pickled-fics

[pickled-fics]

Hey y'all!

I just wanted to give you guys a lil update on the fics and everything around here! Im so sorry fics have been non-existent recently. I'll be so real with y'all, i have been having hella dnd brainrot recently so all of my fic brain capacity has been put into the dnd campaign

[pickled-fics]

gone (i don't deserve a second chance) | chapter 1: don't fret

When Huxley moves back to Maine with his moms, Dion and Viola, both Huxley and Damien have to come to terms with how that feels for them in the wake of a great tragedy and a deeply traumatic event for both men.

1010 words | CW: post-inversion, inversion mentions

Chapter 1: don't fret

Two weeks.

It had been two weeks since Huxley moved back to Maine. The inversion was too much. The loss of Xavier and all the pain and suffering from that night left a bone deep exhaustion that Huxley and his mothers agreed could be better treated from their own home. Huxley thought it all made sense, his lease was going up anyways with his graduation on the horizon, classes were mostly scarce right now to give students time to process and grieve -- whatever that meant for something like this. 

A video chat was scheduled for Sunday with the group. A cheap substitution for their usual hangouts at Freelancer and Gavin’s place. A nice townhouse they’d found their second year, both Gavin and their name were on the documents. It seemed like everyone Huxley talked to that wasn’t his moms was through a screen nowadays.

Therapists, teachers, counselors, newscasters, and now his friends.

His family.

A part of him wishes he’d never left, that he should’ve stayed to help them all with their grief. I mean what kind of friend leaves them behind when they’ve all already been through enough.

“The kind that needs to do what’s best for his heart and mind.”

That’s what the freelancer had told him when he broke the news at their last dinner together, spoken so gently and kindly, so sincere and that careful smile on their cheeks. They knew what moving meant for him. Peace of mind, not feeling like every open sidewalk could crush you with the weight of exposure, the corners could only hide so many secrets in a smalltown like where he grew up. 

He missed home anyways. 

Right on the coast of the cold ocean this early in the year, not a terribly long road trip to the forests of Vermont, still dusty and white this time of February. He spent his time not in class outside, recentering his core with the wet pebble beaches and the damp marshy earth of his backyard. 

That was how his moms found him most days when they’d call him in for dinner, just layed out in the grass, eyes closed so gently one would think he was asleep. But V knew her son well, stepping out onto the wet grass, and making her way to lay next to him.

“What’s eatin’ ya cub?”

“Did … Did I make the right choice?” Huxley had always taken his time when talking, growing up knowing that those that would value him would wait for him to find his words.

“Gonna have to be more specific than that, Hux.” 

“This… the whole… the move. Leaving everyone behind. Leaving… leaving Dahlia behind.” he sighed, not wanting this to start another argument, a seemingly common outcome whenever this topic had been brought up since the events of the New Years.

Viola looked at her son carefully, taking in the details that had developed since he uprooted and moved fully across the country after an already deeply traumatic event. She saw the sunkenness to his eyes that had never been there before, even at his worst exam periods his eyes were always so bright and full of life and excitement. Those eyes were so dull and quiet now. His core felt distant, despite her proximity to him, she would’ve thought his core was miles away. His heart was tired.

“I… I don’t know, baby, I’m sorry that you’re struggling with the move like this, even after some time. What makes you feel like you shouldn’t be here, though?”

“It… Mom it’s not like.. It’s not like I feel like I shouldn’t be here. It’s not that. You guys are my family, I’ll always love spending time with you. But… I don’t know… Dahlia,” he paused to choose his words more carefully, “They’re my family too, ya know?”

“I traded one family for another.” He sighed, “It’s like how I miss you two like crazy when I go back to campus after breaks spent here.”

“You two are my family… but I think they… I think Dahlia is my home now.” He braced himself for the argument, the silence in the wind as the two earths settled against the soft grass.

“Dion’s made stew. Come in whenever you’re ready, cub.” A gentle kiss is placed on his forehead as she brushed his locs back and smiled. It didn’t meet her eyes, before she stood up and walked back inside.

Huxley sighed and looked up at the trees that towered over him.

This was how it always went, for as much as his mothers loved him, they never did well when he asserted that his concept of home had shifted away from where they resided. They loved him so so much that they failed to realize their cub had grown up, and he needed to leave the den. Find his own, create the family around him that loved and supported him as they had.

And he did find them.

And then he left them.

Two weeks ago.

Huxley didn’t move from where he was laid in the yard, even as the clouds grew heavy and began to trickle rain slowly yet again. It rained a lot here, a lot was different here than it was in Dahlia. California was a new change and a refreshing one at that. Huxley loved the warmth of the sun on his skin as he went on morning runs with Damien, the cool breeze that settled around Lasko whenever they’d meet up for lunch. He loved the energy that was palpable wherever Gavin and Freelancer traveled, as if their cores and being couldn’t contain all the potential that resided in their corporeal forms. He loved the team and getting to grow with them as he completed his Earth command studies. He missed them all like crazy, he wanted to keep up with his teammates after graduation but he left. He left those fuzzy good warm feelings behind and traded them for cold rain and soft grass. 

Dahlia was home.

His friends were home.

And now he is gone.

[pickled-fics]

has it been like a week since the video was posted? yes. am i still going to post about it? yes.

the newest david video where angel plays minecraft has engrained itself into my personality. i adore it so much. that silly little block game means so much to me and when my partner asked what helped when im not feeling good i answered with minecraft. this stupid lil block game has such a chokehold on me and has for too long.

David has never been my favorite character, of course i love him, but he's never been my favorite. and silly block game makes my heart happy and that video has just been on a loop in my brain since it was posted.

[pickled-fics]

You Know Me Too Well

Damien confesses to Huxley that he wants to bridge with him and they have a delicate, loving moment together when they do. [new fic]

Damien watched as Huxley stared intently at the tv in front of them, completely enthralled by his game. His eyes traced down Huxley’s arm down to the controller in his hand where his fingers were quickly moving between the buttons. Damien noticed how small the controller looked in Huxley’s hand in comparison to his own. He sat there staring at his fingers moving back and forth as he began to get lost in thought. The idea had popped into his head a few weeks ago when reading an article on the topic. Bridging. It was something he had thought of in the past but had never trusted someone enough to truly consider it. But somehow, here he sat with Huxley in the apartment that they shared, and he couldn’t get the idea off his mind. 

He was snapped out of his thoughts when Huxley sat back further into the couch, fingers no longer moving across the buttons. “Damn dude, that was a good game.” His laugh echoed out into the room as he turned to Damien, smile still bright when they made eye contact. Damien turned his head to the TV quickly to see the conclusion of the game and upon seeing Huxley had won he smiled back at his partner, “Good job Hux!” His tone was light and excited to mirror his partner but even though Huxley smiled back, he set the controller down. 

“What’s up Dames?” That gentle tone he did so well carried through the words as he looked at his partner, head slightly tilted to the side. Damien thought to damn himself for being so easy to read before responding, “Nothing, what do you mean?” His tone was a bit more bitter and less questioning than he would’ve liked.

“You just seem a bit off is all, you were zoned out for that whole match dude. I just wanted to check in with you.” Damien sat for a moment thinking how nothing really got past Huxley, especially when it came to him. He stared at Huxley, wondering how to word this before finally speaking up again.

“I… I don’t know. I.” He paused again before he got too caught up trying to force words out as Huxley readjusted his position to face more towards Damien. Damien took a steading breath before beginning again.

“We’ve been together for a while now Hux, and and” his words stopped when he made eye contact with Huxley again but quickly spilled out in their entirety as Huxley tilted his head a tiny bit further. “We’ve been together for a while now and I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently and I just… I just want to know if you would want to bridge with me.” He paused to take in Huxley’s reaction, seeing him straighten up a bit made more words spill from his mouth. “I I mean of course we don’t have to, I won’t be upset if you don’t want to. I don’t want to push anything or rush you in any way. I know it’s a big thing and I” his words began to trail off at the end as he saw the way Huxley’s gaze softened on him. 

“I would love to Damien.” He paused to move a bit closer and set his hand down on the couch in front of Damien, his sign that Damien could take it if he wanted, a way for Huxley to ensure Damien knew that he was in control of the movement. Damien slowly moved his hand into Huxleys as Huxley continued. “I don’t want to rush anything either Damien, but it’s something I’ve thought of too but wasn’t sure if that was something you’d ever be interested in. But Damien, if that is something you’re comfortable with I would be more than happy anytime you feel ready to.” They squeezed their hands together at the same time and stayed there for a moment, just looking at each other, entirely safe in that silence. It was Huxley who broke the silence again, his words carefully chosen. “Dames, I need you to tell me if this is too soon or if this is too fast or anything” Damien provided a small nod of understanding before Huxley continued. “Would you like to do it tonight or would you like to wait for another day?” Damien stared for a moment before speaking again. “Could we maybe save it for another day? A date night or something?” Huxley smiled at him and squeezed his hand again, “Of course dude, whatever you're comfortable with.” They then cuddled up for the night and together they basked in the comfort of knowing they could trust each other with that and that they could have those open conversations.

—------

Damien watched Huxley’s back as he followed him up the trail. They had decided to go on a hike together this morning to both get out of the house and get some exercise while they were at it. They were both participating in an activity they found enjoyable while also spending time with each other, bonding over their shared interests. The two were laughing about something Huxley had said when they arrived at a shady area surrounded by trees. Huxley cleared his throat before speaking. “This look like a good resting spot, Dames?” Damien looked around and nodded, “Yeah it looks great.” He set his backpack down and pulled out their water bottles. He carefully and skillfully tossed it to Huxley and he caught it without any hesitation, the small action causing a small grin to spread across Damien’s face. Huxley set his bottle down before clearing his throat again, seeming to want to ask Damien something. Damien caught this and set his water bottle down and looked to his boyfriend. “What’s up Hux?” Huxley was quick to shake his head and speak up. 

“Nothing, I just uh.” He paused to fidget with his water bottle before taking a deep breath and starting again. “Do you want to bridge with me?” Damien sat up a bit as Huxley continued. “Of course we don’t have to right now if you aren’t feeling comfortable right now, I just, I thought I would put it out there in case you did want to.” Damien took a deep breath as he stared at Huxley and Huxley stared back, awaiting any sort of answer. Damien finally cleared his throat before moving closer to Huxley and sitting in front of him.

“I would love to Hux.” Damien had a small smile on his face as Huxley let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in and huffed out a quiet laugh.

“Sick dude, okay.” They sat there for a moment, staring at each other, neither one moving until Huxley spoke again. “I uh, I’ve never done this if I’m being honest with you, so I’m not sure exactly how to start.” Damien shook his head before laughing and saying, “I haven’t either Hux.” They sat together laughing for a bit until Huxley said “I guess we’ll just have to learn together then.” Once their laughing died down a bit, Huxley held out his hand in the middle of the two of them and Damien moved closer to him to make it easier on both of them.

Both of their hands were warm as they met together. Damien slowly closed his eyes to focus his energy outwards towards Huxley. Extending himself outward in a careful line directly from his core to the meeting point of their hands. He held it there, keeping his focus on it as he nodded to Huxley. Huxley’s tone was quiet as he spoke, “I’m gonna take it slow Dames, I don’t want to do anything too suddenly.” Damien smiled at him and nodded, not willing to open his eyes and risk losing his focus on the line outstretched from his core. 

It didn’t take long for Damien to feel it. That deep, rich tone inching closer to his own. The calming presence of Huxley’s core approaching his already stretched bridge. The closer it got the more vibrant the world felt. He may not have his eyes open but he could feel it, he could feel the liveliness of the earth around him, the roots of the trees surrounding him, everything was slowly getting louder and more prominent in his consciousness. He could feel when Huxley stopped just before sewing together that connection between them. Huxley’s voice was warm and soft as he spoke to his partner.

“I’m gonna stop here for a minute, just to let us get used to each other for a minute.” Damien nodded again with a smile, appreciating the time to closer inspect the feeling of his boyfriends core so close to his own. Huxley hummed as his voice started again. “How do I feel, baby?”  Damien smiled wider before beginning his explanation. 

“Incredible. You feel like a… like a deep bass. Like a forest and a low toned drum. You feel safe.” He paused with a soft smile as he looked up at Huxley, finally opening his eyes while maintaining that focus, “You feel like home.” Huxley let out a small laugh as he looked back at Damien. “Good. That’s what I want to feel like for you.” 

Damien closed his eyes again and let out a slow breath, “What about me Hux, what do I feel like?” Huxley was quiet for a moment before responding, a warm smile on his face as he watched his boyfriend.

“It feels like I’m basking in the sunlight. I” he stopped to readjust his position, “Like a bone warming sunny day.” He laughed a little to himself before continuing. “Almost like a mug of hot chocolate, something that makes you feel warm and safe all the way through.” Damien was smiling at this description, happy to hear it was a comfortable experience for Huxley too. Huxley squeezed Damien’s hand slightly tighter before finishing his thoughts. “You feel like home too, Dames.” 

“I’m gonna reach out the rest of the way if that’s okay with you, Damien.” Huxley’s tone was soft and Damien nodded his head quickly as he did his best to hold his end of the line steady. And with that Damien could feel those deep tones moving closer again until eventually they began slowly intertwining with the ends of his own. It was unlike anything he’d ever felt before. It was something so deep that neither of them could truly ever explain it to anyone else. With this newly forged connection between the two of them, Damien could hear Huxley in his mind, echoing around him in the deepest way.

“Can you hear me?” Damien’s tone was cautious and quiet, not knowing the best way to keep from being too loud in a way like this. An echo of Huxley’s soft laugh rang through his mind as he said “Yeah bro, I hear you. I feel you.” And he was right, they could both feel each other in so many ways they didn’t know possible. Damien could feel the love and kindness in Huxley’s core. He could feel the love towards him, towards Damien. He could nearly feel his heart melt at the feeling of it and Huxley was feeling the same thing. He could feel the love and passion deep in the roots of Damien’s core. They sat there together, holding hands as they explored each other's cores, diving deeper into each other than they could have ever dreamed. Damien’s hushed voice echoed out into Huxley’s mind, a wonderful feeling, “You feel even safer like this Hux.” And Huxley could feel the heat of the truth beneath that confession deep in Damien’s core, the feeling of knowing he meant it. And that feeling was mirrored in Huxley's core as well, the feeling of knowing Damien felt that way with him lit up something deep within him. While focusing on this feeling Damien felt a tremble in his side of the bridge and Huxley must have felt it too.

“Damien, do you need to pull away? I don’t want you overextending yourself trying to keep it up.” And Huxley could feel the small bubble of alarm in Damien as he worried about the shake in the bridge. Damiens voice echoed back into Huxley’s mind, “Yeah, I don’t want it to snap on us suddenly.” Huxley nodded despite them now both having their eyes closed and asked in their minds “Do you want to pull away or do you want me to?” Damien sounded a little more strained now in their minds as he told Huxley his answer, “I think it’d be better for me to pull away, I think you’re a steadier bridge right now.” Huxley agreed and put more focus into keeping his side of the line steady. 

Damien slowly began working his line back in, the connection between the two of them slowly unraveling. With the knot between them now undone and Damien pulling his outstretched core towards himself again, Huxley’s deeply comforting presence was fading and getting further out of Damien’s reach. Once he was fully pulled back into himself Huxley did the same and they locked eyes when they both opened. A wide smile was spread across both of their faces as they stared at each other, still holding hands in the middle. And once Huxley began giggling, Damien was quick to follow.

“Let’s do that again sometime, yeah dude?” His voice and tone excited and happy as he pulled his boyfriend closer into a hug. And together they sat there on the ground holding each other, laughing, and describing their own experiences. Together in the shady alcove of the forest, they basked in their warmth and love.

[pickled-fics]

Lazy Sunday

t's been a few years since Flyboi and Baby have gotten back together, and this is just one of those moments that have become special since they had their time apart. [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

They stared at him as slept quietly. Ivan's eyes were closed and his body facing theirs. It was 2 in the afternoon and somehow they were both still in bed. They had been awake together for a few hours, both contently scrolling on their phones until he had rolled over and gotten a little too comfortable. They didn't have any obligations for the day so there wasn't a real reason to get out of bed. And they savored every moment they got with him like this ever since they got back together. Their quiet sleepy mornings in bed meant more to them than they'd ever admit. However, they knew neither of them had eaten since dinner last night. He had fallen asleep just over half an hour ago when they decided to make their move.

They slipped out from beneath the blankets and made their way to the kitchen. The kitchen was nothing grandiose or special, but it was theirs and it was filled with memories of the two. As they grabbed pans and bowls, they did so quietly, careful not to wake him up. And they began making his favorite breakfast as quietly and quickly as they could. Despite it being past lunchtime at this point, they knew he'd appreciate the breakfast in bed scenario. They also knew they were on a time limit between when they got out of bed and when he'd wake up and feel their empty space beside him.

Once they were finished cooking the breakfast turned lunch they plated it and made their way to the bedroom. Carefully and quietly, they set his favorite mug and the plate down on the bedside table and they made their way over to him. He was still on his side facing towards their now empty space in the bed, his breathing deep and slow. After taking a moment to appreciate their boyfriend in the bright afternoon light, they began to wake him up. 

They softly began pressing kisses down his jawline, his neck, down to his shoulder. They could practically hear his voice in their head saying "It's the best way to be woken up! Along with something else" and after the sentence finished out with that sweet laugh of his in their mind, they felt him shift under them. 

A low quiet mumble came from his chest as he readjusted himself slightly. They decided to move back up to his jawline and make their way up to his cheek, pressing the slow soft kisses across his skin. A quiet laugh from him caused them to smile against his skin, knowing their plan worked. 

"Well good morning baby" his voice still dripping with that sleepy tone of his. 

"More like good afternoon Ivan" they laughed out before pressing a final kiss to his temple and moving away to look at him. His eyes stared up at them, sleepy smile resting on his face. 

"When did I fall back asleep?"

"Almost an hour or so ago, I made you a surprise while you were off in dreamland though!"

"A surprise?" his eyes followed their hands as they moved to grab the plate off of the nightstand. "Breakfast?" his eyes lit up when he saw what it was. 

"Yeah, lunch in bed sounded weird so I made you brunch in bed!" 

"That's really sweet of you baby! Thank you." His smile sent that pang of pure adoration through their heart. He sat up and met them in a kiss before taking the plate.

"This looks fantastic baby! You did all this while I was asleep?" They laughed and nodded as they crawled back into bed next to him, grabbing the remote for the TV in their room. 

"Do you wanna watch YouTube or Netflix or something while you eat?" They looked over at him as he nodded, mouth already full of food. 

And there they laid for a few more hours, basking in each other's presence, comfortable and safe together in the afternoon light. Eventually they'd get out of bed, but right now, all they cared about was these now special moments together in bed.

[pickled-fics]

That Old Baseball Cap

David and Asher spend an afternoon resting under their orange blossom tree [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

The faded baseball cap was laid across his face blocking the sun from his eyes. His chest was rising and falling at a steady pace as he dozed in David's lap. David sat with his back against that orange blossom tree they loved so much. The hours they spent under here just talking and spending time near each other. The countless times they fooled around under here. Ever since they were kids, this was their spot.

David's hand slowly combed through Asher's hair as he stared down at him. Gently keeping him in his sleeping state, careful not to disturb him. A warm breeze pushed past them and David breathed it in. He loved being outside, both of them did, especially if they could do it together. David didn't know what it was that made this moment so different from all the rest they'd spent here. Something about seeing Asher so comfortably dozing on his lap with David's worn out hat covering his face brought some sort of soft feeling to his heart.

He loved seeing this side of him. The relaxed, comfortable Asher. He loved the way his lips parted just slightly as he breathed in and out. He loved how his hand laid on his body, while the other casually laid in David's own. He loved that he could make Asher feel safe in this space with him.

A deep inhale breaking Asher's normal pattern is what brought David back to the present, fully focused on him. His chest fell again after the deep breath and Asher began to stir. His hand tightened slightly in David's, his lips pulled themselves back together again. He knew Asher was waking up. And after he smiled, knowing what was coming, Asher removed the hat from his face and laid it on his chest.

The perfect, sleepy smile of his shining up at David. David wasn't one to think of people as perfect, but Asher, Asher was different. He couldn't look at him without thinking about it. Staring at him, he could do nothing but smile back at him with the most genuine smile he had.

After sitting there together for a few moments, taking each other in, David leaned down and kissed him. A soft, gentle kiss. One of a reminder of how much Asher meant to him. Asher's hand moved it's way up to his cheek and stayed there, warm against his face. After a pause they both settled back into just sitting together for a bit, enjoying the quiet. They both took in the birds they heard, the noises of the neighborhood, the small breeze blowing past. And neither of them spoke a word. They just sat together, enjoying their peaceful afternoon in their warm, safe space, not a care in the world.

And something about that faded baseball cap and their spot under this orange blossom tree just felt so right with him.

[pickled-fics]

Please, Wake Up

After the inversion has passed, Lovely is plagued by nightmares even more than before [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

A face came into their blurry vision, that corrupt grin of his taunting them. Lovely could recognize his face anywhere. Adam.

“You’ve finally come back around to me bloodbag, i'm so excited to see you!”

His eyes crazed and staring down at them, that smile still haunting, his fangs sharper than they remembered. Staring up at him, the fear rushing through their veins, they recalled their powers. If they could just pull from the threads they’d become so used to they could get him off of them. They could sned the power of a fucking lightning strike through him, they just needed to move. Find the threads. More panic began rushing through them, they couldn’t find them. Everywhere they searched within themself they couldn’t find them. The strings tied so tightly to their core were missing. “Aw you look so confused.” his grip tightened on their arms bringing their attention back to the darkened eyes above them. “Focus on me, meat.” They couldn’t even feel Adam’s core, something that had taken them so long to get used to felt so off putting to suddenly be missing. Why couldn’t they feel any magic in the world? They spiraled even deeper, had they just made it all up in an attempt to escape this horrid reality? 

Their vision blurred even more as Adam’s cold hand gripped their face tightly pulling their attention towards him again. “I said pay attention to me”, his fangs sharp and intimidating. “Careful where that silly little mind of yours goes, I will drain you if you’re not fucking careful.” His threat was followed by a laugh that rang out against the walls, louder than it should’ve been. He let go of their cheeks and moved his mouth down towards their neck, his breath warm against them. 

Right as his fangs were about to pierce through the skin, the scenery changed. They were standing by the stage where they had once been waiting with those elemental boys for their medals. Vincent. They could see Vincent struggling against something. They were sprinting towards him before they even fully realized it, feet hitting the ground, breathing heavy, eyes fixed on him. Their voice cut short of yelling out to him as a creature stepped in front of them, knocking them to the ground. The blow knocked the wind out of them, a similar fear filled them again. A shade. They knew this creature, they remembered it from before. They were useless, their powers still nowhere to be found. They needed them now more than ever as the thing, the shade, stepped over top of them. The familiar life draining sensation hitting them hard. Wake up

The creature was knocked off of them as Vincent’s figure dropped down to them. Familiar. Safe. Vincent. Wake up

His hands wrapped around them and he pulled Lovely towards his chest. He was saying something but they couldn’t understand him. The world was blurry again. There was a distant ringing as they stared up at him, trying to focus. 

Wake up

Everything felt like it was spinning. They could feel those creatures swarming around them but they couldn’t feel any fear anymore. Everything felt so distant. They were closing in so tightly, the space growing darker and darker. 

“Lovely, please wake up.” Vincent’s voice shaking just the slightest bit as they came to. Their eyes opened, a pit in their stomach sitting low and deep. The sleep and panic leftover still plaguing their mind they reached out for their powers again. The familiar threads were tied just as tightly around their core as they remembered. Their eyes met Vincent’s, the worry much more obvious in his eyes than he’d made it seem with his voice. His eyes searched theirs, looking for answers, looking for a signal that they were okay. They exhaled a breath they hadn’t realized they were holding and looked down. “Nightmare?” his voice a soft whisper in the room the two of them shared. They nodded, Adam’s voice still ringing in their mind, the feel of the shade’s grip still sticking to their skin. 

“I’m sorry Lovely, is it something you want to talk about tonight or leave it for the morning?” His hand rested gently on their back, offering reassurance and safety with whatever option they chose. They shook their head and looked at him, meeting his warm eyes. Safe. They knew they could trust him with the answer, but they didn’t want to visualize it all again. Not tonight. 

“Of course. Whatever you need right now. Do you want to lay back down?” They nodded and hugged onto him as they laid back down, tucking their head into the crook of his neck. Safe. His arms wrapped securely around them, holding them close. “Do you need noise or something to distract you?” His voice vibrating into them from his chest. 

“Can I just listen to you for a while?” Their voice quiet as they spoke into his neck.

“Of course lovely, whatever you need right now.” He secured his statement with a kiss to their head and did as they asked. His hand ran up and down their back, a slow pattern forming as he began to speak. They knew they were safe in his arms, wrapped up in his smooth voice. Safe.

[pickled-fics]

Safe in the Aftercare (18+)

Aftercare to Geordi’s 18+ hot boi winter patreon audio [Geordi’s thoughts are italicized and when speaking is “in quotations”] [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

Fuck fuck fuck 

“Fuck okay hold on”

His breathing was labored and heavy against their skin, warm in the cold room. He could feel their combined sweat causing them to stick together slightly but couldn’t find it in him to move from his position. He was so warm nestled into them like he was. 

“Geordi?” their voice was quiet and still somewhat shaky from still trying to catch their breath. Their hand reached up to move a strand of hair out of his face as he looked down at them.

Is something wrong? Are they cold? Did I do something?

“Yeah Cutie?”

They smiled that lopsided smile of theirs, cupped his cheek and reached up and kissed him on his forehead. “You did great. Really, you’re always so good to me.” Their face became more serious, looking into his eyes, trying to show him as much as they could that they truly meant it. He practically melted into them even more. He knew they meant it, every word of it, but damn did it feel good to hear that reassurance. 

They mean it. They love me. I know you love me. I know. Thank you. Safe.

“Thank you Cutie.” His head lowered onto their chest again as they combed their fingers through his hair. He sighed out onto them, holding them closer

Home. This is what home feels like. Safe. Safe with them. Safe with you. 

He focused on their breathing and the hand in his hair. Their breathing had steadied out, smooth and deep. His head rising and falling with their chest. Their hand gentle and careful, combing and twisting his hair as it dragged through. He could faintly hear their heartbeat echoing through their chest.

I could fall asleep like this, you know. You make a great pillow.

Their laugh shook him a bit, a smile brightening his face at the sound.

Cute laugh. 

“Well I’m glad I can offer you a great pillow service but I’m afraid I’m going to have to cut it short.” Their hand came to stop with that sentence and moved to his back. Their voice picked back up before he had a chance to respond, or even think of a response. “I’m going to grab us some water and a snack.” Despite him coming to the realization that his throat was pretty dry since they mentioned it, he still grumbled out a noise of disagreement.

But I don’t want to get up. You’re so warm and I’m so comfortable

“I never said you have to get up, in fact, you can stay here and grab that blanket again and keep warm. I won’t be gone long.” Their thumb was moving back and forth on his back, a soothing gesture they did subconsciously as they awaited his answer. 

Blanket. I really should drink something at least. 

“Fine I’ll get off of you but just know that I’m returning you to pillow duty once you get back. It’ll be payment for you being such a bully and making me get up.” A grin spread across his face as he poked fun at his partner knowing they’d take no offense to such jokes. 

“Thank you Geordi, I’ll be right back.” They kissed him quickly before getting up and walking to the kitchen. 

Cute. Really cute. Maybe I shouldn’t watch them. Is that weird? But they’re so cute. I’m sure they’d give me hell if they did have a problem with it. I love you. 

A quiet laugh came from the kitchen before the fridge door opened.

You’re still listening aren’t you? Of course you are. Just hurry up and get back here. Your break from pillow duty is running out. 

He looked down at the ground next to the couch and reached down to grab the blanket. As he looked up they walked back through the doorway into the living room, that same smile lighting their face. They held out a glass of water for him and set some snacks down on the table. And then they were back on the couch, holding him close under the blanket, waters in hand. 

“Hey Geordi?” again, their tone serious but soft.

“Yeah Cutie?” His eyes warm, tired, and comfortable stared into theirs. 

“Thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun with you, I always do. And, Geordi, I love you. So much. And I hope you never ever forget that. You are good.”

His look had softened so much as they kept talking.

Safe. 

He smiled into them, and moved even closer. 

How did I get so lucky with you Cutie.

He nuzzled into their neck, breathing them in, holding them close. 

“I love you Geordi.”

“I love you Cutie.”

[pickled-fics]

Heated (18+)

Damien/Freelancer do be spicy for real for real [written pre hux and damien] [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

“I can’t hear you Freelancer, you’re going to have to speak up.” Damien's voice mocked as his hand gripped tighter into their hair, pushing their mouth back down onto him. Groaning out a "fuck" into the living room as he guided their head back up, tongue gliding along him as they moved. Hand finally loosening as he pulled their mouth off of him. 

"Stand up for me" his eyes lustful and excited as he gripped onto the freelancer, guiding them up from the floor. 

"Get this out of the way." Hot hands grabbing their shirt and pulling it over their head. His head was quickly buried in their neck, the same hot hands gliding down the freelancers sides to unbutton their pants. Warm mouth licking and sucking behind their ear, biting down just enough to leave a mark. The freelancers' comparatively cold hands rushing to take his shirt off causing him to tense from the temperature. Another fuck escaping his lips before whispering in their ear.

"Tell me if I get too hot alright?"

…

"Oh fuck, yes I know I'm hot but you know what I mean damnit" His fingers finally undoing the buttons and pulling down their pants quickly followed by removing his own the rest of the way. 

"Sit down for me baby, it's my turn to show you some of that appreciation" his rapidly heating hands pushing them down into the chair. His body over theirs, hand moving their head to look at him just to meet them in a hot, needy kiss. Lowering himself down to his knees in front of the freelancer, one hand holding theirs. 

"You squeeze my hand and tell me to stop if it gets too hot alright? I know I'm heating up a lot already." A nod and smile from the freelancer sends him to work. Licking and sucking, one hand gripping their thigh, dragging out moans and whimpers from the freelancer. Their head was thrown back against the chair as his tongue picked up speed, another moan escaping out into the living room. The heat of Damien only helping bring them closer to that edge they were already wanting to tip over so badly. The noises rattling out of their chest and throat getting faster, more desperate as he continued, signalling they were close to their climax. One more shakey moan from the freelancer and Damien stopped. As he pulled away from them, taking his mouth off of them, they whined out squeezing their eyes shut and lifting their hips up towards him again, damn near begging him to finish what he started. 

"I'm not looking to finish this like that freelancer, I'm not done with you yet. I need you. Now." his stare burning into the freelancers as he stood, hungry, wanting, needing. Pulling them up from the chair and dragging them towards the bedroom. His hold on their arm spreading heat through their entire body. Their legs still shaking from being so close and feeling so much of that pleasure as they quickly followed behind Damien. Hell, with as heated as he was getting, the freelancer wasn't even sure a cold shower afterwards would cool him down, it might just evaporate the water into a scalding steam. But they're attention was quickly snapped from the thoughts of his heat as they were pulled onto the bed. All thoughts leaving their mind besides the ones of Damien, right here, right now in this moment. Staring up at Damien as he lined himself up with them, feeling the heat radiate off of him being so close. His eyes meeting theirs before closing in on them with a kiss. 

"Thank you Freelancer" his voice soft and genuine before pushing himself in, eliciting a gasp from both himself and the freelancer. The unexpected, sudden heat of him sending a shudder of excitement up their spine. He paused there for a moment letting them get adjusted to both his size and heat. Once they gave a nod of approval he slowly moved in and out of them, their hips moving against his trying to pull him into them as much as they could. 

As he slowly picked up speed, moving in and out of them he brought his mouth down onto their neck again. A gasp escaping their lips as he bit down on a particularly sensitive spot, proof he really did know their body and how to get reactions out of them. The heat only getting more intense as he kept sliding in and out of them, speeding up his movements. Sweat began to coat both of them. 

“Fuck you are doing so damn good for me.” His praise coming out in short breathes as he moved in and out of them, still earning a breathy moan from the Freelancer, feeling close to that edge again.

…

“Fuck okay good, I’m getting close too.” His voice was shaky and determined as he railed into them, pushing them down into the bed bringing them both close to that edge. It wasn’t long after that both of them finally tipped over that edge together. The heat only escalating as moans and whimpers rattled out of both of them. Damien had clearly learned how to keep his fire in check after their first little fiasco. His hips slowing down to a complete stop as they continued to shake, eventually taking himself out and flopping down onto the bed next to the Freelancer. Together they laid there for a few minutes in silence just catching their breath and cooling off. 

“Are you doing okay?” Damien turned his head and looked at the Freelancer. 

…

“I’m glad. Thank you for that Freelancer. Truly, thank you for that. You’re fucking incredible.” Damien’s tone soft and gentle as he reached out and grabbed their hand.

…

“Oh I’m fucking fantastic, trust me, I am doing wonderfully right now.” A laugh lacing through his response. “Is there anything I can do for you? Water or anything? Maybe a fucking fan?” the laugh returning in both of them at the end of the sentence. “Seriously though, is there anything I can do for you?” 

…

“Yeah, of course. I can turn on the fan and be back with one of the water bottles from the fridge.” He kissed them on the forehead and got up from the bed, turning on the fan as he walked past to go to the kitchen.

…

“Yes I know Freelancer, I’ll get one for myself too.” His pretend irritation showing through as he walked out of the door. By the time he returned he had already downed half of his own bottle before handing them theirs. 

…

“Freelancer, do you really think I’m going to throw it at you after we just fucked?” His face lightening a bit when they laughed at his response as he crawled back into bed next to them. “Do you want to cuddle at all or are you still too hot to be snuggled up to your personal space heater?” 

…

“Of course, come here.” His warm hands pulling them towards him, holding them close to his chest. Again, they laid there in silence for a few minutes, just simply enjoying each other's company and touch. The silence was broken when Damien finally spoke up again.

“Hey Freelancer?” his voice quiet and light again.

…

 “I love you.”

[pickled-fics]

Lover, Please Stay

An AU where Damien is trans and is about to come out to his boyfriend Huxley [new fic] As requested by the lovely @espressoth

His entire body felt like it was about to rattle apart. Damien prided himself on being composed and not showing his nerves to others, but not with Huxley. Huxley always managed to know exactly what he was feeling at all times. He. What he was feeling. Damien stood there in his apartment going over the conversation plans in his head a hundred times. Going over how exactly he’d tell Huxley he’s trans, how he wants to change his pronouns officially to he/him and his name. A name he’d been toying around with for a few months in his head, even practicing the new signature a few times, but never out loud to anyone. He’d spent the past few years pondering over the idea but usually just ignored it and threw himself further into his studies. But recently, since Hux and him started dating, it’s been driving him crazy. It's taken him a lot to come to terms with it and if he was being honest with himself he was still working on that and getting used to it himself. He knew it felt right, this new name and set of pronouns but there was still that nerve surrounding it. But he wanted to tell Huxley, wanted to be open with him. And if Damien thought it through logically in his head, he knew Huxley wouldn’t be upset with him, hell he knew Huxley had fully transitioned a while ago himself. But there was still a part of him that worried it would change things, worried that Hux wouldn’t want to date him anymore, maybe he wouldn’t want to date a boy.

“Fuck.” His voice carried out quietly into his apartment as he swore to himself, attempting to stop the thoughts that were beginning to swirl around in his head. He took a deep breath in, eyes closed, and held it. Slowly he let it out, attempting to calm the nerves boiling at the surface. He nodded to himself once he finished the exhale and grabbed his keys and made his way to his car. He was going to do this, no matter what the cost was. He needed to be honest with Huxley, they both deserved that. 

Huxley was sitting on his couch awaiting his partner, a show playing on the tv when he heard the knock on his door and he took a second to turn the volume down. Damien stood outside Hux’s door, bouncing on his heels as he waited, still trying to predict how the conversation was going to go. It ended up feeling like hours before Damien heard Huxley’s footsteps approach the door. He inhaled and looked up at Huxley as the door opened.

“Hey there!” Hux’s warm smile greeted Damien as he held the door open. Damien stared at him, opening his mouth to say something and then closed it and chose to just smile up at his boyfriend instead. Huxley’s smile faltered just a bit at the action and stepped back from the door while holding it open for Damien. “You wanna come in?” His voice was soft and welcoming as he watched his partner. Damien cleared his throat and spoke up for the first time.

“Yeah, uh thanks Hux.” He smiled at his boyfriend and walked past into the room.

“Can I get you anything to drink or a snack, beautiful?” Damien inhaled at the name, holding together the reaction he had in his mind.

“Yeah um, just a water works.” After Hux’s agreement and he left the room to go to the kitchen, Damien set his keys down and made his way to the living room and sat himself in his usual spot on the couch. He breathed in the familiar scent of Huxley’s home, ignoring a small thought that it could be the last time he does if things went poorly. He was quick to shut that thought down as Huxley entered the room and handed the glass to him carefully before taking his own seat on the couch next to him.

“Is there something you had in mind for tonight baby?” Huxley’s eyes focused on Damien as he asked the question. Damien sat a little straighter with the attention now on him as he looked back at his partner, unable to hold eye contact for long before parting his lips to speak.

“I uh, I was just thinking we could talk” his voice kind of trailed off after the last word, preventing himself from saying everything he wanted to say right then and there. He sat there staring at the glass in his hand, willing everything in his body to not shake as he sat there next to Huxley.

“Talk? We can do that baby, is there” he paused as he readjusted for a moment, “is there something specific you want to talk about?” Damien was able to hear the slight hint of worry behind his partner’s voice as he continued staring down at his lap.

“No. I… Yes, I…” His voice broke off as he felt the frustration start to boil in him that he was so nervous over this. That he couldn’t just will himself into saying it. 

Huxley was careful about his next words as he dropped his tone into a quiet and safe volume for his partner.

“Baby, I can tell you’re stressin’ out about something, you know you can always talk to me. If it’s uh,” his voice paused as he thought through his next words again “If it’s somethin’ you feel comfortable talking about with me I’d be happy to hear it. I’m here for you baby.” Damien set the glass in his hands down on the coffee table in front of the couch before it started to boil in his hands. He heard what Huxley was saying and knew that they meant it when they said it but, still somehow he was still trying to rope in his nerves and calm himself. Huxley reached to the table and turned the volume down on the tv before settling down into his spot, draping the room in quiet. The only noise Damien could hear now was his own deep breathing, attempting to calm himself.

“Huxley, I.. I have something I want to tell you. And I don’t want this to change things but I know that it will and I don’t want you to feel some kind of… pressure, to I I don’t know.. Stay with me after this.” His voice got quiet again at the end of the sentence, almost waiting for Huxley’s response to that open.

“Okay, whatever you need to say, take your time.” Their tone was reassuring as they watched their partner patiently. The pounding in Damien’s chest only grew as he built up his nerves to finally let the words spill from his mouth. He took a long, deep breath in again and began.

“I… I’m trans Huxley.” He held his breath, eyes refusing to move from his lap, feeling like his heart was about to blow out of his chest as he waited for his boyfriend’s answer. He heard Huxley exhale a breath he hadn’t known he was holding in before he answered, a light tone to his voice like he was smiling.

“Alright, do you have a name picked out?” Damien’s gaze shot up, but not yet at Huxley after the question was asked. Already feeling the weight being lifted off of his shoulders. And he responded quietly, hardly loud enough for Huxley to hear.

“Damien.” The name felt right coming off of his lips as he glanced at Huxley to gauge his response.

“Alright Damien, what pronouns do you feel comfortable with?” Damien’s mind was quiet as he now stared at his partner, a small smile forming on his mouth. The name felt right coming off of Huxley’s lips too.“He him.” He said the words with a bit of pride this time. His gaze was greeted with a small laugh from his partner.

“Thank you for tellin’ me Damien. I know that shits not easy so thank you for trusting me with that. And I need you to know that that doesn’t change anything between us. I’ll always be happy to call you whatever you want as long as you're comfortable.” His smile was the big bright smile he had whenever he was excited, one that made Damien melt. Huxley held up his hands slightly before asking another question. “Can I give you a hug?” Damien nodded with a smile and moved himself into his arms.

“Sorry if I’m too hot at all, I… you know how I get when I get nervous like that.” He nuzzled his face into Huxley’s neck, breathing in his scent again as he held onto him, not realizing how much comfort this hug would bring him after that.

“Don’t worry Damien, I’m made of tough stuff, you know that.” The feel of his laugh against Damien’s body made every previously tense muscle loosen up. The sound of his name coming from Huxley made a sense of excitement and softness grow in his chest, it felt right. Huxley’s voice pulled Damien from his warm thoughts into another question.

“So then Damien, are there any names you don’t like?” Damien pulled himself away from Huxley a bit to look into their face.

“What do you mean?” His eyebrows drawn into a quizzical look.

“Like, can I still call you pretty?” Huxley’s eyes searched for a response as Damien practically melted into his boyfriend. A small giggle bubbling from his chest as he nuzzled back into him.

“Yeah, I would really like that Hux.” His voice was almost muffled by his face being buried in his boyfriend’s neck. Huxley’s arms gently wrapped around Damien, holding him in the warmth and safety of his arms. A small laugh rose from his chest as he began moving his hands up and down Damien’s back.

“Oh, so you like that one then? You like being called my pretty boy?” A whine emerged from Damien’s chest as he shifted closer to Huxley. And Huxley could feel a nod from his boyfriend in the crook of his neck. “Good to know then, pretty boy, I’ll keep it up.” There was a brief pause as Huxley stopped moving his hands up and down his partner. “Just so that this is out there bro, you can always come to me if you have any questions on the medical stuff with all this, I’ve got experience, you know that.” Damien nodded again, slower this time before his muffled voice came again.

“Thank you Hux. Thank you for being so supportive with all this.” His grip around Huxley tightened for a moment to emphasize his appreciation as Huxley spoke again.

“Of course Damien, I’ll always be here to support you with anything, always.” His tone was soft as he began rubbing at his back again.

“Thank you for trusting me with this baby.” Damien shifted a bit in Huxley’s arms in order to get more comfortable and closed his eyes, continuing to bask in the warmth and safety they created together. Huxley’s voice came deep from his chest again in a quieter tone, “Do you want to turn on a movie or somethin’ and cuddle for a while?” Damien nodded again while he pulled his legs to his chest and moved his head onto Huxley’s chest, completely pressed together. He let out another deep breath as the final remains of the weight of the conversation was lifted from his shoulders.

[pickled-fics]

They Were Just With Friends

When the Freelancer hasn’t answered any of Lasko’s calls or texts he begins to panic and worry about his partner [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

Fuck fuck fuck. Where the hell could they be? The Freelancer hadn’t responded in hours. They’re just out with friends. Lasko had been repeating that sentence over and over to himself after ten minutes of them not responding, let alone hours after. 

The nerves started off as his usual, enough to be in the back of his mind but he was still able to focus on making himself dinner. Rather quickly it grew into him checking his phone repeatedly, even though he knew that his volume was as high as it could possibly go. The phone checking evolved into leg shaking and nail biting in a quiet empty house. They’re just out with friends. He didn’t have the appetite to eat his dinner anymore. He couldn’t handle just sitting there any longer and felt the need to pace, somehow hoping that it would make the time go faster, or maybe even somehow make the Freelancer check their phone faster. His dinner sat on the coffee table, far past cold, fork clanking against the plate everytime he paced past. Cold hands bringing his phone towards his line of sight, checking to make sure he hadn’t missed them somehow. 

He paced back and forth in their small, but cozy living room. Staring at his lockscreen, hoping for a notification from them to appear, he felt nauseous. Where the hell could they be? It’s almost one in the morning. They’re just out with friends. They have to be. What if something happened to them though? What if something bad happened to them? 

His whole body was shaking. He needed to sit down again, no matter how much his brain screamed at him to move. Why was it so damn cold in their apartment? A trembling hand lifted his phone up again, screen lighting up to show Lasko the picture of him and the Freelancer smiling at eachother. No new notifications. They’re just out with friends. 

Another ten minutes passed, Lasko was shaking too much to type a complete sentence at this point. He didn’t want to send another message and seem clingy or be some sort of helicopter boyfriend but fuck, where were they? 

His hand flew to his phone when his notification sound rang out into the silent yet somehow roaring room. It was just an email. Didn’t people know not to email him at a time like this? Of course they didn't. They’re not fucking mind readers. He knew he needed to calm down but how the hell do you calm down when they won’t answer you? Maybe he should call them. Lifting the phone that hung loosely in his hand, he unlocked it. 

Keys. He could hear keys? Keys! That’s a good sign! He stood from the couch, body still shivering from head to toe, and turned towards the door. It opened quickly, letting in the light from the hall outside which led him to realize he had really just sat in a dark, quiet apartment for more than two hours. There they were, standing in the doorway, staring into the dark apartment. 

They’re okay. They were just out with friends. And they’re home and they’re safe and they’re okay. They’re okay. The Freelancer calling his name, a pang of worry in their tone, snapped him out of his thoughts. 

“You’re okay.” Lasko practically whispered it, the shaking in his body still going strong as he stepped towards them. The Freelancer flicked the light on and closed the door behind themselves, not breaking their gaze on him once. He looped his arms around their waist, holding them close in an embrace far warmer than he was. Their arms found their way around his body, holding him closer, attempting to give him as much of their own heat as they could.

“...”

“I know, I just, it won’t stop, I'm just so cold and I was so worried and the shaking won’t stop and I’m sorry I was just scared something had happened to you and I I don’t know. I knew you were out with friends and and that’s okay! I just, you hadn’t answered and it had been so long and I was I was terrified something bad had happened to you and” Lasko stopped, a whimper escaping his lips as he tucked his head into their neck. Tears had found their way down his cheeks and onto their clothes. They held him tighter, stroking his back.

“...”

“No, I know you had to drive everyone home and everything and and I’m glad you weren’t texting me while driving! And I don’t want to be some kind of overbearing boyfriend who you’re supposed to text at every junction of your life but I just I just got worried when you hadn’t answered and I started to panic and overthink things and” He stopped again as they shushed him gently, telling him he’s alright and that he did nothing wrong. Telling him that they’re both okay, they’re both safe.  “You’re okay.” He whispered again as they moved to the couch so Lasko could try and slow down his shaking. They were petting his hair, telling him that they’re both safe, reassuring him that they were there with him. They were together, the two of them were safe. They are okay. They were just with friends.

[pickled-fics]

Hello Friends!

This is my sort of pinned masterlist post for the blog and will likely change as time goes on and I add more to this blog!

MINORS DNI, 18+ THEMES

Name: Jasper | Pickle Pronouns: They/Them Requests: Open -request post- Dms: Always Open :) AO3: PickleHands Podcast: Untitled Project Podcast with @espressoth Profile Icon: @ummmmandy Disclaimer: Despite the Genshin themes/pictures on this blog, it’s far from that lol. This is a blog for my Redacted Audio writing, general thoughts and interactions, I just like my silly liddol genshin peoples.

TAGS POST

More information found in the tags post as well, but feel free to let me know if you think any other things should be included anywhere around the blog!

I look forward to creating more and hearing from y'all :P

[pickled-fics]

Caelum Sick Comfort

The Freelancer is visited by Caelum when they're couch ridden and sick. [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

The Freelancer looked up from their spot on the couch just as Caelum stepped in through his rift, worry written all over his face. They should’ve known he would show up as sick as they were feeling. As much as they didn’t like to worry him, his face was a very welcome sight. Gavin had left not too long ago to attend some sort of meeting with the university despite fighting against the freelancer who eventually managed to convince him to actually go. He left them with a kiss and a promise to return as soon as he could. But since he left the Freelancer had begun to feel worse and seeing Caelum rift into their apartment almost instantly made them start feeling better. 

“Freelancer! You’ve got a really really big knot, you feel like you’re not feeling very good at all! Are you sick? Because if you’re sick I’m a daemon and I can’t get sick from that so you don’t have to worry about that but if there’s something else going on too we could talk about that and untangle that knot. Whatever it is, we can get through it! We’re really really good at that!”

…

“Oh! So you are sick! Well then it’s a good thing I’m a daemon and can’t get sick! So I can get close and get you anything you need! Is there something you super extra need? Do you need water or another blanket or or something?” At this point Caelum was sitting on the ground next to the Freelancer staring at them waiting for a response to any of the million things he just said. 

…

“Mmm are you sure? You’re shivering silly! Let me get you another blanket so that you can be warmer and if you do get super warm you can just take it off again! Easy fix! Let me go grab one!” And before the Freelancer could get another word out Caelum had stood and taken off towards their bedroom. And shortly after he came running back out, a big bundle of their comforter in his arms. They couldn’t help but laugh as he neared them again, hardly able to see him behind the mass of blanket he was carrying. 

“I got you the biggest one on your bed! He looked the warmest and softest and most comfort in- ind… intro… introducing? In… inducing! Comfort inducing! It looks like it would be the comfiest!” He flopped the heap on top of them and began smoothing it out and tucking them in, making them feel like a burrito from the local taco place. 

“Is there anything else I can get you? Some water or or… or cookies! Cookies always make me feel waaay way better when I’m not feeling the greatest! And they helped you feel really good when we made them together that one time! They could help!” 

…

“Oh okay! That’s okay! I mean, it's not okay that it would make your tummy feel icky right now but! It’s okay that you don’t want any right now! We can get you some extra when you start feeling a little better! What else can I do for you right now? You didn’t say no to the water! If you want water I can certainly get you some! That’s super duper easy! See!” And within a second of him finishing his sentence he already had a glass of water in his hand, complete with a straw and everything. Attempting to sit up in order to sip from the glass, the Freelancer was hit by a wave of dizziness. Caelum noticed the change in the feelings and immediately set the glass down on the coffee table and reached out to aid them. 

“Don’t go pushing yourself silly! Pushing yourself isn’t going to solve anything! It’s okay to let me help! Here let’s get you sat up properly for just a bit and then you can lay back down okay?” His voice and face gave away just how worried he was about them. Taking it slow, they let Caelum help sit them up and he brought the straw to their lips. He was holding the cup so steadily and he was being patient with them as they slowly sipped on the water until they signaled that they were done. 

“Okay now silly, let’s get you laid back down so you can get some rest.” His voice soft and soothing, persuading them to give in and let the little daemon help them out again. “There! Comfy?” They nodded slightly, being careful not to go too fast so they didn’t set off the dizziness again. 

“What can we do to help you get to sleep, friend? How do we get you all relaxed and sleepy? I could ramble a bit if that helps at all or I could play with your hair or I could do both at the same time or I could do something else entirely or I could leave if you want space and quiet. Whatever we can do to help you get some super good sleep so your body can be all happy and busy doing all of its regenerationy stuff to make you feel better faster!” 

…

“I can definitely do that silly! That’s why I offered! Let me just get cozy down here and I’ll start playing with your hair!” 

Once Caelum began running his hand through their hair, slowly twisting and trailing through, it didn’t take long for the Freelancer to drift off to the sound of his voice talking about topics of all kinds. Shortly after that Gavin stepped into the room to see Caelum on the floor next to the Freelancer, both in a heavy sleep.

[pickled-fics]

Decorating for the Holidays with Aaron

The title says it all, smartass do be decorating for the holidays with Aaron. [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

“Come on, bring those lights over here.”

…

“Yes I see that the lights are a mess Smartass but if you just bring them over here I can help you untangle them.” Aaron was standing with his weight on one leg next to the tree the two of them had just finished putting up. The bright red santa hat they had put on him still crooked from all of his efforts to refuse it only to eventually give in and laugh at himself with them. 

…

“Smartass, you don’t have to do everything yourself you know. Let me help you?” His tone was serious and stern but still coated in that warmth and care of his. Staring at him for a moment, seeing the affection in his face as he stared back, they finally gave in. Grabbing the pile of lights they waddled over to him and sat on the floor, an easier surface to begin the untangling process. Aaron’s eyebrows pulled together and he looked out at the living room, still standing above them.

…

“Hold on, I’ll be right back.” He was quick to leave his spot as he walked towards the living room. Confused about his abrupt leaving they stared after him trying to figure out what he was doing. Soon enough they were laughing as they figured out what he was doing when he turned around carrying their mugs of hot chocolate. 

“What exactly are you laughing at?”

…

“Well yes I don’t exactly love hot chocolate but if I’m going to drink it I’d prefer it actually be Hot chocolate not cold hot chocolate. And I figured with this mess we have here it’d be better to have these over here with us rather than across the room.” He carefully set their mug on the ground beside them before sitting down himself and turned his focus onto the problem in front of him. Soon enough they could see Aaron mouthing the words to the christmas song playing from the speaker. A smile spread across their lips as they admired him in one of the few moments he dropped his hard exterior. Well, few amongst those who weren’t Smartass. They knew just how much of a softie he could be under his tough shell. In their moments of staring at him, he looked up, locking eyes with them and squinted at them.

“What is it now, Smartass?” 

…

“I-” The way his words stopped they had clearly caught him off guard. “I, yes. I did say I don’t like Christmas music but I like that song. Is there something wrong with that?” his voice now joking and light knowing full well that they were just poking fun at him. 

…

“Oh shut it and just finish up these damn lights would you?” 

After more than a few minutes later, the two had completed their task, both feeling quite accomplished and began stringing them around the tree. A few hours later their entire apartment was decked out in festive decor, their mugs empty and the two were cozied up on the couch together. The colorful lights of the room danced on them as they curled close to each other, tired eyes staring at the tv. 

“I don’t know Smartass, I think we did a pretty damn good job with what we had. What about you, how are you feeling about it?”

…

His chuckle rang out into the room, resulting in a glare from Smartass.

…

“Nothing, you just look exhausted, I just didn’t realize that decorating could be so taxing.” His eyes looked so warm and tender and his arms wrapped around them just made them want to sink into him. They buried their face into his neck, holding onto him tighter. 

“Hey now, don’t go falling asleep on me here on the couch.” A low mumble followed, they were already trying to ignore him and drift off. “Why don’t we both head to bed? Somewhere much more comfortable for the both of us.” Another quiet mumble and he couldn’t tell if it was one of argument or agreement this time. Another grumble and they lifted their head and nodded, eyes clearly tired and weary. “Let’s go get comfortable, you stubborn ass. I’ll get these lights turned off, you go get ready for bed.” And with that he kissed them on the forehead and stood up.

[pickled-fics]

Christmas Party With The Bois

A Christmas special fic with all of the main D.A.M.N. bois [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

“Freelancer can you please come get your incubus out of here? I thought we discussed him not being in the kitchen ever again after Thanksgiving.” Gavin’s chuckle echoed out from the kitchen as the Freelancer walked in.

“Alright alright hot stuff, I’ll get out of your way.” Gavin paused behind the elemental and whispered “For now.” A smirk adorning his face as Damien heated up both literally and figuratively.

“Just, get out.” His voice giving away his flustered feelings as he turned towards the oven. 

“I’ll be in the living room Damien, holler if you need anything. One of us will help out if you need it.” The Freelancer paused and added “I won’t let Gavin come back and torment you anymore.” Winking at the already flustered Damien they strolled out into the much cooler living room. From where they were standing they could see Lasko and Huxley decorating the tree while Caelum secretly helped Gavin with the rest of the living room. The group was turning their entire apartment into some sort of Christmas wonderland. The Freelancer and Caelum had made cookies the night before and now Damien was in the kitchen cooking their dinner. The Freelancer was the one to bring the idea to everyone, to have a sort of Christmas party with everyone. They decided to do it before the break actually started since both Damien and Hux were going to go home for the break since they wanted everyone to be there, even Caelum. Even though the elementals couldn't see him, Caelum was beaming just being around everyone. Both Gavin and the Freelancer made sure to interact and include him in the activities despite the limitations. 

The Freelancer snapped out of their thoughts when Lasko yelped out as he almost dropped a glass ornament, his face quickly flushing.

“I II’m so sorry guys I just,, Just almost dropped it and it scared me is all.” The panic lacing Lasko’s voice drew the Freelancer closer to him

“It’s okay Lasko! Really it’s okay, nothing was broken, you have nothing to apologize for! Are you okay though?” 

“Yeah, you okay bro?” Hux had his hand on Lasko’s shoulder, a pillar of support. 

“Y yeah I’m okay! I’m not hurt or anything! I just got scared I was going to break it, but I’m okay you guys! Really I’m okay now.” Lasko’s eyes were darting between the group, ensuring him that he really was okay, just a bit shaken up, likely more from the attention than the actual event. 

“As long as you’re okay, pretty boy.” Gavin’s voice was soothing but the words he said were entirely teasing to the elemental already on edge. The red on Lasko’s cheeks darkened as he turned around to the tree and put the ornament on. 

“It’s looking really good though everyone! You guys have done a fantastic job with the place.” 

“Yeah dudes! It’s looking really sick. I really like what you’ve got goin on over there Gav. You even got the mistletoe, classic.” Hux’s laugh bringing a smile to everyone’s faces. The Freelancer was so excited that everyone got along so well together, they knew they would, but seeing everyone together like this always made them so happy. Out of the corner of their eye they could see Caelum looking at them. They made their way over to him, pretending that their reasoning was to set up a decoration. 

“Everyone feels so happy here! They really love hanging out with each other and you! Even Lasko feels more at ease in this environment! And thank you so so so much for inviting me again! Even though none of them can see me besides you and Gavin, it’s been really really fun! Seeing all of you play around with each other is so funny, you guys are all so silly!” The Freelancer snuck a glance at Lasko and Hux before answering, ensuring they wouldn’t see them talking to themself. 

“Of course I invited you Caelum, it’s been really great to have you around and I’m really glad you’ve been having fun with it buddy.” They smiled at him, a genuinely happy smile and they knew that he knew it was genuine. They knew he could feel the joyful energy radiating off of them.

“Freelancer!” Damien was shouting from the kitchen for them so they quickly walked in, not knowing if the shouting was for an emergency or just out of proper volume necessity. 

“Yeah Damien? Everything okay?” They questioned as they pushed the door open. Entering to see a stack of plates and hot food all over the island. 

“Yeah, can you just help me bring all of this out to the table and set everything up?” He was already grabbing plates and holding them out to the Freelancer knowing their answer already. Answering with a short “of course!” The Freelancer rushed over and grabbed the hot plates from his hands and carried them out to the table. The plates being set down earned much praise from all around the room saying how good everything looked. Noticing how even Caelum was looking at the food excitedly. The Freelancer took the time to kick and prop open the door to the kitchen stating that since it was so hot in there from a certain elemental, they could just use that as the heating for the rest of the apartment. This in turn warranted a scoff from Damien as he began his argument of it not being his fault that some people were so damn infuriating to have in the kitchen, his eyes catching on Gavin as he said it. Caelum took this time to slip into the kitchen to carefully raid some of the food before everyone sat down. 

“Hey Freelancer I think we have the tree all done over here. I think it looks pretty sick.”

“And I finished the rest of the room with the other decorations you wanted out.” 

“Yeah! All that’s left is to plug all the lights and stuff in!” Lasko said, sounding more than excited to see all the lights bring everything together. “Do you wanna do it Freelancer?” Everyone’s eyes shifted to them.

“Yes Deviant, it is your apartment after all, why don’t you do us the honor.” Gavin’s smooth voice not giving the Freelancer much room for argument. 

“Yeah of course, I can do that! I’ll finish helping Damien bring out the rest of the food first. You guys go ahead and get settled in at the table.” After grabbing a few more plates the Freelancer went to grab the plate of cookies when Damien stopped them.

“Wait, let me warm them up a little. It’ll be like they just came out of the oven.” He grabbed the plate from them and placed his hand on the bottom of the plate, spreading warmth throughout the rest of the cookies and held it back out to the Freelancer so he could grab the last few plates. After a thank you from them Damien strolled out of the kitchen while the Freelancer paused next to Caelum and held out the plate of cookies, offering him one. His smile grew as he grabbed one and followed them out to the table. The Freelancer had set the table up perfectly so that Caelum could sit with them without it seeming odd that there was an empty chair. 

Once the table was set, the Freelancer walked over to the outlet, the boys excitedly watching and waiting for their work to all come together. Once they plugged it in, the lights illuminated the apartment, painting it in all different colors, earning little oohs and aahs from friends. Once they took their seat at the table the group dug into their found family dinner.

[pickled-fics]

Aftercare For The Good Boy

Aftercare for the second Lasko bonus audio with all sorts of love and affection for the boi after their eventful evening. [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

After that eventful night for the whole trio, Lasko’s body finally collapsed down into the freelancer. A small whimper escaped his lips into their neck as Gavin finally removed himself, still very aware of the fact that he himself was still inside the freelancer but too exhausted to pull out. The whimper was soon followed by a sigh of relief as he felt both Gavin's hand on his back and the freelancer’s hand in his hair. Gavin’s warm hand slowly rubbed up and down his back helping to release any left over tension. And the freelancer’s fingers slowly combed through his hair, twirling pieces of it now and then, steady and soothing. 

“Lasko?” The freelancer’s spoke softly, though he was still able to feel the slight rumble of it in their chest as close as he was snuggled into them. 

“Mmhm” so exhausted he could hardly muster the willpower to say even that much. However, the best kind of exhaustion he had known, not one built from stress and overworking himself. One built from love and care and being pushed to an incredible limit he didn’t know he had. A quiet laugh was shared between the freelancer and Gavin. 

“Want some water pretty boy?” Gavin’s voice was teasing but genuine, care wrapped around every word. Lasko sank his head further into the freelancer's neck with a shy smile, again too worn out to question or argue against his compliments. He nodded his head slightly knowing that water would be good for him, especially right now. The silence of the room was interrupted by the sound of Gavin summoning a glass of water. 

“I don’t think you're able to drink the water with your face buried in my neck Lasko.” He could feel and hear the smile on their face, nearly giggling at how spent he was, earning them a grumble into their neck. He didn’t want to move, he was so warm and he felt safe there in their arms. He just wanted to bask in the safety and comfort of them for a few minutes longer. 

Gavin's hand slid up to his shoulder and paused. “Come on Lasko, let’s sit you up and get you some water alright? We have to get some fluids in you, especially after that little show you put on for us.” Lasko already felt the heat of embarrassment rising up his cheeks as the full understanding of what just happened finally crashed over him. They really just did that. He really just did that. He could already tell he was going to be thinking about this night for a long time, especially with these two around as a constant reminder. A reminder he was glad to have but he was already seeing the thought distracting him while he was doing something else entirely. His racing thoughts paused when the freelancer's hand stopped running through his hair. 

"Lasko, let's sit you up okay? I know you're tired but let's get you some water and then you can rest as much as you want." Their voice soothing and reassuring to his fuzzy feeling mind. The reassurance finally brought him the willpower to raise himself off of them, arms still shaking as he propped himself up. Gavin's warm hands gently wrapped around his waist providing support in case he collapsed again. The freelancer carefully readjusted underneath him to make it easier. After a few minutes Lasko finally pulled himself out of the freelancer and moved towards the pillows on the bed, propping himself up. 

The water in the glass was visibly shaking once it was handed to Lasko. He took slow, small sips and watched as Gavin told the freelancer they could clean up a bit. Gavin was sticking close right now though, the entirety of his body language exuded support. His hands stuck close to Laskos as he kept sipping, but not enough to intrude on his space. 

"Lasko?" Gavin's voice was low and warm, it sounded as if honey was able to speak. 

"Y yeah?" Lasko's voice was still shaky and Gavin being, Gavin, didn't help that either. 

"You did a fantastic job tonight." His eyes focused on Lasko's, warm and honest. Lasko wanted to melt. He wanted to melt right into the mattress and live out his days as a puddle of these warm fuzzy feelings. "Everything you did tonight was really incredible, both of you." His eyes flicked over to the freelancer for a moment before returning to Lasko. The two of them held the eye contact for a moment before Lasko gave a shy, almost panicked smile and looked back down at his water. 

The freelancer joined them in the bed again, slid under the covers and moved closer to Lasko. "He's right Lasko, you did so good tonight. You really are a good boy for us." Their smile was genuine as they looked at him, he knew just from that look that they meant it. Even still though, that last sentence sent a shiver up his spine. Both Gavin and the freelancer were well aware of the effect that phrase had on him. The shiver and red in his cheeks were apparently clear to the other two since they both laughed at the reaction. 

"You're adorable Lasko." the freelancer spoke softly again as they rested their hand on his thigh. They both watched as Gavin took the glass from Lasko's hand and placed it on the nightstand. Lasko then took the quiet moment to join the freelancer under the covers and waited until Gavin then got settled in on the other side of him. He felt so safe nestled between the two of them. 

His eyes quickly fell shut as the freelancer started combing through his hair again and Gavin began to hum quietly. He slowly slid his hand into the freelancer's free hand and waited for sleep to claim him. The freelancer leaned in closer to him before he let go and kissed his neck. "I love you Lasko. Thank you for everything tonight." they closed their sentence with another kiss to his cheek and rested their head on the pillow again. "I love you too." were his last words before he finally let sleep take hold of him completely.

[pickled-fics]

Your Favorite

A snuggly night in with the tsundere (ex)boss himself. [old fic] [ao3 reupload]

After closing the apartment door behind you, it doesn't take long for you to smell something incredible coming from the kitchen. Your exhausted body dragging itself towards your small, but workable kitchen, you hear some quiet music in the room. Coming around the corner to find your boyfriend standing at the stove cooking something, unable to see past him to see what exactly smells so good. “Hey Smartass, set your stuff down and take a seat. I’ll bring you your food in a minute, it's almost done cooking.” 

“...”

“Well, if you would sit down and wait a minute, you would have your answer. I’m aware you’re not exactly one for patience, but I know you’re at least capable of it.”

“...”

“Oh shut up and sit down already. Let me surprise you for once.”

You watch as Aaron turns the stove off and removes something from the heat, making sure to keep it hidden from you. He really wasn’t giving you any hints on this one. He pauses, turning his head to look at you and smirks a little.

“Close your eyes.” “...”

“Please? Trust me on this one okay? I want this to be a true surprise for you.”

Begrudgingly, you close your eyes, hearing the clanks and tinks of dishware and silverware, the mystery scent still hanging in the air. In the moments of waiting in your chair, you realize how tense you are. Your job had been going great, and it still is, things have just recently picked up around there. A lot more deadlines than you were used to and a lot more work being piled onto you. You still loved your coworkers and the job itself but all in all it was still a job, a job that was in a busy season. This little surprise of Aaron’s feeling like a much needed break from it all. Hearing the dishware clink onto the table in front of you, your thoughts of work stopped. 

“Okay, go ahead and open your eyes.” Eyes opening, you look down immediately and upon seeing the food in front of you, you were thrown into a memory from not too long ago. A memory of Aaron asking what your favorite food was. A memory of showing him how to make it exactly how you liked it and spending a night in the kitchen with him. A smile immediately dawning your face. 

“I know I’m not the greatest chef and that you usually do a lot of the cooking, but this seemed like a fitting addition to your shitty sounding day.” His eyes serious, awaiting your response. 

“...”

“Of course I remembered! We had a whole night dedicated to this, of course I remembered. You told me about your terrible day at work on your lunch break and with the way you look it doesn’t seem like it got any better.”

“...”

“I didn’t think so. Now, could you try your food? I want to make sure I did it correctly.”

A laugh and nod on your end and you pick up the silverware, excited to eat a good dinner after a hard day. The taste hitting your tongue and it was exactly as you remembered, just how you loved. Your feelings towards it apparent on your face earning a laugh from Aaron.

“So I’m going to say that you like it?”

“...”

“Good, I'm glad, you deserve something good in this long day. I was thinking after dinner you could take a shower and I could set up a show or a movie for us? Something to help you unwind.”

“...”

“Alright, perfect. It sounds like a plan, Smartass.”

After finishing your dinner, you left Aaron to clean up the kitchen, after much argument of why you should be able to help him with that. Leaving him to get the dishes cleaned up and get your show set up on the tv. The warm shower only helping to remind you of the pent up tightness in your shoulders from the week.

Getting out of the shower, you find yourself in the living room staring at the coffee table. A few of your favorite drinks and snacks laid out on it, your favorite show queued up on the tv, and your boyfriend. Your boyfriend sitting on the couch, blanket at the ready, ready to cuddle with you. A very welcome sight. 

“Are you going to stand there and gawk in surprise all night or come sit down with me?” 

His lips pulling up into a teasing smile making your love for him deepen just a little bit. Curling up into him on the couch, taking him in as he wrapped the blanket around the two of you. Settling in, eyes coming to rest on the tv as he clicked the play button. His arm around you, holding you close. It doesn’t take long for him to shift his arm on your shoulders though.

“Jesus, it’s like I’m holding a brick wall right now.”

“...”

“Yes, a brick wall, you’re still so tense. Turn sideways.”

“...”

“Just do it, I'm going to rub your shoulders for you. Maybe after that you won’t feel so rigid and I can properly hold you.”

His hands carefully digging into your shoulder and neck, quickly pinpointing the exact locations of the pain. Pain you didn’t even realize was there anymore, it had just become a dull ache in the back of your head. His thumbs pressing into spots that shot pain straight to your skull but in the best way possible. Feeling the pressure from his hands loosen the muscles in your shoulders and neck slowly. Your quiet hums of relief making him laugh to himself. After a long few minutes, his hands come to a stop, resting on your shoulders.

“Is that feeling any better?”

“...” A laugh from him, his hands dragging down your back and rubbing softly as he pulled down and away.

“I’m glad it’s feeling better for you, you feel a lot less like a wall and a lot more like a person.”

His arms looping around your waist and pulling you close to him again. Your head now resting on his chest, faintly hearing his heartbeat as he pressed play on your show again. Your body and eyes now even more tired than before you tried to focus on the show. Your attention soon shifting to the repetitive sound of his heartbeat. The sound slowly bringing your eyes shut and leading you into a peaceful sleep against Aaron.