertin's heart stirred something in the Carbuncle.
“Don't forget my heartbeat on the right.”
The memories slipped away as quietly as it came when Vertin pressed her face into her fluff. An interesting decision for someone she just met. Not that she was complaining.
“She's so soft! Sonetto, you need to feel this.”
Now she's complaining. She hissed as the other girl neared.
Sonetto yanked her hand back. “It appears she only likes you.”
“She'll warm up to you, right?” Vertin said, removing the fluff from her face. “Let's head back with the others and introduce our newest member.”
The introductions to the other members were anticlimactic. It seems as though a Red-Eyed Carbuncle isn't the strangest thing Vertin's brought home.
Vertin gave her a grand tour of her land. Apparently the entire space around them existed in her Suitcase and she provided shelter for her crew of arcanists. She gave them sanctuary like a benevolent lord over their people.
And now Vertin is her lord too.
“And this tower collects Dust,” Vertin explained. The Carbuncle perked up. Maybe if she gathers more Dust she can take on a more useful form! Seeing her excitement, Vertin shifted her in her arms to give her a better view. She knew she was supposed to be admiring the tower but now she's so close to her lord's face.
What a view indeed. Her eyelashes are so long. They reminded her of feathers when she blinked.
“A growing Carbuncle needs their fair share of Dust. I'll make sure you get get your fill.” Ah, what a generous lord. When was the last time someone took care of her? Memories of dollar bills and black coats spilled into her head.
Eleven older sisters. A stressed mother. An unanswered prayer.
She provided for all of them. Does that same family float amongst the currents of time like she did? Her ears flattened against her head as she struggled to put names to blurry faces.
Vertin stroked her head. “Are you alright?”
She isn't.
But she's better off with Vertin for the time being. She'll gather as much Dust as she can until she can find herself again. She purred to assure her keeper that she's fine.
Her lord didn't look convinced. “Maybe Mr. Apple can make a translator for you. He told me stories about a puppy he made one for in the past.”
“Vertin, are you still playing with that Dust bunny?” Regulus shouted from the direction of the main building. The self proclaimed rock pirate raised her shades. Amber eyes settled on the duo. “C'mere and crack open a Dr. Papper with me! It's a new flavor.”
“Ok, but let me show her the orchard first. Last thing, I promise,” Vertin answered. “She's one of us now so she needs the whole tour.”
“She?” Regulus balked. “How can you tell that's a little lady in your arms?”
Vertin looked down at the Carbuncle who met her eyes, just as curious. “I don’t know. It felt right.” She lowered her voice like a guilty child. “Did I get it right or…” The Carbuncle licked her cheek and extinguished her doubts. It's the closest thing to a kiss she can give. “Regulus, did you see that?” Vertin scratched behind her ears again. “I was right. You're such a good girl.”
Tingles ran down her spine. Perhaps life as a Carbuncle isn't so bad.
The burnette shook her head. “Yep, after seeing that I'm convinced that's another girly alright.”
“What do you mean?”
Regulus smirked without elaborating. “Don't keep me waiting too long!” She vanished inside before Vertin could respond.
Vertin tightened her grip on the Carbuncle. “One last stop.”
The orchard had a few different trees. A peach tree, an apple tree, a plum tree. However, near the back was an orange tree.
It smelled like home.
“Do you like this one? It's my favorite too. Tarocco blood oranges. They're supposed to be the sweetest oranges in Sicily.” She walked over to the tree and placed her palm against it with a somber shadow in her eyes. “Sotheby and Druvis made this orchard possible. The trees will bear fruit if we give them a special potion.” She glanced back at her fuzzy friend nestled in her arm. “Although, I'm not sure if you can eat these.”
The Carbuncle would have gasped if she could. She mewled and caressed Vertin's cheek with her own. Simply being near the tree brought her images of a grand orchard. Her…uncle's?
The branches were so high and her hands were so small. An older sister helped her pick the ones out of reach. Another helped her carry the overflowing basket.
The more she struggled the more formless the memories became.
This must be a sign that she is exactly where she is meant to be. Dust, shelter, and bridges to old memories. Vertin was right, she must be here for a reason.
“Are you trying to persuade me by acting sweet?” She received another mewl in response as well as another Carbuncle kiss on her jaw. It worked. “Alright, alright. I'll let you try a tiny bit. If all goes well, you can have more.” She made her way back to the main building. “I never asked your name. Do you have one?”
Probably. But she doesn't remember. She shook her head.
“Is it alright if I give you one for the time being?”
She nodded. Her lord could call her Fuzzball or Pochi for all she cares. As long as Vertin holds her like this, she can be anything. “Tarocco, because you're so sweet.”
It's sappy. Lame. Almost embarrassing.
And it made Tarocco melt in her arms.
#reverse 1999#reverse 1999 fanfic#good god it has escaped onto Tumblr#vertin#sonetto#schneider#i usually try to follow elements of the main story#this is the first time i've introduced new concepts into a pre-existing world#but Schneider doesn’t exist in that one so i tried
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Hello! And welcome to my brand new whump gifmaking challenge! I'm your host @aceofwhump and I'm excited to bring a whump challenge specifically created with gifmakers and visual artists in mind.
The challenge begins August 1, 2024!
Rules:
All gifs posted must be made by you. Do not just post gifs using the gif keyboard and claim them as yours and do not repost other people’s gifs. No AI-generated content please.
Various mediums are welcome! So long as the visual art aspect is the focus you can make whatever you want. Yes this is primarily a gifmaking challenge so everything is geared towards that but any visual art is welcome. If you draw, make moodboards, edits, videos, etc you’re welcome to participate!
You can use the prompts however you like. There is no wrong way to use a prompt. Feel free to interpret them however you wish. If you think it counts as whump? It's whump! Make it! Angst, comfort, emotional whump, small things, big things, it all counts so no need to over think it.
Tag all potential triggers (things like emeto, gore, nsfw, blood, eye whump, rape/noncon, etc.) When in doubt, tag it.
Tags to use when posting so I can find your ppst: #whumpedit, #whumpgifathon, #whump gifs
Please try to include the show/movie title, character names, and episode number (if applicable) somewhere either in your tags or in the post caption. This way anyone interested in watching it can find it easily.
An example of a way you can caption your gifsets:
@whumpgifathon | Day #: "prompt description"
Show/Movie title, episode number, character name
And here's the prompt list!!! I hope you guys like it and find it inspiring but not overly challenging!
Remember that this is a relaxed event!!! I just want to offer my fellow visual artists some inspiring prompts and an opportunity to have some fun. So sit back, relax, and have fun!
Text version below:
Whump Gifathon - August 2024 Prompt List
Day 1: Space
Oxygen Deprivation | Time Loop | Experiment
Day 2: Feeling Sick
Fever | Infection | Delirium
Day 3: Environmental
Earthquake | Storm | Hypothermia
Day 4: Captivity
Chains | Caged | Rescue
Day 5: Water
Shipwrecked | Drowning | Waterboarding
Day 6: Skills
Try out a new technique you haven’t tried before using your favorite whump trope as inspiration!
Day 7: Emotional
Crying | Panic Attack| Fear
Day 8: Hospital
Ambulance | Intubation | Waking Up Disoriented
Day 9: Battlefield
Explosion | Gunfire | Field Medicine
Day 10: Temporary Effects
Blinded | Amnesia | Poisoned
Day 11: Recovery
Sling | Pain | Seeking Support
Day 12: We All Go A Little Mad Sometimes
Straight Jacket | Forced Injection | Hallucinations
Day 13: Aesthetic
Highlight your favorite whump aesthetic
Day 14: Sleeping
Nightmares | Exhaustion | Passing Out
Day 15: Trapped
Impaled | Buried Alive | Locked Inside
Day 16: Western
Cauterized | Bitten | Hanged
Day 17: Comfort
Hugging | Blankets | Gentle Touch
Day 18: Broken
Broken Bones | Emotional Breakdown | Broken Spirit
Day 19: Relationships
What is your favorite type of whumpee/caretaker relationship? Platonic? Romantic? Familial? Show me!
Day 20: Blood
Bloody Hands | Bleeding Out | Covered in Blood
Day 21: Fantastical
Nonhuman | Resurrection | Magical Healing
Day 22: A Knock to the Head
Headache | Knocked Out | Bloody face
Day 23: Travel Gone Wrong
Car Accident | Plane Crash | Train Delrailment
Day 24: Magic
Magical Exhaustion | Cursed | Possession
Day 25: Period Drama
Pick a time period of your choice and highlight the whump!
Day 26: Everything Hurts and I’m Dying
Grief | Resuscitation | Presumed Dead
Day 27: Superheroes
Overused Powers | Powers with a Side Effect | Villain
Day 28: Torture
Beaten| Flogging | Choked
Day 29: Restrained
Zipties| Rope Leash | Medical Restraints
Day 30: First Aid
Ice Pack | Stitches | Bandages
Day 31: Colors
Highlight a specific color in your art
Alternate Prompts:
"Stay With Me"
Begging
Heat Exhaustion
Bedside Vigil
Self Surgery
Taser
Scar Reveal
Collapsing
Protective
Electrocution
#whump#whump event#whumpedit#whumpgifathon#whump events#whump prompts#gif making#gif making events#2024 prompt list#2024 event info#mod post#hopefully i fixed all the typos and repeat prompts but if i missed a big one please let me know#i've read this like a billion times now#the words no longer mean anything to me lol
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hello!!!! i love ur work sm omg i’m so excited that requests are open <333 i wasn’t sure if they’re still open or not since your pinned says closed but if you did close them feel free to ignore this! anyways i wanted to a request a little skz reaction to their s/o complimenting them after they’ve had a tough day and are kinda doubting themselves? they’re the best boys and i refuse to believe otherwise
stray kids reactions to their s/o cheering them up after a bad day
genre: fluff, hurt / comfort
warnings: none
a/n: sorry i forgot to change my pinned when i announced requests were open 💀 my bad
chan
chan definitely has his bad days. and sometimes he feels like nothing, nothing will be able to lift his mood. but, to his surprise, you prove him wrong every time. without even meaning to, you will soothe his mind and somehow make his day better just by existing. just by being you. the natural praises that come out of your mouth when you talk to him make him realise his worth <3
minho
contrary to chan, minho doesn't have a lot of bad days. but that means, when he is faced with them, they hit harder than he would like them to. he really appreciates it when you're just there for him. when he's ready to talk about it, he will explain his frustrations. after this, you run your hands through his hair and tell him how proud you are of him. he would never want to admit it, but those words made him very emotional. you touched his heart deeply.
changbin
word of affirmation is important to changbin. when he comforts others, he tends to be very supportive with his words, showing that he cares whilst also trying to provide a solution. sometimes his own problems can't be solved. nevertheless, when you see him upset or sense he's worried about something, he really appreciates the praises and the words of comfort you give him. he realises, in these moments, how much he loves you.
hyunjin
hyunjin definitely relies on your words of wisdom and comfort. when he has bad days, he feels like there is a grey cloud following him, constantly there and something he just can't shake. even with loved ones around him, it's hard to shift out of his negative head-space. so when you leave your little words of encouragement ringing in his ear, telling him how well he did today, telling him how well he did always... he tears up. words such as these keep him going.
jisung
hannie can feel down about himself when he feels like he isn't doing enough. it hurts him, the idea that he should be doing more. the idea of being in a slump. he can't stand it. all he can think about is coming home and burying his face in the crook of your neck. and when he does this, you cuddle him close and praise him for how well he has done today. "you tried your best. and that's perfect to me." he will look up at you with shining eyes and whisper a 'thank you.' he is truly touched.
felix
unfortunately there are a lot of times when felix doubts himself. it can be quite disheartening to watch this sunshine boy talk badly about himself. he deserves to be praised because he doesn't give enough to himself. you recognise this and always try your best to offer sincere words of love and support. even if he might not believe your words at the time they are spoken, they will stick with him in harder times, and he will be grateful that you were there for him on those days.
seungmin
seungmin can get frustrated with himself if he isn't learning things as quickly as others or if he's not hitting the notes he wants to hit. you giving him compliments on these days, even if it's something small like 'you look handsome today', you know, something he hears every day, suddenly means a great deal more to him now that he's sad. you make him much, much happier.
jeongin
jeongin can get down about himself when he compares himself with others or makes little mistakes frequently. when he feels he isn't improving, his mindset can turn quite negative and he may feel disheartened. so he really does appreciate your efforts to lift him back up. it's nice hearing the good things he has done from the one he loves rather than his own negative thoughts.
#stray kids#skz#kpop#stray kids reactions#skz reactions#kpop reactions#kpop reacts#skz reacts#skz imagines#skz scenarios#stray kids imagines#stray kids scenarios#stray kids x reader#skz x reader#kpop x reader#bangchan#lee know#changbin#felix#minho#seungmin#kim seungmin#jeongin#yang jeongin#lee minho#lee felix#bang chan#chan#seo changbin#hyunjin
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Hey hey can I pls request going on an Ice skating date w Hyunjin but he ends up getting hurt and getting a concussion and you have to call Felix to help. I’m in the mood for some fluffy comfort ❤️🩹🥹
✧ PAIRING: HYUNJIN X READER
✧ CW: GN!READER, FALLING, CONCUSSION, MENTIONS OF NASUEA AND DIZZYNESS, BRIEF MENTION OF READERS STOMACH, WINTER SETTING, PET NAMES (BABY, BABE, BUB)
✧ WC: 1K
✧ NOTE: when i remember i also write angst and fluff and some people want that 😃
Winter was on the horizon which meant a lot of cute winter dates—walking in the snow, coffee shop dates, holiday window shopping, just to name a few. Hyunjin had found an ice skating rank nearby and asked his partner if they wanted to go. Obviously, the idea of a cute ice skating date was worth braving the cold.
Hyunjin was glad the day they decided to go was one of the slower days. Not too many people there so he could have a peaceful date with his partner. They still went with as many layers and face masks to hide themselves from cameras, and to keep warm.
Hyunjin paid for the rental skates and the couple sat down to switch into the skates before taking to the ice. Hyunjin got on the ice first and held onto the side wall before offering his hand to Y/n.
“Have you ever done this before babe?” Y/n asked as they joined him.
“Maybe once when I was a kid.” Hyunjin sighed as they slowly moved along the side, gloved hands joined together.
Hyunjin kept Y/n on the inside near the railing to keep them safe more than anything, just like he would when they were walking down the street. They moved slowly on the ice as people skated by. Occasionally stopping to take a few pictures for keepsakes.
The couple spent probably an hour skating around the rink before calling it a day and going to get something warm to eat. Hyunjin made sure Y/n got off the ice safely before he got off. But got too confident and slipped, falling back on the ice.
Y/n gasped and rushed to help their boyfriend up as he groaned. They’d seen a few people fall so no one made a scene when the undercover idol fell. Y/n managed to help him up and get on a bench.
“You okay?” Y/n fretted over him
“Back hurts and I hit my head,” The male groaned
“Imma grab our shoes real quick, okay?” Y/n asked
Hyunjin nodded as Y/n kissed his forehead quickly and went to the shoe storage area and grabbed their belongings. Getting back quickly and helping him switch back into his street shoes before switching hers.
“How do you feel baby?” Y/n asked as they saw him leaning forward and covering his eyes.
“Dizzy, too bright.” Hyunjin groaned, head just feeling too heavy.
“I’m gonna call someone okay babe? Stay here real quick.” Y/n pulled out their phone and looked to see which of the guys would be free. She knew the producers were busy working on things. Jeongin was at a vocal practice, and Seungmin and Lee Know were at Music Core. They were pretty sure Felix was off like Hyunjin.
They grabbed the skates and took them back to the desk as they clicked his contact, letting Hyunjin know they would be right back.
“Hello?” Felix answered
“Hey, are you busy?” Y/n asked handing both pair of skates to the worker before making their way back to their boyfriend.
“No. Aren’t you and Hyunjin ice skating?” Felix asked
“We were. We got off the ice a little bit ago and Hyun slipped and fell. He hit his head on the ice.”
“Is he okay?” Felix sounded worried
“Said he feels dizzy and the light is bothering him.” Y/n took a seat next to their boyfriend.
“Head hurt, any nausea?”
Y/n moved their phone away and asked the dancer if he was feeling anything else.
“Really bad headache,” Hyunjin said
“Said he’s got a bad headache? You think he got a concussion?”
“More than likely. Send me what rink you’re at and I’ll come help you guys back to the dorm. Try and wait outside for me.”
“Okay. We’ll see you soon.”
Y/n hung up and slowly helped their boyfriend up after sending their location to the Aussie. Y/n helped their boyfriend up and out of the area. They sat him down on a bench as they waited for Felix.
Hyunjin wrapped his arms around them and hid his face in their stomach. Trying to block the light that was bothering him and just wanting his partner near him right now.
“Does your back hurt?” Y/n asked him, rubbing his shoulders.
“Yeah,” He mumbled.
“We’ll get you home soon. Sure Felix is almost here.” Y/n assured him as a car pulled up next to them.
Felix got out and walked over to the two. “How’s he doing?”
“Not better but not worse,” Y/n sighed
“Let’s get him back to the dorm.”
The two got the idol into the car and made it back to the dorm. Y/n made sure his room was dark so the light didn’t bother him more. Felix said he would call their manager to let them know what happened. Y/n thanked him and started unwrapping Hyunjin from his outer layers.
Felix came back into the room with some medicine and told Hyunjin to rest for the day. They didn’t have any big schedules this week, nothing to film, just rehearsals but the company was still going to put out a notice— not saying anything as to the real reason being the idol went on a date and fell.
“I’ll text you if we need anything.” Y/n thanked him
“I’ll call Chan and let the guys know to be quiet when they come home,” Felix told them before going back to his dorm
Y/n sat their boyfriend up to have him take the medicine before tucking him under the covers. “Lay with me,” Hyunjin said
Y/n shrugged off their layers and crawled under the covers with their boyfriend. Hyunjin wrapped his arms around them, laying his face in their chest and closing his eyes. “You’re the best partner I could ask for.” He said
“Get some rest bub. You need to get better and let that pretty brain heal.”
“Your brain is prettier,” He mumbled
Y/n laughed a bit and kissed the top of his head, lulling him to sleep.
M. LIST ✧ TIP JAR
T A G S ✧ @junebug032 @the-sweetest-rose @hanjingin @hyunjinshairband01 @miintmochii @ohish @changbinisabigboy @dreamingaboutjisung @tattywood @stepout-09-15 @cello--190 @just-randomm-stuff @greysweaters @hazyspirts @mhasimp666 @slay-and-gay @smally97 @bloom4yu @itstorimf @linoyouknow @fjseung @jungsodesjoyyy @jjwhorehouse @carinathefairy @litepowee @babyphotos @inniecore @jeonginssa @dolceem @stvrfir3 @tasteskzsworld @ultimatestayandminoronce @seungincore @tinyelfperson @greyyeti @dimpledsatan @camixiez @chansbabygirlsstuff @thatlonelyalto @hopefulrascalstatesmantoad @donut-crazs @meloryme @rubyshoedpixie @cecepop15 @punks-rad @somsungiex @mcratyomama @lilylouise @stayconnecteed @kiko-o-luck @hyunjinswifeee @red-airhead @niaalove @emyferra08 @lovesunshinefelix @bunniieesstuff @enhaskzbtstxtsvt @nandinxoxo @producedbyy3racha
© 2023 jonedrabbles. Please do not copy, translate, or republish my works anywhere.
#: ̗̀➛karmic writes#stray kids#stray kids x reader#skz x reader#stray kids fluff#skz fluff#stray kids x reader fluff#skz x reader fluff#hyunjin x reader#hwang hyunjin x reader#hyunjin x reader fluff#hwang hyunjin x reader fluff
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ok ok it was just to know, I didn't want to fill you with requests. If you can do an Itachi binding his s/o nsfw? :))
Bondage || Itachi Uchiha x reader
A/n : Hello dear ! I hope I understood your plot right !
Warnings : no mention of gender for reader, dom!Itachi, bondage, oral reader!receiver, spanking, mention of rough and soft sex, grinding, 18+ READERS ONLY and wrap it before you tap it
Masterlist ⚜
I don’t give permission to repost my work, if you want to share it just reblogue it
Word count : 587
The subject would only come up if you mention it, while watching a movie or after reading a book that addressed it
In the early relationship he is never going to mention this, fearing you might get scarred or see him as a weird perv
But if you do actually come to him and speak about this, saying you wanna try it out with him he is going to take it really seriously - I mean that’s Itachi after all
But it doesn’t present him from getting a huge hard on when he hears the words you’re saying
He’s first going to ask/demand you to discuss your rules with him, and reassert the use of your safe word
“You remember our safe word right ?”
You noded
“Hey ?” he asked waiting for your words
“I do” you affirmed
“Hey ?” he inquired
“Tsukuyomi”
“Good girl” he praised as soon as the carefully chosen safe word escaped your lips
The rules are important, because he knows what you like and what makes you pout. He wants to make sure he can tease you as much as he desires without making you uncomfortable
Also because you’re his precious baby he is only going to tie you up with the finest silk he will find in whichever country he goes on mission into
But he can also easily tie your hand with his tie or his belt when he is in an hurry or just wants to play it rough for a change
The first time you try it he is going to be extra careful and sweet. In fact, as your wrists and ankles are bound to each corner of the bed, as he crawls between your legs. His smooth raven locks tickling your thighs each time they brush against it
He'll put you at ease with the whole situation, and for that he'll seal his lips around your sensitive spot and suck gently while his fingers work their way inside you
As they work with that rhythmic motion you’ll soon forget you’re completely tied up
This gets him so hard just to eat you out, but if he sees your struggling against the restrains to grip his hair, he’s going to feel himself literally throb inside his pants, not control the subtle grinding movements his hips are now performing against the edge of the bed
When he actually gets on top of you, he might free one arm or one leg so you can curl it up around him. Besides he loves when you scratch his back with your nails
With time he is going to get more and more confident about liking you. Meaning he will not be scared to deliver the smooth flesh of your ass some good spanking and before you know it his hips will be snapping against yours
✨aftercare✨
It’s another one of his favorite things to do. He is nevertheless always a bit worried about leaving red or blue marks on you, if not hickeys. He thinks it's too sexy, but he can't help thinking that it must hurt
When you tell him it's all right and doesn't hurt that much, he feels a little better about it, and immediately offers to massage them for you, his lips already on them, kissing any lingering pain away
Ice cubes ? cream ? anything you’d like he is there to provide you all the comfort you need
As long as you’re happy he is
Now let’s switch things up and ask him to let you tie him up
~
~
Taglist : @dreamcastgirl99
#naruto#naruto imagine#naruto smut#naruto shippuden#naruto shippuden imagine#naruto shippuden smut#itachi uchiha#itachi uchiha imagine#itachi uchiha x reader#itachi uchiha smut#itachi x reader#itachi smut#request#smut#miri-writes
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i was wondering if you could do nick x reader with reader being in denial/oblivious to nick's flirting with them. like they take it as a joke every time bc they don't think someone would ever be in love with them/like them?
YESS i love this trope you've found my soft spot
｡ﾟﾟ･｡･ﾟﾟ｡
ﾟ。 are you seeing anyone? ; nick
ﾟ･｡･ﾟ
genre; hurt/comfort, fluff
type; drabble
read below!
Nick wanted you to be his. Super badly. However, every time he made a move, you'd just laugh it off or ignore him completely. It really upset him, but he wouldn't give up on you that easily.
You'd always been the one asked out as a joke, flirted with as a joke, it was always 'ask out Y/n as a joke!'. It absolutely killed your self esteem. It also caused you to not ever dare to reciprocate feelings to anyone, because you knew it would always be too good to be true. Nick included. You figured it was some inside joke with all the guys.
Your phone repeatedly buzzed, Nick's contact appearing on the screen. You slid over to the answer button, "Hello?.." He smiled as you answered, "Y/n! I was worried I wouldn't get ahold of you. Do you wanna do something today? I'm free, the rest of the guys are out." You were floored. This had to be a joke. "Uhh.." You thought for a minute. What could the harm really be? "Sure. What'd you wanna go do?" He smiled widely to himself, finally! He'd get to be alone with you and show you that he really does care, and he's not flirting with you as some cruel joke.
"We could just go to the mall or like, a museum or something? Just to hang out. And uh, don't worry about money! That's on me." He spoke smoothly, no hesitation in his voice whatsoever. You took a deep breath, not knowing what to expect. "O.. Okay. Gotcha. I'll be ready soon then? I can drive over and meet you at the house." He shook his head, "Nah, I'll drive over to you. Be there in thirty!"
In almost exactly thirty minutes time, Nick was knocking on your door. You flattened your shirt, answering the door. "Hey!.." You softly smiled at Nick, noticing he wasn't wearing anything too fancy. "Hey! You look nice. Nicer than me at least, heh." You chuckled a little, "Yeah, heheh.." You were trying your hardest to accept that maybe this wasn't a joke, but it was hard. "Well, you ready? I got all my shit in the car. The mall doesn't close 'til about 8, so we got time!" You nodded, "Ye— yeah!"
You guys spent about an hour or two at the mall, shopping around. Nick threw out some compliments and offered to buy you so much, but you had to decline almost every time. You just felt too guilty if you took that much money from him. He insisted on at least buying you lunch, to which you said was fine.
"So, Y/n," He started as he ate his chicken sandwich, "Are you seeing anyone?" Your face and body went cold, "Huh?" You were confused why he was asking you that. You knew it. This was all some ruse set up by the boys to make a fool out of you. "Like, are you going out with anyone?" You slowly shook your head, "Uhm, no, I uh.. I guess not." Nick looked a little sad, "You wouldn't consider this seeing eachother?" He nonchalantly asked you. You perked up. "I— Oh! Oh, uhm!.."
Nick tilted his head, "Or if you don't like me in that way and i'm taking this wrong that's fine! Just tell me that, because I know you kinda ignore or laugh off any time I make like.. any flirtatious comment.." He smiled sheepishly. You sighed, "No, it's not like that.. I, uh, I do like you like that. I was just like," You paused for a second, waving your hands around a little, "Bullied in school. So I was always the one that was asked out as a joke." He stared at you in awe. "I thought this was all some joke."
"This was never a joke," He placed his hand on top of yours, "Me liking you was never a joke. The guys were really all out today, they all actually really want me to start seeing you. They all really like you, dude." You smiled softly, looking back at Nick. "So? Are you seeing anyone?"
"... Yeah. Yeah, I guess I am."
#alex's writing#anon.txt#tgc x reader#tgc#tgc x you#tgc x y/n#the group chat#the group chat x y/n#the group chat x you#the group chat x reader#softwilly#softwilly x you#softwilly x y/n#softwilly x reader
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IF IM INTERESTED!??????? I’d read everything related to wr just like i read every little ask HELLO??? of course I’m interested yes yes yes and I think so is everyone else so feel free to feed us when you’re ready
mewheheh. thank you for the encouragement! it certainly helped me sit down and finish this one. i hope you enjoy it💜
Pairing: Werewolf!Chan x Human!F.Reader (one of the main pairings of my WereRoomies series. you don’t really need to read any other instalment to understand/enjoy this piece). | Word Count: ~2k | Themes & Warnings: fantasy/supernatural AU · roomies idiots to ??? · fluff · hurt/comfort · pre-relationship scenario · food mentions · mentions of sickness · barely proof-read
minors do not interact.
It wasn’t uncommon for your roommate to come home very late at night. Knowing of his lycanthropy, one would believe the reason for his late arrival was related to needing some time under the moonlight, or because he needed to go on a run. However, Chris wasn’t like that.
You used to think it was because he was out there, either hanging out with friends outside of his den, or on a date. Chris was, quite possibly, the most handsome person you’d ever seen in your life, so, even if the thought was unpleasant due to your little–likely unrequited–crush on him, you figured it made sense that he was out there meeting people, possibly getting laid…
That was, until one day, Changbin had made an off handed comment to Chris while you were there in the kitchen, about how he should go meet someone. ‘Go get it wet’, was exactly what he’d told Chris back then, but Chris’ scoff and subsequent answer made you completely reconsider this thought. ‘You know I don’t do shit like that. Getting laid just for the sake of getting it wet is just not fulfilling, nor satisfying at all’.
So, after a handful of months living here, after getting much closer to your roommate, you now knew that whenever Chris came home after ten in the evening, it was usually because he’d been working overtime, or because he was helping out another pack mate with something.
A little while after he came home tonight, you went out of your room once you heard him go out of the shower. He was just there, standing in front of the open fridge, looking at its contents like they’d start talking to him and provide him answers to whatever was making his eyebrows furrow.
“I made some curry and rice”, you mumbled, walking closer to where he stood.
Chris’ frown relaxed a bit, and, for a moment, you wondered if he had even noticed you coming close at all before you spoke…
“Did you?” He asked simply, just looking at you, blinking slowly.
“I did. You can eat some if you want”, fiddling with the strap of your sleeping gown, you just stood there, looking him in the eyes. He looked tired. Really tired.
He stared at you for a bit, but eventually nodded and returned his attention to the fridge. He took the two containers out, and started serving himself.
The entire time, Chris’ entire body just looked… tense. He was shirtless, just like he usually was after a shower. Water droplets were still travelling south over his skin under the force of gravity, and, any other night, you would’ve certainly been affected by the sight. But, tonight, his tense muscles and the once again present frown on his face worried you.
You watched him heat up his food, propped with your shoulder against a wall and your arms crossed over your chest. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, it hardly ever was with Chris, but something in his demeanour made you want to break it.
So you did.
“Baby…”
Chris just offered a mindless ‘Hm?’ while he served his plate. It wasn’t odd for you to use pet names with your roommate, so neither him, nor you, seemed to be fazed by the use of it.
“Is everything alright?”
Chris stilled for a moment, but resumed his motions with a shrug a while after. “I guess”.
Oh, yeah… That was totally convincing…
“Chris…”
He sighed, throwing his head back. He must’ve been more tired than you thought, because, instead of remaining quiet and reassuring you that everything was fine like he usually did, he just started ranting.
“My boss is an absolute idiot who doesn’t have a clue on how to properly manage his time, and that means that I am the one that has to fix his shit. Lots of extra work, and for what? All the cash in the world just isn’t worth the hassle, but I gotta do it or my whole team will fall behind. Besides, Jeongin’s sick tonight, and I know Seungmin’s taking care of him, but I’m just… worried”, dragging his hands down his face, Chris sighed again, and his shoulders slumped the tiniest bit. “God, I’m sorry, pretty. You don’t need to be dragged into my problems like this…”
He turned away from you to brace himself on the kitchen counter, giving you the perfect view of his toned back and broad shoulders. A lovely sight indeed, but one that you would’ve honestly preferred to see under much brighter circumstances…
There were a few moments of silence, moments in which you weren’t really sure what to say or do. But, eventually, you figured you had to do something, so you walked closer, close enough so you could wrap your arms around Chris’ torso, press your chest to his back, and your forehead to his shoulder.
His body tensed for a second, but almost immediately after, his shoulders relaxed. He took a deep breath, one of his hands found your arm, and he started to gently stroke your skin.
It wasn’t uncommon for you and Chris to hug, especially not at these hours of the night. At times like these, you always found yourself close to him. It was comforting, warm, and if it felt that way to you, you hoped it did to him as well.
“It’s okay, babe. You know you can talk to me… If you keep it all in, it’ll only make it worse”, you mumbled, selfishly letting your lips brush against the skin of his shoulder, and for a second, you could’ve sworn Chris had shivered.
Probably wishful thinking…
“How’s Jeongin?” You had to ask… To know the youngest member of the pack was sick was certainly something to be worried about, especially considering Jeongin’s history with all sorts of ailments.
“He’s… I mean, I’m sure he’ll be fine. He just ran through some weeds and seems to be having an allergic reaction, but Seungmin’s got it under control. I just… worry, I guess”.
“Mm… That’s very valid. I’m sure he’ll be fine, too”, you tightened your arms around his waist briefly as an attempt to get him out of his head. You knew Chris tended to overthink things, and even spiral a bit, so it was always good to try to ground him in some way–a handy tip given to you by Changbin after the first night you found Chris roaming the flat like this.
With a deep breath, Chris turned in your hold, until he could wrap his arms around your shoulders and pull you further into him, hugging you.
He didn’t say anything else, just caressed your hair while you held him by the waist and buried your face further in the crook of his neck.
“You’re so warm”, you couldn’t help but say after a while, because it was true. No wonder he and his packmates were barely clothed constantly, when their body temperature was just insanely high. At nights like these, though, when it was slightly chilly, hugs were certainly welcomed. Chris’ hugs specifically… they were always the warmest.
A soft chuckle resonated in Chris’ chest at your comment. “So are you, pretty girl”.
You could feel heat on your ears. You were usually partially immune to all the pet names Chris threw your way, but sometimes, especially when it was this late, when he was so close to you, they just got to you. Burying your face in the crook of his neck further, you tried to hide your flustered reaction. Maybe not the smartest choice, since all you managed to do was further wonder how his warm skin would feel under your lips if you fully pressed them to it.
Chris inhaled deeply. One of his hands remained on the back of your head, while the other found its way to the small of your back, admittedly lower than you had ever felt it.
If you didn’t know better, you would’ve thought that he was trying to pull you closer. A very delusional part of you wanted to believe that he was enjoying your presence in ways that were just not platonic… That part of you was always dangerous at these times of the night, it always lowered your inhibitions, making it so you could hardly care about keeping your stupid little crush buried deep within your heart.
“Thank you. I… needed this”, Chris mumbled, but he didn’t make any attempts to move. If anything, you could’ve sworn he had tightened his hold around your frame.
“Anytime, darling”, once again, you whispered the words against his skin, letting your lips barely brush against the pulse point under his jaw.
Chris swallowed, audibly, and, for a moment, you wondered if you were making him uncomfortable.
God, this was so creepy of you… Regardless of your crush, why were you doing these borderline inappropriate things? You needed to undo it all somehow, turn this sterile for your own sake and sanity, as well as his comfort.
Clearing your throat, you finally pulled yourself away from his neck, from his body altogether. For a brief moment, you almost felt as if Chris was putting some resistance to keep you within his arms, but you reminded yourself that these were your delusions speaking.
There was just no way Chris wanted you like… that. Like you wanted him…
“Would you feel better if I called one of the boys? I’m sure Jisung would be more than happy to fill in as a therapy dog?”
Chris shook his head, chuckling a bit. “No, thank you. I don’t think I’m in any condition to put up with anyone right now”.
“Oh”, you took a tentative step back, assuming that you were included in that ‘anyone’ box. “If that’s the case then I’ll just… give you some space”.
“Wait”, Chris’ hand shot to your shoulder. As soon as he realised he had stopped your movement, he quickly let go. He’d started to do that a lot these days, whenever he touched you suddenly. You had noticed, but you really didn’ know why he did it… “I, uh… You can totally say no, I know this might sound kinda weird, but please don’t take it the wrong way, it’s just that, y’know, you’re my roommate. And I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable, but…"
Chris started to speak very, very quickly. To the point you couldn’t really make out a single word.
“Hey, babe, slow down. I can’t understand anything you’re saying right now”.
“I, uhm… would you mind if we… I mean, I could really use some cuddles right how…”
“Oh”, you couldn’t really hide the surprise in your voice, and for a moment, you could’ve sworn Chris’ ears were redder than usual. Probably more of those delusions of yours… “I mean… Sure, yeah, we can, uh, we can cuddle. But, uhm, wouldn’t you prefer for me to call–”
“No, no I wouldn’t prefer that. I’m asking you specifically, dummy”, Chris chuckled, but he averted his eyes anyway. “You’re here and all, I figured, y’know, we could, uh…”
Of course. That was why he was asking you specifically… because you were here. No other reason. You really shouldn’t read too deeply into things…
“If it makes you feel better, we can definitely cuddle, baby. It’s fine”, you took Chris’ hand in yours, and instinctively brushed his knuckles with your thumb.
His eyes found yours for a brief moment. For as long as the staring lasted, you could feel the fine hairs on the nape of your neck stand on end. It wasn’t uncommon for you to feel that way, it happened way more frequently than you would’ve liked to admit… Mostly because it was always you who looked him right in the eyes.
You wondered if he knew you were doing it on purpose. You supposed it was your way of trying to get his attention. Maybe, if you stared at him long enough, he’d just… do something. Sure, he could very well hurt you because of what looking an alpha in the eyes represented, but, somehow, you just knew Chris wouldn’t harm you.
He’d never done anything but make you feel safe. Even all those months ago, when you argued after finding out what he was, you weren’t really scared. In shock? Yes. But not scared. Never scared. Chris was… comfort and safety. Even with his condition, he just wasn’t someone you could ever feel scared of.
No wonder you had feelings for him…
Chris cleared his throat, effectively breaking the suddenly heavy atmosphere that had settled between you two–or… were you imagining that?
“C’mon, pretty”, Chris started to walk, tugging you along as he made his way to the sofa.
You loved this thing, probably one of the best pieces of furniture Chris had gotten for this place. It was spacious, comfortable, and when he laid down, you had plenty of space to lay down right next to him.
You had to be really close to him, but there was still a bit of space where space was needed. However, after Chris took one of the cushions to lay his head on, he pulled you into him. With your head partially on the cushion and partially on his arm, chest against chest, he placed a hand in the middle of your back and kept you close.
You seriously hoped he somehow couldn’t hear how fast your heart was beating–unlikely, considering his damned supernatural hearing. He was so close, and somehow inexplicably smelt like the sea, and you just… God, you just liked him so much…
“Is this okay?” Chris mumbled against your hair, curling his arm around your shoulders, softly dragging his hand up and down your back.
One of your hands found its way to his back as well, where it also settled to gently caress his skin, hoping to ease some of that stress that was clinging to his frame. And, for a moment, you wondered if you were truly feeling him relax under your touch, or if your mind was making it all up again… “‘Course it is”.
Chris just hummed, and pressed a brief kiss on your forehead before he just snuggled impossibly closer, holding you tighter.
“What about your food, though?”
Chris chuckled. “It can wait. I need this more”.
It wasn’t the first time you cuddled with Chris, but it was usually more of an accident kind of thing. Usually when you had fallen asleep while watching TV together and somehow ended up close to each other. Those times, even as you woke up, you both remained entangled for a bit as you murmured sleepy words to each other.
But you couldn’t recall a time where he’d held you this close… Where he had actively asked you to come and lay down with him…
You supposed he might’ve felt more burdened tonight than you had originally thought. Enough to ask anyone he could for some hugs…
That was fine. If it helped him, you’d gladly let him hold on to you, you’d even entertain your delusions.
At least, until you woke up tomorrow and were reminded that Chris, ultimately, saw you as nothing more than his roommate. Maybe even a friend, but just that, and absolutely nothing more…
© therhythmafterthesummer 2023. all rights reserved. do not repost or translate my stories.
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#stray kids supernatural au#stray kids fantasy AU#stray kids werewolf au#bang chan fluff#stray kids fluff#stray kids fanfiction#bang chan fanfiction#bang chan fic#bang chan x reader#chan x reader#skz fanfic#skz fanfiction#stray kids fanfic#werewolf chan#werewolf bang chan#✨🌙✏
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maybe a lee! minho and ler! chan (my fav pairing tbh😭) where chan is trying to find lee know’s spots like from least ticklish to most??
feel free to ignore this if it’s too complicated or u js don’t want to write it!!💖
> Doctors Appointment <
[Lee! Lee Know]
[Ler! Bangchan]
———————————————————————————
“There’s just no way you’re touching me with that goofy outfit on” Lee Know greeted me kindly as I walked into the patient room.
“Hello Mr. Lee Minho,” I said as I looked down at my clipboard, “today I’ve c-“
“Oh stohop Hyung” Lee Know burst out laughing and threw his head back. He was sat on a patient seat, which was almost like a massage chair. Arms sitting comfortably on the arm rests, legs laid out in front of him, and his head (currently) thrown back as he laughs at my doctor’s outfit and clipboard.
“You know I have to do this for my resume! It clearly states I must give a patient some form of a checkup or look over to be considered more highly!” I said while whining. I wasn’t lying, he was the only person to trust me enough to do this. Slightly shocking, but not unexpected. I never explained what I’d be doing, only that I needed an hour, a soundproof room, and a patient to conduct a sensitivity experiment. Lee Know’s curiosity got the best of him, so he accepted my request. Now we’re here.. and he has no idea why.
“So” Lee Know said, finally stopping his laughter, “what are you even gonna do to me doctor” he chuckled, crossing his arms.
“You’ll see” I said. His face contorted a bit as he nervously smiled. I just promised him he wouldn’t get hurt and he gave me a look.
“I mean I’d hope I wouldn’t get hurt?! But what is it that you’ll actually be-”
I cut him off as I strapped one of his wrists to the armrest.
“Wha? Hyung, what are you-”
“Hand me your other arm Lino”
“No! Why!!” He yelled through nervous laughter, “if you’re not gonna hurt me there would be no reason for me to be moving a lot!”
“Wrong” I said, followed by a buzzer sound and a click of the second wrist strap into place. He immediately began struggling against them as he realized they were much stronger than he anticipated.
“Chan.”
“Mhm?” I said as I pushed a button to make the chair lay flat.
“Chan.”
“Yesss Lee Know?” He was laid flat now.
“Chan!”
“What?” I bent down to grab the two other straps for his ankles. After some struggling and complaining from him, I got them down.
“You’d think that since you offered to help me with this, you wouldn’t be such a pain in the ass to tie down!” I said.
“I didn’t know I’d be tied down asshole!” He said, struggling against the restrains.
“You didn’t ask”
“Fuck you” he whispered (lovingly).
“What was that?” I teased as I grabbed another buckle strap beside his hip to keep him from bucking too hard. He decided to be difficult and thrusted his hips in the air, not allowing me to buckle the strap. Naturally, I began to tickle his side until he dropped and I strapped him up.
“Hyuhung you’re scaring me! Why the restrains? Why so ominous!? Why- mmhmph!” His voice turned into mumbled gibberish as I shoved a little towel in there. I did it as a joke, but Lino being Lino decided to be stubborn and keep it in his mouth by biting on it every time I tried to take it out. Fine then.
I spidered my fingers up and down his torso as I watched his face contort into betrayed shock.
“Mmhmph! MhmhmhmMM!! MPHHMnm!!”
“Thought you wanted the towel in there?” I teased.
Lee Know threw his head back to the best of his ability as his stomach kept contracting to try and make the sensations stop. I eventually did as he regained his breathing.
“We’ll mark… a 7/10 for that spot” I said as I took the towel out his mouth and threw it away.
“You.. hah.. you WHAT?”
Lino’s eyes widened as he saw me holding a clipboard that showed several different body parts labeled on it. He also saw as I marked “7/10” on the “Lower Stomach” portion of the paper.
“Oh no, no no no no”
“You agreed to thiss~”
“Yohou’re joking right?” He said without being able to hide his nervous, or, excited smile? I couldn’t tell, maybe both.
“Nope. Cat is your safe word, scream it if you need me to stop, okay?” I said.
He laid there just staring at me as I hovered over his body.
“Ooookay, let’s actually get started now”
“NO! Nonohoho plehehehease!!” Lino begged as his hands turned to fists, “Why mEHE!” He giggle-screamed.
“Well.. it’s always you teasing and messing with the members, rarely the other way around. I just had to hear your tickle laugh, and you agreed to this on your own. Hah!” I laughed.
“You don’t even know if I’m t- if I’m gonna react to that like you want me to anyway” he said, red in the face.
“We’ll see.”
“Wait please please pleasepleasepleaseplease-“
“You have your safe word for a reason, you can just say it and we can stop for a bit” I said.
He paused.
“So I can just say it whenever? Whenever I want you to stop..?” Lino asked.
“Of course. Even before we start” I said. I wasn’t lying, he could say it now, but…
…
I waited.
Not one word out his mouth, only redness on his cheeks.
“…Okay” I smiled.
I walked over to his torso again and, with my tight blue doctors gloves on, began to poke and prod at his right ribcage as if I were examining it.
He began to angle his body away from my hand immediately as I got closer. Need to try out ghost tickle testing one day…
“I didn’t know there can be people born with with a different number of ribcage bones! Did you, Lee Know?” I asked.
“…hello?” I asked again. He seemed a little too busy to answer me as he had his head fully turned to his right, mouth clamped shut, and eyes held shut by sheer force.
“Okay so let’s see you have one-“
“K-kahamhmnm~”
“Stop snickering, this is science. One~” I wiggled my finger in the crevice up and down, “Two~” and again, “Thr~”
“NeahAHAHAHA” he suddenly screamed, shocking me.
“So is just the third one bad? Or all??”
“SHUHUT UP! PleheHEASE NO-“
I dug my knuckles into that third crevice and vibrated them as lightly yet teasingly as I could. Lee Know writhed on the examination table as if I was truly electrocuting him, except he wasn’t only screaming.
“AHAHAHAHAH!!” His laughter that followed his screaming never failed to make me coo at him. He never openly laughed this much, it was almost refreshing to hear, not to mention his crazy desperation to get out of the restraints (even though he knows he has a safe word…).
“You’re acting like I’m actually hurting you!!” I said.
“YAHAH YOHOU MIGHT AS WEHELL BE- AHA!!!!” I latched both hands onto one of his ribcages and squeezed up and down, causing him to angle his body completely to the opposite side. His quick realization that he literally cannot go anywhere without my help made his face contort into something like nervous childish excitement.
I decided to move on after marking ribcages a whopping 9. I couldn’t tire him out too much in one sitting, but I did have to get at least one more body part down.
“Okay.. I’ll let you pick” I said to him.
“Yhaha..” he was still out of breath. Seeing as he has his eyes shut and his chest heaving hard, yet still holds a smile… I think he’s fine.
“Awwwwweeee you’re soooo not the second oldest when you laugh”
“Whahat’s that supposed to mean!! I’m literally beheing held against my wihihihill!!!” Lino complained.
I just rolled my eyes. “You have two options. One, neck. Two, underar-“
“NECK. NECK PLEHEASE” he yelled at me in desperation. While he may keep his guard up often, it’s well known he’s way too ticklish under his arms for him to survive more than 10 seconds there.
“Hmm I guess since you want me to sooo badly” I teased as I began to walk around the chair/table he laid down on.
“This is so stupid this is soho so stupid I’m such an idiot why why why” Lino whispered (dramatically) as he shut his eyes and mouth tightly.
“Oh you’re gonna be fine calm down” I said as I got out some of those fluffy pipe cleaners from a nearby cabinet, but not before putting a blindfold over his eyes.
“Is this necessary” Lino complained.
“It says that if the patient does not see the stimulator coming, then it’ll make it more sensitive! I guess we’ll see how you react” I said.
He clamped his mouth again as it gradually grew into a smile.
I took one pipe cleaner in each hand and began to slowly trail it along the sides of his neck. He scrunched up a lot very fast, but wasn’t making any audible noise yet.
“Lots of movement… little sound… okay, how about this?”
I began to poke and graze the inside and outside of his ears with them.
“Eeaaahah!” Lino squealed high and long as I did this. His legs also began to do little kicks at the end of the chair.
“Awwww!!” It was one of the cutest things I’ve seen.
“Stohop! Eeeaahaheha!!” He couldn’t help but scrunch up even more as I began to trail my fingers too. He never got to a point of physical desperation or harsh bucking, but he did move his head violently at times because the sensations were so light. Luckily I had given him soft restraints and a comfortable chair to do this on, or else his neck would be done for.
“Ple.. plehehease.!!!” Lino begged as I tickled his nape and the spot where his neck and shoulder meet, “noahaheheAHAHA!!” The volume of his laughter raised an octave as I got faster and faster, eventually dropping to silent once the light teasing had been too much.
“Okay okay I’m done for now.”
“Geahah..~”
I began to put my things away as Lee Know stayed restrained on the chair/table, not seeming to care too much that he couldn’t move now. He stared at the ceiling with a big smile on his blushing face.
“You didn’t even use your safeword, idiot” I said (lovingly of course), “did you even remember it?!”
He smiled at me.
“Cat”
———————————————————————————
#tword community#tword post#tword blog#sfw twords#tword skz#skz tickle#kpop tickle#stray kids#sfw tickling community#tickle scenarios#lee lee know#lee Minho#ler bangchan#tickle fluff#tickle fic#tickle community
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Hello Mr.Chapman!
I wanted to bring this to your attention with the newest episode! I loved it, it was very good! however, there was this one scene that rubbed me and a bunch of other disabled people in the community the wrong way.
The scene with bot and telling Cabby the wrong information about them and then asking Cabby to not write anything down felt very off,, as someone who suffers bad memory loss from amnesia and such and tends to write things down to remember really threw me and a bunch of others off! i’m really hoping you and the team can bring this up and talk about it and listen to us on this topic! it would mean a lot to me and the other disabled people in the community ❤️
Hello!
Sorry for the delayed response to this conversation, we've all been traveling and I just arrived back home. But yes! Received a lot of questions regarding this here on Tumblr (as well as positive messages that I super-appreciate but of course this deserves to be addressed first), and I definitely want to hit on it before I get swept away again.
Thank you (and everyone!) for all of your messages regarding this topic. I have been reading and ingesting so much of this conversation and am very glad for everyone who's spoken up on the topic. I understand there had been debate regarding what's right and what's wrong with this angle of the Bot-Cabby story, and Cabby's depiction as a whole, but I'd like to put all the comments on the side of "I don't see it that way because xyz" to the side for the purpose of this post (although I appreciate your perspective as well, especially those who personally connect to the material).
I do want to start the dive-in with a sorry to who felt overwhelmed by this conversation as a whole, because clearly elements within the writing could have been tweaked and we wouldn't be needing to have this conversation. But absolutely a good one to have, anyway, because the show's history has been far from perfect in this regard. And, even more-so, want to say sorry to anyone who felt personally hurt by anything in the episode that read as ableist. While this was far from any intention, it certainly lead to plenty of hurt.
I figure I'll try to lay out as much of this conversation as I can, so it's clean and transparent all in one place, but of course feel free to keep the conversation going. It shouldn't end with me, whether that's more asks here or in your own circles.
I'll start with intentions within the writing regarding the more common talking points of the episode, and then hit on where things could have been corrected in execution. As Anonymous noted earlier, there's the segment where Bot presents Cabby with incorrect information. Understandably, leading a lot of people to feel uncomfortable with how this affects Cabby, who has difficulty with information. On my end, this was never really desired for this to come across as good normal healthy behavior. With the queer narrative in mind, Bot is insecure and uses this as a device to cope with their stress over being put under a microscope while they're still learning to feel confident. And have a Bow file in front of them. Hence Bot rejecting open-communication about Test Tube, offered by Cabby early on, to continuing to make outlandish claims about themself, as well as opening up authentically with true statements once they felt that safety and connection that they've needed. Starting the two off in a really rough place, and eventually getting the two to hear each other a little better and start communicating more healthily.
But does that make it any more comfortable to watch when you have Cabby's history in mind? Probably not. Perhaps out of all criticisms that had been laid out, this is the only one that I had not considered coming up in the many months since this episode's been written, until episode release. No excuse, that's on me. I think a lot of it was softened in my head by the fact that Bot had been completely unaware of all Cabby goes through, and that when Bot finally gains some insight, they soften up towards Cabby. I've seen others levy that note in these discussions, but ultimately it's not my place to say. I completely see now why this can be discomforting, especially in its presentation as being doing in such a light playful manner, no matter whether or not it was intended to be seen as a flaw that is fixed in the context of the episode.
There's also the other note that Anonymous mentioned here, regarding Bot telling Cabby to not write anything down. Intentions aren't too different are exciting, all very similar to last time regarding queer insecurity, Bot not understanding Cabby's situation, and the goal for the episode being to show they start in an unhealthy place and land in a good one. I think where a lot of that falters, were that to be the right starting place for the story at all (and understandable if you argue that it shouldn't have been) is not giving Cabby more support before the end of the episode to show that Bot understands them as much as Cabby gets to prove she's gotten to understand Bot.
There was initially space given to that in the episode but to try to tighten things a bit, we figured it'd be okay to hold onto that since there's still time to explore that. But I've given the advice before, even within the II team, to make sure that these types of issues conclude within the context of the episode as to not give any wrong ideas as-to what the takeaway should be. Unfortunately, I overlooked my own advice this time around. I do like the moments given to Bot and Cabby to show that they have learned to support one-another after learning about each other on an intimate level, but I think it's important to vocalize what these understandings are more explicitly.
Aaaaand also in general I've been wishing that I had made that moment a little softer, were it to be there at all. Between script completion and episode release I'm always poking holes in what I've written, especially as I watch it go from page to screen and things may get adapted in ways I didn't (but often should have) anticipated. That line in particular I've found to be pretty harsh in vibe for a while now, so we're on the same page. If it had to be a beat, I think something softer and more communicative could have been helpful. I do think it's fair for Bot to want to put up boundaries, but it could have been an open dialogue on the subject.
The thought then was that while Bot has discomfort with Cabby, due to their difficult history, they would offer Cabby an alternative accommodation via a more healthy form of communication and repetition that could then work as a compromise. But yeah, completely see why that's also a point of iffiness too, as the files are the intended accommodation. This was all less intended to be another finger-wag at Cabby's files in the way that was presented before Cabby returned to the game, but more-so to highlight how difficult the subject is for Bot. But the way that this could ignite both side of the coin should've been accounted for.
On a similar note, there was another point brought up in a separate ask-
"did she really have to us her file as a ramp? i hope that this isn’t going to go into the direction of ‘oh she’s cured now!’"
Similar to above, it's another case of me mentally prioritizing the story of Bot for their concluding-ish episode and their bond with Cabby, as opposed to Cabby as an individual. I had a visual in mind for a very long time of the Bow file crushed at the end of Bot's journey without any intention of it reflecting on how Cabby uses files, but rather about Bot feeling more comfortable in their robotic skin and others understanding them as an individual.
That is to say, no, there was never any intention that this would indicate that Cabby is done with using her files to collect information for better-navigating their life, and for her broader love of information-gathering. it is just to say, whether correct or not to implement, that they understand Bot's boundaries and see why having a Bow file for Bot can be seen as distasteful, now that they better understand who Bot is. Cabby still has the files, and there's always been every desire to continue to shed light on her story and perspective in the future. And now, with more consideration.
An aside, I suppose, but I do love Cabby. One of my favorites, always has been. In every episode I've written with her in which she is a notable character so far (10, 11, 14), I've wanted to lean into exploring how Cabby navigates difficult social scenarios in which, no matter how strained it may be at the start, we land in a place of others learning to see the plentiful good in her and/or show that they're willing to stick by her side wholeheartedly. With the Indefinite Islanders, Yin-Yang, Bot, etc. I say all of this to try to clarify that I've never had any intention of vilifying Cabby, and I'm really sorry to all of those who connect closely to her who feel as though I was trying to make her out to be a bad person. Again, although the intention was never negative, it's the outcome that matters most- so I am sorry.
And I'm not looking for anyone to write to me "great, all good now, all forgiven" or anything. I'm just looking to continue an important conversation. I know even before the episode's release, there's been plenty of this discussion here on Tumblr, which I am appreciative to have been able to look through and analyze as thoroughly as I can to understand every angle.
But yes, thanks for bearing through this long block of text. If anything comes across as messy, apologies, running on two or three or so hours of sleep, but I am happy to hit on anything that needs clarification or other elements later after work. I don't see myself making any big posts like this again soon, but at the very very least I'll read over what's sent in the ask box as always.
While I'm good with any and all continued conversation, my only request is that you all please just go easy on the rest of the crew. It's been a very emotionally-intense last few weeks, and a lot of the team is just in an overwhelmed state at the moment for a thousand different reasons. They're all trying their best to do and handle everything. But it can be a lot, especially when it's dealing with the Internet, and when it's thousands of voices screaming in your direction all at once. Thank you!
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Jungkook
𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖎𝖙 [Teaser] 🔞
They told you to be careful with him, that he's much more than meets the eye, but you'd been convinced that you had him all figured out; all bark and no bite, just like any other big buff alpha you've met before. Oh how wrong you were.
Tags/Warnings: (here we go...) werewolf!kook, Alpha!kook, werewolf!reader, omega!reader, some angst, blood and fighting, we love drama, strangers to mates, soulmate AU, major injury, hurt & Comfort, fluff, Primal Play, slight powerplay (mc fights for dominance but looses), biting, rough manhandling, Dom!Jungkook, protected sex (an implant is mentioned we practice safe sex even in our imagination after all), Size kink because it's me writing this get over it, strength kink because it's me writing this get over it², spitting oops, spanking oops², mean dom kook, scratching oops³, orgasm control, knotting oops⁴, happy ending Yay
Length: unsure, approx. 5 chapters, ~2k words each.
A/N: Hi hello look it's technically not a hybrid fic. Also yes this teaser contains partial smut so please do not read this at church or your mom's birthday thanks.
🌘.━━━━━━━━━━.🌕.━━━━━━━━━━━.🌒
"Hm, but I'll play with you, won't you like that, hm?" He hums into your ear, and you melt underneath his words, easily nodding at his proposal, because you've waited way too long for this.
He's finally made his move, and you're gonna enjoy every last second of it.
"You think I haven't heard you talk to Jimin about me, don't you?" He suddenly brings up, inked arm reaching over your thigh so his hand can cup your heat- harshly so, forcing your body upright even, and you can't help but mewl at the way it puts pressure on your aching core. "You think I don't know how you yap about me to your friends hm? How you call me nothing but what? A 'bitch in heat', wasn't it?" He recalls, and you whimper a bit because you did call him that.
You called him a lot of other nasty things, and you do regret it a little. Just a tiny bit though. Or maybe a lot.
"Yeah well-" you huff impatiently, throwing your head back over his shoulder. "-You're all talk and nothing more." You complain. "You'll just- you just wanna fuck me and then toss me aside like everyone else!" You tell him with a slightly angry bite to your tone, and he clicks his tongue, fingers of his effortlessly opening the buttons of your shorts.
"Stupid omega-bullshit." You blame, hips moving impatiently as you curl your toes from the sensation. He shakes his head.
"And yet you let me." He chuckles, and you want to cry. Because you do let him fuck you over like this, right now. You do, with full knowledge of the consequences after. But you also want him, because he's got these.. glimpses of something you've never had before.
These moments of actual happiness, actual care and gentle adoration- something similar to the love everyone always gushes about around you, the thing you've never quite experienced before. "Why, I wonder." He asks you, while his fingers easily dip in between your legs, slick making it easy for him to move around.
"I think you know why." He shakes his head however, free hand moving to pull you up properly against his chest again, perched up on his thigh, legs spread open while your shorts and underwear pool at your ankles. "You know exactly why you let me, and why I'm doing this in the first place." He offers, and you don't answer.
Cause you're not sure. If it's not your omega hormones, then what? Is he going to come at you with some fated soulmate bullshit?
"You've got me tangled around your fingers, darling, and you don't even know it." Jungkook tells you with ear amusement in his tone, voice vibrating against your back. "Your body is calling out to me, and only me, isn't it?" He wonders, two fingers dipping inside you, finally giving you something at last. "You crave me, and can't bear the thought of anyone else touching you like this." He explains, while he leans in to let his lips run over the skin near your ear, searching for where your scent is strongest. "You feel empty without my touch, cold without my presence, lonely without my eyes on you." He goes on, and you want to cry out of frustration because first of all how does he know, and second of all why can't you fucking cum?!
"You know I'm right." The alpha wolf tells you. "Because I feel the exact same things." He offers.
"Wha-" you start, before you're interrupted by a specific motion of his fingers inside you, legs kicking out.
"Dont act so surprised." He mumbles against your skin, watching from above how you squirm in his grip, arm holding you close while the other plays around with you. "Its not like I'm hiding anything from you or anyone else." Jungkook chuckles. "Not like you, that is." He teasingly bites at your earlobe, making you shudder.
You're absolutely boneless in his grip right now, close to crying as he keeps your final high always a breath away.
"You're testing my patience, darling." The wolf continues, really making sure you know he's truly playing with you. "One moment you want me, the next you don't. Who's really playing a cruel game here, I wonder?" He accuses, and now you're really close to tears, but for different reasons.
"I dont-" you start, moving your legs in desperation. "- Wanna talk 'bout that now.." you whine, and he clicks his tongue.
"You don't ever want to." He almost growls. "And I'm sick of it, darling." He says, the pet name said almost like a threat, harsh and sharp. "You either talk-" he starts, and you're sweating at what cruel thing he's got in mind. "-or I'm leaving you."
And you know that by leaving, he's not only talking about his hand between your legs.
And that- the prospect of him leaving you alone- finally breaks the floodgates, making you cry.
Because you dont want him to leave.
Not anymore.
#bts imagine#bts fanfic#bts fic#jungkook imagine#bts smut#jeon jungkook x reader#jungkook smut#jeon jungkook imagine#jeon jungkook smut#bts jungkook fanfic#bts jungkook imagine#bts jeon jungkook imagine
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{Train Wreck} Azriel x Cassian!Sister {Pt. 2}
Why hello there my loves!!! There was so much positive response for that first part???? I cannot believe people genuinely enjoy my writing so much it makes me feel so appreciated! Anyway, here is part two! Enjoy!! Also, I promise other parts won't be this long, I got a little carried away 😅
Part 1
Word Count: 16,171 (totally should've made this two parts but... oh well)
Warnings: Modern AU, OFC, language, hurt/comfort, angst, arrest, drinking, gambling, mentions of trauma, trauma responses, panic attacks
Summary: As Ira gets settled in, there is a constant set of eyes on her from Cassian. He offers Ira a chance to make a good impression, but is bringing his train wreck of a sister to his annual charity event a good idea?
Tagging: @blessthepizzaman @cyrygher @librafairy @needylilgal022 @thelov3lybookworm @bubybubsters
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It has only been two days and I already want to push Cassian off a bridge.
His rules are in-fucking-sane. He won’t let me outside before eight, and wants me to be back by ten. There is no going outside unless I clear it with him first, tell him when I get wherever I’m going, and when I get back. I mean, how ridiculous can he get?
Apparently even more.
“And I will need you to sign this.”
Cassian slid a piece of paper across from me. In addition to the other one he gave me of the drafted fucking mandate. “Is this some kind of a joke?” It was an NDA.
“We–meaning Rhys, Az, and myself– have a very strict confidentiality agreement. Not only with ourselves but with our investors, lawyers, and employees. Since you are going to be living with me for the foreseeable future, you need to be a part of that. We are going to discuss business operations when you are around and you are not allowed to repeat them to anyone. Under any circumstances.”
“And who exactly am I going to be repeating all of these things to?”
Cassian shrugs, “I don’t know, and I really don’t care. You’re gonna make new friends, Ira. And we aren’t exactly a small town rodeo here, so people will know who we are and will want to know shit. So, sign here, and then you are free to go.”
“I’m hardly free, I feel like I’m back in juvy,” I whispered that last part for only me to hear, flicking the pen across the paper. “Happy?”
“Sure, I’m happy,” he rolled his eyes. “Oh, and before I forget, you’re coming out with us tonight.”
My ears perked up at that. Cass got up and I scurried after him, the dining room chair scratching on the floor. “Really? When? And for what?”
“Every year we have a fundraiser for our community,” Cassian explains as I quicken my pace to keep up with him. Fuck him and his long ass legs. “All the money we make from the auction, poker tournament, and bingo night are collected and donated to the city.”
“Bingo, really?”
“We have to appease the older crowd somehow,” Cassian shrugged, heading down a long hallway in his house. It was a lot more compact than Rhys and Feyre’s home, but equally as flamboyant. It was smooshed in a line of townhouses somewhere in the city. Cassian opened a door to a guest bedroom and led me to a closet. “Here are some of Nesta’s old dresses. A couple of Feyre’s too, and some of Mor’s.”
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not but I am not built like they are, Cass. What the hell am I supposed to do with those?”
“Figure it out,” he gave me an unamused smile. “You’re crafty, I’m sure you can make something work.”
He left me in the closet and I looked around. It has been years since I’ve worn anything other than jeans and a t-shirt, let alone a dress. The closest thing was the skirt I had borrowed from Mor a few days ago.
As I rummaged through, I slowly began to realize that none of these were going to fit. I was going to have to figure something out because who knew when the next time I could go out would be. And I was not going to miss this.
There were a couple of options, and when I tried them on, either the zipper in the back wouldn’t move or the sleeves wouldn’t fit over my shoulders. Sometimes the bust was too tight, but the waist was fine, or the other way around. I ripped more than a few on accident. My best bet was to find two similar colors and try and piece them together.
I snatched two black dresses and went back to my room. I looked at the pair of scissors on my desk and at the dresses. I hoped no one would need these one day.
My cuts were average and jagged, but I had plans to pin them together with some safety pins I found in a drawer. I cut off the skirt of one of them and made a slit to the hip. When I shimmied it on, I rolled over the hem and pinned it in place, making it as even as I could. The top would be… tricky.
I didn’t have a choice but to cut off the sleeves and make it completely strapless. And I had to cut a V in it so my boobs would fit. Normally I loved them, but right now they were my mortal fucking enemy– besides the law of course. It was tight across my ribs, but at least I could breathe. There was some good boning in the bodice so at least I wouldn’t flash anyone.
Not that I would mind, I needed some action. To blow off some steam since being reinstated with Cassian.
And there was little I could do to keep my thoughts away from Azriel. About blowing off some of my steam with him. And blowing him in general.
Fuck was he hot. I mean, it seemed impossible to have such an attractive group of people all in one spot, and then there was me. I wouldn’t ever say that I was ugly, but Mor and the others? Devastatingly gorgeous.
But that’s besides the point. Azriel has been around, but really never around. He’s here in the morning when I wake up, but never comes back until late at night. Which leaves me with little to no time to admire him. I can hear him come in since his room is right next to mine, but he never acknowledges me.
Probably for the better. Or worse, I haven't decided yet.
Azriel was secluded, I could gather that much. And from what Cassian told me he was– or had been– struggling through something. But what did that have to do with me? It wasn’t like I wanted to marry the guy, I just wanted him to rail me and then I’d be good. What's so harmful about that?
But don’t even get me started on the way he acts whenever he is around me. He’s kind of a prick, always making fun of the way I’m dressed or the way I wear my hair. Always has some rude remark that makes me want to punch that perfect face of his. And kiss it.
There is definitely something seriously wrong with me and my delusional thinking but I refuse to acknowledge it because it is the only coping mechanism I have developed that doesn’t involve me in handcuffs.
Now, if Azriel wanted to put me in handcuffs then-
“Ira?” Mor called from somewhere. “Where are you?”
“My room,” I mumbled around the roll of body tape in my mouth as I tried to lay the fabric over my bits to cover me up. “God fucking dammit.”
“Uh oh, Nesta isn’t going to be happy when she sees you mangled her engagement dress.”
“Her what?” Oh no, no no no Cassian is going to end me.
Mor burst out laughing and leaned up against the wall. “I’m just fucking with you. It was one of my old college sorority dresses. It’s no big deal, I didn’t even know I had that one still.”
“Oh, well… sorry. I wouldn’t have needed to if Cassian just took me somewhere to buy a dress,” I apologized, turning in the mirror. “What do you think?”
“Cassian is going to hate it,” she smirked, looking over my shoulder.
“Perfect,” a grin of my own spreading. “Please tell me there is going to be alcohol at this event?”
“There always is, but whether or not you can have any isn’t up to me,” Mor put up her palms and sat down on the vanity stool. “I think it’s a bit ridiculous, what Cass is doing.”
“Thank you,” I sighed out, taping the last bit into place and stretching to make sure it wouldn’t come loose. “Not that we know each other super well, but there are reasons why he should do it. Part of me knows he’s just doing it to keep me safe, but I also know its payback from years ago.”
“Can I ask about you and him or is that just not something you're willing to share?” She asked, unlike Rhys or Azriel did. That in and of itself meant more to me than anything in the world.
Mor was nice, nicer than anyone I had ever come across. It’s who I spent a good chunk of my time with when she was here and not working at Midnight’s Shadow, Azriel’s club. We had built up a little bit of a relationship in the two days since she was the only one who bothered to ask for my number.
“It’s really fucking complicated. I was about 14 when he left? I think? I don’t know, it doesn’t matter. But I heard him in his room and then he was…” I shook my head, that sting in my throat coming back like it did every time I talked about it. “It wouldn’t have bothered me so much if he had just fucking told me.”
“He didn’t even give you a heads up?” I shook my head. “What the fuck?”
I just shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m over it.” Definitely not over it. “And I don’t want anything I tell you about him to change your perception. I’m sure he’s a much different person now.”
“That’s exactly it, though. He is such a family person, so to speak, that it kind of shocks me. He loves getting us together and doing card nights with movies. To hear he acted like that? For fucks sake Ira I didn’t even know you existed… It’s hard to think anything but differently about him.”
I bit back the tears. Card nights and movies? That's what we used to do together. She didn’t need to see me cry, and I didn’t want her to either. “It’s not his fault. I don’t blame him for not mentioning me. There isn’t much to talk about.”
“Why would you say that?” Mor said politely, “share what you want, I don’t want to overstep.”
I fiddled with my fingers. Playing with the devil's on my shoulders. Should I just bite the bullet and get it over with? I just sighed. “When he left I had a lot of issues. A really hard time coping with it all. I made some pretty awful decisions and ended up in a correctional facility. Not really juvy, but not really not juvy if that makes sense? I don’t know if he even knows about it at all. Nothing good happened after he left and… I don’t really know. I do, but-”
“Ira,” Mor said in a very soft tone. Like she was trying to keep from scaring a wounded kitten. “You share when you’re ready. And I will listen.”
I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think clearly as tears clouded my eyes. Mor stood up and came to a halt in front of me. “You’re gonna get through this, Ira. It’s gonna fucking suck, and I don’t think you’re gonna find someone who understands that more than I do. When I was-”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Shh,” she hissed, and I sealed my lips, a smile spreading across the pressed line. “I am a one-for-one person. You give, I give. You take and I take. I know there aren’t many people in this world you trust, so let me make it a little easier for you.”
I just nodded.
“When I was younger, I also made some mistakes. Got involved with the wrong group of people and ended up paying the price. It took me years to get over and I wasn’t sure that it was ever going to get better. Or that I’d ever be able to trust people blindly again. Then I met Rhys and he lent a helping hand. And, believe it or not, your brother made a huge difference in my life.”
“You’ve gotta be joking,” I snickered.
“Nope,” she shook her head. “When he’s not entangled in work he can actually be a really fucking good time.”
“That somehow doesn’t surprise me at all.”
“What I’m trying to get at is everyone here has had some shit to deal with in their life.” She took my hands in hers. “Rhys was on the verge of bankruptcy, Feyre had to drop out of art school to take care of Nyx… we’re basically a refuge for misfits. You’re gonna fit right in. Now, enough with the heart-to-heart, you and I are going to go get our nails done.”
“We are?” I couldn’t help but let a tear slip through, and I sniffled. “I have to ask Cassian.”
“He is so overbearing I swear,” Mor looked to the sky and cursed. “You get out of this and I’ll go talk to him.”
“Okay,” I squeezed her hands before she left. I know I told myself to not get attached to her, but fuck was she making it hard. As much as I want to fall into her arms for telling me everything was gonna be alright, that wasn’t realistic. And she wasn’t my fucking mother, and I wasn’t five. She didn’t need to shoulder my burdens. It wasn’t her job.
She’s just being nice. She’s just being nice.
I ripped the top off my chest– quite literally– and laid it out on the bed to wear for later. After I had gotten changed, I met Mor downstairs where she was talking with Cassian. I tried to slip past them to the kitchen but-
“Ira,” Cassian shouted. Dammit. “Come here.”
“Yes, Colonel Sanders?”
“Stop calling me Colonel Sanders,” he rolled his eyes. Mor snickered and Cassian glared. “Why didn’t I know beforehand that you wanted to go out?”
“It wasn’t her idea, Cass,” Mor countered. “I told you that.”
“Seriously, I had no idea until she just came up,” I tried to express it as genuinely as I could. Unfortunately, another skill I had developed was seeming extremely genuine when I couldn’t give two shits.
“You’re gonna go with her?”
“Yes, dumbass. I am the one taking her,” Mor smacked the back of his head. “We’ll be back in two hours.”
“Fine,” Cassian pinched his nose.
“On second thought, maybe three. She needs some shoes to match that… new dress.”
“Do I even want to know?”
“Nope,” Mor and I said at the same time, and we bounced out of there as fast as we could before Cassian could change his mind. She walked to a shiny, obviously just washed Mercedes SL Roadster. Navy blue with light gray interiors. Convertible. H.O.T.
“Okay, this car is sick.” I was basically foaming at the mouth. “What's the top speed you’ve reached in this thing?”
“The speed limit,” she winked, but mouthed a hundred and twelve. “We have an appointment to catch, but on the way back I’ll drive the back roads and give you a taste of the wind.”
I climbed in and sank into the seat. This car was comfier than my bed. Not that that was surprising, I was basically sleeping on a cardboard box. When I asked for Cassian's room, I should’ve specified that I wanted his room at his house. Not the one he occasionally slept in. But I guess he and Nesta needed the space.
Boy were they bad at being subtle in the middle of the night.
I need to make a list of things to get and double underline earplugs.
Mor must’ve been a local celebrity with the way the salon employees greeted her and offered her a seat right away.
“Who have you brought with you?”
“This is Ira, my good friend's sister. She’s staying with us for a while and we have the charity event at the casino tonight so I thought we should make a whole day out of it,” Mor smiled, scanning the wall of nail polish.
“Oh how fun. I’m Claire, Mor’s nail tech,” the lady introduced. “Please, take a seat and let's see what we can do for you this time around.”
On the way over I had looked up some nail inspo on Pinterest. Mor told me, word for word, to ‘get whatever the fuck I wanted’ because it was her treat and she’s always wanted a little sister to spoil and pamper. I wasn’t sure how that made me feel, but I think I liked it.
I pulled up the picture on my phone: medium length but very pointy. The accent nail was matte black, the others a shiny, deep maroon that faded into black at the tips. Those also got a sparkly topcoat and some crystals on the accent nail. I had a vision to do a dark smokey-winged eyeliner look with some ombre lips to match the nails.
Very classy but a little bit of ‘fuck with me and you’ll regret it’ vibe.
I watched intently as the technician, Melinda, carefully crafts the nails. How these people did this I’ll never know. The powder seemed like a fucking struggle. She started telling me something about the liquid-to-powder-ratio and my brain left the conversation. Very underrated artists for sure.
“So, what do you want to do with your hair?” Mor asked, bending her fingers to look at the pretty coral color on her nails. They were super shiny, almost a chrome finish.
“I saw this picture of a shaggy kind of french twist? I think I could figure it out,” I shrugged, looking at my nails before sticking them under the curing lamp. “What about you?”
“I’m just gonna curl it,” she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Oh, don’t forget to remind me about the shoes.”
“No, it’s fine. I have some different options. This is more than enough.” I had seen the prices of the manicure package. It included a full manicure plus a full set of nails. And it was not cheap.
“Ira-”
“Please, Mor,” I let out a nervous laugh. I cut it off almost immediately. I cannot start doing the Dana thing. “I don’t need the shoes. This is perfect.”
She just nodded, letting it go.
Thank. God. I did not have time to get into the whole underprivileged child thing. Where it made me feel sick to my stomach to not only ask for something, but to have people offer it knowing full well that I did want it, but would deny every offer. It made me feel guilty because I should be grateful for what I do have. I didn’t need it, but I still wanted it. A feeling somewhere between pity and desperation.
I didn’t want people to feel bad for me, but I just wanted someone to care. To understand even a little bit.
Trauma was such a weird, twisted thing.
“Do you want to add the sparkly top coat or just the shiny one?” Melinda asked, twisting the two bottles in her hands.
I thought. Looked at the nails, then at the polishes. “Fuck it, let’s do the sparkly one.”
She chuckled, tapping the bottle against her palm. “It’s what I would’ve gone with too.”
“Those are literally so gorgeous,” Mor leaned over. Hers were done and she was sucking on a lollipop. “You’ve got an eye for this kind of thing, don’t you?”
“Always a dreamer, never the dream,” I batted my lashes playfully, sighing as if I were in a daze. “I think I’ve always liked this kind of stuff, I’ve just never had access to it until now.”
Mor patted the top of my head before saying she was going to pay up front.
“So, Mor said that she’s good friends with your brother?”
“Mhm,” I nodded, palms instantly going a little clammy. “Yeah we recently reconnected after about six years.”
“Oh, how wonderful!”
That’s one way to put it. “Yeah, I missed him. Probably more than I ever let myself think before. I spent a lot of time being angry at him.”
“Well, my dear, it is never too late. The two of you may have been going your separate ways, but it’s never too late to turn around. It’s only too late if one of you is left standing and the other isn’t.”’
Okay, did Mor accidentally make some last minute edition to the manicure package that included an overly inspirational surprise? I was not expecting that. But now that I was thinking about it… it was like Cassian and I were standing on two opposite ends of a bridge. The constant rumble for the past lurking in the darkness below. Always there. I could see him, barely, but that everlasting presence was there; a cloud of fear and worry that we wouldn’t ever get past or differences blocked my path to him.
Why couldn’t I just forgive people? Why did I have to hold grudges and make things complicated? I was wired so differently than most people. Like here I was, with Mor at this incredible nail salon and all I could think about was how much money she was spending on me. Why couldn’t I just be excited for my first real set of nails? Or thankful that Mor never made any type of facial expression over how expensive all of this was?
Dana and Arthur always made the same face when something was expensive, and I could pick up on it after only seeing it twice. Then I subconsciously– totally consciously– made the effort to pick less expensive options.
It’s in the same category of responses when I hear them coming down the hall and I have the overwhelming feeling of needing to look busy because I simply just don’t know how to relax.
Staking on constant alert was so fucking exhausting.
By the time I snapped back into reality my nails were done and she was wiping down her station. “Thank you, Melinda. They’re beautiful,” I smiled sweetly, taking the few dollars I had shoved haphazardly into my pocket and giving them to her. “I know it’s not much but-”
“Nonsense. The gesture is much appreciated but please keep it, dear. You are welcome back here whenever you’d like. You too, Morrigan!”
“Next time I will bring some of Elain’s cookies for you!” Mor called from behind the counter. “I’ll see you soon, Claire!”
“Bye girls!”
I could not stop looking at my nails. Could not stop pressing them against my palms or trying to do things without messing them up.
“You’ll get used to it,” Mor laughed when I tried to re-tie my hair up in a ponytail.
“I’m more worried that I’m gonna stab myself. Or that I’m- fuck. I have contacts in. How the hell am I gonna get my contacts out?” I pressed the pad of my finger against the underside of my lashes and pried my eyelid up. “This is gonna end with me in the ER.”
_____
All thoughts of doing my hair went out the window. I severely overestimated how well I’d be able to function with these daggers attached to the tips of my fingers. By the time we got back it was already three o’clock. Cassian told me to be ready by four-thirty. Lovely.
I rushed a brush through my hair and took some of my moose and tried to get the mop of curls to curl. Whoever gave me this hair deserves the death penalty. Whether it came from my mom or dad, I didn’t know, but we were gonna have a problem if we ever met in person.
I eventually found a way to pin it up to where it kind of looked nice. It was as good as it was going to get. I only had forty minutes to get my makeup done and into the dress.
The tape stuck– hallelujah– and I shifted the skirt around until my leg was exposed in the slit. Again, it was as good as it was going to get. I probably would’ve been better off with the skirt and just putting on a bralette or something on top.
Oh well, it’s already on and I don’t have time to fuck around.
For once my makeup went on smoothly and looked sleek and clean. And the lips to match the nails? Nail on the fucking head with that move.
I did actually have shoes to wear and they were some nice platforms. One of the nicest things I owned. Totally didn’t steal them from a girl in high school when I crashed junior prom. To be fair she deserved it. She’s the bitch that ratted me out, it was quite literally the least I could do to fuck with her.
Again, petty crimes.
Very fucking petty.
“Ira, it’s time to go!” Cassian’s obnoxious voice boomed up the stairs.
“Jesus okay,” I shouted back, collecting my jewelry and deciding I could put it on in the car. I came clunking down the stairs and everyone was already at the door. Another thing that made me feel like I’m suffocating? Running late. And I was always running late.
All eyes were on me. Cassian looked like he wanted to suffocate and die, Nesta looking pretty indifferent. Azriel was on his phone.
“You’ve gotta be- you know what, this is my night. Just get in the car. I’m only going to say this once but Ira… please just be on your best behavior.” Cassian dragged a hand down his face, shaking his head as he looked at me.
It wasn't my intention to be a problem tonight, I didn’t want my fleeting moments of freedom to be revoked. So I complied.
Cassian looked pretty good, all things considered. He was in a tux with a bowtie, Nesta in a very elegant yet stylish slip dress. Mint green to match Cassian’s bowtie. Azriel was… Don’t look at Azriel. Do. Not. Look.
“Fine. But what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“It’s a charity event, not a strip tease,” Cassian said in pure disgust.
“Well if you had just let me out of the house to go dress shopping then I wouldn’t have had to look like this. But, need I remind you that this is my fucking body and I can do whatever the hell I want with it. Why do you care how I’m dressed?”
“Down, girl,” Azriel mumbled from behind me. I whirled around so fast and he was right fucking there already.
Did he just say ‘down girl’ like I was some fucking dog?
“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” I may have been at least five inches shorter than he was, even in heels, but that was not going to stop me.
“Well I certainly wouldn’t talk to Nesta that way, she’d make me sleep outside,” He ran a hand over his cleanly shaven jaw. “And last time I checked Cassian wasn’t a girl so… I guess that leaves you.”
“Keep my name out of your fucking mouth or you’ll regret it.”
“Okay, cool it you guys,” Cassian grabbed onto my arm, but I yanked it away immediately.
“Yeah, cool it, Ira,” Azril mocked, somewhere between a laugh and a snort.
Fury blinded me and I turned around to face Cassian. “So you’re just gonna let him talk to me like that?”
Cassian just blinked at me. “You're more than capable of defending yourself, Ira. And I don’t want to get in the middle of this. Not today.”
“I think what he’s saying is that he’s not at your beck and call. More of the other way around,” Azriel said in a very condescending voice.
“Do you really want to keep pushing my buttons? Because I don’t think you do,” I took another step towards him, eyes narrow and nostrils flared. I was not about to let this self-centered son of a bitch walk all over me.
No matter how pretty he was. I had some morals. Not a lot, but some.
“And do what, hmm? Who are you gonna tattle on me to?” Another step closer.
“I think my knee between your legs would certainly leave more than a lasting impression on what I am capable of doing.” I matched his step stride for stride.
Azriel grinned. "You have no self control, you can't help but pick a fight, can you? It's like it's all you know how to do."
“Alright enough,” Cassian stepped between us, pressing his hand against Azriel’s chest. “Az?”
“Yes?” His eyes never left mine.
“Back the fuck off. Don’t ever think it’s okay to talk to my sister like that again.” Woah. Not expecting that. I’ve never seen him leer at someone like he did at Azriel. Then that gaze turned on me. “And you, what was the one thing I asked?”
I could’ve sent him through the fucking gravel. “He started it.”
“You’re bickering like third graders,” Nesta shouted over her shoulder. “Please spare the rest of the fucking neighborhood and get in the fucking car or we’re going to be late.”
“Leave each other alone. There, happy?” Cassian cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. All I could do was bite my tongue and shake my head in disbelief.
“Prick,” I held back the urge to spit at Azriel's feet. I went for the car Nesta got in, telling myself to pick and choose my battles.
“Aww, you don’t want to ride with me, princess?” He called out, and I flipped him off.
“Do not provoke her,” I heard Cassian say. “Don’t make this harder than it’s already going to be.”
What the fuck did that mean? I didn’t intentionally want to make this a rough night for him. But now? I was thinking very differently as to how this night would go.
“Ira,” Nesta turned around in the front seat while I buckled myself in. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”
I just folded my arms across my chest. “Easy for you to say. I mean, how do you even stand the guy? He is such a fucking-”
“Douchebag? Oh, I’m well aware,” she chuckled. “But this is his event. His project that he spends months planning and sending out invitations for. I won’t pretend like I know what the fuck happened between the two of you, and I’m not going to ask because it’s your business and I really don’t care. But for my sake, don’t do anything stupid.”
Harsh, but I got the message. I stayed quiet as we pulled out and onto the road. The air was thick with tension and I just wanted to get out of the fucking car with both of them. Even if that meant being attached to him all night.
Despite the treacherous waters, excitement and butterflies fluttered my stomach as we hit the highway and I could see some city lights in the distance.
“Okay, a few rules,” Cassian eventually said after turning down the volume on the radio.
“Great, another leash,” I sighed.
Cassian and I met eyes in the mirror. He was really not having it. I bit my tongue.
“I’m gonna give you a chance, Ira. I don’t want to force you to my hip all night simply because I just don’t. You can be in whatever room I’m in, but wherever I go next, you have to be there. And I don’t care if you’re drinking some, but please don’t get wasted. Keep a low profile.”
“Done,” I smiled, nodding along.
“I cannot believe I’m going to say this but… try to have fun? Meet some people and whatnot. Just behave. That is all I am asking.” Heavy emphasis on all.
“I will,” I nodded. I’d try anyway. But if there was going to be tequila, then well… that’s a different story.
___
We arrive and valet the car. Velaris Nights Hotel and Casino shined bright in my eyes. I looked around and Midnight’s Shadow was right across the street. Hopefully that Azzhole would stay there. I giggled, Azzhole. I’m so funny.
I walked up behind Cassian and Nesta. Apparently I wasn’t close enough with them for the security guard to think I was at their party.
“Ma’m, the event doesn't start for another hour,” he put his hand out to stop me.
“Oh, no I’m with-”
“She’s with me, Derrick. This is my sister Ira,” Cassian introduced and the guard gulped.
“Apologies, sir. A pleasure, Ira. If there is anything you need, come and find me. Sorry for the confusion.”
Okay, now that was cool as fuck. I guess that’s the kind of reaction you get when your brother operates the whole fucking thing. That kind of connection could be fun.
On the way over he told me that he, along with another one of his friends, was the pit boss. The other one– Amy or Amanda or something– was already here. Apparently they were some pretty A-list celebs around here. The party was scheduled for six and they needed to be here before the chaos started.
“Not cool enough to get in here, princess?”
My stomach rolled at the sound of his voice. “Piss off, Azzhole.”
“Azzhole, really?” His brows furrowed and a smirk spread over his full lips. “Be original, sweetheart.”
“Wanna see how original I can be?” I fell into step beside him. “How about you’re a predictable, conceited, arrogant-”
“You forgot cocky,” he butted in. “And handsome. I’m very handsome.”
“Egotistical,” I listed off. “Like I said, you’re predictable. And I wouldn’t flatter yourself, sweetheart.”
“I’d hardly call it flattering, more of a confidence booster. Three days in town and you think you have me all figured out? Care to bestow some more wisdom on me, your majesty?”
“Please, the last thing I want to do is have to hear the agitating sound of your voice for the rest of the night. Piss off, will you?” I scoffed, adjusting the choker on my neck.
“Don’t worry, princess,” Azriel bent down to talk in my ear. “I think we got off on the wrong foot. You’ll find out that I can be a lot of fun. If you ever let your guard down, we might even be able to have a good time.”
“Yeah because my brother would be so thrilled about us spending time together.”
Azriel shrugged. “What he doesn’t know won’t kill him.”
Now, I know I heard that incorrectly. But before I could open my mouth to respond, he plucked a champagne flute off a tray and raised it in the air before downing it in one go.
I finally allowed myself to look at him when he walked away. He was dressed in all black; black button up, black slacks, black dress shoes and a black belt. And a silver watch on his left wrist. In another world I might’ve thought that we looked like we could go together, but that was galaxies away. God his back and shoulders…
His ass. He was dangerous. Probably in more ways then one, and fuck did I want to find out all of them.
As I made my way over to Cassian, Mor ambushed me and had a bright smile on her face.
“Hey you,” she greeted. “Don’t you look good.”
“Thanks. I love that dress. The corset top is perfect.” It was coral colored to match her nails. The structured bodice had sheer paneling and a floor length skirt. Her blond hair was in curls and she had on some wicked eyeliner.
“It was a pain in the ass to get into. Where’s Cassian? I need to ask him if he wants me on the floor or up with Amren keeping an eye on things.”
Amren, that’s her name. The other pit boss apparently. “He’s over there talking with someone.”
Mor nodded, grabbing some champagne for me and her. “Loosen up, babe. You’re stiffer than an iron pole.”
“I’m not stiff.” I was so fucking stiff. This place was a playground for adults, and I had just turned twenty-one. My mind was running rampant with thoughts.
“Okay, you’re not stiff. And I’m ShaquilleO’Neal,” Mor teased, linking her elbow with mine.
We made our way over to Cassian and Rhys who were talking with this ginger guy. He had long, fiery red hair and a scar running the length of his face through his eye. He was also quite stunning. I don’t know what’s in the water here but I think I need some.
“Ah, this is her. Lucien, this is Cassian’s sister Ira,” Rhys extended his hand to me, gesturing like I was some higher up.
“A pleasure,” Lucien inclined his head. “I am one of the business investors for the hotel.”
“Ahh,” I said. What the fuck am I supposed to say to that? I don’t know how to talk to these people. So I just stayed quiet. Cassian’s words rattling in the back of my head: keep a low profile.
“I’m not sure that I knew you had a sister,” Lucien looked me head to toe. “I can see it, though. Same eyes, same nose.”
Here we go again.
“I’ve been getting that non-stop since I showed up here,” I scoffed. “I mean could we really look that similar?”
“Well, we are related,” Cassian laid his arm across my shoulders. “You’ve grown into it, Ira. Dana had always thought that we’d look more alike as we got older.”
“It, by no means, is meant as a shot at your beauty, Ira,” Lucien’s lip curled up. “You look lovely tonight.”
He reached for my hand and gave the back of it a kiss. If my eyes weren’t nearly falling out of my skull, I might’ve accidentally done the same to him. Thank god I did not kiss the back of his fucking hand. His massive hand, might I add.
Lucien most definitely wasn’t my type. He had his life together and looked like a good person. I was far too erratic and damaged to be of any good to him. But if he was suggesting something…
“Oh, uhh thanks.” Oh, uhh thanks? Did you just get fucking electrocuted, Ira? “I like your suit, it compliments your hair very nicely.”
That wasn’t a lie. He had on a hunter green blazer and a black vest with a black tie. There was one braid running along the side of his scalp, down the side of his face and behind his ear. The rest of it flopped over the opposite side of his head.
“I think I’m gonna like you, Ira,” Lucien smiled, pointing at me. “See, she likes my suit. Why’d you give me hell for it?”
“Because you look like a stick of celery,” Cassian was very obviously in a mood.
“I do not,” Lucien rolled his eyes. “It’s too dark of a green to be celery.”
“Potato potato,” Mor shook her head.
“Don’t be rude,” I said to Cassian. “If he’s confident wearing it, who are you to squash that for him?”
All eyes looked at me and our little circle went quiet. Welp… fuck.
“Can I get you a drink?” Lucien asked me, clearing his throat.
“Yes.” “No,” Cassian and I said together. I glared at him so hard I thought he’d burst into flames. “I’ll find you later, Lucien.”
Cock blocker.
I gave a sorrowful look at Lucien when he walked away. Cassian was still focused on me, but the second he got pulled into another conversation I winked at Lucien. He smiled back.
I looked around at the main lobby. There was a full chandelier sparkling above me, and some stone pillars going from the floor up into the ceiling. The black marble floor reflected all the lights, much the same with the counter top of the bar.
Who knew a bunch of boys could design something so intricate and delicate. They probably had to consult Mor. Or Feyre, more likely. I liked the touch of silver here and there within some of the statues and decorations. The balloon arch was a little cheesy though.
I ditched Cassian and took a lap around the room, just surveying the crowd. I could feel his eyes on me every turn I took. Whatever. I guess this would be my one shot at proving that I could behave and control my impulsions. Anything to prove his ass wrong.
The champagne was weirdly sweet and smelled like roses. But it was alcohol and I was fine with that. There was a series of tables lined up at the side, but no food or anything on them yet. I guess they’d bring it out closer to the guests arriving? I had so many questions that I wanted answers to. Mainly what the actual fuck is Cassian doing running a fucking casino?
By the time I made it back around the room, I snagged another flute off the tray of a passing by waiter and stuck the empty one in its place. This one tasted much better. Across the room my eyes landed on Azriel. He was talking with a group of people who looked mildly afraid of him.
He stuck out like a sore thumb. Everything about him screamed unapproachable. All hard lines and defined muscles. There was nothing soft about him, and I was also very very fine with that.
Everyone else was wearing full tuxedos or gowns. But he was just in a button down shirt and slacks. Which fit cruelly tight on him. Showing off a toned physique. And his amazing backside.
My finger tapped against the glass with all the thoughts I was having of him. About his hands on me and his mouth on mine. Do I have any idea as to why I’m so ready to drop to my knees for this guy, absolutely not. He would have one hell of a blow job though. It wouldn’t ever happen, mostly because I think Cassian has already snuck a camera in my room to make sure it didn’t.
Voyeur.
Mor apprached Azriel, coral gown catching the attention of several other people. She stuck herself right at his side, his arm falling across her back.
Oh, fuck.
I watched more intently than I ever had. Were they a thing and I didn’t know it? It would make a lot of fucking sense. I mean, look at them. He’s hot, she’s hot and I don’t even swing that way. I’d be an idiot to not notice and appreciate Mor’s beauty.
They looked like exact opposites, yet somehow they seemed to fit seamlessly together. Her shoulder lined up with his, her hip to his.
My heart fucking ached. For no other reason than I was jealous he was touching her and not me. It made absolutely no sense considering I wanted to burn him from the inside out. He was an ass. But if they were a thing… I can’t fuck that up. I mean, I could if I wanted to, but Mor had been nothing but nice to me.
For the second time in two days I found myself acknowledging that she was a good person. A great one. That she did not need to be involved with me and my bullshit. Azriel may have been a gigantic bitch, but I didn’t want to cut ties with Mor just because I had irrational feelings for him. That would not be fair for her. Or myself.
Am I actually talking myself out of a bad idea? Wow that’s… new. Normally I acted instantly on every idea I had. Good or bad. Since when did I debate with myself?
I washed down the feelings with the rest of the champagne and headed to the bar, perching myself on a stool while I waited for someone to show up.
Not longer than five minutes passed when I felt a presence behind me. It was Lucien.
“Hey,” I smiled, a genuine one.
“I waited until the coast was clear,” he grinned, sliding into the spot next to me.
“Cassian is just a pussy,” I rolled my eyes, finding him easily across the room. He was a head and a half taller than anyone. Lucien snorted, covering his mouth with his fist. “It’s true.”
“I don’t disagree, but he is my main business partner and I do not want to get off that list because there are dozens waiting in line to have the business that I do.”
“You said you’re an investor? What exactly does that mean?” I hoped he wasn’t about to man-splane things to me. I wasn’t a genius by any means, but I didn’t want to be talked to like a child.
“If they need money for construction, or for a new stock, that’s where I come in,” Lucien explained. “They first came to me with the outline of the business and I knew it was going to take off right away. There isn’t a whole lot in this city besides rich people and their fat pockets. What better way to bring a city to life than to build something that can bring people in.”
“So you are basically their personal bank?”
“No,” he chuckled. “Not exactly. Yes, I have the money, but it is more so my advice they come looking for the most. Sure I could write checks all day, but you can’t buy good, quality financial and business advice.”
“Have you ever heard of Zoltar?” I laughed, noticing the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled.
“If you’re referring to the genie in a plexiglass box that takes coins in exchange for fixed fortunes, then yes I have. But I don’t think he’s going to be putting me or your brother out of business any time soon.”
I nodded along, pleasantly surprised by his professionalism. He surely knew what he was talking about. Not like I could confirm if it was accurate, he could be talking straight out of his ass for all I knew.
But he didn’t make me feel like an idiot, which I was thankful for.
“What can I get for you tonight?” A bartender asked.
“Honestly, I don’t really know. Something that looks fancy but is gonna make me feel it in the morning,” I sighed, and judging by his eager nod he knew exactly what I needed.
“And for you?”
“An Old Fashioned will do, extra bitters please,” Lucien gave a polite smile; it didn’t crinkle his eyes in the way I had seen when I made him smile. Reading too much into this? Definitely. “I don’t want to seem insensitive or anything, but how old are you? I won’t tell anyone if you’re underage but I don’t want to-”
“I’m twenty-one. Just had my birthday a week ago,” I explained. “I know I look… young.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Lucines ginger brows furrowed.
I just shrugged, “It is when you constantly get treated like a baby.”
“Fair point.” Lucien swirled his thumbs around one another for a few moments, watching the bartender make our drinks. “Did you do anything fun for your birthday?”
“Probably not anything you’d consider fun.” I was certain that telling Cassian’s investor that I spent my birthday at a restaurant, pretending to be a waitress to make quick cash, was not a good idea. “It was not the twenty-first birthday I dreamed of as a kid.”
“Bummer,” Lucien frowned a little, taking a sip of his drink when he had it passed to him. “When I turned twenty-one, my brothers thought it would be a hilarious idea to call beforehand and ask the bartender to freak out on me when I walked in. He acted like he had seen me before, which he hadn’t, and was adamant that I had been in here with a fake ID. Safe to say that I nearly shit my pants.”
I laughed, squashing the immediate guilt of using a fake ID on numerous occasions. I still have a few, but there’s no point in keeping them anymore. I can get in anywhere now. Totally legally!
I said thank you to the bartender before giving my drink a taste. It was good, but I could definitely taste the headache tomorrow. Was I a stranger to drinking? Absolutely not, so hopefully this would give me some sort of buzz.
“How many brothers do you have?” My vain attempt at not asking about the scar.
“Five,” Lucien’s eyes got a little big. “All older.”
“Jesus, and I thought one was chaos. Your poor mother,” I took another sip and felt my stomach ignite with the familiar burn. “Speaking of the fucking devil…”
“Ira,” Cassian spoke in a harsh tone. His eyes narrowed on Lucien. “Come on, we’re heading over to the greeting line.”
“Okay, have fun.” This wasn’t my party, I didn’t need to stand and greet people.
“Ira,” he bared his teeth. “Lets. Go.”
“You are such a cock block, you know that?”
Lucien’s cheeks were the same shade as his hair. “Oh, Cassian I wasn’t-”
“I know you wouldn’t be that stupid,” Cassian grabbed my elbow. “This one? Now she’s a different story.”
“You think I’d fuck your business investor? Do you really think that poorly of me? No offense,” I threw over my shoulder with a wince.
He raised his hand with an understanding smile, “None taken.”
A gentleman. I think I’ll add Lucien to my internal list of people to be grateful for. And that was a very very short list. He was a great guy, just not for me.
“I wouldn’t put it entirely past you.” Fucking rude. “I’ll see you later on, Lucien. Let’s go, Ira.”
“Shackled yet again,” I sighed out, not bothering to hide my clear annoyance as I picked up my drink. A Mojito I think? “Thanks for the convo, Lucien.”
“Anytime, Ira.” He tipped his glass to me, and I did the same.
I followed behind Cassian’s massive shoulders and scowled the whole way. Why did he always have to do that? Wasn’t he the one to try to make friends in the first place?
“Can I just say that you haven’t known me for the past six years and you have no right to make judgements on my character,” I hissed, finally catching up to him. “That was a total dick move. We were just talking to each other. You’re the one who told me to have fun here.”
“And what was one of the rules I had? Wherever I go, you follow.”
What. A. Fucking. Loser.
We rounded a corner and there was a grand staircase just outside the set of glass doors. It was lined with red carpeting and velvet ropes. To my surprise, there were some photographers waiting on either side of the stairs.
“Now, stand here and smile.”
“That’s it?”
“For my sake, yes, that’s it. Don’t talk to anyone, just be quiet,” Cassian squared his shoulders as he stood next to Rhys and Feyre. Nesta was on his left, me on his right.
“Eye eye, captain buzz-kill.”
He rolled his eyes.
“You certainly do like getting under his skin,” Azriel’s voice chilled my spine.
“It's another one of my favorite hobbies,” I responded, smiling as a woman and her older husband walked by, shaking Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel’s hands.
“Along with the pick pocketing and hot-wiring?”
Just to prove how fucking capable I was, I carefully reached down, effortlessly removing his watch from his left wrist without a single hair being disturbed. I held it up in front of his face, dangling it like a carrot. His eyes widened and he looked from his empty wrist to the watch in my hand.
“A rolex? A little… basic. Certainly this one could sell for a few hundred thousand, don’t you think?”
“Give that back,” he lowered his voice, and I smirked.
“Finders keepers.” I took an obnoxious sip of my drink.
“Now.” He was so easily ruffled. I had found a weakness of his; he did not like it when I touched his stuff.
I placed the hunk of metal into his open palm and he put it on with a clenched jaw. “Insult my skills again and I’ll make sure the cash is deposited into my bank account before you even realize the watch is missing.”
“You’re quick, I’ll admit that,” he still whispered. “But we both know that you hide behind a mask to cover up the fact that you lack any level of human decency.”
Now that fucking stung. “Who the hell are you to tell me about human decency? And what the hell happened to the whole ‘we got off on the wrong foot’ shit? Your words, not mine.”
I need to stop believing that people will keep their word. I thought Cassian was genuine when he told me to have fun and make friends. Wrong. And not that I really expected Azriel to stay true to his in the first place, but he had no business making assumptions about me. Even if they were right.
The muscles in his jaw clenched as well as his fists. It was immediately wiped away as another guest approached. But when he was gone, his mouth was open again.
“Fine, you got me there. Let's be civil and have a normal conversation. Are you having a good time?”
“Do you honestly think I am?”
“I honestly don’t care,” he scoffed. So much for the effort to be civil. His eyes locked with mine when I stuck my tongue out at him. “You seriously need a lesson in etiquette.”
“And you seriously need a lesson in how to not be a douchebag,” I quipped, catching the attention of the couple that walked in front of us. I mouthed a ‘sorry’.
Azriel’s shoulders shook with a suppressed laugh. “You really don’t know how to be subtle, do you?”
“It’s not exactly in my play book,” I responded, plastering a fake smile on my lips. “And for the record, I know how to have some class.”
“You sure? Because you look more like you belong across the street.” He was referring to Midnight’s Shadow. And he was not subtle about the way he looked at my outfit. As much as I didn’t want to shiver at the gaze, I couldn’t help it. It made me feel guilty, especially when I saw Mor quickly stepping into line next to Azriel on the other side.
They exchanged a quick smile and my heart froze. Why the hell was he looking at me like that and not her?
“And I do. I’m far better at drinking and dancing than I am at pretending to be interested in this fucking sleep fest.”
Azriel grumbled another laugh, his voice deep. “The festivities are actually entertaining. All the old ladies flock to the bingo room the second it’s open. And the poker tournament is always fun to watch.”
A light bulb went off in my brain. “Do you have to already be registered to play?” My devious little mind was thinking about getting in on the action.
“No, why?” He asked.
“Because I might want to join them,” I shrugged. “What else is there to do?”
“You can play poker? I’ve barely seen you able to control your hair let alone your facial expressions,” Azriel teased, gesturing to the mess at the back of my head.
“I have an amazing bluff. See? My poker face is already on, I’m standing here pretending to be nice to you when I really want to kick you to the fucking ground.”
Maybe a touch too hard. But his lips curled into a smile and I didn’t miss the way his eyes flicked to my mouth. “Such a wicked, testy thing.”
“Got a problem with that?” I tipped my glass back, finishing the crafted drink before wiping the corners of my lips, waiting for a response. Again, his eyes went to my mouth.
“Absolutely not.”
I just rolled my eyes. “You fucking wish, buddy.”
“There are plenty of things I’d wish for before you in my bed, sweetheart,” Azriel challenged, rocking slightly on his heels. “World peace, a lamborghini-”
“A lamborghini?”
“Earplugs,” He rattled off next. “Seriously, do you ever stop talking?”
“Only when I’m certain I’ve made my point.”
“Cassian, your sister won’t shut up,” Azriel whined like a toddler.
“Seriously, you’re tattling to my brother? What are you, three years old? Get a fucking life, dude.”
“I’m not three, I’m just annoyed.”
“Both of you, stop it. Now.” Cassian was pissed. His cheeks were a little red and his eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets. “If you don’t start behaving I’ll drag you out of here myself.”
“Yes mother.” My jaw was damn near on the floor. I wasn’t five anymore. I didn’t need to be scolded by Cassian. And especially not by Azriel who was quietly chuckling to himself. “What the fuck is your problem with me?”
“I don’t have a problem with you,” Azriel shook his head. “Despite my better judgment you’re actually kind of funny. But Jesus, you need to learn how to respect people. Do you know how hard he works to put this on every year?”
I didn’t, and I didn’t care. “Why does it matter?”
“It takes months and months to coordinate. Between investors, vendors, caterers, guests… It takes a small army. And to then suddenly throw you back into the mix? Did you ever stop and think about how he might be handling all this?”
No. I hadn’t. Not for a second. I didn’t respond. I am an awful fucking person.
“Exactly. This hasn’t been the easiest transition for any of us. So do us all a favor and cut him some slack,” Azriel’s tone was a little sharp, but he wasn’t being unreasonable.
And he was right. I hadn’t thought about how any of them would adjust to me being here. Out of the blue. Just in their lives and in their business after years of not knowing that I even roamed this earth.
“It’s not fair,” I mumbled.
“What isn’t fair?” Azriel asked.
“Cassian is the one who cut me out of his life. Not the other way around. He has no reason to be pissed at me for just simply existing,” I huffed, air rushing back into my lungs.
“I think it’s a little more complex than-”
“What the fuck do you know about us anyway?” I spun to face him, not giving a flying fuck about who was listening. “Cause I’m thinking it’s not much because if you knew, you’d know who I was from the beginning. So keep your speculations to yourself from now on. Got it?”
To my surprise, he actually nodded, biting his lips and not looking my way again as the rest of the guests flowed in.
I was hot. Burning hot with rage and anger and hate. The fucking nerve he has to pretend he knows what happened between Cassian and I. The second Cassian said I could go, I was flying back around the corner to the bar. Thankfully, Cass didn’t try to stop me. He might’ve walked out of here with one less hand.
The two shots of tequila left a wake of burn in my esophagus and settled in my stomach. I needed food. Quick. I didn’t actually want to give myself alcohol poisoning.
There were typical fancy party snacks and shit that wasn’t going to be enough to fill me up. The place was buzzing with people and now I just wanted to leave. I was irritated and a little sweaty. Those things didn’t mix well when I got overwhelmed. And the absolute last thing I needed was to have a panic attack in a room full of people.
I feel so violated. None of what was going on here tonight was okay. There was little I could do to keep my emotions in check. This was wildly unfair. Down right cruel. Cassian didn’t own me and he sure as hell needed to get his friend under control.
I needed air. Badly.
“... I don’t know whether or not that event is going to be able to fit into our calendar. We are already booked through the end of the year and- Ira?”
“I’m just going outside for a minute,” I said quietly to Cassian. I gave him a look I hoped he would recognize from years ago. The one I always gave him when he knew I wasn’t able to breathe right for one reason or another. “Just wanted to let you know.”
He gave a nod. And that was more than enough of an understanding. I kept my head down and pressed through the crowd to a set of doors. The setting sun greeted me as the chilly september air brightened my senses again.
In for four, out for four. In for five, out for five. In for six, out for six.
One of the only memories I have of Cassian actually being helpful was when he taught me how to control my breath when I had my first panic attack. I was about six years old. Dana and Arthur were having a conversation in the other room and I overheard them.
“She doesn’t understand right from wrong,” Dana shouted. “What are we supposed to do?”
“Be patient with her, Dana,” Arthur countered. “She just found out they’re not getting adopted. She has every right to be angry and untrusting of us. It’s not her fault. She needs time to adjust to the situation.”
“Yes it is her fault! She got into her teacher's purse and stole her wallet! She pushed a kid off of platform at recess. She is out of control. Here, at school… she is gonna move on to worse shit one day.”
“Ira,” Cassian shook my shoulders. “Ira it’s okay, just breathe.”I hiccuped a sob, snot dripping down my chin. My brain and chest and lungs felt like they were on fire. I couldn’t hear or see anything clearly and all my limbs felt numb and tingly.
“Shhh, Ira it’s okay. I’m here with you. Follow me, put your hands on my chest. Feel me breathing okay? Can you follow my breathing?”
I just nodded, not able to form any words. With every rise of his chest I pulled in a shakey, nauseating breath to match his. In… and out… in… and out…
I opened my eyes and felt my control slip back into my body. The colors in the sky grounded me back to the present and I let the tingling seep from my fingers and toes. Who would’ve thought that suddenly finding yourself back in communication with the person who abandoned you would cause such an emotional roller coaster?
I did not see any of this coming. In the past two days I’ve had more anxious episodes than I have in the past two years. That’s when I got out of “not juvy” and came to live with Dana and Arthur again.
They were stronger than ever and I had no fucking idea why. That's a complete lie. Of course I knew why. I hadn’t seen Cassian for years and now I’m suddenly living with him again? What did I expect to happen? Clearly I didn’t know it would trigger a fuck ton of memories that I’d rather bury in my mind for the rest of my life. But here we are.
Here I am. Standing outside of his hotel. His hotel. Having a panic attack. God I am so fucking pathetic.
This is not the way I wanted tonight to go. If I was going to be stuck here with him for the rest of the night then I was gonna spend it on my own fucking terms. Fuck him. Fuck Cassian and his stupid rules.
With another grounding breath, I rolled back my shoulders, taking another look at the sky before opening the door. I swallowed my self pity and put my game face on. Now I’m on a fucking mission. I was here to have fun. To make friends, per Cassian’s request.
Let’s go win some fucking money.
___
Two and a half hours later I had a stack of chips around me and a royal flush between my two cards and the river. There was a crowd behind me and someone’s sunglasses rested on the bridge of my nose.
“Miss, the turn is yours. What’s your call?” The dealer asked.
I had a royal flush. He was not beating that. Just couldn’t. I smirked, pretending to peek at my cards to appear in distress. “Check.”
“Check,” the only other player said from my right.
The dealer burned and turned the last card, and another fucking hit appeared in the river. I’ve got him by the fucking balls.
“Check,” the man says again, tapping his fingers on the table relentlessly.
“All in,” I said instantly, the small crowd gasping as I pushed the dozens of chips into the center pot. Could you believe that all I had was twenty dollars to start with and now I was over two grand? It pays to be bold sometimes.
He flipped over his cards, revealing a straight flush with a smirk.
I clicked my tongue, “Damn. Thought I had that one.”
“Ha!” The man pumps his hand in the air. “Nice try, pretty girl, but I’m-”
“Sorry, is that an eight you turned over?” I asked the dealer, full well knowing that it’s a nine.
“N-no it’s a nine, ma’am,” she pushed it closer to me and I glanced at my cards.
“Oh,” I chuckled and leaned back. “Thank god, for a second I thought you beat me! But I think a royal flush beats a straight.”
Even the dealer had her mouth open. The guy to my right damn near broke the glass that was halfway to his mouth. I flipped over my cards and spread them out for all to see. Cheers erupted around me as I won the whole fucking tournament.
“Bitch,” he hurled my way, but I let it slide off me as I stuck my arms in the air, pushing the glasses down to give him a wink as he walked by.
“Congratulations, miss,” the dealer smiled. “The pot is yours to cash. And there is the bonus as well. Follow me.”
Bonus? I got a bonus for beating some old man's ass at cards? Hell fucking yeah. I was more than buzzed and I swayed when I stood up. A hand steadied me as I wobbled.
“Note to self, don’t mix tequila with champagne,” I giggled. “Thank you, Cassian.”
Cassian? Cassian. Oh SHIT. CASSIAN. Uh oh. I'm in big. Fucking. Trouble.
“I think there has been some confusion, Darla,” Cassian said to the dealer. “She was not eligible to compete in today's tournament.”
“Oh? That’s not what I was told. She signed up validly and was-” I watched her eyes dart from my face to Cassians; albeit through blurry eyes, so maybe she was looking behind me. I turned over my shoulder, asking if she wanted to talk to the people behind me. “Oh…”
“Yeah, oh,” Cassian sighed. “Not your fault. We’ll think of something to do with the earnings.”
“Those are my chips, I won them fair and square. As square as Spongebob. The one who lived in the pineapple under the sea,” I clarified in case anyone didn’t know which one I was talking about.
“Apologies, sir.”
“It’s alright,” he tugged me closer to his body and I stumbled into him. “Let’s go. You’re cut off.”
“Should’ve done that a long time ago, Cassie,” I slurred some of my words, I think. But who cared when I felt like I was walking through the clouds.
“Don’t call me that here,” Cassie grumbled, dragging me away from the table and my beer that I'd yet to finish. Of course my only logical response was to say it over and over and over again as loud as I could.
“Wait, my beer!” I cried. “Can we go back and get it?”
“No, we can’t,” he snapped. Cassian dragged me around a corner and into some room off to the side. When he shut the door, he sat me in a chair. This looked oddly like an interrogation room. Especially when he flipped on the single overhead light. He took a deep breath. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”
“No,” I gurgled. “I am very much in my mind. See? It’s not going anywhere, my thick skull keeps it there for me.”
“Don’t play stupid, Ira. What made you think it would be a good idea to enter into the poker tournament. Or that I’d be okay with it?”
“You didn’t specify that it was off limits,” I shrugged. He didn’t and he knew it. “And the bingo was boring. They kept reading them wrong and it pissed me off. They kicked me out.”
“What?” Cassian’s eyes were comically wide. “What the fuck did you do?”
“I kept telling them they were wrong. No one else was doing it so I took it upon myself. Batman has saved Gotham once again!”
Cassian actually had to restrain himself punching me. I was sure of it. He brought up his arms, but did nothing with them. He just shook his head in what seemed like disbelief. “There are very few things that make me want to drive my hand through a wall, Ira. But right now? You are at the top of the fucking list.”
“Get in line,” I swayed a little in my seat. “I don’t know why your panties are all in a knot. You told me to have fun. And I was having fun. I was winning money.”
“You are unbelievable,” Cassian huffed.
I just folded my arms. A knock on the door had me groaning and I tossed my head back. “Can I go now?”
“No. Who is it?”
“Me,” a voice that sounded a lot like Azriel’s said. Great. Just what I need. Him.
“Come in,” Cassian commands and the door swings in. “What?”
“Amren wants to know what's going on. She’s kind of pissed because people are not happy right now,” Azriel said, and I could feel his eyes all over me. “Don’t you look like a bottle of sunshine."
I flipped him off.
“Tell them Ira is going to donate the money to the charity,” Cassian said after a few moments of silence. When I shot my head back up, mouth open in protest, I felt like I was gonna throw up so I snapped it shut quickly.
“Okay,” Azriel shrugged as if that was easy enough.
“No,” I blurted out. “That’s not fair, I won that money. I want to decide what to do with it.”
“Well, it’s customary to donate all earned money to the charity tonight. It’s the… courteous thing to do. You should know that since you apparently know how to be classy,” Azriel’s tone was laced with venom. Little did he know I had fangs of my own.
“That’s my fucking money,” I snapped. “Who gives a shit if it’s donated to charity. It’s just a couple grand.” I watch them share a look. Blinking. Not saying any words. “What?”
“Where did you get a couple grand?”
“I won it,” I shrugged, not thinking anything of it. “I had a twenty in my purse and-”
“Don’t fucking lie to me, Ira. Did you win it or did you steal it?”
He might as well have slapped me clean across the face. The way my heart sank in my chest… he didn’t trust me. He had not one fucking ounce of trust in me. “You’re kidding, right?”
He just gave me an unnerving look.
“You really don’t trust me, do you?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Yes,” I nodded. “That's absolutely the point. I was just trying to have fun. Like you told me to do. Not everything I’m involved with is a scam, Cassian. I can’t even believe you would think that. I didn’t even know anything about the tournament until I sat down to play.”
“You’re saying you didn’t know how much that jackpot was? Or the bonus?”
“I didn’t even know there was a bonus,” I said truthfully. “How much?”
“Nothing,” Cassian dragged a hand down his face, thumbs in his eyes.
“Well, it’s certainly not nothing,” Azriel raised his eyebrows.
“How. Much.”
“Not a fucking-”
“Thirty four-thousand total,” Azriel said way to enthusiastically.
“You’re gonna donate thirty four-thousand dollars? And it’s the money that I earned? What the fuck is wrong with you? I could use that money, you know.”
“Why the fuck did you say anyhing?” Cassian was running his fingers through his unbound hair.
Azriel just shrugged, “Because I knew the look on her face would be hilarious.”
“Don’t you have better things to do? This needs to be a private conversation.” I was damn near seething now. He was not serious. He could not do something like this to me again. He’s undermining me.
“Not really, and this is really funny,” Azriel grinned, fussing with the cufflinks on his wrists.
“Why don’t you go suck face with Mor, you fucking asshole.” Woah… totally shouldn’t have said that. Even I was a little taken aback at my words.
Cassian narrowed his eyes and brows, just moving his eyes between Azriel and I.
No one moved. I’m not even sure anyone breathed. I just watched my brother and his douchebag of a friend exchange a series of looks. They made facial expressions like they were talking, but I never heard any words. Suddenly I felt a whole hell of a lot more sober.
“Good luck, princess,” Azriel said in that tone that made me want to peel the skin of his bones. Then the door clicked shut. Just Cassian and I. In an enclosed space.
“The money is going to be donated. And that is final. You’re going home. Right now. I’m done dealing with you,” Cassian’s words dig deep. I’m done dealing with you. I’m done dealing with you.
“Yeah, walk the fuck away. Just like you always do. I thought you’d change, Cass. But clearly you’re still the same coward you were six years ago. After all this time… you still don’t trust me. Still don’t trust your sister. It’s only been two days and you’re already kicking me to the curb? Some brother you are.” I was disgusted by him. Never in my life would I have though he would’ve reacted like this to seeing me again. Sure I expected him and I to have our differences. But this? This was borderline torture.
I watched his shoulders tense as he paused by the door. He didn’t speak, but he didn’t need to. I knew I hit right where I wanted to. And I hoped it fucking hurt.
___
The clang of something against iron forces my eyes open. I groan, trying to open my eyes but find that they’re crusted together. Fucking gross. I roll my head back, neck cracking with the movement.
Everything above my shoulders– including those– ached.
I practically peeled my lashes open one by one, light bright in my eyes. I blinked several times to clear the gunk and noted how dry my mouth was. Man… I should’ve drank more water.
I know I sent a neuron or two from my brain to tell my arm to move, but it didn’t. My arms didn’t move as I tried again, and then again. I sat up in a panic, taking in my surroundings as quickly as I could through the splitting headache.
Bars. Iron bars. Concrete floors, cinder block walls.
Oh shit.
“Ira Drallor?” Damn it’s been a while since anyone used my last name. A man was in front of me through the rows of bars.
“Huh?” My chest rose and fell quickly. “W-What the fuck is happening? Where am I?”
“Relax, you’re not under arrest.” Arrest… Arrest? Holy shit, I’m in a fucking jail cell. “We just needed somewhere safe to put you.”
“Put me? What do you mean put me? Where’s all my stuff? What happened?”
“Calm down, someone is on their way to get you,” He held out a steady hand, unlocking the gate and stepping inside. “I’m gonna come and take off the cuffs, okay?”
I scrambled up and turned around, hearing the unmistakable sound of handcuffs unlocking. The second they fell away I grabbed them, massaging the red indentations. “What the fuck happened?”
“You were out on the street drunker than the Chicago Bulls after their NBA Championship,” he chuckled. Because I knew whatever the fuck that meant. “Someone reported you, not to get you into trouble, but because you were alone. Walking down a busy street at two AM. With one shoe. In the middle of the road. At least you still had your purse with and ID in it.”
So much for having any ounce of self preservation. Or dignity.
“Am I being charged?” I hope to god that they don’t know I have a criminal record.
“No,” he says and I deflate instantly. “But some advice? Maybe just… don’t ever do that again.”
I gave the closest thing to a smile that I could, and then he left. I looked around, then down at myself.
My feet were bare, but both of my shoes were tucked in the corner. Along with my purse. Two of my nails were gone and my hands were covered in grime. My skirt was torn and I’m sure that my face is a wreck. There is a little mirror above the toilet and I might as well have been out to sea for seven years.
My hair is a rat's nest and, to no one’s surprise, my mascara is streaked down my face. I look like I’ve been beaten half to death with my makeup everywhere.
Two things were going through my mind: what the fuck happend being the first. The second was Cassian might actually kill me.
Guilt and dread filled my stomach, pushing anything else in there to the surface and into the toilet. I gagged and hacked and coughed into it. This was definitely not my proudest moment. Vomiting in a jail cell toilet that hasn’t been cleaned in god knows when.
Just how I wanted to start my day. Or night, I had no idea what time it was. Of if it was the same day.
The guard must’ve been nearby because he brought me some water and a packet of crackers. He’ll be on that list with Lucien if I make it out of here with my head still on my body after Cassian shows up.
Fuck… what am I gonna say to Cassian? I hardly remember anything from last night– the night before?– and I don’t know the full extent of what I did. I remember the poker game and then being furious at Cassian about him making me donate all of it. Oh god… I didn’t have to get up on stage and declare that, did I? Fuck… this is gonna be a mess to clean up.
What I couldn't figure out was why I was so mad at Cassian. He probably said something stupid. He always does when he’s angry. I back-tracked through my memories. I was playing poker, then I won. I remember getting dragged into some room and Azriel was in there. No- Azriel came in later. I think?
Never drinking that much ever again.
“Well well well.”
I snapped my head up way too quickly and the light above me circled around and around. I rubbed the back of my neck, squinting until the figure came into clearer view.
That was not Cassian. And he was objectively worse.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed at Azriel. I was so not in the mood to see him. Or hear him. Or smell his cologne but I guess none of that was really up to me since I was behind bars.
“I’m the one bailing you out,” he folded his arms over his chest, smiling smugly as he shook his head. “You look like a fucking disaster.”
“Gee, it’s almost like I got blackout drunk and woke up in a jail cell. What’d you expect, me to be well rested and done up like a Barbie?”
“I see your attitude is as snarky as ever. If I would’ve known you were gonna get locked up at the sight of me and Mor I would’ve done it a lot sooner. This is priceless,” Azriel made a vague gesture to me being locked up and leaned up against the wall.
Him and Mor? Oh- right. Fuck, was I that obvious about it? I really didn’t feel like bickering with him. I just wanted to go home and go to sleep. “What time is it?”
He looked at the watch I had plucked off his wrist earlier. “Almost five.”
“AM or PM?”
“AM?” He gave me a funny look. “Do you have any recollection of what happened?”
“Does it fucking look like I know what happened? No, I don’t. But can you hurry up and get me the fuck out of here?”
“Only if you say please,” Azriel smiled, his stupid, perfectly white teeth flashing.
I blinked at him. “Azriel I swear to god I will-”
“Just say please and I will get that guard over here to unlock you. The longer you let your pride win, the longer you’ll have to wait for the aspirin, Gatorade, and bacon egg and cheese bagel in the car.”
Every single remark flew out of my mind the second he said aspirin. “Azriel, please get me out of here.”
“Like you mean it,” he grinned wider if that was even possible.
I was gonna put him through a wall the second I got out of here. But I inhaled, detaching my shoulders from my ears, and swallowed. “Azriel, please. Please get me out of here…”
Something softened in his eyes as he nodded to his right. The sound of keys jingling cut through the air and the guard appeared. Thank fucking god.
“Alright, Miss Drallor, you’re free to go. Get home safe, you two,” he smiled as I walked by, and I read his name tag. Benjamin.
“Thank you Benjamin,” I smiled, arms full of my belongings. “I’ll try not to get that hammered again. Thanks for keeping me safe.”
“I had a daughter your age once. If someone did the same for her as I did for you, I’d owe them a hell of a favor. Take care, now.”
With a mutual nod, I padded over- still barefoot- to Azriel. “Can we go now?”
“Sure,” he pushed off the wall, spinning his keys around his finger, catching them in his palm.
The sun was just beginning to shed light on the horizon, a few birds chirping along with the crickets. It was cold, and my feet ached more than my fucking head. I kept my eyes on the ground, careful to not step on any sharp stones in the parking lot.
“Over here,” Azriel waved, guiding me towards a shiny black Audi R8. Jesus fuck that was a nice car. I paused a few feet from the passenger door, taking in the all black vehicle. This thing cost about seventeen times more than my life's worth. “Leave any scratches and I’ll drop you on the side of the road.”
Some part of me knew he was joking, but I took it seriously. I just wanted to get back to the house.
I carefully opened the door and set my things on the floor in front of the plush leather seat. I began to go around the hem of my skirt, taking out all of the safety pins and cupped them in my hand.
“Ira that was… I wasn’t serious.”
I just shrugged, looking at him as I sat down. “I think I’ve caused enough fucking damage for one day so I’d rather not risk it.”
The car fired up with a touch of his finger and roared to life. Before pulling away, he reached in the back and plopped a small brown bag in my lap. Did he just… he actually bought me supplies? I peaked in the bag, cheeks heating up a little with tenderness as I saw exactly what he said he had. A bottle of blue Gatorade, a thing of aspirin, and a delicious smelling sandwich.
“I uhh,” I was genuinely at a loss for words. “Thanks, Azriel.”
“Yeah, it’s not a problem. It's one thing to press buttons, but I don't kick people when they're down. Despite what you think, I am a gentleman.” Why was he being nice to me? Why were his eyes smiling like his mouth? This is weird. Everything about this is weird.
We pulled out of the parking lot and headed down the road. Lamp posts were still on, and a few deer were over on a field once we got out of the main city. There was some soft music playing on the radio as we drove back to the house.
“I’m gonna warn you, Cassian is furious.”
“Great.” What did I expect, though. I shoved the bagel into my mouth and might’ve actually moaned at how good it tasted.
“In all honesty, I think he’s more afraid than anything. You were there in the room when he left and then you were just gone. Literally no one saw you leave, how did you get out?”
“I’m Houdini,” I snorted around a mouthful. His shoulders shook with laughter. “No, I don’t know. I just… do that I guess.”
“Not the first time you’ve had to make an escape, huh?” Azriel drove with one hand on the wheel, eyes flicking over to me before they settled back on the road.
“You can just add it to the never ending list of ‘skills’ I have,” I said. Every emotion wretched through my bones. Above all was shame. “He’s gonna kill me.”
“No,” Azriel pressed his lips together. “I genuinely think he’s not gonna be as pissed as he is worried.”
“What do you mean not gonna? Does he know you found me?” He shook his head. “What- why?”
“Because it would give him time to be coherent when he sees you after what happened yesterday. I don’t think you want that, do you?” No, I abso-fucking-lutely did not want him to prepare before I could get there. I shook my head. “Then consider this a formal favor.”
“A favor?”
“Yes. I saved your ass from Cassian, now I want something in return.”
“What could I possibly have that you would want? Cause you’re sure as hell not gonna get access to my top secret box of top secret secrets.” Maybe I'm still a little drunk. We took a sharp corner and I leavened into it, head smacking into the side of the car. Yup. Definitely still drunk.
“You have a box of top secret shit?” He gave me the blandest ‘I don’t believe your bullshit’ look ever.
“No, but if I did you wouldn’t get access to it,” I smiled, taking another huge bite of the sandwich. It was so fucking good. “What do you want?”
“I want to know what the fuck happened between you two.”
The fucking audacity. He had no right to ask, and he had no need to be in our business. “Sorry, that’s one of my top secret secrets. Better luck next time.”
He clicked his tongue, “Stop being such a hardass for once in your life and just answer the question. I’m not gonna tell anyone, I just want to know why you two are at each other's throats all the time.”
“It really isn’t any of your business,” I said, folding my arms over my chest.
“Well, you’re living in my house so yeah, it kind of is my business.”
Fair point.
“There really isn’t much to it. He fucking abandoned me with our foster parents. Totally left me alone with them without a fraction of an explanation or a way to find him.” Why was I telling him any of this? I didn’t fucking owe him anything. “I think the worst part about it was that I blamed myself more than anything. I’ve spent six years of my live thinking I was the one who drove him away when in reality he ditched me for fucking you and Rhys. So I apologize if I don’t welcome you with open arms, but you mean absolutely nothing to me.”
Azriel was silent. I didn’t even hear him breathe. “Ira, it wasn’t-”
“There, I said it. Are you happy now? Fucking prick,” I ground my teeth together so hard I thought they’d crack out of my jaw. Tears stung my eyes and I forced myself to look out the window so he wouldn’t see my trembling lip.
In for four, out for four…
When we pulled in the small driveway, Azriel put the car in park but made no move to get out. And neither did I.
“If it means anything, I really hope you two work your shit out. Because not only is it a pain to listen to, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Cassian so…”
“Burdened?” I finished for him.
“No,” he gave a small chuckle. “I was gonna say challenged. He is one hell of a dedicated person. He's determined to a fault. And the way he talks about you is… he really wants to help you. He wants to be there for you now that you’re here. He just doesn't know how to yet.”
“So he just sees me as something to fix? Fucking perfect.” I rolled my eyes, collecting my things and reached for the handle. It didn’t open. I clicked the lock button and it still didn’t move. When I snapped my eyes to Azriel, he had his finger on the child lock button. “Let me out of here. Right now. And I will not be saying please.”
“Here him out,” Azriel gave me a look. A pointed look. “He wants to help you, not fix you. You don’t need to be fixed, Ira. You just need to be shown some basic human kindness for once in your life.”
“Because you would know anything about being treated less than royalty. Open the fucking door or I’ll show you exactly how good some of my skills are,” I threatened. I was not above breaking windows. Especially if I was practically being held hostage. He listened.
Wise move.
I marched up to the door, smoke billowing out of my ears as I tired the handle. Locked.
Having to wait for Azriel to come and unlock it was mortifying. It might even haunt me in my dreams. He strode up the sidewalk like he had all goddamn day, sliding the key into the hole and turning it.
The foyer was empty, save for the shoes haphazardly piled in the corner. Two short beeps rang though the space as the alarm system declared the door was open. The stairs were right there and it would be so easy to-
“Azriel? Did you find her? I’m about ready to call the fucking National Guard where the hell could she… Ira,” Cassian came out of nowhere and barreled into me, scooping me in his arms. I could barely breathe, and my head and neck and body throbbed.
I coughed, the air strangling out of my lungs. He was hugging me. Cassian was hugging me. He never hugged me, even as a kid. Only when I had panic attacks would he hug me.
“Fucking put me down.” I thought I was gonna be popped like a grape.
“Where the fuck have you been? Do you have any idea how fucking worried I have been? Where did you go? Why are you so… so dirty?”
I just gaped my mouth open like a fish.
“You wanna tell him or should I?” Azriel quipped from the corner.
“Pipe it, Azzhole.” I didn’t care if it was unoriginal, it was still funny. I turned back around and looked up at Cassian. For a moment I let myself believe that he was actually worried about me. “And I honestly have no idea, I can’t remember. I woke up in a prison cell.”
I watched all the color drain from his face. “P-Prison? What the fuck, Ira? You were arrested?”
“No, apparently a good samaritan saw me wandering in the middle of the street? Barefoot as well. Well, technically I had one shoe on, I have no idea how they found the other one actually-”
“You spent the night in prison?” Cassian roared, surely waking the whole fucking neighborhood. His eyes were huge and he breathed raggedly, hands smothering my shoulders.
“Chill out, I’m fine. They just kept me there to keep me safe for the night. How they got in contact with Azriel is beyond me,” I shrugged, brushing off his hands. I moved down the hall and settling into one of the kitchen chairs. Cassian stood so tensely I wasn’t entirely sure he wouldn’t break himself in half. “No charges.”
“Thank fucking god,” he blew out a breath of air, covering his eyes with his hand. Then he glared at Azriel. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me you knew she was alright? Alive even?”
Azriel just shrugged, “Because I like fucking with you.”
“This is not something you fuck around with, Az. This is my sister, she could’ve been dead for all I knew. O-Or kidnapped. How did you even know where she was?”
“I got a text from one of the bouncers that said a woman matching her description tried to break into the club,” Azriel’s gaze hardened when he looked at me. “Apparently you smashed one of the windows and took a bottle of Jack Daniels.”
My blood ran cold. Now that was a legit crime.
“So I went down the street, found your shoe, and eventually you. For the record, I was that good samaritan that called in to the station. So you’re fucking welcome for not pressing charges.” Azriel looked pissed. Rightfully so, if all that was true. All traces of that sentimental conversation, all traces of any kindness were gone.
Cassian just breathed in. Then he breathed out. A little longer inhale the next time around told me he was doing the same trick he taught me all those years ago.
I twiddled my thumbs. “Let’s get the yelling out of the way.”
“I’m not gonna yell,” Cassian rubbed the looming five o’clock shadow on his jaw.
“Just get it over with. I can take it, don’t hold back,” I rested my temple on my fist, eyes taking in my dirty ass feet. I need a shower. And then a bath. And then my cardboard box of a bed.
“No,” Cassian shook his head. “I’m not gonna yell at you, Ira. I’m done yelling at you. Clearly it’s not getting anywhere so what’s the point? I just spent the past seven hours scouring the city for you because I thought you left. And I was sick to my stomach because of the last words we spoke to each other. I know I’ve been a shitty brother. A coward. But I just got you back… I don't want to lose you again.”
A rush of memories crashed into me. My very drunk words rattled around in my head. Some brother you are. They played over and over and over and-
“So you’re… not pissed?”
“Oh,” Cassian scoffed. “I’m fucking irate. But I’m just relieved that you’re alright.”
A total fucking one-eighty from a few hours ago. Huh. Weird.
“But Ira we– we have to do something because I can’t ever have that happen again. So, here’s what we’re going to do. Starting next Monday you are going to be working at the hotel for me.”
“Okay that’s… that’s fine,” I shrugged. I was totally expecting him to send me to the military. I felt like there was a catch coming.
“And every penny that you make is going towards paying Azriel back for the damages that you caused.”
There it was.
Well, it’s better than being on the street. I looked from him to Azriel. Him and that fucking smirk. “Fine.”
“Good,” Cassian blew out a long breath. “Oh, and you’ll be working for Azirel, too.”
“What?” Both of us exclaimed at the same time.
“Didn’t you say you could use an extra set of hands, Az?” There was a very obvious tone to him. He wasn’t offering my help, he was volunteering me. Involuntarily. “You can put her in charge of cleaning up in the mornings.”
“I don’t want her in my building, she wrecked it,” he spat, pacing over to us at the table. He was so tall from this angle.
“Too bad. You want the costs covered?” Cassian stuck a hand out at me, “Well there it is. It’s been a long day. Go to fucking bed, both of you. And keep your bickering to a minimum please. Nesta is still asleep.”
“Good to know she cared about me enough to make an appearance,” I huffed, receiving an eye roll from Cassian. His feet sounded up the stairs and Azriel and I were left in the kitchen. Alone. Very very alone. “Look, I don’t want to do this as much as you do so why don’t we just sweep this under the rug and call it a day. Both of us know you could pay to have a window fixed by sunrise so… wave your magic wand and make it go away.”
Azriel grinned. A devilish look. A devious look. “Oh, absolutely not. You broke my window, and you’re going to come up with the money to fix it.”
Petty bitch. Only he could rival my pettiness.
“And if I have to call in reinforcements,” he pointed up, referring to Cassian. “I will.”
“Oh, because I’m so afraid of my brother? Please.”
“No,” Azriel closed the distance between us. His body heat radiated toward me, his breath fluttering some of my loose hair. “But you should be very afraid of me.”
#azriel#azriel shadowsinger#acotar fanfiction#acotar fanfic#acotar#acotar fandom#azriel x oc#azriel acotar#azriel x ofc#rhys acotar#feyre acotar#mor acotar#cassian acotar#azriel fanfic
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Hello!, I've been reading your works and i love how you depict each character, anddd I have a request for V1, V2, and Gabriel!
How would they handle a reader who is a bit more rough love (i.e; light punches, gentle shoves, snarky words but an undertone of 'hey i love you'), and tend to be a little more defensive, reason for it being.. anything you want it to be :D
Also if its okay, could this be a 'read as platonic or romantic'?
Pumpkin, You're Gonna Kill Me
roughhousing reader headcanons (included; V1, V2, Gabriel)
x reader content (read platonic or romantic)
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V1
- it would take them a while to recognise your actions as affectionate, and would probably result in a bruise or two on your end (you tried punching a war machine, if anything that's your fault)
- half of your snarky comments are going to be met by blank stares. while this isn't particularly productive for conversations, they like fucking with you in their own way. you never know if they are offended or if your joke flopped (it's neither, they're a little shit and abuse the fact they don't have facial features)
- their genuine reaction to said comments is indifference, they aren't usually the type to be spurred on by words. if you say something with especially poor timing the most they are likely to do is to turn and give you a full body 'did you actually just say that' look
- sparring will most likely become a common activity. it gives you a way to express affection in a way you're used to while giving V1 a chance to work on using only as much force as necessary. no weapons are involved on their end, but you would be free to use anything besides a gun (unless you're willing to be a blood donor)
- while they were never designed with conflict management in mind (at least not the kind that doesn't involve bulllets) they aren't too bad at it. they will quickly recognise that you get defensive and give you space during conflict. quality time is usually how they comfort you, and if you're feeling particularly defensive and insecure they will offer a sparring session. they would never usually rig a fight in your favour, but giving you a few more chances to hit them usually helps cheer you up
- after some time of them getting used to it rough contact will be returned, with less force to account for your squishy exterior. on the odd chance they shove you too hard or use too much force their wings will droop in an apology, that or they will give you a free shot to shove them as hard as you want
- while they don't care as much about your defensiveness as some others might, it will still prompt conflict at times. if your ego or insecurity is keeping you from resolving conflict they won't give you a pass. they aren't entirely immune to negative comments, if you end up crossing a line or refusing to admit and accept your mistakes they will distance themself until you apologise
V2
- they would probably match your energy, if not take it as a sign you want to spar. such aggresive physical contact is endearing to them, you could hardly hurt them even if you wanted to, so feel free to go all out
- i imagine surprise roughhousing would soon become commonplace, you full on tackling them out of nowhere with a "think fast". it's all fun and games until they do it to you, expect a couple bruises after that
- any half-hearted snarky comments would be met with playful glares or a shove in return. despite their—at times—staggering ego, they aren’t particularly bothered by snide remarks, serious or not
- the both of you would have a very similar way of expressing affection for eachother. while others would look on with mild shock as the both of you do your best middleschool bully impersonations, the both of you understand what lines you can and cannot cross
- this would, however, backfire slightly in regards to emotional vulnerability and conflict. V2 can come off as cold or insensitive at the best of times, this is only worsened when one or the both of you are upset. they aren't particularly equipped for comfort, it will take a lot of effort on both of your parts to work through this, especiallly on V2's half
- on a serious and slightly less healthy note, V2 would take advantage of your defensiveness. they know how to prod at you to provoke you. while they would normally have no reason to do so, i imagine if they are particularly annoyed at you they would fall back onto purposefully provoking you
- similarly, apologies of any kind are going to be rare. a lot of your conflict resolution is going to boil down to leaving eachother alone for a while, before coming around again with an "are we cool?"
Gabriel
- it would take him by surprise at first. he isn't used to super casual interactions with other people yet alone anything boisterous. this will probably lead to a few miscommunications — him taking a few snarky comments as genuine insults. while he would come to understand this is how you express comfortability and closeness, he probably won't mimic or play along
- even when he knows you don't really mean it, snarky comments will prompt dramatic reactions. such reactions will often be followed by a pause as he realises you weren't serious. he's embarrased every time he misses the joke, but a flustered Gabriel was most likely your goal anyway
- the one time he tried to copy your behaviour he accidentaly punched you with much more force than he intended. you received one big ass bruise and a myriad of apologies afterwards
- he will eventually become used to your behaviour - well, most of it. i doubt he'd ever get entirely used to that type of physical contact (light or not); he will always jump slightly if you shove or lightly punch him. he isn't scared or angered by any means, merely confused and slightly annoyed. he might understand your reasoning, but it just isn't how he acts, and as such there is always a level of disconnect
- he would inevitably clash with your defensive reactions. he has a strong sense of justice and gets especially angered by lying in any form - white lies included. if you don't own up to your faults or mistakes he will be blunt about his disapproval. he won't let you get away with trying to save your ego, he'll expect you to fully apologise for any disrespectful behaviour, wether you see it as disrespectful or not
- unlike the others he will eventually prompt you to explain why you act defensive. he wants to know it isn't prompted by anything he is doing. he wants you to feel comfortable with him, both physically and emotionally. he's happy to help you work on it, but most of the effort will still need to be on your end
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thank you very much for the request. as usual requests are always open - i'm thinking i might open up slots for short stories as well - but in the meantime i will take headcanons and music matches. thanks for reading
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Task force 141!gangster au x reader
Enemies?
This is part 4. Leave a comment if you want to be tagged in future posts. Navigation
TW: Police violence
The next week or so is… difficult. You send notice that you need time off. It gets rejected and Graves continues to come by to check in and all you can tell him is you sat in your apartment. Graves doesn’t comment, only shakes his head and leaves.
One night you finally leave your apartment, going off into the cold night. As you’re walking though, a couple of officers notice you. The rest is a blur.
You’re in pain, sore and can barely stay standing as you walk. You find safety in an all too familiar alley, where you had met Soap for the first time. You sat down and hugged your knees feeling sorry for yourself once again. Everyone was against you now. You couldn’t trust anyone it seemed. You let the cold seep into your clothes and your bones and prayed for something. You didn’t know what but something, something you could trust, someone who could tell you the truth.
Your father was always truthful. He encouraged you to be open with him, and he was open with you. If something was bothering you, and you didn’t want to talk about it, he would offer a trade. A story for your story. When he came home you would notice something bothering him, and offer the same. Never a lie between you too…but apparently there were secrets.
You were a long way from your apartment. A cab wouldn’t likely pick you up anytime soon. You recall the note Ghost had given you, as you shoved your hands into your pockets and pulled it out.
You wasted little time typing the number into your phone and texting it.
Y/N: Hello? I was told to text this for a ride.
???: On my way. Where are you?
Y/N: I’ll meet you near the library, downtown. It’s not far from where I am.
???: Red scarf yeah?
Y/N: yes.
You head over to the library, your bruises screaming at you along with the cold, making your entire body beg for comfort and warmth. You started wondering if you should go inside the library’s when a fancy black vehicle pulled up. The driver window rolled down and a man with dark skin peeked out.
“Y/N L/N?” He asks. You nod, and he gives a concerned look at you. “Back seat.”
You nod and open the door to the car, climbing into the back. The driver looks at you through the rear view while you shiver in the back.
“Kyle Garrick. Call me Gaz.” He says. You give a small nod and a tiny smile. The car starts moving. When it takes the wrong turn, you get a little nervous.
“My apartment-“
“Not taking you there. Someone wants to talk to you first.” He says, without looking away from the road. You sit in silence, leaning back in your seat. Soon you nod off to sleep, the familiar ambience of the car and your exhaustion getting to you. Your father used to insist you sleep on the way home. You enter a mid state of sleep, where you’re partially aware of what’s around you while your body relaxes and rests. As Gaz checks on you he decides to take a longer route to the destination, texting his boss.
When you finally wake the vehicle is parked and Gaz gets out, opening the door for you. He’s wearing a leather jacket, white shirt and dark jeans. You ease yourself out, head starting to hurt, the chill of the cold weather trying to reenter your body, and the remainders of sleep still trying to exit. At least your black eye wasn’t swollen shut and you could still walk. Silver linings.
When you look up to see where your driver had brought you, you nearly slip on the ice. Thankfully Kyle helps you off, before you could do more injury to yourself.
“Let’s get you inside before you do more damage to yourself.” Kyle teases, while leading you inside a club, one that was not only expensive but was known to belong to the main suspect in the case. John Price. Did Ghost sell you out? No blame there. Even still, you weren’t expecting a free ride included in meeting the head of the TK141 gang.
Stepping inside the place is empty save for a woman behind the counter of the bar typing away on a laptop and a larger man carrying in crates of alcohol and carrying out crates of empty bottles. The woman looks up at you and you swear you’ve seen her before. Maybe a work friend of your father’s. She just gives you a nod, and you return it. Gaz takes off his coat and strides in.
“Nik, ya need help?” He asks the large man. Nik just gives him a nod and Kyle picks up a crate. You stand there in the foyer, shifting nervously in place. You turn your head to the woman who notices your black eye. Without a word she reaches down from behind the counter and comes back up, with a rag filled with ice. She comes round the counter and gives it to you, and you put it to your eye immediately.
“Drink?” She offers.
“Water.” You croak out not noticing your throat was drying until she said something.
“John is in the far booth. I’ll bring it to you.” She says before going further into the bar. You slip off your jacket, but keep your beanie and scarf on, shuffling with your still wet boots across the wood floor.
He’s just a person. Another man. Just a man. You’ve met plenty of men, passed plenty of men on the street. What’s one more?
Except he’s the man who was with your father in the last moments. That’s what the reports said. Putting him away had been a goal for sometime. Even if you hadn’t joined the force you would find a way to find his killer. You were the only one left of your family as a result, and one of the only ones who was at the funeral. You recalled seeing a man at your father’s grave after the funeral. You didn’t say anything to him that day. Graves was more concerned with getting you back in the car, and giving you time to grieve in your own. When the police showed you sketches of Price you kept your mouth shut. Personal connections to a case weren’t permitted. Now here you were about to sit down with him and…talk? You wondered if you should record everything on your phone. Maybe salvage what you could of this case. Doubt it would matter with your own officers jumping you earlier.
You feel like you’re walking to the principal’s office with the ice on your eye, getting into another fight at school. When you reach the booth for a split second you expect to see your father sitting across from Price about to remind you not to resort to violence. The booth is empty except for a larger man with a simple t-shirt and a beard. His head is down and there’s half a drink left next to him as he looks over some papers. You stay there looking at him for a moment before deciding to climb into the booth across from him.
The space is quiet. You watch Nik and Kyle continue to moving things around to prep the club for tonight. The woman returns and gives you the water, asking about your eye again.
“John give the poor girl some notice.” She says, almost glaring at him.
“Almost done Laswell.” He says, without looking up. You look at the woman recalling the name. Your father had met with her a couple times when you were younger. She had aged a bit since then, a few age lines on her face, but still the same as you remember. The hair bun too.
Laswell huffs at Price and turns her attention to you. “Call if you need anything.”
She put a hand on your shoulder before walking away back to her work. Price finally turns his attention to you.
“You have questions?” He asks.
“A few.” You croak before going to take a sip of water, and stopping yourself.
“Stupid to bring you all the way here just to poison you.” He points out, recognizing your hesitation. You sip and find normal water. Time would tell. He’s looking at your sorry state. It’s enough to make shift in your seat.
“Cops?” He asks. You shrug. It’s bad enough they jumped you, it’s worse he was able to pick up on it. “Cops don’t like us.”
“Us?” You ask.
“Take after your father I’ve been told.” He says pressing his lips. You drop your gaze to your hands. “He never told you did he?”
“He told me everything.” You argue.
“…he tell you about how he helped me get started?”
You go very quiet. No. No he was a cop.
“Your father was helping us while doing his job. We do things differently, doing what needs to be done rather than everything we can do. Your father helped keep those limitations enforced, while keeping us out of them. He gave us the information, we went after it when the cops couldn’t. Opens the cases wider.”
You take a moment to think about it. More often than not you had been handed files and told to just store them in evidence boxes. Investigations rarely solved, court avoided, and you getting told to just do your job.
“Like what?” You asked. Price smirks, and shows you a paper with a few photos. A jewellery store, one that Farah and her group had hit more than once.
“You’re familiar with blood diamonds? Well you need probable cause to do more digging, so Farah breaking in and making accusations, raises some flags. Flags that lead to warrants. The Los Voqueros, not only get pharmaceuticals they jump on illegal drug shipments. Ones that big pharmaceutical companies use in their own products.”
“And what about you? What do you do?” You ask.
“We help those who can’t help themselves. We get our hands dirty in the right places, so others can stay clean.” He says, shifting and folding his hands, looking right at you.
“We?” You ask.
“Gaz, Ghost, Soap, Nik, Laswell, myself…you?” He gave a slight smirk.
“I’m a cop.” You say.
“So was your father. A damned good one. He let the right people go, caught the ones that needed to be put away.”
“I’m not my father… I’ve requested to be taken off the case, Graves is disappointed, my coworkers just beat me up, I lost the only people who cared about me because I thought I was doing the right thing… I’m nothing like him.”
“Not expecting you to be.” He says seriously. That was the first time you’d heard that from anyone other than your dad. He never expected you to be a cop or to be perfect. Only that you do your best, and be your own person regardless of your path. You take another sip of water.
“What are you expecting?” You ask him.
“Not sure yet. Heard you’re quite the artist.” He says. “Seen some of the work. Soap showed me the first one you made him. Certainly draws attention. Heard you had one for the Los Voqueros.”
“Doubt Alejandro would want me anywhere near them. Bridges have been burned, I can’t put out the fire and walk across it again.”
“Doesn’t need to be the same bridge.” Price offers.
“Oi boss? You still need me?” Gaz asks, dusting off his hands.
“Take y/n home. They need some rest.” Price says. Gaz gestures for you to follow him and Price gives you a business card.
“Call if you need anything.”
You nod and leave with Gaz, taking the business card with you. Laswell says goodbye as you pass her on the way out.
The drive home is surprisingly casual, with Gaz offering to let you ride passenger. When you arrive at your apartment though you spy Graves own car parked nearby. Shit. Gaz looks at you and notices where you were looking.
“Want company?” He offers. Bringing him would make things complicated, but also keep you safe. Alone, it was 50-50.
“Is there somewhere else I can stay?” You ask.
“Get your stuff, I’ll wait.” He says nonchalant.
You go upstairs to your apartment. Graves is there and sees you. Sees you were in a fight. He actually comes over and looks at you, checking your black eye.
“The fuck happened now?” He asks, frustrated.
“Some officers jumped me.” You tell him. Moment of truth. You see his confusion and mild shock. Did he plan it? Was it his idea?
“You need to go to hospital, fill out a report.” He instructs.
“I don’t want to… I’m tired, I just came to get my stuff, stay somewhere else for the night.” You explain. Graves at this point doesn’t want to try and press you. You’ve been struggling, and if you’re safe that’s his main concern. There worry in his eyes, as if he’s deciding to argue with you.
“You text me when you get there.” He tells you.
“Yes sir.” Graves leaves, not noticing Kyle’s car. You come back out with a backpack of your stuff and Kyle takes you to a hideout.
“Price finally talked to them.” Ghost tells Johnny over a game of pool. There’s a couple empty bottles place directly on the table for them to maneuver around.
“So?” Soap says, taking another shot pretending to not care. He hits a few balls but no sinks.
“You gonna keep calm?” Ghost asks. Their conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door. They both turned their heads to the sound. Ghost looks back at Soap while he makes his way to answer it. “Are you?”
Soap doesn’t have time to answer before the door opens. Gaz is standing there, and nods at Ghost.
“Brought a friend.” He says stepping aside. Soap steps a bit closer as Gaz walks in.
Soap sees you with your hood up, your old leather jacket, and your red scarf, shifting your weight on a slight limp. You see Soap.
You consider making a run for it.
@yourlovely-moon @kaoyamamegami @H0n3y_L3m0n @sans-chara
#phillip graves#cod au#gangster au#cod gangster au#john soap mactavish#kyle gaz garrick#captain john price#kate laswell#cod nikolai#task force 141 x reader#simon ghost riley#here’s some more#secrets revealed
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