#mmm I did not open the game for reference when drawing and am now seeing that the lads are too big on those platforms...

[raycatzdraws]

I DIDN'T MEAN TO FALL AAAAAAAA XD

Yeah, they fly!

He's so happy omggg

they fly back to where you picked them up from

[marshmallowprotection]

[AE Spoilers]

“So, let’s get this straight, you decided to call me when I’m driving... in the car with you in the passenger seat? How interesting, my love,” he hummed as his cell phone rested against his ear in one hand, while the other remained on the wheel. “Well then, let me set this in the holder if that’s what you’re playing at.” 

He ignored the urge to cast a glance in Lila’s direction. If she was teasing him or testing him, he wanted her to elaborate. She seemed to be amused, though, as he couldn’t help but hear that giggle underneath her breath. He saw her hand press to her mouth. 

“Oh? You’re driving, then? My bad,” she was smiling right through her teeth and he could hear it from the way she spoke. “I should’ve checked with you first then, darling.” 

Saeran blinked, and then thought about that for a moment. Upon realizing what she was playing at, he couldn’t help his own chuckle. “You’re quite literally right next to me. Oh, wait, you’re playing pretend. I see now.”

There was so much going on right now, from the need to find his brother and the need to see through mission through together to the end, and while he’d known that he had lost himself in his thoughts as all of the possible plans that he was preparing for rattled around, it was probably written all over his face that he needed to breathe. 

She had always sensed what was going on within his heart just from the way that his expression shifted. She’d learned to read him like an open book, just as he had started to see more facets of her own smile that sparked a fire inside of him. 

Clearly, she’d gotten the bright idea to draw him away from those thoughts for just a moment so he could breathe. There was so much that he didn’t know, but letting himself get worked up wasn’t going to help him deal with everything that was ahead of them.

“You know, I can touch you when I reach out like this...” he murmured. 

If Lila wanted to play that way, he thought as the amused smile grew on his face, he would play with her right back. With his hand freed, it wasn’t hard for him to slide his fingers across the center of the car and let his fingertips brush against the top of her hand. 

She didn’t jolt away from him, but he did hear the slightest hitch in her breath that proved him right. She was keeping herself composed, though, which told him that she was committed to her game. “Are you sure that you keep playing that game knowing that I’m right here next to you?” 

Though, Lila did huff and look outside her window in response as the shifting landscape around them continued to change from sprawling trees into more and more city streets. It wouldn’t be much longer until they would be able to find the address that V had sent to them.

It would be okay. 

Saeyoung would be okay. 

They just had to believe in that. 

“You know,” he mused. “It’s been a while since we were able to go out for a drive like this. I know that I’ve been rather busy with C&R, working non-stop with the task force. I know that I’ve been neglecting you somewhat, even though you’ve been there right by my side the entire time.”

“I’m still trying to figure out when you had the time to learn how to drive,” was her response. That was when she flipped her hand over and intertwined their fingers together once again. “I feel like you’ve neglected to inform your poor girlfriend on all the milestones that you’ve learned!” 

“Oh?” 

“Yeah, I mean, how am I supposed to plan for all the things that we’re going to do together once we save Saeyoung? I have to have a good idea of what you’ve done before and what you haven’t, sweetie. Sometimes, it feels like you’re just good at whatever you try the first time,” she said, though her voice was a little bit dejected at that.

It was in reference to her baking skills. She’d tried to do something for him that she’d seen him do with relative ease. Of course, then he helped her do it over again so it turned out right. His face felt warm at the thought of spending the day underneath the sun with her after that. 

“You know, if I didn’t know any better, I would say that you’re pouting. I didn’t know that you had it in you to have an attitude, princess,” Saeran teased. That got a “hey!” in response which spurred him to laugh out loud. Not at her pouts and whines, just that he was able to see this side of her. 

As the silence slowly rolled over them again, he felt her shift and lean over close to him. Close enough that he wouldn’t be able to ignore the way that her voice hitched in a sultry tone. “So... You wouldn’t mind if I got myself a kiss because you pulled at my poor heartstrings like that?” 

Now, that made him hesitate, his brain pausing as he thought about how that would turn out. The heat began to burn at his cheeks without mercy. She’d got the slip on him. “Uh... should I pull over for that?”

Lila paid no mind to that, and without missing a beat, she changed directions to leave him floundering to see what he could do about that. “Mmm, you know, it’s been a while since you ate today, right? How’s about some corn, then? You have had some fascinating with vegetables, lately.”

“...Hmm? What corn?” He paused, and thought back to an earlier conversation that the two of the had. Oh, she had been recounting her childhood back to him and how often she spent in the gardens with her grandparents. They grew a lot of flowers, but plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well. 

He really had the gall to ask her if the country was a rustic as he thought that it was. Or, if the farmer stereotypes were real. She seemed rather amused about the whole thing but reassure him that the question was fair, given that he’d not known! 

Saeran snorted, “Do you want to see me gnawing at it like a rabbit, or something like that? You should’ve brought a straw hat and some spare straw to go with it, then. If you’re at it, why not go the full mile, my love? Hell, I’ll go ahead and play the harmonica while we’re at it. I’d say that’s what sells the experience.” 

That made her laughter ring in his ears again. She couldn’t control her giggles this time around. His dry tone had always had that effect on her when he was able to make jokes like this. He was still getting used to feeling this weightless but she made him feel like he could do this. 

It also made him want to make her laugh more just to hear that sound.

“I’d be happy if you did feed me, though.” 

“Mmm, be patient, mister. I need to catch my breath again!” 

Saeran gently pulled her hand to his lips where he pressed them against the back of her hand. He glanced at her this time, seeing the way her brown eyes widened and pink dusted over her freckles cheeks. 

He hadn’t looked at her for a moment this whole time, and that had given her the gall to speak more with a brazen tone. 

She looked beautiful bathed the in the dimming afternoon sunlight. He wondered if she knew that. He would have to let her know when they were on solid ground again. 

“Are you going to keep your phone on?” 

Lila cocked a brow, “Are you concerned about your phone bill?”

Saeran shook his head. Though, he smiled at her reassuringly as her face fell a bit. He knew why she had bothered with him in the first place. “No, no... I wish I could be as close to you as humanly possible right now. I want to be able to give you more... but it feels like the phone is watching us. Besides, I only want you to hear what I’m thinking right now.” 

She pressed the end to the call and smiled back at him. It would be okay in the long run. He knew that. She was here to reassure him and confide him when he needed it. “Well then, Mr. Choi, my full attention belongs to you.”

“Don’t say my name like that, it only reminds me that I’m sorely slacking at figuring out how to make you Mrs. Choi.” 

[snowflake-of-destruction]

let's hear about FFVIII seifer, if you're still doing this XD

Why I like them: You know my tastes. A green-eyed man is introduced throwing fireballs around, is kind of a condescending jerk but in a fun way, instigates deep conversations on high ground while staring at the sunset...Well, before we even get to villainy, immolation, and redemption arc, I start going “Is this a favorite character?”  I’m joking...kind of. Some of that does factor in, even the fire. 

Okay, so my favorite thing about Seifer’s arc is that, in the limited focus he’s given, he’s complex and layered from the beginning, and his villain arc is a clear and fascinating illustration of “No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks” ….with a side of brainwashing.

Let’s break this down:

What are some of the words used to describe him by those that know him (by himself, by Squall, by Fuu and Rai)? Romantic. Idealistic. Sensitive. He is the one who believes in making a difference in the world--not just as a wish or goal, but as an imperative to do what your heart says is right even if it’s going to cost you--where Squall is just follow-the-orders-and-do-the-job. If you’re already reading this and objecting, I’m not saying Squall doesn’t care...obviously he does, defrosting Mr. Go Talk to a Wall and getting him to a place where he admits how many layers of mask he wears is his character development...but Seifer isn’t just a hothead. He wears his heart on his sleeve. 

Don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to deny that Seifer can be an abrasive, self-serving, hypocritical jackass sometimes,  who can fight dirty, wants to “wreak some havoc,” and has a history as a bully--though, gentlefolk of the jury, I submit to the courts that he puts on a tough act like Squall does and they are both different flavors of trying to mimic toxic alpha male--but let’s not forget that some of his establishing character moments are throwing out his future to disobey orders because he sees that the higher-ups have possibly misjudged the situation and civilians could be in danger, and, again, going AWOL because he thinks Squall and Rinoa could be killed. And he calls himself the white knight and holds up a code of honor until the end, even though it gets twisted. He is about duty and honor, with honor even over duty.

Oh, this was only going to be the beginning. I haven’t even begun to touch on what I would want to touch on--this is just surface personality and the beginning of the game before we even get to joining Sorceress Edea, and even then not all I would say-- but this post isn’t actually supposed to be my Ted talk on what you missed if you just think of Seifer as a recurring boss fight. Let’s move on.

ONE MORE THING ACTUALLY. Even though we see a lot of Seifer at his worst, you can use Fujin and Raijin as a mirror. What do they say near the end of the game if we paraphrase/summarize? They knew pretty early on, before even the senseless slaughter and torture era that Seifer was going down a dark path with the sorceress, but they knew it wasn’t him and stayed with him, not because they agreed with his actions, wanted power, or out of fear, but to take care of him and try to break through to him--and not because they are saints, but because he, despite what had happened in the past year, is the type of person who deserves and inspires that kind of loyalty. Let’s think on that.

Now the rest goes under a read more, because I am going to keep rambling and be wordy

Why I don’t: He can be an asshole, and he’s an asshole in an embarrassing way. As in, if one is trying to say he’s not the little punk his KH counterpart is, you remember he still uses the insult chickenwuss (though that is a legacy insult/nickname since he’s known Zell since childhood--and, fyi, Squall uses it too) and he had a little gang in school. Even once he’s a military commander of an evil army set on world domination, he has some moments where his level of petty undermines him.

Favorite episode (scene if movie): The Dollet mission

Favorite line: Sorry, not sorry that the following is my favorite exchange of lines and that the prison torture scene is another of my favorite scenes. For context, Seifer has captured Squall, has him hanging up on the wall in crucified hero imagery, implied to be shirtless even though his character model isn’t because they talk about scar tissue or lack thereof from a recent shoulder injury/Squall being stabbed in the chest/shoulder area. Seifer has been electrocuting Squall for information. By this point, I might as well have put the whole scene here. Also, I am now going to blame Squall and Seifer text boxes in FFVIII for my own abuses of ellipses...

Seifer: " I was hoping you'd be there, Squall. So... how'd I look in my moment of triumph? My childhood dream, fulfilled. I've become the sorceress' knight."

Squall: [internal monologue] ...Sorceress' knight... ...His...romantic dream...? But... Seifer... Now, you're just a…[Out loud] "... torturer."

[Squall passes out.]

Seifer: "What did you say? [Steps closer] Passed out cold, eh? This is the scene where you swear your undying hatred for me! The tale of the evil mercenary versus the sorceress' knight!”

This isn’t just me all “mmm, tension.” Seifer has passed the moral event horizon, and it’s not just faceless NPCs that are collateral damage anymore. We’ve seen him on screen torture the protagonist, who is also one of the only people who he’s shown to have a real bond with that goes beyond superficial. Then we get this and see Seifer thinks he’s the good guy still, on a noble mission where he’s had to make painful sacrifices, and Squall is a representative of the power-hungry evil. Seifer’s been playing a different game, and had his will twisted via magic.

Favorite outfit: The Amano art where the white coat is cast off and he’s wearing the simple black shirt and black jeans under it. Symbolic? Maybe. I wouldn’t give up the coat though. I love the long white/gray coat, the outer embodiment of wanting to wear the white hat, but the desire easily getting tarnished, and the red cross that turns into a sword and becomes Seifer’s symbol and soon to appear other places, emblazoned nice and big on the sleeve. It’s the Cross of Saint James. TRADITIONALLY red represents the blood of Christ, the three lilies represent the honor of the apostle and reference Christ as lily of the valley, and the sword shape represents the torture that St.James suffered before his murder. HOWEVER, my opinion is that here it’s more vague/altered symbolism (For starters, there are other gods not the Christian God in this world) with a side of “looks cool.” We still have something that clearly calls to mind a mission from on high, innocence in the lilies, blood and blood cost, and then war/violence with the sword. And I love it. 

OTP: Seifer/Squall. I should not even start, but lest you think I am just in it for kinky torture scenes: We have these two who, in the beginning, are generally callous or mocking toward everyone, but make each other laugh/smile, see who each other are underneath and describe each other in “soft” terms even if they tease each other for it, repeatedly check in on each other to see if the other is okay, respect each other’s opinion and skills, and...you get the idea. In the words of Zell Dincht, I thought you two were rivals, but you’re all buddy-buddy. 

Pause for a second and let’s just say first impression. That opening fight where they scar each other’s faces? It takes place outside Balamb Garden and the area is shown so we see they are alone. Squall passes out. Squall wakes up in the infirmary within the Garden base. Squall has to explain what happened; people don’t already know. This kind of implies after Squall passed out, Seifer, bleeding from a head wound himself, picked Squall up and carried him home, allowing himself to collapse only when Squall was being safely tended to, because he’s that extra. This is his first (okay, second, after fireballs and face slashing) action in the game even though it’s offscreen. I mean, he could have also just called for help/ran for help, but that’s less fun.

 Seifer is so concerned with being a badass, but he’s admits to Squall all he’s ever wanted was to be the fairytale knight, not a mere soldier. Vulnerability and confession he wants romance....with the first time it’s brought up in game being while they are watching the sun set together, the traditional Square Red Sunset of Shipping. 

Seifer hesitates to defy orders, not for himself, but until he sees Squall is with him. Even though there were other “children of destiny” who all came from the same orphanage, Squall and Seifer were the ones who were never apart, never adopted until it was by a military/mercenary training program, and, even though it may speak more to brotherly than romantic from some angles, there’s a feeling of being the same, knowing each other down to the atoms, adopting an us against the world mindset that trumps trying to best each other when it comes down to it because they are the only constant. When Squall has his breakdown/ breakthrough of why he pushes people away/doesn’t let himself care/tries not to need anyone because people leave/are taken from him and he is scared he isn’t worthy of love and happiness until Rinoa challenges him, this may seem like a dismissal of Seifer, but you can also look at it from “I had no friends or family. I didn’t even have interest in speaking to anyone. I strived to be an unfeeling machine, because all emotion is pain...But also I couldn’t go 48 hours without seeing Seifer.”

Yeah, yeah, we know their main form of hanging out was beating the tar out of each other, but sometimes, especially in older media, this was its own brand of subtext. For more on how Seifer miiiight just view sparring let’s point out that “Isn’t this ROMANTIC?” and “Kneel” as a less easily interpreted as innuendo version of  “I want you on your knees” are battle quotes even in Kingdom Hearts sooo draw your own conclusion. 

We get a line where Squall makes it clear these were friendly matches looked at as pushing their limits beyond what they are allowed to in sanctioned spars, and he feels prepared to take on anything  now because of Seifer. Is it healthy communication  in real life? No! Is this real life? No! Plus, the facial scar was an accident, pretty clearly...on Seifer’s side...I could write another essay on how Seifer draws first blood, but it’s because on Squall’s failed block, AND THEN SQUALL GETS ANGRY AND RETALIATES WITH CLEAR PURPOSE AND MAKES THE OPENING SHOT INTO THE FIRST SIGN GOOD VERSUS BAD GUY ISN’T SO CLEAR CUT (even though they both shouldn’t have been going so hard in a friendly training match to begin with).

 Seifer’s later, repeated threats/expressed desire to give Squall additional scars once he goes evil? That is a different animal, and a horrible one, objectively. Not objectively? No comment. Okay, one comment. Mark you as mine. Two comments. He knows Squall’s lost some memories and he can’t stomach being the next thing forgotten so Squall needs physical reminders.

Hmmm, I was supposed to be talking about the ship, not just the sparring and scars. We can wrap it up with a Marge Simpson. “I just think they’re neat”

BUT ONE MORE THING

Squall’s jacket when he becomes Leon in Kingdom Hearts. His outfit is mostly the same, right? Except the back of the jacket now has a red patch of an emblem (of Rinoa’s angel wings, not Seifer’s cross...for the OT3 feel), and his fight with Sora he throws a fireball like Seifer’s signature. Just, you know, if you want bonus references/feeling.

Brotp: Fuu and Rai. They are willing to commit war crimes with this man, nurse him back from death’s door, and go into exile with him if he can’t return to a normal life even after a redemption arc. This section deserves to be long, but I am beginning to get talked out. Don’t take that as devaluing the friendship though. I’m glad he was allowed to keep his ride or dies in Kingdom Hearts. FRIENDSHIP! They love him, ya know?

Head Canon: What we see of him at the end of the game is a temporary situation and after he heals and refreshes for awhile he’d go back to Balamb and face consequences for his actions, and probably insist on consequences instead of leaning into “an evil sorceress bespelled me and slowly took my free will.” No hiding away in the wilderness. No crossing into and living his life in Esthar. No, “but in the end I broke free and would have been an active, onscreen part of saving the world if Square had let me join the party!” He would insist on being cast into a deep, dark cell. Squall uses pull to get him pardoned, but not before just, flat out, yelling at him for being a martyr.

Unpopular opinion: He did love Rinoa. It may have been a “shallow love,” but he wasn’t just dating her to pass time or because she played into his damsel who needs a hero mindset. There was emotion. He was prepared to die for her and Squall in Timber, and almost did--only being saved by Sorceress Edea...which wasn’t a kindness, but it all worked out in the end. Sure, he gets mind-controlled into using Rinoa as, basically, a human sacrifice and it isn’t Rinoa he wants stripped and brought to his room when we’re taking prisoners, but he cared about her. He does taunt her about their past relationship, but we’ve already established this is just part of his communication skillset.  Yes, I will elaborate more if asked, though it’s more feeling based than text based. 

A wish: If there’s ever a sequel, let him have put out the good in the world that was his dream and be seen as a hero. Let us see a matured and peaceful Seifer. 

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: My one fear if they ever remake FFVIII instead of just porting it, is that some of the creative team have said they like the fan theory where you are dead part way through the game and the rest is a dying dream or purgatory. It’s creative stuff; I will say that. It’s not my favorite, and I don’t agree, but those kinds of fan interpretations when they go in depth are super cool. PLEASE LET THE INTEREST IN IT JUST BE THE SAME AS MINE OF THINKING IT’S CREATIVE BECAUSE MAKING THIS  CANON WOULD BE SO, SO BAD FOR EVERY CHARACTER.

5 words to best describe them: stubborn, misguided, paladin, romantic, petty

My nickname for them: I don’t really have one

[amosbrittany]

Shattered Chapter 5

I swear I did not entirely die on this. lol Have up to chapter 9 done, shit just happened and video games are most distracting.

Disclaimer : I don’t own Transformers Animated or any characters for that matter.

Notes  : I haven’t done fanfiction, let alone TF based, in ages. And never for  TFA, So I don’t really know what the hell I’m doing but what the hell,  I’m going for it. lol I took quite a few liberties, pulling bits from  various continuities to build this sucker.

Warnings : I have a  tendency to put characters through hell. A bit of Bumblebee/Blitzwing  this chapter. Eventual Optimus/Sentinel, Megatron/Ultra Magnus,  Jazz/Prowl and Ratchet/Pharma.

Summary : The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but Sentinel’s latest stunt might just kill them all…or worse.

The day Ultra Magnus decided to make his way to Trypticon, his chosen agents had set neatly hidden explosives all over Iacon's warp drives over the past few solar cycles as they worked from the shadows silently and swiftly. Fortress Maximus and Metroplex, as well as Omega Surpreme and the Steelhaven, had been prime targets. The only significant structure on the planet at the time capable of transwarping would be Trypticon. A few cycles after he relocated the prison, while they were scrambling to figure out what happened and retaliate, the Nexus would be taken down. It would give him a decent head start as the Autobots tried to make heads or tails of the chaos when their edge of the war was lost. By the time any wayward ships abroad came home to lead a pursuit, he would have a decent lead.

He walked down the long strip of road leading to the ominous prison in Kaon, muttering curses under his breath as it seemed his transformation cog no longer functioned. It made the trip longer than he liked and he had to adjust given the delays the defect caused, as it wasn't simply isolated to himself. Ultra Magnus already had his agents in place, lying in wait within the prison walls to take out the guards there. When he relocated the prison, he would make a deal with the Decepticons. Granted, he knew better than to trust them, but Megatron's head would prove a fine bargaining chip and outing their traitor, a show of good faith.

He had made sure the guards were prepared for his arrival, to accelerate the whole process. They quickly ushered him in once he reached the entrance and he proceeded to make a beeline for the control hub of the city-like compound. He found the warden waiting for him. "Ultra Magnus, always so good to-Uh...huh." Springer had started to greet him, hand extended before he visibly balked at his appearance. The green Autobot cleared his vocalizer apologetically then grimaced. "You...look different."

"Yes, so I'm told." The Magnus scoffed, rolling his optics. His gaze swept hungrily over the control room. "How is Trypticon's transwarp system?"

"The transwarp system? Everything is running just fine, sir." The question was oddly specific and that caused Springer to squint with suspicion. "Is...that why you wanted to visit, sir? To check on the systems? Cause that sounds like a comm-link sort of thing to me..."

"Oh, I have other reasons." He glanced at the clock, watching the time intently.

The warden gave him a quizzical look, following his gaze. "You waiting for something...?"

"Indeed I am."

~+~

Optimus rubbed his face plates. He had some newfound respect for Sentinel concerning this position at least. With Ultra Magnus being unusually difficult and flighty, it had been a lot of work to keep up with. With the capture of the Decepticons and their leader, things had to be shifted around, changes made, plans formulated. He had to oversee the construction of a prominent outpost on Earth, re-order teams, and assist the Council in as many matters as he could. Ultra Magnus and the Fringes debacle had not helped in the slightest.

Alpha Trion had accepted the agreement with Blitzwing and after going over the rosters, it was decided that Bumblebee would head operations for Autobot City on Earth with his own team consisting of the reformed Decepticon, Ironhide, Bulkhead, and Ratchet. At first he had wanted to keep the old medic close, but they had talked it over and he understood his friend's concerns. Ultimately, Pharma would become his own crew's medic. Earth, Ratchet worried, might prove something of a sensory overload for his already delicate processor and he preferred the idea of a leader who had a better track of patience than Bumblebee. Besides, two mechs with several screws loose on one team was just begging for trouble.

The yellow minibot was excited to get the assignment underway and had taken off for Kaon with the necessary documentation files to pick up their new 'Autobot' and get him up to speed. They still had a few solar cycles before they set off for Earth on the Ark, but he was sure Blitzwing could use some repairs and upgrades after his lengthy prison stay. His paint certainly could use a major touch up. As for his badge, it would likely take some time and convincing to get him to wear it just yet.

It had been tempting to go with Bumblebee, if only to see if he couldn't convince Springer to let him see Sentinel and maybe even see what Ultra Magnus was really up to over there. He imagined the Magnus staring down Megatron's disembodied head and having a little chat with him. Oh, to be a nanofly on the wall for that one. But besides that, he was concerned, mostly for Sentinel should Ultra Magnus decide to pay him a visit. He sighed wistfully, taking a moment to relax before his office doors flew open and Jazz rushed in on him. Optimus twitched, sitting up straight when he saw how agitated the other was. "Jazz, is everything okay...?"

"Pit nah, it ain't okay! Prowl's body is MIA!"

The claim sent him reeling for a klik and Optimus had to shake his head to get the sudden daze to clear. "I'm-Sorry, what? What do you mean by that?" A chilling feeling crawled up his back struts as he recalled Ultra Magnus's presence in the mausoleum a few solar cycles ago. Surely he hadn't done something nefarious...But with the way he'd been acting...Optimus pursed his lips as he opened his desk screen and began hunting through the various channels to find anything on the security for the tomb.

"You look like ya got somethin' in mind, bossbot." Jazz rounded the desk to watch over his shoulder. The cyber ninja often visited their fallen comrade's place of rest. It was a habit that caused Optimus some concern due to how often he did it, it made him wonder about the pair, but now he was almost grateful for it.

"...Ultra Magnus was at the mausoleum a few solar cycles ago. I had a bad feeling about it, but I didn't think much of it. I mean what could he possibly do in there...Here, I think this was it." Finding the backlogged security footage, he narrowed it down to the day and time. As they watched, Jazz let out a strangled noise of horror and Optimus offlined his optics. He felt like he'd just been run through the chassis as the scene played out, Ultra Magnus tossing their friend from his resting place and dragging him off like a sack of parts. Although part of him absolutely hated to press on, he forced himself to find the other footage, which led them to where Magnus had gathered several others...

And proceeded to do exactly what Sentinel had done to him, to the dead Autobots before him.

Blitzwing's words came back to him. "Cyclonus alvays zaid it came from zhe 'heart of darkness und zhe root of all evil'." The stuff was a scourge not even the Decepticons would touch. They knew it did this, Oil Slick had told Sentinel as much, but this was the terrible detail the mad scientist had omitted. It could spread like a terrible cancer. Bumblebee had said Blitzwing warned him that the Decepticons had hoped this would cause them enough of a distraction that their 'reformed comrade' would be able to find a way to release them. This was the whole dirty plan to begin with.

As the resurrected Autobots disappeared off the screen, the main question he had now was WHY...Why do that? What was the purpose? Why...

Why was he at Trypticon?

"...He's going to do something at Trypticon."

Jazz recovered from his horror only slightly. "You don't think he'd set the Decepticons loose..."

"I don't know, but I'm going to treat it like that's the plan." Optimus opened his comm-link, reaching out to Springer. <Springer, I need you to get Ultra Magnus out of there. By any means necessary. His accomplices might be there as well! Lock down the prison!>

~+~

That was a hell of a task. And what accomplices was he referring to? Ultra Magnus had come alone.

Back in Kaon, Springer's optics widened slightly when he received the call and now he had a tall order to fill. There was an alarming edge to Optimus's voice. 'I knew there was something fishy about this.' He thought to himself as he turned to Ultra Magnus and stalled, staring back at his violet gaze.

"I take it Optimus told you to get rid of me." The Magnus calmly assessed. The green Autobot froze, mouth failing to work properly. Ultra Magnus smirked smugly. "Oh, don't look so surprised. I don't normally toot my own horn, but I like to think I am an excellent strategist. I knew if anyone got a clue before the big bang, that it would be him. But I'm afraid my pieces are already in place. And there is nothing you're going to be able to do about it."

"Big bang? What big bang?" Springer demanded.

"Mmm, the biggest..."

Drawing his sword, the warden took a step towards him only to stop when cries and the sounds of battle erupted in the central command hub where they were. Magnus's agents struck out from the shadows, the initial targets of the attack going down quickly and violently. While he was distracted, Ultra Magnus swung his hammer, catching Springer upside his helm and rendering him unconscious. He accessed his comm-link as he sauntered over to the controls for the transwarp, letting his agents scurry out to incapacitate or kill any guards in their way. <Oh Optimus, that was almost well timed...Almost.>

<Magnus. What the hell did you do? Where's Prowl?!>

<Helping me seize the prison. But you already knew that, why ask such a banal question?>

<Why the damn prison?! What the slag are you doing??>

As he let Optimus stew in silence, wracking his processor to make heads and tails of his scheme, he picked the coordinates for a location on Earth from his data banks and proceeded to enter them into Tyrpticon's destination as the transwarp drive began to power up.

~+~

"But if you go to Earth then I won't see you again...And I feel we have much to discuss." Really, there was much for Pharma to get off his chassis. For stellar cycles, he was always too damned proud to just come out and say what he felt, he had always waited for Ratchet to say something. But it was becoming painfully clear that the older medic was insufferably oblivious. He was also spending a great deal of time with that teacher and he didn't know what was going on there. He hated it.

"Well it was either you or me, and we both know you woulda hated workin' with a reformed Con. Besides, I wanna see Sari again and being on Optimus's team means regular trips back and forth so it ain't like ya won't see this old rustbucket. Just try not to give the kid too much trouble."

Pharma started to grin with delight at the idea of regular visits for himself while Arcee was glued to her classroom, but it faded quickly when there was a commotion on Ratchet's end of the line and something violently exploded, knocking the other medic out of sight and killing the connection instantly. "Wh-? Ratchet?" The jet held his hands up, flabbergasted. "What just happened? Ratch-!"

The sound of something falling over made Pharma jump and twist around, met with the sight of a walking corpse crouching on a medical berth. It was Dodger, but he had died some time ago so how was he there now? Pharma let out a small squeak, backing around the console he was using. The dead bot was spattered with energon and brandished a pair of soaked blades he flicked menacingly. "Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no-! Not today, Mortilus!" Pharma cried, breaking into a run with the assassin hot on his heel struts.

An idea struck him at the last nanoklik and he threw himself into a quarantine chamber, slamming the door shut behind him and engaging the lock. He didn't care to be locked up in a quarantine cell again, but it beat being murdered. The bloodied blade slashed against the thick glass but after several attempts, the other stopped. His plates shivered fearfully as the corpse settled for staring him down through the door, as if it waited long enough, it would have him. "What in the Pit is happening...?"

~+~

"Vhat in zhe pit iz going on..." But a few cycles ago, Springer had told him approval for his pardon was underway and Bumblebee would be there shortly to collect him. He had tittered with glee, ready to put the mines and the prison behind him. Now however, the air was alive with battle and screaming Autobots. Energon was everywhere. A familiar and terrible sight had descended on the guards. Undead Autobots, the only color on their frames the insidious violet flow of Dark Energon. It was Karn all over again, just on a minuscule scale. "Oh Primus, Oil Slick...vhat did you do..."

"Scrap." Said scientist muttered. His gambit had backfired in the worst possible way.

"Oh great! Fan-fragging-tastic! Way to go, you-you-you...goop head!" Drag Strip screamed from her cell.

"Goop head, niiiiice one."

Lugnut rumbled, pleased with the wanton Autobot slaughter taking place around them. His only regret was that he wasn't taking part in it. He banged his arm against the cell wall he shared with Blitzwing. "At least you will not have to go along with the sham of pretending to be an accursed Autobot and you can die A PROUD DECEPTICON SOLDIER IN GLORIOUS AND VIOLENT BATTLE!"

Blitzwing sighed, regretting he would not see Bumblebee again as he turned from the bloody scenery beyond his cell. "I vould razher not die period..." He muttered to himself, crossing his arms petulantly.

~+~

"What in the Pit is happening?!" Since Ultra Magnus decided to let his surprise answer for itself, Optimus was trying to get a handle on the situation. But when Metroplex shook from several explosions, he was finding himself at a loss. Other, more distant explosions could be heard and reports were flying in that Fortress Maximus and several ships including the Steelhaven had been hit. He knew they were merely distractions, but he still wasn't certain for what. He was still trying to work out the why.

"Optimus, what is going on?" Alpha Trion hurried over to him with several other council members.

"Sir, it seems Ultra Magnus has launched some kind of attack here in Iacon and we've lost contact with the staff at Trypticon. We just found evidence that he used the shards from himself to resurrect other Autobots as well."

The old mech's face plates crinkled in thought. "...What has been struck here?"

"Seems like it was the...transwarp engine rooms. That's where folks are narrowin' down the origination of the explosions." Jazz supplied.

"The-" Alpha Trion stiffened as it struck him. "He's stealing Trypticon and preventing us from pursuit."

"But WHY?? That's what I can't wrap my helm around!" Optimus's servos flew up to grab his helm. What in the name of Cybertron was the Magnus doing? As Alpha Trion tried to reroute any and all warships to Tyrpticon for a full blown assault, the Prime tried to get his focus back. "And how long will it take for him to actually do that?"

"The quantum engines will need but twenty cycles to jump the entirety of the prison wherever it is he plans to go. Much less if he plans to take only part of it. And if he is freeing the Decepticons, it will most likely be to a place like New Kaon or Charr."

Jazz shook his head. "Not gonna get much there in time to take the prison down, sir. Not unless we kick on the Nexus and if Magnus rigged the fortresses and ships-"

"Then we will use only one tower while the trackers seek out the other explosives..."

~+~

Ultra Magnus watched the quantum engines power, waiting for when it looked like the core of the prison would be good to go. No doubt Alpha Trion was expecting him to take the whole kit and kaboodle, but all he needed was the heart of the beast. That was where all the essentials were. He idly peeled away his Autobot badge as he continued to observe the engines's progress.  There was little point to wearing it now...

He wasn't much of an Autobot. Not anymore.

"Report." He ordered.

Flanking him, his Terrorcons bowed in compliance. Prowl answered him. "All of the guards, civilians and workers that ran or fought have been slain. Along with the warden, we have detained three guards, two civilians, and five workers. The only surviving medic, Pharma, has locked himself in one of the quarantine units. We cannot get him out without specific codes, and he cannot get himself out."

"We'll remove him shortly then." The codes were not an issue, as Magnus he had access to everything, and the medical bay was a part of the core he intended to take. It was fortunate they had Pharma of all medics. He could easily be scared into doing as he was told. Ratchet wasn't around to embolden him. "Dispose of Scalpel. I don't need that little crab scuttling off where I cannot find him and I especially don't need that being the case and he puts Megatron back together before I am ready to deal with him."

"Of course, master." The cyber ninja disappeared to deal with the Decepticon in question.

The main screen of the central command hub pinged. He smiled eerily. "Someone is trying to make a house call. Delightful." He leaned back languidly in his chair, enabling the screen. As expected, Alpha Trion's ancient visage greeted him. He couldn't see Optimus, he was most likely out on the field, trying to handle the chaos, save the injured and assess the damage. "Oh...Where is the SIC? Attending to Ratchet, I suppose...I did leave a nasty little something on Omega Supreme in particular. Can't have that beast come after us, after all..."

"Ultra Magnus. I do not know why you are out to free the Decepticons, but I-"

"Hm? Oh, no. That has nothing to do with this at all actually. Before I'm done, they'll be offline, I assure you." Ultra Magnus waved his hand dismissively. "Particularly Blitzwing, I've no doubt. When I tell the others about his little plans, I'll let them rip him apart."

The way the old mech's face plate crinkled, indicating that he had been thrown off and confused, was quite nice. He always enjoyed that look on his face. But the old mech pressed forward, speaking to him as if he were addressing a wayward son, a troubled youth. His tone was almost pleading and weary, as if his answer would fill him with understanding. But they both knew it would only be more questions, more confusion. "Then why, Magnus...Why are you doing this?"

"In the end, Alpha, death claims us all. But this? This was not how it was supposed to be. Not for me. I was but a step from the Well of Allsparks, and now...It's forever denied me." Magnus lifted his hand, staring at it. The proto-flesh of his form was slowly deteriorating, becoming emaciated. What had once been thick, strong digits, were becoming thinning claws. He had no idea if he had a time limit on what his body could endure of the Dark Energon, but he wasn't inclined to find out. He pushed up from his seat, discreetly glancing at the console screen. The time was now. "I am going to have this remedied. I will not suffer for eternity for the selfish and foolish actions of a swine in search of his glory. And if I have to take everyone and everything down with me to save myself from oblivion, I will. I’ll gladly take my stay in the Pit for it all if I have to. If you want someone to blame, feel free to blame Sentinel...although I promise that while I do my work, I will ensure he is properly punished. Good bye, Alpha Trion."

Punctuating his grim words, Ultra Magnus reached down and threw the switch, teleporting Trypticon's main body away to Earth.

[angelstrenchcoat-67]

Game Day - A Matchmaker's Story

Pairing: Alex x Reader

Warnings: Fluff for days

Summary: Going to the Whitecaps game to support Alex.

Author's note: This is a headcanon for my Matchmakers series but you don't have to read it to understand it (tho I highly recommended it because it's awesome). There are a few references but nothing to big.

Beta'd by @winchestersandco

"Looking good, girl" Kathryn smiles brightly at me as I take the seat between her and Katherine. Gen, Dee, and Vic couldn't be here today since they are back home with their families so the girls came to keep me company.

"Not hiding it anymore, I see" Katherine smirks as she stares at the back of my shirt where CALVERT reads in big blue letters.

"It's not like we've been secretive about it" I mutter, looking for Alex at the bench. He’s running his hand through his hair as the starting players move to the center of the field. "Besides, most of the fans have already figured it out"

"How did it happen? You haven't given us the details to your love story" Kathryn asks me as a loud whistle indicates the beginning of the game.

"I kinda knew that I liked him, I was just in denial about it and he says he knew he liked me and that he had always wanted to ask me out but never got the courage" I bite the side of my lip to hide my grin. "But when we went to the beach with the guys, they made it their mission to get us together so we ended up spending most of the time together, so it was impossible to pretend like nothing was going on between us"

"And who made the first move?" Katherine turns around to focus on me, more interested in the conversation than in the game.

"Mmm, Alex tried to kiss me first but I ran away but later I kissed him so, I don't know" I chuckle at the surprised look on both of them. "I did walk in on him when he was showering so maybe that was me making the first move.

"You saw him naked?"

"You ran away?"

They both ask at the same time, the noise of the crowd stopping the people nearby from hearing them. "I panicked when I saw him leaning in and no, I didn't see him naked. He was already walking out with a towel wrapped around him"

"Boring" Kathryn pouts before turning her eyes back to the game. "I bet he looks good naked, no offense”

"Non taken, I know what you mean" I blush, remembering all the times I've spent staring at Alex when he is shirtless or in a towel after he has taken a shower.

After a while, the game comes to its first break so I decide to get something to eat. Alex hasn't played yet but I think he is going on in the next part of the game. As I wait in line, I check for my phone only to find several tweets about how I came to the game to support Alex. There are a few hate comments but nothing too serious. I get them, I've been the fangirl with a celebrity crush before.

I get back to my seat just as the game starts again and I see Alex being called out as the camera points to him as he gets ready to enter the field. "Oh my god, he’s going in”

"What if he scores a goal and dedicates it to you?" Katherine giggles as she watches me looking at Alex.

"He’s playing defense so I don't think that's gonna happen" I smile as Alex runs for the ball, being completely focused on the game.

As Alex moves in to stop a player from scoring, the other guy hits him and he falls to the ground. A few players run to him so I cannot see what's going on.

"Is he okay?" I stand up to get a better look but I can only see his face and I can tell he is in pain.

"Yeah, I think the other guy kicked him" Kathryn stands up to watch too.

"I am going to kill him" I turn around, ready to walk down there but Katherine stops me.

"It was probably an accident. And look he’s already back on his feet" She points at Alex as he stands up, wincing a little bit as he takes his first steps. "He’s going to be fine"

"I hope so because if that guy hurt Alex, he is going to be a Hellhounds meal" I huff, flopping back into the seat.

"People are staring, Y/N" Kathryn smiles awkwardly at a girl who is frowning at us. "No more supernatural references, okay?"

The game went over pretty smoothly, Alex played really well even though it was his first time playing on such a big field. We are currently waiting for him to come join us, I even got him a beer so that he can cool off.

"Hey baby" I grin widely as I watch him walking over to us. He bends over to kiss me, a smile present on his lips. "You were amazing"

"Thanks" His eyes are soft as he watches me before giving me another kiss, deeper this time.

"Mhm" Katherine coughs, smirking when I turn to glare at her. "Get a room, Calverts"

"We are not married, you know right?" I roll my eyes as I wrap my arms around Alex.

"Yet" He winks at the girls and before I can reply, he gives me a quick peck. "So, let's get going"

"Wait, I want a picture" I give my phone to Katherine and then I turn around so I have my arms around Alex and his last name is visible in the back of my shirt. He wraps one arm around me, holding his beer in the other hand as he smiles to the camera.

"I love it" Kathryn giggles as she leans over Kat’s shoulder to look at the picture. "You guys are so cute I swear"

"I know, right?" Alex runs his hand through my hair as he looks me in the eyes. "I am one lucky guy"

"Stop it" I blush as he grabs my hand to guide through the stadium.

"Do you really want me to stop complimenting you and admiring you?" He pulls me to his side so he can wrap his arm around my shoulder as we walk, the girls following close behind.

"Okay maybe not" I turn around to look at the girls which makes them hide their phones since they were taking pictures of us. "Thank you so much for keeping me company today"

"We loved coming here" Kathryn beams at me as we say our goodbyes. "We need to see each other more often"

"Yeah, let's meet up for coffee before shooting starts again" Katherine suggests so we all nod along.

After a lot of hugs, the girls go their way, leaving Alex and I on our own. We walk hand in hand, bumping into other actors as we make our way to the car.

"Did I mention how much I love that shirt on you?" Alex pushes me slightly against the side of the car, placing on hand on the hood and the other one around my middle. "That's all I've been thinking about"

"I am glad you liked it" I whisper as he leans in to kiss me but then pulls back slightly when I reach for his lips. "Don't tease me, Alexander"

"We are in public, buttercup" He rests his lips against my forehead, holding me in place. "Whenever I kiss you, I lose track of what's happening"

"I don't mind it" I hug him against me, not caring about the fact that minutes ago he was sweating like crazy. "I actually love it"

"I know you do" He gives me a wink as he pulls back, creating a distance between us. "But I don't think the other people do, besides we don't want to end up on E! news because I couldn't keep my hands to myself"

"You take the fun out of everything" I pout as he opens the door of the passenger seat for me.

"Trust me, I'll show you fun as soon as we get home" He gives me a quick kiss, not even letting me react to it.

-

"Can you put your phone away so you can pay attention to me?" Alex pushes my phone away from my face as his head is resting on my lap.

"I am writing the caption of our photo, just give me a second" I quickly type the words before uploading the picture to my instagram. "I tagged you so you have to like it"I give him my phone so that he can look at the picture.

"Y/i/n: He might have played defense but he is a keeper. Love you, my angel 💙"

"God, you are so cheesy" He bites his lips as a smile creeps over his face. "C'mere"

I lean in to meet his lips halfway, placing my hand over his chest. He bites my lower lip, I open up my mouth so he can deepen the kiss. He sweeps the tip of his tongue over my lower lip just as I slip my hand under his shirt, feeling his muscles tense under my finger tips. He groans under my touch, running his hands through my hair to pull me closer. The position is getting a little uncomfortable so he moves to sit next to me but instead of just turning my head, I decide to straddle his hips. He brings his hands down to hold my hips as his lips move from mine to my cheek then to my jaw and finally to my neck. He knows my neck is the way to make me melt in his arms so as soon as his lips are on my skin, a deep groan escapes my mouth.

"God, you are killing me" He breathes out heavily, digging his fingers into my skin. I grab the hem of his shirt, he takes the hint and brings his arms up so I can remove it.

"Have I mentioned how much I love your abs?" I ask him as I run my hands through all the lines marked in his abdomen.

"They are all yours, babe" I can feel his breath getting harder as he reacts to my touch. Before I know it, I’m placing kisses over his shoulder then down to his chest.

"Do you want me to take the jersey off?" I ask him as I move my lips back to his face, biting him slightly under his jaw.

"Tempting, really tempting" He groans as his fingers move under my shirt. "But there's something about you in just that shirt and underwear"

"Why?" I pull back to rest my arms around his shoulder as his fingers draw lines in my back.

"I don't know, I just-" He breathes out before looking me in the eyes, a little more serious now. "I love seeing you with my last name on your back, it reminds me that I finally have you"

A silence falls between us, and I don't dare to move, I just look into his light blue eyes. I feel a lump in my throat as he reaches his hand to tuck my hair behind my ear. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that, I probably scared you, I-"

"Shut up" I place my hand over his mouth. "You are ruining the moment"

"Okay" He mutters when I remove my hand to place it over his cheek.

"You didn't scare me, Alex. It shows me you love me as much as I love you" I hide my head in the crook of his neck, hugging my arms around his middle. "I am keeping this shirt forever"

Half an hour later, Alex is snoozing next to me, completely exhausted by the game. I quickly snap a pic before looking at the comments on the picture I posted earlier.

"@danneelackles512: You two are killing me, I swear😍"

"@nowandgen: in love with your love❤️"

"@jaredpadalecki: You guys are adorable, I want to throw up"

"@jensenackles: I see Alex found someone just as ridiculously cheesy as him"

"@mishacollins: I am still waiting for you to properly ask for his hand"

"@kathrynnewton: Favs💕"

"@katramdeen: Adopt me please"

I laugh at all the comments, liking them before noticing one that immediately makes my heart feel like it's going to explode.

"@alex8calvert: I could watch you forever and it would still feel like the first time. I love you"

————————————————————————

Matchmakers is my baby and I don’t want to let it go so when I saw the picture Jenna posted on her instagram story, I knew I had to write something. Hope you like it:)

Also, I wrote 'Claire' insteand of Kathryn and when I was fixing it I realized that I had Kathryn and Katherine so I hope that is not too confusing. For those of you who don't know, Kathryn is the actress that plays Claire and Katherine is the one that plays Alex :)

General Tag List:

@fallenangelsneverfade @waywardwboys @thesoundofme @i-hear-crazy-calling-my-name @randomstuff-idontwannatalkboutit @josephineasting @mypassionsarenysins @bitchfacesammy @franchisefan14

Matchmakers Tag List:

@mahalaraewolfe @typicalweirdbookworm @xostephanie @sam-winchester168 @theoraeken9 @dustycelt @winter-moons @sillydecoy @in-my-heart-and-on-my-sleeves @mannls @spnjerks67 @madxhttr22 @ahopelessshipper @hortonhearsahoeblr @spnimpalaimagines @literally-just-for-fanfics @allison-rosewood-maximoff @beepbeepanna @l4life @caswinchester2000 @spn-obession @expectosel @morgannope @dpaccione @oliolioxiclean @mallorydoesstuff @meghanamrhein @s11041104 @tearsforhan @chevycastiel1967 @babydollbunny99 @maariaa-xoxo @ivyohmy @multifandomizer @fandom-menace @love-faith-and-alittle-blood @thecuriositydoorlocked @creamxpuffxchan

[awintersrose]

The Sweetest Perfection

Pairing: Jiraiya/Orochimaru/Tsunade

Rating: Mature

Warnings: None. Just mild smut and fluffy goodness

Oneshot drabble inspired by @nikkxb regarding the “on a mission and there is only one bed” trope as applied to the Sannin. Enjoy!

Yes, the title refers to the song by Depeche Mode.

Yugakure seems to be a far more exciting locale than any other place that Team Hiruzen has been sent on a mission thus far. They have been assigned a relatively simple stakeout and assassination operation, and their target is set to arrive tomorrow, but the inn that they arranged to stay at for the night at has been overbooked, and they find themselves without lodgings. There is some kind of seasonal festival going on throughout Hot Water Country, and scores of travelers have flocked to the unexpectedly tourist-friendly hidden village, so vacancies are especially scarce.

After an evening spent going from hotel to hotel searching for a place to stay, instead of enjoying the nightlife, Tsunade manages to find them a room. But their relief quickly becomes immense dismay as they open the door to discover that the tiny room only has one bed. A luxuriously soft bed, with fine linens and fluffy pillows. The sight of it alone is incredibly inviting, as all three are exhausted after having completed two back to back missions, followed by several more days of rough travel. None of them are particularly interested in giving up the first bed they have encountered in that time.

“You know, you guys could always just be gentlemen and let a lady have first dibs…” Tsunade suggests, and Jiraiya groans. Orochimaru merely sighs and blinks disinterestedly at the both of them, content to let his teammates haggle it out before he adds anything to the argument. A surprising number of conflicts have been settled by just letting them bicker it out.

“Sorry, Princess, but no. The floor is hard, there are no extra bedlinens, and I would kinda like a shot at a good night’s sleep before our target arrives tomorrow.” Jiraiya argues grumpily.

His emotional state is rarely swayed from anything other than constant cheer, and Tsunade, suddenly feels quite selfish, knowing that the men are just as tired of sleeping on the ground as she is, and they too deserve a bed for the night. To their surprise, she quickly relents.

“Fine. It’s a big bed, and it’s just one night. I’m sure we’ll all fit.”

At first, none of them can easily relax. The initial dilemma of who should sleep next to whom is easily dealt with by virtue of the fact that Tsunade does not entirely trust Jiraiya to keep his hands to himself. Orochimaru prefers not to have covers ripped away from him in the middle of the night, so he separates the two of them, opting for the spot in the middle. So long as he’s warm, he rarely moves in his sleep - his teammates have seen this and consider it an oddity, but useful in this circumstance, they suppose.

What Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru don’t talk about is the fact that they have been dancing around the inevitability of touching each other for the better part of the last two weeks, trying to pretend a certain incident had not happened. A certain incident involving a night of drinking, which led to an impromptu game of drunken truth or dare, which led to a certain three-way makeout session that could have progressed to much more had one of Jiraiya’s one-night stands not paid an unexpected visit to his apartment. All three blamed the alcohol for their actions that night, even claiming to not remember much of what occurred, but tension has been shimmering along the surface of their interactions for the last couple of years. There is a thread of attraction weaving a more complicated pattern of feelings between the three of them, and the alcohol just gave them the push they needed to act.

The bed is indeed large, but there is not quite enough space for the three teammates to lie side by side without some form of bodily contact. Jiraiya is ridiculously tall and broad, and no matter how they adjust the way they all lie there, someone’s arms or legs are brushing in some way. Exhaustion wins out eventually and it no longer matters. Fresh from baths, with satisfied bellies after a hot meal, they doze off within minutes of one another. Or so it seems.

Jiraiya’s arm falls across Orochimaru’s waist as he nods off. The snake user is discomfited by the contact at first, but the fact of the matter is that it actually feels quite nice, and Jiraiya is incredibly warm, radiating heat and the soft scent of woods and earth. Orochimaru almost feels more cozy than when he is tucked in his favorite spot under the kotatsu at home, so he deems it acceptable, and tries to ignore the slight trickle of excitement creeping down his spine when Jiraiya shifts, cuddling more closely against his side.

Tsunade lies still for the most part, though at a certain point she turns to snuggle into her pillow, but ends up resting her head against Orochimaru’s shoulder instead. Her hair is loose, falling in shimmering strands around her face, and she smells sweet, like spun sugar and vanilla. He has never been one for liking anything sweet, but on her it’s enticing, and he is suddenly very uncomfortable. He is painfully aware of the both of them, and sleep does not come easy.

By the time the light of dawn is filtering in through the glass balcony doors, Tsunade is only hazily aware of two things; the languorous warmth of an entirely too pleasant dream in which a lover wakes her with a kiss, and how comfy she feels snuggled up against him, with her face tucked in against his throat, wrapped securely in his arms. The skin against her cheek is warm and petal soft, scented with something familiar and soothing, like lavender and spice. Tsunade brushes her lips across the fluttering pulse point, and he stirs. Fully conscious, she immediately realizes that this dream lover is a real man, her teammate in fact, and that she is dangerously close to waking him up in a precariously sensual position.

Orochimaru is already awake, but adept at pretending otherwise. With Jiraiya curled against his back and Tsunade in his arms, he does not want to admit to himself how wonderful it actually feels to be embraced by the both of them. When she practically kisses his neck, it sends heat throughout his face and his belly, and he struggles to force his breath to remain deep and even, regulating his pulse, and desperately hoping she won’t notice. Thankfully, Tsunade seems to be oblivious and taking liberties; her fingers card through a wayward lock of Jiraiya’s shaggy white hair that has somehow fallen over his shoulder, before doing the same with his, sending spidery little shocks of sensation along his scalp. Precisely the reason he has always hated (secretly loved) having his hair touched by others.

Then Orochimaru feels the heat of Jiraiya’s mouth pressing against the juncture of his neck and shoulder, while large hands skim his waist reflexively, and he gasps openly as Jiraiya sleepily murmurs an unintelligible but certainly saucy endearment. Tsunade freezes against Orochimaru’s neck, and he opens his eyes to see her trying and failing to feign slumber once more except it’s too late, and she knows she is caught. She draws back just enough for her honey colored eyes to meet his incredulous golden stare.

“Ah, um…good morning,” Tsunade says softly, her eyes fixed on the adorable blush that has stained his cheekbones a vivid scarlet. She can feel his heartbeat racing, and he wets his lower lip, drawing her gaze there instantly. She has a faint recollection of just how soft his lips actually are, how they feel pressed against hers, while another, rougher, pair travels down her neck…

“Good morning,” he responds, as if testing the words, or saying them for the first time.

“Mmm, good morning!” Jiraiya cuts in happily, “Kami, this is damn cozy. Who knew you would be so cuddly, Oro?”

Orochimaru goes very still, and for a moment none of them move, talk, or breathe. It is utterly quiet, and Tsunade can feel her own heartbeat thumping in her ears.

“Are we really going to act like we aren’t all enjoying this?” Tsunade blurts out. “We can’t keep pretending it didn’t happen.”

“Pretending what didn’t happen?” Jiraiya asks blithely.

“Stop that. You know exactly what I am talking about. Or did your booty call that night manage to make you forget?” Tsunade sits up in a huff, and the men shift away from each other, following suit.

“No, she left after you did.”

“Ha, so you do remember! Why lie about it? I mean, seriously guys, was it really so bad?” Tsunade is turning several shades of red at this point, and chewing at her bottom lip nervously. Orochimaru’s eyes dart between each of his teammates, and he grits his teeth, reluctant to answer.

“Not at all. In fact, it was amazing. I would have gladly had my wicked way with you both had we not been interrupted.” Jiraiya’s low voice ends on a seductive purr, and he smiles, but this smile is anything but innocent. It is sultry and a tad bit dangerous, the smile of a man who knows exactly what he wants, and that he is about to ensure that he gets it.

“Now what makes you so certain that that would be the way of it?” Orochimaru finally snaps.

“Because, beneath your prickly facade, dear Oro, is a grumpy, attention-starved pussycat who just needs to be stroked the right way. You know I could have you purring in no time.” Jiraiya leers close to Orochimaru, who visibly gulps, taking a halting breath.

Jiraiya’s dark eyes shift to Tsunade, and he reaches out a hand to smooth loose strands of her hair back away from her face.

“There is nothing better than the way the two of you feel in my arms and beside me. Why wouldn’t I want to take the ultimate plunge - heh - and see where it leads us? You are both just so damn stubborn, I didn’t want to be the one to push if you did actually regret it.”

“I…didn’t-don’t regret it. I just don’t want our team dynamic to change,” Tsunade says meekly.

“Nor do I. It seems too much like playing with fire,” Orochimaru whispers, staring at his hands.

“Well, truth is, out of this whole world, you’re both my most important people. I can’t believe I am actually saying this, but I’d rather just stay your teammate, beside you, protecting you, watching your backs, than have something like sex cause a rift between us. We–”

His words are cut off quickly as Tsunade hastily leans forward across Orochimaru’s lap, and crashes her lips against Jiraiya’s. His lips are dry and hot against hers, and it is a graceless, fumbling sort of kiss, but by the time they break apart, they are both flushed and panting hard. They draw back to see their other teammate staring at them, visibly shaken, and practically vibrating with want, but as usual he is too obstinate to admit it.

“I want this. I want us. And I really don’t think we should deny what feels natural. What do you think, Oro?” she asks, meeting his wide, golden eyes. “I mean, I have thought about this for a while now, and that night… everything felt so right. Seems wrong to let that be the end of it. Could we maybe just see where it leads?”

“Only if you’re both sure it’s what you really want,” he says quietly, looking at them both in turn, quickly realizing that Jiraiya and Tsunade are each grinning from ear to ear. His heart gives a violent little flip within his chest, and he feels his lips quirk into an answering smile in spite of his attempts to remain neutral.

Tsunade immediately laces her fingers through his silky black hair, intentionally tickling against his scalp, and as he gasps, she seals her mouth to his, kissing him hungrily. When the tip of her tongue presses past his lips, it is as though a dam breaks within him, and Orochimaru is flooded with the same relentless craving that was set free before that last time they were together like this, albeit with the help of a great deal of alcohol. His arms close tightly around her soft, yielding form, but it isn’t enough. He wants Jiraiya too, and grabs at the other man’s shirt, pulling him closer, and kissing him hard. Before long, all three are trading feverish kisses, and touching as much of each other as they dare.

They are above all things, a team, and they have always worked together as a perfect unit; the exhilarating task of loving one another is no different. In quick succession, each one of them is subject to the unrestrained affections and curiosities of the other two. Laughter and delighted sighs fill the air between them as hands wander in eager discovery, and pajamas are tugged away, traded for the joy of actually embracing skin to skin. Fingers, lips and tongues map the secret places of each others’ bodies, until pleasure zings through each of them, building until every action between them becomes more and more desperate.

None of the trio are virgins, but there is something about this encounter that feels like they are experiencing everything for the first time, as though their other partners were but a pale imitation of what lovers could truly be. Every sensation is sharply vivid and intense, and when their bodies are truly joined in a rush of slick, tight heat and hardened flesh, they rapidly find themselves careening toward the apex of pleasure and falling headlong over the edge, one after another.

The three teammates return to themselves in an exhausted pile of entwined limbs, sweat-drenched skin, and tangled hair. Gentler kisses are exchanged as they disengage from one another and rest more comfortably, with the covers drawn up over their naked flesh once more. Tsunade feels completely and utterly relaxed, tucked snugly between both men, her men now. It is warm and comfortable in this space, with Jiraiya spooned up against her back, and her head resting against Orochimaru’s chest, listening to him breathe. Sleep comes easily, and they all rest peacefully for another hour, until the alarm clock that they had set the night before goes off with a shrill ring.

Their mission is a swiftly accomplished success, and in many ways they seem more unified, as though they are more in sync with one another than they have ever been. Perhaps it’s because the awkwardness surrounding their mutual attraction to one another is now gone and they are all more focused on their responsibilities than they were before. Whatever the case may be, the success of their mission has dashed away their lingering doubts, and all three are in favor of exploring a future together as more than just friends or teammates.

The journey back home to Konoha is almost too easy, and since even at their worst they travel far faster than other teams, the few mischievous detours they take into the woods together do little to prevent them from arriving on time. At home, they make no attempt to hide their newfound relationship from anyone, as they remain an effective team. When they move in together a month later, no one is surprised.

In the end, everything may be different between them, but nothing has actually changed. The love that they each already bore for one another is just freely and openly expressed, and it brings a sense of joy and purpose to their lives that wasn’t there before.

It also gives Jiraiya plenty of inspiration for his novels.

[hinge]

Hinge presents an anthology of love stories almost never told. Read more on https://no-ordinary-love.co