#30 years and he's still making sure they're okay. seeing them happy and moving on without him

[mayomkun]

But I still think of you

[m4k4yl4]

Just the two of us[🔥]

Day 1

Summary: When Jeongin and y/n go on their annual Best Friend Christmas Vacation (™️), what happens when they accidentally book the wrong suite..

Content warning: unprotected sex, making out, cum play, teasing, nicknames(baby, sloppy girl), cumming inside, dirty talking, rough sex

Skz 25 days to Christmas fics🎄☃️ series

Masterlist

Posted: 12/01/2023

Y/n sits in the car with jeongin watching the snow fall outside as they make their to the hotel from their annual Christmas vacation, but bo matter home many times they do this every year she still couldn't help but feel so close, too close to him.

His hand laid on the gear shift in the middle of them one move, and his hand would be on her thigh, and that thought played in her mind the whole ride as he sits their oblivious to her feelings, sitting in his matching ugly christmas sweater, tapping his prerty fingers on the wheel to whatever christmas sing came on the radio.

"What are you thinking about?" He glances at her, "Hm? Nothing, why?" She answered a bit fast. He chuckles, "You've had that look on for the 30 minutes. It's your thinking face. Would you like to share with class what's going on up there?" He gives her a playful smile.

She clears her throat before speaking, "it's nothing really, just thinking about what while do once we get to the hotel and everything." She gives a smile back before looking down at her lap arms, starting to cross like she's balling in on herself, hoping he wouldn't ask anymore questions about what she was thinking of.

He takes notice in the movement, taking a glance before moving his hand onto her thigh, "are you cold?" Y/n freezes, her body tensed up at the action, every different scenario and situation played through her head as she looked down at his big hand placed on her, thumb rubbing back and forth on her covered skin.

"Y'know, I told you to wear thicker pants y/n. Those pajamas pants are no use in this weather they're too thin." She gives him a nervous chuckle, not moving her gaze from her leg. "Yeah, of course, sorry. It's just that they're so comfortable.."

"You're lucky I thought of you and brought a blanket just in case." He slips his hand off of her leg, reaching in the back to grab the blanket and handing it to her as she grabs it from him, still mourning the loss of the warmth from his hand. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." The rest of the rise was silent besides the radio playing and the soft sound of snow falling outside. As they finally pull into the parking lot of the hotel, y/n quickly gets out of the car, feeling like she can finally breathe now. Jeongin groans, "Oh god my back hurts, fucking 5 hour car ride suck." She laughs, "You don't gotta tell me I was in the car with you the whole time, my legs are numb."

He laughs with her as they open the trunk taking out their luggage. Jeongin opens the door to the hotel for her, and as y/n enter, she's met with the gust of heat from inside and the smell of christmas. "I always love the way they decorate here." She speaks, looking around the place at the giant christmas tree in the middle of the whole place christmas lights hanging from above as she hears faint music in the background.

Jeongin walks up to the front desk, getting the key for their room, while y/n stayed seated in the main lounge, waiting for him. "Okay, I got the key! Let's go!" They make their upstairs y/n looks around at the other rooms they pass.

"We're not usually on this floor when we come. Are you sure this is right?" Jeongin just smirks at her, "Yup, got a surprise for you." She looks at him confused as they stop at a hotel room almost at the end of the hallway, "A surprise?" Just as she said that, he unlocks the door, letting her go in first, but instead of the happy surprised face he hoped for, he was met with a concerned shocked face instead.

"Jeongin? Is there supposed to only be one bed in here?" Now he's confused too, "huh?" He peaks in seeing one big bed in the middle of the room sitting on it two robes and a bucket of ice with wine bottles and two glasses. "This was not the suite I reserved.."

"You got a suite?" She smiles at thought of him doing this for her, "Well yeah, but I guess I accidentally booked a couple's suite instead. I'm really sorry, I could go downstairs to see if they have any other rooms open." She stops him.

"No! Jeongin, it's fine, really. we're friends, it's normal to share a bed, right? We'll be fine." He smiles down at her, "yeah, yeah, you're right." They enter the room sitting their luggage down as they take in the place.

"Well, at least we get free wine from this." Jeongin comments picking up a bottle to look at. "Yeah, it's a really nice suite, and the bed is so soft!" She falls back on the bed Jeongin joining her. He turns his head towards her, staring at her features, trying to take them all in.

Y/n turns her head, feeling someone's eyes on her, "What?" She questioned Jeongin as he continued to stare, "Nothing.." He says nothing after that but reaches out to her face, resting his hand on her face.

Y/n could feel her skin heating up at how close they were. The feeling of his hand on her face felt scolding like rocks fresh out from a volcano. She quickly sits up, deciding to ignore the moment that had just happened.

"It's getting late, I'm gonna take a shower really quick." She doesn't wait for an answer, grabbing her thing and heading into the big bathroom. "Okay! I'll be out here.." Jeongin responded a little too late.

As y/n stood in the shower and washed away the long car ride from earlier, she seemed too busy in her own mind to hear the man she loved so dearly walk it in the bathroom, til she heard shuffling pulling the curtain back to to peek out seeing jeongin there.

"Jeongin?! What are you doing?? I'm in the shower!" He laughs, "Yeah, I can tell, I just came in to tell you that I was heading downstairs to get dinner, okay?" She nods "okay yeah."

After she had gotten out the shower, she sat on the bed in her robe, trying to find what pajamas she should wear. "I'm back.." Jeongin sentence comes to a stop as he his eyes trailed y/n body robe barley cover her chest as she looks back at him.

"Ah! You got dumplings. I've been wanting some!" She walks over, grabbing the bag from him to sit it down on the table "yeah..You've been saying that, thought I would get you some." She smiles at the gesture sitting down at the table, "Come eat! I'm not eating all of this alone." He comes up sitting down with her, "You sure as hell aren't."

Hours had passed since the two had eaten, and some things had led to another, and one of the bottles of wine had been opened up, as they both sit in bath robes watching whatever christmas movie was on. "Y'know, we should've been getting the couple's suite since the start. This is nice." She laughs, a little tipsy from the wine.

"Yeah, this is nice.. especially with you." He looks over at her. 'There it is again, this little staring contest he keeps doing with me' y/n thought. "You gotta staring probably, mr.yang?" He scoffs, "what makes you say that?" She giggles."I don't know, it's just feels like you haven't been able to take your eyes off me today."

Jeongin doesn't know if it's the wine or the suite or just him being tired of hiding his feelings to get this boldness out of him but before he could think about it his hand is back on her thigh, but this time there's no pants to stop the skin to skin contact.

"Maybe it's cause you're so pretty, ever thought about that?" Y/n eyes widened as he said that her own ha d sliding down touch the one on her thigh, "Jeongin-" "Just shut up, will you." He cuts her off, leaning to and connecting their lips in a heated kiss.

She gasps into the kiss but slowly melts into his arms, a hand planted on his chest while the other guides his hand on her thigh upwards. "Jeongin, please.." she pouts, "Please, what baby? You gotta speak up." He teased

She scoffs at his teasing guiding his hand to her clit feeling his fingers lightly glide over it making her whimper. "Want you so bad, you don't understand. I need you Innie..please." He laughs against her lip.

"Okay, baby. Whatever you want.." He pushes her leg to open her up more glancing down at her pussy, "You're already this wet and I've barley done anything. Did my fingers get you all work up already?"

He taunts her as two fingers slide into her hole. She covers her mouth with the back of her hand as she throws her head back. "Wait- it's too much-" He chuckles, "If just two of my fingers is two much for you how are you gonna take my cock baby? Are we just gonna have to stretch your sloppy hole out all night and make you a crying mess?"

"No! I want your cock, please Innie." He tsk, "I don't think you take it baby.." "I can! I will please," She begs him, her moans getting in the way of her sentence as he curls his fingers inside of her touching places she couldn't.

"Oh really? Well, if you're so sure about..." He slides his fingers out of causing a whine to slip out her mouth, and before she knows it, she gets flipped onto her knees right above jeongin crotch. "Then ride me, baby. If you want my cock so bad."

She moans at his words dragging her hand done his chest til they stopped at his robes belt undoing it, now having a whole view of his body, "Don't be nervous baby.." He runs hand down her side planting them on her hips as she lines herself up with his dick.

She slowly slides down as they both let out a pleasurable hiss at the feeling. "Fuck- too much, Jeongin.." he smirks, "I thought you wanted it? Said you could take it, so take it, baby, " He thrust up into her, causing her to fall forever, nails digging into his shoulder.

"God, you feel so good, baby. Take me so well. C'mon baby fuck yourself on my cock, there you go." He let's out an airy laugh Inbetween his moans as y/n starts lifting herself up and down on his cock and he continues to pump into her their skin connecting every thrust causing embarrassing slapping sounds to start up.

Y/n buries her face onto the crook of his, letting him guide her hips. "J-Jeongin! Innie, I'm close, please!" She squeals at him, speeding up her movements to get to the edge.

"Yeah? You gonna cum around around my cock? Make a mess all over the bed and clean it up, yeah?" She shakes in his arms as he continues to pound into her hole as if she was a fuck toy.

"Gonna let me stay inside and use you? Cum inside and let me fuck it back inside you make your hole all messy. You're just my sloppy girl, aren't you?" He grabs her face, squeezing her cheek Inbetween his fingers, "Yes! I'm your sloppy girl! Fuck- I'm cumming!"

She let's out one last squeal as she finally let's go shaking and squeeze around his cock causing his oragsm to come after. He holds her down on him, filling her feeling some of it slip past and down his cock.

"Fuck..you're so good baby.." He sighs out as they both try to catch their breathe. She looks up at him, wiping sweat from his face, pushing his hair back before leaning in , kissing him.

He holds onto her as they kiss more passionate than the last time. She slowly separates from the kiss, looking hin in the eyes, "Jeongin, please don't leave me.. I don't want this to be a one and done type thing.." He smiles at her, giving her a kiss on the forehead, "wasn't planning on it to be a one and done. You're stuck with me, baby."

She smiles at him, turning to the side to lay on the bed, "I'm glad I'm stuck with you.." He smiles at her, eyes shinning. "I'm glad too." He pulls her in more cuddling her as they try to get their energy again before, before jeongin clears his throat.

"We should probably shower quickly before sleeping." Y/n looks up at him, "round 2 in the shower?" She gives puppy eyes as he laughs at her antics. "You don't even have to ask twice." He gets up from bed, picking her up to head to the bathroom, making her giggle.

Best Christmas Vacation Ever.

A/N: YESSS! I GOT IT OUT ON TIMEE! this took way too long, but I love Jeongin, so it was worth it🤧🤧

[alucardens]

Yeah though seriously- you might not ship Buck and Tommy and that's okay- everyone is entitled to their opinion as long as it doesn't harm anyone- what makes it not okay is when you say things like you're being queerbaited- in a show that *literally* has a canon lesbian couple (where one half of the couple is a main character) SINCE the first episode of the show, that, 1) consistently, as a couple, have storylines that get resolved in a way that shows the writers aren't brushing the characters away, and arcs that show character growth.

2) NONE. NONE. Of the canonically queer characters have been harmed in a way that resulted in permanent death. And when they do get in harms way (which is inevitable- this is the nature of the show), it's done in a thoughtful way- their actions and risk of death/ injury WOULD add something to the plot/ storyline. Their loss would have an impact on us as the viewer. They would not be meaningless deaths. And aside from death, even queer characters who 'exit the main storyline of the show' but are otherwise alive, are still done with thought and care. I mean, (and spoilers for the first few seasons of the show,) Michael's storyline lasted (iirc) about 3-5? seasons. (We are not talking about meta events such as why they removed the actor from the show). He and his (named AND on-screen) husband, David, move to help people. His husband is literally a neurosurgeon. There was literally an episode revolving around Michael's proposal to David. Even after they've moved away, they're STILL referenced and talked about. They're not pushed away or ignored like the way some shows treat characters who aren't there anymore.

Josh (my bby fr), who's also been canonically gay since his first appearance, also has a arc that's real and very very relatable to most of us. The show takes it fucking seriously as well. And Josh is GOOD. Even as a side character, he's not reduced to the 'gay best friend'. As I said, he has his own storyline and arc, he has his own opinions, he's good at his job.

Aside from the main characters, imo, 911 also does a damn good job of showing that queer people exist. You might not like it because 'oh they're showing queer people who are in danger/ not happy/ dying.' To which I'd respond by saying that you're watching a show about paramedics. As much as we like to say this is the gay firefighter show (accurate lmao), we need to remember that there's going to be dark themes in this show.

I don't remember every call they've come across that involved queer people, but we for sure remember the 'we ever only wanted to go together' scene, with the elderly husbands. Yes it involves death. That's why we're seeing this scene in the first place- the engine wouldn't have to respond to a call if there wasn't a call in the first place. But it also fucking shows queer people growing old together and making a life for themselves. The opening scene is literally a montage of the husbands' relationship over the years. I don't know how many mainstream shows put that much fucking care in queer characters.

And then there's also the wlw couple in that car accident thing- not as significant as the husbands but like, that's the point, is it not? Not all their calls are significant- we don't even see all of them. The point is that they just show queer people existing as a general thing. It's not strange that the two women who were in the same car in a crash are both gay. There's no weird over-sexualised kiss. There's no show or mention or even hint of homophobia or confusion by the firefighters. It's fucking normal. So yeah. Do I ship endgame Tevan? Not at this moment. Do I like them together as a couple right now? Fucking yes. My personal opinion is that I like Buck and Eddie together more (at least for now), but why would I not ship Tommy and Buck right now? It makes no fucking sense not to. Buck is in a happy (queer) relationship, he's still figuring himself out as a bi man in his 30s, he's dating a masc man, who's past is messy and has since grown (oh look at that, another character arc revolving around a queer person), and they're clearly fucking happy together.

Anyway. I have a lot of feelings about this lmao. You want proper bi representation? Bro. I don't know what to tell you but you're looking at it.

[thatgirlinskullz]

The Acolyte SPOILER THOUGHTS after the s1 finale

okay, now that the season is over, i guess i can try and sum up my thoughts on the show overall..

is it a perfect show? absolutely not. but what Star Wars is perfect? NONE OF IT. and i say that as someone who LOVES all the star war i've consumed so far.

wonky dialogue and delivery IS an essential part of sw at this point, starting with the originals and don't even try to argue with that. no point. but we love sw anyway, right? because of the overall story, the characters and the messages it tries to convey.

so yes, the acolyte does have some weird dialogue in parts, delivery is not always perfect, seems a little.. unnatural? might be the best word i can use for it.

there's also pacing issues, which can mostly be attributed to the UNBELIEVABLY SHORT episode runtimes.. most episodes were 30-35 minutes EXCUSE ME???? of course they can't fit in story, character moments and scenes that set up the world/environment they're in. omg that annoyed me so much. establishing shots have ALWAYS been a huge part of sw, showing the scenery, the sky, multiple suns or moons, showing space, the area in which our characters will appear, showing the animals and people of the planet, etc. that has always been important to make the galaxy feel real and lived-in, but this time, with the short runtimes, unfortunately it all feels like wasted time, that we could instead be spending with our characters and progressing the story. and i kinda hate that. don't get me wrong, i loved all the establishing shots but i couldn't help but feel like "damn, move along, i wanna see the story, we only have 10 more minutes left". and i think that's one of the biggest issues with the show. not the wonky lines or their deliveries, but how it feels like it didn't get enough time to shine, and some parts feel unnecessary, while others feel rushed. and i'm about 90% sure that this is NOT on the writers but the executives who only gave them 8x 35min episodes....

but i don't want to just focus on the """bad""", because the show IS GOOD!! firstly, all the actors are gorgeous, talented people, and imo gave the best performances they could given all the above as their circumstances, i wouldn't be surprised if some of the deliveries felt off because cuts were made. the actors all embodied their characters fully, they made you fall in love with them right away, and THAT is an accomplishment.

Lee Jung-Jae is a phenomenal actor, who stole my heart immediately as Sol, and i was 100% convinced he's like Qui-Gon, BOY WAS I WRONG. but he made me believe in him, and love him. all his lines carried so much weight, because he IS JUST THAT GOOD! he sold me on Sol with his first minute on screen and i didn't want to believe he could ever do anything wrong. I loved this character and Lee Jung-Jae's portrayal deserves awards imo.

Amandla Stenberg has been someone i've admired for years now, they are such a talent, so underrated and underutilized in film. they can evoke such emotion with just one look, it still blows me away. i really like both Mae and Osha, tho i wish they had more time together so we could have seen more of their dynamic, instead of just misunderstandings, fights and running away from each other - but i guess that's part of their dynamic too. Amandla did a great job with the emotional scenes AND the fights (tho i'm never sure when it's them or a stunt person), and i can't wait to see more of Mae and Osha's story. I am so happy Amandla is in SW.

Manny Jacinto is one of the most beautiful men on this planet, AND he's talented, and i am so happy people are finally realizing it! he pulls you in no matter what version of his character he's playing. he just makes you want to know more and spend more time with his character, and i find that incredible. The costume department also knew what they were doing cuz DAMN that outfit showing those arms and his physique. DAYUMMM. (i'm sorry) I don't think i've had such high interest in a dark side user since Maul, and that's saying something. i really hope to see more of Qimir in SW and Manny Jacinto in more films/big shows because HE IS SO GOOODDD. he deserves the recognition he's finally getting 100%!!!

some other things i loved about the show that are very spoilery:

more force witches because the nightsisters can't be the only ones!!

the returning idea of twins, possibly a force dyad.. love how twins are utilized throughout sw, kind of showing the duality of a person in a more physical way.

the use of "a certain point of view" was incredible in this show. i loved how they showed different perspectives of the same events, and how they emphasized that the jedi are not always the "good guys" if you're looking at it from the outside. i dont think this undermines anything about the jedi, only expands on the idea of the jedi imo.

a wookie jedi swinging a lightsaber -- we've only seen Gungi until now as far as i know, so having Kelnacca actually do stuff, (even if not exactly the way i wanted it to happen), was such an amazing experience. GIVE MORE WOOKIES LIGHTSABERS PLEASE!!

bleeding the kyber crystals. OMG I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG and it was beautiful. they did such an amazing job with putting it on screen. what a time to be a sw fan.

lightsaber throwing!!!! OMG THAT'S MY MOVE IN ALL THE GAMES!!! no, but seriously, that's such a cool thing to see in a canon sw show, i don't think we've seen a lot of lightsaber throwing in sw outside of the games, and it was so fun to see on screen!

lightwhip?! hellooo??!! i really wanna see more of it, and i wanna learn how and why it exists and how it works (i guess i need to read the books, huh?)

a variety of saber designs for all the jedi to signify their personalities and styles, AND cool-ass lightsabers like Qimir's???? omg that was was a really good design, how he could pull it apart into a big and small saber.

possible plagueis cameo??? idk if its him but damn that was cool. would be a shame if we didn't get a s2....

yoda in high republic era???!!! i knew it would just be a cameo, and i knew it would be right at the end, but it was still nice to see his lil green head

i've had the whole day to process the episode and think this over, but overall, despite its issues i loved this show.

i think they had some really great ideas, amazing actors and costumes and sets, the only problem is, the show was not given enough time. and i don't know what the problem was - highly doubt the writers or showrunner wanted it this way but i could be wrong.

i think this story, this era in SW has a lot of potential, and if/when we get a season 2 i really hope the creatives are given more freedom and more time to delve into more aspects of the world and characters. this COULD BE one of the greatest Star Wars stories IF given enough care and time. idk if it will be. so far so good, in my opinion, but there's definitely room for improvement, and i just hope they will take all the actual valid criticism from the actual fans, and make this a SW story that will live on for generations.

anyway, I LOVE STAR WARS

i did not come here to fight or argue, so if you don't agree or don't like the show, good for you, just let others enjoy it and share their opinions.

be nice to each other please.

and watch more star wars.

[talesfromthesnogbox]

School You in Love

Summary: Eddie and Steve are fifth grade teachers, and decide their classes should finally know they're together.

Rating: G

Word Count: 1,984

Author's Note: Based off this little video I saw!

AO3

“Sit down please, Mr. Harrington.” 

Even though Steve was now a 30 year old man and a few years into a teaching career, being pulled into the principal’s office made him shake in his boots. Mrs. Josie Danlin was everything he wishes his elementary school principal could have been; kind, helpful, but still demanded respect in a motherly way. When she asked Steve to move from teaching second grade to fifth grade, it was a no-brainer, he’d do whatever she asked, but it meant teaching the class opposite his long-term boyfriend Eddie.

“Are you aware there’s a rumour amongst the kids that you and Mr. Munson are dating?”

Steve scoffed. Kids talked all sorts of nonsense. “Sure, I mean that rumour has been running for years. But you already know that I’m dating Mr. Munson.”

She smiled, nodding along. “I understand that, Steve. Now were you aware that there was a scheme where they were gonna try to lock you in the supply closet during recess to make you ‘talk it out’?”

He blinked. “No, no that’s a new one.” 

“Thought it might be. Look, you know I’m more than happy for you and Eddie, and you’re both great at keeping it professional at school. A little too good evidently if you ask me. But you need to shut this down. You know how destructive these kids can get, and the school year is coming to a close; the kids will be off to middle school next year so they don’t care what kind of trouble they can get into. I don’t want anybody getting hurt.”

Steve nodded along. “Right, okay, but I’ve already said we’re not together. I don’t know how much more I can say to them about this aside from making up a fake partner.”

Josie raised her eyebrows at Steve, a sympathetic smile crossing her face. “Do you want to make up a fake partner?”

“No, not really actually. I’d rather them just pester me until the day they graduate.”

“Steve… so why don’t you just tell them?”

He went silent, too stunned to speak. “Wh-wha—”

“You don’t have to of course, that’s totally up to you, but maybe it’s time to shut the rumours down once and for all?”

“I… I’d have to ask Eddie after all, but yeah, yeah maybe we will. You’d be okay if we—“

“Steve.” Josie laughed and took his hand from across her desk. “You and Eddie are two of our most loved teachers here. I don’t care who you date, and I damn well don’t care who knows you’re together. Most of the staff here knows already anyways, if keep keeps the kids from doing something stupid, I’m all for it.” 

A smile broke out on Steve’s face. “Yeah, yeah okay, I’ll talk to him tonight then, see what he thinks. Thanks Josie. Um… do you think you could be there with us, if we decide to tell our classes?”

“Of course, I’ll make sure the kids stay respectful and don’t make too much of a fuss.”

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

“So I have to talk to you about something.” 

Eddie dropped his fork, staring up at Steve with fear in his eyes.

“No! No it’s not bad, I just thought maybe we could carpool in tomorrow?”

Steve could see the gears working in Eddie’s head. His fingers were steepled under his chin, something he did when he was deep in thought, and his brow furrowed in such a way that made him think Eddie would say no.

“Steve, if the kids see us driving in together—”

“I had a meeting with Josie after school.”

“What? Is that why you were late?”

He nodded. “She wanted to meet during my planning time, but I had a stack of book reports to go through so I just talked to her before I left. She thinks we should tell the kids.”

Eddie’s eyes widened and he sat back in his chair. Coming out hadn’t been easy for him as a teenager, and that experience never really went away into adulthood. Steve knew he loved him more than he could say, but after the bullying and the slurs thrown his way in high school, it wasn’t surprising that he had his reservations about who he was out to.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to do that?”

Steve shrugged. “Most of the teachers know anyways, and apparently there was a scheme to lock us in a closet. Five guesses who could have come up with that one.”

“Marco and Leanne for sure.”

“Yup, nailed it.” He pushed the food around on his plate, feeling like he knew how this was going to go. “Eddie if you’re not ready—”

“I want to, trust me I want to so bad, but I just…”

“Don’t worry baby, it’s okay, we don’t have to.”

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

The next morning Steve and Eddie drove to school alone, parked at opposite ends of the lot, and made their way to their classrooms, pausing to say good morning like they always did outside their neighbouring classroom doors. 

On this particular morning, Eddie noticed a folded piece of paper on his desk atop the attendance form labelled “To Mr. Munson, from Mr. Harrington”.

The handwriting immediately gave away Olivia, one of Eddie’s top students, but he opened it anyways.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

You like me…

And I like you too.

Will you go out with me? 

☐ Yes

☐ Definitely!

☐ I love you Mr. Harrington

Eddie quickly made sure nobody was looking as he checked off the last box and set the paper aside.

Lunch time came entirely too slowly for Eddie’s liking, and when it did, Steve wasn’t in the staff room like he normally was. He went looking everywhere for him, but finally found him in the last place he thought to look, his classroom.

“So uh, I think you might be right about needing to tell the kids.” He handed the paper to Steve and watched the smile on his face bubble into laughter.

“Wow, confessing your love for me through a note? What if the teacher found it?”

“Shut up!” Eddie shoved him and sat on his desk. “So maybe tomorrow we could carpool?”

“I’d love to, baby.”

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Steve and Eddie carpooled in the next day, and not one of their students noticed. They decided to tell the students together after lunch, Eddie’s kids all brought their chairs into Steve’s room under the guise of some graduation information; Josie joined them standing off to the side as the two of them stood at the front of the class. Fifty pairs of ten year olds eyed them suspiciously, and suddenly, Steve was nervous.

“Alright, so we need to talk about something very important this afternoon. Mrs. Danlin is joining us to make sure we all behave in a respectful manner.” He looked over to Eddie who nodded to him for encouragement. “Raise your hand if you’ve heard a rumour that me and Mr. Munson are dating.”

The students fell deadly silent as most of them raised their hands. They looked tense, as if they’d be in trouble, but softened as they noticed Steve was smiling.

“Okay. Now raise your hand if you think that rumour is true.”

A few giggles bubbled over from the congregation of kids as some of them raised their hands again.

Steve assessed them all, and motioned for them to lower their hands. “Thank you everyone for your honesty. We wanted to gather everyone here today to clear up the rumours once and for all.” His hands shook a little, but he took a deep breath and pushed on. “It’s true, Mr. Munson and I are dating.” 

The class erupted in cheers. Every one of Steve and Eddie’s students were clapping, big smiles on all their faces. Out of the corner of his eye, Steve noticed Eddie wipe a tear away, and he was drawn closer to his boyfriend.

“Alright, alright, settle down. Quiet!” He chuckled as the kids’ excitement settled. “We’ve been together for close to 8 years now, so I think we’re a little bit more than just dating.” The animated chatter started back up again. “Quiet please! Guys, come on, let me finish.” He waited for them to stop once again. “We’re a little bit more than just dating because I am completely in love with him.”

This time, when the class erupted in cheers, neither Steve nor Eddie could hold back their smiles. This was going better than either of them could have planned, it seemed their students were really supportive of them. Steve waited for the class’ cheers to die down entirely before starting once more.

“We’re almost done guys I promise.” His hands shook in earnest now, and he shoved one into his pocket, thumbing the little velvet box. “Last question. I was wondering… who thinks Mr. Munson should become Mr. Harrington?”

This time, the volume of the screams in his classroom was deafening, but Steve couldn’t hear them because he was turning towards Eddie, pulling the box out of his pocket, and sinking down onto one knee.

Eddie covered his mouth, but Steve could still make out the giant smile behind his hand. His shoulders wracked with sobs, but he nodded all the same. 

“Will you marry me?” Steve mouthed to Eddie, tears springing to his own eyes. 

“Steve!” He wiped his eyes, hair bouncing with the force of his nods. “Of course I will.”

Eddie’s hand shook as Steve took it in his and slipped the engraved silver ring on it. They pulled each other into a hug, Steve lifting Eddie off the ground, and spun him.

Steve wanted nothing more than to kiss Eddie, but he knew it would have to wait. Their students were still shouting excitedly, and now Josie had joined in, unable to contain her own excitement for the two men. 

“Okay, okay! Quiet guys, settle down.” Steve’s voice shook, he wiped his eyes and took Eddie’s hand, feeling the addition of the cool silver ring under his thumb. “Maybe I should have waited for the end of the day to do this.”

“Too late now babe.” Eddie whispered, leaning in to kiss him, but stopping in his tracks, remembering where he was. “Thank you for being here Mrs. Danlin.”

“Thank you for sharing all of this with the rest of us.” She said, smiling ear to ear. “And thank you students for being so respectful and encouraging of Mr. Harrington and Mr. Munson.” She stepped closer to the two and brought them into a hug. “I’m happy you did it early, gives me time to plan a little party for after school.” She patted them both on the back and left the room.

“Does anyone have any questions for myself or Mr. Munson before we jump back into our lessons for the day?”

A sea of hands rose up. “Sir! How did you start dating?”

“Did you know each other before you were teachers?”

“Do you live together?”

“Do you want to have a baby?”

“Is Mr. Harrington a good kisser?”

Eddie’s eyebrows rose and he put his own hand up. “Okay! Maybe we’ll wait on the questions then. My class, everyone pick up their chairs and single file back to the room.” He turned to Steve, a smirk on his face. “I love you, but you walked right into that one.”

“Yeah, not my wisest decision. I’ll see you after school?”

Eddie nodded. “I’ll come find you, we’ll have to stop by the staff room for whatever monstrosity Josie is planning for tonight.” 

“Shit, she did mention that, didn’t she.” Steve dropped his head, hair shading his eyes for a second, then looked back at Eddie. “Get going, I’ll see you later, fiancé.”

Eddie giggled in a way that could only be described as giddy. “I love you so fucking much.” 

“I can’t wait to marry you.”

[alarrytale]

I agree that homophobes already dislike Harry so if Harry was to CO nothing would change there. Republicans and UK conservatives despise him. A while ago on twitter they were trying to get him cancelled for being a gr**mer, which they do with all gay men, and coming up with all kinds of conspiracy theories like him being a pawn to brainwash men into becoming more feminine. I think they turned on him when he went to the Met Gala and looked 'too feminine', and even more so with the Vogue photoshoot. I do worry that him CO will put his life even more in danger, as a public figure, and that he and his fans will be the target of homophobic attacks from the far right. Especially if he makes a huge impact. As they see him as 'brainwashing' others. That really scares me. I don't know how he can get around that other than increasing security and being really careful where he goes on tour. I agree that Harry's target audience is ready for him to CO. Like you said, he is a trendsetter. That's why people love him. He's always been ahead of everyone else but now he risks falling behind. If he continues stunting he's going to hit a wall. He'll either have to CO because the queerbaiting accusations will get too loud or go deeper into the closet. If he goes deeper into the closet I think that'll be more damaging to his career. People will see him as just another 'straight' male artist. Like you said, he's losing a lot of his older fans because of his stunting and his image. The superficial fans will eventually move on. I think HSHQ/Columbia greatly overestimate how damaging a CO will be. I don't think his fans are homophobic. They fantasize about him with women because they're led to believe that he is interested in women. If he was to CO then sure some fans will continue with their fantasizing but most of his fans will adapt. Bradrry was really popular on TikTok. It shows that there is potential there. He needs a complete image change to keep people interested.

Hi,

So, first of all it's important to remember that in regards to the far right, even though their voices are loud and sometimes seems overpowering, they are in the minority. Most of them talk a good game, but they are keyboard warriors, and they will never hang out in MSG, oxford street or in that little italian village where harry seems to spend his time. Outside of that Harry's got bodyguards with him. So the chances of a homophobic physical attack happening to him is slim. Okay? So i don't think you need to worry about that happening. Harry is also very good at responding to things like that. For example his speech to westbor**gh baptist church and his 'bring back manly men' ig post. So he's got that handled. I don't think any of this is what's stopping him from coming out. We as fans are also good at handling people like this. We've been trained to wrangle antis since we were baby larries. So i think we'll be fine.

To your second part. I agree that the fandom is ready for him to come out. But as i've said before, we don’t know what's currently holding him up. It might be louis (and bg), if they plan to come out together. I think harry being in a real and committed, long term relationship would please mostly everyone. We've had our time to project upon him. You can still do it, just understand that he also must be allowed to just live his life and be happy. He's almost 30 years old.

I think it will be such a weight off his shoulder when he does come out, that we might see a whole new man. In a good way. He'd be so much happier, free and joyful and i think all that would be infectious. Fandom would be ecstatic seeing him like that. I don't think he needs a complete image change, but i do think eventually he has to pick a side. He also needs to connect with fandom again, and i think coming out would fix much of that. If he gets closeted further i think it would harm him, his creativity, fandom and his career. People will move on from him i fear. So i hope they don't go there.

[vdlest]

Nice to meet you

Characters:

TFATWS Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary:

The restaurant where Bucky always take Yori to eat with him is where you actually work. You've been watching and staring at him for quite some time now, but didn't have the courage to introduce yourself to him. But what happens when Yori asked Bucky to take you out?

Warning:

None

There they are again. You see two familiar faces entering the restaurant you are working at. You've been seeing this guy who is in his late 30s accompanied by an elderly for quite some time now. You don't know if they are father & son, or anything, but one thing's for sure, you like the guy. You like him even if you don't know what his name is, even if you have no idea who he is. His treatment to the elder guy is enough reason to like him.

No one is taking their table so you took the chance to finally have a closer look of the guy you've been liking for quite some time. Whenever they come, you are either busy with another table or assigned in the cashier. But this time, the opportunity is in front of you.

So you took it.

"Hi, ready to order?" you asked them casually, even if your stomach is getting butteflies inside it. Is this his effect to you? You don't know.

The older man stared at you and smiled, "Just call me Yori. I can guess you're calling me "old man" in your thoughts," he joked.

Yori's joke made you chuckle, "Okay, Yori, nice to meet you. I'm Y/N and I'll be your server for today," you said as you get the paper and pen on your pocket to get their orders, but still no luck from the man you've been eyeing, you still don't know what his name is, "What can I get you for your lunch?" you asked them, glancing at the man who's still busy looking at the menu.

"I'll have Fish and Chips, old man's been craving it since last night," Yori said looking at you. Good thing you were able to switch your eyes to Yori, but when he smiled at you, he must've seen you looking at the man beside him. Yori's smile made you somehow nervous.

You tried to act normal and turned to the man beside Yori, hoping that you would finally know his name by the end of this day.

"How 'bout you, Sir? What can..." you weren't able to finish your question for him when his eyes finally met yours. It was only a matter of time before you realized that this man has a gorgeous pair of blue eyes. You cleared your throat, "What can I get you?" you asked him, dismissing the thought of fantasizing about him.

"I'll just have Clam Chowder," he answers you as he handed you the menu, "Thank you."

"Would you care for anything to drink, then?" you grabbed the menu from his hand, "You should..."

"You should ask her out," Yori said to the guy beside him, making your eyes widened in surprise.

His reaction was same as yours, he's almost embarassed to what Yori just said. Your cheeks are burning red in your guess, but you tried to be as professional as possible. One more thing, you don't want the guy to think that you're into him, that'll make things more awkward as it is now.

"Yori," the man glared at Yori before he moved his eyes back to you, "I'm sorry, he's just really like this from time to time."

You are already getting tired of calling him "guy" or "man." You've been wanting to know his name but God knows how?

"It's fine," you replied then you prepare yourself to leave, "If there's anything you need from me, just let me know. Thank you."

"His name is James," Yori said as you turn your back on them, but you pretended that you did not hear it since you're already inches away from them.

Now, you finally know what his name is.

•••

When their order is finally ready, you took a deep breath before heading your way to their table. Things are more awkward now. You wished that you weren't their server so you'll just get to watch and like him from afar. Not like this.

"Here's your order," you tried your best to smile from ear to ear, even though you're feeling embarassed and a bit awkward already. You put down their orders and once you're done you told them to enjoy their meal.

"So what's a pretty lady like you doing here?" Yori asked you.

Oh, great, small talk, you thought.

You badly want to go back inside the kitchen and start serving other customers but you remembered what your manager told you when the customers make a small talk with you — answer them and interact with them, that way they'll have the will to come back.

"I'm just saving up money to start my own business," you answered Yori.

You could see in your peripheral that James is looking at you. As much as you want to know what kind of look he's giving you, you fight that idea.

"I like business-minded people. They are the best in organization and handling things," he complimented. "You got a boyfriend?" he asked you another question.

You shook your head and smile, "No, I don't. I guess that's the downside of being a business-minded, no one dares to date you," you joked.

"I think I'll take that dare."

Your eyes traveled to James who suddenly spoke.

"I'm sorry, you're what?" you asked him.

"You think no one dares to date business-minded woman? I'll tell you, what," he smiles at you, "I like accepting dares."

Is he asking you out?

"Just in case you're puzzled with his words," Yori joined the conversation again, making you look his way again, "He's asking you out."

"Really?" you asked Yori.

Your eyes moved back to James and the way he stares at you makes your heart skip a beat, countless times. Your fingers gripped on the tray you're holding, trying to contain your happiness.

"What time's the end of your shift?" he asked.

You gulped, "I'm out by 6."

"Great, I'll come back at 6 to pick you up, then," he extended his hand towards you, "I'm James Barnes, but call me Bucky."

You reached for his hand, "Nice to meet you, Bucky. I'm Y/N." The touch of his soft hand on yours answers all your untold questions about him.

Ever since you saw him, you kept on asking yourself what it feels like to be his girl, what it feels like to be hugged by him, what if feels like to hold hands with him, and what if feels like to be kissed by his lips. But now, the touch of his hand on yours and the fact that you two have a date later is more than enough.

•••

When he said he's gonna be at your workplace at 6, he meant he's gonna be 30 minutes early. You asked him to sit down on one of the vacant tables, when he did, he handed you the bouquet of flowers he's holding. You didn't want to conclude that it was meant for you, but when he handed it to you, your heart melted like an ice cream under the sun.

As you finished your shift, you and Bucky went on your way. He said he already had everything planned out, so he did not bother to ask you where you want to go. Well, that's how you like it anyway. You want to be surprised.

The two of you ended up in the nearby beach, before you settled down in the sand, you passed by some food stalls and that's where you and Bucky bought food and drinks for your date.

"I hope you like sunsets," he said as both of you sat down on the sand and started munching over the food you guys bought, "I should've asked you abour where you want to go, but..." he seemed a little nervous so you cut him off.

"I like it."

His eyes went to yours and now he's puzzled, "You like what in particular?" he asked.

You smiled, "I like all of these. I like sunsets. I like how you planned this night for us. I like it. I appreciate it." You handed him his drink, "I'm not expert in date ideas as well, so no worries."

He chuckled and that's the only time you noticed how cute he is when he laugh and smile, especially his cheeks reaching for his eyes.

"I haven't dated anyone in decades so that explains my old fashioned ways and ideas," you don't know what he means when he said he haven't dated in decades.

"What are you? A 80 year old man?" you joked.

"Actually a hundred and six."

You burst into laughter but his face remained serious, "You are so funny, Bucky." You sighed as you stare on the sunset in front of you, "You know, some of my classmates bullied me when I was in elementary 'cause they think I'm an old soul or something, so don't worry if someone thinks of you as an old-fashioned or something. It's not really bad."

He frowned, "Why did they bullied you?"

"Because they found out that I'm listening to The Beatles, Paul Anka, Frankie Valli, and not into Britney Spears or something trendy during our time," you explained. You took a deep breath once more, "I guess I just really prefer old and classic songs. I find them amusing and the words that they used in making them feels like they are really talking to you and your soul."

You could still remember back in the day, you asked your dad to bought you a vinyl because you were fascinated by it.

"So what's your favorite song?" Bucky asked you.

"Can't take my eyes off of you, it's really classic," you said before taking a sip from your drink. "That was also my parents' theme song when they got married," sadness took over you when you remembered your late parents, "That was also the song I sang for them during their funeral."

You felt Bucky's eyes on you.

You turn to him and nodded to his unsaid question, "I'm an orphan now. They died because of a car accident. And when they died I used to live with my grandma but she died ad well three years ago, that makes me independent from then on. That makes me alone and living my own life." You tried giving him a smile, "How about you? What are your favorites?" you changed the topic.

But even though you already changed the topic he did not let go of the fact that something changed in your mood when you talked about your parents.

"I know how hard it is to lose both of your parents. I felt them too," he reached for your hand, making you shiver, "But if they'd see you now, I'll bet they're proud of the woman you are now."

You looked down and smile, "Why do you even talk like you already know me?" you asked him. "You and I just met," you reminded him as you look back at him.

"We just met but I've seen you and how hard you work in that restaurant every single time I was there and every time I pass by it," he revealed.

All along you thought he doesn't know you exist, but he does. He's totally aware of your existence and he knows how hard worker you are.

"Don't feel bad for being alone and independent, 'cause you should be proud of yourself. You know how to take care of yourself without depending or relying your happiness to other people. Sometimes living alone isn't that bad, it will let you experience things that will taught you a lot of lessons in life," you felt he squeezed your hand, making your eyes travel to your and his hands holding together.

You learned from him that he's not related to Yori, they are just neighbors and he's just trying to help Yori as the latter is living on his own.

Once darkness consumed the sky, the two of you head back to your apartment, which is only a few blocks away from the place where you work. You asked him if he wants to have a cup of coffee, he said yes but before you guys could enter your apartment, he received a phone call. After he talked someone over the phone, he said he needed to go.

"Is everything alright?" you asked him concernly. You noticed the sudden change of his mood after he took the call.

He nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry I need to go but I promise, I'll call you and text you." Both of you already exchanged numbers so you just got to wait when he will call and text you. But you said to yourself you're not gonna expect anything, "I had a wonderful time with you tonight and God knows I didn't want to end our date like this but I just got to go. It's call of duty."

You don't understand what he mean by call of duty but you have no other choice but to let him go.

"Take care, Bucky," that's all you could tell him.

You could tell in his reaction that he isn't happy with the answer he got from you.

Somehow, you are telling yourself to not expect anything from him. In that way, you won't get your hopes up and you won't end up getting hurt and disappointed. It's better that way.

You were about to close your door when his hand stopped you from doing so.

"Wha--"

Before you could say a word, he walked towards you and closed the space between the two of you as he leaned in to claim your lips.

The sweet taste of his lips makes your knees weak, but his arms rescued you and gently pinned you against the door. It's not long before you kissed him back and enjoy the taste of his lips.

Last night you dreamed of meeting him, of knowing him, and tonight, you'll be sleeping peacefully as you get satisfaction of meeting him, having a date with him, and getting the chance to kiss him. What a progress in a day.

When you heard your neighbor coming out the other door, you pulled away from your kiss.

You and Bucky stared at each other while waiting for your neighbor to evaporate.

Once your neighbor is gone, he kissed your lips one more time. When he pulled away, he smiled at you, "That's the first time I kissed a woman in decades, so if it's that bad, give me the consideration," he joked.

"No," you shook your head, "No one ever kissed me that good before."

His smile grew wider as he gave your cheeks a caress, "I'll see you when I get back."

"Don't promise anything to me, Bucky. Just do it," you said before entering your apartment and closing your door.

Like what you said, you will not expect anything for the coming days or even weeks. You won't do anything about it. You won't get your hopes up and wait for his move, it's up to him whether he'll call you or not. But a little part of you hope that he will.

A little hope wouldn't hurt anyway.

-v.dl

[tinyboxxtink]

"Weird Secret Friends" *Chapter 13*

Did I inadvertently make Sonny a supervillain? Maybe.

Chapter 12

Chapter 14

HAHAHA SOOOOO funny story....if you saw the "preview" post, turns out I didn't even get that far written down. My bad!

I really did want to, and I was almost there, but it's gotta go to fifteen and too much story in chapters won't leave enough to stretch! I'm sorry!!!

Tag List

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@chasingeverybreakingwave

@milkshqke

@wanniiieeee

@word-scribbless

@gibbs274

@sassyada

@aprildecker-blog

@bookishfanfic

@stars-in-the-skies-world

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@shittanyy

@mrsrafaelbarba

-----

Meanwhile

At the hospital Sonny walked into your room where you were talking with the doctor. The doctor acknowledged Sonny when he came in.

“As I was telling Miss Y/L/N, she unfortunately is going to need a liver transplant,” He looked at both of you grimly. “And unfortunately because of her years of alcohol abuse and history with addiction, she won't be that high on the transplant list. I'm uncertain if she'll even get one,”

“Oh god…” Sonny whispered, looking at you. You had tears in your eyes, still in shock over what the doctor was actually saying. Your brain couldn't really process it; and even if it could, you weren't really sure that you cared if you lived or died at this point seeing as you lost the one good thing in your life.

“Is there any way that I could donate part of my liver?” Sonny asked.

“Well that's what I was going to talk to you about Mr. Carisi,” the doctor said. “If you have any friends or family members that you think would be a good match and would like to get tested to donate their liver; I would suggest doing so as soon as possible. Usually immediate family members are the best match,”

“Yeah of course,” Sonny nodded. But in his mind he was thinking he didn't know if he could convince any of his and your family members to donate part of their liver. Changing their lives completely for a girl that had been nothing but trouble since she came to live with them. He could at least get tested though.

He walked over to you as the doctor walked out and held your hand. “How are you doing sunshine?” He asked.

“I.. I think I need a minute to process all of this, Sonny. Can you please...leave me alone?” you said softly, trying not to cry.

“Yeah sure, whatever you want,” He nodded softly and walked out of the room.

He instantly felt the guilt in remembering what he had told Rafael yesterday. He did promise him that if something went wrong with you he would call him but he also didn't want him to get any closer. But his guilt overruled his worry, so he texted him:

“Y/N is going to need a liver transplant, if you want to get tested,”.

------------

Rafael immediately showed up at the hospital where Sonny met him in the waiting room.

“Where is she?” Rafael was practically huffing and puffing, he ran so fast when he got Sonny’s text.

“Hey, slow your roll there counselor,” Sonny put a hand up. “I just asked you to come down here and get tested to see if you wanted to donate to her,”

“For what? To prove how much I care about her to you? Is that some kind of test?” Rafael clenched his fists.

“Maybe.. I don't know... I was just desperate Rafael, okay? And I promised you I would,” Sonny yelled.

“Okay well I want to see her first," Rafael demanded.

“No way,” Sonny protested. “First you get tested. And then if you’re a match, I'll let you see her,”

“What?” Rafael blinked. “You’re insane--”

“So you're just gonna refuse to potentially save my cousin’s life, just because I won't let her see you. Is that really loving her at all?” Sonny pointed out

“...All right, show me where to go,” he sighed, defeated. Rafael hated that he was right, but he was. After a few minutes Rafael was done getting his blood work and he returned to the waiting room where Sonny was.

“Have you gotten tested yet?” Rafael asked.

“Obviously, I was the first one to do it, Barba.” Sonny replied in an obvious tone.

“And…?”

“...And I'm not a match,'' he sighed.

“And the rest of your family?” Rafael asked.

“....Most of them haven't gotten back to me yet,” Sonny admitted in a small voice.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Rafael asked, astonished.

“Well I mean...I told you my family's history with Y/N,” Sonny rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“But she's dying!” Rafael practically screamed. “You're telling me not one person in your family has a fucking heart to at least try and help their niece/cousin out when they're dying?!”

“Look you have no room to judge my family, okay Barba?!” Sonny argued back. “You don’t know what we’ve all been through--”

“What YOU’VE been through?!” Rafael was now full out screaming, he was livid. “God the whole Carisi clan is a bunch of martyrs, aren’t they? Everything happens to them, they never do anything wrong,”

“Hey FUCK OFF, Barba,” Sonny shoved Rafael, getting heated himself. If there was one thing you didn’t do, it was to insult his family.

“Whatever,” Rafael calmed himself, looking around at the shocked spectators. “How long does it take to find out if you're a match or not?

“Actually just like a few minutes they run it through a computer and see if your blood type matches up with hers.” Sonny answered softly, hoping the onlookers would go back to their business. As if on cue the doctor returns to the waiting room with a piece of paper.

“Well Mr. Barba, it looks like you're a perfect match to Y/N’s blood type,” He smiled as he handed Rafael the piece of paper.

“As if there was any doubt,” Rafael smiled as he read the results. He knew you were a perfect match from the moment you met, now he had physical proof of it.

“Great…” Sonny muttered.

“Alright, so here’s your proof,” Rafael presented the paper to Sonny. “We are perfectly matched. Now let me see her,”

“...Nah I still think you need to actually do it, Barba,” Sonny denied him again.

“Excuse me?” Rafael was absolutely floored. He couldn’t believe Sonny was making him jump through this many hoops just to see you. He knew he was against you being together, but this was above and beyond.

“Look Barba, we don’t know if Y/N’s body is gonna take to your liver. And she could die on the table. There are so many more moving parts and I don’t want you to start getting your hopes up or getting closer to her and then she dies on you. And-- And I don’t want her to get closer to you if she’s dying because then she’ll just be angry at God.”

“You’re fucking delusional you know that Carisi?” Rafael spat. “This isn’t about sparing my feelings, or even Y/N’s. It’s about you, and what you want to do. And you want to keep us apart-- and I’ll bet money it’s not for all the ‘noble’ reasons you proclaim either,”

“Oh for Christ’s sake Barba,” Sonny laughed. “You cannot possibly think this is just because of some crush I have on you--”

“Oh I absolutely do, Carisi,” He stepped towards him. Sonny was substantially taller than Rafael, but he intimidated Sonny nonetheless with his aggressive stance and personality.

“Well it’s not,” Sonny stepped forward as well, towering over Rafael this time. “And regardless of the reason, you’re still getting anywhere near her until I say so,” He had never stood up to Rafael like this, and Rafael didn’t like it.

“...I’m only doing this for her, know that,” Rafael growled as he went to set up an operation time.

-------------

Meanwhile, Sonny went to tell you the good news. He practically sprinted down the hall and swung your door open with a huge happy smile.

“What in God’s name did they give you, and where can I get one?” You teased him.

“Guess what Sunshine,” He beamed at you. [pun intended]

“What’s that?”

“Turns out I’m a match for you!” He threw his arms around you. “Thank God, I was so scared I was gonna lose you,”

“Oh, really?” You gave him a small smile. “That’s great,”

“Y’know you don’t sound as excited as a person who just found out they’re NOT dying, Sunshine!”

“Oh no,” You nodded while trying to smile wider. “I’m ecstatic,”

“Well good, because I kinda like you and want to keep you around a little longer,” He put you in a soft headlock and noogie’d your hair.

“Ha ha,” You rolled your eyes with a smile. “So, are you gonna go set this whole thing up or what?”

“Oh yeah,” Sonny remembered Rafael was still in the vicinity. “Yeah of course Sunshine, I’ll go tell the doctor now, yeah?” He started to get up off your bed.

“Sonny,” You put a hand on him before he stood up.

“Yeah, Sunshine?”

“Have you..” You picked nervously at your blanket. “Um, have you...talked to Rafael?”

“Ah,” Sonny felt a pang of guilt, knowing at that very moment Rafael was signing his liver away to save your life, and you thought he didn’t think twice about you.

“Actually, no,” He lied. “He’s been wrapped up in this huge court case, he’s basically been out of touch to anyone,”

“Oh,” You answered softly. “Well, maybe when I--”

“Oh did I tell you?” Sonny interjected. “I found this great place up state for after you’re healed a bit more. You’re gonna love it. It’s lush, and the scenery is--”

“I-I’m sorry, what?” You blinked. “After I’m healed?”

“Well, yeah,” Sonny replied. “Y’know, I know what I said before but I think we both know you need to--”

“Go away,” You finished his sentence in a monotone.

“...Yeah,” He nodded.

“But--” You looked up at him. “Y-You want to send me to Upstate New York?”

“Well, Sunshine it’s this very nice--”

“I thought you’d maybe send me to Village Care, or Mountainside, some little 30 day treatment center Sonny,” You began to get upset the more you thought about being sent away so far. “Not fucking upstate New York!!!”

“Hey, it’s one of the best in the country, Y/N,” Sonny became serious. “You’re damn lucky I got you in, and so quickly too!”

“Oh gee, thanks so much Sonny,” You crossed your arms. “Thanks so much for jumping at the chance to get me as far away from you as possible,”

“It’s not away from me, it’s away from--!” Sonny caught himself, but you had already heard it.

“...Away from who?” Your eyes narrowed.

“Away from-- all of this, Sunshine,” He tried to change the subject.

“You’re a fucking liar,” you scowled.

“HEY,” Sonny bellowed. “Don’t use that language with me, young lady,”

“Oh good God,” You rolled your eyes. “It’s Rafael, isn’t it?” You didn’t let up.

Sonny tried to think of anyone else, but he couldn’t. Luckily, he thought of something better.

“Yeah, Sunshine,” He lowered his voice. “You need to get away from him so that you can get over this little-- thing you have for him,”

“Why?” Your eyes narrowed.

“Because he doesn’t love you!” He cried. “Because you freaked him out with your little stunt!”

“I don’t believe you,” Your voice filled with dread.

“You don’t believe me?” Sonny laughed. “Y/N did you know his dad died from drinking? In front of him?” He really wasn’t sure about that, but he’d say what he needed to sell this.

“...He didn’t say that he died,” You said softly.

“Well, he did. And you basically died in his arms, that brought all of it back up. And it fucking traumatized him,”

“No…” You shook your head. That couldn't be true. You could not have caused him that much pain-- god what was wrong with you?!

“You wanna know why he’s been so out of touch?” Sonny continued. “Because he’s been so upset he had to drown himself in work to cope with what you did to him!”

“...I…” Tears welled up in your eyes as the guilt began to eat you alive.

“Look, Sunshine,” He lowered his voice and sat back down on the bed.

“I don’t mean to throw so much tough love at ya, but-- he’s still my good friend, and you hurt him. I know you didn’t mean to, and I know you got hurt too. So, I just think that it’s better for all of us if you just--”

“Get as far away from here as possible,”

“I mean, I wouldn’t say it like that,” Sonny tried to be positive. “Just, you need to go to the best place that will help you heal-- your body and your heart,”

“....Yeah, I guess you’re right,” You nodded, wiping tears from your face.

“Good,” He kissed your forehead and stood up, heading to the door. “Now get some rest, I’ll see if we can get this over and done with by tomorrow, I don’t want you staying in this place more than you have to,”

“Thanks Sonny,” You gave him a genuine smile. “You’re a good cousin,”

"I try," He smiled and blew you a kiss before walking out the door.

------------------

Sonny raced down the hall to the surgeon’s office where Rafael was finishing filling out paperwork.

“So, did you tell her?” Rafael asked.

“Tell her what?”

“Did you tell her I’m saving her life and I’ll see her in a few days?”

“Oh,” Sonny felt sweat on his forehead. “Yeah, totally. She’s excited,”

“So why hasn’t she texted me?”

“Oh her phone died,” Sonny lied. “I actually have to run and get her a charger, you can come with me,”

“Of course I can…” Rafael rolled his eyes sarcastically. “The surgery’s early tomorrow morning, I put off my court dates until the end of next week, that should give us both enough time to heal,”

“Sounds good,” Sonny shot him a thumbs up.

“And you are gonna let me see her after all of these fucking hoops, right Carisi?”

“Yeah, of course Barba,” He laughed nervously. “I’m not a monster,”

“Good boy,” Rafael patted him on the head like his puppy.

Sonny wanted to rip that smug little smile off Rafael’s face, but knowing he was going to have the rug pulled out from under him was enough for him.

--------------

The next morning

The surgery nurse came in around 4 am, way too cheerful for that god awful hour.

“Hello dear!” She smiled brightly as you while you moaned and groaned. “I’ve come to prep you for surgery,”

“...Where’s my cousin?” You asked groggily.

“Uh, I’m not sure…” She shook her head while she injected something into your IV. Then she helped you maneuver with all your wires and contraptions to the wheeled bed which take you to the OR.

“...What the hell did you just give me?” You rubbed your eyes sleepily.

“Oh it’s the pre-anesthesia,” She explained. “The girls and I call it ‘giggle juice’,”

“...Like alcohol?” Your eyes widened.

“No, no dear calm yourself,” The nurse assured you. “It’s some medicine that will make you loopy, you won’t remember a thing I promise you,”

“Mmm..kay…” You blinked several times, feeling the drug take affect. Everything quickly went fuzzy, and you felt nice and warm. You realized that you were being wheeled down the hall now, with heated blankets on top of you. You felt like a cozy little burrito, safe in a tortilla.

You felt yourself being rolled into an OR, many masked people were there to greet you. They all had smile eyes behind their masks, they made you feel as safe as possible. Then, they rolled you next to...Rafael?

“....R-Raff---?” You could barely speak from the meds, but your eyes lit up at the sight of him.

“Hey…” He mumbled dreamily, his green eyes sparkling at you. Clearly he had some ‘giggle juice’ of his own.

“I--I don’t…” You shook your head, trying to grasp what was happening. Wasn’t Sonny supposed to be the one laying next to you? Was this Sonny and you were just seeing Rafael’s face?

“Hey hey hey shh,” Rafael shook his head softly and reached out for your hand. You poked it out through the burrito blanket and took his-- it was real. He was really there. He was giving you his liver, to save your life.

“I love you, Y/N,” He smiled the biggest smile you’d ever seen on a human.

“...Really?” You bit your lip with your own huge smile. You prayed to God this was NOT a drug induced dream. “I love you too,”

“Alright you two lovebirds,” You heard the surgeon chuckle. “There will be time enough for this after you’re sharing a liver,”

Wait. This means Sonny lied to you. Was he lying about everything? Was he lying when he said Rafael wanted a clean break? Was Sonny just trying to keep you two apart?

All of your realizations and questions were quickly silenced by the gas mask going over your face.

“Now count down from ten, dear,” The anesthesiologist instructed you. You wanted to say no, that you had to talk to Rafael before all of this happened. But you glanced over to see he was already out, and soon you were too.

--------------------

The next thing you knew you were waking up in a recovery room with a huge window. The sun was streaming in and welcoming you back to the world. You looked down to see a huge incision sewn up by several stitches with clear gauze and tape holding it together. It didn’t hurt yet, but you figured you were still on a lot of pain meds. You wondered how Sonny was doing, if the surgery went well for him too. Soon a nurse came into check on you.

“Well dear, how are we feeling?”

“Ah good,” You smiled weakly. “I guess as good as I can anyway,”

“Oh of course,” She nodded sweetly as she changed your bandages and replaced your fluids.

“Do you know how my cousin’s doing?” You asked her, causing her to furrow her eyebrows.

“Your cousin?” She repeated. “Well dear, I’m sure he’s fine. He hasn’t gotten here yet, probably the morning rush hour traffic,”

“...What?” Now you were the one to furrow your eyebrows. “What do you mean he’s not here? Didn’t he--”

“Oh, look at that,” The nurse quickly finished switching the IV’s and looked at her tablet. “I’m late for my rounds. You rest up sweetie and I’ll come back tonight to get you ready to leave,”

“Rest up?” You repeated softly to yourself as she walked out of the room. “Leave?”

What did any of that mean? And why wasn’t Sonny already at the hospital? Didn’t he have surgery as well? They would have had to already have done it, right? Otherwise whose liver was inside you right now?! You had so many more questions, but apparently Nurse Ratchet gave you some morphine to knock you out until later that evening.

------------

Rafael woke up groggily in his hospital room, already in pain. He looked down to see an incision covered in gauze and tape. He looked next to him to see Sonny smiling sadly at him.

“...Oh god,” Rafael began to panic. “What happened?”

“What? Nothing, you’re great. Y/N is great,”

“Good,” He took a sigh of relief. “So when can I see her?”

“Yeah, here’s the thing Barba…”

“Oh no,” Rafael shook his head violently. “No no no no NO, Carisi. You said--”

“I know what I said, Barba,” He nodded. “But see the thing is, the place that I got Y/N too, it’s not only a rehab but it’s a hospital too. And they fill up super fast. So y’know I had to jump at the opening,”

“....What does that even mean, Carisi?” Rafael's eyes narrowed.

“....It means they already took her up there, so she could recover from the surgery and go right into rehab,” He lied. Well, it wasn't a complete lie. You were going to leave in a few hours, after he came and got you of course.

“You son of a bitch!!” Rafael tried to lunge at him from the bed, but his incision began to pull and shot pain through his entire body. He spasmed and fell back into the bed.

“Who whoa whoa there Barba,” Sonny tried easing him down as if he was a bull or a horse. “You’re gonna pop those stitches,”

“You knew you were going to send her away before I could say goodbye, didn’t you?” He glared at Sonny. “You knew this whole time you were never going to let me see her again. I gave her part of my liver!”

“And you saved her life, and I thank you for that Barba. I really do. And that should make you happy, right? The love of your life is going to live a long, happy life because of you,”

“Without me,” He added angrily.

“Well hey now,” Sonny clicked his tongue. “Never say never. Y’know when she’s completely over all of this, and you, maybe someday she’ll make her way back to the city and you guys can have your little weird friendship again, yeah?”

“Why are you doing this to her? To us?” His voice was more sad now, pitiful.

“I’m doing this for her, Barba. Please try and understand that,” Sonny shook his head as he walked towards the door.

“You’ll never get away with this, Carisi! I’ll find her,”

“Damn Barba I’m not a supervillain, cool your jets,”

“Could’ve fooled me,”

“HEY,” Sonny warned. “What I’m doing is for the greater good,”

“Said every supervillain ever,”

"Hurtful, Barba," Sonny put a hand to his chest. "Feel better, yeah?"

Rafael flipped him the bird as he walked out of the room, the door shutting behind him. He searched frantically around his bed for his phone, he had to google Hospital Rehabs, he had to find you.

He would find you, he wouldn't stop until he did.

[www-artforoddballs]

OK holy shit I forgot to post again yesterday

It is 1:16 AM and I have a school meeting later today that I might sleep through due to me generally only being able to sleep during the FUCKING DAYTIME

But oh well I said I'd post and so I shall post

Autistic! Levi stimming

And some stuff about my personal experience since it's how I best relate to people and situations

Okay so I know I made a post about stim toys

But this is the best I've got at now 1:18 AM so bear with me

So a lot of people do things with their hands or arms. I personally don't do that, but I could see Leviathan doing that.

Does anyone else have a negative stim? Like when there's something you really just DO NOT like? Because whenever that happens I need to move my toes/curl them up. I don't know why, it's always been like that.

I also used to get so frustrated and angry with myself that I'd hit myself in the head while crying. Not a joke. I'd consider it a stimming thing but thankfully I grew out of it. However I can see Leviathan doing something self-destructive as a stim and his brothers learning about this and then having people near him if he gets too overwhelmed just to make sure he doesn't hurt himself or slip into a panic attack.

There are different types of stims, this I know. I'm gonna be perfectly honest; I've never met another autistic person in my life, and I haven't looked into it a lot, so I can really only speak on my own experiences. However I do know that there are happy stims, so I can only assume there are negative ones as well. There are for me, at least. Lol. And Levi, in my headcannon.

One way this man stims is by swimming or just generally being near water. It's a reason why he has that huge fish tank in his room.

I feel like he'd play with his tail to stim as well. Like feeling the scales and such, or maybe even hugging it when he's in his demon form and really happy (which is an adorable mental image)

Would play with his fingers as a stim, and bounce his legs. This is stuff I do, so idk how common it is, but I can see him doing it as well.

This isn't really a stim thing (unless it is and I'm dumb) but I do imagine him having some sort of comfort item. I personally have one; a multicolored stuffed dog that I've had since I was born. I can't sleep without the thing, and holding it helps me calm down.

Of course using stim toys is part of this, because...look at what they're called lol

I feel like certain songs would help him stim as well. I don't really get this one either, but I know it helps some people, and it's probably the TSL theme songs for him, or the theme song for the show Ruri-Chan is in.

I know some people don't like music because it stims them in a negative way, but for me it's neutral. I like music, but it doesn't make me overly happy or overly sad.

Once again, not really a stim thing, but if he got a service dog or an ESA, I feel like holding them or petting them would be very comforting to him. I have an ESA in my life, my grumpy ol dog. He's a good boy and looks like a puppy still despite being 11 years old...pictures included because I want people to appreciate him just as much as I do.

OK so that's all I have at now 1:30 AM

Sorry

But I wanted to get something out, at least.

And here he is

The good boi

[paper-n-ashes]

sparks and embers - chapter 3

Characters: Poe Dameron x Original Female Character, Kylo Ren x Original Female Character

Story Tags: Explicit (18+), Canon Compliant/Divergent (Set after TLJ), First Person POV, Love Triangle, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Porn with Plot, Hurt/Comfort, Kylo Ren hates Poe Dameron

Chapter 3 - The Return

Words: 4k

Chapter Tags/Warnings: medical descriptions and procedures, some sexual themes - mainly in the form of OC being thirsty AF

Read on AO3 or Start from the beginning

~

On the way back from the East village, filled with the Gossams, humans and other alien species who had similarly escaped to a simpler life, I couldn’t help but curse at myself for giving in so easily to the pleas of a good-looking stranger.

Aiding someone merely for their physical appearance? How horribly unprofessional.

The voice in the back of my mind was loud. And curiously judgemental.

It had been over a full day cycle since I’d departed the clinic, making Poe vow to remain within the confines of his bed until I had returned. I’d left him with enough food for two days of my travelling, hygiene supplies, a drip running slowly for some pain relief and range of tools for him to attempt getting BB-8 up and running, hoping he wouldn’t have any reason to struggle getting out of bed.

The thought of his still fragile femur bone breaking and splitting the artery I’d spent all my energy on mending was beyond frightening. I worried about him every minute I was awake, imagining any number of complications that would leave me a corpse to find when I arrived back.

Bleeding, clots, stroke, infection, sepsis.

It wasn’t easy to slip those thoughts from my mind in the lone starkness of the Raxus countryside. There wasn’t really anything to look at except grass and sky, nothing to distract me from the worst case scenarios.

I’d convinced some of my old patients to join my cause, promising them better medicine and equipment if I was only able to have a comm-tower to order everything I needed. It didn’t seem like lying. The comm-tower really was my only link to the rest of the galaxy, and I would have needed it fixed anyway. Only now, time seemed to be more of the essence.

After spending the night amongst the locals I had grown to be familiar with over the last few years, I’d begun the trek back with the knowledge at least one problem had been solved. Some promised spare parts, others were going to follow my path within the next day cycle to get my comm-link back online. I hadn’t divulged all the story, at least not the part about this repair job apparently being a determining factor in the fate of the galaxy.

I hadn’t pressed Poe about what that meant exactly. I was used to the Resistance and their soldiers having somewhat of a flair for the dramatic when it came to war, after healing many of their battle wounds in years past. I knew how fervently they believed in their cause - that they were the only thing standing between galaxy wide harmony and First Order dictatorship.

I understood their hope of peace in our lifetime, but I’d lost mine a long time ago. Good, bad, they were just two sides of a coin that would flip for eternity, desperately chasing power for their own reasons.

In truth, I didn’t particularly care. I just hoped to live my life somewhat free from the burden of picking a side.

*

Before unlocking the clinic door, my feet aching from hiking for 6 straight hours, I drew in a long breath with a silent prayer I wouldn’t be walking in to find a dead body. With a fluid motion I turned the handle and pushed the door open, my head popping in first around the entryway to where Poe’s hospital bed stood. He immediately heard the latch clicking and shot his head up to meet with my eyes.

“You’re back,” he smiled, as I noted how much colour had returned to his face during my absence.

He looked so much better.

For the first time, I found myself studying his face, my stare tracing from his strong angular jawline to his high cheekbones, the prominence of his nose, the whiskey colour of his large cheerful eyes, his tousled deep brown hair. Then I took in his wide grin, shapely pink lips curled upwards to show perfectly set white teeth.

Stars, he’s so handsome.

In the muddle of memories I’d conceived from the night of his crash I’d not recognised, at least not during the time I was struggling to keep him alive, how attractive he was. And now with his health a far better picture than the last time I’d seen him, it was all I could notice. My heart quivered through a beat as he beamed at me, soon realising his smile was more a reflection of the prospective good news I brought with my return, making it settle back into a normal rhythm.

“Hi,” I breathed, walking closer and setting my pack down at the foot of the hospital bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” he answered, “The smaller burns are almost gone, and my chest wound is closed, look!” He pulled up the grey hospital shirt I’d managed to change him into before I had to leave. This time when I saw the nakedness of his chest and abdomen I couldn’t help but stare at his softly defined muscles, all tensing during his movement. He was right, the hole below his rib now sealed, a newly-formed, pink scar in its place. The chest tube was still secured above it, now redundant.

“Gotta love bacta,” I hummed. “I can take that drain out now if you like.”

He looked at me incredulously. “You’ve just done a 30 hour round trip for me, not even sat down, and you want to dive head first into more treatment?”

“I... uh... I mean... I just wanted to help you feel better,” I stammered.

Poe shook his head, smirking. “It’s okay, I appreciate it. Really, I do. But I’m alright, the tube can wait. How about you rest for a second and tell me how the mission- I mean, trip, went?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Two days ago you were begging me to get going so I couldn’t waste any time, now you’re telling me I can take a load off?”

"Uh, yeah… Sorry about that,” he grimaced. “Having some time to think while you were gone... It made me realise everything you’d done and were doing for me - a stranger you had no reason to help." Poe took a long exhale before speaking again, his tone serious. "I was in a lot of pain, just woken up in a strange place. It’s still imperative to get a message back to the Resistance as soon as possible but... that’s not your burden to bear. I can't thank you enough for your help, but I'll try not to ask too much more of you.”

It seemed not only had his physical health improved, but logical thought and patience had returned.

I took my cue to sit on one of the opposite hospital beds, letting my feet dangle over the edge to kick my shoes off, feet pulsing with gratitude at their release. “There’s some villagers coming tomorrow,” I started. “They will hopefully have a new comm-tower up and running within the next couple of days. I told them about your droid too. There’s some spare parts in that bag.” I pointed my hand out to the satchel at Poe’s feet, glancing at the L shaped table beside his bed I’d set up. BB-8 was sitting on top of it, head and body still separated and now unbolted at separate points, wires haphazardly sticking out in different directions. Falling back into the mattress, I let out an exhausted sigh, relishing the feel of the squeaky mattress under my body.

“I really owe you. The Resistance owes you,” Poe praised after a few moments of silence, as I heard him begin to rummage through the satchel. I held back a frown, even when I knew he wouldn’t be able to catch sight of my face.

I didn’t do any of this for the Resistance.

It occurred to me then I wasn’t really sure why I’d done it at all. I had always been a sucker for those in poor predicaments, hence why I became a doctor in the first place. But the trek had nothing to do with treatment or medicine. It was purely at the behest of this pilot, who’s charming appearance in the dimmed orange light of the evening made my skin feel hot.

“So, how did a girl like you find herself in the middle of nowhere on the Outer Rim?” Poe questioned, fiddling with some of the parts.

I sat back up. “I’m not a girl. I’m 28. That’s a little too old to be called girl anymore.”

Poe chuckled, the sound of his laugh both warming and positively thrilling. “I apologise. How did a woman like you end up here?”

“I used to work on Coruscant, that’s where I started my medical training,” I explained, remembering the glittering planet I’d spent much of my young life on. “Then moved into the war relief efforts on medical frigates scattered throughout the galaxy. Treating wounded soldiers day in day out took its toll, having people constantly injured and almost dying for a war they didn’t start.” I glanced to Poe's expression, seeing a glow of understanding behind his eyes before I continued. “Plus, there were more than a few times I felt a little redundant. The medical droids they have kind of... made my treatment obsolete. I wanted to practice medicine in a place where adequate health care was rare or non-existent. I wanted to help those who were most desperate, who otherwise couldn’t afford it, those who would actually value the care of a live human doctor. So I picked a planet at random, and settled here."

The random part was an utter lie. No one had cared about Raxus since the Clone Wars, and the First Order wouldn’t make it their priority to conquer Outer Rim worlds for a while yet. It was a quiet, calm planet with countless refugees fleeing here to make peaceful new lives. They wouldn’t be concerned about old, rusty equipment, lower quality bacta or no medical droids. They would simply be happy at having a doctor within a day’s trek.

And no one would think of looking here for a Force user.

Poe studied me in quiet thought for a moment, taking in what I’d divulged. “Well, they're damn lucky, with how nicely you patched me up. You’d run circles around some of the doctors and medical droids at the Resistance base.” He grinned at me again, earnestly, another attempt to thank me for my work. I felt the pit of my stomach tense, and it wouldn’t retreat, the thought of his smile lingering in my mind even after he’d gone back to his tinkering.

It had to be because I’d been in isolation for so long, why I was reacting so strongly to the innocent smiles and compliments of a man I barely knew. I definitely wasn’t used to conversing with men so close in age to my own. Most of the local humans were older, married with children, and I rarely made conversation around any other topic than their illnesses.

“What... uh... Why were you flying over Raxus?” I asked awkwardly.

His eyebrows creased together as he looked back at me. “Raxus wasn’t my destination, but I... can’t tell you any more than that.”

“Oh…”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” he urged. “It’s just, you know, highly confidential.” He seemed apologetic, like he owed me more of an explanation.

I nodded, agreeing the less I knew about the Resistance and their missions the better. “Well, you’ll be able to get back to it in a couple of days,” I insisted, breaking the awkward silence that had lingered. “Some time and a little bit more bacta and you’ll be like new again.”

“Actually, speaking of that,” he started, an uneasy expression now settling in his features. “I was wondering when you were thinking of letting me get out of this bed.”

“Depends on the reason Poe. I’d recommend starting your formal rehab tomorrow at the absolute earliest, otherwise we can get you up and walking if you need to do something… uh… specific.” There was no hiding the waver in my voice.

He laughed, louder than he had before, the sound making it difficult for me not to blush. “Aren’t you a doctor? Why are you embarrassed for me to use the bathroom?”

“Hey!” I frowned. “I was trying to save you from being embarrassed.”

He shook his head, still chuckling. “I’m alright on that front for now. I was actually hoping to use your refresher. It’s been a few days…”

“Oh of course!” I’d cleaned him up as much as I could before I’d left, getting rid of his obliterated flight suit and helping change into the bland hospital outfit I reserved for overnighters, but even to myself the idea of a shower was enticing.

A thought flashed into my mind of steaming water hitting Poe’s sun darkened skin, trickling down his toned body as he lathered himself in soap suds.

Woah.

Okay.

That was new.

It had been such a long time since I’d felt the fire of blood rushing to the lower portion of my abdomen, insides clenching at the heat so suddenly ignited.

Poe was looking at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue. I internally shook away the incriminating thoughts before they could be conveyed on my face. “How about I get that chest tube out first? Then I can help you to the ‘fresher?”

He breathed out in relief. “That would be fantastic.”

I stepped lightly off the hospital bed, walking shoe-less over to my medical trolley to drag it back to Poe’s side. And immediately, without me asking, he sat up and began a haphazard attempt to pull off his shirt, left arm bandaged and stiff, right arm enveloped in the cast I’d made and evidently still painful to move.

In a wordless reply, I helped him pull the fabric over his head, confronted with the image of a half-naked, strikingly handsome man in front of me.

I couldn’t believe I hadn’t recognised any of his raw allure when he’d been almost stripped completely bare by my own hands on the night of his crash. It seemed bizarre I wouldn’t have noted the strong, broadness of his shoulders, his armoured chest littered deliciously with dark hair, carved abdominal muscles tensed in waiting.

I swallowed hard, hoping Poe wouldn’t register my shaking hands as I prepared the tube removal kit. Snipping the sutures around the plastic, unsteady gloved fingers pulled out the tube as smoothly as I could manage, Poe flinching slightly at the sensation. He continued to look away as I injected some bacta gel into the wound, sealing it closed with a few new sutures and placing a waterproof dressing over the site.

“All done,” I settled. “Like nothing happened at all.”

Poe looked back to me and smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. It was obvious he remained troubled by the memories of his crash, and understandably so. I’d seen the same look in many other military personnel, the attempt to put on a brave face when images of fire, blood and terror pierced their thoughts. I desperately wanted to take his mind to a brighter place. “So, ready to try walking?”

“Absolutely! Lead the way doc.”

Ugh. Eventually I would have to correct him on that.

I stepped back from the side of the bed, arms stretched in readiness for when he inevitably stumbled. “Please take it slowly. Your muscles aren’t going to be pleased with what you’re doing after over two days of bed rest.”

“Sure thing,” Poe scoffed.

Typical male.

Initially he seemed to take my direction, moving his legs slowly from under the blanket, pain now registering on his features. He swivelled himself sluggishly to let his legs fall over the side of the mattress, breathing slightly heavier to push through the discomfort.

He was leaning more on his left side, right arm hovering over his thigh. Tentatively, he slipped his left foot onto the floor and shifted his weight onto it, pushing his hand into the mattress to help himself up.

Soon he was standing in front of me for the first time since we’d met, and even amongst all the burns, bruises, dressings and bandages, he looked impossibly strong, toned muscles wrapping his form.

He noticed the timid smile form on my lips.

“Hey don’t start laughing at me. I don’t think I could handle my ego being bruised along with the rest of me.”

“Oh... I wasn’t-,” I stumbled, quietly relieved he’d misread the reason behind my smirk.

He held his hand up in protest, grinning. “I was kidding. You’re welcome to laugh at the adult sized toddler learning to walk again.”  

It was difficult not to snicker at his words. “Come on,” I encouraged. “Just think of how nice that hot water will feel.”

He sighed in agreement and moved, taking a hesitant step onto the previously fractured leg. I swiftly froze with anxiety, even when the logical side of my brain told me both the break and the artery would have stabilised exponentially by now. But the emotional side, the part that remembered the rush of blood that had exploded from the wound site, nagged incessantly at me, insisting that this was a very bad idea.

My eyes were glued to Poe’s figure as he shifted his weight deliberately, muscles tensing at the trigger of pain he was likely feeling, before he made a delicate hop to move back onto his left leg.

Even that one haggard step appeared to take a lot out of him, but he seemed determined, eyebrows already wrinkled in concentration.  He continued the process a few times over, my arms still poised in waiting for the foreseeable stumble as I walked backwards. I couldn’t help but hold my breath as he limped, following me out of the clinic room into the hallway that lead to my office, the ‘fresher, and my living quarters all the way at the end.

His steps became faster, more confident, when all of a sudden, his balance wavered.

Reacting quickly, I stepped forward to catch him, arms circling under his own and around his torso, hands now gripping the muscles on his back as he crashed into me. I would have stayed there for a moment, my fingertips registering the warmth radiating off his skin, until I became fully aware where his face had fallen into.

I felt Poe’s heated exhale through the cotton of my white shirt after his face had collided into my chest, directly between my breasts. The twinge in my lower abdomen occurred again, breath hitching in my throat.

He scrambled to push himself back into a standing position, my arms releasing from around him, his hands clamping around my biceps as he fought to reclaim his steadiness again.

“I am so sorry!” he blurted, his face dangerously close to mine, only a small touch of redness visible under his caramel skinned cheeks. I knew my blushing would be much more pronounced.

“It’s okay,” I breathed. “I was waiting for that to happen.”

His eyes widened.

“Not that!” I yelped. “I meant you falling! I was waiting for you to fall!”

Poe’s face illuminated into a beaming grin. “Sure you did.”

I frowned in protest, but couldn’t stop the chuckle escaping. I shifted to face the same way as him, an arm curling around his torso, angling my body under his own. “How about I help you the rest of the way?”

His hand gripped onto my shoulder, the hardened squeeze making the tensing inside me ripple even faster.

Focus Alex.

Poe let me support him as he limped down the hallway, and I desperately tried to distance myself from the thoughts that swirled in my mind at being connected so closely.

Eventually we made it into the ‘fresher, a white and grey tiled room with the large, frameless shower enclosure taking up most of the space, the only privacy a plastic curtain that could be pulled across the entire spans of the room. I’d designed it with the idea there would be enough space to assist overnighter patient’s in washing themselves, since I didn’t have a nurse to do it for me. Yet, it still gave me the ability to provide some discretion by stepping out past the other side of the curtain, ready to swoop in if I was needed.

And that’s what I’d planned for Poe, knowing he was hardly the type of patient that was going to let me do anything for him if he could help it. Guiding him to the backless shower chair, I released him to his own devices and quickly pulled the curtain across. It was more for my own concealment at this point, needing to take a moment to settle myself down, the memory of his hold still lingering on my skin.

“I’ll be right here if you need any help okay? Everything you need will be on the shelf under the shower start button.”

“Thanks Alex,” he answered, his voice huffing out as I could hear he’d already started to shimmy down his pants.

Stop imagining it Alex. Stop thinking about him naked, a metre away, behind that thin curtain.

The sound of water rushing into the tile floor pulled me back into some impression of reality. I busied myself with organising my own hygienic supplies in the mirrored cupboard, desperately trying to think of anything other than the man hidden from my view, steam swirling around his figure, water dribbling down his bare skin. From behind the screen I heard a pleasant moan leave him, obviously enjoying the hot water battering into his aching muscles for the first time in days.

And with that sound I felt a twinge between my legs, heat swelling and rippling outwards through my body.

Stars, that was... hot.

It felt so unprofessional, to be tantalized by the thought of a man, a patient, in the middle of such a basic act of human hygiene. But I couldn’t deny he was more attractive than any patient I’d ever had in my life, and the thought of ripping open the curtain so I could join him was suddenly the most tempting thing in the galaxy.

I locked my hands onto the basin that stood in front of me, trying not to be overwhelmed by the sound of Poe lathering soap between his hands, then sliding over an unseen portion of his body.

It was then I started to pace, hoping the repetitive movement would stop me ruminating over the indecent notions my mind was conjuring. Minutes ticked by too slowly as I waited for him to finish his routine, begging for the irresistible pull of craving to be released from me.

“Hey Alex?” Poe suddenly called.

“What's wrong?” I squeaked, cursing at myself for sounding so startled.

“I actually need some help.”

Oh maker, why do you do this to me?

I swallowed hard. “Y-yeah. Sure. Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” he began, voice sounding a little forced. “It’s just... with my left arm still bandaged, and my right arm still in the cast, I can’t wash my hair. I know it’s a little strange, but could you help me out?”

My heart ricocheted inside my rib cage, frolicking at the thought of seeing him soaked in water, fingers raking through his dampened hair.

Come on Alex, try to keep at least one shred of professionalism.

“Sure,” I agreed, a more competent tone saturating my voice as I withheld my internal fluttering. “Make yourself… uh… decent, and I’ll open the curtain.”

I heard Poe’s movement as he reached for one of the towels hanging on the rail nearby and wrapped it around his lower body. The flowing water soon came to a stop, the sudden silence making me feel uneasy.

“Ready.”

I placed myself in front of the curtain between us, his stature only barely visible through the clouded screen. My jaw was locked as I took a deep breath through my nose, meditating in thought, frantically clawing at a sense of calm.

Then I reached towards the plastic, clenched my hand around it, and pulled.

~

Next Chapter

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[local80smotel]

Tears and kisses

pairing; V x reader

summary; V & the reader's friendship started on him being injured and their relationship would start with that too.

requested by; @peachesandbb

rating; T

warnings; mention of blood (but never described)

word count; 2,663

A/N; I'm so sorry this took so long but I had a lot of fun with this! Thank you for requesting!

Y/N's lungs burned as they ran deeper into the alleyways of London, holding their heels in their hands. How were they supposed to know the creep they punched was a member of the Fingermen? Maybe wearing heels tonight was a bad idea but hey, no one thinks that they're going to be chased by madmen who were drunk with power at 8:30 pm. 'Shit' they thought, glancing at the street clocks '30 minutes untile curfew'. If they didn't get home soon that would just be another nail in the coffin for this English citizen.

The fleeing criminal didn't look back until they heard a loud, panic-filled scream followed with a thud. When they did, they were shocked by the scene in front– well behind them. There, taking out the Fingermen with such ease, was a pure black figure wearing a mask and an outdated hat. The hat or the mask wasn't the thing that confused Y/N, it was the fact this street vigilante was flinging these six-foot men like they were rag dolls. As embarrassing as it sounds, Y/N just stood there, stuck in some kind of awestruck daze until the ringing of a gun blast drew them out of it.

All they could cry out was a "No!" As they were still glued to the alley street. The masked figure only let out a pained grunt before taking out the shooter with one of his many knives. He stood there for a moment, their back only facing Y/N. They could tell even in the dark that this vigilante was seeing if the bullet was an exit wound or not.

“Hello?” they stepped closer to the caped hero “Are you hurt badly?”

Y/N's hero turned to them, obviously flustered as they tripped on their words as they tried to answer back.

“Uh-” He tried to bow but only winced in pain which stopped him from doing so “I would say so, but," he chuckled softly under his breath “as you can barely tell, I'm bleeding.”

Y/N rushed over to them ignoring common sense which yelled for them not to go to the man who had just taken out four men all by himself.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” they asked as they searched for the wound and see if there was an exit wound as well

“I know I haven't introduced you as I have to others, but could you be as kind as to let me into your home?” It was easy to tell the awkwardness and anxiousness in his voice. He shook his head before trying to continue his sentence, probably to backtrack and apologize but Y/N stopped them as they nodded before looking back at the street clock.

“We have sixteen minutes till curfew, we have to hurry. Can you run?”

The man nodded as he placed a hand on his wound before saying "Lead the way".

Luckily, it seemed that the secret police had vanished as they made way back to their apartment. They couldn't help but feel responsible for this poor civilian's injury. 'I could have outrun them. He didn't need to intervene like that.' They thought as they looked over at him. Now that they were closer to the street they should see where the wound truly was, his left shoulder. Y/N couldn't help but sigh in relief which rewarded them a confused head tilt from their guest. Hopefully, it hadn't hit any important nerves, muscle, or bone and they'd feel safe putting their hero on the street once a more.

Things between them things were quiet until they got to their apartment building's door. There, right on the porch of the brick establishment, he muttered a word as he was noticeably starting to get lightheaded due to blood loss.

“V...”

“V? Is that the name of the street you liv-”

“Name. That's my name.

All they could say was "oh" as they opened the door and started up the stairs. It was easy to tell he was getting grumpy as well. Who knew that was also a symptom of blood loss. When they both were greeted with their apartment door Y/N wasted no time opening said door and pulling this masked hero into it, making sure not to pull the injured side, and made a b-line to the bathroom. There, like most normal people they kept their medical supplies stored.

V stepped into the room first and before the host could follow he closed the door.

“Hey!” they yelled as they lightly slammed their hand into the bathroom door “What gives?”

“I- uh, please forgive me but I can take it from here!”

Y/N huffed as he spoke, feeling slightly insulted that they couldn't go into the bathroom they paid for. They were taken away from their irritated thoughts when V spoke again around three minutes later.

“Could you stay? Sit by the door I mean.”

“Why?” they shot back as they somewhat snapped. V waited for a moment before answering.

“Just... Nervous that's all.” His soothing British accent made the hair on Y/N's neck stand up “I can understand if you say no– I did lock you out of your own bathroom.”

“No! No, no it's okay.” They began to slide down the wall so they could sit. The quietness sneaked in as Y/N brought their knees to their chin. Small sounds like him hissing at the pain from rubbing alcohol and him rummaging for more supplies were the only things that broke said silence until he mumbled out four words;

“Would you help me...?”

The apartment's owner sighed as they got up, jittering the doorknob “Sure if you can unlock it.”

Again, it took him a few moments before a small click happened but they weren't annoyed or upset at the wait as they knew he was probably in more pain. When they opened the door they were greeted to V who now was shirtless with their back facing them. The wound wasn't the thing that caught Y/N's eye, but instead, it was the fact his body was so heavily burned. It made sense why he wanted to patch himself up now! They couldn't help but place their fingertips gently on his back which caused him the tense up.

“Need help wrapping the bandages?”

He nodded, still not looking at them which made it easier to tell that he was truly embarrassed.

Y/N looked closely at the wound, sighing in relief as it seemed that the bullet hadn't lodged itself inside any of the muscle and started wrapping the medical bandages, trying to make sure that it wasn't too tight. In an attempt to relax V they tried to make conversation about his burns. He was quick to say that he "didn't remember" how he got them which Y/N couldn't believe but dropped the subject and onto a new one; why he saved them.

“I watched you– just to make sure you got him safe– and I saw them. Harass you I mean.” he looked back at the bandage work, seemingly pleased with their work before talking once more “You threw a good punch though.”

Y/N couldn't help but blush at the compliment as they stood up “Thank you, V. Come back if you ever need help.”

When V left they couldn't help but feel that their apartment was, well, empty. That night as they laid in bed they secretly hoped he'd come back again and oh boy, would he do exactly that.

Almost three months into their budding friendship they were woken up in the middle of the night to pounding at their door. Fear washed over them like a wave as they opened the door, scared the police had come to take them away for some petty thing.

“Oh! V!” they smiled in relief along with joy as they got to see their good friend after waiting for almost one and a half months to see him again. “Come in!” they moved out of the doorframe, still smiling like a goof until they looked at the floor. Blood. Once again their dear friend had gotten himself hurt. Their heart sank as they looked back at him who was already in the bathroom except for this time he didn't lock the door like he did the first time he came here.

“Really V? This is the third time in a year,” they said with concern in their voice as they walked in the bathroom, undressing him to see the wound which turned out to be a stab wound in his upper abdomen. Luckily it didn't hit anything vital.

“Maybe you just get yourself hurt to see me..” they mumbled as they pressed a cold washcloth on him. Sure they said it was a joke but somewhere, deep down inside them, they wished it was true. V grunted as a response once rubbing alcohol was introduced to the stab injury, turning their head away from them before actually speaking.

“Come with me. Back to my place.”

Y/N turned red when they finally processed his words. Why? How? Where does he even live? Truly they wanted to say "yes" right then and there but they just couldn't.

What about their apartment? Their plants and mail? Sure, they didn't have anything important in their home like a pet but still, moving (especially when they've never seen the place) is both scary and draining.

“Why? V you know you're always welcomed in my home.”

He took Y/N hand's and placed it on his face so his "cheek" was cupped before answering their question

“One day Y/N they'll follow me back here and because you're helping me, ” he coughed “they'll take you away too. I want to make sure you're completely safe. You're important to me.”

Y/N's ears felt hot once V was done talking. They thought for a moment as they inspected the wound to see if it needed stitches. Maybe he was right and living with him would be a good idea. Hell even it wasn't like he only came to their place for safety as well as they couldn't count how many times they opened their door just to see items like water bottles or bags of fresh bread (with a V drawn on them of course) and due to that, it was clear that he did care for them.

Y/N sighed as they locked eyes with V “Ill go with you, V. Let me pack up first.”

They could tell he was happy as he rubbed his face a bit deeper into their hand.

A few hours later at one AM the two of them hurried out of the building, carrying a few duffle bags as they did so. Y/N as they walked couldn't help but glance down at the man's hands as he carried both bags.

“I can carry them V...”

“Nonsense! I'm just doing what a gentleman would do.”

They couldn't help but roll their eyes at this. For being an absolute tank he still tried to act all soft, guess that was another reason they liked them.

As they walked they teased one another, trying not to laugh so they wouldn't alert the police as they were very much out against curfew. That night Y/N learned that V loved stars which just added on to the cuteness factor of him.

“What is this?” they asked in confusion once they stopped in front of Victorian Station “V this place has been abandoned for years.”

“Exactly my comrade!” He smiled as he placed the bags on the sidewalk and opened the doors to Y/N's surprise “A secret treasure I like to call it, now come along you're probably exhausted.”

The two descended into the dark depths which V seemed to be used to. Y/N finally got to carry a bag but it was only so V could use his free hand to guide them in the dark as he had a hand on their shoulder.

As the door opened they were shocked to see the inside completely decorated. It was easy to see V was a big art nerd as classic paintings hung from the ceiling and loved literature once they saw their new room as books were piled all the way to the ceiling.

“I'm sorry if it isn't to your liking.” He said as he placed down the bag in his hand

“No no, it's amazing. Thank you, V.”

Before he left the room Y/N placed a kiss on the metal mask's cheek. V didn't stop to ask why but merely turned his head to look at Y/N who was busy unpacking their clothes now.

For the next two years, V came home with no injuries to Y/N's happiness. It was easy when it came to them bonded as V showed them his favorite movies and how to cook. Their relationship also deepened when the talk of politics came up. Sure, it was slightly concerning for them how V loved the idea of anarchy. But one thing was for certain; they both hated Sutler with a burning passion. Nothing outright romantic happened between them, BUT the night that marked their two years of friendship while having a movie marathon, Y/N laid their head somewhat near his shoulder as they began to fall asleep. V, even though he felt slightly awkward due to this situation, played with the tips of their friend's hair until the movie ended. He didn't move them back to their room, instead, to make sure V didn't wake Y/N, laid their head on a pillow and gave them a blanket before leaving the gallery. Like two years ago Y/N was startled wake around four AM to V slamming the door shut while grunting and mumbling to himself.

“V?” their voice was almost a whisper as they got up slowly and followed him

“Ah Y/N, I'm sorry for waking you.” he turned to them as he held his left side. It was easy to tell that he was nervous. When they finally got to see what was wrong their blood felt like it was being boiled. He had gotten himself hurt again! There was no blood but it was easy to tell he had broken something. He was always being reckless, didn't he know they cared for him? It just wasn't fair!

“Do I not matter to you?!” they snapped as tears threatened to fail as they grabbed the home's first aid.

“You haven't done this in so long V! Why now? Have I done something wrong? V–”

Before the could finish their rant V slammed his "lips" unto Y/N's whose eyes widen. They felt frozen for a few seconds until they wrapped their arms around them, running their fingers through his hair as they closed their eyes. To Y/N's sadness, they couldn't deepen the kiss due to his mask so holding him close was all they could do but it made them just as happy. When the two broke the kiss Y/N laid their head in the crook of his neck as they stayed silent for a few moments before they broke the silence.

“Can I say something?”

“Of course love.”

“I love you...” They held V's hand as they spoke in a whisper “I have for a while.”

V moved their head out of his crook and lifted their chin to look them in his eye before kissing them on the forehead

“And so have I.”

[booksandlewks]

Intensity in Insmire | A Jurdan AU

Happy Holidays to my wonderful knife wife @starborn-faerie-queen!! I’m so lucky to have you as my friend and now snusband (we’re def married now) <3 I was so excited to see that I got to try and write something for you. I also have to thank everybody in the @jurdannet discord for helping me with my writer’s anxiety throughout, and @jurdannetrevels for hosting this secret santa event! 

So this was a prompt you didn’t ask for, but that I hope you will like. I thought of this right when I saw your name and have had a blast making it a reality. One of our first conversations in the discord was about none other than Lauren Layne, so I thought I’d give it my best go at making it Jurdan. I picked what I think of as the iconic scene in Passion on Park Avenue because Jude and Cardan literally define passion. You also put Nicaryn, so in my head when I wrote this they’re already dating and Jude just hasn’t noticed. 

"Be careful, you're going to drop that!" Jude said watching her twin throw down yet another box full of her merchandise.

 It was times like these that Jude wondered about her choice in friends. Not that she had so many choices in friends to begin with, something about her being "abrasive". People may not always appreciate her edges, but that edge is what landed her on the 30 under 30 list. She was grateful, if not confused, about her new-found friendships. While the ladies made for excellent company, and fellow schemers in action, a moving company they were not. Not that Jude would say a word against their help out loud. She was still so grateful to have her twin back in her life.

Jude would thank Locke for bringing them together, if she'd thought it was even remotely a part of his plan. Maybe she could thank him for dying, so that they could find each other in the park that fateful day. Not likely, she had better people to think on.

Nicasia kicked a box into the corner with the toe of her Louboutin heels, "You worry too much, they're not going to break because I didn't gingerly place every single one of your hundreds of boxes down."

"I'm not worried about you breaking an accessory," Jude said huffing as she moved to open the box Nicasia had kicked to prove a point. She held up the lipstick tube, twisting to expose the blade to prove her point. "I'm worried about one of my accessories breaking you."

"Oh, I like that," Taryn laughed, her eyes widening, "Can I borrow that for my next date?"

"Well, it is just a sample," Jude nodded her head to the truck parked outside her new building, "You can keep it if you help me unload the rest of the truck." 

"You drive a tough bargain, a days labor in exchange for one accessory?" Nicasia teased.

Jude put one hand to her heart and the other to her forehead dramatically, "Oh you're truly suffering going up and down the elevator while carrying small boxes."

"These boots were not exactly made for walking Jude," Nicasia said flicking her hair over her shoulder, and punctuating it with an all too casual check of her nails. Why she wouldn't just concede to putting her hair up was beyond frustrating to Jude. She wasn't sure if she hated or respected Nicasia's commitment to always looking perfect.

 "I mean I didn't get to where I was by giving things away for free, but I may have also ordered us pizza and tiramisu from the Italian place on Lexington Ave."

 "Ahh I knew you were my favorite twin!" Taryn said wrapping her arms around Jude and kissing her cheek with an exaggerated smack.

 "I'm your only twin, and you definitely did not know it."

 "The real question isn't why I can't move things in these heels, it's why you think I should be doing this in the first place," Nicasia said glancing speculatively.

 "Wait, yeah, aren't you meant to be rich now Jude?"

"Well, according to my accountant, approximately I am," Jude tilted her head and pretended to tally with her free hand, "filthy rich." She moved the box that had been hoisted on her hip onto the floor of what would be the main living area.

Jude wasn't insane, the larger items like the couch and industrial garment racks would be delivered by a moving company later. She just knew that she could handle the smaller boxes herself. She'd always survived by being self-sufficient, so she wasn't going to start changing what was working now. She'd moved herself into her first shoe box apartment, all her belongings compact and loaded into the back of her ancient little two door.

 "Then why on earth are we moving all of this by hand?" Taryn said turning to her sister, exasperated to see the determination gracing her twin's face. She hated that look, especially when it was on the face that was practically her own under all that stubbornness. "Nic, I need backup here, we're entering dangerously uncharted areas in stupidity. "

 "Jude, love, remember when we agreed to stop each other from entering another toxic relationship?" Nicasia said gently, her hands up as if coaxing a small animal.

 "No, I've blocked out the entirety of Locke's funeral out of a sense of self-preservation," she said voice and face purposefully blank.

 "Why stop there, why not erase him from your entire mind?" Taryn said a bitter edge to her words.  

 Jude laughed, "Me and my therapist are hard at work doing just that."

 "Well while you're working on that, have her work on the toxic relationship you've got with your stupid pride," Nicasia said checking her already perfect nails.

 "Wait, was all of that just the set up for the punchline to your dumb joke?"

 "Woah Tar, harsh words from the woman who asked for my backup in the first place." Nicasia pursed her lips clearly displeased that Taryn had not enjoyed her attempts at humor. "Maybe you should try being nicer to me considering that I have the power to save you from Jude's torture."

 Jude laughed as Taryn started to pester Nicasia to tell her what she meant. While they'd all become fast friends on the fateful day of the funeral, Jude couldn't help but feel that Nicasia and her twin had gotten closer over the summer. She supposed it had to do with the fact that they both had to worry about their reputations and what the fallout from Locke's infidelity would do to it.

That old wound started niggling at Jude again. She may not have been in an official New York society relationship with the man, but she'd had to mourn the loss too. She supposed it hadn't affected her societal standing, being Locke's dirty secret, but she hadn't gotten out unscathed. The bastard had known about her fears. She'd confided in him, about her mother's cheating and how she'd grown up not wanting to get attached for fear of ending up in a similarly messed up situation.

 He'd comforted her, talking about how cheating on somebody wasn't in her character. He'd spelled out what their story could be instead, spinning a story of comfort, safety in his arms, and safety in that future. It made Jude's skin crawl to think about now. How he could say all of this while cheating on her with Nicasia and Taryn, and using her to cheat on them. Some nights it actually made her physically ill. She was such a careful woman, and yet she'd never suspected.

 She wondered if lying to her was part of the game to him, it had to be. Jude thought about how she'd considered bridging the gap and calling Taryn to tell her that she'd met somebody. She'd been too scared to reopen that wound. At eighteen Jude walked away from the stifling role of being Madoc's daughter. She hadn't thought about what leaving Taryn behind to deal Madoc's only other eligible daughter would do. She left her behind for him to put all of his stupid high society rules and dreams into. She'd wondered about her twin over the years, but could never pick up the phone and just dial. What would things be like if she had? Thinking about it wouldn't change anything.

 During Jude's musings Taryn had moved into Nicasia's lap and was switching between pleading and apologizing. Her groveling was so over the top that a warm spot bloomed in Jude's chest while watching her. She had no idea how much she'd missed Taryn, and yet having her take up space in her apartment just felt right.

 "Okay, okay, fine!" Nicasia said standing up and taking Taryn with her. "I happen to have a friend through the New York royalty network, as you call it, and he lives in this very apartment complex."

 "Oh thank god, I love you Judie Bee Jones, but this is the worst."

 "Woah no, I never agreed to having anybody over," Jude said walking over to lock her door, "and wasn't the point of having you ladies around to avoid the assholes."

 "How can you call them an asshole when you don’t even know who it is?" Nicasia asked unlocking the door. Jude went to stop her, but Taryn simply took her face in her hands and pointed it towards the window where the open moving truck stood idle.

 "I promise he's good people, we grew up together," Nicasia said clearly forgetting that her and Jude had not exactly grown up as friends.

Jude did not have much of a chance to consider who might be coming to the rescue she did not need, as there was a knocking at the door.

The warmth she felt from being with her friends left her the second she opened the door and saw Cardan Greenbriar standing there. She'd never seen Cardan look anything less than impeccable, so she was even more furious to see him standing there looking like a Saks Fifth Avenue model from the catalog to help her move. A cable knit sweater, really, to move boxes. With an overcoat no less. No, no, this couldn't possibly be happening. Jude would rather move every single box one by one, than have Cardan Greenbriar help her.

What on earth could have even possessed him to try. She thought she'd made it clear when she'd damn near bitten his head off in her "entry interview" to the apartment complex. It wasn't her fault. Cardan had a particular way of getting under her skin, and the fact that he'd known her from her twin and had not even bothered to look at the application resting in his hand the entire interview had gotten her blood boiling. She'd never actually wanted to live in Elfhame.

The stupid application had been filled out for her and sent in by her mother ages ago. Eva Duarte had been so proud of Jude's success, it had never occurred to her that her mother had plans to use it as a statement. She'd miss her mother's mean streak, and wished she'd been around longer so Jude could understand this plan. Jude had been shocked to be called in for the interview to move into The Palace, and caught completely off guard to see Cardan on the day of the interview.  

 She must've released an actual snarl at seeing him darkening her new doorstep because Taryn and Nicasia pried her away from the door and invited him to come in. This was ridiculous ; she was not a rabid dog to be put in the corner. Although, she was considering biting Cardan.

 "And hello to you too Jude," Cardan said laughing as she struggled to break free of the grip of her friends, "Lovely as ever to see you."

"Why am I seeing you?" 

Cardan raised an eyebrow at that, "Not a very friendly greeting neighbor."

"I read over the paperwork your father sent over and it said that the building takes care of pests in the apartments."

 "Ha ha, very funny Jude," Cardan said stalking closer, "I do hope that's true, as I'd love to see them take you out of here."

 "Really, we're going to resort to I know you are but what am I?" Jude intoned, "On day one?"

 “Is this really our first day together, Judiebeet?"

 "Don't call me that!"

 "As much as I do love seeing you upset my sweet villain," he said trailing a finger over her cheeks, "I didn't come to pick a fight." Jude knew her cheeks had to be bright red, she always got flushed when she was mad. She hated that he had command over her, more than she appeared to have over her own body. Which only made her more upset when he called her that stupid name.

"Why did you come, I had demon summoning scheduled for later in the day," Jude said ignoring the looks Nicasia and Taryn were shooting her.

 "I was informed of a damsel in distress, and princely duties demanded that I come to your aid."

"Oh no, that's it," Jude turned on her friends glaring, and pointing at the door while practically shoving Cardan out, "Everybody out, I'll move them all myself."

 "Wait, but I brought champagne," Cardan said materializing a bottle from the inside of his coat. 

"Jude you can't kick the man out, he brought Dom," Taryn said pulling Cardan back into the apartment by his arm. Jude watched as he re-entered what was meant to be her space, unwilling to fight with Taryn.

"Fine, but if he's here he works," Jude said looking at Cardan as if to say 'unless you've got a problem with that.' The Cardan she knew would never deign to do a day's labor on his own. Always calling somebody his father employed to do things for him instead. So Jude was shocked when all he did was set the actually quite nice bottle on the counter, and gesture his hand towards the door with a look that said 'after you'.

Jude was not sure if she was pleased or pissed off when Cardan actually matched her for work ethic for the rest of moving. He eventually took off the coat, and the sweater, tossing them on the counter with his welcome gift. Jude wished he had not, as she'd been determined to carry more than him before that. She would have managed it too, if he had not rolled up his white dress shirt to the direct center of his forearm. Where it hugged just below his elbow as he worked.

She dropped one of her merchandise boxes when his arm brushed hers while reaching for another, shocked by the contact of his skin hot against her own. Furious with herself for the look that graced his face when she cursed and picked up the box, she decided to be less ambitious with how much she carried.

They had not actually had all that many boxes left. Which made it all the more traitorous that Nicasia had called in for help. As the work dwindled Nicasia and Taryn gave up the pretense of pretending to want to help move the boxes, and sat on the benches that were near the building's entrance. They sat close talking and laughing quietly at each others jokes. Jude could be funny too, but her humor was more dry and wicked. Just as Jude was sprinting to get the very last box, the pizza delivery driver had pulled up to the curb. 

Taryn had gone from commiserating with Nicasia, to giving Jude puppy eyes in 10 seconds flat. Jude laughed softly as she went to go pay the man. Her path was blocked by Cardan who'd made a beeline for the car as it pulled in, while she'd been distracted. If she hadn't been so focused on his damn arms she might have missed how he went to get his wallet from his back pocket. Hell no.

Jude stood one shot at having Taryn and Nicasia not mention her attitude since Cardan walked in, and that was to buy their silence. Nothing says be on my side like hot pizza and good dessert. Which is why she was going to pay for it. Cardan was already handing the man a crisp bill when Jude went to shift the box she'd been holding to under one arm. God, she hated him so much. She'd already missed out on getting to bond with her friends over how annoying moving was because of him, and now he was going to ruin their meal too?

He'd already ruined Jude's childhood, but she was an adult now, and he would not even get a single day from her. She grabbed the boxes of her food and walked to the elevator clicking the button for her floor and slamming on the door close button before he could follow. She walked into her apartment, and she would've locked Cardan out if it not for the fact she had to wait on Taryn and Nicasia to follow. If she had to face him again today, it was going to be on her terms and her rules.

 Jude moved to the boxes now all neatly lined up in what would be her living room. She scanned the barcode stickers on the top of the boxes, each item had been carefully cataloged so that she could be sure that she didn't lose anything important in the move. Downsides to owning and running a successful companies that sold accessories with a dangerous edge? There was so much inventory to keep track of.

 She found what she was looking for and swapped her sneakers for stilettos. She'd love to see Cardan try to look down on her when they were eye level. She'd give a new meaning to the term glaring daggers. She was perfectly capable of paying for a damn pizza.

The door of her apartment opened and Cardan strolled in, his arm around each of her friends. Jude let out a breath that his shirt had been set back to normal, although she was not sure if she was relieved.

 "Really, my own twin?" she said putting a hand on her hip and looking at Taryn who moved, hands up, to sit on the counter top.

"Jude, he got us pizza, please be reasonable," Taryn said in a placatory tone.

 "I got you pizza, this interloper just stole it because pizza is joy, and he can't let me have it."

"You need to stop, you're hangry and turning into rude Jude," Nicasia teased using the family nickname she knew Jude hated. That was just low, she'd revealed that in a 2 A.M. group chat. Which every woman knows means it’s classified information.

 She was being rude, she knew, but well...frankly he started it. Years ago, but she was a petty elephant and would not forget.

 "Fine, have a slice of pizza and then get the fuck out."

When Nicasia and Taryn turned their looks at her, Jude just blinked her eyes slowly a few times. She had never claimed to be a saint. 

"Can I at least get a drink before you kick me out on my ass?" Cardan asked the corner of his mouth upturned.

"Nope, sorry," Jude started and feeling her friends angry stares added, "I just moved in, and I haven't stocked the fridge yet."

"Well, then it's lucky for us my friend was kind enough to drop in to christen the home with champagne," Nicasia said as she made remove the muselet. Jude watched her carefully grip the wire as she twisted it off with effortless ease, and admired her friends grace. Jude would've likely embarrassed herself biting at it. She'd been served champagne at events, but it always came in a glass if she was honest.

 With the sound of the popping cork her control of the apartment got further away from her. She watched as the three of them opened cupboards and looked at an empty counter top as if expecting glassware to simply appear. Jude knew she could easily scan the boxes and find her glassware, but business had taught her to spot an opportunity.  

 "Oh darn, it seems like we can't get you that drink after all."

 "Yes, you seem very forlorn about it," Cardan said shaking his head at her, amusement in those dark eyes. 

Jude gave him a mock apologetic shrug of her shoulders, lips pulled to one side of her mouth. The amusement in his eyes turned to challenge. Unbeknownst to Jude, Cardan's newest hobby was complicated jigsaw puzzles. He had needed something to do while being able to keep an eye on his father, and he found that once he started he just couldn't resist figuring out how the pieces fit together. She'd just presented him with his newest game, and he was going to figure out her pieces.

"Don't worry my darling, like I said we're neighbors now," smiling when Jude scowled at the pet name, "I can just head to my place, and get us some glasses."

It was clear that he'd gotten under Jude's skin when she stalked towards Nicasia and took the bottle from her, and into her own hands. Nicasia just looked at Taryn, and whatever that look meant Taryn must have understood. She moved to the edge of the counter top and invited Nicasia into the circle of her legs, resting her chin on her the top of the other woman’s head.

"How very unfortunate for high-born little princes like you, that you can only sip champagne from the finest of glasses."

She looked right into his eyes as she began glugging the expensive bubbly from the bottle and drinking it like watered down beer. She raised an eyebrow at him as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"I do hope I haven't offended you Cardan," she said snarling out his name as if it was foul, "I'd hate to scare you off from ever visiting again."

"Not at all, I'm quite charmed by your lovely manners," he said walking over to where she stood by Nicasia. "Do not expect others to share my depraved tastes," he said taking the bottle from Jude's firm grip and drinking directly while their gazes stayed locked in a battle of wills.

 "Nic, you feel like we're interrupting something here?" Taryn said from where she sat inches away. It shocked Jude out of her stupor, and her sister hopped off the counter as Jude made to reach for her. She was suddenly stricken, it was all fine and well to hurt Cardan, but she wouldn't lose Taryn again. Not when she just got her back.

"Ugh I thought you'd never ask, this is all too straight for me," Nicasia said taking Taryn's hand and making for the door.

"Wait guys, don't go--"

 "Nope, text us when you're ready to act like a person again," Nicasia said laughing as the door shut behind their quickly retreating figures.  

 "Way to go, you scared them off with your stupid smoldering thing."

 "Jude, I think you'll find I'm not the one in the wrong here, although I am delighted to hear you think I smolder," Cardan said backing away from her.

"I meant that stupid staring," she started but trailed off when she noted his smug face.

 "Jude, all I've done today is bring you a housewarming gift and offer help at my friends request."

Jude opened her mouth to protest about the pizza slight, but stopped as she'd realized she'd just dig herself into a deeper hole. All he'd really done was cover her food for her and her friends. Was it possible that her childhood tormentor really had come here without the intent of torturing her. She'd been too caught up in trying to catch his next move, that it hadn't occurred to her. He’d clearly taken her silence to mean something else, because he went to gather his coat and sweater.

"Look, it's clear you don't want me here and I'm not actually trying to hold you hostage in your own apartment."

Jude's pride stopped her from correcting him. She'd been working so hard to get him to leave, that she couldn't exactly walk back her position now. She wanted to though, she wanted to grab him by those rather toned arms and hold him in place. To explain herself or make him explain himself, she wasn't sure. Instead she nodded her agreement, and silently watched him leave. She watched as he walked down the hall, opening and then closing his door. Only then did she finally unfreeze from her doorway and shut her own door.

She sat for about 30 minutes just trying to process all that had just happened. She was not sure when she'd become the villain in this story, but she didn't enjoy the feeling. He was the bully, not her. If his actions today were to be trusted, maybe not even him any longer. Jude stood up suddenly confident in her movements as she scanned the boxes searching for her glasses. She hadn't actually moved everything today, so all she was able to find was some coffee mugs. She looked down at her "I Rule" coffee cup, it'd have to do.

Jude went to where the remains of the bottle was left on the counter, and poured it into the cup. She wouldn't apologize, as she was not truly sorry. Even if he was not the menace he used to be, one day of rudeness was the least of what he'd deserved. She did however write what she'd call her concession. She'd apologized for the coffee mug. The note told him that while her fine Waterford Crystals were still in storage, it should taste just as good coming out of a mug. Jude left the note under the cup, and knocked on his door before leaving.

[heroofshield]

*slides you 30 credits* Can I hear more about Anna and James?

I will always talk about these two. @the-wip-project @ma-sulevin

--

What would you like to know?

They're a Lust-to-Love trope, once they get their shit sorted out.

James's favorite thing about Anna? The way she crinkles her nose when she  laughs. And how she looks with her hair piled on top of her head.

Anna's favorite thing about James? how he's buff but is soft inside. And how he always seems to be admiring her even if she has paint all over her.

James never shames Anna for being a stripper/working at a strip club post-Reaper War. He gets that it was a struggle to survive and she did what had to do.

Anna moved to Australia for a bit, to surf and changes her last name to Ellen's maiden name for a bit to distance herself from ‘Ryder’ and all it means.

They spend a good part of their relationship long-distance with James in Rio for N school and Anna in Australia or James in space on tour for most of the year and Anna on Earth. Private Vidcalls and messages help but when he's on Earth, they try not to waste a single moment. When he finally stays Earth-side they have to learn how to live together again, but become closer as a result.

James still has nightmares about Fhel Prime, and Anna always asks if there's anything she can do to help; sometimes he says yes, other times no, but they almost always end up on the couch falling asleep on top of each other.

When James graduates N School, Anna goes to the ceremony with a big ass hat to hide her face. So ofc everyone’s like ‘who’s with Normandy hottie James Vega’ but Anna was very good at hiding her face so no one could figure it out.

Anna can, will, and has roasted James for how much the media is obsessed with him.

When their relationship becomes public, James is on a tour but has Treynor check on Anna and the kiddos to make sure they’re okay.

As the Normandy2 is traveling back to Earth, James has a lot of free time on his hands as he starts going through the data they managed to pull from all the Cerberus outposts they hit during the war. Once they’re back on Earth and him and Anna run into each other, he eventually gives her the data on Cerberus’s AI research; to answer her question if Alec was really funded by them for his own AI research. She never looks at it though, because Anna realizes that in order to move forwards she has to let go of the past and stop letting it haunt her.

When they finally make it to one of Admiral Shepard’s parties, they bring the whole family and it’s An Outing but when Anna sees the kiddos playing with Grunt and how happy Shepard is with Kaidan and their kiddo, she’s just like ‘...jfc I’m so happy.’ James then brings up the idea of him transitioning into a teaching role at Rio Base so he can be around more and she’s over the moon.

I titled their series ‘Better Version of Me’ because that’s how James makes Anna feel, a better version of what she was before she met him.

[prettypinkpuddles]

Tamaki Amajiki X Black Reader

ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: 𝕋𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕚 𝕏 𝕐/ℕ

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: 𝕊𝔽𝕎 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥

𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕖𝕣 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘: ℕ𝕠𝕟𝕖

♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎

   "Y-Y/N..?"

You turned from your conversation with Tsu, Ashido and Uraraka to see Amajiki. You smiled and asked him what he wanted.

   "Umm.." He began playing with his fingers and mumbling a bit. You smiled, knowing he did this often when you two talked, or when he had to speak to somebody new. You took his hand and looked at him reassuringly. He stiffened a bit and his ears and cheeks grew a pink tint.

   "I-I really like you.." He said and your eyes widened. You were jumping and screaming in your head, shouting how much you liked him too, but you just smiled.

    "First Years.. we'll continue this conversation later.." You said and they got the hint and quickly scurried off, making silly faces and oohs on their way.

     "Let's go on a date, then!" You said and he jumped.

     "O-okay.."

You skipped off to your dorm and waved back him. "See you at the gate at 7:30!"

He nodded and when you were out of his sight, you began jumping and giggling, happy as ever.

  You were panicking, looking for your lipgloss, the clear one that had a pink tint. You were throwing other lipsticks and lipglosses around, frustrated they weren't the one you were looking for.

Then a knock.

You swung open your door and saw Hado standing there with a grin. She handed you the lipgloss you were looking for and told you that you dropped it when you were talking to Amajiki.

   "He was gonna bring it to you, but had to get ready for you and his date!" She threw her hands and the air and smiled wide. "Let me know how it goes, okay!"

She ran back to her dorm and you nodded.

  "Alright, Nejire-San.." You called after the blue haired ball of joy and looked at your gloss. You ran to the mirror and quickly laced it across your lips and then fluffed your many many curls. You smiled and walked outside to the gates. You saw Amajiki waiting for you with a worried and upset expression and you quickly walked up to him and apologized for being late.

   "You thought I was just messing with you..?"

You asked him and he hesitantly nodded. "I'm sorry.."

He said it was fine and the two of you began walking off to go on your date.

   "So, w-where are you taking me? Or is i-i-it a surprise.. I'm sorry, I sh-shouldn't have asked.."

You smiled and shook your head gently. "I'm taking you to a private park, I don't want to get nervous if we go somewhere public.."

"T-thank you..!" He smiled at you and giggled and nodded. You began walking a little faster, a bit eager to get there and Amajiki walked a bit faster but still wanted you to be by his side. He wanted to hold your hand, but was worried you'd think he was moving too fast with things but he also didn't want to lost you since people were now getting off from work and the sidewalk was becoming more and more crowded.

He took a leap of faith and grabbed the hem of your dress to hold you. He kept his behind pace for a while and you noticed a couple time that your dress was being tugged and you turned to see him looking down and blushing.

You smiled and grabbed his hand, pulling him up to you.

"Was I walking too fast?"

He gave a nervous look and a little nod. You wanted to kiss him all over his face at how cute he looked but you restrained yourself. Instead, you simply squeezed his hand and kept walking, this time at a pace he was okay with. He slight grinned at it, knowing you wanted to go a little faster, but you slowed down for him.

"Ready?" You giggled as you held Amajiki by his eyes. You were leading him to the spot you had for your date and he was really nervous, trusting you to walk in directions. You were sure he could see sometimes because you kept tripping on branches and tree roots sticking out, too worried about Amajiki not falling. You took his hand, letting him know he could open his eyes and saw a picnic.

Bread, Cheese, Every kind of common meat,

Everything you could ask for an a date was there. (Not horse meat, you nasty mfs..)

Amajiki gave a smile, one that wasn't drowning in anxiety or nervousness. He had a nice smile on his face and looked at you.

"Y-You're amazing!" He said. "But h-how'd you do all of this i-in an hour..?"

You winked at him, telling him it was a secret and he couldn't know. You sat on the blanket, patting one side for Amajiki to sit down. He did, and you pulled out calamari and other foods he liked and began eating with him.

"I knew these were your favorite so I wanted to make sure I got them all..." You said, picking up a piece of calamari and biting it.

"How'd you know I like all t-these...?"

You looked away, feeling your face rise in temperature, it was an annoying feeling, kinda burning...

"You're at Fatgum's agency... so I asked him.." You mumbled and immediately became flustered and apologized.

Amajiki blushed profusely and looked down at him fingers, beginning to play with them.

"I-I-It's... Okay.." He whispered and you looked at him and smiled.

"Did you g-get your lipgloss?"

You nodded and pulled it out. "Thanks for telling Nejire to drop it off.." You giggled and tilted your head, still looking at it. "I was going a bit crazy looking for it... that's why I was late to meeting you.."

Amajiki nodded and ate a bit more. He looked up and saw some butterflies fluttering around the air. One flapped its way down to you and landed on your shoulder, it's wing pattern sparking.

"That's really pretty.."

You looked at Amajiki and nodded, reaching your finger to the butterfly. It delicately crawled onto it and you held it in front of your face to examine. The butterfly swooshed its wings as a way of showing off and you saw the colors glisten. Purple, blue, white, grey and black...

"The colors remind me of your hero costume!" You grinned at Amajiki and his eyes widened and nodded.

"It's just missing.. the g-gold.."

You giggled and nodded, leading the butterfly to Amajiki. He looked at it and smiled, then looked up to find a butterfly landing on his nose. He blinked and you broke into a fit of giggles.

"You just look so cute, Tamaki!"

He blushed and looked at the butterfly's wings, staring at the colors and design.

"This butterfly kinda looks like.. y-you."

You looked at it and nodded. "It does!"

The two of you started looking at the butterflies fluttering around, pointing at the ones that were pretty, and Amajiki pointing out the one with certain patterns, saying they were for their protection.

"You really like butterflies, don't you?"

He looked at you and nodded. "They're my f-favorite..!"

You smiled and nodded, turning to pack away things.

You stood up and grabbed the basket and reached for Amajiki. He hesitantly took your hand and pulled himself up, still holding your hand as you two walked back.

"Did you enjoy the date..?"

He looked at you and nodded. "Yes.. a-a lot."

"That's good. I tried to get it perfect.."

"I try to do a l-lot of thing p-p-perfectly..." He mumbled and you stopped walking.

"But we can't do all things perfectly.. so it's okay, to make mistakes and mess up!" You smiled. "But I wanted this date to go perfectly so I wouldn't make you anxious and scare you."

"Well, y-you did it good." Amajiki smiled and you nodded. Inside you were screaming and bouncing off your brain's walls... your inner self going wild!

"I had a lot of fun... and I found out some new things about you! Maybe for our next date.. we could go to a museum or maybe a nature walk..?"

Amajiki nodded and you looked down and bit your lip. You walked closer to him, pulling yourself up to his lips and pressing them on yours. You stayed there for about four or six seconds and then stepped back.

You immediately knew you crossed a line and turned away, saying you'd see him tomorrow, but a hand grabbed you. It pulled you and turned you around, another hand wrapping itself around your waist. A pair of lips pressed onto yours and you saw Amajiki. You immediately kissed back, your hand on his cheek and your arm around his neck. He pulled back and looked at you, a look of love and passion in his eyes for a split second but it quickly left, him going back to his flustered, shy and anxious self.

He blushed a bright red and began apologizing, his words rushing and running into each other. You kissed him a third time to stop him and gave him a warm smile.

"It's okay! I kinda wanted you to do that.."

You admitted and he smiled and nodded, still a bit flustered from it all.

"I-I'll see you t-tomorrow??"

You nodded and hugged him, and he wrapped his arms around you, you turned and began to skip off.

"I love you!"

Amajiki flinched and looked at you, a little blush on his face. "I-I love you too, Y/N."

You were squealing and going off the rails in your head, jumping around and giggling, clapping and bounding on your heels. In your head... 🙃

[peachbearies]

omg ion know if ur taking. Requests rn but I was wondering just a cute lil imagine bout zion in which the reader and him are dating and it's they're one yr aniversary or sum idk lol but just zion being a cutie and telling how much he loves her and shiii (because we all know that his ass acts all big and bad but he is a 6'4 teddy bear irl) yaa ik that was supper cringey but shehej yee okay byee (ur an amazing writer btw I've read all ur work and may I saY I stan 💖)

Promise: Z.kuwonu

Requested

›› Synopsis: it’s your first anniversary with Zion, around this trademark period it makes you apprehensive but Zion reminds you how much

›› Genre: Fluff

›› Paring: Female Reader x Zion Kuwonu

›› Warnings: Slightly hinted nsfw, lots of cursing (I mean it Zion so…), a little glimpse of toxic behavior.

›› A/N: what?! This is not cringe at all baby! I admire cheesy romantic headcanons/ imagines like this. My likes and drafts are filled with fluffs or angst to fluff🤧. I’m sorry this is a tad bit delinquent And thank you for reading my work that means a lot I’ve been exploring a lot of vocabulary words to scrutinize my writing, this may be a long one I apologize I got too into it.

The marvels of what a year could do. From going through a hurricane of songster roaring at each other, the strikes of austere comments leading up to the thunderstorm of a anguish. Your ex-fiancé cheated on, with considerable women before you found out. The ring on your finger was nothing but a reflector and leverage for him, he wanted to appear a saint to the kingdom, but a devil in the moonlight. Apologizing and buttering you up like a slice of bread, didn’t make you dawdle.

Your lucidity and rectitude were more caliber than staying, so you moved out of your shared apartment a week later, during the rotation of moving haphazardly you’ve incoherent yourself from the boys' realm, nor have your inner circle heard of you. You dissipated from the earth. And if you had to be adequate, you relished it that way, what was anyone overlooking anyways? but you were silently asking for space, you would give your leg for it.

Zion stirring in disgruntle, pushing profanities in between his gritted teeth. Don’t get mistaken he wasn’t mad you were ignoring him, just by the way your handling things on your own, he knew it had to be really fucked up if you couldn’t come to him. The veins crawling up his proffered hands outstretched for the keys. The boys jumping up in fear he may do something reckless, Brandon putting his hand in front of the boys to halt them. “Listen—even if we stop him, say anything to him or follow him, he will remotely do exactly what you think he’s going to do, you know how much he cares about (y/n), all we can do is have faith in him” Brandon confirms, but deep inside that rickety heart of his fear was kicking his ass too. They all discern Zion, once the peak of anger overflows his eyes only opines vermilion.

Zion parked in the lot, not noticing your car ghosting its rightful place. His mind was set on figuring what was wrong with you. Climbing the flight of stairs, he knocks on your door, his foot tapping the pallid base. When the door swung open it was ex-fiance, their eyes met in pique just burning to throw punches and a few sparks of curse words. “What do you want?” Your ex tempts him.

For your sake, Zion never snapped in front of him the way he should’ve. “Not you that’s for sure” commenting on his current attire, which was shirtless and some sweatpants. “Where’s (y/n)?” He queries, a scruffy ‘tsk’ pass through his lips. “Not here, that bitch moved out after she broke up with me”

Zion looked at his watch the time read 9:35 pm. “Cool, all I need is nine minutes of your time” Zion tranquility explains to him. Swinging and docking him in the throat; the girl that was staying with him bolting into the living room finding the source of the thump. She screams for Zion to get off him, after give or take six punches, Zion walks away not giving him or her the slightest sight. “If I catch you or her around y/n, better make sure you have good health care insurance and dental”

The next day he waited outside your classroom leaning his foot up against the wall; few girls noticed him but that wasn’t on his mind. When your silhouette appeared, he excused himself in a rush to catch you. “Pretty rich seeing a smile from a ghost” your heart dropped; the voice you were scared to dump your problems on.

What lie could you conjure? “Hey Zion” you breathe, turning in his direction. “That’s my fault I’m sorry, dealing with classes and moving I lost track of time” which was half correct, but it wasn’t the biggest factor. Zion tilted his head, signature hand in hoodie pocket. Closing your eyes with a heavy sigh, you knew he didn’t believe you nor did he want to push you. “Zion—“ he groped your wrist pulling you to the parking lot, he leaned on his car's hood without saying a drop of words, he wants for you to stream all your worries.

“Well, that’s half the reason. Okay, I didn't mean to go completely ghost, life just wasn't easy for me lately, I didn't want to add more dead weight to your shoulder. Sorry” zion scoffs pushing himself away from the car with no hands. But they followed the path to your jawline. ”burden on my shoulder or not, they're made for you to cry on. Stop going through things on your own alright?, as long as I'm here you don't have to sink”

Ever since you and zion grew close, a year later and he still gazes at you like a diamond. Even after a year, the astonishment gets the better of you. The insecurities start raging in, fighting in a war of love and hate. Your phone was laid upon the cherry wooden table, the vibrations frightening you, the goosebumps crawling up your arms. The name it read was “Love🤍”

“Hello?” You answer still shaken up; Zion lets out a soft scoff that vibrates through your body “you’re still in bed mamas? you should be awake beautiful” rubbing your eyes slightly, the clock flashed the numbers ‘ 2:30 pm’ your groan only makes him smile bigger.

“Goddamn I love you, look how ravishing you are in the morning” Zion's eyes shimmering in adoration. Those eyes always reflected his emotions, deep down you knew Zion loved you wholeheartedly, but the fear of having something good taken from you. That is what kept you hesitant. “No, I don’t stop lying” you stroke his ego.

“Me? Lie? Babygirl, I can’t and won’t lie to you stop playing” Zion said in a low octave, your stomach stirred in feelings “do me a favor baby” “Which is?” You reply, Zion looks over on his nightstand smiling. “Why are you smiling? Are you being mischievous again?”

“Who me? Nah” Zion shrugs off. The ringing of the doorbell distracted you from his spreading grin “answer that” sighing you walk towards the door, propping your phone on the counter, Zion moans out loud. “Maybe I should’ve slept over last night! Who told you to look that good mamas?” Ignoring his flirty antics you open the door, glimpsing at fresh bouquets of your favorite flower and a self-care basket. “Baby!!!” You screech, Zion simpers at the brightest smile on your face. The sun doesn’t shine as bright as you did at the moment.

“Why?, why are you so loving to me” you start to happy cry “Nah baby none of that, I love you too damn much for you to self-deprecate” Zion shuts your negativity down. Flipping the card over you read the message. ‘You thought I’d forget the day you changed my life? I’ve always loved you and I’ll continue to love you, but it’s not your love that I adore the most, it’s those gorgeous eyes that look back at me. Like I’m some type of angel when we all know that’s you, it’s the way you’re compassionate about others, I love your free spirit baby you’re a dove to me, even though I get under your nerves, I wouldn’t want anyone else to deal with me or my problems happy one year’

You look up at Zion, his eyes were already glossing by admiring your figure. Oh, how you wish jumping through a screen wasn’t just a cartoon thing. “Fuck” you whisper covering your face “angel, you are beautiful” Zion reminds you “stop!!! I’m in my feelings!!” You Jokingly spat at him. “What you wanna do for our anniversary it’s up to you” Zion smiles.

“Can we go to a petting zoo then get tacos?” Your eyes sparkling as your lips turn into a pout, Zion looking up towards the ceiling as his Adam’s apple points at the camera. “Yes, how could I say no” twenty minutes later Zion was at your house, complimenting you the whole car ride. Protectively and passionately rubbing circles on your knees being careful not to raise his hand any further.

“Look! Rabbits” Zion follows your finger pulling you in that direction, you sit on the bench holding the rabbit in your lap feeding it the food. Zion takes pictures of you getting the best angles, falling in love with your beauty, even more, the way the golden light bounced off your skin. It made him think twice if you were real or just a lucid dream. Feeding the monkeys were the best part, they hugged you and Zion; even gave you two kisses. The giraffes were the most exciting to you, joking to your boyfriend “wow look something taller than you”. Walking into a blue-lit aquarium a class of fish surrounded the both of you. Your finger softly touching the fish that was pressed against the glass, it followed your every move. Never realizing Zion detached his hand from yours, it hasn’t hit you until a ring was slid on your finger.

“Not an engagement ring, but soon don’t worry this is a promise ring, and I promise that you’ll feel nothing but comfort and love with me” his fingers gripped into your waist “with a side of pleasure too” you smack his shoulder while smiling ear for ear. “You promise?” “Of course I do, I wholeheartedly promise, I will never hurt or disrespect you baby, you mean too much to me”

Once you were back to the apartment your body couldn’t even make it to the bed, but Zion helped you to the bathroom. To wash off the dirt and sweat, even helped you with your skin routine. His fingers padding over every inch of your back, your soft snores in the crook of his neck. “I’m so glad to be the girlfriend of your dreams” you whisper “oh lord she’s finally figured it out!!” Zion pushes your buttons “should I send you back home?” You test him, “you wouldn’t dare, you need me tonight” Zion teases his swollen lips attacking your neck upwards your jawline, a low gruffly growl trickles down your spine.

“So is this the side of pleasure?” You press your teeth into your lower lip “if that’s what you want”

“Well, you did make a promise” wasting no time Zion straddles you, your legs wrapped around his waist, giggling at how he fumbled to remove his shirt.

“You damn right I made a promise, and I’ll show you how serious this promise is” Zion kisses up your stomach “I love you”

Your hands cupping his jaw the breathing becoming erratic “I love you too”

[theelliottsmiths]

do you feel like talking about tillchard? 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 not necessarely in a shippy way, just,,, how their relationship functions and why,,,, how they made it work for so long even tho they're so different,,,, i'm trying to write them but i'm in a bit of a block and i feel like you can word things so well and hopefully it will make me able to string words together again 🥺🥺 have a good day in any case 🥺🥺

Okay we have to ease into this my brain needs to warm up to switch tracks so I'm just gonna

Disclaimer: this is mostly conjecture and inference, take it with a full handful of salt.

I feel like whether or not they're all that different is up for debate? Maybe in terms of interests and conflict management skills, but the fundamentals seem pretty similar. I'd argue that's usually the basis for long, intense friendships: your core structures are the same but there's enough difference further out towards the surface that it stays a little spicy.

For a start, they both had rough home lives, though to different extents and in different ways, and I think that's one of those things that really helps people bond deeply (especially as young adults). Finding someone who understands what you've experienced can be difficult, not even accounting for the fact that they didnt have the internet to seek others out and kind of met by chance.

For Richard, who learned from a fairly early age it was him against everything and everyone else, and Till, who at that time had gone through some interpersonal shit with the people he worked with before leaving to move in with his dad and then also the stuff with his dad, it must have been almost... Shocking? to meet someone they could click with and depend on. It doesn't sound like they had that before, but nobody really has asked them. On top of that is all kinds of other trauma and the mental health issues (depression, addiction, anxiety etc) that they can at least to some degree understand in each other. I have no idea how long it took for their friendship to get that intense or any of that more specific stuff, but I honestly don't think that matters: They understand each other at a pretty fundamental level now. Sometimes I think about how Till believes in karma and Richard believes in fate and I just... Yeah.

They have very different feelings and reactions when it comes to disagreements (Till hates conflict and will try to placate people or just do what they want completely, Richard prefers a good cathartic argument) and I can absolutely see them having a hard time with that, especially when they lived together for a while. Whether they have much to fight over besides silly friend/bandmate/brother things remains to be seen.

They're also both very driven and creative almost to a fault? Though Till seems a lot better at switching off and leaving that headspace, whereas Richard doesn't seem like he'd be able to even of he wanted to, which I don't think he does. If one is lost in their work the other will understand. I wonder whether they try to offer support, given how much emotion they both channel into it, or if that's not something either of them would want.

They feed into each others creativity so nicely too. They use that to their complete advantage and honestly just... Can you imagine Rammstein if they didn't go to each other with their ideas first? I think they need each others encouragement before they face the more critical members of the band: the support of a single person can make so much difference.

When the Mutter Situation was in progress Till was the only one in Richards side, though I doubt he inserted himself into many arguments because he's allergic to shouting. I with my whole heart believe that Richard would have tried to leave Rammstein if it wasn't for Till. He'd already thought about it, in particular at times when they were struggling financially. Without that tether would he have gone back willingly? I'm not so sure. He loved them and they were still friends outside of the work, but I don't know that the work with them would feel worth it. Complete conjecture.

Theyll have inevitably drifted in and out of their friendship over the years, which I know a lot of us (especially those of is in our teens and twenties) hate the idea of because we have not experienced 30-year adult friendships and therefore it feels Risky, but actually thats pretty fine. It seems like at some point Richard wasn't happy with the gap and he made efforts to change it, which says so much about him and them. No idea if it worked, but it (along with the stuff with the other guys) shows he's willing to work against his whole lone wolf thing. Again, that man will fight. I'm sure Till was receptive.

I also really do think the other guys being there and them all forming the band was vital. Yes, it did eventually mean their friendship morphed into something more like brothers and colleagues than friends, but again, Let's Go. "Sometimes people need to be reminded". Having those shared friends/bandmates—as well as Khira li, come to think of it— meant that two men who seem fairly prone to cutting themselves off from everyone else didn't have the choice to completely grow apart. It means they had even more shared experiences and had no choice but to be physically together for long stretches of time.

Related to the mutter thing, I do wonder sometimes how Till is when it comes to Richards drug addiction. He's not exactly a fan of the therapy (did it hurt Richard when Till said therapy makes people egotistical, what with him praising it so highly himself?) and still does drugs and binge drinks. How safe is he to be around if Richard is in a bad spot? Presumably Till isn't like that when he's not in work mode, so hanging out one in one or with family/the other boys is probably okay, but in tour? Well, maybe that's why Paul looks after him on stage like that.

Yeah. They're sweet boys and I'm glad they met each other, both because of the band and because they were clearly good for each other. Regardless of any of the negative stuff I just said they love each other. So. Fucking. Much.

Okay so looking back upon this I do not know if I did what you asked. Uh. Shit. Distraction: