Not Today....[Steven X Reader]

Not Today....[Steven x Reader]

Steven woke up, immediately noticing your absence. Sitting bolt upright, glancing around the room until his eyes came to rest on a note laying on the night stand.

'Steven, I went to the store for charcoal. The box on the terrace looked a little low and I know how much you like to grill. Ms. Veded is already in the apartment helping clean up. I plan on getting a couple other things while I'm out. -[Name].'

Steven breathed a small sigh of relief, at least you were safe. He stretched before making his way downstairs, a little excitement over tonight's party starting to bubble to the surface.

While Steven did worry about plenty. Mostly everything that could go wrong tonight, he just wanted to be able to relax for a change. He might be a member of Libra, but you weren't. And knowing just how much you fretted over Steven's well being, it left him with a small guilty feeling.

He couldn't keep himself in one mood for too long, his nerves swerved all over the place as the day ticked on. Closer to the party.

Mounting higher while picking some last minute recipes to whip up. Dissipating as he watched you focused on making your specialty Buckeyes. Rising as he cleared the table to organize the dishes in an appealing manner. Falling as you descended the stairs wearing your casual-formal evening attire. Steven wasn't at all use to this powerful of a swill of emotions, and he didn't really like it much either.

But, the ringing doorbell signaled the point of no return as Steven set the mixing bowl down.

He couldn't stop himself from being suspicious. You were still here, if there was danger.... Steven wanted to be able to protect you. He decided to plant Esmerelda Needles in every guest that passed through the door. It wouldn't activate until needed, and after they left the building...Well, at that point Steven wouldn't want to risk you getting injured because he failed to act.

However, that did NOT stop him from proudly declaring that you were his partner. Even if it did mean enduring several jokes about someone being able to put up with him. Jokes you played right along with, much to Steven's dismay. He didn't need you adding to the embarrassment stemming from him acting like this in the first place.

He thought the evening was going well. He thought sending Veded home was just being polite. He thought there wasn't anything for him to worry about.

But he thought wrong.

The two people closest you had latched onto your wrists, forcing you forward. Forcing you closer to Steven, just outside his peripheral vision. You had no idea what was going on. Everyone here had just been friendly a few seconds ago. Why would they be doing this?

"Is this some kind of party game?" Steven sounded so calm.

"Sorry but the party is over." What was going on? Why was Ellen acting like this? "But you, Steven Alan Starphase, member of Libra. Are welcome to join us. Come quietly and we won't harm a hair on [Name]'s head. Refuse or make any sudden movements and....Well, our employer can make due with your corpse."

"Sudden movements? What like to attack you?" Somehow, you felt better knowing Steven was so calm. You knew you could trust him beyond the shadow of a doubt, "I took care of that before you walked through the door."

"Esmerelda Blood Freeze: Aguja del Cero Absoluto"

You felt the air around you freeze. No, it was the people holding onto that had ice...growing on them? Was this the dangerous ability that Steven had been telling you about? Their hands had gripped your wrists harder as the ice took over their bodies. The pain kept you from hearing a lot of what Steven was saying. He seemed to take his time getting around to you though.

Steven stood in front of you, glaring at both the people who dared to lay hands on you. He was careful in breaking their grips, trying to minimize the damage to you as much as possible. This had been his fault....his fault.

You held onto Steven as he slipped an arm around your waist, guiding you away from everyone else. You didn't care what was going on any more. You just wanted it to end. Steven didn't need this kind of stress. The party had been going so well. Steven deserved a break, not this.

Glancing over the back of Steven's shoulder had been a mistake. Several extremely tall figures emerged from the shadows of a closet that remained locked most of the time. They were much taller than Klaus, having to stoop just to avoid dragging their heads across the ceiling.

Your fear grounded you in reality as you became aware how loud Steven was. How commanding his voice was. Just how cold and calm he was in the face of danger.

You were increasingly aware just how close Steven was. The smell of his cologne calming you a little as you clung to him. His arm firmly tucked around your back, hand resting on your waist. The warmth of his body bleeding into you against the chill of the air around you.

"What is that?" Ellen's voice was higher than before, her terror at these...things clear, "Is it Libra?"

"Not even close. Our leader would never allow the unspeakable things you're about to endure."

Steven stopped just short of explaining his goon squad. He didn't need you to know much more. Just knowing he was in Libra increased the target on your back. Steven shouldn't have let this happen.

You let yourself be shielded from the room, taking comfort from Steven rubbing your side and back slowly. Almost as if he needed to calm his own nerves by keeping you close. Hiding from the ghastly noises going on....those raspy gasps for air.... as Steven lead you across the apartment. You just wanted this to be over with.

To wake up passed out on the couch with some bizarre, new-age crime drama and incriminating empty bottle of wine, tangled up while cuddling Steven. Why wasn't that happening?

"Sorry to put you through the trouble."

Steven was clearly talking to someone else. Was it one of those creatures? What would they sound like? Did they even speak?

"Not at all." It (he?) had a surprisingly soft and gentle voice, "That's what we're here for."

Your mind went in a thousand directions. What did it mean? How long had it (they?) been working with (for?) Steven? Were they reason Steven was dangerous? Where did they stay? Have they always been in that closet? What were they doing to those...?

Steven could feel you trembling as the two of you walked down the street. He knew you'd have questions. Fully prepared to let you go on your separate way. He should have known better than to think he could really have much of a normal life, given his occupation and all its hazards. But before anything, Steven needed to know you were okay. That you would be able to sleep tonight.

Even worse was the nagging guilt building in the pit of his stomach. This evening shouldn't have happened. You shouldn't have been dragged into this. He shouldn't have been so careless. So reckless. This was all his fault.

And he knew it.

Steven found a nice, well-lit yet still isolated spot to stop. You had seemed to calm down a tad, but...this had to be discussed.

"[Name]" "Steven"

Both of you stopped, looking directly at each other.

"You first." Steven bowed his head towards you, "I'm sure you have questions. I'll....I'll do my best to answer them. Though....I..I can't answer everything."

You took a deep breath, "What are those things? What were they doing in the apartment? Are they always there? Why were those people after you? What was going on? Is this why you said you were a dangerous person to be around?"

Steven blinked. You had so many questions, and he couldn't give you any of those answers.

"I--I'm sorry amor." Steven lowered his gaze in defeat, "I'm afraid I can only answer the last question...."

Your heart sank a little. You had been hoping for some answers, but Steven couldn't give you any.

Steven's heart squeezed as your face fell. You deserved the truth he couldn't give, but he knew the danger you'd be in, how little he could really help at that point. He could only grit his teeth and do the next best thing. Maybe you would believe him, trust him a little bit.

"Listen [Name]," Steven held onto both your shoulders, leaning down to be directly at your eye level, "I can't tell you much. Because you'd be in worse danger if I did. But please, believe me. Those creatures won't touch a hair on your head. They work for me. After...a complication on the job, I had them come to work for me. For dire emergencies only."

Steven took a deep breath, your face had become unreadable. He couldn't stop his rambling, "And yes, they are part of the reason I'm so dangerous to be around. But not because I would ever have them attack, not until I need them. That was the first time I've had to use them for months. And, I need you to promise. No matter what happens. You don't utter a word about Libra. Please, don't mention that word to anyone in association to me."

You stood there. Everything you thought you knew had been flipped on it head in the course of an hour. Everything except how you felt about Steven. You knew you could trust him. That he would always do what he could to protect you. The fading red marks on your wrists proved that much.

You swallowed the lump that got caught in your throat, "I won't. Just...promise I won't have to see those...things...people? wandering the house when I come home late. I don't think I'd have the mental strength to handle that sight."

It was Steven's turn to shake. Hearing you slowly build your own resolve back up, and saying you'd stay to boot. Steven pulled you into a tight hug, gently stroking your hair for a moment before remembering you two were out in public. A point only hammered home by the car driving by.

You were standing in the office listening to the briefing of an infiltration mission. Chain would be busy with the werewolves, so it was up to you to be the distraction with Zapp.

"Hold the f*^k up!"

You saw your chance and took it. Holding onto Zapp's arm.

"B^tch! What are you doing?!"

"What you asked."

"HAAAANH!?"

"You said hold the f*^k up.....here we are."

The room was quiet for a second as everyone processed what you meant. Zapp was, of course, first to respond.

"Get- Get off me!"

He somewhat struggled at pushing you away, but did manage to break your grip. Chain was giggling. Leo had to explain it a little to Zed before they both laughed. Steven lifted his coffee cup to hide his smirk. Only Klaus was ready to defend Zapp, except....he was doing that on his own.

First Time in Years [Leo x Reader]

"Hey Leo! Watch this!"

Leo turned towards the tall tree you'd climbed. He really didn't want you to fall. But when you jumped right out of the tree, he panicked so much.

"[Name]! Don't!"

You giggled all the way down into the pond. Leo had raced forward on instinct and had to shield his face from the splash. You could be so reckless sometimes.

Leo sat up slowly. That was weird for sure. A good dream? And one that was such a cute childhood memory. Maybe it was some kind of omen. Leo sure hoped so, he needed some good luck in this crazy city.

Though, why would he dream of you? He hadn't seen you since 10th grade. You had to move for some reason that Leo never did get a straight answer on.

To say he wasn't immediately distracted by the realization he would be meeting that mystery operative and then the general chaos of the city would be untruthful. Especially since Leo just barely made it to the office in one piece.

Zapp had only just been smacked down by Klaus when the front door to the office opened. Leo turned on instinct, with the rest of the members currently in the building. Yet Leo couldn't believe his All-Seeing eyes on this one. An older, much more mature version of his childhood friend??

"Ah, [Name]." Klaus slightly adjusted his vest from being attacked, "The mission was a success I trust?"

"Yep." You looked more mature, but Leo could tell it was still you, just in a casual suit, "I think I did the paper work properly. Still printed a second copy to be safe."

Leo couldn't believe his luck. Everything flooded at once and he couldn't stop staring. It was almost like seeing a ghost, despite the obvious changes.

"Hm, before you get too comfy [Name]." Steven stepped into the main floor of the office to take and look over the file being held out, "There are a couple new faces for you to get mixed up for a month."

"Hey!" You crossed your arms sassily, "I'm not THAT bad at names. Mr. Starphase. Thank you very much."

Leo couldn't help but chuckle. Of course you'd be playful and sassy when called out. Though, when you turned he felt frozen to the couch. Where did this sudden shaking come from?

"Oh, allow me." Klaus began gesturing, "The man by the bookcase is Zed. Of course he is a heteromorph and trained in Shinatobe and Big Dipper Style."

You nodded respectfully at the admittedly tall half fish man, "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." He half bowed back, "I've heard the stories of your skill and look forward to working with you to see if the rumors are true."

Leo's heart skipped a beat when you smiled. That little challenge accepted smile got to him. What was wrong with him? He hadn't felt this way before?? Right?

"And this young man." Klaus paused for a moment, "He might be around your age if memory serves correctly. Yet his name is--!"

"Leo!" You blurted, cutting Klaus off, "Sorry, Klaus. I actually already know him. And yeah, we are about the same age."

Leo felt like his tongue was wax, "[Name], I...what?"

"Uh...yeah." You scratched the back of your head, "It's a long story, though I guess a little catch up is needed. Like what are you doing here?"

Leo nodded, this would prove to be rather interesting.

Lovey Dovey [Klaus x Reader]

This adorable little fic was requested by anonymous 💋

Finally, a peaceful evening in this chaotic city, you were able to relax with your lover and not worry. The two of you had turned the living room into a massive nest of pillows and blankets, watching softly romantic movies and snuggling.

Klaus had one arm curled around your back as you were half perched over his chest. He was a bit more interested in something other than the movie, if he was honest with himself.

You were quick to pick up on his sudden restlessness as his fingers gently drummed along with the music across your back. He always seemed apposed to just saying what he wanted. But you knew that was just the way Klaus showed respect. He truly was the perfect gentleman in that sense.

"Klaus?"

"Hmmm?"

He looked at you slowly, attempting to mask his nerves and desires.

Instead of speaking, you adjusted to be face to face. Klaus was instantly flustered, he knew what you were doing but failed to realize that you knew how to read his body language by now. You acting like this always blindsided him because he believed himself to be quite unreadable. Yet he wasn't going to turn you down, not when he wanted this as well.

Both of you moved slowly, exchanging soft, chaste kisses. Klaus carefully helping you up into his lap to be as close as possible. To make everything as comfortable as possible.

You arms snaked up around his neck, one hand tangling into the red mane, the other just clinging to his shoulder. He kept his hands respectfully around your back, slowly tightening his grip as you settled into the intimacy of the moment.

Klaus desperately wanted you to know just how much he loved you. How much you meant to him. He wanted to convey this through his every action. Just how overwhelming this feeling was for him, how badly he needed to express it. How you clouded his mind, guiding his every action. How everything you were, everything you did was his favorite thing. His absolute reason for fighting and protecting humanity contained in the person he was currently so close to.

You felt like melting. Klaus was so gentle, so respectful. Yet once he got into a moment like this, he was so deeply passionate. It was overwhelming to say the least. And you didn't know if you were even capable of matching it. But you weren't going to let that stop you from pouring every ounce of your love into this.

Each gentle kiss slowly got deeper, lasted just a few seconds longer. Klaus's hands slowly traveling up your back. Your arms carefully tightening. Both of you tangling together with no intention of letting go for long.

Klaus pulled back, he wasn't going to take this too far without permission. He could never take advantage of you like that, no matter how badly he wanted it.

You paused. Klaus could be a little difficult to read at times, but this wasn't one of them.

"I want to honey." You barely whispered between heavy breaths, "I want this."

Klaus smiled a tiny bit, carfully readjusting until he was hovering over you, "As you wish Liebling."

You melted into the intense, passionate kissing, knowing exactly where it would lead in a short while.

Colorful Explosion [Raju x Reader]

This fun little fic was requested by anonymous 🎆

Raju didn't really understand why his lover seemed so excited. Nor did he understand their purchase of oddly wrapped packages. Just that they didn't want him opening any of them.

Raju's curiosity should be sated by the end of the night however. He helped his partner move the boxes of wrapped...objects outside to a small concrete patch just on the other side of the road. They seemed rather excited at least, so perhaps this was suppose to be a good thing?

The sun went down and while Raju was weary of the match book in his lover's hands, he knew they'd be perfectly safe. Especially with him right there. But he couldn't help but worry.

At least once you lit the now obvious fuse, you backed up a good bit. But now Raju was even more concerned than excited. Did you just light a bomb of some kind?

Fweeeoooo! BOOM!

Raju ducked for cover and tried pulling you down with himself. But you tugged away, confused. Had he really never seen fireworks before?

"You don't need to duck Raju." You tilted your head at him, "Its just fireworks. Haven't I told you about them?"

"Fireworks?" Raju floated still, "I believe I've heard the term. But I could use a refresher."

"They basically explode into what looks like a lot of colorful stars. Here. Let me light another, just look upwards okay?"

Raju trusted you at least and did what you asked. Looking up at the sky when you did.

Fweeeeooo! BOOM!

Despite Raju's fight or flight response kicking in, he couldn't deny that it was rather colorful. The falling sparkles and fading lights made for a pretty little display. Though for such a loud noise, it was very short lived.

What Raju didn't know was that these were merely a precursor to a small party of your friends coming over with various beers and wine coolers. And their own set of fireworks to set off.

Raju thought someone should remain sober, until he saw how little alcohol was in the wine coolers you were drinking. Then he allowed himself to relax. You could handle your liquor in small doses like this after all.

And Raju liked the taste of the wine coolers, not so much the beer however. You weren't sure how many he had to drink, but the way he was hanging on you. You felt he might have had one too many. At least his job was fairly slow work. He would have plenty of time to recover tomorrow.

Pure Fluff [Raju x Reader]

This cozy little fic was requested by anonymous 🧨

Your whole body was slowly starting to relax. You didn't think Raju could be so vigorous, or so passionate. He wasn't much of a body but he figured out a way to make this work.

He was fully aware that humas needed intimate stimulation after so long in a relationship. And that afterwards, it was customary to cuddle.

Raju made sure he pulled his body puppet into the room before starting, and was settling into it. He wanted you to be comfortable. Not just because it was what would be expected, but because he genuinely cared about you in a way he didn't about any other.

You nestled close to Raju on the side where more of his own body would be against your skin. He didn't fully remove his shawl or helm, you vaguely thought he was just shy. But it was nice, the way he curled the puppet and his own arm around you. It might have felt weird as two different kinds of skin brushed against your own, but you were well use to it.

Despite his seeming shyness, Raju loved to cuddle with you. His own hand gently combing through your hair as the puppet hand traced up and down your back.

You weren't going anywhere soon, but this was nice. You had no intentions to getting away, not when he was wrapped around you. Slowly peppering soft kisses across your raised shoulder.

The weirdest part was his helm bumping against your cheek, almost as if it was nuzzling against you too. The idea of him purposely making his helm do so made you giggle a little.

Raju paused, he secretly adored that sound, "Is there something funny about this?"

"Your helm keeps bumping my cheek."

".....I.....I could remove it." He hesitated to even offer. He hadn't removed his helm in years, even he forgot what he really looked like underneath, "If that would be more comfortable?"

"Its not that." You smiled, "I was just thinking how it looked from the outside."

Raju's head popped up. You couldn't see his face, but it was safe to assume he was confused.

"Your helm is a cow skull right?"

"I believe so, yes."

"And its common for animals to brush up against a face to show affection. Several different kinds do it including cows. So I was giggling because that's what it would look like."

Raju blinked, "That my helm was being affectionate as well?"

You chuckled a bit, nodding. Raju had a sudden idea and very gently nudged your cheek with his helm.

"Like this?"

He was doing this specifically to make you laugh, though he would die before say so out loud. Regardless of how little he said, or how much he tried to keep secret, Raju would always betray himself. Getting you to laugh and smile was one of his favorite things to do in general. While Raju usually succeeded, you were well aware why he was behaving so playfully.

Though he did stop quickly, preferring to cuddle more. Slowly tracing up and down your side while softly kissing along your ear.

He just wanted you to be comfortable. He never has had someone he cared about so deeply. Someone who's happiness would interfere with his training if they asked. Someone who could level him with a glance and make the heavens dance with a wave of their arm.

Maybe Raju would tell you these things, the stranglehold you had on his heart. But for now, he would cuddle you until you both fell fast asleep.