#tried to go for both; probably achieved neither

[maple-leaf-feet]

[shoyododo]

thinking bout you.

+ s. hinata x singer!reader, pining, hinata pov, exes to lovers(?)...

+++

it's been over a year since you and hinata shoyo broke up. it was a mutual agreement, neither of you wanted to let go of each other but realistically, it had been the only option.

he was set to fly to Brazil to train and become a pro volleyball player and you wanted to stay in Japan to continue to pursue your passion in music and songwriting. both of you had far bigger dreams ahead of you and refused to hold each other back, despite how painful it was. it wasn't a bad breakup per se, but it had just hurt too much for you two to remain friends.

after your split, you two hadn't had been in contact since, becoming nothing more than strangers with a past. it was for the better, but that doesn't mean he stopped thinking about you, not at all. it was hard to do so when yachi and yamaguchi give him regular updates about you against his will. they were probably doing the same thing to you, he realized. maybe they assumed the two of you ended on good terms. he didn't blame them for it, after all he generally tries to avoid talking about you at all costs.

it's not like their updates were neccessary, anyway. you're on the cover of articles, magazines, late night shows, you're unavoidable. seeing headlines of your music on the top charts and sold out concerts, he wasn't bitter that you were doing more than well. it was the opposite, actually.

of course he caught up on all the news about you, even listening to every single and album release. occasionally stalking your socials, though he wouldn't find much. you were a fairly private person despite your fame, much to his dismay. but no matter the situation, he couldn't be more proud of you and what you achieved, even if he wasn't there with you.

from time to time, he silently hoped you felt the same. he hoped you knew about his years of practice and making a name for himself, getting recruited as a pro player, playing for the national team, just like he told you he would when you were still together. you had given him your unconditional support each time, he'd always loved that about you.

it was hard to forget about you, you were his first love after all, just as he was yours. and secretly, he hoped you thought about him just as much as he thought about you. he hoped you felt the burning ache in your chest and missed him as much as he missed you whenever you heard his name. he's always loved your voice and your music, there wasn't ever a doubt in his mind you were going to make it big. though, he thought that you'd be so out of reach.

so as usual, he listened to your most recent album as soon as it released. sometimes, he felt like you were writing to him, singing the lyrics directly into his ear, but that's always just been his wishful thinking.

after all this time, he realizes it might be time to let go, for real. he's been moping for a little too long now. you two were over, broken up, finished. you have gone on your own paths and live different lives. it's time he accepted the reality of it and stopped hoping for the impossible chance for you to get back together. he decides this is the last time he listens to you, a final goodbye and he's done for good, completely rid of his wishful thinking.

at least it was supposed to be, until now, when your newest album, "h. s.", popped up his screen.

…

he pauses, takes a deep breath, takes a lap around his apartment, screams out his balcony, double checks his phone, and takes another deep breath before he presses play. he tries to reason against the rapid beating of his heart.

it's just a coincidence, it's not him, it can't be about him. there are a tons of things it could be before him. "h. s." could stand for just about anything; high school, holy spirit, harlem shake. not to mention the fact there are millions of other people with those initials.

...

he stops his train of thought there, because the thought of you dedicating a whole album to someone else is enough to make him sick to his stomach.

those thoughts were put to rest when the lyrics flow through his ears. this was different to anything else he's heard from you before, and he's listened to all of it so of course he would know. he's never heard you be so desperate and… yearning.

he has no idea what to do. the more time that passes, the more it feels like you're talking about him, talking to him, telling him. he wants to chalk it all up as him being delusional, because there's no way you wrote this song, this whole album about him, is there?

his mind flashes back to when the two of you dated, when he'd notice a faraway look in your eyes when you zone out and gaze at him. each time he asked you what you were thinking about.

"i'm just thinking bout you", you'd reply each time with a soft smile. back then, it never failed to make him warm and flustered. now, it makes him breathless, hearing you sing those same words to him over and over.

it's almost taunting him, the way he wants so bad to show up at your door to see you and hear those words crystal clear just once more.

so he does just that.

he doesn't hesitate to beg yachi for your new address and she was more than happy to inform him that you live less than 30 minutes away. he sets aside the fact that he knows for sure she's going to call up yamaguchi and tsukishima right after.

he runs the 20 minute walk and makes it there in half the time, your songs playing in the background the whole way there. the album is full of breakup songs and love songs, but there's parts that stick with him.

"baby, i don't want no one, no one else. so hurry, 'cause i need some, need some help. and i've been waiting patient, patiently. 'cause i don't have you here with, here with me"

there was no way he'd wait a second longer after hearing that. not that he has to wait long, because you're opening the front door before he even knocks.

he takes in the sight of you in casual clothes, opening the door even wider with a soft look on your face. you don't look shocked at all, as if you expected this, as if you'd knew he would come running straight to your door at 10 P.M.

even after all of that, the thing that makes the words caught in his throat is the way you're looking at him with an expression he knows all too well. an expression he knows he makes whenever he's thinking about you.

the two of you stand face to face at your doorway, not saying a word, just staring at the other. you're the first one to break the heavy silence.

"hi"

"h-hi"

he curses himself in his head for not preparing what he was going to say before he made it here. leave it to him to leap into action without a plan. how exactly did he think this was going to play out? what on earth did he think he was do-

"so…

did you like the album?".

i love shoyo & ariana grande and this was the result #notbetaread

thinking about making this a series...

i'm downbad for timeskip hinata.

[fatliberation]

Sorry for leaving this in your inbox, but I need to vent and ask for advice in a place where people won't mock me. What do you do when sex is super difficult because of your fat? I've recently gotten into my first relationship and. I thought I had a handle on my internalized fatphobia and self hate but this has made it worse than ever. We can't have satisfying penetrative sex (we've tried all the tips and workarounds. Nothing works. I'm larger than most of the FA community.), and recieving oral sex is also difficult for me. I also get tired and sweaty extremely quickly if I have to like hold up myself on mostly my arms or something, so he has to do most of the work. So sex is just. Mostly the one that works on repeat, and we don't have it very often because it isn't that fun for either of us, and it also makes me cry afterwards sometimes because of how disappointing it is & me beating myself up over it.

I'm genuinely worried my boyfriend is going to leave me for this. He's clearly very frustrated with the situation, even though he tries to be nice about it most of the time. Earlier today I tried to like be flirty and hint at stuff and he just. got a bit sad. and then said that clearly neither of us enjoy the sex we're having and that he has a lot of trouble staying hard.and that he doesn't see the point when we're both forcing it for no reason. I think he's going to break up with me soon. His ex is way lighter than me, so he's probably comparing the normal sex he had with her with whatever the fuck this abnormal shitshow is :/

All the work I've done on myself to be happy with being fat (including working up the courage to date, what a mistake that was lmao) is all gone. This has ruined my self-esteem so much. I feel like one of those fatphobic jokes but a person.

first and foremost, please try your best to remember this: your body is not the problem. one more time. your body is not the problem. I'm so very sorry you're concerned that your boyfriend would leave you over this. it sounds like he has a lot of preconceived ideas about how sex is supposed to go. I promise you that it doesn't have to be this way. if this is something that could really end the relationship, know that this person is not compatible or open to exploring your needs, rather than your needs being "too difficult." I promise it's him, not you. I know folks who are 600+ pounds who have excellent sex lives and partners who satisfy them and enjoy satisfying them. when someone starts treating your pleasure like a chore, that's just shitty. I know how much it hurts. it also does damage to your own openness to pleasure. when you're caught up in feeling like sex/your body is something that needs to be "fixed," nothing is going to feel sexy, because all that pressure puts stress on and takes you out of the mental state where you're able to experience pleasure. does that make sense? so many couples get stuck in this cycle.

there are so many ways to engage in pleasure without penetration or orgasm. there's a lot that goes into foreplay, setting a mood, making your partner feel appreciated and attractive. words and touch play a huge part in this. something as simple as exploring each other's bodies, not with the intention of reaching climax, but simply to be vulnerable and engage each others' senses. have your partner give you a massage. play with your hair. tickle your back with a feather. shower together. kiss you. compliment you. if either of you are into any kinks or dirty talk, that could be a great way to engage each other sexually without the pressure of "achieving" a goal. the goal here is just to feel good, close, and connected. societal messaging about sex has placed so much importance on orgasm instead of pleasure - when taking the time and space to relax and receive attention, is key.

feel free to check out my other posts on fat sex ed, there's lots of assistive toys that can make pleasure more accessible, but I think that should be a tool for later, since the biggest issue here is the pressure to perform. know that pleasurable sex can exist for you! but for now, I would recommend taking a break from sex altogether since it is not pleasurable for you right now. because pleasure is the whole point. forcing it is only going to feel worse. you do not owe it to your boyfriend, especially if it doesn't feel good and is taking an emotional toll. I hope you both are able to take a step back, reassess and communicate, and are able to reconnect and create a safe space to explore.

I understand why you're beating yourself up over this, I've been there too. but also know that it's just another societal standard that's been internalized (and it doesn't sound like your boyfriend is helping). like you said, you've done a lot to unlearn fatphobia. there's a lot of internalized beliefs we absorb from society surrounding sex, just like body image. I promise that there is nothing wrong with you. If your boyfriend takes his frustration out on you instead of making you feel safe to express your needs, then he's not a supportive partner. you deserve someone who takes delight in your pleasure and your body. believe me, we're out there.

[the-teufort-nine]

engineer x pyro x m!reader relationship headcanons?

pretty please and thank you!!

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ Texas Toast x M!Reader Headcanons ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

♡- Pyro and Engineer were already together before you came along, having started dating in secret not too long after they started working together. (Not because they think their team would judge them, but because both of them know how strict the Administrator is about any kind of relationship.) Neither of them realized that they were poly until they saw you in the showers one day. After that, they were pretty much done for, and every new victory you helped them achieve or enemy you saved them from made them fall further and further in love with you.

♡- Pyro made the first move, surprisingly enough. Engie wanted to, but you kept making him feel too flustered to get his words out. Thankfully for all of you, Pyro is much more confident when it comes to voicing their feelings to a potential partner, even if people have a hard time understanding them sometimes.

♡- They asked you out by burning an enemy Spy that was about to backstab you to a crisp and then handing you a sweet love note asking if you'd like to have dinner with them and Engineer. The two of them actually put a lot of effort into it; buying rose petals, candles, fancy wine to go with your favourite dinner. (They may or may not have paid off Spy/Miss Pauling to find out your favourite dish.)

♡- Perfect gentlemen until the alcohol kicks in. Engineer ends up a little buzzed by the time dinner is over, while Pyro absolutely cannot hold their booze. The fire bug totally ends up snuggling up to you, while Engie pulls out his guitar. If dinner hadn't made you fall in love, getting serenaded beneath a star-filled sky definitely did the trick.

♡- You get many kisses before the sun comes up, and you definitely end up sporting a couple of love bites and maybe just a liittllleee bit of stubble kiss rash.

♡- Once you're official, expect plenty of quiet complements during battle and getting shown off to. Being in a relationship for as long as they have, Engie and Pyro have memorized all of the camera blind spots, and they will team up to pull you into them for quick kisses during battle. Early on in your relationship, Pyro isn't quite comfortable with you seeing their face, so expect to occasionally get blinded by a hard hat being placed on your head and tipped down over your eyes so that your arsonist partner can give you a smooch.

♡- Absolute gods when it comes to appreciating your body. Got muscles? Show off your strength, darling! Got a bit- or a lot- of a tummy? That's just more of you to love! Stretch marks? Engie's gonna be tracing them while y'all are cuddling. Freckles or beauty marks? Pyro has a marker out and they're making new constellations on your skin. Scars? Hell, who doesn't have scars in their line of work? Point is, they'll find things to love about you, no matter what you look like.

♡- When you three go out on the town, they definitely get jealous jealous if someone tries flirting with you. They know you're handsome, but that doesn't give people a free pass to flirt with their boyfriend! You should probably let this stranger down easy before they end up with a lasso around their throat or set on fire.

What, did you think these two weren't just as insane as the rest of their teammates? Hell no! If anything, Pyro and Engineer are even worse than some of them!

♡- You smell like bonfires, oil, and coffee. Forever. You cannot escape this.

♡- Engie's love language is gift giving, while Pyro's is touch and acts of service. You can expect plenty of little useful gifts and homemade meals when you're dating these two.

♡- Overall, I think these two would be very attentive, if kind of possesive/crazy, partners!

[briefcasesnbadges]

Title: Bad for Your Health

Pairing: Emily Prentiss x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: You and Emily talk at a political fundraising event before you go home together.

CW: Mentions of smoking. Mentions of an affair/cheating.

Your relationship with Emily had always been complicated. Ever since boarding school, you had been at odds with each other. You didn't want things to be that way, it was just how they ended up. The circumstances had changed, as had the ways your animosity showed, but it all there nonetheless. At this point, neither you nor Emily had any idea who was pushing things forward in such a manner anymore.

Emily hadn't gone into politics like you, but she was still somewhat involved. Unit Chief was a pretty big deal, especially with a unit like the BAU. They were high profile, the kind of agents that your parents would have never let you mingle around had they been alive. However, you had already known Emily, and your parents were long gone.

"Cigarettes, really Emily?" you teased. Emily scoffed as you plucked it from her lips and stole a drag. It was reminiscent of the first time that you had kissed each other. Emily would swear up and done that she made the first move, but you distinctly remember her freezing until your lips touched hers.

"Can't be any worse for my health than you are," Emily shot back. This time, it was your turn to scoff. Of all the things in the world, you'd probably be the last thing to do her in. "What are you doing out here? There are donors inside."

"Well, I can't stand them. Frank can charm them, they love him. Especially the ones with young interns." Emily's face fell at the confirmation of the rumors that had been swirling around DC. You and your husband had become a power couple to the people. He was one of the youngest senators elected for his state, and you made waves as a lawyer before becoming an integral part of a presidential cabinet. Now, you were working as an ambassador between several parties and the government.

"How long has it been?" Emily asked you. The question could have been for a hundred different things, but you knew what she wanted to know. Emily's presence always seemed to be most prevalent whenever you and Frank became estranged. He only seemed to want you around election years, not that you cared that much anymore. It stung at first, but you had learned to live two separate lives with ease.

"A year and a half. We keep good appearances, but it's been easier with me in Korea for the past six months. He tried his luck last time, so I've been back in my penthouse since my flight in," you told her. "This whole mess has become so much easier since Xavier and Alex went off to college."

"Why not just get a divorce?" Emily asked you. It had been too long. The world looked to you for all sorts of things, and you had become one of America's darlings as the picture perfect wife. You balanced an astonishing career with a beautiful marriage and family. You were the proof that a woman could truly have it all, and you wouldn't give that up for any bit of real happiness. It meant too much for certain people for you to even consider it.

"Because of the fan mail. Fuck, I'd do another goddamn reality TV show again if I wasn't so worried about it messing with the kids. Alex is finally in a good place again, and shoving a camera in her face would undo it all. We're a perfect family portrait, and somehow, it's inspiring some 38 year old woman in Minnesota to start paving her own way. I don't stay with Frank for my health or because I like him, I stay because it fits the narrative," you told Emily.

She could see that you were seething. Emily passed you the rest of her cigarette, not even complaining as you rapidly inhaled it. There was always something you were chasing after. Emily had hated that about you whenever she was younger, but it was sort of inspiring now. You would have achieved her highs in half the time it took her, but Emily knew that you wouldn't have made it this long. Both of you had your fair share of secrets and vices, but yours had always come with bigger consequences.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Emily asked you.

"Let me grab my coat," you told her. Emily called a car around, and you managed to make it back right as the car pulled up.

"After you."

[ambiguous-avery]

Untamed Soul

Dean Winchester x fem!Reader/You x Sam Winchester | WC: 1270

Summary: You’re down bad for two guys who aren’t even yours. Then again... they’re not technically not yours either...

Tags/Warnings: SMUT 18+ MDNI, female masturbation, no wincest, no use of Y/N, pining, PWP (Plot? What plot?), unsatisfying ending, no beta we die like men

A/N: Third piece to complete the trifecta. But clearly I can’t just leave it here. Sorry not sorry, but my brain has decided that there has to be more. Just know that I am a little gremlin behind the screen, rubbing my grubby little hands together because I'm excited about this. Read about Dean’s Sly Grins and Sam’s Careful Stares

Three Hearts, One Flame Masterlist

The job hadn’t taken nearly as long as you had expected, and for once, the only injury between the three of you was your chipped nail from the damn shovel you had passed Dean so they could dig up the grave. If the case had wrapped up any earlier, then you might’ve thought that you could’ve been enjoying your shower back at the bunker rather than the motel room with the discolored walls. But beggars couldn’t be choosers. And while you weren’t particularly covered in grime, a shower was probably going to be the closest thing you could get to having some time alone.

The problem with having the Winchester brothers as hunting partners was privacy. Specifically the distinct lack of it. 

So when the most recent hunt had wrapped up and the three of you weren’t beat up, bloodied, and skulking back to the motel room to lick your wounds, you had happily leapt at the idea of some much-needed ‘you’ time while the boys went out to the bar.

You sighed contentedly, tipping your head back into the spray and reveling in the warmth. The rhythmic sound of the water hitting the tiled floor was a steady background noise as the tension melted away from you. It was a rare luxury to have a moment of peace. A moment to indulge in your thoughts.

The other problem with having the Winchester brothers as hunting partners was your attraction. To both of them.

And being in such close quarters with them for prolonged periods of time was bound to have done some irreparable damage to the way you looked at any other guy ever in your lifetime. Not that you wanted to look at anyone else.

You had two handsome-as-hell men who were each willing to lay down their lives for you. And you’d do the same for either of them. That sort of commitment was hard to find anymore. Well... maybe that level of commitment was a bit too much. But the point still stood.

But they weren’t yours. Never had been. Maybe could be?

It didn’t help that you had a good idea of what they thought of you. The funny thing about boys was that they always thought they were so subtle. But you were a hunter. A damn good one, at that. And very little escaped your keen eye. You could see it in the sly grins Dean would flash you. In the way you’d catch Sam’s careful stares out of the corner of your eye when he thought you weren’t looking. If you were being completely honest with yourself, you were a little surprised that neither of them had made a move. 

Dean and you flirted plenty, made numerous allusions to actually hooking up but never gone through with it. And the kind of chemistry you shared with Sam was the kind that Hallmark movies could only hope to capture on screen. Really, any way you cut it, the three of you were a symphony, and any sort of change might throw off the harmony you had somehow managed to achieve. Things were better off staying how they were.

But no matter how many times you tried to push those thoughts aside, they always snuck back in, especially in the quiet hours.

You slid your hand down your stomach, fingers tentatively slipping between your legs and imagining that it was a hand far larger than your own. Rough and calloused. With fingers longer than yours. The air in the shower was warm, steam rising from the water turned as hot as you could get it. You could imagine an unsteady breath near your ear.

Imaginary lips pressed against the side of your neck, and your lips parted as you dragged your fingers over your center. It should’ve been alarming how easily thoughts of your hunting partners could consume you. But here in the privacy of the bathroom, it was all too easy to lose yourself in the fantasy. You let out a shaky breath as your fingers danced over your skin, each touch more electrifying than the last.

In your mind, Dean’s strong hands roamed over your body while Sam’s soft voice whispered sweet promises in your ear. Your back arched slightly and you bit your lip, a soft moan escaping you as your fingers ghosted over your clit. You leaned back against the shower wall and propped one leg up on the edge of the tub, heart rate quickening. You could almost feel Dean’s rough stubble against your skin as he kissed you, tasting of whiskey and leather. You imagined Sam’s lips trailing tender kisses down your neck before finding your breast and teasing your nipple between his teeth.

Through the haze of desire, you could hear Dean’s voice, deep and gravelly.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ve got you.” It was a promise. A promise you knew you could believe.

“That’s our girl. You can let go for us,” Sam’s voice wrapped you in a sense of safety and security.

You knew without a shadow of a doubt: you belonged with them.

You belonged with Dean, with his rough exterior and kind heart. You belonged with Sam, with his soft words and gentle touch. To Dean and Sam. Would you be too greedy to ask them to share? The universe would truly be cruel if it made you pick just one. 

You pressed two fingers into yourself. They were a poor substitute for what you really wanted, but they would have to suffice. Your breath hitched as you pressed them against that soft spot, eyes fluttering shut as you imagined two sets of eyes on you. Hazel and green. Their hands. Their mouths. Their cocks.

Holy shit.

You hadn’t even begun to imagine the way they’d feel inside you. The way they’d move in tandem. Never leaving you fully empty. The thought of them filling you completely. The thrill of it all made your head spin, and those thoughts wound the coil in you tighter and tighter. You could imagine their hands grasping your hips. Your thighs. Wherever they could find purchase to pull you closer. Their mouths devouring you as they took what they wanted from you.

So close... 

Sam’s large hands splaying across your back as he presses you down. His blunted nails scraping across your skin as he presses deeper and deeper with each slow thrust. 

“God, you’re so fucking pretty like this.”

Right there... 

Dean’s green eyes, bright and in awe as he sinks into you in one fluid motion. His lips on you, tasting your skin while you come apart in his hands, around his cock.

“Look at you. Taking us so well, sweetheart.”

Closer–

A heavy knock on the door jolted you from your thoughts, and you nearly slipped as hastily pulled your hand away, startled back into reality. The abruptness of the sound echoed in the small room, shattering the illusion you had weaved in the steam.

“Got a six pack with our names on it, sweetheart!” Dean’s voice rang through the door.

“Fuck!" Your heart pounded in your chest, breaths still heavy, eyes wide from shock. "Give a girl a heart attack, why don’t you?”

“Could give you more than that,” he responded with a mischievous chuckle, and you could clearly visualize the shit-eating grin he wore, even without seeing his face.

“I’ll give you a black eye,” you muttered under your breath, the words tinged with irritation as you dipped back under the water for a quick rinse. The cascade of water washed away the remnants of your interrupted tranquility. 

So much for your privacy.

---

Likes, reblogs, and comments are greatly appreciated!

Dean taglist: @aylacavebear @globetrotter28 @bettystonewell @supernotnatural2005 @maddie0101

Both: @jollyhunter @sorryitsmyfirstdayonearth @voodoochildthings @sir-thisisadndserver

Drop a comment, ask away, or add yourself to my taglist!

[ammodup]

Cal and Andre’s last minutes on Earth,,

Calvin had flashed a quick glance to the school’s security camera shortly after the police began to show up to Iroquois High School. On the camera footage, Cal looks like he’s saying, Look at our beautiful disaster, with his highly ominous deadpan. His grandiosity kind of fueled his “playfulness” toward his victims.

Gathering in an area in the library, both boys were satisfied with the amount of victims who got hit and had suffered the impact of their bullets. But now Andre was prepared to leave through the school’s emergency exit to his car, so that he and Cal could flee the school together and go across the country to hide out. Andre was blatantly ignoring the dispatcher on a student he shot and killed— Omar’s— cell phone. Because the only people that mattered, especially today, were him and Cal.

During the massacre, he realized that him and Cal probably weren’t going to be able to reach other schools. To Andre, it was rather unrealistic to expect that they were going to be able to tackle that aspect of Zero Day, so he just settled on the assumption that he and Cal would just be hiding out somewhere else in the United States, or even Mexico, as Andre had mentioned before a while ago.

He brought it up to Cal, seeing as he’d been looking forward to running away with him. But what he didn’t know was that Cal has had different plans for a while now. In a nutshell, Cal’s response to Andre not only consisted of explaining how they get would shot and killed by the cops if they tried to take off, but he also somewhat coerced him into agreeing. But Andre’s acceptance to committing suicide was very dubious. After all, Andre had never necessarily felt suicidal. And he definitely didn’t want to die after Zero Day; he felt that he and Cal were so high up above humanity, that they’d done the best thing in the world.

And in some ways, Andre was afraid of dying, too. Afraid of turning the gun on himself.

But they’d already achieved their end goal, which was perpetrating Zero Day, and Calvin no longer sought to live after this day. He wanted Andre to be with him in death. He didn’t want to go alone. Because he’d never wanted to die alone, too. That’s what kept him alive up till Zero Day. He needed him, and he knew how much Andre needed him too. They wouldn’t have shot up their school if they didn’t. But Cal, too, was very aware of how Andre was afraid of death.

Finally kneeling down beside each other, Andre had his hand on Cal’s knee for a bit of comfort, and he kept on stalling and interrupting the countdown. Still, Cal was able to reassure him and eventually got Andre to give him a “yes”.

In the last 5 seconds before they died, Cal was thinking to himself about how relieved he felt that he and Andre were dying together. They’d planned this for practically a year, and the bastards they’d shot got what they fucking deserved, in his eyes. But Andre was worrying quite a bit. After all, where would he and Cal go? Would they suffer in purgatory or appear in Gehinnom because they did such a thing?

However, they still pulled the trigger nearly at the same time as one another. But Andre wanted to hear Cal pull the trigger first; he needed confirmation that he couldn’t back out of killing himself now. He couldn’t imagine a world where Cal was far beyond his reach. So the moment Andre heard Cal’s carbine go off, he pointed the barrel of his shotgun at himself and pulled the trigger.

Neither of them really felt pain when they blew themselves away. They went out so quickly that even if they did feel pain, they would only feel it for a split second. Their deaths were quite messy though.

The blood that had previously circulated through their heads, the fragments of brain matter, and the shards of their craniums ended up mixing together following the splatter of their skulls on the wall and on the floor.

They’ll always be 2 bullets in a single chamber.

Where they end is where everybody else begins.

[mcrits]

kanthony ballet au!

Anthony has long since fallen out of love with ballet.

Ever since his father, a renowned dancer and head of the Bridgerton Dance Academy, passed away, Anthony has taken over his responsibilities. He rarely dances anymore, too focused on taking care of his family, keeping the academy running, and training the next generation of dancers, some of which are his own siblings.

One day, he's approached by his mother's dear friend Agatha Danbury, who asks if he wants to star in her upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. He tries to decline, saying that he's far too busy with the academy, but in typical Danbury fashion, he ends up agreeing before he's even realized it.

His mother thinks it'll be good for him to dance again. "Maybe it'll get you out of whatever rut you've been in," she says. Anthony rolls his eyes.

"I'm not in a rut, mother. I've simply been busy."

"Busy brooding, maybe."

Upon showing up for the first day of rehearsals, he meets his Juliet: Edwina Sharma, an up-and-coming dancer from India who is just making her debut in London's professional ballet scene.

She's talented and lovely with work with. She's graceful and the very image of excellence. She never seems to misstep or slip. Anthony could never dream of achieving such perfection, and he's been dancing in some form since the day he learned to walk.

She's kind, as well. When they arrive, during their breaks, and when they're preparing to leave, they get a chance to talk. When she asks him if he wants to get dinner with her after rehearsal one day, he finds no reason why he shouldn't.

She tells him about the stories she's been reading, and he tells her about his work at the academy. Usually, he'd be preening at the attention of a pretty, smart, and kind woman who is possibly into him, but for whatever reason, he isn't.

He has to, though, at least on stage. He has to lift her and press his body to hers and kiss her.

It's fine, but Anthony certainly doesn't feel any of the passion he once felt for dancing. He can't wait to tell his mother 'I told you so.'

Until two weeks before they're set to open, that is. Anthony is lifting her like he's done a hundred times before, but this time, she pushes off a bit too hard, sending them both off balance.

He has neither the reaction time nor the grip to keep her from falling. She falls to the ground with a loud thud and a gasp of pain. As Anthony stares down at her in shock, he winces. Her ankle does not look right.

He drives her to the hospital, where he waits with her until she can be seen and sits with her in the exam room as a doctor examines her ankle.

That is where he meets the older sister he has heard so much about. Kate Sharma.

She's like a storm, bursting into the room with who is presumably their mother in tow, demanding to know what happened and if Edwina's okay.

"I'm okay, didi," Edwina assures her. "It was just a lift gone badly, it's alright." Her face turns a little sad. "They think my ankle is broken, but they're doing an X-ray to be sure. I also have a concussion from my head hitting the floor. but I'm okay, I promise."

Anthony knows that there is no chance of her being well enough to perform in just a few weeks. But in this moment, he doesn't have much of a chance to think about it, because Kate turns to him. Her eyes are burning.

"May i speak with you in the hall, Mr. Bridgerton?"

Anthony snorts at the overly formal name. "Certainly, Miss Sharma."

As soon as the door closes behind them, Kate starts talking. "So, a lift gone badly. What happened?"

"Well, I had her, she pushed off a bit too hard, we both lost our balance, and I wasn't able to catch her."

Kate stares at him. "So you're going to blame her for you dropping her?"

Anthony frowns, his mind spinning. "Excuse me?"

"Don't think I don't know what's happening here, Bridgerton. I know you didn't want to dance again. I know you probably want a way out of this."

When Anthony processes what she's insinuating, he laughs. "You think so lowly of me that you think I'd drop Edwina on purpose?"

"Considering the way you've led her on, yes, I do."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Anthony asks. "I've just been nice! I've never given her any impression that there was anything between us other than friendship. Would you rather I be rude to her?"

"No, but I'd rather you not take her to countless lunches and dinners."

"Do you end up kissing every single person you go to lunch with? Uou don't have to do that, you know."

Late, breathing heavily with her rage, groans. "You are insufferable."

"Then you must be looking into a mirror."

Finally, Kate storms off, and Anthony shakes his head. Unbelievable.

He says a quick goodbye to Edwina, telling her to let him know about how her recovery is going, and heads home.

The next morning, rehearsal is surprisingly still on. He arrives, his heart dropping into his stomach as he sees who's sitting on the floor, pulling on her pointe shoes.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Kate looks up at him, her expression hardening. "I don't like it any more than you do, Bridgerton. But I know this show, and we only have two weeks until opening night."

This is going to be a long two weeks.

As much as Kate makes it her life's mission to piss him off, he does have to admit that she impresses him. She hasn't done the choreography in years, and yet she picks it up quickly.

But even with her fast pace, she still stays long after everyone leaves, rehearsing steps.

One night, against his better judgement, he agrees to stay late and practice with her. Despite his lack of passion, he does want to show to be as perfect as it can be.

That night, with just the two of them practicing passionate scenes over and over, Anthony truly sees her.

Kate is everything Edwina is not. She's stubborn where Edwina is easy-going. She's rude where Edwina is nice. She's reserved where Edwina is open.

Anthony loves it.

Finally, he gets a glimpse of his old passion. Their steps become routine, allowing them to focus on the emotion of the scene. Their bodies press together, and Anthony feels warm for the first time in a long time.

Their touches last longer than they should. They're closer than what's necessary.

As he walks forward to kiss her, they're both panting heavily, and his approach is much slower than it usually is. He can't help but savor the sight of her. Her cheeks are red and her hair is messy from the exertion. The blood leaves Anthony's brain.

Their lips connect, his hands going to grab her waist as usual, but this time?

Instead of leaning back and extending her arms out, she wraps both arms around his neck, going off pointe and burying a hand in the back of his hair.

He moans, tilting his head to deepen the kiss, and she groans against his lips. His brain has completely shut off, and doesn't kick back into gear until Kate pulls away.

They're sitting on the floor, their feet and legs aching, and Kate straddles his lap. She seems to have lost herself, too, since she laughs breathlessly. "I think that's enough for today," she says, her gorgeous eyes constantly flicking between his eyes and his lips.

"Agreed," he whispers, leaning in to give her a brief kiss before hovering his lips by her ear, his voice lowering. "I know you've been sore since we started rehearsing. I could introduce you to my bathtub. A warm bath does wonders."

Kate shakes her head. "I shouldn't."

"But do you want to?"

After a moment of hesitation, she sighs. "Your bathtub better be big enough for two."

Anthony grins, his heart fluttering.

From that moment on, their late-night rendezvous become routine. It's the first time in a long time that Anthony has looked forward to dancing, and the sex that follows certainly helps with the passion. But between rehearsing and sex, they do get to know each other. And while half the time, they're arguing, the other half consists of deep conversations and jokes.

It's nice. Her humor is dry and witty, and Anthony's delighted by their constant banter. Unlike Edwina, Kate challenges him. While he doesn't enjoy being bested by her as often as he is, he can't help but be thrilled by the competition.

"I'll be sad when this is over," he admits softly during one of their breaks, sitting on the floor side-by-side and sipping water.

"So will I. It's been fun." She presses her shoulder against his, and he smiles, unable to take his eyes off of her. "I'm- I'm sorry I came off so strong during our first meeting."

"It's alright, Kate. I'm a protective older sibling, I get it. If it was my sister who was dropped by an asshole, I would've been pissed, too. But for the record, it really was an accident. and I hope she's back to dancing soon."

"Her doctor says she should be alright," Kate replies, nodding. "But thank you, Anthony. As much as it pains me to say this, you're not as bad as I thought."

Anthony rolls his eyes, but grins, bumping his shoulder against hers. "You're not so bad, either, Sharma."

When the show comes to a close, Kate stays over at Anthony's apartment before the closing night of the show. With their bodies pressed together, their limbs completely entangled underneath the blankets, Kate lifts her head from his bare chest and looks him in the eye.

"I don't want this to end, Anthony," she whispers, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Neither do I."

"Then we'll still see each other after the show ends?"

Anthony grins. "You won't be able to get rid of me."

Kate matches his grin and leans in to kiss him.

Anthony loves dancing again, and he also loves Kate Sharma.

[6kate1bishop6]

day 2: love

tw: references to Riko's canon homophobia

"Kev," Wymack begins, breaking the silence that has settled between them in his apartment, "You know it's okay if you like guys, right?"

Kevin opens his mouth to argue, a denial resting on his tongue.

His dad holds up a hand, staying his argument, "No, let me finish. I'm not gonna pretend it would be easy, but it's okay if you do. I mean, you've seen how it's gone for Andrew and Neil, and Jeremy and Jean."

Kevin has seen. Watched on in a quiet sort of envy, as his friends achieve something he'll never be able to. Jeremy and Jean especially didn't have it easy, but now they're… happy, somehow. Kevin's not sure he understands it. No matter how much he wished, it could never have been this way. Except, somehow it is? And Kevin's left on the outside looking in.

"You don't get it." He bites out, unable to voice the justifications he'd heard for years, but knowing them down to the bone just the same.

Wymack sighs, that heavy sigh all the Foxes know. It tastes an awful lot like pity, but its probably closer to understanding. Quietly, he says, "You deserve a chance at love."

A scoff slips from Kevin before he can stop it. Love. Love? No. No, that isn't meant for him. Kevin Day had lost the right to love the day his mother had died.

"I don't need love. Not like I need exy." He'd gone without it all these years, but he could never go without his mother's sport.

"Kevin—" Wymack tries.

"No. I don't. And you know it. You know love isn't important. So did Mom. She left so you're career would keep going. Love isn't important, exy is."

It isn't often they invoke Kayleigh's name. Neither Kevin nor his father were ever going to be quite ready for those conversations. They'd both lost her, in separate ways, but painful just the same. Different scars, but still hurt.

"Kid, if Kayleigh told me, I would have given it all up for you. I would have given up the Foxes, just to be able to raise you, to build a life by her side." Wymack pauses, a wry look on his face, "I wish every day that she didn't love exy more, that I could have kept you from the Nest, that I could have held you as a child."

"You don't mean that." Kevin refuses. The Foxes are Wymack's life's work. He can't imagine a world without them, without the hope they offer.

"If the only thing I did in my life was keep you from harm, it would have been a life worth living."

Kevin doesn't know what to say to that, so he doesn't say anything. He lets the silence settle between them again.

He can still remember the day he found the letter, almost certain he was misreading the Japanese, if not for the fact that his understanding of the language had been beaten into him. He'd dared to hope, for one moment that day, of a better life. And he'd dared to hope again when he'd seen his future in ruins as he'd cradled his broken hand to himself.

For a split second, as the bones had broken, he'd tried to imagine a life for himself outside of exy. One where he could live outside of Moriyama grasp, date anyone he wanted without having to keep it hidden.

He tries to imagine it now. Now that he is as free as he can be. Imagines a man standing beside him at the charity events he attends, waiting for him in the VIP box at games, introducing him to his father.

Maybe Riko had been wrong, when he'd said they'd never succeed unless they were straight. Maybe his mom had been wrong when she'd left Wymack.

They're dangerous questions to ask, but Kevin appears to have his whole future ahead of him. He thinks he could find the answers to some of them, one day.

He looks over at his father, who studies his face carefully. It's possible Kayleigh isn't the only person who could love him.

[thehypnone]

Symbol on the Surface Chapter 24

WC: 1,7k

Relationship: SwissAlps & the kits

Tags: Domestic Fluff, Milestones; First Steps and Words (They're growing up so fast guys T-T)

Chapter 1 here or on AO3.

Read chapter 24 under the cut or on AO3.

Since the kits have become more mobile, their dads are reluctant to let them crawl all over the bed in fear of them falling off it—hence Swiss, Mountain, Amon, Aelin, and Arya are having floor time. All five of them actually prefer the floor; especially with a bunch of soft blankets and their bunnies around. Except…

“Ow, you little demons!” Mountain exclaims through giggles as his breath is once again punched out of him. Or rather poked out of him with Arya and Amon’s knees and elbows. Next to them, Swiss is wheezing with laughter as Aelin crawls all over him; also stabbing him with her bony limbs. And smacking him in the face with her tail while she’s at it.

It’s bordering on physical abuse, but also fun—the kits are not that heavy yet. Neither Swiss nor Mountain know what’s so fun in crawling all over them with no apparent purpose, but their children seem to be enjoying themselves; that’s all that matters.

At some point Aelin tumbles off of Swiss’ stomach and lands on her feet. She and Arya have already stood up in their crib, so that isn’t particularly surprising, but what is, is that the water ghoulette completely casually walks over to Mountain.

Both her dads are too stunned with how unbothered she is by her achievement—she just flops onto the earth ghoul and carries on her fun. 

“You sure she isn’t Rain’s?” Mountain asks before bursting out laughing when Arya shoves a hand into Swiss’ mouth—open wide in shock.

Exactly a week after Aelin’s first steps, Arya is feeling the peer pressure.

Not actually, but it’s a little funny that she hadn’t shown any interest in walking until Aelin had reached that milestone. Now, the multi ghoulette tries to stand up and walk a few times a day.

It’s not going too well for her at first, but she doesn’t seem to be discouraged, and neither are her dads. They cheer on every attempt of hers and they know it will be sooner, rather than later, that one of them is successful.

Today the five of them come into the common room some time before dinner—Mountain carrying Arya, Swiss Amon, and Aelin stomping on next to them holding onto Swiss’ tail for balance.

Most of the pack is there, including Dewdrop with one of his guitars—casually playing some random tunes, probably coming up with them as he goes. On either side of him there’s Rain and Aeon, and Aether and Sunshine are bustling about in the kitchen.

As soon as Aelin notices Rain, she waddles over to him with a big smile.

“Hello, duckling!” he greets her and when she reaches him, he picks her up and sits her on his thigh. Swiss and Mountain put Amon and Arya down on the carpet and Amon starts crawling towards Aeon right away, while Arya…stands. She stands still in one place, looking as if she’s carefully calculating something; she probably is. Everyone watches her carefully and somewhat expectantly.

Then Dewdrop strums his guitar a single time and she takes off in his direction. The fire ghoul starts laughing and reaches out to catch the ghoulette before she slams her face against his legs.

Swiss and Mountain let out breaths that they didn’t even know were holding only when she safely arrives at her destination. Only then do they smile and laugh and cheer like the rest of the ghouls present.

“Oh, we’re so doomed now that she can do that,” Aeon giggles under his breath. Mountain and Swiss don’t even have it in themselves to disagree—there’s no denying an up-and-running Arya will be a handful.

They sigh, while the ghoulette is having the time of her life strumming Dewdrop’s guitar.

Yule has come and gone, New Year’s Eve has come and gone, and before long it’s February again. Neither Swiss, nor Mountain can believe it’s been a year since their kits have been born. They think back to it and laugh about some parts of that day; Copia’s reaction to Swiss starting to give birth in his bedroom, for one.

Aelin, Arya, and Amon’s first birthday (the only birth-day among the Ministry’s ghouls, is worth noting, as they all only have their summoning days), wasn’t too pompous—their dads have decided that they’re not going to remember it anyway, so a bigger birthday parties will happen later on; they want their kits to have these memories.

This year the kits have, of course, gotten a cake—special baby-safe cake baked by Cumulus and Rain—and a bunch of gifts. Things like toys, plushies, and some more clothes, as they’ve already grown out of most of what they had.

In the afternoon, the kits have had a nap, and now they’re waking up. Arya’s always quite cranky after a nap and today is no exception. Her cries sober up both her siblings and her dads, who sigh and get up to get her and help her settle.

Mountain picks her up and starts looking around for her bunny plushie before Arya notices its absence. He’s not fast enough, though, so her crying grows in volume before her Papa finds the plushie and places it against her. 

“There, there, here’s your rabbit,” he sighs, smiling softly as he watches the ghoulette all but melt. She kicks up a purr and nuzzles against the plushie before–

“‘Bit,” she mumbles. 

“What?” Mountain chuckles in shock. 

“‘Bit!” Arya repeats, clear as a day.

“Yes, your rabbit! Oh, you silly girl,” the earth ghoul coos and hugs her before turning to Swiss. “Hey, darling, listen to this.”

“Hm?” Swiss perks up from where he’s dressing Amon.

Mountain prompts Arya to say her word again, but she only chomps down at the plushie’s ear and remains silent. “Oh, really? Now you’re quiet?”

“What is it?”

“She said ‘bit’, after I gave her her rabbit,” Mountain explains, but Swiss doesn’t seem to believe him. “She really did, twice!”

“Sure, sure,” the multi ghoul giggles. “I’ll believe it when I hear it.”

His mate grumbles something in displeasure as he puts Arya down on the bed and gets to dressing her up.

“Can you hand me some socks for her?” Mountain asks Swiss and he walks over with a pair. While he’s there, he attempts to help the earth ghoul with their daughter by taking her plushie’s ear out of her mouth, but it backfires.

“‘BIT!!!” Arya screams, completely stunning Swiss. Mountain only smiles smugly and continues putting on her socks.

With the help of a picture book, Aelin has learned exactly who everyone around is and has a way of naming them all. The grown ups practice it with her often and even though with only the five of them in the room there isn’t much opportunity to do that, Swiss still tries.

When he points at Amon, Aelin points at a tree in the book; Mountain is, obviously, a mountain; Arya is the sun.

Then, Swiss points at himself, “Who’s this?”

Aelin doesn’t point this time. Her face lights up before she proudly says her first word, “Mama.”

Swiss’ jaw drops and so does Mountain’s next to him. “Did she just…?”

“Say that again, sweetheart?” the multi ghoul prompts before breaking out into a huge grin.

“Mama!” Aelin calls out while clapping her hands, Swiss and Mountain’s reactions only spurring her on. “Mama, mama, mama!”

“I am, yes, I am, my little princess!” Swiss cheers with his eyes only mildly wet.

He brings the ghoulette close to her for a hug and she sighs dramatically, whispering one more time, “Mama…”

Swiss and Mountain are worried.

Arya and Aelin have already taken their first steps five months ago—the former is already zooming through the corridors at alarming speeds—and started talking—the water ghoulette doesn’t spare her vocal chords calling out for her Mama and Papa whenever possible…but Amon? He has still neither started talking, nor walking.

The little earth ghoul is calm and quiet, not causing much, if any, trouble. On the one hand, Mountain and Swiss are grateful for that, but on the other, they’re worried. For some reason he has taken a particular liking to Aether and Aeon; the assumption that he’s drawn to quintessence is obvious. It doesn’t bother his dads—quite the opposite, they’re glad their little boy has two favorite uncles.

He’s with them right now, playing sensory games on the floor in the common room while Swiss and Mountain watch them from the couch. Aelin and Arya are spending time with, respectively, Rain and Dewdrop.

At some point Amon yawns in a truly adorable way, making everyone in the room coo over him.

“Tired?” Aether asks him. He nods and rubs his eyes with his little fists in reply.

“Oh, so sleepy,” Aeon chuckles before gesturing towards the couch. “Go to your Mama and Papa, sprout.”

“Yeah, c’mon, baby,” Swiss encourages with a grin, fully expecting his son to clumsily crawl to them. That’s how he begins his journey, indeed, but as he’s passing the coffee table he grabs its leg and starts to pull himself up.

Mountain gasps quitely and freezes, watching carefully. Swiss’ smile drops into a shocked, albeit excited and proud expression. Aeon and Aether stay back on the floor, but the latter slowly crawls after the kit to catch him, in case his attempt goes wrong.

His first three steps are very wobbly, but soon enough he gains some stability and rushes onwards. The little earth ghoul stumbles the last two steps towards the couch and flops against it with a bright smile on his face. Swiss scoops him right up and all but attacks him with kisses all over his little face. Amon giggles loudly, making everyone start laughing—they’re all so proud of him!

“Good job, sweet thing!” Swiss squeals, vibrating with joy.

“You’re going to join your sisters in haunting the Abbey soon enough, won’t you?” Mountain chuckles; also very happy and proud, but more composed.

Amon scrunches up his eyebrows at that, clearly displeased with the implication. He opens his mouth, then closes it again, then purses his lips, and–

“No,” he says while shaking his head. The room explodes in cheers; the kit keeps giggling.

Taglist: @jimothybarnes @skele-bunny @everybodyshusband @ratsummer @jazz-bazz @mac-and-thefox @karmicbias @wine-irytatus @ghoultrifle (if anyone from here wants to be removed lmk, and also if anyone else wants to be added)

[numberonetraveleralmond]

The Pope has been shot.

A muffled gunshot rang out. Aldo was there, right where the Pope collapsed. Aldo Bellini was Innocentius XIV's Secretary of State and was included in most entourages. He had been beside him.

Sitting on a bench in the corridor, Aldo heard footsteps echoing from the far end. Thomas was approaching quickly. Aldo stood up to greet him. His friend must be terribly shocked and distressed. Aldo prepared the information he needed to convey… and comfort for him.

"Aldo, I heard the news. How is His Holiness?"

Aldo spoke calmly. "The agents administered first aid on the spot, and he was taken straight into surgery. Now… we're waiting for him to wake up. Thomas, you must have been very surprised—" Surprisingly, Thomas took Aldo's hand. "I was surprised." Thomas held Aldo's hand with both of his, as if comforting him. "Aldo, His Holiness will wake up. He still has much to do. Let us pray together."

Thomas gently wiped Aldo's cheek with a compassionate touch. Aldo realized his own cheek was wet.

Vincent Benitez was among the youngest of the cardinals, lean but sturdy. Unlike the usual elders of the Vatican, he could run very fast, possessed considerable strength, was very flexible, and was good at yoga.

Looking at Pope Innocentius XIV, Aldo Bellini had vaguely thought that another Conclave would likely not happen again in his lifetime. This would be the last Pope of Bellini's life.

Innocentius XIV had asked Aldo Bellini to continue serving as Secretary of State. For someone unfamiliar with the Vatican, it would have been a natural personnel decision. Aldo Bellini probably knew far more about the Pope's duties at the time than Innocentius XIV himself did.

The new Pope… well, he was unlike anyone Aldo knew. Aldo Bellini was considered the leader of the progressive faction, and remained so even after the Conclave. Just as Goffredo Tedesco was the embodiment of stubborn conservatism, and remained so after the Conclave… However, Vincent Benitez came from outside the Vatican and was neither progressive nor conservative in the traditional sense. Perhaps that was why the new Pope and Aldo Bellini often clashed.

The Pope didn't know things Aldo knew, and knew things Aldo didn't. He seemed like a toddler taking his first steps in the Vatican, knew nothing about chess, and always seemed slightly shy when donning his vestments and appearing on stage. He knew the world outside the Vatican, knew what war was, and knew how to minister without the Church. He stubbornly pushed forward at moments Aldo considered strategic retreats, and casually compromised on points Aldo thought were surrenders. Aldo Bellini thought the Pope really didn't suit him.

He was Aldo's purest dream and most troublesome nightmare.

"Dear Aldo," Innocentius XIV would call him. The new Pope, often stubborn beneath his gentle smile, was quite cunning in his own way. Against him, Aldo Bellini often tried persuasion or veiled threats, sometimes acting quite pettily. When he requested to resign as Secretary of State, the Pope widened those familiar deer-like eyes and said, "Aldo, are you saying you're going to leave me?"

Aldo had never done this with the previous Pope. Because Aldo thought he got along well with him. He had defended and advocated for his policies, considered the achievements during his term as both their accomplishments…

Or perhaps, Aldo Bellini had believed his resignation could serve as a threat to the new Pope. Innocent XIV had that way about him. Making Aldo Bellini feel a certain confidence regarding him… and then making him settle back into the Secretary of State's office, running his subordinates in two shifts, taking on extra work voluntarily, filled with a mix of satisfaction and discontent.

Aldo had never considered himself close to him. He just thought they were very different.

The Pope is the head of the Catholic world. Because he hasn't opened his eyes, the world is shaking. Countless people must be praying for him…

Aldo knelt before the empty altar. He felt his own world shaking too. The Pope's critical condition was a cause for concern as Secretary of State. It was unsettling as a Cardinal, unfortunate as a believer, and…

There wasn't enough time, Aldo thought. How long had it been since he met the new Pope? And how long had he known Vincent Benitez? He needed more time. The Pope still had much to do, and Aldo, despite everything, still had many things he wanted to do with him.

Vincent Benitez was one of the youngest among the cardinals and was sturdy. He should, at the very least, hold out longer than Aldo Bellini. Isn't that only natural?

Ah, he never wants to experience such a farewell again.

Aldo Bellini—Secretary of State, Cardinal, priest, believer, and human being—did not want to lose both Innocentius XIV and Vincent Benitez.

Aldo Bellini knelt and clasped his hands together.

You, of all people… don't you dare leave me like this.

[di-42]

2024 fic roundup

Finally getting round to doing this! Just in time for the end of the year!

Many, many thanks to @curiouspupsicle and @bellisima-writes for tagging me all those weeks ago, ant to @cheeseplants for creating the questions. Enjoy curious's answers here, bellisima's answers here, cheeseplants's answers here.

What fandoms do you write in?

Good Omens, only Good Omens, nothing but Good Omens.

How many words have you published in 2024?

133k. Huh! Me?

What is your greatest achievement this year?

In the context of fandom and fanfiction, being brave enough to put myself out there and share my work is probably my greatest personal achievement. But I'm also quite proud to have plotted an 85k fiction while working 55 hours a week (and being lucky enough to have a husband and friends to spend my free time with).

What are your favourite top three fics you wrote this year?

That's an easy one! None of my favourite three are the ones with more engagement, strangely enough!

And I Did, rated E, 85k.

While I know this could have been written much better, I am incredibly proud of this fiction. It's whole season 3 fiction where I managed to pour all my headcanon in a way that hopefully doesn't feel too forced. I think it has an original plot, good side characters and tension. I tried to throw in some humour wherever possible as well. It features Supreme Archangel Aziraphale and Grand Duke of Hell Crowley. They haven't talked for almost two years. The end of the world is approaching. They are on opposite sides. And they both know neither of them was ever going to make a different choice to the one they made.

Only Ever Meant For Someone Else, rated T, 9k.

My first human AU, wheee! It was so much fun to write! I think writing human AUs allows so much freedom, although one shots and shorter stories can be a bit harder than canon compliant short stories. But I had a chance to explore some versions of the characters that I don't really see in canon, but very much enjoy in fictions, and wanted to try my hand at that. And I liked the result! Written for the Scribbling Vaguely Downwards advent calendar.

Every year, the night before Christmas, taxi driver Aziraphale drives passengers to and from the hospital for charity. On the Christmas morning of 2023 he was ready to go home and rest with a cup of tea, a mince pie, and a book after a long night.

Guess who?

“No, you may not!” Barked the other. Then he started pacing up and down the pavement, rambling to himself. “Anathema’s going to kill me. She’s actually going to kill me! She had to go into labour on fucking Christmas day, just my luck!”

Oh, dear.

“In-into labour?”

The stranger stopped pacing and, yet again, looked at Aziraphale sternly. He joined together the tips of his right thumb and forefinger, and punctuated his next words with a gracious movement of his hand.

“Yeah. It means she’s about to give birth.”

“Does it, now.”

Angel! Angel! They're At It Again! rated M, 5k

I really love this little story of mine. I've been told that it made some readers cry and laugh at the same time, and it doesn't get much better than that.

It's the year 2030. The world never ended. Aziraphale and Crowley are living happily and safely together as a married couple. Everything would be well, if it wasn't that lately Aziraphale has been a bit busy. A bit distracted. Now, Crowley can't have that, can he? He seeks the advice of his girlfriends, who unwittingly give him an idea on how to liven up his marriage.

A fluffy story about how we get to a certain cottage.

What was your biggest pit of despair moment?

Tying up all the loose ends in And I Did. Sometimes it felt like I was just hitting a wall and I couldn't possibly ever go through. I felt so embarrassed -mortified, really- that some people had read the story up to a certain point and I had just to let them down, because I couldn't possibly write anything that would make sense with the rest of the story. Even though the main points were planned from the beginning, there were still all those little details that write themselves, basically, and I had no idea what to do with some of them towards the end. I still don't know how I managed to pull it off, honestly, but somehow I did it in a way that I found satisfying enough.

What have you learned?

That people are so much better than I am. Really. And I don't mean at writing fiction. Well, people are better than me at writing fiction, but that's not what I mean here. The amount of people who are ready to read about someone else's ideas and headcanons with an open mind, enjoy stories that they don't necessarily agree with, is astounding. I have very much to learn from this community.

What fic did you want to do but never made it off the ground?

I could tell you. But then I would have to erase your memory.

A fiction that has never made it off the ground is a fiction that has yet to make it off the ground.

Did you beta any fics? Any favs you want to shout out?

I was asked a couple of times, but due partly to my lack of time, partly to English not being my first language, I had to reluctantly decline. I do offer my thoughts on my betas' fictions, though. One of them hasn't published her work yet, and the other has a fantastic one shot on Ao3, called The Corset.

Aziraphale never understood just why he had been issued with a body likes his. He was the Guardian of the Eastgate, after all! So when in the 17th century corsets for men were fashionable again, he had an idea ...

What three fics have you read this year that you love?

Hah! We both know it's not going to be only three, don't we?

Some of these fics were written before, some long before, 2024, but I only read them this year. It's quite hard to pick my favourites among so much talent and creativity, but I'll do my best. I also can't help but notice that my all time favourites are not among the superpopular ones, so please don't be shy and check them out! (And leave kudos and comments!)

The Beginning Of The End (Again), rated M, 78k.

Season 3 fiction full of plot, great characterisation, humour and pining. It has of course a happy ending. It is beyond me how this fic didn't get more engagement, especially when it first came out, closer to the end of season 2.

The Anon Before Christmas, rated E, 66k.

One of my favourite human AUs. The characterisation is spot on and the slow burn is just absolutely perfect. But I did love the whole array of characters surrounding Crowley and Aziraphale. I love how this story is as much about friendship and chosen family than it is about love and romance.

The Bookseller And The Garden, rated T, 13k.

Canon divergent fiction where Crowley is a demon stationed on earth, Aziraphale is an angel stationed on earth, but they have never met until present day. There's no end of the world in sight, only an angel and a demon falling in love and not knowing how to break it to the other that they're not human. I laughed all the way through.

Wrong Turn, rated T, 37k.

Honestly, I don't know why this fiction touched me so much. I just couldn't stop thinking about it for days after I finished it. It's a post season 1 fiction where Crowley suddenly finds himself in a parallel universe at the time the apocalypse is just about to happen. The Crowley and Aziraphale in that universe have a different history to our Crowley and Aziraphale. All our Crowley wants to do is to go back to his universe and his very own angel, but how? As you follow the main plot and focus on Crowley's thoughts and actions, you'll start slowly feeling the other story get hold of you, and it won't let go until the very end and beyond.

Happiness, More Or Less, rated M, 21k

This human AU moved me so very much I cried. Crowley moves into his new flat in Soho, only to discover the flat in haunted by the ghost of the owner of the bookshop downstairs. I won't tell anything else about the plot other than it does have a very sweet happy ending, and it gets there via a rollercoaster of emotions. This is really one of those fictions that leave me in awe of the fandom's talent and creativity. Read it, read it, read it!

One last one that I haven't finished reading yet, but I know it's one of my all time favourites, is The Last Angel, rated E, 162k.

Canon divergent fiction where Crowley and Aziraphale were never assigned to earth, Armageddon happened and hell won the war. I've said many things about this fiction, among which that I can't believe the writer does this in her spare time and writing is not actually her job, and this is the most Good Omens-y fic I have ever read. It's astoundingly good.

What ideas are percolating for next year?

Watch out for The Angel Horror Show! When I learned that Peter Hinwood, the actor who played Rocky in The Rocky Horror Picture Show didn't have a long career as an actor, bout instead went on to become an antiques dealer, I knew I had to write this fiction with Aziraphale as the actor who many years ago played Angel/Rocky in The Angel Horror Show and subsequent film The Angel Horror Picture Show and is now living a comfortable life as a book and antiques dealer, and Crowley as the actor who played Demon/Frank, and went on to become a successful movie and theatre actor and director. I've just started writing it and I'm extremely excited about it!

Who do you want to thank?

Without the shadow of a doubt @sabine-smitten-obviously and IneffableShortCake who have been so incredibly generous with their time and support in the past 8 months! But also everyone who's ever left me a comment making me feel like my stories were liked, from the long comments to the ones with just enthusiastic syllables, from the incredibly witty ones to the more personal ones, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tag, answer any Qs that suit and play along!

I think because I'm so late in the game that most of the writers I would usually tag have already been tagged by someone else, but perhaps a few haven't done this yet.

@smua70 @ngk-668 @ineffable-duck7

And anyone who wants to answer!

This was fun!

[sl-vega]

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪MY FIRST (GENUINE) LOVE

pairing: Otoya Eita x [FEM!] Reader

genre: fluff, oneshot/drabble, partial chat/text fic, crack/comedy (?), mild Otoya character study, school/no bluelock au

synopsis: Otoya and your's date went well, a little too well. 'Cuz now all he can think about is you, your laugh, your smile, your voice, it's driving him crazy. Which results in him patiently awaiting to any and all of your texts. (Or, in which a certain playboy finally falls in love for real)

CW: brief/mild language, implied suggestive content, ooc Otoya (?)

The second Otoya arrived home, he made a bee line directly towards his room, and threw himself onto his bed, the soft mattress enveloping him in it's plush comfort.

Normally whenever Otoya did this, it meant that he went on a less than good date an hour prior that left him exhausted. Usually the girl would've been too clingy, or tried to move too fast, and he usually didn't mind it, but some women just didn't know when enough was enough.

But neither of the reasons were the cause of his need to lie down. The date wasn't bad, it went super well actually. If anything, it went too well.

Earlier, he was on a date with you. The two of you met via Karasu, Otoya noticed that you were waiting for the latter after one of their games, and he had absentmindedly called you cute, not expecting anything to come out of it since his subconscious had already assumed that you and Karasu were an item.

Otoya had already braced himself for some kind of response along the lines of "Yeah she is" or the worse (and more likely) response of "Buzz off, she's taken". What Otoya didn't expect however, was Karasu's nonchalant offer of;

"Why don't I set the two of ya' up?"

And who was he to turn him down? A date with a cute girl where he didn't have to go through hell and back for a quick one-night-stand?

Fuck yeah, you should set us up.

You seemed nice enough from your initial meeting, you had a cute smile, nice voice, and you managed to be impressive enough for Karasu's standards, something that none of his previous flings achieved.

But what stood out the most to him was how genuine you were.

Most of the time when he went out with girls, they were only there for a quick hook up, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, were the completely clueless girls, the kind that legitimately thought that he would stick around in the long run, only to be disappointed by his inevitable infidelity, which usually resulted in a bunch of tears, and a slap, both of which that Otoya would always be on the receiving end of.

You on the other hand, were neither of these types of troublesome women. You clearly weren't using him for a quick night of pleasure, but you weren't in the dark about his previous antics either.

If anything, you knew a little too much about his previous sexual escapades. Probably because of Karasu's big mouth, or maybe he wanted to make sure Eita still had to put effort into his potential relationship with you.

The two of you went out to some semi-fancy restaurant for dinner together. You and Eita had made some small talk, the conversation ventured into deeper, more in depth topics occasionally (not that Otoya minded, but he'd digress), but you seemed to have fun, even though it was pretty surface level.

The date had ended on a nice note, Otoya had called you beautiful, not pretty, or cute, or sexy (or the other usual less than two syllable words he usually dropped on most of his throwaways), he had actually made a point to say it because he really did mean it.

He didn't know why you had left such a good impression on him, why you clearly meant more than some mere plaything that he would've discarded the following morning. Nor does he know why the thought of bringing another girl into his bed other than you makes his heart feel heavy and makes him feel nauseous.

He rolled over in his bed so he was facing the ceiling instead of of having his head stuffed into his plush pillows.

Why was he like this?

Why did you make him feel like this?

He lifted up one of the pillows by his side and brought it to his chest, maybe the soft stuffing would muffle the sound of his racing heartbeat.

Suddenly, his once silent phone buzzes with a notification. He takes a quick break from his sudden crisis of feelings, and quickly snatched his device from his nightstand. It was a message from an unknown number

[UNKNOWN]-(sent 10:52 pm)

hi! otoya right? This is (l/n) btw, karasu just gave me ur number

Eita's eyes widened, part of him felt a pang of jealousy.

So you and Karasu must be pretty close if you were texting him that late to get his number.

Wait, why did he care? His other girlfriends had guy friends before, and it never made him feel jealous like how you and Karasu's relationship did.

God, what's the matter with me?

Before he wasted too much time, he turned his phone back on, to respond to you, while making sure to change your contact name before he forgot.

[L/N <3]-(sent 10:54 pm)

otoya? you there? istg if karasu gave me the wrong number-

[You]-(sent 10:55 pm)

dw karasu wouldn't lie abt smth like that

[L/N <3]-(sent 10:57 pm)

dang, that reply was faster than I thought it would be, ig ur not as much as a red flag as I pegged you as

[You]-(sent 10:59 pm)

stfu, what did karasu say abt me?

[L/N <3]-(sent 11:00 pm)

nothin' I just figured you out on my own, i'm just smart like that >:3

[L/N <3]-(sent 11:01 pm)

'k i'm partially kidding, he warned me a bit abt you, but you're pretty good company, for an f boy at least

[You]-(sent 11:03 pm)

for an f boy? i'm hurt

[L/N <3]-(11:04 pm)

lol jk, I actually had a lot of fun tonight, we should do it again!

[L/N <3]-(sent 11:05 pm)

srry I gtg, ttyl?

Otoya's heart sinks at the realization that your short, yet sweet, conversation had already come to an end. He was already missing the comfort of your words, not they he would ever admit how much your little messages made his heart flutter.

[You]-(sent 11:07 pm)

yeah, gn

[L/N]-(sent 11:08 pm)

wow, dry much? gn, sweet dreams!

He mentally berates himself for his dry response, but a few seconds after, he starts grinning like some lovesick school girl.

Is this how some of his past flings felt about him?

No, he wanted you to be way more than a fling, maybe this would be the first time he tried, the first time he actually wanted to get serious about a girl, about a relationship.

Maybe this would be the first time that this would end with a ring around his finger rather than a slap on his face.

He hears his phone buzz again, he lunges towards it, hoping that it was another text from you.

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:19 pm)

i'm assuming the date went well since l/n hasn't told me that ur such a jerk yet

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:20 pm)

jk (kinda) i'm glad that you might finally have a shot at a real relationship

[You]-(sent 11:22 pm)

stfu you stupid crow

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:23 pm)

ilyt eita :3

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:27 pm)

cmon, no thanks for setting you up with your future wife?

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:28 pm)

i expect to be your best man at the wedding

[You]-(sent 11:30 pm)

nah i'll give it to yuki if you kept pestering me abt this

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:31 pm)

THAT'S NOT A NO TO THE WEDDING THO

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:33 pm)

GOTTEM

[crow bastard]-(sent 11:34 pm)

SO YOU DO LIKE HER

[You]-(sent 11:35 pm)

maybe I do, maybe I don't

Eita briefly set his phone down, thanking the gods that Karasu couldn't see his bright red face.

He definitely did...

[adventuringblind]

Drive With You Forever

Chapter Four: Charles is confused

Max verstappen x lando Norris x Charles Leclerc x reader

Chapter summary: Charles leclerc has always known he's weird. Maybe it takes someone just as weird as him to discover he's not alone.

Warnings: Reader discovers sexuality is a thing, almost a car crash, injury description, allusions to past abuse

Notes: Yay! Charles content! This chapter is wicked long, btw. I got carried away... oops.

Previous <-

Masterlist

Charles Leclerc had always known he was different. He just got a confirmation during his rookie season with Sauber.

He tried to keep his head down and show his talent, yet things never went to plan.

He was glad to be racing with Max again. His rival until Max practically flew up the ranks and Charles was stuck moving at the same speed he always had. Far to slow for his liking.

Now he’d achieved his dream. It’s 2019 and he’s driving for Ferrari alongside Sebastian vettel.

Everything seemed to be okay for now. Aside from his weird attraction to his stupid rival and his girlfriend who spent majority of her time in the Ferrari garage.

He noticed it last year and made it a point to stay as far away as possible from them. And for some reason it felt like fate was laughing at him because he always ran into the two.

Awkward. Stumbling. Stuttering.

He hated himself for this. He hated that he couldn’t just be normal. Fall for someone he actually had a chance with. Not the two most taken people in the paddock.

It didn’t help the Pierre constantly talked his ear off about them. Complaining that Max never shuts up about her. A lovely nail in the coffin.

Now at Ferrari he spent so much time around her that he was mentally hitting his head on a rock.

She’s weird and doesn’t get human interactions sometimes. She literally talks about the car all the time. She’s told him a few times what the strategy should be and not to listen to Xavi. Somehow she always knows what advice he’s going to need for a race.

Max, on the other hand, was something he’d not expected. It came out of nowhere during his teenage years. They’ve known each their for so long and yet Charles had yet to hold a semi decent conversation with him.

Max is a good driver and everyone knows it. He’d blamed it on respect at first but now they are 20 and Charles can’t help but memorize every stupidly little detail about him.

He determined that he must be mentally I’ll. Or bisexual. Or both.

“Your eyes are going to get stuck if you keep staring like that.” Teases Sebastian. Charles hadn’t even realized he’d zoned in on the happy could. Max dancing poorly with her to some imaginary music. He just moves he’s eyes to the table. Hoping the German doesn’t think much about it.

“Why so glum?” Asks the older male. Charles sucks in through his teeth. He definitely doesn’t want to explain that he’s attracted to both his daughter and her boyfriend. He’d probably thing he was crazy.

“Jealous, I suppose.” He settles for.

“Of which one.” Charles snaps his head up to Sebastian. A cheeky grin spreading across his face. Surely he can’t be that easy to read, right? “Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret.”

Charles is stumbling over his words. Questions of how he knows attempt to come out but sound like gibberish. Thankfully Seb understands him.

“You make puppy eyes at both of them all the time. You should be glad they’re both oblivious. It took her and Max years to figure it out.”

The first time he’d been relieved since this conversation started. Neither of them had noticed him. His friendship with the two was as close as he was going to get and he planned to keep it that way.

~

She’d been staying with Max that night. It was hard to find time to just be in each others presence during race weekends. Her mind was racing this weekend for some reason. Her nightmares had been getting worse recently, so she opted to keep herself awake and let Max sleep.

Her head was absolutely throbbing. She’d already stopped a few nose bleeds. She even tried levitating around random objects to get some of her energy out. Nothing was working.

Her vision was going now. She didn’t want to wake Max, but she couldn’t help the cries of pain the wracked her chest. The feeling of the floor. Then a person?

This was definitely a vision. Not a small one by the looks of it. She’s had a few of these before. Where she sees more then a moment and is able ti get a clearer picture.

She’s following around Charles. The Monegasque is racing. It’s the same track they are at now. She looked at the clock. Tomorrows date. Some time around 4.

Charles’ car has a rear tire explode. His car sending him into the wall. She can see his body dangling as the car flips itself.

Then she’s back. The white hot pain still searing her veins. Max holding her gently in his lap. Why does she feel like it’s still going?

She loses sight of Max one again and is thrown into another image. Her and Max sharing an intimate moment embracing each other.

She can’t help the smile that creeps onto her face.

Someone else joins them now. Their intimate moment now being shared.

She’s confused. She’s scared. And she’s in so much pain.

~

Max held her as the pain dies down. He already had a wet rag in hand to hopefully help cool her rising body temperature and wipe away the blood that was stuck to her.

“Do you want to talk about what you saw?”

“Charles is going to crash tomorrow.”

“But you’re not going to let that happen are you?” There is a smug smile on his face. He already knows what she’s planning. Her and Charles had become relatively close since he’s been at Ferrari. Max actually thought their relationship was oddly cute in a way.

“I saw something else, also.”

“Yeah?”

"We were hugging and smiling. Then, someone else showed up. But it didn't ruin it? Like - they joined us, I guess."

Max ponders for a moment. It's not something he would've considered. It's definitely not something he would've seen himself doing.

The girl panicking on the floor makes him think she probably has no idea that it's actually pretty normal for that to happen nowadays. She's spilling words about how she'd never do that to him.

"Shush. I think we can figure this out in the morning." Max heaves her off the floor and into bed. Continuing to stroke her hair until she falls asleep.

~

She was on edge all day. She repeatedly warned Charles about his tires. She warned Seb about his tires and Charles.

It was nearing four o'clock now. She was watching the tire degradation, and Charles was getting close to not having anything left.

She ran. Ran to get on the radio and tell someone about his tires.

Thankfully, they listened. She hadn't been wrong about things yet. Charles came into the pits and got new tires.

The relief that washed over her when he crossed the finish line in one peice was immense.

Check didn't care he finished sixth. She ran to him regardless.

Charles was shocked when she jumped into his arms. She'd done this before. she always hugged him him when he was done racing. He learned early that she likes physical contact over words.

This hug was different. He could feel the tension actively leaving her muscles.

He just embraced her. Letting himself relax into her hold.

~

She was pacing in Sebs hotel room. Max had been attempting to get her to relax her body. Seb was sitting at the table watching the two go back and forth. Then there was Lewis.

Max had told him the interesting predicament they'd found themselves in. Seb had not really understood everything about it, and Max was doing a terrible job at trying to explain it to him. So he had asked Lewis to attempt.

Lewis had explained the idea of polyamory. The same idea Max was trying to explain. The same thing the girl pacing the room was not understanding.

"geliefde, we don't have to think about it."

"Why are we thinking about it exactly?" Pipes Lewis. He'd been quiet since she started pacing. After his explanation of something she'd never heard of.

All of them freeze. What are they supposed to say? She had a vision of the future and saw them with another male? A ridiculous notion.

Lewis looks between them all. The other three look between each other.

Seb looks at her. His face is caring and gentle. "She's been having some revelations about the world recently."

Lewis either is just nodding in understanding because it's the truth or he knows their lying and doesn't want to push further. Either way, at least he dropped it.

Back in Max's room, she'd finally been able to calm down. It still didn't make any sense to her, though. Why was Max so okay with this?

Max, unbeknownst to her, was pondering the idea. He'd learned to just flow with her visions. It wasn't set in stone but sometimes it was okay to just let it happen. This was one of those things that he was genuinely open to try if she saw him doing it.

Somewhere in his brain, he could find thoughts that he locked away. Things he thought were weird and decided never to open the box to that again.

Obviously, she wasn't opposed to the idea either. She saw herself in that vision. Her feelings are much different than Max's, though. He could see the shame in her eyes every time she looked at him.

Finally, he'd gotten her here. He's kneeling down in front of her while she sits on the bed. His hands are placed on either side of her thighs.

"I'm going to tell you how I feel about this and then I want you to be completely honest about your feelings, okay?"

She nods her head. Still avoiding his eyes. The guilt to much for her.

"I'm willing to see where this goes. We don't have to try to change anything. From what you saw, we're both happy. I quite like seeing you smile." His pointer finger quickly moved upwards, and the pad just barely touches the top of her nose. "Now, explain to me what you're feeling because unlike you, I am no superhero."

Superhero. A nickname she earned a year ago when she first showed him. He ranted about how she was like a few comicbook superheros he's seen. She wasn't fond of it at first, but now it feels endearing.

"I don't understand it yet. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It's just that Hanna and seb had told me that it's two people, not three or more, like Lewis was explaining earlier."

Max nods his head in understanding. His hope is that it helps her keep going. He keeps up comforting little touches along her body.

"I'm not going to try to change anything, but I also don't want you to he upset. I've seen relationships at the paddock end because of someone else getting in the way."

"Well, those relationships were not meant to he three people. Maybe ours is. I've seen you with far too much love to give. I feel it would only be natural to let others in."

~

Charles couldn't help staring at her. Her stupid smile was making him swoon.

She was trying to tell him about something she's working on. Yet his mind was too far away to heat what she's saying.

She grabs his hand. Her attempt at pulling him back to earth. "Charlie? Are you okay?"

"Yes, sorry. I'm a bit out of it today." He laughs. His stupid nervous laugh.

"Want to go for a walk to clear your head?"

"That sounds amazing."

Their in Silverstone this weekend. A place he knows fairly well. This walk made him see things he hadn't before.

"Is Max going to be upset you're walking alone with a different guy?" Charles is very aware that Max is protective of her. Mostly from people she doesn't know, cameras, and the media, but it still doesn't change the fact that he could get punched for this.

He takes note of how she bites her lip. "No, I texted him you were having a rough day and needed a friend."

He hums. The only response that feels appropriate.

He didn't notice how he kept walking, and she had stopped. Her hands rubbed her temples. "Are you alright?" Concern is etched into his face.

Somehow, he'd missed the car speeding towards him. He curses how quiet electric engines are. He thinks it might be the end. The way he attracts tragedy finally catching up with him.

He feels his body being thrown to the side. He thought the hit would be more painful. Maybe the pain just hasn't registered yet. The little patch of grass on the side of the road catches him. The fall felt abnormally slow.

Charles lifts his head to inspect his body. He feels fine. Better than fine, actually.

He drags himself up and glances at where his friend is. Panic immediately rises as he sees her on her knees with blood running down the side of her face.

He thinks the car might have hit her. But she looks perfectly fine aside from that. A car would have cause more frontal damage, and she probably would have hit her head.

Then again, he felt better then perfect right now.

He runs over to her and drops to his knees. His hands reach to gently cradle her face. She's panting and trying to get to her phone, but her hands are so shaky she can't type anything.

"Can I?"

She just nods and hands the device over to him. She was trying to call Max.

~

Max is almost flying out of the paddock. Yelling to Christian that he'd be right back.

He found Charles only a few blocks away. Keeping the head of his girlfriend elevated. Her face seemed paler, and there is a trail of crimson on the sides of her face.

Oh. Oh no.

Max pulls over and gets out of the car. "What happened?"

"A car came out of nowhere, speeding. I thought I got hit, but I don't know now, and she's like this, but I don't think it hit her either." Charkes spills in one breath.

Him and the Monegasque had been friends for a while. Well- as close of friends as rivals can be.

She's still awake and mildly coherent. She'd overexerted most likely.

"Schat, can you tell me what happened, please? I need to know how to help you."

Charles is confused by the question. Obviously, from what he'd explained, she'd most likely been hit by a car.

"Couldn't let gim get hurt." She mumbles. Somehow, Max knows exactly what she said, and Charles is left to decipher the meaning. Is it an English thing?

How could she have stopped the car? She wasn't even close to him!

~

Before Charles has a chance to ask anything, he's helping haul a female body through the 'secret' paddock entrance. The one usually used for emergencies. Max and Charles both figured this could constitute as one.

Charles was still confused why they weren't taking her to the medical center. Or anywhere else that would be able to help her better than they could.

Seb met them outside the Ferrari motor home. The door to his room open and waiting.

"What happened?" He looks at max expectantly for an answer.

"She over exerted herself, I think. Possibly moving Charles and healing him simultaneously."

"I'm sorry, what?" Charles is eyeing the two of them. The two only stare at him.

"Dies he know?" The German asks Max. The Dutch shook his head no and bit his lip. Seemingly giving away some secret.

Charles is confused, frustrated and concerned. He let's out a string of French words that neither can understand.

"I'm going to see if I can't clean her up and see if she'll wake up. Can you take Charles to his room and explain to him what happened?"

"Like- explain explain? Or explain?"

"He's seen it, so there's no use in hiding it now. By the looks of it, she was also willing to out herself for him."

Then Charles is being dragged off once again. Now to the comfort of his room instead.

The Dutchman practically forces Charles to sit down. "I'm going to explain to you, and you have to promise you will never speak a word of it."

~

Charles is still shocked by it all. Even in the evening after he's done all his media chorse, he still doesn't get it.

He knew there were some things about her that were weird and that her childhood was shit, but this is just insane.

He makes his way up to Max's hotel room. His brain still trying to process.

He thinks about turning around when he gets to the door. However, it's like they are reading his mind or something because Max opens the door as soon as he steps in front of it.

"Welcome!" Max moves aside to let him in. Charles takes cautious steps forward. His eyes landing on the bed where his friend lay.

She looks better now. Her face has some color back to it. The blood is gone. He's happy about it, but now he feels awkward.

"It's okay, Max told me that you know now." She sits up but doesn't look him in the eyes.

Max let's them have space yet remains perched on the corner. The guardian he's used to seeing.

Charles sits on the edge of the bed closest to her. She looks panicked.

"It's a lot to process."

She shakes her head. Her eyes find Max for some sort of support. It was easy with him.

"It doesn't mean that I'm going to stop loving you or anything. It's just information to take in and understand because it's new." He rambles. Not even realizing he let the L word slip.

Now her eyes find Charles'. They look for understanding. Charles then knows his mistake. His hand flies over his mouth in embarrassment. Cheeks are now growing red and warm.

"I'm so sorry. That wasn't meant- I-"

Charles stands up and is about to bolt before Max rudely blocks his way out.

He looks back at her as Charles tries to find a way through. "Is the face less foggy now?"

Charles is now confused, frustrated, awkward, and embarrassed. It's a combination that can't get any worse.

~

She's staring at him. Her eyes bore into his soul. The worst part is that Max is laughing about it.

Somehow, they had a feeling this could happen. She had a vision where they were not a couple but a trio. Now, she was trying to see if she could recall a resemblance. Charles adds insecure to his growing list of unpleasant emotions.

"I don't remember." She confesses. Guilt creeps onto her face.

"Well, the question is, do we want to try this?" Max asks with such confidence.

It throws charles' head into a tizzy. The two people he thought were the farthest out of reach are actually the closest? It seems unreal. "Have you two already talked about this?" Charles is hesitant in asking.

"After her vision, yes. There's been some discovery on our end, and it's something we're willing to try."

The girl nods her head in agreement. Her eyes light up now that Max has taken control of the conversation.

"Okay, I'm willing to give this a shot."

"I can't read minds, I need your open and honest feelings. If we're going to do this, then you're going to have to be vulnerable."

Max takes Charles hands in his. Their arms now stretch the length of the small table.

It's the touch that gets him. He'd seen Max do it to her a thousand times and constantly longed for it himself.

"I've actually been crushing on both of you- for awhile now." He admits.

The two look up at him with both surprise and warmth. They were glad to hear this. Relief floods through Charles allowing him to continue speaking.

"I thought I was broken or something because I wanted to be with both of you at the same time. I thought it was impossible, but here we are." Charles looks anywhere but at them.

Then she's next to him. Her lips pressed against his forehead in an endearing way.

It's weird that her powers had somehow managed to help her get two partners.

~

They take things slow. They keep open communication between the three of them. They double-check everything until they learn comforts and boundaries.

They are almost through the season now. They've come to Abu Dhabi.

Charles is an anxious mess. He jas a chance to help move the team up, and he wants it so bad.

It's the night before, and he can't sleep for the life of him. He checks his phone, sending a quick text to their group chat. Mostly filled with funny cat videos from Max.

It doesn't take long to get a response, and he's on his way.

Charles has gotten used to the fact that she will always be able to open the door as soon as he gets there. He barely bothers slowing down as he enters the room and falls face first on the bed.

"Rough night?" Asks Max.

"Like you wouldn't believe."

The girl playfully lays herself across the two. The weight of her body comforting to them both.

Max dosen't let it stay that way, though, as he rolls them all over and peppers both of their faces with chaste kisses.

It doesn't take Charles long to fall asleep with them. His and Max's arms tangled up with the girl in between them.

~

Tags: @styles-sunflower @purplephantomwolf @boiohboii @reblog-princess-blog @jjsprobablywrong @Ipab @jayda12

Next ->

4.5 ->

[rainmightmakeart]

Can we get an AU lore drop...

ohhh boyy… that would take. A while. Honestly the only way I could Actually do that is writing a whole ass fanfic and I don’t think I could commit to that. I can try describing character relationships first and i can answer more specific questions if asked ^_^,, massive rant incoming

main stuff takes place a year after the game story, anything i refer to as timeskip in future posts is three. New bark trio are 14, Silvers 15, Kantrio is 16

Hibiki and Silver are dating!! Silver had a massive crush on Hibiki for a good while before Hibiki developed feelings.

Hibiki sees Kris and Kotone as sisters, in a way. Kotone used to have a crush on Hibiki, then had a crush on Silver, then Blue, then Red, then gave up for the time being because all the guys she likes are either gay or only into their best friend. Kris was out for school during HGSS, but she’s got a huge crush on kotone and sees Hibiki as a weird brother. They’ve all been friends since they were kids.

Red and Hibiki look almost exactly alike. Its creepy. Reds basically adopted the mantle of Hibikis big brother (but he acts more like a parent). They are not aware of this, but they’re half brothers on their fathers side. Neither have met him. (Their dad is a whore. He’s also the father to Hikari and Kouki from sinnoh but i’m not getting into that rn sorry)

Blue (male) often tries to mentor Hibiki. He’s not as strong as Hibiki. Blue tries to be everyones teacher and all that he’s achieving is making silver wanna beat his ass. green tries her best to reel him in so he shuts up but it doesn’t work

Silver really dislikes Kotone (too loud.) and has a mutual ‘cat that know theres another cat on the other side of the door but isn’t going ahead and trying to attack the other cat..yet’ relationship with Kris. He tolerates them because Hibiki does, but he’s still working on the ‘friendship’ stuff. silver and blue used to kind of have beef but Blue caught Silver smoking behind his gym and all he had to say was pass the lighter so they have a mutual ‘you’re cool as long as you tell no one’ thing going on where they go out behind the gym when silvers in town and discuss whatever the hell and smoke. They probably think they’re so cool. They’re not

Silver is VERY wary of Red and vice versa. They haven’t a clue what to make of eachother. Red hasn’t realized who silver actually is yet, Silver is half a massive fan and half holds resentment towards him. Silver is actually pretty cool with Green- she gives him food sometimes and bosses him around. She reminds him of his sister (i’m not getting into silver family tree this post is already too big)

Red and Blue were kinda tense reuniting after mt silver, But they ended up back as best friends by the end- just as they had been their whole lives. Unfortunately, Blue can’t get over his childhood crush and Red accidentally caught feelings. They’re both semi aware its all reciprocated, but neither want to be the one to make the first move in case it ruins things, so their official relationship status right now is basically ‘best friends who make out sometimes.’ Its so complicated and could be solved so easily if they just admitted they’re into one another straight to eachothers faces

green knows literally everything there is to know about red and blue. She’s a childhood friend of theirs. She’s a very ‘just have fun now. Stuff comes later’ kinda girl. Kris really looks up to her. (and has a little crush but shh���) Sometimes she feels like she’s never really going to be seen as much more than a extra person because red and blue are so famous, so it means a lot that kris loves her.

and parents stuff (just cause..)

Hibikis mother is. Not great. She had him at a young age and generally treats him more as a distant friend than a son (or daughter, as she sees his transness as an act of teenage rebellion that he won’t admit is fake.) she has a tendency to ask for money and somewhat ignore him otherwise. Hibiki doesn’t know his dad and has hated every boyfriend his moms brought home.

I don’t subscribe to good parent Sakaki i’m sorry… hes a horrible father to me. Silver hates him and never wants to be associated again. Athena is his mother, but he didn’t know her well.

Kris was adopted by her aunt Jen at a very young age. She doesn’t really have a mom or dad figure outside of her aunt.

Kotone and Green have happy families… how strange…. Also Green has a younger sister

Blues parents died when he was two. He doesn’t remember them. He was raised by professor oakido, but. He kinda resents gramps because he always favored red over him despite that not being his fuckin kid!!

Reds mom is a saint on earth and he would kill and die for her. He hasn’t a care in the world for his dad or anything to do with him.

[leupagus]

Working title is "Aziraphale is going to get a good grade in sex, something that is both normal to want and possible to achieve"

"So!" Aziraphale said, plopping himself down in the chair opposite. "Urophilia."

Crowley glowered at him from behind the safety of his third-best sunglasses and his mug.* He hadn't slept last night — he rarely wanted to, these days — yet it was somehow still too early for this. "No," he attempted.

"I know we neither of us go in for the more, er, granular human bodily functions," said Aziraphale, without even the slightest hint of listening. Crowley took a certain amount of comfort in the fact that he still found this annoying as — well, his former employer's residence. He'd worried, in a vague sort of way, that if Aziraphale came back and they worked things out, became a proper us, that he'd start thinking everything Aziraphale did was wonderful. But even true love had its limits, thank — well, his other former employer's residence. "Did I ever tell you, I tried defecating once? Terribly awkward business, I had to make an anus and everything. But Cicero was very obliging in teaching me about the stick."**

Conversations with Aziraphale tended to fall into one of three categories. Either he was humming away in his default cheeriness, in which case he'd burble happily along with whatever Crowley said for hours on end; or he was in a pet about something, in which case he'd be drier than the desert outside Eden and Crowley'd be lucky to escape without injury to his pride or person. Or he was like this, in which case Crowley's participation was purely decorative.

Still, they were getting some stares. Nina hadn't started tutting yet, but she would do soon. "I'm not pissing on you," he said, firm. "And vice versa."

"Oh, all right," Aziraphale huffed, pulling out his spectacles and wrapping the temple tips fussily around his ears. He peered down at the magazine he'd apparently brought with him; even from here, Crowley could see some illustrations. They were… illustrative.

"What," he said with the conviction that he would regret it, "Is that?"

"It's 'Kinks and Fetishes: An A to Z Guide,'" Aziraphale said, handing it over with all the glee of a dog showing off a rotted tennis ball it had found in the back garden. "I've been doing more research, you see. Apparently, there's all sorts of sex we could be getting up to. I truly had no idea there were so many—" he waved his other hand around vaguely. "Configurations."

"Does Glamour have a print edition anymore?" Crowley asked, thumbing through the pages. There were a lot of illustrations.

"Not as such," Aziraphale admitted. "But Muriel found it for me on the World Wide Web—"

"Don't call it that," Crowley sighed.

"—and you know how I dislike reading off of those… screens," he continued, making a moue of distaste. "So I made my own proof copy, as it were."

Under "Tentacles," there was a stern reminder that you shouldn't have sex with octopuses.*** "Angel," he started, then paused. "Vicarphilia?"

"I thought it was something to do with priests and things, but apparently not," Aziraphale said, leaning over the table to point out the next one. "What about whipping?"

"No fetishes that I could've done professionally," Crowley decided firmly, shutting the magazine. He waved it away, out to the Tadfield Library where Anathama would probably find it and laugh for a week, then try at least a half-dozen of them out on poor Newt.

* Nina had set one aside for him after a while, since he didn't mind the permanent stains that had developed along the inside. "Pretty sure those are scorchmarks, actually," she'd complained. "On the outside. What did you do to it?"

** Roman public toilets were aptly named — men would gather to have a bowel movement and a chat, cleaning themselves off with a sponge on the end of a length of wood. Hence the phrase, "Getting the wrong end of the stick," something decidedly less pleasant when taken out of its metaphor.

*** Accompanied by a picture of a young woman doing exactly that.