#just sayin its hard and its beautiful and i really appreciate it

[mercurytrinemoon]

Trying to describe each sign's appearance but just complimenting them instead...

Consider this partially a "sign characteristics appearance-wise" post or something but with me being edgy with my hot takes

I've recently saw yet another list of "the most beautiful signs" and, surprise, surprise, Libra took the first spot *yawn yawn*. Listen, I know you guys are all about Venus-ruled signs and stuff but this really ticks me off a bit. It's as if it was a default feature for them to be pretty or whatever and NOT for other signs. Beauty has all shapes, sizes and incarnations, stop associating it exclusively for Libra and Taurus. Soooo I've decided to elaborate on the appearance of all signs while pointing out their strong assets. Not to come off a bit shallow but I just want to show some appreciation for other signs because each of them has something unique about their looks or the way they carry themselves. This may apply to both Sun and ascendant (actually, most people look like a mix of both).

Also note: just because something is characteristic for one sign doesn't mean other signs can't have that as well... or that you HAVE to have it if you're that sign. We all look different after all. Just sayin so we're clear. These are not strict rules and, as I always say, nothing should be looked at in separation from the rest of the chart.

*Also, if I see this article reposted somewhere, I’m gonna be real mad. Have some respect for people’s hard work

ARIES: I love their sharp features and strong bone-structure. Flushed skin is a common thing for them - its Mars' burning influence. Hair can have a ruddish tone as well. Okay and THE CURLS *deep breath*. I swear, seeing Aries men with curly hair does things to me. They're like lil lambs. Women with this placement tend to have a tougher look to their faces, sometimes even somewhat androgynous, which honestly I find super hot. Tomboy vibes big time. With Aries just overall, think strong brow bone (and often bushy or sharp, angular brows) that's pushed a bit forward (so the eyes are more on the deep-set side), bigger or wider forehead, often defined jawline with a square chin. Nose can be prominent in some way: a bit rounded or with bulbous bridge. Faces are usually square-ish and with a serious look to them. 

They often walk around with their head tilted forward - they’re a ram after all, always ready to charge ahead. They may look like they could punch you but once they smile you see how of a sweet cartoon characters they are with their warm big smiles. They can be such goofy dorks. They usually have a lot of energy so it may be hard for them to sit still, their bodies are full of excitement. Because of that, they have the tendency to hurt themselves, especially in the head/face area so that may leave some scarring. It's funny how Aries are painted as the aggressive ones while in reality, they're labradors on crack.

Aries Sun: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Daisy Ridley | rising: Bryce Dallas Howard, Brie Larson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt | Sun + rising: Heath Ledger

TAURUS: I think both Venus-ruled signs just have pleasant features. I don’t think it’s common for them to have striking looks (unless, of course, there’s other aspects involved). I feel like they're just there looking hella fine. I’ve noticed that Taurus folks seem to have a heavier stomp or just kind of a heavy presence. It’s as if they needed more space to maneuver? Their movements are slow and elegant. But doesn't necessarily mean they're slow pokes! Because Taurus, as an earth fixed sign, has a good understanding of their own bodies and building their strength & stamina. It's just that their movements are well thought out and controlled. 

They tend to have nice, long, elegant necks... or alternatively, very stocky, prominent ones. And is it just me or do they like wearing turtlenecks? Or scarves? Small ears are a thing as well. When it comes to face features, sometimes their noses can be a bit flattened or with wider, flared-out nostrils - kind of bull-like. I've noticed their eyes tend to be more deep-set, downturned or even smaller, with brow bone kind of covering them/pushing them back. Really cute and pretty smiles, often sensual gaze. Great, thick hair, sometimes curly or wavy - they look great with retro hairstyles imo. Usually very stylish and even if they’re not up to tends, they pay attention to quality of fabricks and the way the clothes fit as they need to feel comfortable and cosy.

Taurus Sun: Cher, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Penélope Cruz, George Clooney | rising: Rita Hayworth | Sun + rising: Robert Pattinson

GEMINI: oh their restless energy. I love how vibrant they are with their spirit. And they're just cute-looking: squishy cheeks, often with dimples... very much a youthful look. But also a bit mischevious. I love how of a smiley & bubbly jokesters they are. Very much cameleons in that regard, they adapt easily to their environment and it also shows in their looks and manners. They use hand gestures a lot when they talk, sometimes they can be a bit (or a lot!) fidgety overall, especially if they’re anxious (and that’s something airy mercurial restless energy may struggle with). Expressive faces. Their gaze is always quick as if they were investigating the room, with sparks in their eyes.

I was once looking at photos of random people with Gemini rising specifically, and noticed an interesting pattern and it was that a lot of them had this beautiful light blue, almost grey eye shade. I've never seen anyone talk about this, maybe that's a Mercury thing? (Because I’ve also seen lots of Virgos with blue eyes). Their features are usually more noticeable - strong jawline (sometimes wide), often long pointy chin; face can be more narrow. Apparently they also have longer or slender hands and fingers? 

Gemini Sun: John Cho, Tom Holland, Alanis Morissette | rising: Sandra Bullock, Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew McConaughey

CANCER: honestly such classic beauts. Cancers are the epitome of beauty & grace. Very friendly faces with welcoming aura. Just like with any water sign, having eyes light in color is common. Personally, I've noticed that sometimes Cancers have more of a bone-y faces and really sharp jaws and chins - as if they were sculpted. Cheeks are usually prominent, sometimes they sit lower on the face. Okay, the Moon face? It may be round or more fleshy and that’s why Cancers are known for having a baby face? Also, it may have something to do with their tendency to water retention. I personally think they sometimes look like a crescent Moon from the side: their chins and browbones tend to go forward a bit so that it makes their face look somewhat sunk-in from the side (so kiiind of like a crescent Moon?).

Just like any water sign, they're a lot more prone to being influenced - with Cancer, it's the influence of their own emotions or upbringing. This has its effect on their appearance as well. They can be very soft and natural, yes, but I've noticed that Cancers really like to dabble in colorful palettes - I often see them with colorful hair, bedazzled clothing, rainbow accesories or, alternatively, being emo or goths. It's all about outward expression. But overall, their ruler, Moon, is the most sensitive and changeable of them all so, especially in their case, it's very important to pay attention to where their natal Moon sits because that will color the way they look and carry themselves.

Cancer Sun: Olivia Munn, Robin Williams | rising: Angelina Jolie, Lisa Bonet, Kurt Russell | rising + Sun: George Michael

LEO: charm and cheeky. Smize. Beautiful broad smiles. They have twinkles in their eyes and are very giggly. Rounder faces, softer than Aries. Button noses, flatter or wider nose bridge that connects to their brows. Deep blue or green eyes are common as well. Hair really IS prominent - whether it's short and cute or long and full. If it's long, it's usually very blown-out or wavy. I've also noticed that they won't let just anyone take care of their hair because they almost treat it like something sacret. They also tend to like to lighten their hair a bit, no matter the gender, so that it has golden highlights (it's all about gold tones, you know?).

I always say they're the least loud of fire signs because they're just too cool for that - they have the most swagger out of all the signs. They carry themselves with pride and have cat-like yet confident movements. Very welcoming and warm people, they have this inner light within them. They also seem to tan nicely (or easily so this can go south pretty quick), it’s as if the Sun was there to beautify them even more. I feel like they literally radiate gold.

Leo Sun: Michelle Yeoh, Viola Davis, Jason Momoa, Jennifer Lopez | rising: Robert Downey Jr, Selena Gomez 

VIRGO: okay first off, can we stop the Virgo stereotype? People say they're boring and conservative with their looks (and with their personalities as well, but it's not what we're discussing here). Have you looked at a Virgo? They straight up look like dolls. Omg so pretty. They have big downturned or round eyes, delicate features, always put together. Their chins are usually more pointy and their facial features seem so chiseled. Noses are sometimes very straight or with a longer point. Idk their faces just seem tiny and cute. Faces tend to be oblong with pointier chins. I wouldn't necessarily say all of them are modest in their looks but most Virgos I know would NEVER wear something that fits bad, looks bad, has a crooked stitching etc or, not to mention, something that should belong in the laundry.

They may not be as bubbly and goofy as a Gemini (tho they're just as witty!), especially if we're talking about a Virgo rising, but they have this light, almost stoic aura to them. They're somewhere in between the cuddliness of a Taurus and coldness of a Capricorn. A bit reserved in their approach as well.

Virgo Sun: Zendaya, Shirley Manson | rising: Uma Thurman, Elizabeth Olsen, Donald Glover | Sun + rising: Keanu Reeves

LIBRA: I've noticed Libras often have these amazing high sharp cheekbones. Sometimes even a naturally foxy eye look. It's like they had permanently contoured face, no matter the gender. Of course, Libras are also known for (seemingly) symmetrical features. Or at least well-proportioned and pleasant. Plump lips are common as well, they're very smiley and fun and approachable people. Chin dimples? Usually brown eyes, I've noticed. Now, I've seen Libras that look like they don't know what a shower is, but if they are REALLY tapped into that venusian energy, they typically have a clear vision of what they want to look like and how they want to present themselves. The mix of air and Venus makes it very coherent, thought-out but also very effortlessly appealing. You know, Libra artists will be the ones to make a full-on concept album that has a certain aesthetic or even create a character for it. I feel like that's the energy. Great at doing make-up, they’re very creative in that regard & they know how to bring out the best assets - not just in themselves but in others as well.

Bonus unpopular opinion: Libra Suns are better looking than Libra risings (soz). You guys seem to like to read biased astro observations, well that's mine lol. It's just because whatever Sun sign you have, it's natural for you, it's just in you, whereas the rising sign is where you may sometimes try too much (but that’s a topic on its own).

Libra Sun: Will Smith, Halsey | rising: Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Branch | Sun + rising: John Mayer, Doja Cat

SCORPIO: a LOT MORE lighthearted than people paint them to be. There may be certain intensity about them - I feel like resting bitch face can very much be a Scorpio thing but, similarily to Aries (and they have some other things in common), once they smile, they show their sweet, softer side & you see their warm energy - reserved, yes, but still somewhat warm and shy. They probably won't open up themselves but will sure make you do that. I feel like that's something worth mentioning here, even tho I'm focusing on appearance here, but I'm just hella tired of Scorpio stereotypes of being mYstEriOuS aNd sExY.

They can give you a death stare tho lol. They have a piercing gaze. I always say that Scorpios look kind of like eagles - I call it the concerned look - the focus point on their face is between their eyes and on the nose, which, by the way, tends to be hooked, eagle-like as well. There's a tendency to frown - again, it's all about that focused look. Their appearance just usually looks striking. Whether it's extremely pale skin (or a lot lighter than their parents' because this can apply to black and brown people), lots of freckles, blemishes and birth marks (just like with Aries, their ruler Mars leaves scars), a bald head or big round eyes, intensely light or blue in shade - it's just striking. Such unique individuals. And they can be just as weird and experimental with their looks as an Aquarius.

Scorpio Sun: Tilda Swinton, Joaquin Phoenix | rising: Chester Bennington, Chris Evans | rising + Sun: Julia Michaels, Björk

SAGITTARIUS: I feel like I should just give you the never-ending list of Sagittarius Suns & risings and that would explain itself. Sadges have playfulness, swag and sexiness all mixed together. They're just cool & chill and usually SO unbothered. Their sense of humor carries through their body language. Something that is distinguishable for a Sag is a jolly broad smile and a loud laugh. Being carefree and funny, not being afraid to make a dork out of themselves - hella attractive. Very clumsy tho. Legs for days. Glossy & dreamy doe-like eyes that can become lively and full of passion and excitement in a matter of seconds. Hair is prominent as well, just like with Leos, but more wild and harder to tame. Idk I feel like sometimes Sadges look like some mystical forest creatures or low-key mythical roman gods (I mean... I guess it's the centaur thing).

And yeah, our faces DO look like horses a bit, like, let's admit that. It's all about elongated, exaggerated (Jupiter) features: noses and chins can be a bit longer and more prominent/sharp; face that’s oblong; teeth that's a bit bigger; sometimes the root of their nose/glabella area can be a bit broader and flat, which is interesting, but I did notice that among many Sadges (including myself lol). Face features are overall softer & more round compared to other fire signs.

Sagittarius Sun: Britney Spears, Lucy Liu | rising: Brigitte Bardot | rising + Sun: Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, Jimi Hendrix

CAPRICORN: Iconic.

A classic type of graceful beauty. I wouldn’t say they have distinguishable traits, their faces are usually just very balanced with nice cheekbones. It is often said that their skin looks somewhat dry and matte. Their facial features look sharper and more defined with age and it’s when their amazing bone structure really starts to pop. I think Cap risings in particular, especially in younger age, can experience a lot of insecurities and issues with self-acceptance, but honestly they age like a fine wine, such timeless & versatile beauty. I think there's a reason a lot of top models, old Hollywood starts or even a lot of iconic rock stars have strong Capricorn influence in their charts. There's something in those folks that makes them become sort of a blueprints of the ideal - and that expands beyond their looks of course, it's all about their legacy. It's probably thanks to a mix of Saturn, their cardinal nature and grounded earthy influence.

They have a style that’s either very comfort-driven and with an earthy natural touch (but less clean-cut than Virgo) or very modern yet still elegant. Serious look, there's something cold and sophisticated about them - like in a refined way. While Cancers are known for their baby faces, it’s said that Capricorns tend to look very mature from a young age - or rather, they carry themselves like that. 

Capricorn Sun: Jared Leto | rising: Sophia Loren, Zac Efron, Monica Bellucci, Lenny Kravitz | Sun + rising: Dave Grohl

AQUARIUS: there is certain beauty in their quirkiness. Personality-wise, yes, but also appearance-wise. They are known for unconventional looks and somewhat disrupted proportions - something most would call a flaw but I love this about them. Flaws are cool and unique. Assymetrical face? Super cool. Lil crooked tooth or crooked nose bridge? Super cool. Eye color that is hard to define? Even more cool. Speaking of which, their eyes are the first thing you’ll notice about them, usually they’re crystal-like and sparkly or very striking in color. 

But despite their unusual nature, there's something classic about them as well - thanks to Saturn's influence. Their beauty is timeless, YET distinguishable. This may sound weird, but when I think of Aquarius, I think of faces that you can find on an ancient coin obverse: roman or more pointy noses; smaller, sometimes pushed-back chins (but with a defined jawline); high cheekbones but still softer and rounder features. Lips are usually smaller and thinner. But unlike the other Saturn-ruled sign, Capricorn, there's something dainty and elusive about them - since, obviously, unlike the former, they're an air sign. 

Fast-moving airy nature may make them more experimental with their appearance. They can easily tap into futuristic themes - they look great in neon blues, oranges, modern cuts and are great at bending gender norms when it comes to fashion. Interestingly, ethereal (air sign) or classic retro (Saturn) looks suit them really well too.

Aquarius Sun: Yoko Ono | rising: SZA, David Bowie, Christina Aguilera, Aaliyah, Henry Cavill

PISCES: their soft gaze! And dewy skin! And pouty lips! They may look innocent but I think first and foremost, they kind of blend with whatever's around them... which also means that their features aren't as noticeable. They're like lil cameleons in that regard. They love nature and I feel like they like being in tune with that and it shows in their looks as well. So whatever flows for them and feels comfortable... Natural, effortless looks, minimal makeup. Or alternatively, as a mutable and watery (aka very changeable & adaptable sign), they like to play with different looks and become a character of themselves - it’s as if they treated themselves as a canvas for an art piece. 

Teeth are usually small and cute (I literally saw astrologers calling them fish teeth lol). Their smiles are genuine and shy, although they can be very smiley people and as jolly as a Sadge. Beautiful light or blue eyes are common among them. Their faces can be either a bit rounder and fleshy or a bit sharper but still with small, delicate features. Their heads are almost always in the clouds so they may look contemplative or even sad, deep in their thoughts, with their eyes staring into the distance. Overall, they may seem very ethereal. 

Pisces Sun: Kurt Cobain, Elizabeth Taylor, Lupita Nyong'o | rising: Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish (UPDATE: we now have Billie’s birth certificate and she’s an Aries rising but her asc ruler is in Pisces), Gwyneth Paltrow

[shootybangbang]

Can i request an Arthur/sadistic female reader please？i really want to see him all messed up because of...you know🥺

(btw, pls check out the requester's art. her arthur content is 😩👌)

[Oneshot]: In which you still don't know how to tie an overhand knot

[Rating]: Explicit

[Note]: this is so fucking horny that i feel i have to apologize in advance. unedited and a little rough around the edges, feel free to point out errors or give criticism

———

“Huh,” you muse aloud. “Looks like the gallery’s putting up a new exhibition this weekend.”

With one hand, you spread the newspaper across the bed and skip to page three. With the other, you continue to stroke Arthur’s cock, twisting your wrist a little to smooth your palm against its dripping tip. The man himself groans as you touch him, and the frame of his body trembles beneath where you’ve straddled yourself over his thighs.

His breaths are quickening again. “Please,” Arthur rasps, his voice hoarse with exertion and desperation alike. You indulge him with another slow, teasing pump of your fist as you continue to pick through the St Denis Tribune, humming thoughtfully as you peruse the newspaper’s Arts and Entertainment section.

“I’m beggin’ you, girl.” He sounds as though he’s teetering on the very edge of agony and ecstasy, and venturing perilously close to the latter. “C’mon. Please.”

“Looks like it’s mostly Impressionists this time. Let’s see here… a selection of Seurats and Monets… a couple Renoirs… oh, some Degas too?” With a mild expression that belies the depth of torture you’ve been putting him through, you slow your hand to a stop. He makes a choked, unhappy noise in the back of his throat that you heartily ignore. “That’s pretty bold of them, considering the reception they gave that Chatenay fellow you told me about.”

Growling, Arthur starts fumbling with the (admittedly badly tied) restraints securing his arms behind his back, twisting his wrists in an attempt to find a loose end.

“Easy there.” You run the pad of your thumb along the ridge delineating the head of his cock, slicking against the precum beaded at its tip. “I’ll give you what you want soon enough.”

“Been hearin’ you say that for almost half an hour now,” he replies, glaring. “You enjoyin’ yourself?”

“Immensely.”

“Better savor it while you can, because I promise you — I’m gonna remember this the next time I get you beneath me.”

You laugh. “Oh yeah? What‘re you gonna do then?”

“Untie me and I’ll show you,” he says.

“No,” you reply with a beatific smile.

He narrows his eyes and lowers his voice to something smooth and dangerous: the sort of tone you’ve known him to use for threats he actually intends to follow through on. “When it’s my turn,” he says. “I ain’t gonna tie you up. Won’t need to. Because with you, all I need is my hands.”

A shiver runs down your spine. The man’s wrists may be bound, but you’re still very much at his mercy. In all actuality, your authority here amounts to only a length of rope and his own good humor.

You let out a soft, involuntary whimper at the very thought of it.

“Gonna pin you down when I fuck you,” he continues. He’s smirking now, clearly enjoying the demonstrable effect his words have on you. “Lay you down on your stomach and keep you under me, where you belong.”

You’re half-tempted to loose the rope and let him do just that. Instead, you grab the hem of your shift with both hands and pull the garment over your head in a single fluid motion. It’s 1899, after all. High time for a woman to take charge of her own pleasure.

The dim glow of the oil lamp bathes your bare skin in a wash of gold and amber as you settle yourself against him, pressing the wet line of your slit along the length of his cock. “Go on,” you tell him. “What else?”

Arthur swallows hard and licks his lips, then draws in a sharp intake of breath as you roll your hips forward — just a brief stir of movement, but more than enough to make him twitch beneath you. “Drive you to the brink the same way you’re doin’ to me now,” he says weakly. “Take my time with you, nice and slow. Make you really beg for it.”

“Mm-hmm.” Another roll of your hips, this time with just enough pressure to grant him a touch of warmth.

Finally, he breaks. And it’s truly a sight to behold: Arthur Morgan, a man who you’d thought would break your spine like a toothpick the first time you’d met, openly begging for the simple privilege of being allowed between your thighs.

“God, please,” he groans. “You can’t do this to me. Can’t let me feel how wet you are and just leave me like this.”

“Of course I can.” You relent. “But I won’t. So be a good boy and stay still for me, alright?”

His cock weighs heavy in your hand as you guide him between your thighs. Arthur lets out a harsh gasp and instinctively thrusts upwards — but you immediately withdraw, and he finds nothing but the cruel emptiness of absence waiting to receive him.

“Thought I told you to stay still,” you repeat sternly.

He nods with the frantic desperation of a badly-trained dog begging for a meal. Hungry and eager, but standing to attention with as much obedience he can muster. Which isn’t much, even on the best of days, but he is trying. And for that, he deserves something in return.

You take him in slowly, both out of principle and necessity. Just a taste of him first, then the gradual descent, a long and drawn out consumption that he has barely the means to endure.

His gaze still hasn’t left you. There is an intensity in it that once might have frightened you, an azure bright as broken glass and twice as sharp. The purity of emotion in them strikes you to the bone, makes your throat tighten and your dominance waver — there is a depth of devotion there that borders on the absolute.

When you move against him, he squeezes his eyes shut against the sheer force of sensation that floods through. Arthur makes a low, pained noise in the back of his throat and confesses, “I ain’t gonna last long.”

You lean forward and kiss him, then start a slow, rocking motion with your hips that spurs him to whimper your name against your lips, a small cry of warning before you feel the first twitches of his cock. Arthur bucks up once, twice, then shudders beneath you as his seed pulses deep, blooms hot and slick inside your core.

“Goddammit,” he hisses. “Didn’t think I’d— ah, fuck…”

You ride on, grinding through the last, weakening throbs of his orgasm and until he lets out a final, heavy sigh. Arthur regards you with loose-limbed exhaustion, lolling his head against your pillows as he flashes you a drained, weary grin. “Alright,” he says. “Untie me and get up here so I can—”

“No need,” you say brightly, then lift your hips in a brief mockery of release before sheathing him again and sending him reeling into oversensitivity.

Arthur’s eyes roll back in his head. “Jesus fucking Christ,” he gasps, wincing. “What’re you—”

“Too much?”

“Didn’t say that,” he says. His jaw is clenched tight and his voice is faint, but the look on his face is one of stubborn determination.

You test him with another slow, sinuous slide of your hips. This time, he meets you with a shallow thrust of his own. He’s breathing hard, each exhale shivery with exertion. “Keep goin’,” he urges. “I can take it.”

The added lubrication of his come eases the friction of him, soothes the inevitable ache of penetration. You settle for an unhurried, leisurely rhythm that allows you to fully appreciate the slickness of each stroke, the accompanying warmth of his seed still spread through your core.

Arthur’s gaze darts downwards to the base of his shaft, where the drip of his come has begun to pool. “Beautiful,” he murmurs. “Just beautiful.”

He snakes his right arm free from his bonds and abruptly flips you onto your back with a well-timed shove.

“What— how did you…?”

“Sweetheart,” Arthur says, his voice warm and affectionately condescending. “You still can’t tie an overhand knot for shit.”

“But I double-checked this time!”

“Not very well, apparently.” He hitches your thighs around his waist and cages you in beneath him, then lowers his mouth to the slope of your neck. A brief, gentle nip — not hard enough to hurt, but more than enough to convey his renewed authority. “God, but you’re a greedy little thing, ain’t you?” he growls against your skin. “Just one load of my spend ain’t enough?”

“Thought you’d appreciate the challenge, since you’re always so— oh, shit,” you gasp, clutching at his shoulders when he drives himself downwards with a sharp, savage thrust.

“Go on.” Arthur says. He’s panting now, his dark blond hair slicked against his forehead with sweat. “Weren’t you sayin’ somethin’ about me?”

You let out an indecipherable whine that bears only a passing resemblance to human language.

“My poor girl,” he murmurs, low and tender. Arthur cups the side of your face against his palm and traces his thumb over your cheekbone, then presses a chaste kiss to your brow. “Can’t even talk right when I’m fucking her proper.”

He’ll no doubt be insufferably smug about this later, but you can’t quite bring yourself to care, distracted as you are by the view of him rutting against you, his shaft still streaked with his previous release. He’s fucking his own come back into me, you think to yourself, and that thought alone blinds out all else and leaves you blank with pleasure.

Arthur takes you hard and fast. Far rougher than his usual handling, which can sometimes be almost excruciatingly cautious. He kisses you clumsily, then lowers his mouth to the junction of your neck and shoulder, sucking and biting until the first, faint traces of tomorrow’s bruises begin to darken.

And with this, it’s not long before the first delirious ripples of your own orgasm begin to crest.

Every muscle drawn and tensed, dissolving into an inward ache of arousal that spurs you to grip him tight and whimper, eyelids fluttering as you struggle to keep his face in view. With a fierce satisfaction, you savor the sudden weakness in his expression when he feels you contract against him, then his harsh groan and the stutter of his hips as he follows, spilling what seed he has left.

Arthur keeps himself hilted until the very last shivers of exhilaration fade, then pulls away with a reluctance usually reserved for long farewells. The overflow of his come is thick and heavy as it drips from between your thighs, and the look on his face as he beholds it is one of tired appreciation.

Then he flops onto his side, totally spent. “You’re a real demon,” he sighs. “You know that?”

“A real demon would go for round three,” you reply faintly, staring dreamy-eyed up at the ceiling.

Arthur groans at the mere suggestion of it. “I think that’d actually kill me.”

When you curl up against him, he automatically throws an arm over your side, the action at this point an instinct secondary only to breathing, and brushes his mouth over the back of your neck.

As you ebb towards sleep, you murmur as an afterthought, “Didn’t you say you were gonna make me beg?”

He lets out a weary chuckle. “Well,” he says, “There’s always tomorrow.”

[0celesteisthebest0]

Take A Chance On Me

Word Count: 6,584

Pairing: Jack “Whiskey” Daniels x Fem! Reader(no y/n)

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Warnings: tooth rotting fluff, references to Washington, lots of feelings, explicit language, (Tell me if I should add more).  

Authors notes: You don’t understand how long I’ve been waiting for chapter 22 to release OMG ITS BEEN SINCE JUNE I- GOODNESS. FINALLY IT FINALLY HAPPENED AND NOW!!!!!! My beautiful audience gets to eat the fruits of your hard journey with this!! I tried my best with balancing the things that they’ve dealt with and the feelings of finally being together so I hope that is shown through. They desperately need to talk things out so yeah a quiet conversation with lots and lots of feelings and fluff.  Like I’m serious so much fluffy moments because you guys deserve it! Anyway love all who read and hope everyone had a happy holiday!!! Appreciate you guys 😘

Chapter 23: A Quiet Conversation

The warm presence underneath you made you shift to get closer and get engulfed in the feeling. You nuzzled your cheek into what you thought was the couch but couches don’t typically giggle when you nuzzle into them. All the slumber that you had quickly vanished from that realization. You removed yourself from Jack, who you accidentally fell asleep on. You wiped away the drool from your mouth and you felt so embarrassed that you didn’t look at Jack.

“Mornin’ sweetheart you feelin’ okay ,” he hummed. You felt your face get hot because of the embarrassment of sleeping on top of him and crying all over his shirt last night. 

“Sorry I didn’t mean to sleep on top of you…I’m fine, better than yesterday,” you muttered softly and looked at the T.V that was still turned on. You grabbed the remote and turned it off and your wrist was grabbed by Jack.

“I don’t mind, nothin’ to be embarrassed by,'' his hoarse voice uttered out loud and you finally looked at him. He didn’t have his Stetson placed on his head and he had a bad case of bed head. You giggled and ran your fingers through his messy hair. He hummed and sat up on the couch. “Glad you’re doin’ better but sweetheart do you really have to mess with my beautiful locks.” You smiled at his statement but continued playing with his hair and he stopped your movements by pulling your hand to his lips. His plush lips gave you small kisses on your fingers and you started to heat up. You moved your hand away from his lips so you could cup his cheek. 

“I’m sorry about your shirt,” you tried to quell this warm feeling by looking at his chest and staring at the snot that accumulated on his shirt. The actions from yesterday were obviously not a dream and the emotions of the event were looming over the two of you but not as harshly as last night. He grinned and pulled you close.

“Not important, just a shirt,” he muttered sleep still laced in his voice. You couldn’t help but continue grinning at him happy just by his presence and the confession of last night. 

 “What are you smilin’ about,'' he smirked and you smiled wider.

“The fact that you love me,” you replied back, earning a lopsided grin from Jack. ”Can you say it again?” 

A giggle rumbled in his throat and he got closer to you, “You like me sayin’ that don’t you?” 

“I just gotta double check.”

“Oh? What? You think this is one of those ridiculous dreams of yours?” He hummed and didn’t dare to look away from you. It just felt like a giddy and bright feeling that shined through your body as he stared at you like that. It was like you were getting drunk off of the feeling and you didn’t have an ounce of guilt for wanting more.

“Maybe”

“Well I hope you know that I'll always indulge you sweetheart ‘cause,” he paused for dramatic effect and said no higher than a whisper, “I love you.” You grinned at his words, oh those words were never going to grow old. “I love you more than the stars in the sky, I love you more than air itself I-” you interrupted his romancing by giving him a peck on his cheek. He was slightly surprised at the affection but the mischievous glint that he got when he teased you shimmered once again and he tilted his head towards you. 

“What?” You didn’t know what he was doing but the look he was giving you made you think he was silently plotting something.  He got closer to you and you could feel his breath on your face. He was staring longingly at your lips. Slightly overwhelmed from his statements on him loving you more than air you stopped him from something you really wanted.  “Wait,” you pushed him lightly but didn’t let him go. He looked at you concerned and worried. “You didn’t do anything, it's just I have bad breath in the morning,” you muttered out while looking at his chest. You also had a big mouth, why did you tell him that, you mentally kicked yourself. I mean you had a point you did have morning breath but you also wanted to kiss him but... He giggled at your statement and turned your face towards him. 

“Just a small peck then,” he muttered softly and you nodded your head. His mustache tickled at your lip and his soft lips met yours. After the quick peck you couldn’t help staring at his beautiful eyes.

“You know… I didn’t think I'd ever kiss you,” you silently confessed to him as he continued to stare at you lovingly.

“Why’s that,” he grabbed your hand gingerly as he continued to give you eye contact. 

“Well… I just- I thought you didn’t feel the same and my dreams kept harassing me with,” you quickly stopped yourself from saying anything else but it was already too late. He was gonna ask and now you were going to implode within yourself. Why? Why did you say that!? 

“With what?” He grinned at you and you swear to yourself that there was something wrong with you today because you just didn’t have a filter. You tried your best to figure out the words to get out of this situation but clearly you buried yourself from that comment. “What are you dreamin’ about sweetheart. I won’t judge,” He smirked and the heat on your face was quite alarming. 

“Nothing, it’s just I meant that I didn’t think this would happen. I never imagined I would be able to tell you. Last time I tried to, Isaac barged in,” you explained to him trying to center it somewhere else and he continued to smirk at you. 

“Darlin’, your backpedalin’,” he hummed and you shook your head. “I- I don’t backpedal I just don’t think it’s really important is all.” He didn’t need to know the details of your dreams about him almost kissing you, never being able to experience his soft lips and… other thoughts. 

“Everythin’ about you is important, hey… darlin’ if it’s about the nightmares- I understand if you don’t want to talk about them right now but if they’re what was botherin’ you into not confessin’ I want to know why they did that?” You were surprised by the change of tone that Jack displayed, instead of the teasing tone that he had before it was replaced with worry. He grew familiar of your patterns with avoiding topics so you can’t really blame him from worrying about you. 

“No that’s not what- I wasn’t referencing the um nightmares but I- thank you Jack. Really I can’t thank you enough just for everything I,” you put your forehead on his and you really couldn’t begin to start about the amount of things you wanted to tell him. But really you just wanted to thank him. Thank him for being there with you. 

“Sweetheart, don’t thank me- “ He didn’t remove himself from your forehead. 

“Jack, I want to please, I want you to know you- you already know this but I have to repeat myself, I care about you and you just mean the world to me and I want you to know everyday that I’m thankful for you so please.” You grabbed his face with one of your hands and he closed his eyes. 

“Everyday?” 

“Yes… is- is that okay?” Did you step foot in a relationship no-no? Are you going too fast? I mean you didn’t even ask him if he wanted to be with you in that way. A kiss didn’t cement the fact that you were going to be with him. You did tell him you loved him. That was something and well you might’ve said that too soon, oh god did you say it too soon. Your mind was going a mile a minute as you uttered that phrase to Jack. 

“Yes, I’d like that a lot, I would like it if I could spend all my mornin’s with you. I want to be with you if I’m being honest with you, If you’ll have me my dear. Don’t want anythin’ up in the air,” he grinned and you felt that he was reading your mind, quelling your anxious thoughts.

“Jack, of course… I want to be with you,” you sighed happily as he cupped your cheeks and started to pepper your cheeks with affection that you desired. 

“Mmmmm good, now I’m not gonna let you avoid the topic… what were you dreamin’ about,” you giggled at how incessant he was teasing you on the topic. 

“It’s embarrassing,” you admitted to him, dreaming about him in such a way. “Like I said I won’t judge.” 

“I...dreamt about you kissing me and that dream happened so many times that I’ve lost count,”you didn’t look at his eyes. 

“Oh, now that is just fascinatin’, for how long have you had those thoughts of me?” You felt like you were sweltering from this conversation and the continuation of these questions was making it worse. 

“Um, since-” you were really going to admit this and you sighed between words, “Since the mission in Chicago...” It was so quiet that he wouldn’t be able to hear it if he wasn’t so close to you listening to every word that came from your mouth. 

“Since Chicago?” He was repeating the phrase to make sure that he wasn’t hearing things. You nodded your head. “Sweetheart, hey darlin’ look at me. Why’d you think that I wouldn’t reciprocate?” You sighed and moved slightly to get more comfortable in your position on the couch. Jack grabbed your hands and moved slightly back and you moved with him. 

“Believed that you couldn’t possibly feel the same way, then things kept getting in the way of me telling you….” you trailed off.

“Like Isaac, is that what you were goin’ to tell me in your office,” he asked and you nodded softly. 

“Shouldn’t have done it in my office if I’m being honest with you,” you replied and your stomach started to growl. So you went to get up from the couch but your sore muscles made it hard for you to move. You hiss at the soreness your arms and legs were feeling and force yourself to stand. You felt Jack reach for your wrist. 

“Sweetheart, what are you doin’,” he strokes your wrist gently and you hum.

“Gonna make some food, I’m hungry,” you say and he tries to get up with you but he hisses softly. It seemed the muscle pain was affecting him so you put your hand on his shoulder and lightly pushed him on the couch again. “Stay here, don’t want you to hurt yourself,” you kiss his forehead and walk your tired body to the kitchen. You look through the fridge and sigh at the lack of food that you had, all that you had that seemed appetizing was some blueberries and raspberries. You really needed to get some more food this weekend. You pulled them out and put them in a bowl and ran water to clean them. You made your way back to the couch and sat next to Jack. You plopped some raspberries in your mouth and motioned the bowl in front of Jack. 

“I don’t have food to make breakfast but… have some raspberries,” you affirmed and he cuddled against you. He took some fruit from the bowl and hummed softly.

“Now back to the questions,” he grinned. 

“What else do you want to know about, lover boy?” He beamed at your question and licked his lips to prepare for the questions that he was going to ask you. Did it make you nervous? Slightly but it just seemed he wanted to know everything about you in some way and for the first time in a long time you wanted to tell him everything he asked you about. 

“Why’d you call me at four in the mornin’ about a week ago?” He grinned and you groaned at him for asking that question out of all of them.

“That was something that wasn’t thought out on my part, I have to get that out there so you don’t judge me too harshly.”

“Not judgin’ you sweetheart just curious.”

“Well fine curiosity then but after I saw you in the elevator it was just eating me up on why were you avoiding me and well I did something dumb and called you… in my defense I didn’t think you’d answer so..” he sighed at your answer and you tilted your head towards him. His brow furrowed and you immediately put your finger to stop his stress.

“Shouldn’t have avoided you my dear, I truly apologize for my actions… I apologize for everything, shouldn’t have told you to leave me, shouldn’t have avoided you, shouldn’t have been such a coward. I’m sorry darlin’ truly I’m sorry,” it was a quiet apology for you that made you feel like he was quiet because he was afraid of what you would say. You tilted his head to look at him head on and his eyes looked somewhat misty. 

“Jack… you aren’t a coward.” The belief that he was a coward never crossed your mind because he just wasn’t.

“Darlin’ avoidin’ you instead of tellin’ you about how I felt about you is an act of cowardice. I was scared and dumb and… didn’t tell you sooner.” He sighed and grabbed your hand to feel your touch. He started to rub circles in your skin as a habit that you caught on. “ I haven’t felt like this in a long time and well when I realized I loved you… I couldn’t think, I just did what I thought made sense and avoided you,” he explained softly.

“Look, avoiding me wasn’t smart but you aren’t a coward for that Jack… I was afraid too but me not telling you right away isn’t cowardice. Having feelings is so weird and complicated and… it’s all difficult so baby I want you to understand what you did doesn’t make you a coward,” you didn’t want him to continue thinking that.

“You were afraid too?” He continued his soothing pattern of holding onto you. He craved your touch and you couldn’t blame him because you just wanted his physical touch even more now. 

“Yes, if you haven’t noticed Jack, I’m not the best with any form of relationship with anyone… I don’t know how to be with someone without being afraid and when I knew I wanted you everything felt too real and it wasn’t some dream anymore.” It was nice to get these thoughts off your chest after so many weeks of constant cycles of overthinking.

“Sweetheart I’m a little rusty with the relationship stuff too so… we can take this at whatever pace you like...however you like.  I just want you to be comfortable,” he intertwined his hand with yours and that feeling of taking your time just made you unbelievably happy. At your own pace that was such a sweet sentiment that you didn’t know how to answer it. 

“I hope you know I’m a lot to deal with Jack… I constantly overthink, I have a couple of skeletons in my closet and,” you were about to list some negative attributes to support your claim that you were really not good with relationships instead of commenting on his sweet statement but Jack quickly shut you down.

“You aren’t a lot to deal with. To me you will never be a lot to deal with, I know you are too stubborn to believe that but-“

“I am not stubborn.”

“Sure darlin’ and I’m not madly in love with you,” he said sarcastically and grabbed the bowl of the fruit that was briefly forgotten about from the coffee table. You eyed him with no malice behind your glare. He continued with his previous statement.

“You will never be “too much” for me. I want you to understand that okay?” He grabbed your hand and you nodded in understanding.

“Okay… but madly in love though that's.” That was nice… you liked that a lot actually.

“Speak your mind beautiful,” he hummed as he continued to eat the fruit you provided for him. You took some of the berries and plopped them in your mouth and moved to make your knees close to your chest and promptly put your head on Jack's chest.

“Like the concept of it,” you hummed and felt utterly comfortable in his warm embrace. You wouldn’t mind if the two of you spent the day on your couch just basking in each other's presence. 

“Not a concept sugar, real genuine thing.” He started to hold you closer to him and you just melted into him. The two of you stayed like that silently enjoying the comfort of each others’ body heat and eating the rest of the fruit in the bowl. Once all the fruit was emptied Jack set the bowl back on the coffee table and resumed cuddling you. 

“Mmmm baby… I’m not hurting you right?” you murmured and thought that his muscles must be really strained. 

“No baby you aren’t, I'm not fragile,” he hummed and his fingers slowly ran down your arm and the feeling of relaxation coursed through your tired body. “You alright sugar? Always worryin’ ‘bout me but never yourself” He commented but with his continuance of running his fingers down your arm made you get lost in his touch and for a moment you didn’t respond right away.

“M’okay, really needed this, I mean after everything… this feels nice, just being here with you,” he hummed in agreement. “Is it bad that I just want this…” You murmured softly getting it off your chest that you didn’t want the messiness of everyday life intertwining with your relationship with him. It was bound to happen really. Your friendship was forged from being involved with the Statesman but…you didn’t want more trauma from these missions involved with the two of you. 

“Don’t understand what you mean by that darlin’, not a bad thing to just want this,” he muttered. 

“I know but it’s more of not wanting the bad things to happen again… I know it’s necessary for us to go on missions but that wasn’t…” You didn’t want to get emotional talking about what happened to the two of you, last night already took a lot out of you and you'd much rather just experience the calmness of him right here. It felt like such a big topic that you really couldn’t talk thoroughly about it just like that. 

Hell if you were actually being serious with how you were dealing with everything emotionally, you were still dealing with what happened last mission. Running into another mission to provide some accomplishment to your crippling self worth was an issue in itself and the constant trauma of these missions wasn’t helping it. 

“It was awful... I couldn’t help you when you needed me,” he sighed and held you closer. “I understand what you mean sweetheart and… I want us to be safe.” It was a hope that the two of you would make it out fine but hope can only do so much. Maybe it could only do so much but damn it all you were going to hold onto it until there was nothing left. 

“I can’t make any promises in what’s to come but,” you moved your body from the position it was in to see Jack’s face, “I will do everything in my power so we are safe. I don’t ever want to see you like…” You couldn’t describe the amount of emotions you felt seeing Jack lifeless and cold on the forest floor with the river whipping at his legs. That is an image that will never gonna leave your head and it still fills you with fear from the whole event. You could’ve killed him…

He cupped your face and that shifted the focus on his lively eyes. “I’m right here, whatever your brain is supplyin’ is somethin’ to hurt you, I’m right here.” You sighed from his words and tried your best to get lost in his touch again.

“But Jack… I put you in danger, I could’ve killed you and-” 

“Sweetheart please, you can’t keep blamin’ yourself. I know it’s hard to stop but I’m goin’ to list the facts and the fact of this situation is that you saved us from 'fifty somethin’ soldiers. You got both of us out of a fuckin’ river and I know your gonna say that you put me in danger. But baby you saved me from that too. I’m not dead so don’t continue sayin’ the what if’s of the situation.” He remarked matter a factly and it was difficult to find something to disagree with him on. 

“But…” you muttered and his thumb reached your lips. He stroked your lip and you choked on the words you tried to tell him. 

“But nothin’, you are not at fault.” It wasn’t your fault, It wasn’t your fault, so stop acting like everything is the fault of you and you alone. But it was so ingrained in your nature at this point that thinking of it like that was a foreign concept to you. It seemed that he knew you were going through a dilemma and gave you a peck on the cheek to help focus you on something else. The dilemma was put on hold for now and you returned to your previous statement. 

“I’m still serious about that though, I’m gonna do everything in my power to protect us,” you muttered and he continued to pepper your cheeks with his soft lips. You felt somewhat strange about not blaming yourself for this whole matter.

“You don’t have to do it alone, we can do that together,” he grinned at you and you couldn’t help but get caught up in the emotions of his sentiment that you moved in for a kiss. You closed your eyes and you lost yourself in the feeling of him on you. The sweet and tangy feeling of his tongue on yours, the taste of fruit that tasted so sweet on your tastebuds. You wanted more so you moved your hand on his neck to deepen the sensations. He was always so soft and gentle with you and it showed with the way he kissed you. You hummed in the kiss and pulled away from the feeling of him on you. You knew if you continued you wouldn’t be able to get your hands off of him. You felt dizzy after the sensations you just shared with him. You opened your eyes to see him staring at you fondly, god he was beautiful.

“How bold of you darlin’, see I was too busy thinkin’ and wouldn’t mind if you did that again,” he wiggled his eyebrows and a giggle erupted from your throat. You complied with his wish but you couldn’t quite stop giggling and the kisses you were trying to give just turned into fits of laughter in the crook of his neck. “Someone’s giggly.”

“I’m sorry that was just so lame… could’ve said something smoother. Hmm Casanova, where's your smooth moves?” You grinned at him trying to egg him on, and it seemed like it worked because he was getting closer to you with that signature smirk that highlighted his beautiful dimple. 

“Oh, what I said didn’t woo you darlin’. What did you wanna hear?”

“Don’t have to tell you, you just gotta woo me. Did someone lose their charm?” He huffed at the insinuation that he lost his charm and put his thumb on your chin.

“Can you render me useless once more with your lips my dear?” He hummed and started to move his thumb to your bottom lip. Render him useless? Now he was obviously overexaggerating but claiming that statement still made your heart pitter patter. You grinned and suffice to say he wooed you to kiss him again. His soft lips reached yours and you slowly gave into the feeling of him. You started soft with him and he didn’t push you for more, he just cupped your cheek and continued the slow pace that you set. But you had a growing need for more with him and you didn’t quite know if that was good or not. Whatever it was you decided to indulge yourself and start going a bit firmer. Jack quickly repeated the motion towards you which caused you to lean back in your position and give into the passions that rippled in your body. He made a soft groan and continued to lavish you with the feeling of his mouth. 

 “So beautiful,” Jack muttered against your swollen lips and continued to give small kisses. You were absolutely breathless from that whole experience and you knew for a fact that you’ve never been kissed like that by anyone. Then promptly complimented after...Jack Daniels was going to be the death of you. “Absolutely radiant darlin’,” he hummed and began to kiss the corner of your lips and tenderly kiss your face. You tried your best to catch your breath from the sensations you've dealt with.  

“Did I successfully woo you?” He smirked and stared deeply into your eyes. 

“Maybe.” You grinned and he started to kiss you again catching you off guard. “ Slow down loverboy still need to catch my breath,” you giggled. 

“Can’t say maybe if you need to catch your breath,” he hummed looking all high and mighty that he was able to have such an effect on you. You rolled your eyes at him and sighed softly at how he moved his hands to your waist. “You're so pretty when you're outta breath,” he smirked and his hands repeated a soothing pattern on your waist. You knew that Jack was touchy before you confessed to him but now he had his hands and lips all over you and you loved it. 

“Savor it now, because it’s not gonna happen again.”

“Oh?” He's being a menace again, “well I think I can get you to lose your breath,” he kept his hands at your waist and leaned towards you causing you to fall back on the couch. His lips met yours once more, but this time it was a lot more firmer and with purpose. You giggled between kisses and softly put your finger on his lips.

“Jack,” you giggled out. “Gotta slow your roll there partner,” he snorted at the comment and helped you get upright. 

“Got excited,” he hummed.

“I could tell,” you grabbed his hand and your thumb rubbed his knuckles.

 “Jack?” 

“Yes, beautiful.” 

“I’m still hungry,” you muttered and put your head on his shoulder. Hungry and sore weren’t the best combination. He nodded in agreement, “Anywhere specific for some quick breakfast?” 

“Nope, anywhere is fine by me as long as I’m with you. ” 

You shook your head and got up from the couch somewhat stiff, “I’ll go get ready, can you get up,” you asked. 

“I’m fine sweetheart, go get ready so we can get goin’,” he responded with a dopey smile.

——<><>—<><>——

You and Jack were driving to his ranch after eating breakfast in your car. You didn’t want him to overextend himself from his injuries so you opted to go through a drive through for some quick breakfast. He insisted on paying and you argued a bit about it but ultimately he paid for it. It was nice just to eat breakfast with him in your car without a worry in the world. You didn’t even need to talk, his company was enough. After breakfast, the ride to his ranch was filled to the brim with a variety of conversations that came to your mind. 

“So you don’t have a horse,” you asked him while keeping your eyes on the road. “You got this big ranch but no horse. Can't call yourself a cowboy without a horse,” you added on and he giggled at your comment.

“No, I don’t have a horse, don’t have the time to take care of one properly. I’m also a certified cowboy darlin’, so I don’t need a horse,” he replied.

“Can you at least ride a horse,” you asked while turning down a somewhat empty road. 

“Of course I can, what’s got you so interested sweetheart” he asked while putting a hand on your knee and you hummed at the sensation of him on you.

“I don’t know, I just assumed in your spare time you’d be riding a horse around your ranch,” you muttered somewhat embarrassed. He rubbed circles on your knee and hummed at your comment. “It’s silly, I know,” you mutter out and he continues rubbing patterns on your knee. 

“I think it’s cute, I’ll be your gunslingin’ cowboy if you’ll be by cowgirl. We could ride our horses to the horizon together,'' he joked and you started to laugh at him. What a dork, how did he have the reputation he did when he said silly things like this. 

“God you're so cheesy,” you start to park your car in the lot that leads to Jack’s house. It was a sizable home and quite beautiful but it felt too big for just one man. When you finished parking he gave you a kiss on the cheek and got close to your ear.

“You like it,” he whispered in your ear and you lost your breath for a split second. 

“Now who said that,” you smiled at him and exited the car. He sauntered out of the car to come after you and you walked towards him. “You're just assuming things, Casanova.” 

“Don’t think it’s an assumption, I know it’s a fact,” he remarked and you shook your head at him. “Oh come on now sweetheart, I see how you stare at me when I sweet talk… you like it ,” he hummed and kissed your forehead. 

“I like you… but come on Jack for a supposed womanizer you really need to work on your flirting skills,” you grinned at him and grabbed his large hand to guide him to his home. He pulled you to his chest and you stared at his dilated brown eyes. If you could even see the brown in his eyes. 

“Love it when you stare at me like that, your eyes sparkle so bright the sun must be jealous,” he grinned and you started to giggle. He went closer to you and gave you a tender kiss, you reciprocated and deepened the action. He was the first to pull away and gave you a cocky smirk. “You like it...your head over heels for me, darlin’,” he cupped your face and you heated up from his touch. You bit your lip and moved yourself from his warm hands and just shook your head at him. 

“No I don't,” you lied… you couldn’t help yourself, he just had this effect on you. He quickly followed after you and wrapped his arm around your shoulders.

“Whatever you say sweetheart,” he hummed and started to walk with you to his home. You loved his touch, it might’ve been because you were so touch starved but you didn’t care. 

“Your house is nice,” you commented and walked him to his door. He fished out his keys from pocket and opened the door.

“Want me to give you a tour.”

“I’d love to but I really should let you rest, sleeping on the couch isn’t exactly comfortable,” you tell him and he pouts at you. 

“Nonsense sweetheart, here I’ll show you around,” he grabbed your waist and moved you into his house.

“Woah this place is huge,” you uttered amazed at the house, you entered and saw a large living room with a fireplace and a T.V hanging above it. There was a comfortable looking brown leather couch seated in front of a coffee table which wasn’t cluttered. Instead it had a candle and a remote placed on it. There were other pairs of matching couches near the larger couch and overall the living room was warmly lit. And well decorated too! He had a potted plant in the corner of the room, wall hangings, a little rooster ornament placed on top of the fireplace which was paired with another potted plant, and a picture frame. Everything was so neat and there weren't any piles of things on the floor. 

 “Now this is how you woo me,” you remarked and he started to laugh. 

“Really darlin’, none of my charm, none of my good looks, this is what woos you,” he asked with a smirk and you hummed. 

“Yup, you have a nice place that isn’t a mess and… it does help that you're attractive. I’m officially wooed,” you smiled at his beautiful grin.

“Attractive? Are you hittin’ on me right now? Is this how you flirt with people darlin’,” he teased and you start to heat up. He moved you closer to him and you swore that he took your breath away. “Hmm, you makin’ the moves on me,” his hands were at your waist and your mouth turned dry. 

“I- uh,” you tried to find your voice and he gave you a cocky smile. “You’ll know the moves when you see them,” you stammer out trying to regain some confidence. His hands on your waist we’re making your legs feel like jelly. He was smiling like an idiot and you hated how he could have this effect on you just by some light teasing. 

“Mmm so those aren’t the moves,” he cupped your face and his thumb caressed your cheek bone. “Can I see the moves,” he grinned and you felt flustered. 

Your mind started to spiral, did you have moves, why did you say you had moves. How do you flirt with people, you’ve flirted with people before but how do you flirt with Jack. Oh god did you even flirt correctly with them. You started to overthink what you could say to Jack, you didn’t want to screw this up. He started to giggle and brought your face to his chest.

“Didn’t mean to overwhelm you sweetheart,” he chuckled and the vibration of his voice got you out of your head. You felt silly for overthinking how to flirt with Jack. “You doin’ alright darlin’,” he asked softly and put his hand on the back of your head. 

“I feel silly,” you muttered against his chest and he giggled.

“Baby I can’t hear you,” he moved your face from his chest. 

“I feel silly,” you repeated and he cupped your face and you looked at his sparkling eyes. The heat from your face was still present but your nerves were easing. You sighed softly from his touch and leaned into it. 

“Sweetheart you're adorable,” he said in earnest and you hummed. “All cute and flustered for me,” he hummed and gave a small peck on your lips. He put his forehead on yours and you smiled wide at him. 

“You're such a softie,” you muttered and gave him a peck on his lips. He deepened the kiss that you gave him and it made you melt. Wrapped your hands around his neck and moved your lips with his. It felt like your mouths were dancing against each other in a fluid motion. Jack wrapped his hands around your waist and pulled close against him. You felt like you were swimming in his attention and it made you float. But you weren’t allowed to float with him because your phone started to buzz in your pocket. You pulled away from his kiss and sighed. He looked annoyed at the interruption. “Give me a minute,” you muttered and pulled out your phone and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Brandy, I need you to come into the office right now, we need to discuss what happened on the mission,” Champ's voice responded and you sighed. Of course he needed you. 

“Can I discuss with you about that Monday,” you asked knowing what his answer will be.

“No, I need to discuss this with you now. Be here in ten,” he demanded and the call ended. You groaned and looked at Jack who looked disappointed but understood the situation. 

“Champ called,” you mumbled and his arms were still on your waist. He was making soothing circles on your waist and you huffed. “I don’t want to go,” you confessed and he giggled. 

“I don’t want you to go but you know how work gets, make sure to tell him off for bein’ an idiot for letting you out on that mission. ” he told you and you moved closer to him and gave him a hug. It was a soft embrace and his smell calmed you from having to leave. His warm arms reciprocated the embrace and his thumbs were rubbing circles on your back.

“He’d fire me for yelling at him...plus I may have convinced him to let me go out on the field,” you muttered out knowing what he'd say and he took a sharp inhale. He repeated your name softly coaxing you to look at his face which you expected to have a frown but all you saw was those furrowed brows. 

“Sweetheart.” 

“I know Jack… I just thought I could be useful by going back, I never thought this would happen.” You sighed and hoped he wouldn’t be too disappointed at your decision making.

“Sugar, I don’t understand why you think you’re only useful if you’re working, you don’t have to prove your worth… you are enough.” Enough… you didn’t need to give him more, you were enough. You continued to hold him tight from his response and the lack of disappointment in his tone. You smiled at how genuine he was today and it frustrated you that you had to leave so soon.

“It’s funny, Isaac told me something similar when I told him…” you grinned up at Jack and he quirked his brow.

“Look at that, Isaac is really dishin’ out the advice as of late,” he hummed letting you go. 

“He gave you advice?” 

“I’ll tell you some other time darlin’. You gotta get goin’,'' you kinda put two and two together and sprung up another quick question. 

“Was it to do with why Isaac was looking at you all weird after I saw you in the practice room?” You hummed knowing that it was something related to that. 

“Darlin’,” he grinned knowing you would continue to ask more questions so you wouldn’t have to leave. 

“Okay, okay later then,” you made your way to the door, “you owe me a house tour lover boy.” You grinned at him and that smile that warms your heart made you beam.

“Of course, be safe.” You nodded at him and gripped the doorknob. "I love you darlin’,” you hummed and it was official that you didn’t want to go. 

“I love you too… I really don’t want to go now,” you hummed and he got closer to you and placed his hands on your waist.

“Think of it like this sweetheart, it won’t be too long until we see each other again,” he comforted you and his oaky smell eased the misfortune of having to leave. You sighed and grabbed one of his hands. 

“Promise to call,” you mutter and open the door to leave.

“Promise.”

Taglist: @shadowolf993  @salome-c​ @marydjarin​ @captainstormborn​

[moonbeambucky]

Hey Neighbor (Part 7)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader Word Count: 3701 Warnings: fluff

Summary: You had a plan and then life came along with one of its own. With your future almost derailed you worked hard to get yourself back on track and finally everything seemed to be going right… that is, until your new neighbor moved in.

A/N: Things are happening!! A huge thank you to my wonderful beta Sam @buckyofthemyscira​​ Feedback is always appreciated!

PART 6 | HEY NEIGHBOR MASTERLIST

Bucky stared at you with his mouth gaping open, stunned into silence at your question. His pause made you realize your mistake. Slapping your palm to your forehead made you cringe with embarrassment. 

Quickly you corrected yourself with an awkward giggle. “I mean would you like to come out with me? Tomorrow night a few of us are gonna get together to celebrate,” you beamed.

“You got the internship?”

Bucky asked the question but the brightness of your eyes told him his answer before you bubbled with delight. His arms were around you in an instant, like a magnet that pulled you close to each other as he hugged you deeply.

The shock of his unexpected hug was not unwelcome as your own arms lifted up to wrap around him in return, keeping your bodies pressed together as you felt every little squeeze filled with unspoken pride. Turning your head brought you closer to the spice on his neck, inhaling the warmth that set every part of your body ablaze.

Suddenly you were very aware of Bucky, of the strong arms that encased your frame, of the lean muscle underneath your fingers as you gripped his back, of the firm stomach pressed against you. He whispered congratulations and the heat of his breath against your ear sent tingles down your spine. You broke away from the hug, smiling nervously as you reminded yourself Bucky was just a neighbor and friend, nothing more.

“Yeah, so tomorrow night if you’re free. We’re just going local for some drinks, like nine-ish.”

“Tell me where and I’ll be there,” he promised, flashing his teeth as his lips pulled into a smile.

You sat back on Wanda’s bed hanging your feet off the side, watching as she touched up the dark eyeliner that made her green eyes pop. You had met earlier for dinner near her apartment and were hanging out and catching up until it was time to head to the bar.

It had been longer than you cared to acknowledge since the last time you went out somewhere that didn’t involve you working on a paper. Wanda assured you nothing much has changed since your social sabbatical but it didn’t stop you from holding on to a little bit of worry.

Beside Wanda’s bed was a framed picture of her and Pietro. His arm was thrown over Wanda with his hand pressed firmly, protectively on her shoulder. You brought it closer to examine, tracing your finger along the glass and smiling at the memory of your friend.

It had been so long you’d forgotten the way Pietro’s blonde hair could look silver in certain light but you didn’t forget his smile. His beautiful smile always shined like the brightest star in the sky despite the darkness it held back.

As you placed the frame back to its spot on the nightstand you thought about what you were celebrating tonight. The internship was bringing you one step closer to your goal and soon you could honor Pietro in your own way by helping others in need.

“Who else is coming tonight?” Wanda shouted from the bathroom at the other end of her apartment.

“Steve and Sam, Clint and Natasha and Bucky.”

“Who the hell is Bucky?” she asked and you explained he was your new neighbor. “Wait... the Music Man?! What happened to wanting to kill him?”

Instead of shouting back you got up to walk towards her bathroom, watching her style half her hair in a messy bun as wavy tresses fell across her shoulders.

“Wow we really need to catch up more often.”

Wanda jumped at your voice, not expecting you to be so close as you leaned against the doorframe. Looking at you through the reflection of the mirror she asked what happened, so you explained how things went when you finally spoke with him.

“He’s actually really nice so no, I won’t be committing any murders.”

“Uh huh…” Wanda’s lips pulled into a smirk. “You like him.”

Your face scrunched at the thought. “No Wanda I don’t. He’s nice, he’s a friend but I don’t like him, not like that,” you stated sharply. “Remember, he’s still sleeping with all of New York.”

The whites of her eyes were a stark contrast to the black makeup surrounding them as they rolled to the back of her head. “I know he’s your friend,” she emphasized with finger quotations, “But if he’s coming to this he wants to sleep with you too, just sayin’.”

You rolled your eyes back at Wanda, not arguing further because you know she’d never let it go.

She shrugged on a red leather jacket, not that she needed it yet. September had only just begun and the summer heat was still very much present. A bit of early morning rain had cooled things down only slightly today but it never mattered to Wanda, she’ll always put style first before comfort.

The rhythmic beat of drumming grew louder as you descended the steps to the subway. A small band of four young girls had taken up residence for the night along the tiled wall drawing a rather large crowd of faces blocked by their phones as they streamed the performance to social media.

The lead singer reminded you of Natasha with her red hair but the blonde haired drummer stuck out the most; she was killing it as her hot pink spider web clad sleeves were moving in a flurry as she hit a solo. You watched them for a few minutes, tossing a few dollars into their open guitar case before catching the train back towards your neighborhood.

You rubbed your nose with your hand, wiggling it a few times before turning towards Wanda. “Any horses in the stable?” you asked, tilting your head up. It was your code from childhood, a subtle way of asking in public if there were any boogers in your nose.

Wanda chuckled, “Nope. All clear, weirdo.”

“You love me,” you replied, with a wide smile stretching across your face.

Goosebumps erupted along your arms from the unexpected chill on the street and you shrugged down your shirt that had risen up after climbing the steps. Though you were celebrating there was no need to dress up, slimming jeans and black booties were good enough for this occasion.

You were excited to go back to this bar named only after its address, 107. It was modeled like a speakeasy with no real signs other than a lighted marquee that made it a popular Instagram spot. You had been there once before for a coworkers birthday and knowing how crowded it gets you knew you’d be fine without a jacket.

A familiar laugh carried through the streets. Underneath the marquee stood Steve and Sam laughing about something until Sam nudged him to turn around towards the figures walking their way.

After kissing them both on the cheek you introduced them to Wanda. Steve had met her before you remembered though it had been a while since they saw each other.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Sam said, taking Wanda’s hand and smiling widely, “I’m Dr. Wilson but you can call me Sam.”

He flashed his teeth, grinning widely and Steve turned towards you, speaking a silent conversation with just your eyes that revealed you both knew Sam had dialed up his charm for a reason.

“Why are you guys standing outside?” she asked.

“Well Cap over here is the genius that couldn’t find the door.”

Tilting your head at Steve you questioned, “Cap?”

“Cause I’m the captain at the gym apparently.” Steve said reluctantly, laughing under his breath. “Not my fault that Sam can’t keep up,” he teased.

“Well some of us save lives working long shifts,” Sam replied to Steve while winking at Wanda.

Steve chuckled, “Excuses, excuses.”

“Oh you wanna go?” Sam challenged Steve but it was friendly and beneath the teasing it was obvious just how well they got along.

“Alright let’s head in,” you began, leading the way to the unmarked door.

From the outside the door was covered in wooden planks, appearing to be the remnant of an abandoned or condemned building but it pulled open with ease, with sunset colored lights illuminating the stairs to the basement.

At the bottom is a large man dressed in all black, blocking a wooden door with a stained glass insert. Echoes of the music from within the room he guards bounce around the small corridor where you and your friends are pulling out your IDs to show him.

Soon enough the door opens to reveal a room bathed in muted autumn colors, from the rusted brick walls, glowing with period sconces to the deep russet leather booths. Cognac covered the walls, not only from the bottles on the glass shelves behind the bar but within the Victorian wallpaper. The damask pattern was highlighted by the slightly lighter honey color, though everything seemed to blend together in the dim room.

Natasha spotted you from the bar, hopping off the stool as she grabbed her drink and Clint’s hand. Once again you introduced everybody all the while looking around for another face. Wanda noticed your roaming eyes and asked if you were looking for Bucky. Answering as casually as you could you wanted to make it seem like you didn’t care, because you didn't, not like that. Instead your attention was focused on everyone who was present, and you moved towards the bar.

There was a large table in the back Clint was eyeing like a hawk, ready to move in once the group there showed any sign of getting ready to leave. In the meantime everyone else ordered drinks and crowded around a small high top table, with Sam offering Wanda a seat and standing beside her.

It was nice to be out with friends again and you hoped that since now you would be free from writing papers that you would have more time and energy to get out more. Truthfully you were imagining the next big celebration, the day you finally walk across the stage to receive your diploma.

You’re lost in thought as you take a sip of your deep sunset colored cocktail that clings on to the memory of summer, unaware of the person calling your name until his tap on your shoulder brings you back to reality. You choke slightly on the burn of alcohol you quickly swallow, turning around to see Bucky standing behind you.

The sleeves of his bright blue shirt are rolled up and even in the dim lighting you can see how well the color brings out his eyes.

“You made it!” you exclaimed a little too enthusiastically. “Everyone this is Bucky,” you presented him awkwardly as he squeezed beside you, extending his hand forward to everyone as you introduced them.

“So you’re the Guitar Hero,” Clint remarked.

“We live above you,” Natasha said, quirking her eyebrows.

Bucky’s cheeks turned rosy with embarrassment as he tried to laugh off the unspoken words behind her smirk. You began to speak to diffuse the awkwardness but were interrupted as Clint popped up in a flash, darting through the crowd to get to the large table that was now available.

He slid in the corner of the U-shaped booth with Natasha by his side. Wanda offered Sam to go in first towards the middle because she knew you wouldn’t want to be in the direct center, too many people to disrupt if you needed to get up for any reason.

Sam’s smile increased as Wanda sat in the corner next to him with you beside her. Steve settled in next to Natasha on the end continuing their conversation, watching from across the table as you nervously took a sip of your drink as Bucky sat in the open spot beside you.

He slid out just as quickly though saying he was going to grab a drink. Leaning in close, his breath tickled your ear as he asked if you wanted anything.

“Uh, I-I’ll take a refill, I guess,” you asked, telling him your drink order.

Alcohol is supposed to make people let go so you’re not sure why you feel so nervous.

Motioning to hand him money Bucky put his hand out to stop you. “It’s on me,” he said smiling.

When Bucky came back you raised your glass up. “Thank you so much everyone for coming. It’s been a really, really long journey and while it’s not over yet the end of the road is near.”

With a proud smile you explained not only were you celebrating the internship but your new position at Stark Industries. Glasses clinked together to toast you, with Wanda’s arms pulling you towards her for a hug.

“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.

Sitting back up Bucky leaned in to congratulate you. As he spoke your eyes focused on his lips and the stubble growing in around them. Lifting your eyes to his you thanked him, finding yourself in need to quench the thirst of your suddenly dry mouth.

“Y/N, now that you’ll be working at Metro-Gen there’s something you need to know.” Sam lifted the glass to his lips to take a gulp, with an obvious smile stretching across his face as he made everyone wait.

“He does this all the time!” Steve laughed.

Everyone waited with anticipation as he set his glass down. “Do not eat from the cafeteria unless you wanna spend the night in the ER.”

“It can’t be that bad,” said Clint.

“Oh it is.” Sam insisted, offering other nearby places to go instead. “The coffee is passable but I’d avoid the whole place if you can.”

“Good to know.”

Smoother than honey, Sam asked Wanda if she planned on stopping by the hospital now that you’d be working there, letting her know she could always come see him too. You and Steve caught each other’s gaze again and smiled at Sam’s blatant flirting. Wanda didn’t seem to mind, in fact it looked like she had scooted closer towards Sam.

Throughout the night drinks were flowing as freely as the conversation with everyone getting to know each other better.

“Preparing for a trial is so much easier than planning a wedding,” Natasha insisted.

“I don’t see what’s so hard about it,” Clint replied, regretting the words as soon as they left his mouth.

“For one, there are too many decisions to make. Colors and themes– do we even need a theme? So many pre-wedding events to plan for, it’s too much!”

Pressing his lips to her temple Clint told Natasha they would get through it. His kiss pacified her frustrations momentarily as Natasha huffed loudly, “And tell me again why we have to invite your cousin who you have not seen or spoken to in over ten years?”

“‘Cause he’s family?”

“I’m on Natasha’s side here,” Wanda interjected, “Just because they’re family you shouldn’t feel obligated to invite them, especially if you don’t have a relationship with them.”

“I just got my cousin’s save the date actually,” Bucky chimed in. “We talk though and his fiancé seems to be into all that planning stuff.”

“I’d rather not have a whole wedding to be honest,” Natasha mumbled quietly, following up her frustrations with a large swig from her beer.

A few hours had passed and you began to yawn, a lot. You hadn’t stayed up this late, especially without the aid of coffee in years and even though you were feeling the exhaustion it was a nice change of pace.

“We should do this again,” you suggested and everyone agreed, exchanging numbers with each other.

Steve and Wanda were headed in the same direction so they left together. Before Steve left he gave you a big hug, whispering in your ear about how much you both needed to gossip about how hard Sam was trying with Wanda. You would definitely be calling her first since she turned as red as a tomato when Sam kissed her cheek as he said goodnight.

The walk to your apartment building wasn’t far but Clint and Natasha decided to grab an Uber since Clint was more wasted than he let on.

“I’m gonna walk back,” you stated as Natasha was setting up the ride. “I’m starving,” you replied to her confusion. “Wanna find something to eat.”

Your stomach had been growling for a while and you were desperate for any type of food, preferably something greasy.

“I’ll walk with you,” Bucky said.

Natasha made a mental note of how quickly Bucky offered to walk with you but still she was relieved you wouldn’t be alone.

The silence was comfortable as you strolled along the sidewalk, finding a walk up window on the next block that offered a slice of pizza for a dollar. You held the paper plate beneath the folded slice to catch the dripping oil, eating as you continued your journey home.

Walking down the block a man pushed the door open of a pub, letting out the startling sound of classic rock music from within as he steps to the side to smoke. Up ahead you heard the drunken laughter of a small group of guys headed your way. Bucky automatically took a precautionary step closer towards you which you hadn’t realized until your elbow grazed his arm. The group passed without incident allowing you to enjoy the rest of your walk home in the somewhat quieted city streets.

“This isn’t the worst dollar slice I’ve had,” Bucky said, finishing his first.

With one more bite to go you tossed the plate into the trash can on the corner. “Definitely not the best though.”

The remaining blocks until your apartment were filled with pizza discourse that made you even hungrier.

“Pineapple on pizza?” you questioned, fumbling with the keys to get into the front door of the building.

“Not my favorite. I don’t hate it but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.” Bucky pressed the button for the elevator, leaning against the wall. “You?”

“Same. It’s not a topping choice I’d ever pick but I’d still eat it.”

The elevator doors opened and Bucky motioned for you to go inside first.

“Can I be honest? I really wish I had gotten another slice,” you chuckled, looking at the smile pulling on Bucky’s face.

“Me too. We can go out, uh back out, for more.”

The idea of roaming the streets with Bucky in the middle of the night for pizza was very tempting but despite a night of drinking some logic survived, making you realize you would end up sleeping through Sunday. There was too much to do in preparation for the week, especially since you hadn’t brainstormed any ideas for The September Foundation and you really wanted to make a good impression on everyone involved in the project.

“Next time, I promise, maybe not at 1am but we should totally go on a pizza quest! Eat our way through the city and stuff ourselves until we find the best place.”

“That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard,” Bucky proclaimed, dropping his voice softly as the elevator opened to your floor.

You smiled widely under his gaze, feeling the heat on your skin that must have been because of the drinks and not the soft stare of Bucky’s handsome face. Your heart began to beat like the rhythm of his song as your lungs let go of the breath you had been holding on to.

Your keys slipped from your fingers, falling to the floor with a jangly thump. Both you and Bucky bent down to reach for them, banging your heads together.

“Shit I’m so sorry,” he apologized, seeing your hand pressed against the spot on your head where you collided. Bucky feels terrible but also can’t help but notice how cute your face looks all scrunched up.

“I’m okay,” you reassured with a smile.

His soft fingers grazed yours as he handed back your keys.

“Thanks and thanks for coming out tonight Bucky.”

Dropping your hand from the slightly painful spot on your head you moved in to hug him. Bucky was tense, not expecting that but he quickly let go and relaxed into the hug, into the softness of your body against his.

His nose is buried in your hair and Bucky breathes in your scent. It’s overwhelming, as the subtle hint of flowers invade his senses, transporting him to a lush garden full of fragrant blooms. His mouth is watering at the sweetness, as every part of his body awakens with the urge to immerse himself in this mesmerizing scent.

He wonders why he hadn’t noticed this before on you, but then again this is the closest you’ve been and like a lightning strike to his soul Bucky is shocked. He’s never felt this need before, this desire to fulfill his senses this way, he craves this more than oxygen and he’s scared.

Fear pulls him away from you, covering his shaky voice as best as he could as he mutters out, “H-have a good night.”

“Goodnight Bucky,” you replied, opening your apartment door.

The dull throbbing of your head keeps Bucky on your mind and on the other side of the wall he lies awake, staring at the ceiling. He’s restless and unsure of what to do with the unsettled feeling in his stomach. Bucky throws his legs over the side of the bed, slumping his shoulders as he wipes his face roughly. He wonders why he can’t sleep, throwing a glance to the wall where he pictures you sleeping beneath the twinkling lights that surround your bed.

His heart skips a worrisome beat leaving Bucky with the only option he feels safe with. Grabbing his phone he scrolls through his contacts wondering who to text. Dot is clingy and desperate enough to come over in the middle of the night but Bucky doesn’t have the strength to deal with her. He scrolls to Rosa, knowing she didn’t live too far. He’s thankful when she comes over, desperate for the distraction, pounding away furiously into the girl beneath him, all while someone else was slowly creeping into his mind.

PART 8

[lu-undy]

A Sniper/Medic Short

I took part in a Secret Santa and my giftee wanted a Sniper/Medic short with cuddles in front of a fire or exchanging gifts. I did both :) Here it is!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28489524

"Gosh, it's freezing." 

Sniper woke up in his van on that cold morning of late December. He rubbed his eyes and pressed a switch to turn on the heating in his campervan. Engineer had been kind enough to fix him a button next to his bed that connected with the electric radiator. So the Aussie stayed in bed for an extra half an hour to wait for the van to warm up to an acceptable level. He could afford the wait as that day was off for both teams. 

In fact, the mercenaries enjoyed two weeks off at the end of the year's holidays.

Sniper looked at the time and took a deep breath. 

"Right, should probably get up now." 

And he followed his morning routine. He put some clothes on with warm socks and a season coat. It was thick and lined with synthetic yet warm fur around the hood. He put on a scarf and gloves. When the Aussie finished slipping in his boots, he opened the van's back door and the ice cold air bit his very skin. 

Everything was covered in a thick layer of white snow and as he jumped down to the ground, he landed in a muffled thud and sunk to the middle of his legs in snow. He hissed and winced. The kangaroo wasn't much of a fan of the feeling of cold wetness on his legs in the morning, or at any other time of the day either.

He locked up his van's backdoor and walked back to the base's main building. He entered and shut the door before feeling the drastic change of temperature. 

"Crikey, it's hot in here…" 

Sniper pulled back his hood, removed his coat and unrolled the scarf around his face. He placed all his clothing items on the coathanger there and proceeded to the kitchen for breakfast, where he found most of his colleagues, as usual. 

"Mornin' Sniper." Engie waved. 

"G'day." 

The rest of the team present in the kitchen nodded to the Aussie who went straight to get a warm mug of coffee. As he reached the coffee pot, he stuck his frozen hands on it and let it sizzle his skin nicely. 

"Here, your coffee." 

The white mug marked '#1 Sniper' slid on the counter to him and when he raised his head, he saw a lab coat float away, back to the table. He smiled. 

He took the mug and resumed his usual seat around the table to partake in the usual morning debates. Well, partake was a big word, maybe just listen in and nod from time to time. He liked his colleagues' banter. It had taken some time for his head to stop hurting at it, but now he was fully used to it and he even appreciated it. He listened to it like the radio and watched it like TV. He would sometimes add his grain of salt to the conversation but he much preferred to listen and watch. 

"Hey, fancypants! Not wearin' a suit today? What is it, Christmas?" 

Spy entered wearing a knitted jumper that went up his neck, to the color of the team and a dark, matching pair of trousers.

"Very observant." He answered and went to the coffee pot to help himself. 

"Funny, eh, my Ma' knitted me the same kind of sweater!"

"Funny indeed." The Frenchman answered and the rest of the team sighed gently. 

"Any plans for today, guys?" The Bostonian asked.

"Today is a great day. You will all respect and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!" Soldier exclaimed. "And if I catch one of you numbnuts not partaking in the festivities, it will be extra physical training and scrubbing duties!" He raised an authoritative index finger. 

"Calm down, laddie, what about a snowball fight? The snow's nice and fresh." Demoman suggested. 

"Yes, Sir!" 

"Right! Can me and Pyro join you guys?" Scout asked. 

"Of course, lads! The more, the merrier!"

"Heavy, you wanna join us?" Scout turned to his impressively built colleague. 

"Nyet."

"Come on, Stalingrad! Let me give you a Second Cold War!"

"Aye, c'mon, Heavy, what are you gonna do inside, eh? It's Christmas and there's snow!"

Heavy rolled his eyes and smiled behind his crossed arms. 

"Fine." He yielded and the mercenaries rejoiced. 

"What about the support club?" Scout turned to Medic, Spy and Sniper. 

The Frenchman was reading a newspaper while Medic and Sniper looked briefly at each other. 

"Spy, d'you wanna-"

"Non."

"C'mon, Spy-"

"Non."

"But-?"

"Non." 

"Why?" 

The old French man sighed. 

"I am busy."

"What will you be doin'?"

"Nothing that concerns you."

"C'mon, what could be better than a snow fight? Join us!"

Spy sighed from his side of the newspaper. 

"A phone call with your mother would be incomparably better than a snowball fight."

The mercenaries tensed around the table and their eyes all shifted to Scout. 

"Yeah, well, you're not gonna get it anyway so c'mon!" 

They facepalmed and rolled their eyes. Scout was remarkably oblivious. 

Little by little, the mercenaries left the table. Sniper's eyes rose from his final bit of toast when the flapping of the white lab coat caught his attention. Medic was leaving the table. The Aussie finished his breakfast but stayed a bit longer in the kitchen. He helped for the dishes, as he owed it to Engie.

"Wanna help me prepare lunch, Sniper?" 

"Sure." 

"If you'd rather go with the others in the snow, that's fine by me, eh." 

"Nah, it's fine. I'll give you a hand."

At the other end of the building, Medic was filling some paperwork that he had been putting off for too long.

There was a knock at the door. 

"Ja?" 

"Uh, it's me, Doc'."

There was the noise of a chair moving and footsteps before the door opened. 

"Hey there."

"Hallo, Sniper."

"Mind if I join?" 

"Please." 

Medic shut the door after his guest. 

"What brings you here?" 

"Van's freezing." 

"Ah, so you're just here for the radiator?"

Sniper chuckled. 

"Yeah, nah…"

"I was about to stop and take a break. Shall we go to my living room? I will make some coffee."

"Sure." 

Both mercenaries went through a corridor and Medic opened the door in the end. Medic, like Spy, had his own suite, which consisted of a living-room, a kitchen, bathroom and his bedroom. They were all a few doors away from his workplace.

"After you."

"Thanks, mate." 

"Make yourself at home, I will set the coffee."

"Right." 

Sniper entered and removed his old boots right at the door. The floor was carpeted and he didn't want to give his friend some extra work cleaning it. He slipped his coat off and hung it on the coat-hanger before proceeding to the sofa. He sat down and made himself comfortable as he heard his German friend busy in the kitchen. 

"Hm." 

Sniper soon got off the couch and went to the kitchen door. He gave it a few short knocks. 

"Need some help with anythin'?" 

Medic turned to him, who was peeking from the door. Sniper's eyes fell on the tray that the medical expert was preparing. 

"No, I should be fine, danke, Sniper."

"You sure?"

"Ja, go get yourself warmed up in front of the fire. I will be just an extra minute." 

"Alright, gimme a shout if you need me, ok?"

Medic smiled.

"Will do." 

The Aussie turned and went back to the sofa. In front of it was a coffee table and a fireplace against the wall. It was lit up and Sniper could feel its heat diffuse to the sofa, slowly. 

"Here, coffee and some cookies." 

Medic brought the tray and sat down next to Sniper. 

"Cookies?" 

"Ja, Pyro baked them for me the other day after I fixed his arm."

Sniper stared at the star and heart-shaped cookies with multicolored sprinkles. 

"Guessed as much."

"Did you?" Medic asked, handing Sniper his mug. 

"You don't come across as the heart shaped cookie bakin' type…" Sniper leaned his arm on the back of the sofa.

"Very perceptive you are." Medic leaned his head on the Aussie's shoulder and they chuckled. 

"Should take a break like the others, y'know, ease out on the work."

"Experiments don't carry themselves out unfortunately." 

"Guess so. But what if I ask you to take a break?"

"Why?"

Sniper put his now empty mug away and looked down at Medic. He held his chin between his index and thumb. 

"Cause I wanna spend time with you, darl'." He tilted the German's face upwards and stared into his eyes, through the thin pair of glasses. Sniper smiled. "Please." 

Medic's eyebrows rose up and he grinned back. He removed his gloves and threw them away on the sofa before wrapping an arm around Sniper. 

"Hard for me to refuse when you plead me with such beautiful eyes." 

"You got some pretty eyes too, eh." 

"Flatterer." 

"Nah, just sayin' what I'm thinking."

"Mmh." Medic buried his head under Sniper's jaw, on his chest and he felt his arms wrap around him. 

"Missed you, luv'."

"So did I." 

They stared at the dancing flames of the fireplace and their breaths synced slowly, Medic's head was rising and falling to the rhythm of Sniper's calm breathing. 

"Oh…?" Medic's surprise escaped his lips as he felt Sniper's fingers slide between his. 

"I wanna spend a bit more time with you, y'know. Sometimes, I don't go to your office not because I care about what people would say or because I don't want to. It's cause I don't wanna bother you but…"

"But?" Medic asked. 

"But I miss you, I really do…" Sniper tightened his hug and clenched his fingers between the German's. "I wish we could spend a full day together and…"

"I thought you were wary of the others learning for us?"

"I'm sure Spy knows, the rest will, one day or another. Besides, I just wanna spend the winter break with you." 

Medic raised his head to his lover. 

"Me too, Sniper…" 

Their lips met in the quiet and dark room, the warmth from the fireplace hardly rivaling with the hot touch of their hands brushing past their clothes. 

"Please…" Sniper asked, sliding a hand behind Medic's head, through his hair. "Please stay with me tonight." 

Medic bit his lip. His hands slid on Sniper's collar and up to his rough, scruffy cheeks. 

"I will."

Sniper's delight came out of him in a silent gasp and a wide smile. He pulled Medic's face again to kiss him, for longer this time and they dived on the sofa, the German on top of the Aussie, ruffling his brown, short hair as their lips brushed, nipped and pulled. 

"Give me more than one night… Wake up next to me, please…"

Sniper curled a leg behind the white lab-coat and pulled the man below it flush against him. Their kisses went more heated and their lips were wet and slightly swollen from all the attention there. 

"I will." 

Medic removed his lab-coat and threw it away. Sniper pulled the blanket that was hanging on the back of the sofa and covered them both. The German just lied on top of the man that kept him safe after a long day of work. Sniper understood him, wordlessly. He knew when to ask for attention and when Medic didn't have the strength for it. 

That day, all the German wanted was affection. Affection and strong arms to hold him. He lay on Sniper, his head on the Aussie's chest and he felt long fingers play with his black, short hair. 

"Thanks, luv'. I know I might be askin' a lot from you but… You have no idea how good it feels to wake up with you instead of just, y'know, a big empty bed…"

"I do apologise, Sniper. I should spend more time with you."

"It's alright. I understand, you like your work, it's fine."

"Yes but…" Medic raised his head to look Sniper in the eyes. He smiled. "I love you and I would much rather spend my evening with you than with paperwork. You are right, my love."

"About what?" 

"Let's make this winter break all about us."

"What d'you mean?"

"I mean that you can bring a bit more clothes here and stay with me for a couple of weeks…?"

"Seriously?" 

"Ja, I can spend my days and my nights with you."

Sniper's face radiated with a wide smile. 

"You'd do that? Really?" 

"Ja, we all deserve a break and I could do with a bit more affection from you." 

"Well I got loads of it for you, eh." Sniper's hands brushed Medic's back slowly under the blanket. 

"Perfect…"

"Uh… Would you…?"

"Would I what?" 

"Would you… have some… for me, maybe?" Sniper blushed and his eyes darted left and right in embarrassment. He wasn't so good when it came to words but had an incredible intuition when it came to moves...

"Of course." Medic pushed his lips on Sniper's and let his tongue brush past the hunter's chapped lips, which pulled a low growl from the wild man.

"Gosh… I'm so happy, I… Thanks, really." 

"You are welcome, Sniper." 

They snuggled up under the blanket and in front of the fireplace, they both warmed up nicely. 

"I got you somethin' for Christmas."

Medic's eyes snapped wide. 

"Did you?" 

"Yeah."

"Why? I mean… I didn't."

"Yeah, you did." 

"What?" Medic asked.

"You're spending a couple of weeks with me. That's… Better than Christmas…!"

"Saying things like that makes me realise even more how much I neglected you…"

Medic raised his head with his now ruffled hair and they exchanged a kiss.

"So please, show me what you got us…?" Medic asked.

"Want it now?"

"Ja, why not?"

"I guess I can… I've been carryin' them on me all the time for you not to find them by accident or anythin'."

"Oh…" 

Sniper slid a hand in his pocket and retrieved his secret gift. 

"Alright, you're ready?" He asked, putting his still clenched fist in front of Medic's face. 

"Ja." 

Sniper opened his hand and two bracelets lay in his palms. 

"Oh… They look lovely…" 

"I made them m'self." 

"The wooden pearls you carved yourself?"

"Yeah." 

"Oh, and what is this pendant?"

"Look at it. Carved it myself too. I had to go and get a book from the Teufort library to do it, cause I didn't really know what it looked like."

Medic held one of the bracelets. 

"It looks like an anatomically correct heart with an arrow piercing through it, but that's only the left half of it…" 

"Look at the other bracelet, luv'."

Medic took the other one and looked at the pendant. 

"Oh mein Gott… That's the right half…!"

"Yeah, I carved a little wooden heart, lookin' at an anatomy book, then carved the arrow, then cut it in halves. You get one and I get the other. Looks less ridiculous than a classic heart and it makes sense."

"Ja! And I guess the heart represents me and the arrow, you?"

"Yeah, you got it."

"I am… Speechless… It must have taken you hours to make them…"

"Who cares? It was fun and it made me think about you for hours. C'mon, wear it and show me!"

Medic slid one around his wrist and put one around Sniper's. 

"I feel like a little boy again…" The German doctor chuckled. 

"Yeah, bit childish maybe but uh…"

"Nein, please, I didn't mean it in a bad way, on the contrary. I guess this is the true spirit of Christmas." 

"Yeah, sort of." Sniper slid his fingers through Medic. 

"I love you, Sniper. Thank you so much for your gift."

"You're welcome. Love ya too, oh, mmh…" 

Medic slid up on Sniper to take his lips again. The flames of the fireplace danced as their bodies followed another choreography. The doctor and the hunter took their time that night. Maybe it was Christmas, maybe it was the gift, or maybe they had yearned for each other that much. 

That year, they did spend a Merry Christmas indeed.

[autumn-foxfire]

I cant escape the idea that the people who are so vocally calling for villains to be heroes and for heroes to be punished and dismantled are basiclly coming into a candy store and asking to buy steak. Like i saw people before say that they dont like heroes because they are pig cops (or something similar implying they arent allowed or even feel guilty for liking them) n all of this really seemed to have caught fire during the start of what is happening in america.

And then people, for some reason i cannot imagine, turned to this japanese manga for teens and asked 'why arent you adressing the present issues in america?'

Like what

Im not american and while im not sayin killer cops are distinctly american problem i am saying its a problem very pronounced in america, more so than in some other countries. Like i dont know what the state of police is in japan but you can hardly count on it being the exact same as america and therefor for horikoshi to be informed and worry about this issue enough to include it in his manga for japanese teens. Like??? Im sure there are plenty of black american authors who have books out there that would be much more suited to fufiling that need then A Random Dude From Japan. I understand that during these time ppl will look for literature that will comfort and reafirm their view of the world and that will give them some kind of catarsis that they cant yet get in real life but....that aint gonna be a japanese manga.

Honestly this all just feels like that whole self centered american things combined with readers who throw a fit when a writer doesnt make their headcanons canon and im tired of it all. Fam its litteraly not that deep.

I understand wanting best for ur favs and i understand being upset over bad things happening to them but i feel there is a difference between that and reading the text completely wrong and then raging about it.

Like 'damn i love shiggy its so hard to watch him be brutalized, go you beautiful bastard destroy everything!' VS 'Shigaraki is a revolutionist that wants to bring a better society and deku and especially horikoshi himself personally are corrupted and bootlickers from trying to stop him'

One is rooting for ur fav n is perfectly fine n the other...i dont even know what to call it

PS: im really sorry you have to read through my spelling mistake plagued writing sgdfdf english is not my first and mobile doesnt mark up my typos but unlike desktop lets me rant without sending 50 individual messeges

Exactly!

There are tons of different types of media that probably tackle social issues like the ones currently being seen in America so I don’t know why the fandom is trying to demand a Japanese manga for teenage boys to adress them as well, honestly it comes across as very entitled.

This fandom is so frustrating too because they get upset when people try to point out that the heroes in BNHA aren’t the same as real life corrupt cops (and also don’t seem to get the hint that comparing them is actually pretty offensive as well) or say you’re a bootlicker for supporting your favourite characters and their choices, all because they happen to go against their favs.

They take supporting their favourite characters too a different and almost unhealthy level. By bringing in social issues and arguments of “fiction affects reality” (it does, just not in the way many in fandom seems to think it does), they then have to find ways to excuse their own favourites who can be pretty horrible characters (in the sense that they’re the bad guys, not that they’re bad characters). They’ve dug themselves into a hole and are now desperately trying to claw their way out by trying to throw people who support heroes into the pit.

Apparently the days where you can appreciate a villainous character for being a villain are gone. Which is annoying because Horikoshi went out of his way to show that while the League may have some points, their actions speak against them.

I wonder if these people are tired to be focused on social issues twenty-four/seven? It just sounds so draining to do, especially when I personally use BNHA for escapism.

(Also don’t worry about your spelling mistakes, I promise I probably didn’t notice them and even if I did, I probably have even worse spelling and mistakes so I don’t really care when I see them XD)

[userarchive]

Unexpected Circumstances Ch 5

*not my image* Warnings: Smut, language

You nearly barrelled into Sonny’s apartment that Sunday, having worked late over the weekend with Amanda (you were the rookie of the squad after all) you were running behind. You’d been with SVU, and back in his world for 4 months now, your official “date” night having been a month ago.

“I’m sorry.” You pleaded, dropping your bag, asking where was safe to stash you gun and badge, Sonny merely laughed, taking them from you, telling you to calm down, gesturing to the glass of wine at the kitchen island. You sighed heavily, sitting down on the stool, pulling out a couple of work files, tossing them down on the island amongst Carisi’s stuff. Upon his reminding you did have a little bit of time before you had to leave you thought you might go over some work stuff, you were just so fucking anxious about seeing his family again. He emerged back into the kitchen, wrapping an arm around you, kissing your forehead softly, 

“You look beautiful.” You half snorted,

“Sonny I came straight from work…”

“Ya always look beautiful sweetheart.” He took the time to kiss your cheek again, lips starting to trail down you neck, you exhaled sharply,

“None of that!” You gently smacked his chest, “Your Ma’s already ready to kill me, we can’t be late.” He chuckled to himself, nipping at your neck lightly.

“It won’t take that long ta get there, finish your wine.” You rolled your eyes, taking a large swig from the glass, humming in appreciation as Sonny wrapped his arms around you from behind, innocently burying his face into the nape of your neck, 

“You sure they’re not gonna hate me?” Your voice was barely above a whisper, your gut was in knots, your eyes burned with the tears that threatened to fall.

“Doll..” Carisi started, kissing the back of your head softly, “They loved ya from the instant they met ya, and I told them you were back the second you showed up at SVU…”

“Really?”

“Ya’ sweetheart…Ma’s been dying to have you over since…she’s had the time ta speak her mind. Bella’s dying to see you, hell  even Mia’s been complaining she hasn’t gotten to see you yet.” You laughed lightly into your wine at that,

“God…she’s what.. 21 now?” You quirked a brow, even though he couldn’t see it, he laughed into your shoulder.

“Yeah…”He kissed you gently, “Think she wants a night out with her favourite Aunt.” You finished your wine with a gulp, turning in his arms, lacing them around his waist. You hadn’t noticed earlier out of your panic but he was still dressed in his 3 piece suit from work, you pulled him against you, kissing his lips deeply.

“Well Mr. Carisi, shall we face the family?” He chuckled, bending to kiss you again, lips lingering against yours, 

“If you say so….”

***

Roughly an hour later you and Sonny had arrived for Sunday dinner, Mia had practically tackled you in the hallway, you promised you were here and back for real, and that you would definitely show her a night out on the town (respectfully of course) once things cooled down. Bella’s eyes filled with tears at the two of you reunited and she introduced you to her daughters, you nearly cried at that, you’d always been the closest with Bella, and to know you’d missed out on so much of her kids lives stung you a lot.

Sonny placed his hand on the small of your back, moving you through the house to the kitchen, the moment you dreaded most,

“Ma.” He gently called out, “Got someone you might wanna say hi to.” You were literally terrified, frozen to the spot as Mama Carisi turned around at the counter, surprisingly her face was filled with relief,

“Oh thank GOD,” She pulled you into the deepest of hugs, you let out one hell of a breath of relief at that, “Sweetheart, I thought you were dead,” She muttered into your neck, “And like hell Sonny would ever possibly find someone nearly as incredible and wonderful as you again.” At that that she pulled back, a soft laughter breaking through the kitchen, you paused a moment, glancing between Carisi and his Mom before laughing yourself.

“Please, have you met him, he could easily find anyone worthy.” You smiled at her, rubbing her arms gently,

“Someone worthy? Maybe! Someone as worthy as you? I highly doubt it.” She kissed your cheek before turning back to the counter, “Now, go, sit, dinner’s almost ready.” Sonny pulled you in to kiss your cheek as you made your way back to the dining room.

**

Dinner went surprisingly well, as the evening continued the tenseness you felt dissipated (you were sure the wine helped with that) but the family was all accepting, their questions were only about how you were fitting in the the new squad, how you were settling back in with New York. 

You’d offered to help with the dishes but were shoo’ed away, ending up with the youngest of the kids in the family room while you either played board games or decided what colour they should be using in the most recent book. Sonny found you with one of his nieces on your lap, helping her colour in the blue ocean with one hand while the other had your attention with the game of Life. He leaned against the door jam, taking in the scene in front of him, he couldn’t help the dopey grin on his face. As you spun the dial and landed on bankruptcy, you groaned, dramatically throwing your head back and he couldn’t help but laugh. Your head shot up to the door, a happy grin on your lips as you noticed him watching you.

“Sounds like you’re losing babe.” He made his way into the room as his nephews cheered at your loss,

“They are kicking my butt.” You made the move to stand, leaving the niece on the floor but she clung to you, so you pulled up to standing with her, “Apparently this one doesn’t wanna let go.” Sonny beamed at you, the look of a kid in your arms was practically too much, he knew he had to hold back, it was still too soon.

“You want me to get Bella?” He questioned,

“You kidding?” You joked, “You see how adorable this one is? Plus, we’re colouring Dominick, can’t be interrupted.” You were still joking but were very serious, Sonny laughed, even harder when Bella came into the room, smirking at the look of her toddler in your arms between the two of you.

“Hi baby….” She cooed as you passed the toddler off to her, she smirked at Sonny, pinching his arm, looking over to you,

“Bella!” You were the one to reply, “C’mon, I just got back!”

“I’m just sayin’” She smiled, collecting her kids before her and Tommy left the house. You sighed heavily, your game of Life clearly already over you looked up at Sonny. Carisi’s parents had gathered around the doorway as Bella was leaving, it gave you the prime opportunity,

“I supposed you two need to take off too?” Ma exclaimed, “Years of my son being a cop, I know what it’s like.” She smiled gently at you, “Thank you so much for coming Sophie, I know it must’ve been hectic, but this will always be a place you can come to.” Your eyes watered, nearly launching against Mrs Carisi into a hug, this family had always been more of a family to you than your own, and to know they were still in the same lane, made you feel amazing. You and Sonny thanked his family, making your way back to his truck, his hand reaching yours, caressing it gently.

“See?” He questioned before he moved around the truck, “They never stopped caring about you.” Your eyes cast down at that, hating that you’d been gone for so long, you felt Sonny’s fingers curling under your chin, bringing your gaze to meet his, “And neither did I.” This confession was barely above a whisper, you felt his soft lips meet yours, moving against them like you’d never imagined, his tongue was in our mouth within seconds, tasting you, moaning softly. You pulled him against you, sick of waiting, wanting to roll your hips against his as he pulled away from your mouth to latch onto you neck,

“Dominick…” You practically whimpered,

“Ya Doll?”

“Don’t you think we should maybe wait to NOT be outside your parents house to do this?” He chuckled lightly, kissing your cheek before moving around the truck.

**

“You want me to drop you off at home?” Sonny’s voice broke your thoughts as he pulled into Manhattan, you shook yourself out of your daydream, 

“Shit, no…” You murmured, “My gun and badge are at your place…”You took a minute, “Fuck I left my whole bag there.” Sonny chuckled, 

“It’s okay Soph,” You nearly thought you imagined the glint in his eye as he pulled into his apartment building a few moments later. The air was thick as the elevator rose to Sonny’s apartment, you were begging the universe that after the evening you’d experienced you were feeling the same thing.

Sonny unlocked the door, letting you in and without a second to let you think he’d pulled you back, crushing you against the wall, his lips sealing against yours. You groaned heavily as his tongue peaked its way into your mouth, wrapping your arms around his back, pulling him impossibly close to you, you nipped against his lower lip as one of his hands buried into your hair, his mouth moving down your jaw. You whimpered, body thrusting against him as he kissed and bit his way down to your pulse point, you gasped loudly as he made a sharp bite into it.

“You okay?” He pulled away, his blown pupils meeting yours, lips red and puffed out, hair a bit of a mess as he stared down at you, you giggled softly, 

“More than okay Dominick.” You pulled him to you, kissing those heavenly lips again, rolling your hips against his growing bulge, hands raking through his hair. “Haven’t we wasted enough time?” You husked against his lips and that was all it took. Sonny growled against your lips, tapping your thighs, causing you to jump, wrapping your legs around his waist as he carried you to his bedroom.

He softly let you down on your feet, you gasped lightly as he ripped your shirt off, quickly stripping each other of your clothes until you were both bare. You let out a soft whimper, taking all of him again, stoic and regal, his cock hard and ready for you. Sonny could barely look at you without pouncing, he mumbled something unintelligible at you as he tossed you down onto the bed, lips and teeth nipping their way across your body. 

You moaned heavily as his fingers found your cunt, tracing your folds lightly, smirking against your throat as you turned your head, begging him to kiss you. You gasped into the kiss as he torturously started to pump a finger into you knuckle deep, watching you writhe beneath him, he added a second finger, curling them against you. Your hips shot up, begging for more, nails scraping against his back as his thumb began to roll your clit, his mouth found its way to your nipple, sucking and biting gently, it was too much, it had been too long that as he added a third finger into you, you found yourself cumming embarrassingly fast on his hand.

“Good girl.” He murmured against the shell of your ear as he pumped you through your first orgasm, you regained your sass a moment later.

“Dominick, what did I say?” you bit into his shoulder, “Just fuck me already.” He smirked down at you, lining up with your entrance before pushing in. You moaned in satisfaction, having missed the feel of him beyond belief. 

“Fuck, you’re so tight sweetheart.” Sonny pulled himself out slowly, pulling a loud groan of satisfaction from you. “Feel so good…” His mutterings of sweet nothings continued as he moved back into you, the feeling of your warmth encasing him. He’d missed you so much, the feeling of you back in his arms, his length buried deep into you was nearly too much “‘M’ not gonna last sweetheart.” He buried himself into your neck,

“I don’t fucking care, just fuck me baby..please.” Sonny nearly laughed at the response, lifting himself up off you, leaning on his haunches as he pounded into you relentlessly his hips closed against yours over and over again. As his thumb found its way to your clit, circling heavily, hoping that you’d be able to come relatively close to him. He felt you thrash under him, moaning breathlessly your nails digging into his thighs. The feeling of you clenching around him, the sight of you cumming was all it took, he groaned heavily spilling himself into you. You were both panting for breath as Sonny collapsed on top of you, you were the one that started to giggle lightly. He pulled his head from the crook of your neck,

“What?” He murmured,

“Nothing..I just…” You shook your head, “7 years later and we finally consummate.” Sonny laughed heartily at that, rolling off you to lay on his back. He pulled the sheets up as you curled into his side, finding your spot in the crook of his neck, tracing circles on his chest. He kissed the top of your head, a lanky arm wrapped tight around you while the other interlocked your fingers. 

“Stay?” He whispered into the darkness of the room, a slight sense of unsureness in his voice.

“O’course.” You murmured against his skin, burying deeper against him as your eyes fluttered with a hazy sleepiness.

[homesweetsewer]

Consolation Prize: Part 2 (Donatello x Fem Reader)

Hello! Finally got around to posting Part 2 (yay!). I’m thinking this is going to have 2 more parts to it...my muse willing. I also wanted to say that I’m horrible about checking my inbox so if you’ve sent me a message, I promise I’m not ignoring you. I’m slowly sorting through what’s in there and you are not forgotten. Gonna go ahead and link the rest of this little series since quit a few people told me it helps them navigate and I’m all about being user friendly!

Harmless: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Radiant: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Consolation Prize: Part 1

“I think that should do it for tonight.” Donatello pushed away from the workbench and stood from his chair to stretch his long legs. “We’ll need to test the final compound and work on creating an efficient delivery system, of course, but it should neutralize both the acid and base properties rendering the chemicals useless.” 

“And prevent the contamination of the city’s water supply.” A smile stretched April’s lips as she beamed up at him. “Don, you’re a genius.” 

“That’s the rumor,” the ninja joked as he rolled his shoulders, relieving the kink in his neck from being bent over for so long.  

April laughed and stood as well, stretching her slender body in an attempt to relieve her own aches and pains. She looked up at the turtle from beneath long eyelashes. “Seriously, Donnie, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. I know you probably have a million other things you could be doing instead.” 

“I’m happy to help. Besides,” Donatello shrugged, “that’s what friends are for, right?” 

“Right,” April’s smile took on a sad edge. “I’m glad we’re able to do this,” she softly stated. “You know...after everything.” 

“Yeah,” the bespectacled turtle quietly answered, a soft smile of his own gracing his lips. “Me, too.” 

April didn’t need to elaborate. They hadn’t really talked about it, but Don knew exactly what she was referring to. He wouldn’t lie. He’d been hurt badly when he’d learned months ago of the woman’s relationship with Casey. At the time, he’d believed himself to be in love with her, hanging on her every word and action as if her very presence gave him life. The crush he’d had on the woman felt so silly now...embarrassing, really. Looking back, he could see that what had transpired between them, despite being a painful lesson, had actually been a blessing in disguise. If it weren’t for his heartbreak, he would have never found the amazing gift that had been staring him right in the face the entire time. 

You. 

He had a girlfriend...an incredible, beautiful, funny, intelligent girlfriend that he loved more than anything else in the world. Sometimes he felt like kicking himself for not realizing what you meant to him sooner, but then you’d smile at him or take his hand in your own and his heart would feel like it would want to explode right out of his chest and he’d forget about everything else except for you in that moment. The two of you just seemed to click so perfectly together, moving from friends to something more with surprising ease. You were able to see beyond the green skin and shell, down deep to who he really was and you loved him regardless. Him! How on Earth had he ever gotten so fortunate? His smile grew at the thought. 

“You seem really happy,” the woman observed. “Things must be going well?” 

“Things are great. I am really happy,” Donnie quickly confirmed. He gushed, a giggle escaping from his throat, “She’s...she’s amazing. Sometimes it’s still hard for me to believe it. She could have literally anyone she wants, but she still chose me for some reason.” 

April made an amused sound. “She’s a smart girl. She knows a good man when she sees him.” 

“Heh...” Donnie shook his head and looked away, embarrassed. “Uh...what about you and Casey?” 

“You know.” April smirked and gave a half shrug. “Casey is Casey.” 

“Ah,” Donatello wasn’t sure exactly how to respond and so merely nodded. To be honest, it was still a bit of a sore spot where his pride was concerned and he was glad she hadn’t gone into detail.  

April sighed and stepped toward the turtle. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around him, ensconcing him in an embrace to the best of her ability with her cheek pressed against his plastron. “You’re a great guy, Donatello, I mean that. I’m happy for you...both of you. You deserve it. You all do.” 

“Um,” the ninja stiffened slightly and patted her on the back awkwardly. Now that his feelings towards her had changed, it felt weird being so close to her. “Thanks, April. That means a lot coming from you.” 

April lingered for a moment longer before pulling away and looking up at him with an almost melancholy expression. “Well...I guess I should probably get out of your way. Thanks again, Donnie. Enjoy the rest of your night.” 

“You’re welcome,” Donatello replied softly as he watched the woman turn and slowly make her way out of the lab. “You, too.” 

He stood there for a long moment after she left, a low hum emanating from deep in his chest as he turned the interaction over in his mind. He was glad that he and April were still able to work and spend time together as friends after all that had transpired. He’d been hurt and angry at her for a while, yes, but those feelings had faded once he’d had a real opportunity to sit down with himself and examine them. He still cared for her, but the giddy feeling of butterflies he’d once had whenever she was around had been replaced with a warm feeling of friendship, which he was thankful for. He could think clearly in her presence now and truly appreciate all she’d done to help his family. April was good people. She had a place in his heart, but it wasn’t exactly what he thought it would be. That space had been perfectly filled by another and he couldn’t have been more at peace with it. 

He was a logical turtle. He put more stock in science than he did fate or destiny, but he couldn’t help feeling that everything had worked out as it was meant to. He’d been entirely truthful when he’d said he was really happy. He couldn’t imagine anything more satisfying or fulfilling than being in a romantic relationship with his best friend. You’d both decided to take things slow and he was perfectly okay with that. He’d never been in a relationship before, he was a turtle after all, and he appreciated the time to feel things out and get them just right. This was previously uncharted territory for him, for the both or you, really, but he couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather explore it with. He had plans, so many things that he wanted to do and experience, and he wanted to do those things with you, if you’d allow it. 

Speaking of which... 

Donnie’s eyes drifted toward the clock mounted on the wall and his eyes immediately widened behind his tortoise shell frames. An undignified squeak escaped from his throat as he bolted for the door. “Oh, no…no, no, no…”

The ninja burst out of his lab to find the lair more or less deserted. The lights were dim and the television silent. Muffled snores emanating from the couch reached his ears. He crept forward to peek over the back to see Mikey shell up, sleeping peacefully with his face buried in the cushions. Moving silently so as not to disturb his youngest brother, he crept toward the kitchen to find his older brother carefully rearranging the fridge in order to accommodate the evening’s leftovers.

Don cleared his throat, “Raph?” 

“He lives,” Raph responded gruffly as he rose to his full height and turned to look at his brother. He inclined his head to the cardboard box he still held in his hands. “We saved ya some pizza.”

“I’m not…” Donnie shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”

“Suit yourself,” Raph shrugged and shoved the box into the space he’d cleared in the refrigerator. “Its there if ya change your mind.” 

“Where, uh,” Donnie stuttered. “Where is everyone?”

“Where do ya think they are?” Raphael scoffed and slammed the refrigerator door and moved to shoulder his way passed his brother and out of the kitchen. “Its after 2 AM, genius.”

Donnie hurried after him. “I know, but…”  

“If you’re askin’ about your girl,” Raph guessed, “she left over an hour ago. Leo was feelin’ all chivalrous and walked her home for ya. Ya know, since ya stood her up and all.”

“What?” Donatello squawked in indignation. “I didn’t stand her up!”

“Yeah?” Raph turned to look at his brother, one brow raised. “What do ya call it then? This ain’t the first time you’ve flaked out on her. You didn’t see her face after she sat here all night waitin’ on your sorry shell to remember she was here.”

“I-I was working,” the purple masked ninja defended. “I lost track of time!” Then, he added forlornly, “she didn’t even say goodbye…”

Raph looked pointedly at the other turtle. “Said she didn’t think you and April wanted to be bothered.”

“Bothered?” Donatello looked helplessly at his older brother. “Why would she even think that? She’s never a bother!”

“That’s not the impression she got. Look,” Raph shook his head and turned to continue his trek through the lair, “ya got a good thing goin’ here, Don. Ya don’t think any one of us would give our right arm to be in your shell? Ya got a great girl and she thinks the world of ya. I hate to see ya screw that up.” 

“Wait,” a look of alarm settled over Donnie’s features. “You think I’m screwing things up?”

Instead of answering his brother’s panicked question, he stopped at the couch and balled his fist, knocking on Michelangelo’s shell. “Get up, Mikey,” he ordered. “Go get in bed.”

“Mmmkay…” the youngest turtle roused slowly, allowing his much larger brother to practically lift him from his reclined position by the rim of  his shell and set him on his feet. Bleary eyed, he moved almost zombie like in the direction Raph propelled him in with a careful shove. “G’night, bros…”

“Raph!” Donatello demanded, “what do you mean I’m screwing things up?”

Raphael sighed and held his hands up in a defensive manner. “All I’m sayin’, is that it ain’t a good look.”

Exasperated, Donnie demanded, “What does that even mean?”

“It means,” Raph started, “that all the movies and books I’ve ever seen have taught me that girls don’t like it when ya repeatedly blow ‘em off to go hang out with your ex.”

“My ex?” Donatello looked confused for a moment before what his brother was getting at dawned on him. “You mean April? April isn’t my ex anything,” the tall terrapin insisted. “We were never together! Nothing ever happened! She knows that!”

“Not for lack of tryin’,” Raph pointed out. “Do ya remember how twisted up ya got when ya thought she was ghostin’ ya?”

Donnie swallowed hard, nodding. “Yeah…”

“Now imagine,” Raph painted the picture, “that instead of sittin’ at home alone, worrin’ about ya, she was holed up somewhere with some guy she never stopped talkin’ about and fawnin’ over to your face. How would that make ya feel?”

Donatello felt like someone had punched him in the gut as what his brother was getting at hit him full force. “But,” the purple banded ninja shook his head, “she knows April and I are just friends. I’d never do anything to betray her trust like that. She’s not just my girlfriend…she’s my best friend. I love her. She knows that.”

Raph eyed the other turtle skeptically. “Does she?”

“Yeah…” Donnie answered hesitantly, now feeling unsure under his brother’s heavy gaze. “I-I think so…”

“Ya think so?” Raphael shook his head. “Ya better make damn sure that ya know so. A girl like that…she’s got options and they ain’t limited to mutant freaks. She doesn’t have to be slummin’ it down here in the sewers with your scaly ass.”

“Seriously?” If Donatello wasn’t panicked before, he was now. He could feel the color drain from his face and his heart begin a furious gallop in his chest at the thought of losing you. “You think she’ll leave me?” 

Raph shrugged, obviously done with the entire conversation.

Fear gripping him, Donnie asked, “what do you think I should do?” 

“I’m a turtle, not an advice columnist,” Raphael deadpanned as he moved off toward the room he and Mikey shared. He called back over his shoulder, “you’re the brainiac, you figure it out. I’m goin’ to bed.”

Donatello was left standing alone in the middle of the darkened lair, his eyes glassy with unshed tears and his heart breaking over the thought of losing you. His brilliant mind whirred at a million thoughts a minute, all swirling around how foolish he’d been lately when it came to you. Now that he thought about it, all the signs were there. He’d done it again. He’d taken you for granted. He’d let himself get sucked into another project, with April of all people, and hadn’t really considered how you’d feel about it. Relationships were so new to him that, honestly, it hadn’t even crossed his mind that you’d be upset. 

He berated himself. How stupid was he? Of course you’d be upset! He knew he would be if the roles were reversed. He couldn’t lose you. He wouldn’t let that happen. You meant everything to him. You had to know how much he loved you. He’d make sure of it. 

He checked the time and sighed. It was late. Too late to call you now or slip out and go to your apartment. He didn’t want to disturb you should you be sleeping. He’d already done enough damage for one evening and didn’t want to make things worse. 

“I’ll call her first thing in the morning,” he promised himself. “I can fix this. I know I can. It’ll be fine.” 

At least, he hoped it would be.

[kinsbin]

Title: Midnight snack Word Count: 2011 Pairing: Alexys/Lobo [SI/Canon]

Summary: Alexys can’t sleep, so Lobo takes it upon himself to make her night at least a little entertaining. 

A/N: Commission for @space-sweetheart! Always a delight to write for ;u;

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Alexys tried to ignore the gentle poke of Lobo’s finger to her cheek as she stared down at her phone, the illuminating light of the video she had opened up in an effort to sleep slowly dwindling in a background tense as her lover’s distractions grew. A gentle prod to her side morphed into a harsh jab to her cheek. Then his fingers reached out and squeezed the soft meat of the same cheek he had been poking at with merciless abandone. It was on his third squeeze that Alexys yelped in surprise and flipped herself around, hand jutting out to whap softly at the massive man’s biceps with a pout to her lips. Lobo feigned a dramatic ‘owwww’ before losing his composure and laughing heartily at the face his lover made at his side.

“Aw did I wake you?” His voice was teasing and held no real echo of true apology in it, not that Alexys had expected it to. He was well aware that she was unable to sleep at times and, rather than encourage her to try and get some rest outside of when it hit a few days at a time, he was in the habit of bothering her at any given moment. Boredom often did things to the powerful being in his moments of thought that, for all of her human life, she would never be able to quite figure it out.

“What do you waaaant.” Alexys bemoaned as she rolled further onto her lover, continuing until she was all but sprawled across his broad chest. Beneath her she could feel the movement of his inhales and exhales even as they shook in a deep chuckle of amusement. One hand reached up to touch at Alexy’s hair, making her hum and snuggle herself further against Lobo as he smirked and continued to twirl strands idly between his fingertips.

“I was simply admiring the view.”

“Please, there was no view,” Alexys argued as she gazed up at him. Lobo frowned and gave a teasing tug to one strand of Alexys’ hair, making her startled not in pain but in surprise as she shooed his hand away from the tresses with a blush to her cheeks.

“Please,” Lobo purred, “You’re a fine thing to view. The drool on your lips when you finally do fall asleep and start snoring? Beautiful~.”

“Okay now you’re just asking to sleep on the floor.” Alexys threatened as she reached up to attack his hair with her own fingertips, running them through the thick locks atop his head and making Lobo laugh in earnest this time as he accepted her advances with a tilt of his own head and a thoughtful hum.

“Comfier than some of the other shit places I’ve slept in before. Trust me. Ever spend the night in an intergalactic prison? Ain’t go NO decent toilet paper anywhere. Not even for shittin, just for making a bed out of!”

Alexys wrinkled her nose at the mere image of the concept, “That’s disgusting.”

“That’s space politics!”

Alexys couldn’t help but laugh at the simplicity of her lover’s statement, her lips curling into that perfect smile that Lobo seemed to get lost in for one reason or another. His chaotic nature always reigned supreme in his behavior, certainly, but even an entity of trans dimensional space bounty hunting could appreciate the sight of a cute girl on top of him, laughing at his jokes as he wraps his arms around her waist and tugs her sharply into a playfully rough hug.

“Seriously though,” Alexys pinched his arm with a smile, “I can’t get back to sleep… I was really hoping to fix my sleep schedule too.”

“Well, why do you think you can’t get to sleep?”

“I don’t know,” Alexys shrugged indesiviley as she sat up so that she was straddling his torso, her hair falling over her shoulder and along the edges of her tank top in a beautiful way, “I feel like there’s always something on my mind, so I keep thinking and it just… doesn’t stop. Sometimes I just think my body makes up excuses for it not to fall into a REM cycle, I swear to fucking-”

At that moment her stomach let off a soft growl, causing a shade of pink to rise against Alexy’s cheek as she reached out to cover her stomach with both arms, hiding it from the raised eyebrow gaze of Lobo beneath her.

His laugh soon boomed around the rest of the room, sitting up so that Alexys had to balance by placing her arms around his shoulders and holding herself close to him with a pouty huff. Of course he would drag her even more close when she did something embarrassing. It was like he loved to revel in the mistakes she made. In a way he sort of did. It reminded Lobo how… human she was among the entirety of the world. How simply her existence handled itself against the weight of the universe he’s known for so, so long. Spending time with her, even just like this, made him feel more alive than any aspect of his bounty hunting career that he could recall. Not more alive than dolphins, though. Nothing could oust those majestic creatures.

“Sounds like your body knows what it wants to me!” Lobo declared with a ruffle of her hair and a grin on his lips, “You hungry, pipsqueak?”

“Yes but no-shut up!” Alexys huffed, “Its like 3 in the morning I SHOULDN’T be hungry.”

“The stomach wants what the stomach wants and all that shit,” Lobo declared with a dismissive wave of his hand, “Doesn’t matter the time, just matters the metabolism.”

“That’s not even how that saying goes.”

“No, I’m pretty positive that’s how the sayin goes. Now then!”

When Lobo stood up he took Alexys with him, scooping her in his arms bridal style and causing her to yell and cling even tighter to his neck as she gazed down at the floor below her in something half between frustration and amusement. Her complaints faded as she looked upwards in admiration of his face. From the edges of his jaw to the way he pulled his lips into a sharp grin of amusement, there was chaotic and handsome energy around him all at once. Did she really just think the words ‘handsome energy’? Alexys wanted to bury her face away so that he couldn’t somehow read her thoughts and make the situation even more ridiculous than it already was!

“Let’s get some grub!”

“We have nothing in the house,” Alexys bemoaned sadly, “We were supposed to go grocery shopping the other day and forgot to, remember?”

“I didn’t forget, I just didn’t want to.” Lobo declared with the confidence of a man who should not have been as proud of the statement as he was. Alexys couldn’t stop the laugh of moderate disbelief as she raised an eyebrow at him in wonder.

“You’re taking me out at 3am for food then?”

“There’s that 23-hour diner nearby that serves the best pancakes all night round.”

“You’ve never been to this diner nor have you had a pancake.”

“I’ve had pancakes! What the fuck do you think I am, a godless heathen?”

“Should I answer that?”

Lobo rolled his eyes (at least she was pretty sure he was rolling his eyes) and it made Alexys laugh all the brighter as she was continuously carried through the house, not bothering to be put back on the floor for as long as her boyfriend was willing to keep her in his strong, safe arms.

She wasn’t sure when they had left the apartment building they shared, nor when they had walked down the still streets of their neighborhood to the diner they both longed for, but there was no complaint from her as she was promptly dropped into one of the diner’s plush leather booths with an unceremonious ‘thud’.

The patrons of the diner watched in moderate terror as Lobo’s form took up the entirety of one side of a booth, his hulking appearance ever imposing as it always was. Alexys had long since learned to ignore the looks of others as they ogled her boyfriend in terror. Though the thought of their eyes was always still there in the back of her mind, dating Lobo was a wild mixture of constant stares and surprised yells as he got into something he probably should not have in one way or another.

The process of ordering their food wasn’t so much ‘ordering’ as it was the waiter tentatively coming up to them both, Alexys giving her request for some french toast and a cup of coffee, and then Lobo yelling sharply at the guy before thanking him with a roll of his eyes as he scampered away. Lobo mumbled something about ‘the service here’ that made Alexys bite her lip and smile through the giggles she choked out.

“Do you have to give every waiter a hard time?”

“It weeds out the weak ones, I do it for their growth, I swear!”

She simply kicked his leg under the table, laughing in unison with him as the two watched the outside world beyond the realm of their diner. As the foods arrived, piles of greasy diner foods and sweet milkshakes at either side of them, Alexys couldn’t help but feel… content in a strange way. Comfortable in the space she was in, even if that space was three in the morning in a diner she had never been to before. The world felt… so much bigger like this, though. As if so much more was bound to happen.

Was that just a side effect of living with Lobo, she wondered? He definitely made things interesting, that was for certain.

The thought passed just as Lobo took a bite of his hamburger that nearly made the entire thing disappear. She leaned on her hand as she chewed at a bite of her own food, hiding a smile behind her hand as she raised an eyebrow at Lobo, who gave her a thumbs up in return.

“It’s fucking good!”

Alexys swallowed her own bite and nodded, “Yeah, I’m surprised!”

Lobo laughed at her face and then reached out, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear while reaching out to nab at once of her pieces of French Toast and return to his own space, admiring his handy work as a blush warmed Alexy’s cheeks.

“You’re insufferable.” Alexys declared as she watched him wolf down her additional french toast slice between hungry lips.

“Ah, but you love me!”

Alexys blushed as she looked away, cutting fiercely at the slice of food left among its syrupy remains and muttered the words despite herself:

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

Lobo paused mid-chug of his soda and raised his eyebrows in surprise, the statement never truly ceasing to amaze him as Alexys admitted her words with slight difficulty. She looked back at him and bit her cheek to contain her own insecure look as she fiddled with her fork and knife for a brief moment. Lobo’s grin was growing inch by inch the longer the two of them watched one another, as though he was revving himself up for something. Alexys felt her shoulders tense for a brief moment before she was lifted up and scooped into a rather obnoxious hug from the other sharing the booth.

“God, I just LOVE hearing you say those ridiculous words, baby!” Lobo laughed heartily as Alexys squirmed in surprise at the suddenness of his actions, her face reddening as she looked around at the other patrons now unashamedly eyeing her with something between awe and amusement.

“Lobo you’re making this embarrassing!” Alexys declared as she struggled more.

“Shut up, I gotta ENJOY this moment. This sweet confession!”

“I changed my mind, I hate you, now let me go!”

Alexys found herself laughing as well though, her lips curling into a smile of delight as she soon found herself hugging Lobo back. Indeed, sometimes the nights were just better with him at her side. No matter where they went, they were there for one another that was for certain. Even in diners at 3am.

[highkehigh]

first post

shit where to begin? thought this would be a cool way of expressing whatever comes to my mind as an outlet which i was doin back in 2010-2013 or something like that. & i was just reading some of the things i had on there and it’s crazy af to think that i was writin these paragraphs at 11-14 spittin straight facts but NEVER followin my own damn advice. i always understood feelins, just never mine. it took me dummy long to finally get where i am today and i am not proud of where i stand yet, but ima make it & get to the place i wanna be. plus the confident person i am today is the person i’ve always worked so hard to become. now shit was hard af & hella downs along the way, but im here to say that those UGLY ASS DAYS/WEEKS/MONTHS/YEARS of hell will continue to try and bring ya down, but im sayin don’t give up and never take the easy road. as easy as it comes, its finna leave just as easy. great things take time, you may not understand things in the moment & question why me? instead try changin the perspective and start askin yourself what can i do now? & whatever comes in ya head determine whether if it’s helpful/productive thoughts or is it anxiety gettin the better of ya? remember to breathe and take ya time comin back to answer those questions, cause ya wanna be in a clear head space and really think bout that answer. you could even ask ya self am i okay right now at this very moment? in the present moment what’s infront of you and what are you doin? try to take that extra energy worryin/stressin bout the next thing that finna fuck ya up into productive energy to how ya get ya self outta it. just remember the most important thing from this, is to stop dwellin in the past when ya livin in the present. we as humans sometimes get so caught up with our own world/head that we forget to breathe and just be an observer in the present moment, with no opinions, no past judgements, just breathe and appreciate the beauty around ya. have an appreciation for every single energy takin up space on this earth and try to go the beyond the mind and pay close attention to the feelin of fully present into current moment/the now. 

[spaceorphan18]

The Little Mermaid

YOU GUYS WE’VE REACHED THE LITTLE MERMAID AND SO BEGINS THE NOSTALGIA FOR CHILDHOOD!

Two things.  1. I was six when this came out - so perfect age for it, and it was my favorite movie for a long, long time.  I used to dress in a beautiful green dress (my mother’s night gown) and sing Part of Your World into a hair brush - as one does.  It’s on video tape.  2. We had a plastic Flounder bath toy that squirted water - which apparently we had until the early 2000s cause my brothers remember using it for bath time.  

Okay then.  So, this movie still holds up as super entertaining even thirty years - enough so that you don’t really think about how super problematic it is when you break it down.  I mean -- essentially, a semi-sheltered 16yo girl gives up what makes her /her/ for a guy she barely knows, signing a way her life to a crazy sea witch, doesn’t really face repercussions for any of the sketchy shit she gets into, and ends up married before she’s twenty.  Not to mention - how does mermaid anatomy even work, let’s not think about it too hard.  

But who cares - this movie is really delightful, and I mean, as long as you have a nice long chat about how you shouldn’t give up your uniqueness for a man, it’s fine.  

What makes it so enjoyable? Well - now that I’ve watched everything up to this point... it kind of just explodes with entertainment in a way that the other films lacked -- especially ones that had been leading up to it.  I mean, yeah Great Mouse Detective and Oliver and Company did really set the stage, but we’re now in the land of Alan Menken, who kind of just upped the ante so hard.  

Y’all know this story, so I don’t need to go through that.  But the script is solid, fun, emotional, and filled with moments of actual tension.  There’s still some of that trademark padding - but even that is entertaining.  The script works! The voice acting is absolutely solid, too, and not once was I ever thrown out of the story by a voice that doesn’t seem to fit.  

But more so the songs work.  Every one of them is catchy and memorable.  Everyone of them I knew by heart as a kid, and I’m sure others did, too.  It’s kind of like the candy glue that holds the whole thing together and gives the film its magic.  The music really is what sells this probably questionable plot, lol.  

It’s also a rather beautiful film, too.  I don’t know if the animation is the best it’s ever been here -- there are still a few moments of awkwardness here and there, but that’s really only to be noticed when looking.  They kind of went all in on making this one of the most aesthetically pleasing films to date.  

Other thoughts: 

You know you’re getting old when you start to side with the adults. 

I have a deeper appreciation for Ursula now, she laid out all of her plans clearly and me, the adult, can just go - oh you stupid 16yo.  

Ursula was fashioned after the drag queen Divine, btw.  

Also - is it just me, or does her seashell bedroom(?) look like a vagina? Just me? 

Ariel should have been on an episode of hoarders.  Just sayin’. 

I really love Sebastian the Crab.  Just needed to throw that out there. 

It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen this - Prince Eric’s voice surprised me cause for some reason, I didn’t remember him sounding like he does. 

My favorite part of the movie has nothing to do with the movie at all -- it’s the part where the chef almost cooks Sebastian while singing Les Poissons.  

Btw, there’s some really clever word play in all of the musical numbers - i’m incredibly impressed by it, and really didn’t notice as a kid, but that’s part of the reason they’re so catchy. 

Can we take a second and think about how Prince Eric’s main export is probably fish? 

I’m kind of amused by how much left is up for interpretation - why was Ursula banished? What’s up with Eric’s kingdom? What happened to Ariel’s mom? etc etc  -- they let the audience decide. 

How does merpeople anatomy work? I’ve always been bothered by how they might use the bathroom.  

Final Thoughts: The Disney Renaissance is on, yo! 

[therainroguefanfiction]

🔥 ℝise Ⱥbove I̾t ◈ Chapter 026 [Robo-Inferno!]

📑 Table of Contents | ◂Backward

Word Count: 2,771

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

〈“We are young, not for long. Life is fun! It only goes downhill. We gotta make the most of it, or you’ll regret it.” TheOdd1sOut & Boyinaband, “Life is Fun”〉

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

“Hey! Make some noise, you rabid sports fans! Get those cameras prepped, media hordes! This year, we’re bringing you some of the hottest performances in the sports festival history guaranteed! I’ve only got one question before we start this show – are you ready?! Let me hear you scream as our students make their way to the main stage!” Present Mic’s voice boomed over the cheering crowd.

I readjusted the band across my forehead as class 1-A walked down the darkened hallway toward the center of the stadium. “Oi, Bakuhoe. The logo is visible, right?”

He glanced at me. “I can’t believe you’re wearing that stupid ass thing.”

I scowled. “Tacos are the food of the gods. Don’t hate, appreciate.”

His eyes narrowed at me, lips pulling back into a scowl. “You better fucking take this shit seriously, Winchester!”

“Oh yee of little faith,” I wagged my finger. “I’m comin’ for yo ass, Bakuhoe. Hope you’re ready.”

“Keep dreamin’, bitch.” He was silent for a moment. “Yes, the logo is visible.”

I grinned, throwing my arm on his shoulder.

We reached the end of the hall, stepping out in the bright sun that shined over the open stadium. Goddamn, that’s a lot of fucking people.

“This first group are no strangers to the spotlight! You know them for withstanding a villain attack – the dazzling students light up your TVs with solid gold skills! The hero course students of class 1-A!”

“Uhh… I-I didn’t know there’d be so many people…”

I patted Izuku’s shoulder. “Same, bro.” To be honest, I can’t stand it when people stare at me. Even when Aizawa’s cat stares at me while I’m playing games or trying to eat, that shit pisses me off. Now there’s a fuck ton of people staring at me. Well, at least I’m not alone. Just gotta let them shine brighter.

“I hope we’re still able to give our best performances even though all these eyes are watching us,” Iida commented. “I suppose it’s just another aspect of being a hero we all have to learn to get used to.”

“Present Mic sure did talk us up a lot… Kinda makes me nervous.” Kirishima kept looking around at all the people before turning to me and Bakugo as we walked in front of him. “How you feeling, man? You nervous, too, Winchester?”

“I’m not worried. It makes me want to win this thing even more!” Bakugo grinned.

“It makes me want to die.”

Izuku sweatdropped as he looked over his shoulder. “Please don’t die, Jen-san…”

“No promises.”

“If she dies it’ll be because I killed her! Face forward, Deku!”

“They haven’t been getting nearly as much screen time, but this next group is still chock full of talent! Welcome hero course class 1-B! Next up, general studies C, D, and E! Support classes F, G, and H! And finally, business classes I, J, and K! Give it up for all of U.A.’s first-year contestants!!”

All of the students gathered in front of the platform Midnight stood on top of. “Now, the introductory speech!”

The men in the crowd started to go wild at the sight of her and I rolled my eyes. “Seriously, who thought letting this bitch teach hormonal teenagers was a good idea?” I felt Bakugo shrug his shoulder under my arm.

“Someone should talk to Midnight-sensei about what she’s wearing…” Kirishima commented softly, his cheeks pink.

“Yeah, that costume should come with a warning.” Sparky agreed, his cheeks just as pink.

“Is it really appropriate apparel for a high school game?” Fumi questioned with a hint of disgust in his voice.

“Fumi, my beautiful bird child!” I held my fist out to him and he blinked in surprise, tilting his head and looking at my hand for a solid five seconds before lightly tapping his fist against mine.

“Silence, everyone!” Midnight cracked her short whip. “For the student pledge, we have… Katsuki Bakugo!”

I snickered. “This should be fucking brilliant.”

“H-He’s the first year rep?” Izuku panicked.

“I guess that hot-head did finish first in the entrance test.” Kirishima mused.

I raised a brow at him. “Did you just say entrance test? That sounds so wrong, Kiri.”

“Don’t tease me, Winchester!” He pouted, poking my arm.

“He only got first for the hero course exams,” Some girl on her right said, sending us an annoyed look.

“Oh… right…”

“That girl obviously hates us,”

“Yeah and we’ve got Bakugo to thank for them not liking our class.”

I scoffed, glancing back at the yellow-haired dope. “If you really think that, you’re dumber than you look, Sparky.”

His face flushed.

“What do you mean?” Kiri tilted his head.

“Ever since the USJ incident, class 1-A has been all over the media. By now, most people know who we are, even if it’s just ‘the first years that took on real villains and survived’. While it may be true that the idiot fueled the fire, he didn’t start it. They already disliked our class because of the praise and attention we’ve been getting. Blaming Bakugo is just a cop-out, an easy solution. Besides,” I narrowed my eyes at the girl, who shifted at the attention. “If someone is childish enough to judge the majority for the actions of one person, that’s on them.”

“I just wanna say,” Bakugo’s monotone voice was amplified by the microphone he stood in front of. “I’m gonna win.”

“Boo!”

“What did he say?!”

“So full of himself!”

“Get off the stage!”

I laughed loudly, resting my arm on Fumi’s shoulder. “I totally fucking called it. I shoulda placed a bet!”

Fumi simply sighed, shaking his head.

“Why would you be so disrespectful?!” Iida cried. “You’re representing us all!”

“Not my fault the rest of you are just stepping stones for my victory.” He pointed his thumb down.

“I’m gonna crush this overconfident jerk!! I can’t wait to knock him down a size!!”

I chuckled as Bakugo approached, holding my hand up. “You sure ruffled some jimmies there, Bakuhoe.”

He humphed, slapping his palm against mine.

“Without further ado, it’s time for us to get started!” Midnight spoke up. “This is where you begin to feel the pain. The first fateful game of the festival is…” A screen appeared behind her, the words spinning like a slot machine. “What could it be~?” It stopped on Obstacle Race. “Ta-da~ All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest! The track is four kilometers around the outside of the stadium! I don’t wanna restrain anyone – at least not in this game,” She licked her lips and smirked. God, she’s creepy as fuck. “As long as you don’t leave the course, you’re free to do whatever your heart desires! Now then, take your places, contestants!”

The crowd cheered as the gate to out left buzzed, three green lights lighting up above it. The students gathered around the gate and a drop of sweat rolled down my cheek as I scanned the large crowd. Oi oi, there’s no way in the nine hells that all of these students are gonna fit through that narrow ass hallway and I know damn well everyone is gonna rush forward as soon as it begins. That means I either need to get ahead before the jam or fall back and wait for an opening. Sheesh.

The first green light faded.

I glanced up at the stands where the U.A. faculty members were sitting. Toshi looks nervous as hell, his icy blue eyes darting around as he tried to find me and Izuku. God, he can be such a dad sometimes.

The second light faded.

I let out a breath. I’m gonna try hard. After all, if I don’t place well, then old man Shimatsu won’t get much business for his taco stand during lunch. Can’t let that happen!

The third light faded.

It was like that fucking scene from Jumanji, everyone rushing toward the hall at the same time and getting stuck from the sheer amount of students. I winced at the poor kids being smooshed against the wall.

“And~ we’re off to a racing start! How about some color commentary, mummy man?!”

“How did you talk me into this?” Poor Aizawa sounds exasperated, poor guy.

“What should we be paying attention to in the early stages of the race?!”

“The doorway,” he responded blandly.

I hummed, eyes scanning the backline of students as I kneeled down. Alright, let’s get it! I took off toward the hallway, jumping off the ground and landing on the back of a rather large student. Yells of protest reached me as I hopped from student to student, using them as stepping stones. I should thank Bakugo for the idea later.

The temperature suddenly divebombed and I suppressed a shiver as Todoroki activated his ice quirk, covering the end of the hallway and the students with ice. Cocky sumbitch. I hopped from a frozen student’s shoulder, increasing the temperature in my boots before landing on the ice. It sizzled as it melted. Good thing I put in a request to wear these fireproof boots!

“Nice trick, Todoroki!”

“I won’t let you get away so easily you icy hot bastard!!”

I snickered at the students slowly making their way across the frozen ground. One of them slipped and fell onto his ass, letting out a groan of frustration. I almost felt bad for him. Almost.

Mineta jumped into the air. “You think you’re so cool, but I’ve outsmarted you! Ha! How pathetic, Todoroki! Eat this, my special attack -!”

Wham!

One of the robots from the entrance exam came out of nowhere, slamming its arm against his face and yeeting him across the field. That’s karma, you disgusting ass grape.

“Ooh~ Enemies have shown up out of nowhere! I bet we’re in for a treat here! A test of strength and cunning, it’s a robo-inferno!!”

“Are those the zero-point villains from the practical test?!” Sparky cried, nearly running into my back.

“So this is what the other students faced in their entrance exams,” Todoroki commented.

“Where does the school even get the funding for these things?”

I glanced at Momo. “Girl, that’s what I’m sayin’. I’m gonna go out of a limb and say they’re using gorgeous students to form musical groups that tour across the world and get these extremely crazy fanbases that will do anything for their idols even if it means murdering people or invading their personal space thus making millions of dollars off of their rabid love because they throw their hard-earned money at a shit ton of merchandise that has their favorite idol’s face on it.”

Momo sweatdropped. “That’s… oddly specific, Winchester…”

“Yes.”

Todoroki covered the ground and his right arm with ice. “They obviously went through a lot of trouble, but I wish they’d prepared something a little more difficult.” He placed his palm on the ground. Ice shot up, swirling around him. “Especially since my dear old dad is watching,” He flung his hand forward, sending a massive wave of ice toward the zero-pointer.

“Pfft, cool it edgelord, now ain’t the time for your daddy issues.”

He glared back at me before taking off between the robot’s frozen legs. Other students tried to follow. “Careful, now. I froze them while they were off their balance. On purpose.”

“That’s Todoroki from class 1-A pulling ahead to an early lead with a devastating display! Amazing! He’s one we should watch! It almost seems unfair! Thoughts?!”

“His attack was both offensive and defensive.”

“No wonder he was let in on recommendations! He’d never even fought those robo-infernals before, but they didn’t stand a chance against his chart-topping moves! The stakes are high! We’ve got a whole school of top-notch students trying to be heroes, but do they really stand a chance against our heavy metal swarm of robo-infernals?!”

Che, guess I should get a bit serious. That move of his seriously pissed me off, and it’s fucking cold!

Limit release!

My shirt shattered as power flowed more freely throughout my body. I rushed forward, fire engulfing my hands as I kicked off the ground, jumping toward one of the robots and cocking my arm back. “Go to hell!” I grinned, slamming my fist against his face. The metal dented inward, head sparking before exploding. It set off a chain reaction of explosions, the metal creaking as it swayed backward. Fuck yeah, I’ve definitely gotten much stronger than I was!

“Class 1-A’s Winchester smashes through the robot with a single firey punch! The first-year students are already off to one rockin’ start and it’s only the first round! Talk about a cruel obstacle course~ Our players are racing against each other in a vicious battle where anything goes as long as they stay on the track! We’ll continue to bring you live updates and pulse-pounding action thanks to the camera robots placed around the course! Kirishima from class 1-A! What a hardcore debut for this rookie! Woo~ Tetsutetsu from class 1-B was also stuck underneath! What are the odds, folks?!”

I flew through the opening the giant robot had created, clearing the robo-inferno zone. What the fuck is happening back there? And who the fuck names their kid Tetsutetsu?! I glanced over my shoulder to see an angry chihuahua charging through the air. Oh boy…

“Don’t you dare think you’re gonna leave me behind, bitch!”

“Class 1-A’s Bakugo is rocketing over the obstacles! Clever!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Bakuhoe~” I grinned as he flew over me.

“Class 1-A’s learned not to hesitate.” Aizawa stated calmly. “They’ve seen what the real world is like. They’ve felt the fear of facing villains, yet they fight on, trying to overcome that fear. They’ve grown, all of them, and they know that they have to act quickly if they want to stay alive.”

I smirked. Aizawa, soft dad hours are playing~

“For those of you that thought the first obstacle was easy~ Let’s see how you feel about the second one! If they take a spill, they’re out! If they wanna pass this test, they’ll have to get creative – it’s the fall!!”

I slid to a stop at the edge of the canyon, eye twitching. Oh come on, the fuck kind of obstacle course has a fucking canyon with a fifty-foot drop?! How is this allowed? Come on, J, stay focused, idiot. How can my fire help in this situation? It fucking can’t! Uh, can I jump from one pillar to the next? No way, the distance is too far. I can jump far, but I ain’t a fucking titan, man.

Wait a second… no, no, there’s no way in hell I could do that, but… Zawa made it look so easy when he did it. He did it a bunch of times when we were training together. My hands clenched at my sides. I spent ten fucking months, day in and day out, watching that man, training with that man. I’ve seen him do it dozens of times. Come on, let’s go!

I stepped back, taking a deep breath before I took off running, lowering my lower body. I went straight toward the thin roping connecting the pillars and started running across it like I had seen Aizawa do on powerlines. This rope is really fucking slack, but as long as I keep my speed up and don’t hesitate, I’ll be fine! Extend my arms out behind me for balance… oh no…

“Look at Winchester from class 1-A! Looks like she’s been studying your moves, Eraserhead! Wait, where are their crocodile tears streaming down her face?!”

“Are you okay, Jen?” Tsu questioned as she climbed across the rope beside me with her hands and feet.

“I can’t believe I’m Naruto-running! I’m a disgrace to my generation! Zawa, this is all your fault!” I cried, pushing myself to run faster.

“What did I do?”

“I have no idea!”

“What is ‘Naruto’?” Tsu asked, tilting her head.

Sweet, innocent Tsu. May you never experience the meme that is Naruto.

“In the world of heroes, it can be hard to get popular without a flashy quirk, right Eraserhead?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, idiot.”

“Ooh~ Looks like Todoroki is still skating by easily! The leader is putting distance between him and the students stuck at the fall. It hasn’t been announced how many competitors will make it through to the next round so there’s no time to relax!”

I groaned as I finally passed the fall, breathing heavily. Man, this sucks so much ass. How is Todoroki so damn fast? Like boi, do you even breathe? I just wanna go home and sleep. Dadzawa, save me~!

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

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[clansayeed]

Bound by Circumstance ― Chapter 20: The Guests of Honor

PAIRING: Nik Ryder x trans*M!MC (Taylor Hunter) RATING: Mature

⥼ MASTERLIST ⥽

⥼ Bound by Circumstance ⥽

Taylor Hunter (MC) has made it good for himself in New Orleans; turns out moving to a new city fresh out of college to reinvent yourself isn’t as hard as people make it out to be. Things only start to get confusing when he finds himself the target of a malevolent wraith. Good thing someone’s looking out for him though — because without Nighthunter Nik Ryder as his bodyguard he definitely won’t survive long in the twisting darkness of the supernatural underworld he’s tripped into.

Bound by Circumstance and the rest of the Oblivion Bound series is an ongoing dramatic retelling project of the book Nightbound and the rest of the Bloodbound series. Find out more [HERE].

Note: Circumstance only loosely follows the events and plotline of Nightbound, and features a separate antagonist, different character motivations, and further worldbuilding.

*Let me know if you would like to be added to the Circumstance/series tag list!

⥼ Chapter Summary ⥽

Locals, tourists, and travelers around the world over take to the streets of New Orleans for the biggest celebration of the year. The Council comes together at the Beau-Keyes House for their annual Mardi Gras party.

[READ IT ON AO3]

March 5th. Mardi Gras.

Behind him Nik announces himself with a loud and pointed cough. Taylor doesn’t acknowledge it but he enters anyway, keeps his distance.

Kristin’s vitals beep softly on the monitors beside the bed. Both fill the space between them and somehow make it that much wider.

“Don’t go sayin’ goodbyes.” Advice from a man who sounds like he’s said far too many — or maybe too few.

But he appreciates the gesture anyway. “I’m not. Actually I was just promising to make it up to her; missing Mardi Gras I mean.”

“I swear some people treat this party like a whole damn religion.”

Taylor throws a little grin back Nik’s way.

“We’ve been planning this for years. When she wakes up she’s gonna be so mad she missed it.”

When there’s no answer he fully turns and catches the look on Nik’s face; the sharp cuts of him softer, the crinkles in his eyes smoothed away.

There are people wait their whole lives for someone to look at them like that. Walls down and gates open and any other locked barrier metaphor he can think of. Honest and unguarded and…

And the sheer fact that it doesn’t vanish the moment Nik realizes he’s been caught means a lot of things that neither of them can talk about right now because it’ll feel too much like the goodbyes they just agreed not to say.

“What?” he asks; doesn’t miss the tiniest spark in the man’s eyes at how breathless he sounds. “What?”

“You realize you said ‘when?’”

Yeah, he did.

“Sorry, I —” shaking his head, Taylor stands, “— are they all finished up downstairs?”

“They’re finishin’ the papers now, but yeah they wanted me to get ya.”

“Probably shouldn’t keep them waiting then.”

“Yeah, prob’ly.”

He said he wasn’t going to say goodbye so he doesn’t — not out loud. Hopefully that thing about coma patients hearing the world around them applies for sensations, too, because squeezing her hand before they take off is the next best thing.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Vera and Tonya are already in an argument when they arrive.

Even without the powers her Curse granted her, Lady Smoke smooths out a fresh pair of gloves along her upper arm. Must be wearing a spare of Vera’s since they probably didn’t plan on matching.

“I will not be looked down upon, Vera.”

“You’re takin’ it too seriously. Dr. Ramsey barely let you sign yourself out and that’s sayin’ something. Just stay in the damn chair Momma!”

Maybe at her full strength Tonya could have fought off the one-handed grip her daughter uses to keep her seated in the hospital wheelchair, but she certainly can’t looking like she’s a hop and a skip from unconsciousness.

But she’s a fighter. She tries.

Vera throws them a pleading look on approach. Probably why Ryder doesn’t shy away from hard heavy pats to the shoulder of the most powerful mobster in the city.

Former most powerful? He doesn’t know anymore — is sure that same uncertainty is the reason Momma Reimonenq is so adamant to leave on her own two feet.

But Ryder wants to savor it for just a little longer. “We all signed and ready to get movin’? Heard from Kathy on the way down — they’re almost there.”

Vera nods. Literally goes over Tonya’s head with the conclusion that ignoring her is better for everyone.

“The car is pullin’ around,” and with a twinge of worry in her brow, “anybody heard from Cal?”

No answer is an answer. She worries her bottom lip between her teeth.

“We should’a went with him, swung by the hospital after.”

If Tonya takes offense to sounding less important than the werewolf she doesn’t say it. She does fall quiet, though.

“He’s a big wolf, he’ll be fine.”

Getting a firm grasp on the handles of the chair Ryder swings Tonya around — with no lack of glee at her shouted protest — and starts pushing her out to the hospital curb.

But Taylor shares the same concern. Doesn’t write Vera off as she tucks herself against his side while they follow behind.

“He’s not wrong, but Cal isn’t alone, remember?”

She snorts. “Nothin’ against him personally but I don’t think sendin’ Cadence counts. I dunno if you noticed, Tay, but the wolves and vampires don’t exactly get along.”

“Really? I had no idea.”

“Don’t you gimme that lip. What if we just made it worse on him?”

And he feels for her, he does. Knows her concern is coming from a place of care and, if Taylor’s reading the vibes she’s putting out right, empathy for an ‘odd one out’ like herself.

So he reminds her, “You came here for your mom and lived to tell the tale. Don’t sell Cal so short.”

“Yeah… I guess.”

“We need Kristof for this to work.”

“An’ I know that! Just wonderin’ if it wouldn’t’ve been easier to tackle demons who weren’t our own.”

“Hey,” he wipes away a nonexistent tear in mock-offense, “speak for yourself. I gave mine the cliffnotes of Shakespeare.”

They’re both pretty sure the hospital wheelchairs aren’t things to be rented out, but neither of them have the guts to argue with Nik as he gives a shout of frustrated victory at maneuvering the folded frame into the trunk of their ride.

He slams the lid closed with more force than necessary; muttering to himself as they pile into the sleek black SUV.

“Here’s the address.” Ryder grunts, offers the driver a scrap of paper once part of Cade’s notes. The man doesn’t take it without shooting Lady Smoke query for approval first.

Her focus is ardent on something—maybe nothing, maybe anything but the indignity she feels—out the window but with the barest nod the engine rumbles to life, begins the agonizing process of navigating through the police-issued barricades for the forthcoming parade.

If this works, holy shit.

If it doesn’t…

He takes Nik’s hand in his and squeezes tight.

You’d think after living there for a few centuries the supernatural community — the immortal lives of the fair folk specifically — would have had some kind of effect on the culture of New Orleans.

On the contrary; the vibrant blend of ancestry that made the Big Easy so prominent had come out stronger, taken what was apparently a rather somber tradition-bred people and made them savor the beauty of a life that was not guaranteed to be forever.

Which helps give a little bit of contextual understanding to just how amazing the Beauregard-Keyes House looks?

In the entryway he catches glimpse of more than a few fae, the same citizens of Lamrian he saw carrying candle-lanterns and humming a solemn hymn of mourning mere days ago, flitting this way and that for final touches.

Lights without flame or fuel dance in soft orbs across the ceilings; colliding into one another with bright flashes of the traditional Mardi Gras purple, gold, and green. Beads hang on decorated furniture and lay spread out on tables for the taking.

There’s an entire wall of face masks ahead; ranging from just the eyes to full-on faces painted by delicate and skilled hands. No two masks are exactly the same, so bursting with personality they’re practically alive.

They pass a doorway where a young fae waves their hands exuberantly only for bright violet ivy to grow and flourish around the molding; still sparkling of morning dew that shouldn’t be there for hours let alone indoors.

If they weren’t setting an elaborate trap for a skeletal hellspawn by literally handing it everyone it wants to kill on a decorative golden platter it would be the kind of party to bring up every time someone mentions a good time.

Taylor catches a familiar laugh off to the right of the front parlor and, after a tug to Ryder’s arm and a jerk of the head, leaves him and Vera to finish explaining the machinations of said elaborate plan to Lady Smoke. Delves further and through a doorway that dusts golden glitter like falling snow. Before he can brush it off his shoulders it fades into nothing, because apparently even elves know glitter is an infectious disease.

Garrus is accustomed to working his magic at a larger bar top and it shows — doesn’t mean the magical mixologist isn’t working some serious moves on the antique bar hosting a freshly-stocked wall of selections behind him.

Ivy continues to laugh unabashedly at Krom and now Taylor can see why. His stony face lips and eyes squeezed shut and puckered up in some form of resistance.

And if that wasn’t a silly enough sight on its own the flurry of tiny fizzing dragonflies that erupt from his tusked maw when he burps definitely is.

They lift up into the air as little bubbles, popping and crackling like the top of a freshly poured cola. Collide with one another in midair to make miniature fireworks that leaves Krom staring in in horror and Ivy clapping exuberantly with cheers of “Encore, encore~!” while Garrus bows.

“Thank you, thank you,” and more sincerely to Krom, “Your never-ending patience is something I will never be worthy of, darling.”

Krom who gulps down a nearby glass of water, voice wavering. “I’m happy to—to try things out. Just nothing that flies out of me next time, please?”

“I’ll try, but I make no promises.”

And they all know what that’s code for. Of course he promises. He cares too much about the softest Stone Troll to do anything else. But points for keeping up the bravado.

Taylor doesn’t get the chance to speak before he catches Katherine’s eye where she sits with a tumbler of something honey-colored and smelling strongly of the last vestiges of a bonfire at dawn. The huntress downs her liquor like a shot and slides off her stool.

“Ryder?”

He nods to the doorway through which he’d come and gets a passing pat on the back as his only thanks. Better than nothing.

By the time he takes up her place Garrus already has a replacement soda with a speared cherry resting on the rim sliding his way.

And Taylor’s happy to take the offer; only he stops just shy of bubbling carbonation touching his lips.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Excusez-moi?” Garrus clasps a pale hand to his chest. “Are you implying I’ve somehow tampered with your beverage, sir?”

“Obviously.”

The elven man wilts dramatically and with a number of expressive hand gestures. Braces himself first against the bar then the shelves behind him while lamenting over the pain of accusation like his neck is on the line.

He’s just the usual Garrus, silly with a touch of sass. And judging by some of the looks his kindred throw in their direction they ought to try and be a bit more serious given the circumstances but no—no they won’t.

Everyone could use a genuine laugh right now. Garrus is doing more for them all than he knows.

The soft “ah-hem” of a cleared throat drags Taylor’s focus off and aside — where a familiar wave of gossamer hair lingers inside a doorway.

He may not be in a wheelchair or sport stitches or wrappings but Elric is still recovering from the attack at the theatre. Each step a little less graceful and fluid, his eyes alight only because he’s looking at Taylor.

Krom stops Garrus mid-word with an outstretched hand.

The fae lord reaches out a touch that Taylor doesn’t shy away from. The hairs on his arms stand up but that’s only because Elric exudes an aura of power even when weakened.

“May I borrow my son, Garrus?”

And though there’s considerably less mirth in the bartender’s voice when he answers— “that’s something you should be asking him” —it isn’t the same cold dismissal as before.

Elric clearly means to, but Taylor nods before he can.

The only place they can find to be alone is a closed-off office space. Deemed not worth the decoration the doors are drawn closed but remain unlocked.

A wave of Elric’s hand brings a pale pink fire whispering to life in the hearth across the room. Fills the room with a warmth Taylor can’t quite put his finger on and casts both their faces in undulating shadows.

“Thanks for pulling this off so quickly,” Taylor goes first only because he’s had it on the brain ever since the end of their call. “Guess some stereotypes aren’t just myth huh?”

“Pardon?”

“Elves and parties.”

“I do not understand.”

A sigh. Of course he doesn’t. “Nevermind — just… thanks.”

He reaches out a hand for Elric to grasp, or shake, or whatever odd greeting the fae may have he’s yet to learn.

And Elric accepts — goes one step further. Before Taylor knows what’s happening he’s in a crushing embrace, can feel the man’s sharp features on the top of his head with arms pinned at his sides.

Hugging has never been his forte. Purely a body dysphoria thing — he can’t not be conscious of the way his body feels against another.

Then he feels the way Elric is shaking like a leaf. Just this once, then.

When they part pale hands cup his cheeks. A critical eye surveying him for the smallest cut or remnants of a bruise. The relief when he finds nothing flows from Elric in waves.

“Had I the strength left to conjure a glamour I would not have abandoned you.”

Oh, he hadn’t even thought about it. “You got flattened by a giant heap of metal for me. I’d hardly call that abandonment.”

“Even with the creature gone, I should have stayed.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” and when the man recoils, “it gave you a chance to recover. To get all this going.”

He gestures to the decorated house beyond.

Elric quickly accepts that his guilt doesn’t need an excuse; good, too, because they don’t have a lot of time to spend on heart-to-hearts.

“You have dedicated yourself to this plan, then.”

It catches Taylor by surprise. “If you mean this is what we’re going with? Then yes. We all agreed it’s worth the risk.”

Well, not all. Not Tonya — she had no choice. Not Isadora or Kristof or even Elric. But Isadora had come.

Elric was here, in front of him. And he’s giving his son a look of scrutiny that feels a little too judgmental for their current predicament.

“Something has changed about you.”

“I mean, I could use a shower.”

“Not about you,” like that’s not what he just said, “but about you. A change clings to your soul.

“It says…” his eyes widen with realization, “you truly believe this can work?”

He’s not questioning Taylor’s resolve. That he somehow knows unspoken. But it makes sense… up until now (and really still, only with a little more coffee and a lot more planning) he’s been Mister Negativity, Mister Ready-to-Die.

Why wouldn’t he be? No clue, no hope, no faith — no power. And not much is situationally different, yet still.

He chooses his words carefully. “I think we have a better chance this time around.”

“Time to plan, perhaps. Yet these same numbers you gather here could do nothing to it before. Unless you’ve found the creature’s weakness.”

“Jeez, Dad, can you just trust me on this?”

The words come out of him at an unnatural angle. The way they feel habitual but definitely aren’t — that first time you fuck up and call a teacher ‘Mom’ in kindergarten.

They’ve got the same dumb look on their face, haven’t they?

Catching scaffolding with his back isn’t enough to suddenly make Taylor want to look into every other weekend and major holidays with the man but it’s certainly not nothing.

Nor is his exclamation, not kind or pleading by any means but filled with frustration sometimes only a parent can bring bursting forth.

He steps out of arms’ reach just in case.

Because Elric looks like he’s about to start weeping.

“I do. And I am sorry for not… for conveying that improperly.”

“Apology accepted.”

But the deed is done; their dynamic forever changed. For some reason the first thing Taylor thinks of is Elric taking him to sit in the nosebleeds at a football game — in full Lamrian splendor but with a Saints hat covering his ears.

And the only protest his dumb brain can come up with? That he hates football. Like nothing else is wrong with that mental image.

Focus, Taylor, focus.

“We know things now that we didn’t before. We’ll be expecting an attack this time.”

“You are certain it will come?”

“I’d stake my life on it.” Poor choice of words.

“You will do no such thing.” His expression going dark, Elric’s jaw clenches firm. “I do not regret my attempts to stay out of this battle for my people, or those to try and keep you safe by whatever means kept you from the fight.

“But I watched my son turn his back on me — a braver soul than I and in so few years. For the past I will do whatever can be done in the present.”

“Yeah yeah, heard it all before.”

But it isn’t dismissal for dismissal’s sake — says that enough in the long look they exchange.

In Lamrian he remembers with clarity; had seen standing before him a coward.

And that may very well have been true. But Taylor isn’t the only one who has a change about him, clinging to him like a thin film.

He’s trying. And that’s all any of them can do.

You know who’s not so keen on trying?

Three guesses. Go on.

“Go over it just one more time for me.”

“There’s nothing more to add, Ryder.”

“I mean I ain’t questionin’ your memory but…”

“For once I’m inclined to agree. But that’s really all there was to it.”

Beside them Cal adjusts the thawing T-Bone higher on his face. “Speak for yourself.”

Taylor snatches a peek of the swollen, purpled eye beneath it and cringes. “Are you sure there’s nothing Ivy can do?”

“Nah,” the wolf’s sigh is a little too heavy, “was my damn fault for thinkin’ I could call an Alpha’s honor into question anyway. I jus’ got caught up thinkin’ about the stakes, and seein’ Donny, and all that energy he was puttin’ out…”

Vera shushes him, manages to get a more sanitary solution to the wounds with small dabs of antibacterial paste. “This — men don’t do this, Cal. Animals do this.” And even with only one good eye the look he gives her says it all. “You know what I mean.”

“There’re some things that just gotta be settled with the wolf.”

Cadence makes a conscious effort to keep his pat to Cal’s back on the gentler side but the man still winces, sore. “Well I had every confidence in you. It was rather fascinating to watch, actually.”

“Wait wait —” all eyes on the vampire who blinks owlish; innocent, and Taylor can’t believe what he’s hearing; “— you just stood and watched?”

And though the blond splutters a number of protests, the group’s collective sympathy is lacking.

“The same man who broke a Minotaur’s spine in six diff’rent places for that same pack of wolves.”

Only maybe because he’s a vampire his face can’t blush red — no, no he’s seen it. So why then does Cadence go pale all the way to the lips?

“That was a… unique situation.”

“Relax, guys, there was nothin’ he could’a done anyway.” There’s an unspoken irony in Cal being the one to call off the dogs, but it works.

But it’s not like their group vampire hasn’t been strange from the beginning. Taylor’s still not convinced it wasn’t someone else, like an evil double, who threatened his way into Persephone’s cage to fight on Donny’s behalf. He certainly can’t imagine the man in front of him doing it — plaid sweater aside.

When Taylor catches Cade catching him stare he fumbles, doesn’t really have an excuse but thankfully doesn’t need one. Not when the entire House can hear Kristof shouting somewhere unseen, something about “Who do I gotta see about gettin’ a six pack around here?!”

By process of eliminating who Kristof wouldn’t immediately attack it’s Vera who sighs and pushes onward. Taylor would go himself but he hangs back instead — gently grabs for Cal’s arm and attention.

So much of their plan rests on every single person the Coven Elders are targeting being in one place tonight. They can’t risk Kristof leaving in a wild stampede.

But he never meant for this — for every grunted effort as Cal’s body actually puts conscious effort into healing in time.

Because it isn’t a matter of if Reimonenq the Wraith will come — but when.

“I know that look Taylor, you’re overthinkin’,” the smile Cal gives him isn’t betrayed by his pain — or maybe just stronger than it, “I knew what I was doin’ and I’d do it again if need be.”

“You mean for that to be reassuring but it’s not reassuring Cal, it’s not.”

“We all played our part.”

“Yeah, but we all didn’t have a dick of a guy play Whack-a-Mole with our faces.”

Cal throws his head back and laughs until it physically hurts. He insists he’ll be fine after a few drinks and some rest. Taylor just hopes they can afford to give him that time.

When they finally move to join the others he offers his shoulder for the wolf to prop himself up on. The pride in his eyes says no but the arm that seeps lava-like warmth through Taylor’s clothes acts otherwise.

“I wasn’t so keen on the beating,” Cal mumbles just before they reach the garden doors, “but I’d take a lot worse to go back there for longer.”

He doesn’t need to ask why. They both know. “Donny holding up okay?”

“He’s a Lowell — he’ll be just fine.”

He will be, though, that’s the implication and it makes his heart sink.

Remember what The Fate said. He’s alive — that matters.

There’s only one ward this time — the point already proven that it’s more for decoration than any real use. But trying to keep something out is the exact opposite of the point.

The noise from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter fills in in lieu of music. Gives a boisterous abandon to the air where otherwise it hangs like a noose around their precariously balancing necks.

It’s a party worthy of dozens; crowds of people from all walks of life — Pack or gang or family it didn’t matter with the celebration at hand. Or it would if there were more than the bare essentials; than Taylor and the rest, those left making up the Council that aren’t actively trying to kill them all or, in the Mayor’s case, woefully oblivious.

Then Ryder is at his side, flask in familiar hand. He tries—and fails—to cover up when he reaches for Taylor like holding on to any part of him will get them through this unscathed.

Mostly because in the process of faking a yawn he just swallows a mouthful of liquor.

“You look like you’re overthinkin’ this.”

Of course he is. Aren’t they all? “Actually, I was just admiring how much they were able to get done. This place looks like an actual celebration.”

Because it doesn’t matter how many attendees the party is worthy of. All that matters is the one they need to show up.

Nik’s eyes sweep the garden with a satisfied nod. “Definitely the most gussied-up trap I’ve ever taken part in. You’ve got a real eye for this, Rook.”

“Does that mean if I decide to go into the oddly specific party-slash-hellspawn-trap planning business you’ll join me?”

“There’s prob’ly better money in it.”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

They laugh. They lock eyes.

They both know it would be the perfect moment if absolutely everything about it was different.

Taylor inhales to keep from smelling the whiskey on his breath as Nik leans forward — places a firm kiss right at his hairline.

Okay… maybe not everything needs to be different.

“Last chance to veto the plan.”

He murmurs it into the sweat and dirt on the man’s skin; knows that with all they’ve rushed to put together in the final hours of the final days he can’t possibly smell any better.

It takes Nik a pause to respond; to keep his tone steady and certain and rock-solid. One of them has to be.

“Do you want me to?”

“Only if you have a better one.”

And they both know this plan is it. The last chance, the only thing they have left up their collective sleeves. If it doesn’t work…

If it doesn’t work then at least Taylor knows he did his best, and that his last moments were ones like this.

“We could always make a run for it,” but before he can pull back, before he can tell Nik it isn’t a funny joke, he’s held closer; almost painfully so, “jus’ you an’ me on the open road. Doubt they’d come after us once we’re clear of here… An’ yeah, means we could never come back but I ain’t exactly Mister ‘Community Ties.’”

“You’d really leave our friends behind?”

“Fine, they can come too.”

“Are we all piled on top of your motorcycle in this scenario?”

“Nah… maybe a trailer or somethin’. I know a couple of lifers who live at RV outposts off the beaten path.”

It isn’t the idea of leaving New Orleans—the Council—the whole shadow community to their fates that’s the appeal. The appeal is a happier time; a better way. Even if it’s rough and a little uncomfortable and quickly pushing aside thoughts of Wolfman Cal and an RV that never doesn’t smell like wet dog… it would be their life. One they carved for themselves.

No intervention (or lack thereof) from higher powers to speak of.

“All right—you’ve convinced me. Let’s scram.” Taylor teases. Neither of them moves an inch.

Not even when they start to squeeze one another so hard it hurts.

“Should leave before anyone notices.”

“Probably.”

The two men part. Because he’s not meant to notice the single wet streak down Nik’s cheek, he doesn’t.

Calloused fingertips tickle the barely-there hair on his chin; coax Taylor to lift his head where he catches the last light in the Nighthunter’s eyes before a single bottle rocket goes off behind him and showers his dark head in a halo.

“This is a good plan, Rook. I’ve got a good feeling about it.”

“That’s because you’re not used to having a plan.”

“You… well you ain’t wrong.”

Eventually the fireworks begin to go off near the Mississippi — sparkling showers a brighter white than the moon itself, dazzling configurations in spirals and spheres and one memorable golden fleur de lis — and there’s a shift to the air within the garden walls.

It’s nearly midnight.

It’s time.

“Is everyone gathered?” asks Elric of his son, suddenly at his side — joining him in looking to the sky to admire human handiwork.

He knows the answer but quadruple-checks anyway. His heart picks up a few beats with every familiar face taken in.

Bring everyone together. Draw the Elders out of hiding.

Kristof. Elric. Isadora. The Coven’s final obstacles.

Do whatever it takes to force their hands; to bring the bloodwraith Derek Reimonenq down on them like a final reckoning.

Cadence. Tonya. The bloodwraith’s personal vendetta.

And hope this works.

Just there, behind Vera’s forced smile under the glowing apples of light on a garden tree — a face half-hidden in shadow. A young man, probably around Taylor’s age; burdened with the knowledge of how this will end and only able to stand witness.

He looks away from The Fate and finds a little bit of that hope he needs so desperately in the way Elric looks at him with pride.

“Take it down.”

This time Lord Elric takes the duty on his own shoulders rather than those of his subjects. Raises his hands high to the dark sky and begins to unravel the threads of his strongest wards.

Fresh night air prickles gooseflesh down his arms. They are coming.

Then the earth is warm beneath his shoes. The smell of fresh blossoms and fae-ripened fruits replaced with the embers of an all-consuming inferno.

They’re here.

Across the garden Taylor and Elder Daniels lock eyes and are held, bound, by something more than magic. Something that permeates the material world around them and isn’t easily defined.

But if he had to pick he would only need one word: conviction.

He thrusts his soda can out at her in toast. Gathers up all of his voice and shouts with a face-splitting grin.

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

[imagines-mha]

What types of s/o do you think Iida, Todoroki, Shouji, Midoriya and Uraraka would prefer/need?

Iida

💙 As much as i’m drawn to saying he needs someone like him: someone who follows the rules, who has a strict schedule, who prioritises their studies and work etcetc- i just don’t think that’s what the boy NEEDS u feel me

He needs someone who looks cute. Looks to him don’t matter too much, but someone who isn’t afraid to express their style and self through their appearance would probably make him admire you more

💙 Iida is the most punctual man like damn he’ll freak out if he’s 30 seconds late to class. One slip-up by a student and his hands are flailing all over the show, reciting the school rules like a bible...and while i do think he’d want someone like that- i think he needs someone more free

Kinda someone who’ll kindly calm him down whenever he’s shouting at kaminari for yodelling during class or some shit

💙 he needs someone who lives their lives how they want, who can respect rules but is laid back.

They need to show him love too- and give into his closeted romantic side. Let him take you out for a candlelit dinner, open up to him- he’ll love it

He needs someone who can let him have fun and take him out to experience what freedom truly is.

He lives his life like it has instructions but he needs an s/o who’s gonna throw those instructions in the trash and wing it for once, but while reassuring him that they’re holding his hand

Todoroki

❄️ Shouto needs someone who’s chill (no pun intended lmao) but fr he’s spent his life trying to break free of chains.

He needs someone who’s gonna love him for that and cut those chains for him- so i’d say he needs someone mentally strong who’s willing to show him a lot of affection

🔥 He’s touch starved- and he would need someone to fill in those blanks.

Someone who can take him into their arms after a hard day and praise him for all he did.

He loves to just be praised and told he did a good job today even if he doesn’t feel like he did. He’s independant but believes that his s/o should definitely support him cus he will be YOUR biggest supporter too

❄️ Sayin that, he’s hella awkward at the start my dude like does this boy know how to hug?? Is he okay??

You’ll have to be patient as HELL too- he’s a stubborn boy sometimes and just needs the reassurance and calming nature that you will bring

He’s hella funny too dude- he’ll say the most sarcastic shit and have you on the floor dying of laughter. He said it with the intention to make you laugh but he has such a serious expression it seems so natural- so someone w a good sense of humour

Shouji

🐙 someone who can give him A SNUGGLE He needs someone affecionate. Boy is quiet but he has a big heart and he needs someone with the same

When he has an s/o, he’ll treat them like royalty- it would be such a calm and utterly beautiful love

Someone who isn’t afraid to love him. He doesn’t want to be shown off per se- but he also doesn’t want someone cold and distant either

🐙 Someone who can deal with his shyness at the beginning

He’ll probably be pining for you for a long time- so whenever you guys finally date it’s like his entire system CRASHES

He just starts questionning it. Do you really love him? Did you agree to him asking you out because you felt bad? Did you-

Just give him a kiss on his head (he loves those) and tell him he’s perfect for you

🐙 Someone who’s gonna love him unconditionally

He literally almost died for his friends dude can you imagine him with an s/o. It’d be like protection overload™️

He’ll always do his best to keep you safe and happy- but it won’t stop him feeling a little self conscious

You know you’ve made it when he shows you his face- that’s when he really trusts you

Izuku

💚 oh my god he’s the best. He will SPOIL his s/o and surround them with affection whenever he can- so he needs someone who can deal with that

He’s also rather clingy- and he would prefer if his s/o was too. He LOVES having his hair played with- just lose your hands in it while you’re both cuddling and you’ll be his forever

💚 Needs someone supportive obviously- he’s in the process of acheiving his dream from he was a baby- if his s/o is unsupportive in any way theres no way he could stick with it for long

As a personal note if you claim to love izuku yet aren’t his biggest cheerleader you’re gonna have a problem. And by problem i mean i’ll fist fight u outside mcdonalds for a chicken nugget

💚 He is also highkey emotional. He is babie. To be exact. He needs someone who will appreciate that and support his needs

Also someone who knows how to deal w his shit. He may be babie but he’s also a MENACE. He overworks himself big time- but he doesn’t want you to make him stop, he just wants you to help him get stronger

Uraraka

💘 listen. This princess needs the best. She’s soft but she can be tough when it’s needed and obviously she’s like the opposite of fragile

She needs someone who’s gonna be the same. If you’re highkey dramatic- she won’t like that. She really appreciates someone who doesn’t hold grudges and just learns to let things go

💘 she wants someone who’ll know how to love her. She is the definition of uwu. She loves pink and expressing her pure love for you and she would love for you to do the same

Alternatively i can see her with someone who’s like super punk and only shows a lot of love when they’re together. I think the aesthetic of them would look adorable

💘someone who isn’t like a proper health freak. Yeah- she loves to learn and train and whatever- but the girl enjoys a good takeout every so often

If she’s with someone who’s like gym-crazy and constantly on the move she’ll only feel like she’s lazy.

Just snuggle up with her, eat, and watch a disney movie ITS NOT HARD.

[caffeineivore]

Mako-Neph dedicated to @antivanruffles

Because of reasons. *cough H6H6H6H6H6 cough*

Set in a ficverse not yet published. M/N, mentions A/Z, and Minako. N is a part-time model who’d featured on some cover of some romance novel called ‘His Thundering Highland Heart’ by Katie Satine. Just... sayin’. >.>

**

The atmosphere of the pub is dim and low-key, with wood panelling and a pleasant sort of unpretentiousness, and though Noah doesn’t consider himself a soccer fan, he makes himself comfortable amidst the group currently watching the game on the television screen. Zack, who could only have been more besotted had he actually been the hero of a fluffy teenage rom-com from the ‘90s or early ‘00s, possibly played by a young Freddie Prinze Jr., had left with Amy a few hours ago. Dinner with her mother. And if that wasn’t super extra serious for a guy who’d met a girl two years ago and spent all of three days with her…

But then again, Zack, despite being generally easygoing in that amiable midwestern way, could not be swayed from his path once he’d made up his mind, and his mind was apparently made up. Certainly it was serious enough for him to buy a plane ticket, book a hotel, and travel across an ocean to find this girl again. Noah had come along to keep him out of trouble, of course, and also to be able to say that he’d been to Europe.

The weather, of course, leaves something to be desired. And no one knew a damn thing about football-- oh, excuse him, AMERICAN football. Not the David Beckham stuff. But the beer, he had to admit, was superior. Europeans knew their way around a damn brew.

“Oy! What are you doing here?”

Noah swivels his head over in the direction of the shout, and grins. Even a borderline-rude question like that sounds sexy as hell in that Irish accent of hers. Amy’s roommate is tall and stacked in the best of ways, a stunner from the top of her curly head to the bottom of her boot-clad feet. “Oh, hey. Just chilling. Grabbing a beer and a bite to eat, since this is walking distance from the hotel. Zack’s hanging out with Amy, but I’m sure you already knew that.”

“I did.” Mary Kathleen takes a seat across from him, and he sort of appreciates the directness of it rather than a dance-around asking for permission to sit as though she had any less right to be there than he did. “I had to coax the story out of her last night, but I’d known something was different. She’s always been a quiet girl, but she’d come back from summer hols two years ago and I’d just known something had happened. Nothing bad, but just significant, all the same. She’s never been the sort to pine after a lad, you know. Too sensible, by far. But she’s happy to see him, still. Quite happy indeed.”

“Oh, they’re adorable together, and he’s a lovesick puppy, and someday, I have a feeling you and I will be Maid of Honour and Best Man, respectively, at their wedding,” Noah quips, only half-joking. “I’d heard the story, of course, from Morgan. She was sort of there in Italy when it happened, and was probably the first witness to their storybook romance. She’ll be happy that it worked out, I’m sure, and that your friend didn’t have to call security to throw my friend out.”

“‘Tis funny to hear you talking about one of the most famous supermodels in the world like she’s just another bird, though I suppose to you lot she would be.”

“Morgan’s pretty down-to-Earth for being who and what she is. But Zack and I are also not as deep into this whole business as she is.” Noah finishes his beer, then playfully flexes his biceps. “I’m surprised you recognized me, actually. The, uh, picture on that cover has my face in profile.” The picture in question also had most of his chest bare aside from a tartan covering only a small area for modesty. Noah doesn’t remember too much else about the book in question aside from it being set in the Scottish highlands in the Middle Ages and was quite popular with its target audience. Lots of bodice-ripping, undoubtedly, by Laird Carmichael of the shirtless tartan fame.

“It’s the hair, and the pecs.” Unapologetically, Mary Kathleen taps a knuckle on his chest and grins, even as the barman brings her her own beer. “‘Twas not a bad look for you a’tall.”

“Thanks. You saying so makes the several hours spent with baby oil covering all exposed skin on my body worth it.”

She laughs-- a full-on, belly laugh, not a girly giggle, and orders some food. He joins her and does the same.

**

Three or four beers later, they’re both tipsy, and jolly, and embroiled in a friendly debate over local foods from both their hometowns. Noah tries to explain exactly what a chimichanga is, and he’s not quite sure that he’s successful, but he does agree that as mildly horrifying as a Scotch egg looks at first sight, it’s pretty damn good. And much to his relief, Mary Kathleen does not seem like the depressing sort of girl who’d order a garden salad, dressing on the side, for dinner and then look mournful and hungry for the rest of the evening.

They talk, mostly about school, though also about their friends. Mary Kathleen majored in Electrical Engineering, and there’s enough commonality with his own major, Physics, that there’s room for shared stories about uppity TA’s and labs and the like. They’re both far from home-- she’s originally from a tiny village called Carran, in County Clare, before she’d moved to London at the age of fifteen. He’d lived in Sedona, Arizona until moving to New York City for school and work, and both of them agreed that the crowded, busy, big-city life was not for them.

They eventually leave the pub together, and she walks with him back to his hotel. He pulls out his phone at the door, and gives her his best smile. “So that was fun.”

“It was. I wonder if our friends are back yet? Amy’s not really the sort to do anything naughty, but he is awfully pretty. And there’s that whole pent-up two-years’-worth-of-longing.”

“Zack’s not the type to do anything naughty either, nor the type to pressure a girl into it if you were worried about that. He’s surrounded by beautiful women all the damn time in modeling, and sees enough sleazy shit to never want to go that route, himself. He’ll never do anything to hurt your friend if he can help it, and that’s even if he weren’t besotted, which he totally is.”

“That’s good to know.” Mary Kathleen relaxes fractionally, and Noah knows, without her saying so, that the reassurance assuages a protective streak within her. She doesn’t comment on it, though, and instead holds out a hand for him to shake. “You’re not bad company, for a Yank obsessed with Mexican food.”

“Nor are you, for an Irish girl obsessed with half-naked Scotsmen,” he returns, taking her hand in his and holding on. “So since we’re now buddies and I’m not an idiot like Zack, do you have a phone number or email or Facebook or something? You know, so we can keep in touch and gossip about our friends and all that.”

That gets another one of those wide, cheeky grins. “If I give that to you, am I going to get any more half-naked kilt pics?”

Noah laughs so hard that his stomach aches with it. “I don’t know, do you want any?”

[meltypes-blog]

peadpod mchanzo week day 3

[mr. krabs voice] day 3, give it up for day 3! Also, this is a college au because I’m weak for those and young mchanzo is cute

3. Secret Admirer | ao3 link |

Jesse normally wasn’t the type to get flustered. His mama had told him that since he was 4, his three defining characteristics were cute, charming, and shameless. Growing up in a loving and accepting family had given him the right ingredients to bake into that particular mix, but when his mama passed ten years after, and the collectors came after his Pa’s farm, those particular traits rotted and left a bad taste in his mouth. Cute and charming didn’t get him out of the orphanages quick enough, so he ran. At 17, before his new dads swooped in and grabbed his ass out of the fire, his gang buddies described him as quick, deadly, and reckless. It showed in his steady trigger finger, the unnerving accuracy of his aim, the lopsided smiles and toothy smirks. But all the swagger and confidence from his misguided teenage years were particularly missing from his mug shots; a single heist inevitably gone wrong, most of his ‘family’ dead yet again, and half a missing arm later were enough to sober him entirely.

His new dads….they tried not to define him. When they got to him, he was hollow. Quiet. Sad. As hardened war vets, they’d seen some shit, so they knew a little bit in dealing with what Jesse had gone through. They brought Jesse home with them after a grueling two years in court, though Jesse never did get a clear reason why. Gabe told him that he’d seen something in Jesse. Jack joked that he was blind, so he just went along with whatever Gabe saw. They helped heal him by letting him be, doing the opposite when his mistakes hit him hard and left him gasping at night, and encouraging him to believe in himself just as fervently as they did.

Now, at 24, GED under his belt and close to graduating with a bachelors in investigative journalism, Jesse had proudly improved upon his mama’s words. Cute turned into roguishly handsome, his shamelessness transformed into easy-going confidence, and his charming demeanor- well, that was a welcome fixed trait. But despite the fact that no one had ever called Jesse smart aloud, he wasn’t dumb. Any smart person could see that there was more to the man than a cowboy hat and smiles, and that you didn’t get a prosthetic arm and criminal record by riding a horse (unless, of course, you were a bandit from the 18th century). Even dumber people didn’t know what to make of Jesse, most of the time caught off guard when it turned out he wasn’t a complete idiot. In conclusion, no, Jesse didn’t think he was desirable in the long-term, romantic sense of things, despite his many trysts and conquests, so he put it out of his mind.

At least, that was the case, until the fourth flower delivery.

“Again, Reeha?” Jesse asked, face hot as she dropped a sunflower in his hands. “You’re not doing this as a joke right?”

His RA leant against the open doorway of his dorm with crossed arms and snorted. “I’m a college student, Jes. Flowers are expensive. If I wanted to prank you, I could just put a bucket on your door.”

“Zero points for creativity.” He responded, thumbing the back of the card attached to it. He flipped it over, getting significantly redder at the note.

Fareeha snickered. “What’s it say, loverboy?”

Jesse knew she wasn’t going to leave until he told her (she hadn’t for the last two deliveries) so he cleared his throat and read. “‘You are as brilliant as when the sun rises, you bring me warmth as its beams do. Your smile is just as bright. Thank you for existing.’”

“Aw, Jesse.” Fareeha gave him a genuine, wide smile. “Whoever that is has really lost it over you.”

His chest fluttered. “Nah, this is- it’s a joke. Someone here has just got a sick sense of humor.” He looked back to her. “Do you have any idea who it might be?”

“Jes, half the people on this floor are pretty much into you,” she responded, rolling her eyes. “It’s the cowboy hat, probably.”

Jesse chuckled. “Yeah, sure. Wait ‘til I bust out the chaps, that’ll get everyone hot and bothered.”

“It sounds genuine, though,” she said, frowning at his tone. “You’ve just gotta put your degree to use. Do some investigating.” She clapped his shoulder and stood up. “You’re good at that.”

The wheels in Jesse’s head started turning. “Do you know who puts ‘em on your desk?”

Fareeha shrugged. “Satya brings them in from the mailroom, and I’ve asked her who delivers them there, but she says she doesn’t know. Just that there’s a sticky note to have them brought to you.”

“Huh.”

After a bit more brainstorming, Fareeha waved her goodbye and left Jesse in his door, flower clutched in his good hand. He went inside, thumbing the soft petals gently, a plan developing in his head.

He was going to find whoever this was.

“Maybe they do not want to be found.”

Jesse snorted into his coffee. He and Hanzo were seated in the campus coffee shop, taking a break from an especially grueling math homework session. Jesse had first met him in his second semester Research Writing class, which, much to Jesse’s surprise and Hanzo’s embarrassment, the other man was failing. Their professor had insisted Hanzo visit Jesse for tutoring (which, up until his junior year, he did as a work-study student), and the two hit it off. The pair (sometimes with the addition of Hanzo’s younger brother) met up regularly for study sessions, finding that they worked well together despite their differing majors.

Jesse raised his brows. “Then why do they send them in the first place?”

“Perhaps they get off on buying flowers for cowboys,” Hanzo smirked.

“Gross Han,” Jesse laughed, wrinkling his nose. Hanzo smiled and Jesse felt his insides warm, a pleasant syrupy feeling in his gut.

This….thing he started feeling for Hanzo wasn’t a new development. He only needed to spend four months in Hanzo’s presence to become infatuated, though he ignored it for the most part, reasoning that shallow appreciation for an attractive man was nothing worth exploring. Then the man got a haircut, pierced himself up, changed his major to what he was actually passionate about, and Jesse’s heart was a goner. What he felt was honestly too childish to be called a crush and the other option scared the hell out of him, because even after knowing Hanzo for 2 years, he still had trouble figuring out if the man was seriously flirting or not.

“But really,” Jesse continued, “it seems a bit….I don’t know. Weird.”

Hanzo raised a brow. “You do not enjoy the attention?”

Maybe if it was from you, Jesse thought unhelpfully. “‘S not that, it’s just….I never thought I’d get romanced like this. Flowers.” He chuckled. “What’s next, chocolates? A full bouquet?”

Hanzo’s eyes got that strange glint in them Jesse had been noticing lately. “Is that something you would like?”

“Oh, hell no, that’s a bit much to be coming from a stranger,” Jesse said. He leant forward. “You got any idea who it could be?”

Hanzo’s face fell flat. “You have many admirers, Jesse. Many find you attractive, you know this.”

“You sayin’ I’m good looking?” He teased, smiling at Hanzo’s eye roll.

“I am saying,” Hanzo smirked, “Many people lack taste.”

Jesse barked a laugh. “Right where it hurts, Han. Your aim is unerring.”

“You just make it too easy,” he replied. “Speaking of,” he tapped his notebook, “we should finish these equations.”

Jesse groaned. “Easy for you, Mr. Math Major. Some of us are better with words than numbers.”

“Oh, I am well aware of that,” he chuckled. “But why you would choose a math course for your last elective if you hate it so much is beyond me.”

Jesse just smiled. “I like a challenge.”

The fifth flower arrived during Jesse’s investigation. He made his way down to the dorm mailroom, deciding to ask Satya herself if she knew anything essential.

She scoffed at Jesse’s question, putting her cell phone down. “Why would I keep the sticky notes? They are trash once their duty is fulfilled.”

Jesse sighed. There went his first lead.

“Okay,” he said. “But did you get a look at the handwriting? Was it neat? Messy?”

Satya considered the question. “Well….all of them were written in capital letters.”

“Hm.” Jessed hummed. “And….no one else gets flower deliveries?”

“Not that I have seen, no.” She smirked slightly, picking her phone back up. “It seems you have a secret admirer, McCree.”

He sighed again, pink in the face. “Seems that way.”

It didn’t help much, but he thanked her anyways, heading out into the hall. He closed the mailroom door behind him and exhaled, exasperated. He didn’t really think that asking about the sticky notes would help, but it was the first thing that came to his mind to check. He stepped forward- and almost tripped when he realized there was something on the ground in front of him. His heart pounded when he bent down to look closer.

“No way,” he breathed, picking up the single pink rose. He straightened quickly, looking to his left and right, trying to catch a glimpse of someone, anything, but the hall was empty save for himself and the dorm event bulletin board. He looked to the card and laughed softly.

“They did not have red ones, so I hope you are fine with pink. It reminds me of the times you are silly, blushing and happy. I wish you many more moments like that.”

Jesse would’ve written the secret gifts off as insincere if they’d called him sexy or complimented his ass, but the notes were always heartfelt and profound. The first, paired with a camellia, had regaled his beauty, declaring that “the depths of which are rivaled only by that of the oceans.” The second, attached to a sweet smelling gardenia, paid homage to his intelligence; “an incomparable mind” and “a smart mouth to match a smart man.” The third came with a red carnation, calling him kind-hearted and wonderful; “you inspire me to be my best.” The strangest part was that each delivery had happened in the span of a single month, each floral arrival erratic and unpredictable. The timing made little sense too: February was three months ago, and his birthday was in December. Jesse brainstormed the motivations himself but decided that they were 100% genuine, the other option being that it was an elaborate prank before grad. Most of his friends were too busy with finals or too short on cash. Jesse trudged back to his room, placing the flower in the same vase near the window as the previous ones and the note in the small ornate box on his desk that held the others, deciding to enact the next part of his investigation the following weekend.

Now, Jesse usually liked Genji, considered him a brother even- but right now, he felt like throwing him to the wolves. The green-haired bastard was cackling loud enough to draw the attention of almost everyone in the coffee shop to their small corner; he found Jesse’s floral predicament particularly funny. Jesse looked to Hanzo for help, but the man just gave him a toothy smile and shrugged.

“So, you have no idea who it could be?” Genji asked, after having calmed. “Not a single inkling?”

Jesse’s eyes flitted briefly to Hanzo (he immediately squashed that hope down, Hanzo didn’t seem like the flower giving type) before he turned to Genji. “I wouldn’t be askin’ for your help if I did, ninja.”

“Some investigator you are,” Genji snorted.

He pointed to him. “Hey now, I just haven’t finished looking around yet. I’ve got a plan.”

“Oh? Do tell.” Hanzo spoke, sounding amused.

“Well,” Jesse started confidently, settling back into his seat,” it’s gotta be someone on campus right? And the flowers gotta come from somewhere. So I sussed out the location of every flower shop in the area- which there are three of, by the way- and I plan on bringing the notes and asking around. They’re bound to know something.”

Genji hummed appreciatively and Hanzo balked.

“How do you know they didn’t order them in advance? Or that they would remember their patrons?” Genji gave his brother a weird look at the question while Jesse chuckled.

“No one has the time for advanced orders during finals. Plus, it seems like these gifts were a last minute kinda thing, because there’s no pattern to the delivery times. And if my hunch is right,” Jesse leaned forward conspiratorially,” it’s probably someone I know.”

Hanzo’s face seemed to go through a myriad of emotions before smoothing over into a blank expression. “You truly are intelligent, then.”

“I know,” Jesse grinned cheekily, feeling proud.

Genji let out a choked noise at something and stared incredulously at Hanzo. Then at Jesse. Then back to Hanzo.

“Jesse. You really can’t guess? Really?” Genji’s eyes were pleading.

Jesse furrowed his brow. “If you know something I don’t, the help is appreciated.”

Genji muttered something in Japanese and stood up suddenly, grabbing his bag. “No. I don’t know anything, apparently. If you will excuse me, I’m going to go somewhere else before I throw up.” He turned a devious smile to Hanzo, who sat uncharacteristically frozen. “I will talk to you later, brother.” Then he was gone.

“Well, that sounded foreboding,” Jesse commented to a strangely flushing Hanzo. “Did you catch what he said under his breath?”

“No,” Hanzo answered quickly. He stood up too. “I- I have to go. Satya needs my help with a project.”

“Oh.” Jesse sat back disappointed. “Okay. See ya later, then.”

Hanzo gave him a tense smile before he hurriedly departed. Finals week, Jesse decided, was a bitch.

The sixth flower was thankfully delivered in person.

He woke up that morning feeling motivated, ready to find the mystery person behind the roses. His trip to the first floral shop wasn’t what he expected, considering it closed down 5 years ago and sat on the side of the road as a sad, dilapidated building (thanks, Google)- but he wasn’t deterred. The second shop, however, didn’t yield satisfactory results either. He showed the owner the notes, and much to his embarrassment, she said that they didn’t even use the same cards or ribbon as the ones the stranger gave him.

“Whoever it was probably made them themselves,” she said, eyes twinkling. “That’s so sweet!” Jesse mechanically nodded his agreement, said his thanks, and left feeling flustered at the situation all over again. Handmade note cards. Maybe they really didn’t want to be known.

So found Jesse on his way to the last floral shop- Bastion’s Bouquets- and losing all semblance of hope. He pushed the door open, bell ringing overhead, and was instantly assaulted by the sweet aroma of flora.

Flowers ranging from roses to calla lilies to desert flowers crowded on shelves that stretched to the ceiling. Long vines and leaves from medium sized palms and ferns leaned over Jesse’s head as he traversed deeper into the store, reaching the counter. It was colorful, and wonderful, and Jesse began to wonder if he was in the wrong line of work at the sight of a bright pink bougainvillea trailing along the wall behind the cashier’s desk.

“Howdy,” he called to the empty space in front of him, resting his hands on the wood. “Anybody in?”

A clatter of noise and a curse responded. Then, in a strange accent:

“Be right out!”

Jesse took to looking around as he waited, exclaiming in pleased surprise as he found a small bird hiding among a gorgeous display of hyacinths. It chirped quietly as it settled in Jesse’s outreached hand and fluffed its wings. Jesse cooed and it tilted its head, chirping louder as he rubbed a finger down its back.

“Ganymede, stop begging for attention. The name is Torb, what can I do for you, son?”

Jesse turned to find a short- very, very short- man behind him. He had a mechanical arm, a fake eye, and was wearing a pink apron with the store name and a cartoon robot on the front. Jesse immediately liked him.

“Ah, well, ya see,” he muttered, struggling to get the notecards out of his back pocket with his prosthetic, not wanting to jostle the bird. “I got- aha! I got these cards along with a bunch of different flowers over the past month and was wondering if they were ordered from you, or if you remembered who ordered them.”

Torb took the cards from Jesse’s hand, sifting through them. His ears grew hot as the short man chuckled and raised a brow at him.

“Sounds like someone really likes you, eh?”

Jesse cleared his throat, cheeks flaming. “I mean, it could be a prank. Haven’t gotten rid of that possibility.”

Torb laughed harder and handed the cards back to Jesse. “I, for one, think you should throw that thought out the window. What were the flowers?”

Jesse told him and Torb rubbed his chin.

“Well,” he started. “We do carry all of those.”

Jesse felt a surge of hope.

“But carnations, camellias and roses are popular ones, and we haven't sold any sunflowers recently. I would remember that.” He gave Jesse a sympathetic look. “‘M sorry lass, I can’t help you there.”

Jesse’s stomach plummeted and he sighed. Ganymede chirped softly and flew away to the back room, probably to eat or sleep. He looked at Torb imploringly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Are there any other flower shops around here that have the same selection you do?”

Torb shook his head. “Afraid not. Otherwise, we would be out of business.”

Jesse nodded and said his thanks, ready to give up when Ganymede came flying back out, a small slip in her talons. She landed on Torb’s shoulder and dropped the paper into his open hand.

“Ah! That’s right, it almost slipped my mind!” He said, reading through it. He looked back up to Jesse with a toothy grin, waving around what looked like a receipt. “Seems I was wrong. There is one other place that carries the same selection we do, though it only orders a small amount from our stock.”

The supermarket. Why hadn’t he thought of that?

Jesse had walked by the flower freezer in there every time he shopped, but he never paid it enough attention for its presence to register in his head. He ran hurriedly from Torb’s shop to the market a few blocks over, hope swelling. It was getting late, the sun almost finished setting, and he knew the store was going to be closed in a couple of hours. He would get in there, and he would- well, he would look and- huh.

Jesse slowed to a jog, coming to a stop in front of the store. He frowned, realizing he had no plan. What would he do? Rather, what could he do? Too many people went in and out, and it’s not like a chain market would take note of each customer that bought sunflowers. He swallowed, feeling his hope shatter yet again.

He could….stake the place, he guessed. But his admirer obviously knew what he looked like, and loitering was still considered a crime. He was about to walk inside, maybe buy some booze and drown in it, when a voice ripped him from his thoughts.

“Jesse?”

He turned to his right to find Hanzo, looking as attractive as ever in his dark jacket and jeans, with a comically stricken expression on his face.

Jesse wondered what was wrong, until his eyes zeroed in on the package in his hands, and he sucked in a breath.

A bouquet of roses.

Hanzo held the flowers in a tight grip, an entire bouquet of expensive red roses, and Jesse, tired and emotionally charged at the sight, blurted the first thing that came to mind.

“You get off on buying flowers for cowboys?”

Hanzo turned red and made an audible noise in the back of his throat, taking a step backward, away from him.

He’s gonna run, Jesse suddenly realized, and he raised his hands in apology, a hysterical laugh bubbling in his throat at the relief he felt that it was him, at what this situation had come to.

“Hanzo,” he laughed, slightly breathless, and the man took another step backward. Jesse took a large step towards him and fought down another laugh. “Hanzo, wait.”

“I did not think you would find my affections funny,” he said, looking and sounding hurt.

Jesse sobered instantly, realizing what was at stake, and took those last few steps to reach him. “Hanzo, wait no, I’m not laughing at you. It’s just- this whole time?” He reached for Hanzo’s free hand. “You could’ve just talked to me, hon.”

“I am not good with words,” he responded, looking anywhere but at Jesse. “I know it is childish, but Genji told me that you had never had a serious relationship before, and with you leaving in two months for that job in Gibraltar, I just….”

He sighed, searching Jesse’s eyes. “I wanted to make sure you at least knew that someone cared for you, in that way….still cares.”

Jesse’s heart pounded and he gripped Hanzo’s hand tighter, not knowing what to say. He had Hanzo right where he had wanted him since he first saw him, and he was speechless.

“Okay, here’s the thing.” Jesse decided to lay it all out. “I’ve been in love with you for almost a year now, and if you’re willing, I’d like to try. Gibraltar or not, I’ve been absolutely hopeless for you. If you’ll have me.”

Hanzo lowered his burning face and heaved a deep, shaky breath. Then, he looked up and pressed the bouquet to Jesse’s chest, a small smile making its way onto his face. Jesse held the flowers there with his prosthetic, face burning.

“You said that you wouldn’t take a bouquet from a stranger and I was actually going to give these to you in person, when I found the right thing to say.” He pressed himself closer to Jesse. “I do not have a card this time, so I apologize.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” Jesse breathed, moving his hand to the small of Hanzo’s back, the roses crinkling between them. “What were you going to say?”

“I love you, too.” Hanzo leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to Jesse’s lips, and Jesse brought him even closer, closing his eyes, Hanzo and the scent of roses overtaking him.

After he and Hanzo made their way back to the dorms, the roses (a bit crumpled, but still whole) found their way into the vase near the window, the other flowers pressed safely into a textbook. And when Jesse finally left to Gibraltar, Hanzo sent him off with his seventh- a snapdragon that Jesse snuck in his carry-on. The message on the notecard was pretty much the same as the last one, but it didn’t make him feel any less flustered and happy.

I love you. Come back soon.