Frey🐚

Slash had a habit of not moving his neck to look and just pulling his head back to look down, giving him an extra few chins. You loved seeing him like that because he just looked so stupid and seemed to have no understanding that he was doing it. He was adorable.

"Yeah, sheets are warm." He mumbled, relaxing once more. His hand moved up your side, wrapping around you. You smiled at the feeling until you realized Slash had both his arms under his head.

You jumped out of bed, accidently stepping on Slash and barely keeping yourself from falling flat on your ass.

Slash cackled at your reaction as he moved the blanket, careful to keep himself covered as he picked up the snake, letting it slither up his arm.

"Every night. Every fucking night! Why!" You grumbled, glaring at him.

"'Cause it's funny." He smiled, crooked teeth and hair over his eyes.

You huffed. "I'm scheduling you a dentist appointment." You stated and made your way out of the room, not without catching to fear in his expression.

Slash scrambled to his feet and rushed after you, completely nude and still holding his snake. "Wait! Wait, wait, no! No need, please! I'm sorry!" Now it was your turn to laugh as he chased you through the house, threatening to let lose more snakes until he finally tackled you on the couch.

He smiled down at you and you smiled right back up at him. "What? What is it?"

Guns N' Roses

Slash:

A drunk escape ❤︎

You're the only real thing ❤︎

Drunken attitude ❤︎

Axl:

Happy birthday, Idiot ❤︎

You don't have to prove anything Baby ❤︎

Duff:

What you needed to hear ❤︎

Just let me help you, baby ❤︎ ⚡︎

current writing:

VR Slash matching with reader

fallen angel Axl

VR Duff x reader - music video

first love Axl

first kiss w Slash

sub teacher x Slash

subby Axl x reader

puppy love Duff x reader

The team had been invited to consult on a series of threatening letters sent to faculty members. You were standing beside Spencer in the university library when an older man spotted you across the room.

“Dr. Y/L/N?”

You froze. Spencer looked at you.

The professor hurried closer and shook your hand. “I haven’t seen you since the behavioral sciences symposium. Are you still publishing in forensic linguistics, or are you focusing on neuropsychology now?”

Behind you, Morgan stopped walking.

The professor continued before you could answer. “I heard you finished the criminology doctorate. That makes four, doesn’t it?”

Silence filled the library.

You smiled weakly. “Yes.”

“Four?” JJ repeated.

The professor glanced at the team. “She never mentioned them?”

“No,” Emily said. “She did not.”

Spencer was staring at you as though you had grown another head. The professor excused himself, leaving you alone with six profilers who suddenly looked deeply betrayed.

Garcia’s voice came through the phone in Morgan’s hand. “Did that distinguished academic gentleman say four PhDs?”

“You’re on speaker?” you asked.

“I am now.”

Morgan folded his arms. “You’ve been here eight months.”

“It never came up.”

Spencer blinked. “You have doctorates in behavioral science, forensic linguistics, neuropsychology and criminology?”

You glanced at him. “Yes.”

“You let everyone call me the resident genius.”

“You are the resident genius.”

“What are you?”

“Tired, mostly.”

Emily covered a laugh.

Garcia gasped through the phone. “She has more PhDs than Reid.”

“This isn’t a competition,” Spencer said quickly.

“Not anymore,” Morgan replied. “She won.”

“I didn’t win anything.”

JJ looked between you and Spencer. Then she smiled. You knew that smile.

“No,” you said immediately.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were about to.”

Morgan’s grin widened. “Four PhDs. Three PhDs. That’s seven PhDs in one extremely awkward relationship.”

“There is no relationship,” Spencer said. Far too quickly.

You looked away before anyone could see the small sting the words caused. You had liked Spencer almost from the beginning. Not because he was brilliant, though he was. You liked the way he brought you coffee when he noticed you working through lunch. The way he leaned closer when you spoke, as though nothing you said was ever unimportant.

You had never told him about your degrees because people tended to treat you differently afterward. Apparently, he would too.

For the rest of the case, the team became unbearable. Morgan volunteered you and Spencer to review the letters together. JJ arranged for the two of you to interview the same professor. Emily somehow made certain the only empty seats at lunch were beside each other. Garcia began referring to you as “Doctor Reid’s intellectual equal and future tax-dependent.”

“You know married people don’t automatically become tax dependents,” Spencer told her.

“You didn’t deny the married part,” Garcia sang.

Spencer hung up. You tried to laugh with everyone else, but the constant comparisons were beginning to wear on you.

By the time the case ended, you had heard the phrase perfect match fourteen times. On the jet home, Morgan moved his bag from the empty seat beside Spencer.

You picked it up and placed it back. “I’m sitting over there.”

Morgan frowned. “But Reid—”

“Can survive a two-hour flight without discussing dissertations.”

You took a seat beside Emily and opened your book. Spencer watched you from across the aisle. You did not look up.

After landing, you stayed behind to finish paperwork. The bullpen slowly emptied until only you and Spencer remained.

He approached your desk holding two cups of coffee. “I didn’t know if you still wanted one.”

You accepted it despite yourself. “Thank you.”

He lingered.

You continued typing.

“Are you upset with me?”

“No.”

“You haven’t spoken to me voluntarily in six hours.”

“You’ve been counting?”

“Yes.”

You sighed and closed the file. “I’m tired of everyone acting like we should date because I collected one more degree than you.”

Spencer frowned. “I don’t think we should date because of your degrees.”

“I know. You made it very clear there’s no relationship.”

His eyes widened. “That wasn’t what I meant.”

“You sounded pretty certain.”

“I was surprised.”

“So was everyone else.”

“No.” He placed his coffee on your desk. “I was surprised because I’ve been trying to prevent them from noticing that I already like you.”

You stared at him.

Spencer’s cheeks turned pink, but he continued. “If they believed the degrees were the reason, they would turn it into a joke. And I didn’t want you to think that I only became interested after discovering them.”

“You were interested before?”

“Yes.”

“How long before?”

He looked down. “Approximately seven months.”

“You’ve known me for eight.”

“I needed time to account for other explanations.”

A smile tugged at your mouth. “Of course you did.”

“I like that you correct my chess strategy even though you lose every game.”

“I let you win.”

“That’s statistically unlikely.”

“I’m being vulnerable, Spencer.”

“Sorry.”

You laughed softly.

He relaxed. “I like that you bring your own tea bags because you think the office ones taste like wet paper,” he continued. “And that you pretend not to enjoy Morgan’s jokes even when you’re trying not to laugh.”

Your expression softened. “You noticed all that?”

“I notice you.” The simple words landed harder than any grand declaration could have.

Spencer shifted nervously. “I understand if the team’s behavior has made the idea uncomfortable.”

“It hasn’t.”

“It hasn’t?”

“No. You’re doing that thing where you explain yourself out of asking the actual question.”

He swallowed. “Would you like to have dinner with me?”

You pretended to consider it.

Spencer’s fingers tightened around his cup.

“Yes.”

His entire face brightened.

“But,” you added, “we’re not discussing work, dissertations or how many degrees either of us has.”

“That eliminates several conversational categories.”

“You’ll manage.”

He smiled. “I think I can.”

The elevator doors opened behind him.

Morgan stepped out, saw the two of you standing together and stopped. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Yes,” you and Spencer said at the same time.

Morgan grinned.

Spencer reached for your hand before the teasing could begin. “Come on.” You let him lead you toward the elevator.

Morgan watched your joined hands. “So the matchmaking worked.”

Spencer pressed the button. “No,” he said as the doors opened. “You delayed it by at least three weeks.”

The doors closed on Morgan’s offended expression.

You looked at Spencer. “Three weeks?”

“Possibly four.”

You leaned over and kissed his cheek.

His hand tightened around yours.

“Maybe your calculations were wrong, Doctor Reid.”

Eddie scoffed. "And talk about what? I don't think Ms. Perfect and the Freak would have anything in common." Their conversation was interrupted as a swarm of bats began an attack.

~

The group walked silently as they recovered from the bats. Steve got the worst of it and everyone kept a close eye on him. Y/N walked behind him and Eddie, her head down as she watched where she walked. But at times would look up to steal glances at Eddie. Her and Eddie never crossed paths throughout school, but that didn't mean she didn't notice him, and being this close to him made her nervous. She was well aware he hated the popular crowd and didn't want to overstep, but he was so damn cute. Which, she knew focusing on a boy was not important right now, she just couldn't help it.

"That was a real Ozzy move you pulled back there."

Y/N silently listened to Eddie and Steve talked. Y/N smiled at the mention of Ozzy, because she thought the same thing.

"Ozzy?" Steve asked confused.

"You took a bite out of that bat," Eddie explained but Steve still looked confused. "Ozzy Osbourne? Black Sabbath?"

"I don't -"

"Wait, Harrington," Y/N spoke up. Both boys turned at the sound of her voice, Eddie was grateful for an excuse to look at her. Her pink sweater was ripped along the arms and stomach, Eddie tried not to make it obvious that he looked to see the parts of her skin. "You don't know Ozzy Osbourne?"

"You know Ozzy?" Eddie asked as he stopped walking. He was pleasantly surprised that she knew who he was and impressed. Maybe he judged too soon.

Y/N gulped underneath his stare, her body felt warm everywhere. "Obviously, who doesn't?" She scoffed. "Well, except you know who." Her eyes teasingly looked at Steve and Eddie laughed with her. She felt her heart burst at the sound of Eddie's deep chuckle. Steve rolled his eyes as the two laughed at him. He gave Eddie a look and a small smirk.

"Nothing in common, huh?" Steve whispered and Eddie was quick to look at him. He left Eddie with a sly wink and Y/N wished she could hear what he said but he walked away.

Y/N decided to gain as much confidence as she could and walk up to Eddie's side. She slowly began walking and hoped he'd walk alongside her, which he did. Even though the upside down had a weird smell, she could smell the husky scent of Eddie's cologne and the cigarette smell on his jacket.

"I'm sorry the whole town is after you," Y/N said gently. "I knew you weren't a bad guy."

Eddie softly smiled at her words, at least someone in the damn town didn't hate him. And he couldn't help but be happy that it was her. "Eh I'm used to being hunted," Eddie shrugged, "but thank you. I didn't think you'd listen to Ozzy."

Y/N turned her head to look at him and smiled. "I guess my pink clothes and cheerleading uniform doesn't scream heavy metal?" She joked.

Pretty, smart, and funny, Eddie thought. "It does not," Eddie agreed. "I think it's rad that you are into it though."

She silently screamed in her head, happy as ever that Eddie Munson thought she was rad. But she didn't want to get ahead of herself, he still hated people like her. "You were pretty rad back there with the bats too. Steve wasn't the only impressive one."

"I try my best, sweetheart." The nickname made her cheeks burn and she shyly looked at the ground for a second. He enjoyed how nervous she seemed to be around him. "I'm sorry your cute sweater got ruined."

She looked down at the damage and shrugged. "Eh. It wasn't my favorite one anyway. Wait you think it's cute?" Eddie's heart swelled at the happiness on her face. Just a day ago, she was just a pretty girl he sometimes thought about but never spoke to. But now, after tonight, he feared he wouldn't speak to her again.

"I think you make it cute."

"Hey lovebirds! Mind doing this later? We still have to get out of here...alive!" Steve hissed. Eddie and Y/N were so focused on each other that they didn't realize he walked over to them.

"Uh, yeah. Sorry!" Y/N squeaked and walked off to catch up with Nancy. Her heart pounded in her ears and she knew it wasn't because of the upside down.

"Hey just because you're single and miserable. Doesn't mean I need to be. I was working at something!" Eddie groaned. He frowned as Y/N was far ahead.

~~~

They made it out of the upside down a few days ago and Y/N was nervous to see Eddie at school. After their small conversation, she hasn't seen him, and she really wanted to. She hoped he'd want to see her too or at least acknowledge that they spent a night together in a scary universe of their town.

Eddie tried not to make it obvious he was looking for her as Dustin and Mike tried to talk to him. He scanned the hallways and got slightly frustrated when he didn't spot her.

"Are you like in love with her or something now? Because Steve told us you two were getting all cozy!" Dustin said as he hugged himself dramatically to mock Eddie.

"Shut it, Henderson," Eddie hissed, but that only caused Dustin to smile.

"She's cute, I approve," Dustin said.

"I don't need your approval for who I date," Eddie sighed, annoyed.

"Oh? Date?" Mike perked up and joined in. "Does Mr. Hate popularity have a crush on the pretty cheerleader?"

"I swear," Eddie said as he towered over them and glared, "I will beat the shi-"

"Hi, Eddie," Y/N said with a flirty wiggle of her fingers. She walked past him with confidence and composure, a huge difference to what she felt inside.

"H-hi," Eddie stuttered as watched her leave. She wore another cute pink sweater and a bow in her hair, something about how delicate she looked made Eddie's insides ache.

"Pathetic," Dustin and Mike said at the same time, Eddie snapped his head towards them and they ran upon seeing the deadly look on his face.

~

After she made her small move, Eddie was wrapped around her finger. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her at lunch, watching as she laughed with her friends. As lunch was dismissed, he quickly walked over to her.

"Hey Y/N!" He called to get her attention. She stopped and waited for him to catch up.

"Why is he talking to her?" Someone whispered and Eddie ignored it since she gave him the prettiest smile he had ever seen.

"Hi, Eddie," the smile was still on her face. He loved hearing her say his name and wished he could hear it on repeat.

"I wanted to ask you if you maybe would want to meet up sometime? We could hang at my place and listen to Ozzy," he hated how nervous his voice sounded.

"Sometime? Yeah," she reached into her backpack and grabbed a pen. "Whenever you want 'sometime' to happen, give me a call," she scribbled her number on his hand and he shivered as his skin touched hers. She left him with a wink...and a racing heart.

You huffed a laugh as the two of them started bickering just as your phone buzzed in your pocket. You leant against the wall, only half listening as you pulled it out of your scrubs and saw a notification from Jack.

He must have just woken up from his pre-shift nap. The corner of your mouth lifted as you read his reply.

You: Are you coming in early today?

JA ❤️: Always.

You quickly typed out another message.

You: any chance u could bring in a protein bar for me? the ones at work are inedible

The reply came almost instantly.

JA ❤️: I know. I’ve told Robby they are a serious health hazard.

You smiled at that as you watched the three dots blink back at you.

JA ❤️: I’ll be in soon. I already have some in my bag for you.

You: are you psychic?

JA ❤️: Just good at pattern recognition.

Your smile widened as his reply came through.

You: thank u 🩷

JA ❤️: 👍

“What are you smiling at?”

You looked up to find McKay watching you over the fridge door.

“What?”

“That.” She pointed vaguely at your face. “Whatever that was.”

“Nothing.”

Santos and Whitaker paused their arguing to focus on you.

Santos studied you, her face contorting into a grimace. “Gross.”

“What?”

“I just can’t get over the fact that Abott reduces you to…” She trailed off, waving vaguely at you.

“That?” Whitaker supplied.

“Yeah.” Santos nodded gravely. “That.”

You rolled your eyes, sliding your phone back into your scrub pocket.

“I think the two of you are starting to fuse into one brain cell.”

Santos’ expression went still. “….that was genuinely hurtful.”

You turned to Whitaker. “There’s your new button to press.”

Whitaker’s grin widened as he crossed his arms over his chest and turned to Santos. “Oh I cannot wait to bring this up multiple times a day.”

Santos glared at you. "You're a traitor."

You pushed off the wall, shaking your head as you made your way towards the door.

“Never give your triggers away Santos.”

“You’re still a traitor!” She called out.

You waved her off without looking back, escaping before she could start another argument.

You barely made it two steps before nearly colliding with Samira.

“Oh sorry.” She came to an abrupt halt, the usual frazzled expression etched onto her features as she looked up at you.

“You all good?”

“Yeah um- have you seen Joy?”

“Not for a little while.”

“No worries, if you see her can you tell her I need her in Room 3?”

“Sure.” You nodded, tilting your head slightly as you studied her. “Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Yeah fine.” She brushed you off as she tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Haven’t had lunch so I’m a bit cranky.”

You nodded in understanding. “Word of warning, don’t eat the protein bars.”

Samira’s nose wrinkled as she stepped around you. “Why on earth would I do that?”

You threw your arms up dramatically. “Am I the only one who didn’t know they were inedible?”

“Apparently so.”

You huffed, pulling your hair out from under your collar as you made your way over to the status board which was currently glowing above the chaos that was the ED like a cruel little scoreboard.

Your hands settled on your stethoscope as you scanned the board. Less than an hour till your shift was over, at least officially. Which given your track record of overtime, meant close to nothing.

“Hey.”

You glanced over to see Perlah leaning against one of the desks.

“What?” You asked warily.

Her smirk widened. “Have you seen the hot visitor?”

“The what?”

Princess appeared beside her, equally delighted.

“Absolute smoke show.”

Princess nodded towards the far end of the station. “Follow the sounds of Joy giggling.”

Your brows knitted together.

“Joy? As in our intern, Joy? As in the complete antithesis of her name, Joy?” You queried.

“See for yourself.” Perlah grinned.

You followed their line of sight to the other end of the nurses station where a tall figure stood, leaning an arm on one of the benches.

At first, all you saw was the back of a leather jacket, familiar in a way that made your stomach drop before your brain had fully caught up. The man shifted slightly, turning just enough for a familiar profile to come into view. The same hair coifed to perfection, the same self-satisfied slant of his mouth.

And sure enough standing beside him, blushing furiously as she giggled, actually giggled, at whatever he had just said, was Joy.

“I didn’t even know she was capable of laughter.” Princess remarked.

You closed your eyes for one brief, pained second. “You have got to be kidding me.” You grumbled.

Before either Princess or Perlah could ask what was wrong, you were already moving, making a beeline towards them.

Princess and Perlah exchanged a look behind your back. “What just happened?” Princess asked in Tagalog.

“I don’t know." Perlah muttered. "But I think it’s going to be good.”

By the time you were close enough to hear the familiar deep drawl of his voice, Mark Sloan had inched in just enough to make Joy look like she might pass out.

“So, is that the only piercing you have or...?”

You rolled your eyes.

“Still shamelessly hitting on interns I see.”

Mark turned at the sound of your voice. For half a second, there was nothing but surprise. And then his eyes lit up in recognition.

“Well I’ll be.”

That familiar grin spread slowly across his face as his eyes travelled down your body with the same shameless appreciation he’d had years ago, like he was undressing you from memory.

“Cupid.” He said the nickname lowly, like he’d never stopped saying it. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

You shot him a fake smile. “Wish I could say the same.”

Joy looked between the two of you, blinking rapidly, as if she was trying to decipher a complex math problem. You turned your attention to her, offering her a polite smile.

“Dr Mohan's looking for you, something to do with your patient in room 3.”

“Oh right.” Joy nodded, adjusting her glasses as she glanced at Mark. “On it.”

“Bye Joy.” Mark called out lazily, watching her blush as she scurried away, nearly walking into a wall in the process.

He turned to you, looking pleased with himself as he leant forward. “Why do you always have to ruin my fun?” He pouted once she was out of earshot.

"Someone has to."

Meanwhile, McKay, Whitaker and Santos had exited the breakroom, not even bothering to conceal their ogling as they clustered around a monitor.

“Ok who on earth is that?” Santos queried.

"And why does he look like he just walked off a photoshoot?" McKay muttered.

“And how do they know eachother?” Whitaker added.

“He called her Cupid.” Joy casually commented as she walked past them.

Whitaker’s brow furrowed. "....Cupid?"

Santos froze. The faint amusement dropped away, replaced by the sharp, dawning horror of someone remembering a detail they were never supposed to need.

“Oh my god.”

“What?” McKay and Whitaker asked simultaneously.

"Do you guys remember that time at karaoke?"

"....the one where she sang No Scrubs at Abbot?"

"No. The one when she accidentally admitted she had an ex at Seattle Grace that used to call her Cupid."

McKay and Whitaker both slowly turned to stare at Mark, then at you, then back at Mark.

"No." McKay shook her head.

"Yes."

“You don’t seriously think….” Whitaker trailed off.

“Oh I do” Santos nodded. “I really do.”

Back at the nurses’ station, you folded your arms, ignoring Mark's attempts at getting under your skin.

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh some conference.” He waived his hand dismissively. “Thought I’d take the opportunity to come see Robinavitch.”

You blinked. “You know Dr Robby.” You said slowly.

“Since med school.” He answered smoothly. “Why? Hoping I was here to see you?”

You snorted. “Please.”

“Oh c’mon Cupid don’t act like you don’t miss me.” He smirked as he stepped closer. “You wouldn’t have moved across the other side of the country to forget about me if you didn’t.”

You leant in slightly, shooting him a dry smile. “I wouldn’t touch you again even if my life depended on it Sloan.”

He let out a genuine chuckle. “I’ve missed this.” He gestured between the two of you. “Us."

He placed his chin in the palm of his hand, leaning even closer. "Why did it ever end?”

You pretended to think for a moment. "Maybe because you’re physiologically incapable of staying monogamous?”

“Oh yeah right that.” He nodded. “Speaking of monogamous..."

"No."

"... I’ve heard you’ve got a new boy toy right here at PTMC.”

Your eyes narrowed. “Jesus Christ Meredith needs to learn to keep her mouth shut.”

“Well in her defence she told Derek who then told me so….” Mark trailed off, turning his body around to survey the room. “Which one is he?”

"I'm not playing this game." You answered, folding your arms over your chest.

“Wait let me guess.”

Before you could stop him, Mark placed both hands on your shoulders and gently turned you so you were both facing the floor of the pitt.

His eyes landed on Frank first. “Too pretty boy.”

He guided your shoulders slightly towards Whitaker. “Too scrawny.”

From across the room, Whitaker stiffened. “…Why is he looking at me?”

Santos didn’t look away. “Don’t wave.” She murmured.

“I wasn’t going to.”

“You were thinking about it.”

Then the ambulance bay doors opened. Jack walked in with a thermos in one hand, his bicep bulging as he shifted the backpack slung over his other shoulder on full display under his dark fitted shirt.

Your stomach dropped as his eyes scanned the room, no doubt looking for you. It didn't take long for his eyes to find yours. You watched as they shifted to Mark, then dropped to Mark's hands resting on your shoulders.

For a moment, his expression barely changed, only the faintest tightening around his jaw gave him away. Then he kept walking.

Mark smiled slowly. “….bingo.”

Your body stiffened as Mark glanced sideways at you.

“I’m right."

You didn't answer.

"I am."

“I’m not talking about my love life with you of all people.”

“Cupid, don’t be like that.” He nudged your shoulder. "Come on, what’s he like?”

“Well for starters, he volunteers as a medic for the SWAT team.” You said sweetly. “So he’s got at least one gun on him at all times.”

Mark nodded slowly, dropping his hands from your shoulders. "Noted."

"He also has excellent aim."

"Message received." Mark held his hands up. "I'll behave."

And then, for the first time since he had appeared, the teasing faded.

"But seriously..." His face softened slightly as his eyes settled on your face properly, no longer performing for the room.

“You’re happy?”

You exhaled slowly, your defences lowering slightly by the unexpected tone of his voice.

“I am.”

“He good to you?"

You smiled softly despite yourself. “He is.”

Something flickered across Mark’s face then, softening the usual sharp lines of his smirk, scarily close to being something sincere. “Good.”

For a moment, the years between you settled there. It didn’t feel painful or bitter or even sad. In fact, it seemed absurd to think that you'd cried over him once upon a time. Now he was just a story you told after one too many drinks, something you reflected on and shook your head, chalking it up to the foolishness of youth.

You cleared your throat, looking away first. “How’s work?”

“Busy, chaotic, dramatic.” Mark shrugged.

"So the usual then?"

“The usual.”

He glanced around the emergency department, frowing slightly as he took in the noise, the movement, the organised disaster of it all. “How’s the ED?”

“Busy, chaotic.” You echoed. “Somehow still much less dramatic than Seattle Grace."

Mark barked out a laugh. “Yeah that checks out.”

“Sloan.”

The two of you turned to see Robby making his way towards you, Jack beside him.

Mark's grin returned instantly.

“Robinavitch.” He broke away from you and pulled Robby into a hug with the force of someone who had never respected personal space in his life.

"A lot less hair since I last saw you."

Robby snorted, clapping him on the back. "The Pitt will do that to you.”

Jack caught your eye over Robby’s shoulder, his expression running a fine line between faint amusement and annoyance.

Robby stepped back, shaking his head before gesturing to Jack.

“This is Jack Abbot, night attending.”

“Nice to meet you. Mark Sloan.” Mark stuck his hand out. “Head of Plastic Surgery at Seattle Grace.”

“Plastic surgery?” Jack's brow lifted slightly as he shook Mark’s hand. “Explains the soft hands.”

Mark laughed loudly enough that several people looked over.

“Oh my god.” Whitaker mumbled as he watched Jack and Mark shake hands. “It’s like I’m seeing double.”

Santos shook her head. “She’s got some serious issues.”

McKay folded her arms over her chest as she studied the two men. “Or just good taste.”

“I second the good taste thing.” Princess murmured as she appeared beside McKay.

Perlah took a sip of her drink and nodded. “I third that.”

The handshake lasted just a fraction longer than necessary as Mark glanced over at you. “I get it."

Robby’s eyes narrowed as he gestured between you and Mark.

“You two know eachother?”

“I was an intern at Seattle Grace." You supplied quickly.

“Oh yes, Cupid and I go wayyy back.” Mark smirked.

Robby's confusion only deepened. “Cupid…?”

You shot Mark a warning glare, which he very intentionally ignored.

“Yeah Cupid.” He answered smoothly. “'cause you know she’s got these little angel wings tattooed right above her-“

“Okayyy you know what.” Robby clapped his hands letting out a bark of awkward laughter. “I think a hospital tour sounds like a great idea right about now."

Mark's eyes gleamed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "I was going to say shoulder blade."

“You are going to walk with me." Robby said, already steering him away, “And tell me absolutely none of the rest of that story.”

Mark let himself be guided down the hall, still grinning smugly as he glanced back over his shoulder at you and winked, making you roll your eyes once more.

You dragged your eyes away from him to look at Jack who was yet to move. He watched Mark disappear down the corridor, then looked back at you.

He slowly stepped forward, eyes scanning your figure as he placed his hands casually behind his back.

"Ex?"

You sighed. "...Ex."

Jack nodded curtly. “Got it.”

“Abbot.” You looked over to see Dana studying both of you. “Dr King needs an attending in Room 8.”

Jack's eyes never left you. You watched him intently, waiting to see if he would say anything further. Instead he simply reached into his pocket and produced a protein bar.

You swallowed as he slid it into the front pocket of your scrub top, his fingers lightly against your side subtly.

“Eat.” Was all he said, unable to hide the affection in his voice.

Your throat tightened around a smile as you nodded. He held your gaze for one more second, then turned and headed in the direction of Room 8.

You watched him go, your hand subconsciously brushing over the side that he’d just touched.

When you looked back, Dana was still standing there, one hand on her hip as she watched you over her glasses with an expression far too knowing for your liking.

“Don’t you dare say a word.”

She raised her hands up in mock surrender. “Wasn’t gonna.”

You huffed as you turned, suddenly desperate to busy yourself in order to keep your mind off the cluster fuck that was your two worlds colliding.

For the next twenty minutes, you threw yourself back into work. Every few minutes though, your gaze betrayed you, either drifting towards the corridor where Robby had taken Mark or towards Room 8, where Jack had disappeared. The protein bar sat heavily in your pocket, your appetite now completely non-existent.

By the time you ended up at a computer to finish off your charting, your shift was close enough to ending that you had started to believe you might actually survive it.

“Oh damn, the patient in room 7 died.”

You glanced up to see Whitaker staring at a chart from the workstation beside you.

“The old lady with the chest pain?”

“Yeah.” Whitaker sighed.

You frowned. "That sucks."

“She had a husband right?” Santos chimed in from across from you, not bothering to look up from her own computer.

“Yeah she did, married nearly fifty years."

Without missing a beat, Santos glanced up at you. “Abbot better watch out.”

Your eyes narrowed.

"Nice. Very respectful." Whitaker shook his head, although you could see he was trying not to laugh.

"What?" Santos shrugged. "Our girl clearly has a type."

"Silver foxes?" McKay suggested as she walked past grinning like a cheshire cat.

"I hate all of you."

Whitaker looked over at you like he was genuinely offended. "What did I do?!"

Across the hallway, Jack had just emerged from Room 8. Your eyes met his. He didn’t react beyond the faintest lift of one eyebrow, but you could tell he'd heard every word.

You tipped your head slightly towards the supply closet. Jack looked at you for half a beat, then gave the smallest nod.

You waited a couple minutes before moving.

The supply closet was narrow, overstocked, and smelled faintly of antiseptic and cardboard. You shut the door behind you and leaned against a shelf, exhaling slowly for what felt like the first time in an hour.

A few minutes later, the handle turned. Jack stepped inside and closed the door quietly behind him. He leaned back against the opposite shelf, folding his arms loosely across his chest as the two of you studied eachother.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“So… that’s your ex.”

“That’s my ex.”

He nodded. "You left out a few details."

"Such as?"

His gaze dropped briefly, then returned to your face.

“Well first of all I wasn’t expecting Mark Sloan.”

Your brows lifted in surprise. “You know who he is?”

“I’ve heard of him.”

“Of course you have.” You paused for a moment before your voice dropped slightly, unable to hide the insecurity in your tone. "Do you think less of me because I dated someone like him?"

Jack's brows knitted together. "Absolutely not." He said immediately. "It's just that I wasn't expecting your ex to be..."

Your brow furrowed. “Be what?”

“…old.” Was what Jack settled on.

You let out a disbelieving laugh. “He’s not old, he’s like your age.”

“Exactly.” Jack nodded. “I'm practically from the stone age compared to you.”

“You’re not.” You insisted.

Jack’s mouth twitched, but the smile didn’t quite hold as he looked down at the floor.

You studied him for a moment, admiring the lines etched deep into his face that you’d had memorised for as long as you’d known him. “Does it bother you that he’s older?”

“No it doesn’t bother me it’s just...” He sighed. “I thought I was the exception.” He confessed.

Your face softened instantly as you pushed off the wall and took a step towards him.

"Jack."

"I know it’s irrational.” He said, giving a small, self-deprecating shrug. “I just thought I was the first older doctor you’d made questionable life choices over.”

You huffed a small laugh as you closed the gap between the two of you, reaching up to cradle his jaw.

“Hey.” You said gently, guiding his eyes up to meet yours.

“When I met Mark I was young and overwhelmed and had just moved to a new city and he was…” You trailed off, glancing at the door like Mark might somehow materialise on cue.

“…well you’ve seen what he’s like.”

You brushed a thumb over his stubble that lined his jaw. “It barely even qualified as a relationship. And then it ended and we worked together for months. And then I moved.”

Jack leant into your touch slightly, his eyes never leaving your face as you spoke, attentive in the way that always made your heart ache a little.

“And then on my first day here I met a grumpy doctor up on the roof while I was mid meltdown.”

His brows drew together in feigned disbelief. “I don’t think he was grumpy.”

“He told me if I was thinking of jumping I shouldn’t because it’d be a shame to ruin a face like mine.”

The frown that had a hold on his face loosened just a fraction. “Why on earth would he think that line would work.”

“In his defence, I think he was a little out of practice.”

His hands settled at your waist, warm and steady through the thin fabric of your scrubs. “Or his brain short circuited when he saw you.”

Your smile widened as you slid your arms around the back of his neck, entwining your fingers absentmindedly around the silver curls at the nape of his neck.

“Well, lucky for him it worked.”

The reluctant smile finally reached his eyes. “Very lucky.” He corrected.

He glanced down, playing with the tie of your scrub pants.

“I just can’t believe you dated a plastic surgeon.”

You snorted softly. “Is that seriously what’s bothering you the most?”

“Yes.” He answered plainly.

You shook your head, a wry smile on your lips. “Not the stupid nickname?”

Jack glanced down at you, his grip on your hips tightening ever so slightly.

“If he calls you that again I may have no choice but to punch him.” He conceded casually as he brushed a strand of hair behind your ear.

His head tilted slightly as he studied you for a moment. “But at least he can fix his own nose up after.”

You let out a laugh, running a hand over his chest. “Don’t worry.” You soothed. “I already told him you volunteer with the SWAT team.”

Jack smirked down at you proudly. “Atta girl.”

Then he leant down and finally pressed his lips to yours in a slow, reverent kiss. When he pulled back, his eyes narrowed immediately.

“Did you eat?”

You winced slightly. “Not yet.” You patted the pocket that contained the protein bar. “I’ll eat this and then go.”

Jack frowned, clearly unsatisfied with your solution. “Go home and eat something more substantial.”

“I will.”

“There’s pasta in the fridge for you, all you have to do is chuck it in the microwave.”

Your interest piqued immediately. “The pesto one I love?”

“Of course.”

You grinned, pressing your forehead against his. “You’re very good to me Dr Abbot.”

His smile softened into something private, something reserved just for you. “Anything for my girl.”

You kissed him again, deeper this time, enjoying the feeling of his warmth seeping into you.

“Alright.” He muttered reluctantly against your lips as he pulled away. “Get going before I end up locking you in here.”

You smirked. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He shot you a warning glare with absolutely no bite to it.

You huffed dramatically, “alright alright.”

You reached for the door, then paused, glancing back at him.

“And for the record, if you’re worried about feeling old…”

Jack raised a brow.

“You should meet my other ex, he checked into the nursing home down the road last week.”

“Very funny.” He muttered, trying but failing to look unamused.

“I know I am.”

“Go.” He urged as he tapped your backside affectionately.

You raised your hands in mock defeat, slipping back into the pitt without another word.

Jack shook his head as the door shut softly behind you, a lovesick smile spreading across his face.

⟡ 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐃 🦢

⟡ 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑 🦢 | @ahqkas

smoking had never interested you before but when the local dealer catches your eye, you might get the experience of a professional

⟡ 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 🦢🏹 | @bunny-1111

The one thing that drives Theo literally crazy is when you call him "my husband"

⟡ 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐌𝐔𝐒 🦢 | @cherrixpie

maybe it was stupid trying to make theodore nott jealous by going to the yule ball with mattheo. maybe.

⟡ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 🦢 | desireav

where theodore is grumpy and quiet and when the slytherin’s take note of how he always gives reader forehead kisses, they’re rather shocked

⟡ 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐎 🦢🕯️ | @govnder

after a long, exhausting day at work, all theodore truly longed for was your presence—your warmth, your voice. but when he arrived home, he received far more than that

⟡ 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘 🦢

⟡ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐊 🦢🏛️

⟡ 𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 🦢

⟡ 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 🦢🕯️ | @illbegottenfaith

as part of a social visit, you spend a fortnight at an English politician's estate with his god-awful son

⟡ 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 🦢

as the two of you stumble into bed after a Valentine's dinner date, theo realises it's not fair how much he loves you

⟡ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 🦢

⟡ 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐎𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅 🦢

⟡ 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 🦢

you drive yourself up the wall trying to figure out who your best friend is taking to your year's farewell dinner

⟡ 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐔𝐋, 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀 🦢 | @iris-qt

⟡ 𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 🦢

⟡ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐘 🦢🕯️

⟡ 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐈'𝐌 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 🦢 | @ldrfanatic

theo finds himself crushing on hogwarts' resident ball of sunshine hufflepuff but tries to force himself to stay away

⟡ 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍 🦢

is it possible that the entire time you've been dating theo, you've somehow not noticed that he's only this sweet with you?

⟡ 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 🏹🏛️ | @leeny-leens

December rolls around and Theodore threatens to drown into the yawning abyss of his own mind, but not on your watch. Time to bring some light into the dark, even at risk of blinding him just a little.

⟡ 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃 🦢 | @lexamiele

Hogwarts students aren't exactly known for minding their own business. Thankfully, you and Theo speak a language they don't.

⟡ "𝐈 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑.""𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓 𝐔𝐏, 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓." 🦢 | lov3notts

⟡ 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 🦢🏛️ | lushleona

theo’s not above a little suffering if it means you’ll kiss it better. bruises fade, but your lips on his? worth every second of pain

⟡ 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 🦢 | @malfoysanctuary

Theo always acts like it’s an inconvenience. The way his sweaters disappear into the abyss of your wardrobe, but when you walk into a crowded room wearing something that still carries his scent, his patience stretches thin, because everyone can see what he already knows. You’re his, and you always will be

⟡ 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 🦢 | @midnight-menac3

Theodore Nott leaves subtle traces of himself in your path until the quiet tension between you becomes impossible to ignore in the shadows of Hogwarts

⟡ 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐃 🦢 | @nottendo (sinsandlemonade)

⟡ 𝐋𝐀 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐂𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀 🦢 | @/nottendo (moscatosin)

⟡ 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 🦢🕯️

⟡ 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 🦢 | @nottsangel

your academic rival Theo smells you in his Amortentia

⟡ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 🦢 | @nyxienight

⟡ 𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 🦢 | @obsessedwithceleste

Ft. Enzo being bad at potions, the Ravenclaw common room door, and more than one accidental love confession

⟡ 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 🦢🕯️ | @prythiansprincess

a night out with the boys goes awry when draco concocts a nightmare combination of tequila and potions, causing a disastrous turn of events in which theo nott finally spills his deepest, darkest secret

⟡ 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓 𝐔𝐏 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄 🦢

⟡ 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 (𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒) 🦢

⟡ 𝐌𝐑. "𝐈 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄" 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐓 𝐩𝐭 𝐈 𝐩𝐭 𝐈𝐈 🦢🕯️ | @serpentkissess

⟡ 𝐖𝐇𝐎'𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓? 🦢 | @suprclark (iamgonnagetyouback)

after a minor spat, theodore finds what he thinks is your animagus form sulking in the courtyard and spends an entire hour apologizing to it — only to discover he’s been emotionally unloading on derek avery’s cat. at least theo’s humiliation proves one thing: he really would do anything to earn your forgiveness (even buy the fancy salmon treats).

⟡ 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍, 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐌𝐄 (𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔) 🦢

you’re supposed to be studying, but theo’s glasses keep sliding down his nose and now you’re hopelessly in love and very, very distracted

⟡ 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅, 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐒 🦢

you didn’t plan on being jealous—until daphne got too comfortable with theodore

⟡ 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 🦢🏛️

theodore shows up bruised and bloodied from yet another fight, and you patch him up with a scolding, a kiss, and a heart that won’t stop falling.

⟡ 𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 🦢 | @theodorenmyth

Theodore Nott is determined to ask you to the Yule Ball—but subtle hints, awkward near-confessions, and endless sabotage from his chaotic Slytherin friends turn it into a full-blown disaster. You, curled up in his stolen sweater and completely oblivious, might just be the one thing holding him together… or pushing him over the edge

⟡ 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 🦢 | @theosweetie

⟡ 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀 🦢 | @wordsarelife

karma is the way you wear his jersey, making sure his team will lose the game

⟡ 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐋 🦢 | @writingsbychlo

theo decides to quit smoking, but doesn’t realize that his decision would affect his girlfriend, too

⟡ 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 🦢 | @xitcantlast

Theo swears he doesn't care about the countdown, the party, or any of the noise. Until he realizes he cares very much about one thing: kissing you when the clock strikes midnight.

he doesn’t utter a single word once you snuggle up to his chest. you’ve taught him how to cuddle during the first time you asked him to hold you. sukuna was awkward with showing any type of affection back then.

he still very much is.

“hug, please,” you remind him.

the cold-hearted man scoffs, though listens to your polite request. all four of his arms imprison you against his chest, your small body nearly disappearing behind his limbs.

that’s what you like most about those cuddles you share together; how you fit so perfectly in his strong arms. it’s much more comforting than you thought it’d be.

a pair of hands rests on your waist, the other pair on your hips. sukuna glances down at you and immediately notices that smile on your lips. even after all this time, he still can’t fathom why you’re so carefree around a monster like him.

and that inability to understand you and your love for him is accompanied by an urge to push you away.

“you got your hug, now get up,” sukuna interrupts the silence.

his voice is cold and devoid of emotion—he uses that voice when he talks to other people. not with you, “i have better things to attend to.”

it hurts when he talks to you like that. like you’re not the person he secretly cherishes most. though, you remind yourself of sukuna’s own words. the ones you heard him say a while ago.

‘love is meaningless’, he said.

you remember. and yet you kept hoping that he’d change his mind about that statement. you hoped and eventually saw exactly that: your presence and your affectionate gestures mellowed his heart of steel.

but all that effort seems to go down the drain every time sukuna pushes you away.

you know it’s because he’s unfamiliar with the feelings of love. he may not say it nor show it, but you know that sukuna’s afraid of hurting you. so, he creates a gap between you two every now and then.

you know and yet you’re patient.

“oh, ‘kay,” you nod in understanding. you pull away from his embrace and get up from the bed. your bottom lip trembles.

sukuna is not gullible. he’s anything but oblivious. especially if it’s about how you feel and act. he notices every single change in your mood; whether you mask it or not.

you walk to the sliding doors—ready to open them and step out into the hallway. your eyes are a bit watery, but you quickly blink the tears away and take a deep breath in. you reach for the door.

“. . . come back here, woman.”

sukuna’s booming voice makes you stop. you glance at his form over your shoulder. he’s leaning against the headboard of the bed, arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed.

is he. . . upset?

“why? you said you had better things to attend to.” you answer with a shrug. you try your best to not make it seem like his earlier words had effected you.

you turn your head towards the word with a huff, “go on, then.”

sukuna narrows his eyes. he sucks at communicating what he actually desires—what he actually wants. right now that want is for you to stay. even though that completely contradicts his previous words.

he doesn’t know what to do. when you’re with him, he pushes you away out of guilt. when you’re away, he wants you back with him.

love is complicated.

“you. . .” sukuna grunts in frustration. all those feelings for you inside of his heart are playing with his rational thoughts. he doesn’t like seeing you upset. he wants the usual you back, “tsk. fine then.”

silence, followed by the creaking of the bed frame. seems like sukuna’s getting up to do whatever ‘business’ he needed to attend. at least, that’s what you thought.

you slide the door open and set a foot outside of the chambers. before the other can follow, you’re suddenly lifted up in the air by a strong pair of hands. your vision turns upside down as your body is effortlessly hoisted onto a shoulder.

“woah!” you gasp and feel the blood go to your head.

your eyes are fixed on the broad back you’re facing. you kick your legs in protest, but only get a smack to your ass in response.

you whine at that, “ngh, put me down!”

“watch it, doll,” sukuna hisses at your fierce demand, a warning to fix your tone. he puts you back down on the soft mattress. he’s surprisingly gentle when he settles you in place—not throwing you on the bed or anything similar, “should’ve listened when i told you the first time.”

your eyes meet sukuna’s and you notice how much they’ve softened. that alone makes the lump in your throat disappear. your love for him isn’t one sided—you’ve always kept that in the back of your mind—yet your thoughts made you overlook the little things he does for you.

his actions speak louder than his words. that’s the kind of man he is. sukuna’s trying to open up more, though that process is slow. you’re fine with that.

especially when there’s that faint pout on his lips as he stares at you. his eyebrows are still furrowed, his crimson eyes sharp yet warm.

“oooh… you want me back in bed this bad?” you tease once you get the opportunity.

the man in front of you clicks his tongue and grabs your cheeks with one hand, turning your head up to face him.

sukuna’s eyes are focused on yours. the eye contact is intimidating, but you’re hypnotised. you physically can’t look away.

he leans in and bites your bottom lip with his sharp canines, “shut up.”

that raspy whisper alone confirms your assumption. you giggle at his attempt of refuting your point. you’re used to all those intimidating words and actions he pulls to get you to stop your teasing.

those empty threats—it’s becoming rather cute with how hard he tries to deny everything. he fails nearly every time, however.

“come,” sukuna lays back against the pillows after placing a quick and sloppy kiss against your lips. he pulls your body against his and presses your head against his chest, right where his heart is beating, “continue with your.. ‘cuddling’ thing.”

he put your ear right above his heart, because he remembers listening to his heartbeat calms you down. you told him that a while back. sukuna doesn’t understand why you like it, but his fingers massage your scalp either way.

that’s also something that brings you comfort.

you’re surprised by how much he knows about you, but appreciate it anyway. he remembers both the big and small things about you.

‘and that’s how he probably shows his love,’ you conclude silently.

David jolted back slightly, as if awoken from a trance, and turned towards them. 

‘Quiet,’ he shushed them in a whisper, tilting his head towards your sleeping shape.

‘Aww, and he’s even worried about us waking her,’ Paul commented, resting his elbow on Marko’s shoulder, his voice lower but just as teasing. ‘Our leader has become such a softie.’

‘I said quiet!’ he repeated, vamping out.

The others didn’t even flinch.

‘You’re not fooling anyone,’ Marko shrugged. Then, he raised an eyebrow: ‘Also, sleeping in bed?’ and he tutted before turning towards Paul. ‘Remember what he told us, that time we fell asleep there after having sex with those chicks?’ 

‘How could I forget? He said “It’s against nature for us to sleep like that”.’

David returned to his human-passing features and rolled his eyes. ‘Go sleep upside down, then, before I send you up there myself.’

The other two kept chuckling as they flew towards the back of the cave. 

Dwayne echoed them for a moment but then managed to stop. He walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

‘Don’t listen to them. It’s good to see you happy. I mean it. Especially after… you know.’

After Star, first, and then Michael.

David took a deep breath, looked at you, and then at Dwayne again. He stayed silent, a part of him begging him to protect himself by keeping his usual guard up. The same part that kept trying to prepare him for the impending hurt—because this was all too good to be true, and surely, you would have left him too, eventually.

‘I think you can trust her, you know?’ Dwayne went on, as if reading his mind. ‘We all do. They wouldn’t be teasing you like that, otherwise.’

David threw you another glance as you kept sleeping in his arms. Then, after studying the genuine look in the dark eyes of his second in command, he eventually let out his breath and nodded. ‘Thank you.’

Dwayne lifted the corner of his lips and squeezed his shoulder before joining the others.

David went back to looking at you and caressing your profile. 

You twitched and opened your eyes.

‘Is everything alright?’ you asked in a sleepy voice, looking around.

‘Everything’s okay, dove. Go back to sleep.’

You put on a childish voice. ‘One more goodnight kiss first?’

He made a big show of rolling his eyes to distract himself from how fast his heart started to beat.

Then, he lowered his head to press his lips against yours. As you smiled, he felt himself do the same.

You placed your head back against his chest and closed your eyes. ‘’Night, David.’

‘Goodnight, dove.’

Sensing the change in you, Peter’s fingers moved differently over the holes of his pipe. The wild, frantic rhythm slowed. The sharp notes smoothed out, transitioning into a low, droning, hypnotic melody that felt like velvet dragged over moss.

The boys instinctively followed the music. Their chaotic leaping subsided into a slow, swaying, trance-like dance. They moved in a wide, rhythmic circle, their heads bowed, completely captured by the heavy lullaby Pan was weaving. The entire clearing began to feel sleepy, wrapped in an eerie, stifling calm.

You fought to keep your eyes open, but the heat of the fire in front of you was so warm, and the cold stillness of the boy behind you was so comforting. With a soft sigh, your eyes fluttered closed, the dancing boys turning into a soft blur before everything went dark.

The moment your breathing deepened into sleep and your weight went completely slack against his legs, Peter moved. The music didn't stop, he didn't miss a single note, but with supreme, effortless grace, he transitioned to playing the pipe with just his left hand, keeping the low, haunting melody humming through the air without a single stammer in the rhythm.

With his right hand, he reached down. His long, calloused fingers curled securely under your arms, and with a single, fluid pull, he lifted you off the dirt and right onto him. 

You murmured something soft and incoherent in your sleep, a tiny sigh escaping your lips as the sudden movement shifted you. Instinctively, your body sought out his familiar warmth, and you settled directly onto his lap. Your face tucked perfectly into the crook of his neck, your nose pressing against the cool skin of his collarbone, while your hands loosely clutched the fabric of his green tunic. Peter adjusted his hold, wrapping his strong arm firmly around your waist, pulling you so flush against his chest that there wasn't a breath of space left between you. He cradled you there, the wooden pipe held steady with his other hand as the music continued to breathe life into the shadows around the fire.

He looked down, his emerald eyes dark and heavy as they fixed on your sleeping face. In the flickering orange glow of the bonfire, your features were soft, completely devoid of the sharp edges of fear that plagued every other soul on this island.

A quiet, terrifying sense of triumph swelled in his chest as he watched you. He thought about how easily you surrendered to the dark, how completely you trusted the very monster the rest of the world ran from. He noted the way your fingers tightened slightly on his tunic, even in sleep, as if your subconscious knew exactly who held you. 

You aren't going anywhere, he thought, a slow, predatory smirk touching the corners of his lips as the pipe continued its low hum.

The world can search for you, the heroes can fight for you, but you sleep in the arms of the beast, and you choose to stay.

He leaned his head down just enough to let his lips brush against your hair, inhaling the sweet, wild scent of jasmine and woodsmoke that belonged entirely to his favourite prize. 

As the boys continued their mindless, rhythmic swaying in the background, Peter kept playing, his mind wrapping around the terrifying, beautiful reality that you were exactly where you would remain forever.

With you locked securely in his embrace, he brought his hand back up to the wooden pipe. The full, rich depth of the melody returned, vibrating directly through his chest and into your sleeping frame.

The haunting tune echoed into the dark, a private tether disguised as a melody, keeping his only Lost Girl exactly where she belonged, dreaming under the watchful gaze of her king.

xoxo aurelie