#8 at the latest. AND he works out in the mornings. GIRL????

[davidtennantpussytulpa]

i appreciate a quick response but it also scares the shit out of me how fast my PI responds. like FUCK!!! i wasnt prepared to deal further with this for at least a couple hours

[sweetteainthesummerx]

✰ sweet nothing✰

★・・・・★・・・・ ★・・・・★

nhl masterlist !

pairing: quinn hughes x writer! reader

warnings: angst and comfort, fluff

song: sweet nothing by taylor swift

summary: 5 times Quinn knew you were the one, and the one time he let you know...

word count: 2.2 k

notes: quinn my sweet boy!! also sweet nothing by taylor swift because her love songs are so superior

★・・・・★・・・・ ★・・・・★

outside, they're push and shoving, you're in the kitchen humming

quinn pushes open the door to his apartment, exhausted. His face hurts from smiling at fans, and the triple header really, really took it out of him.

he loves his captaincy, really. he loves his boys, the leading, the responsibility. it's hard, though, to live up to all of the jostle and hassle the spotlight brings.

needless to say, the push and shove of stress has taken its toll on him, and all he needs is a hot shower and preferably 8 or more hours of sleep.

through the walkway, he hears a familiar voice, the telltale clatter of pans, a taylor swift song and the aroma of garlic and tomatoes.

you must've used his spare key he gave you.

he smiles despite himself, something warm tugging deep in his stomach.

he calls your name and immediately flushes with how breathy and needy he sounds. the last thing he wants is to scare you away.

"q!" you pop up from behind the counter, wearing nothing but one of his old shirts that drapes long over your slender shoulders and a pair of ratty sweatpants. your hair is pulled back from your make-up void face.

you've never looked more beautiful.

you make your way over while he admires you, and lock your arms around his waist, smiling up at him.

"missed you," you kiss his cheek, and he flushes again. god, why was he like this still?

the two of you have been dating for over than a month now, but he's still so easily flustered by you. maybe it's because you work with words for a living, but you're the sweetest thing he's ever seen (and tasted).

you think it's cute, and you tell him more often than not, reducing him to a puddle of a blushing mess.

he bundles you properly in his arms, kissing you properly.

you're so soft and warm under his fingers, your mouth hot and pliable.

you indulge him for a moment, savouring the time with each other. his hands wander down to your hips, gripping hard like he's afraid you'll be blown away by the wind.

a timer dings, and you pull back. he chases your lips, letting out a whine when you giggle and push gently at his broad chest.

"quinny, stop! i made you lasagna, and I don't want it to burn."

"mm, we'll order take out," he mutters into your neck, breathing in your familiar perfume.

you let out a sound of protest, finally breaking free of his hold. he follows you like a lost puppy as you set the table, plating him an extra large piece.

as he eats, you watches your kind eyes and easy smile with adoration.

the realization jars him, but settles firm in his bones: he wants to come home to you everyday.

..••°°°°••....••°°°°••..

i wrote a poem, you say, "what a mind", this happens all the time

it's the release of your latest book, and quinn watches as you engage with your fans. the biggest indigo in vancouver invited you to come do a meet and greet along with a signing.

you had spent the morning with quinn, his hands stroking through your hair to calm you down. although your other books had success, this one was your proudest piece of work yet.

quinn had been the first person to read it. he was impressed; he knew you were smart and you had a way with words that astounded him, but the whole book was like poetry.

the words flowed easy from you, as easy as breathing.

now, watching you all flushed and a little embarrassed by the attention from the mass of people who showed up, he all but glows with pride.

a young girl, maybe in her early teens, comes up to you with a wide smile and bright, glassy eyes. he can't hear well, because he's tucked near the back of the room to avoid the crowd, but she says something and your face falls.

he's ready to sprint through the crowd to get to you, but you hug the younger girl. she's crying, he realizes. you squeeze her tight, sign her book and send her off with what looks like encouraging words and another hug.

afterwards, while he drives with one hand and the other on your thigh, he asks what happened.

"she told me she's never felt more seen by anyone before. that my book told her it's okay to not know where to be in the world." your eyes feel wet, and he smiles.

god, you're brilliant.

he raises your hand to his mouth and kisses your pulse.

"what a mind," he murmurs, and you laugh softly.

"you tell me that all the time."

"because I mean it, babe."

now he understands when those cheesy movies say "I want you body, mind and soul".

you are undeniably beautiful, gorgeous even. kindness seeps from your very being, and you're mind is bright and soft.

he wants all of you, forever.

..••°°°°••....••°°°°••..

the voices that implore, "you should be doing more"

ellen sees some of the articles and criticisms of her eldest on the internet. quinn has always been the quietest, the most calm and so stoic. but her sweet boy, who worked too hard and did too much was always being told to do more.

so when she called him and he picked up the facetime groggy and hair still damp, she was surprised.

"hey, mom." he answered, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"hi, quinn. sorry, sweetie. i didn't expect you to be asleep. i thought i would check up on you."

"all good." he yawns, and he makes small talk.

she wonders if he's seen all of the speculations about his captaincy on the news and headlines.

he tells her he has, because she asks him straight up. he appreciates the straightforwardness, and he has since he was young.

he tells her that you were there.

"she ran me a bath, with those weird salt things that women love so much-"

"hey! they're very nice." she interrupts, laughing at his antics.

"and she made soup. we ate already and I took a nap. she's out getting groceries, but i'll tell her you said hi, mom."

ellen nods, something tangible and comforting in the air around her. her son is in good hands.

..••°°°°••....••°°°°••..

to you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it

you find him in the empty change room. he's sitting on a bench, wet hair messy, head hung. you expected this; your boyfriend was nothing if not responsible and too hard on himself.

after another loss, his grief and frustration was normal.

you kneel before him, taking his face, hot from the shower in your cool hands. his pretty eyes are rimmed red, and he leans into your touch.

"hey, pretty boy. you did good out there, captain."

he shakes his head, fingers trembling as he pulls you closer so he can push his face into your hair, inhaling your smell.

"i failed them. i'm a shit captain, and i can't seem to break this cycle we're in-"

"you are not a shit captain." you say those words firmly, and it almost surprises quinn. normally you were soft-spoken and slow, but you tell him this with urgency.

"i should be taking care of everyone, and everything-"

"but who takes care of you?"

your words break a dam in him, and he buries his head in your shoulder. the position is uncomfortable, but you don't shift or mention his shaking shoulders.

"you are a good leader. a good leader is one who stands with his team, even during the tough times. the boys adore you, and you will break this rut. but it takes time, and work, my love. no one works harder than you."

he sniffs, a hovering breath touches your neck.

"you are so strong, my sweet boy." you cradle his neck, pressing kisses to the side of his face. this sets off another wave of emotions, and he easily tugs you up into his lap.

his wet hair drips onto your (his) jersey, but you don't mind.

"and if you need to be strong for them, you can be soft with me. i'm here for a reason. another set of shoulders to bear your burdens."

"i love you, y'know that?" his voice is scratchy, vulnerable and thick with emotion. although the two of you have exchanged those three words countless of times before this, it feels like more this time.

"i know, quinnie. i love you too."

..••°°°°••....••°°°°••..

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

jack hauls his older brother onto the curb, setting him there, praying that he doesn't fall flat into the road. luke runs out with quinn's jacket, draping it over his shoulders.

it isn't often that quinn gets drunk, especially this drunk. but the boys night was a chance for all of them to let loose during the off season.

the small dive bar near the lake house was the perfect place to get away.

"dude, he is hammered." luke huffs, tugging at the sleeves of his own hoodie, the chill of the night starting to surround the air.

quinn says something under his breath as he sways, and jack sets him upright again.

"bro, what did you say?"

quinn repeats your name, louder this time, with the request to see you immediately.

the way he says your name, with so much love and awe makes jack almost wish he was in a relationship.

"sure, man. i'll call her to pick you up."

you arrive a mere 10 minutes later, hair wet, wearing one of quinn's canucks sweatshirts and a pair of sleep shorts.

"hey guys," you greet the other hughes boys. Luke gives you a side hug, and you pat jack's arm in thanks as you move to help her boyfriend up.

"babe!" Quinn only realizes then that you're here. jack has to laugh, seeing his brother so far gone because of the 7 tequila shots they took.

"jeez, guys. how much did you drink?" you ask, laughing, and Luke starts to regale you with the tale of jack's bad rendition of lady gaga.

"i missed you." quinn is now standing behind you, arms firmly wrapped around your waist, his cheek pressed against the top of your head. he doesn't say it loud, but contented and quiet.

jack watches as you smooth your hands over his forearms, rolling your eyes in amusement.

"yes, yes, I missed you too, you clingy baby."

"hey! m'not clingy." he protested, his whole body pressed up against every inch of yours.

jack snorts, giving you a sympathetic look, "good luck with that one."

you jokingly flip him off, as you try to maneuver your much larger boyfriend.

"c'mon, hughes." quinn frowns at this.

"I only answer to quinny, my love, sweetie and baby."

"that's your name?" jack asked, only to be met with a dirty look from his brother. luke snickers as you shrug quinn into the passenger seat.

"thanks for watching him." you say as you walk over to the driver's side.

"thanks for coming to get him. did we interrupt anything?"

"nah, except your mom was showing me your guys' baby pictures." you eyes shine with mirth as they groan.

"please tell me she didn't-"

"yep, the bathtub pictures too." you smile, and quinn yells something from with in the car.

"okay, I should probably get the big baby home. you guys don't stay out too late, okay?" you tell them, and they bid you goodbye.

he watches you guys drive off, quinn probably saying something stupid as you laugh.

"y'know, i really hope she's the one." Luke tells him as they head back into the bar.

jack has never, ever seen his brother so happy. he's never seen him smile so willingly for anyone, and clearly, you have him wrapped around your finger.

"yeah, me too, man."

..••°°°°••....••°°°°••..

+ all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

you're wearing your blue light glasses, a tank top and a pair of his plaid boxers as you sit cross-legged in your shared bed, hair loose around your shoulders.

you're working on something new, and quinn studies your features as you concentrate.

without looking up from your laptop, you grin, "stop staring, stalker."

he laughs, "you love it."

you meet his eyes as he crawls next to you. he lets you wipe at his mouth, where he's sure there's still remnants of toothpastes.

"i love you." you offer instead, and he pulls you onto his lap. his fingers inch up your thighs but stop there.

he just wants to feel you, before he has to leave for another roadie.

"i love you." he tells you matter-of-factly, "and i'm going to marry you one day."

"babe, we've only been together a little over 8 months," you protest, but he sees the glow of joy on your cheeks at his words.

"i know," he says confidently, "but i'm going to make you my wife, one day. all i want is you."

you melt at his words, laying your head on his shoulder, "all i want is you, and your sweet nothings."

★・・・・★・・・・ ★・・・・★

© sweetteainthesummerx.tumblr. all rights reserved. unauthorized copying, translation, or claiming of my writing or any works as your own is strictly prohibited.

[yok00k]

truth or dare

pairing: hellokittylover/coquette!oc x boxer!jk

genre: angst, fluff

‧₊˚🎧⊹♡— are you playing? truth or dare

synopsis: rumor has it that jungkook is entertaining other girl(s)

word count: 3.3k

warnings: angsty, oc got: attachment issues, daddy issues [like the author], etc. oc is also kinda dumb (and broken) but she’s figuring shit out, lowkey she’s that bitch, jealous!oc, side characters were kinda introduced, mention of jk making out w/ another girl, jk’s character is complex: one sec he’s a playboy and another sec he’s down bad for oc?, open ending, unedited

a/n: this took place when jk and oc were in 2 month situationship and still getting to know one another! so their boundary wasn’t clear..

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

Everything seems to be a dream as soon as you wake up on another glorious day.

you’ve never felt so energized like this before. it’s a little strange to say but, you even feel like you’ve been reborn for some unknown reason. maybe today is going to be a good day for you.

well let’s see.. you’re off from work plus you basically got nothing to do other than clean your room a little for a little bit and to just chill around!

one of the first things you do as soon as you wake up is stare at your phone, particularly to see if jungkook has sent you a message yet as he always never fails to not. a simple yet sweet “good morning pretty :)” and “did my baby girl sleep well?” can add a bright color to your day. it shows that he cares and that he’s thinking about you too.

the anticipated message from your comfort person unexpectedly did not pop out in your notification. it kind of threw you off. jungkook never misses sending you at least one message, precisely at 8:30 every morning. even in the mornings where he had a boxing match the night before. today is indeed such a strange day.

you’re in no position to be sad just because he didn’t message you. in fact, you’re not, you’re just surprised, or so you think. at the same time, you shouldn’t be in shock owing to the fact that there’s no label between you and jungkook. indeed there’s something going on with you and him, whatever that would be except for being girlfriend and boyfriend.

you often ask yourself where you two stand. for you, it’s indistinct to identify what you are to him. all you know is that he is someone special to you. jungkook makes you feel like you’re the prettiest girl in the whole universe every time he’s around you. it’s the way he articulates his words when speaking to you. you can’t explain it.

you’re more than aware that you’re growing emotional attachment to him. getting used to his affection and now that you didn’t receive a message from him to start off your day, it dismays you. although you’re not sure if there's a hidden motive beyond those gut feeling, you choose to ignore it and start typing on your keyboard.

good morning my ggukie!!

r u free today?? kinda wanna hang out with you >o<

delivered | 9:01 am

since you didn’t establish any kind of plan that you’ll be doing today, you’re thinking of inviting him over. you have lots of things to show him, things you purchased when you went shopping with your best friend who also happens to lives next door, Yun-jin

speaking of her before you even forget, you have to call and ask her how her night went from clubbing last night. she initially invited and forced you to go. but your thousands of homeworks and seventy other things on your checklist didn’t permit you to go. partying is always fun, especially with her, but you have to stay focused on your priorities.

you find her inbox off your message app, the first thing you saw was her latest message from this morning

im aliveeeeeeebwwkwwjhskw

sent at 3:33 am

it made you chuckle lightly. she’s completely wasted. there’s no point of calling her as she’s probably still down. so, you decided to pull up to her apartment, bring a few painkillers with you. you’ll bet seven grand that her hangover is going to be so bad.

opening the door using the key she gave you, you spot her laying on the cream and fluffy rug in her cozy white themed living room. you quickly make your way towards her.

“yunny wake up” you said, gently rubbing her back. “i brought you some painkillers, take them quickly” handling her a couple of pain relievers.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

you’re currently searching for breakfast in her mini fridge, something yun-jin can eat so she’ll feel better. your poor friend is a complete mess as she lazily walks toward the counter in front of you.

“last night was so fun, you should’ve come,” she murmurs, hopping on the bar stool as she watches you cook her breakfast. “Jaeyun won’t stop asking me about you.”

oh you almost forget about him. Jaeyun is Yun-jin’s childhood friend who has a huge interest in you. well that’s what Yun-jin has told you, but you swore to her that you won’t tell him that you know. back in your senior year of high school, you mostly have the same classes as him. oftentimes you two hang out and study together in a local cafe. you enjoy his company a lot, but only as friends. just when you and Jungkook started talking, your friendship with Jaeyun unintentionally grew apart. you lowkey miss hanging out with him. anyways, you take a mental note to check up on him later.

yun-jin tells you more about what you’ve missed. most of them are about the hot guys that she encountered in the night club. that’s not new to you because she’s always out there looking out for hotties.

“oh i forgot to tell you, you remember Blythe? she’s wildin’ last night too” of course, how could you forget about the girl who spreads malicious rumors about you? you genuinely don’t know what’s up with her as she constantly talks shit about you though you never know her personally. to you, she’s just a friend of a friend and some type of hater. indeed, it’s a one- sided beef. she is also known for making out with multiple guys and god knows what at every party she’s in.

“my god, who was her target last night??” you interestedly asked. you and yun-jin have a silly habit of keeping track of her targets. you two soon discover that she goes for the basketball players and athletic guys in general.

“I don't think we’ve seen the guy in a club before but I’ve heard he does underground boxing.” she said as her eyes glanced to her left, trying to recollect her memory. Jungkook might be familiar with the mysterious man. he could be either in his circle or one of his opponents.

you just hum, you expected she’ll go for another basketball player. you guess she’s trying something new.

“but girl, let me tell you. the boxer guy looked so drunk and she was dry humping on him like a damn get a fucking room bro” she adds more details on the tea, while pretending to cry as she covers her eyes.

“wait was the guy totally intoxicated ?” you ask as cracking the eggs on the hot pan.

“No, he was still responding back to her, running his hands around her body and stuff.” you’re glad you didn’t see that yourself, or else you’ll cringe. your friend giving you a summary of how the night went is enough. still, it’s entertaining. for a while.

“let me see if she posted something on her IG” yun-jin utters, pulling out her phone from her pocket.

she taps on her screen multiple times, and finally she finds a story that the girl posted. “look, she posted this”

and with that, yun-jin faces the phone your way. you take a glance on her screen, showing you a low exposure photo of the girl sitting on the uknown guy’s lap. her face is showing while his face wasn't captured. the blurry image seems normal. until your eyes examine the familiar tatted arm that’s wrapped around the girl’s torso. you swear you’ve seen those tattoos before. it takes you a while to recognize the ink into the deep layer of their skin.

then it hits you— those not-so-foreign tattoos belong to jungkook, your jungkook.

oh. your heart suddenly drops.

your eyes lock with the phone screen surface longer than the usual, by which makes your friend frown.

“hey, what’s wrong?” Yun-jin concernedly ask

maybe that’s why he hasn’t texted you yet. maybe he slept wit—

“y/n? you ok?” your friend calls for you again, interrupting your thoughts, though they didn’t fully vanish.

shifting your eyes to her, you blink rapidly “yeah, i’m completely ok,” swallowing your lies away. you can feel your eyes watering, and you don't want your friend to see you break down.

after cooking her breakfast, you decided to head back. “I forgot that I have something to do, I’ll go now” you rapidly put your shoes on

‘she’s not eating this breakfast with me?’ Yun-jin thinks as she watches you leave her apartment.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

As soon as you get back to your apartment, you walk towards your bedroom. immediately, you throw yourself on the bed.

“I’m so stupid” you groan as you kick the baby pink multi layer bedsheets on your bed.

and once again, you can’t explain this bothersome feeling. anger? feeling betrayed? jealousy? sadness? all of the above?

you can’t understand. no, you’re trying to understand in the midst of confusion.

you really like him, you really do. and he says he likes you too. he even confessed his feelings to you first! since then, it was safe to assume that you two will establish a label soon. you were so sure of it, until now.

how.. how come he’s with another woman?

the more you think about, the more you feel the sting in your heart. the unpleasant emotion is spreading inside your system, it’s urging you to throw up. you find yourself removing dead skin out of your cuticle using your thumbnail, a habit which you only do to relieve anxiety.

you have so many questions that need to be answered. were the feelings he felt about you real? or was he just playing you? or did he just forget that you exist in his life last night? or did he just lose interest in you? these questions bring out your inner conflicts. so many questions you’re afraid to know the real answers of.

just before the skin next to your cuticle bleeds, your focus shifts to the triple loud ping coming from your phone. Of course, those messages belong to the one person who you least likely want to face right now.

morning pretty

sorry just woke up, having a severe hangover rn

still down to hang out? I can pull up a little later

sent at 11:59 am

his text confirms your suspicion, proving that he was drinking heavily last night. you can’t stand seeing him today. you will just cancel your initial plan and make up some lame excuse.

nvm, we can just hang out another time.

no, erase that. you’ll avoid him from now on, there won’t be another time!

nvm, I feel sick. please don’t come over.

seen at 12:00 pm

my poor baby, i’ll take care of u

sent | 12:01 pm

no need, thanks tho

delivered | 12:01 pm

not being in the mood to keep talking to him, you send the last message before putting your phone on ‘do not disturb’ mode. leaving jungkook’s messages unseen

considering that your day has been ruined, you choose to shut down the world and take a long nap.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

on the other hand, jungkook definitely notices how cold you turned out to be. maybe it's the time of the month for you. thus, today his mission is to grab things you typically crave for: brown sugar milk tea, some sweet pastries from your favorite bakery shop, and finally, the icing to add on top, a bouquet of white roses.

jungkook usually pampers you with a bunch of food and affection. that’s why he pays attention and takes mental notes (or even notes on his phone) of tiny details about you. it satisfies him to see you all spoiled.

that’s the reason why he jumps out of his messy bed and initiates to get ready. starting off his usual morning routine by taking a cold shower. not much time after, he applies his skincare.

Jungkook hears loud chatters of two men talking from his living room as he walks out of his bedroom. he opens the door and perceives his hyungs chilling by his couch.

“yah jungkook, that chick you brought from last night was way out of control” Jimin complains as soon as jungkook enters the living room.

“yeah kook, kicking her out at 3 in the morning wasn’t a good idea. she’s loud as hell and I had to deal with one of your neighbors' complaints again” Taehyung, who was their designated driver, added annoyingly.

“whose chick?” jungkook confusedly asks.

“yours” both of his hyungs exclaim in unison, which the youngest responds with a shrug.

to be honest, Jungkook doesn’t remember shit from last night. he can recollect some memories, but not a whole bunch. drinks. yes, he drank a lot. there was this girl he randomly made out with, however he can’t remember her name or what she looks like. not that she’s relevant to him anyways.

jungkook chooses to not care about the insignificance, he could spend his time better than that. and by the word better, he spends time thinking about you.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

the constant sound from your doorbell that’s been ringing for who-knows-how-long wakes you up from your wonderful nap.

you gently rubbing your eyes, then you tap the screen of your cellular to see the time; 3:59 pm.

shit, how long were you out for? no idea. you look at your window and see the raindrops rolling down the glass. it was just sunny before you drifted to sleep a few hours ago.

down below to your screen, you notice jungkook messages and a few missed calls from earlier and just now.

7 missed calls from 🐰

55 mins ago

I’ll stay for the night so I can take care of you

delivered | 12:03 pm

just grabbing few things for my baby and I’ll be there soon.

delivered | 12:30 pm

it’s raining heavily and now I’m stuck in traffic

delivered | 1:01 pm

I’m here!

delivered | 1:44 pm

baby? are you home? I'm here

delivered | 1:51 pm

don’t know where u at but I’ll be here waiting at your front door :(

delivered | 1:56 pm

after reading his texts, you rush to the door. there’s no way that man will wait for those hours outside your front doo-

indeed, he’s in front of your door, waiting for you to open up to him as he’s sitting on the ground. besides him, a couple of light brown paper bags, his backpack, and a bouquet of flowers are also laying on the cold cement.

“hi my pretty!” he cheerfully greeted you, rushing to get up from the ground. jungkook walks up to you with a smile full of relief and happiness as if he wasn’t wasting his time for two hours waiting for you right there.

you attempt to avoid his gaze, your eyes examine his black long sleeve that really fits him nice and is damp.

“come in, you should change your clothes.” you mutter coldy

it’s inevitable to not be concerned that he got wet from the rain. Even if you don’t wanna let him in, it will guilt you if he gets ill.

jungkook does what he was told, gathering all the stuff he brings with him and steps into your flat. he feels the strange coldness as soon as he lands his eyes on yours. something isn’t right. something is wrong with you.

He settles his things by your couch and changes into a new oversized t-shirt in front of you. after changing, he reaches for the paper bags to show you the things he got.

“look baby, I got you your favorite drink, some pastries, i know how much you lov-”

“thank you, but you shouldn’t have. I told you to not come” your stern voice cuts him off before he finishes his sentence. you’re trying to keep your cool. your tone is full of nothing but seriousness. not a hint of sweetness in them, which makes jungkook tilt his head on the side, confused by your odd attitude.

“but baby, I just wanted to be here to take care of you.” he insists. by all means, he won’t listen to what you say.

“I hate when you do this” you sigh

“did i do something wrong? are you mad at me?” he attempts to reach you, but you’re too quick to avoid his touch. “tell me what’s wrong baby, please” Jungkook added once more. he doesn’t understand why you avoid him.

“do you treat your other girls like this too?” you ask, eyes shooting lasers at his. an anger rushes through you as the thoughts of him spoiling girls other than you.

“my pretty, what are you talking about?” Jungkook furrows his eyebrows, looking down closely to you. where are you getting these notions from?

“my friend saw you last night”

it took him a couple seconds to remember

“listen to me baby, whoever I was with, she meant nothing” Jungkook defends himself quickly, reaching for your hand, trying to reassure you that she’s insignificant.

it’s not working.

“I just wish you could’ve told me we weren’t exclusive.” you said wipe a tear from your upper cheek before it could roll down further.

“or maybe I was just dumb to assume we were since you initially told me you liked me, I'm sorry, I don’t really know how this whole thing works” you dryly chuckle, honestly admitting to him that you’ve never been in this type of complicated situation before. now you feel like a fool, getting mad at him for something you can’t hold against him.

jungkook shakes his head, reaching for you one more time, placing his gentle on the side of your face, caressing it. you did nothing as you stood still.

“no, i’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. I do like you. I still do and that won’t change. I was just so drunk last night and could barely remember what happened. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

but somewhere deep down is telling you that he’s only sorry because he got caught.

“you’re free to do whatever you want, Jungkook. I don’t think we’re on the same page so it will be best if we don’t see each other anymore” you articulate as best as you could.

you don’t want to let him go, due to the fact that you’re growing so much feelings towards him. it’s almost as if you’re enamored. but that’s also the same reason why you must let him go. you must, or you’ll get hurt deeper.

“y/n, please don’t say that”

“No, you know how much I like you. you know how much I value you. yet in return, I feel like I’m just a plaything to you that you can play with whenever you want.”

“that’s not true baby, you know that” Jungkook protests, shaking his head. the main problem is you don't. you absolutely have no idea of his motives for pursuing you. is he doing it because he's falling for you too? or he's just playing one of those games. those dangerous games you won't involve yourself with.

he’s looking for words to proves you that his feelings were genuine, but fails to. maybe because he never knows how to show his real feelings. or maybe he was never genuine to start with.

"I'm not one of your playthings. so just— ” you pause, shifting your eyes on the ground. “go away"

Jungkook locks his gaze to you, hoping you will look back at him and take back what you said. but he can read you face and make it seem like he’s not welcome there anymore.

without any words, he leaves, leaving you accompanied with melancholy.

series m.list

[abrunettefangirlnerd]

Overwhelmed

Pairing: JJ Maybank x reader

Prompt: Reader has bouncing between so many things in her life that is leaving her chronically exhausted. It hasn’t been too much of a problem until one afternoon. The only one that seems to notice is JJ.

Warnings: Near death experience

The blinding sun crinkles your eyes as you drive your way to the Chateau. Sweat beats down your entire body from the day working with your father. He is a construction worker with his own company, and you work with him during the summer for some spending money. Even though he is your father, he still has you doing all the same heavy lifting as anyone else that works for him.

Normally every summer has been fine. You also work at a local gym on Figure 8 almost every day for a few hours. You’d work with your dad in the morning, work at the gym in the afternoon, and hangout or relax with your friends in the evening. 

Though for some reason this summer your dad thinks any free time you have will be with him, unless you’re sleeping of course. You’ve had talks with him, and he always seems to be on the same page. That is until he starts telling you all that he needs help with and how you are going to come and help before and after the gym all week.

Luckily today ended up being a day he didn’t have much for you to do. Instead of wasting another second you made a beeline for your friends before he could change his mind. You love your dad, and the extra cash, but trying to keep up with work and maintaining your social life leaves very little room to just breathe. 

Though you find yourself struggling to try. From the constant buzz of life that has become almost normal, you find yourself getting anxious anytime you are just laying around. Even if you are with your friends. Anytime you aren’t on the boat or helping with the newest endeavor of finding the gold, you feel like you should be doing something.

“Hey it’s my girl!” JJ shouts from the couch on the porch. Beer in hand.

“Hey babe.” You say with a smile after greeting him with a kiss. “Did you guys catch anything on the boat?”

“Not much but we did manage to save some leftovers for you,” your best friend John B offers. “It’s only been sitting out a few minutes.”

Feeling your stomach rumble, you assure him that you are hungry enough to eat it raw. Walking into the kitchen you let your smile faulter. You allow the wandering exhaustion to settle over you for a moment. Holding back the exhaustion is exhausting enough.

You feel the nice warm water wash your hands of drywall dust, paint, and sweat. Heading over to the counter you find your plate and grab a fork before rejoining the boys. Kie apparently has to work tonight since she was out all day with the boys. Though she promised to come back over after her shift at The Wreck.

You take the empty seat next to JJ, and as you do an involuntary sigh escapes your lips. As you dig into your dinner you hope that the guys haven’t noticed. If they ask you if everything is okay, you’re afraid some tears of frustration and tiredness would break through. Instead you focus your attention on the food in front of you and the latest pointless debate between the boys. Before you know it, every last bite on the plate is gone.

“Hey lets go back out on the HSM Pogue!” John B excitedly gets up. “Sun is setting, nice night dip.”

Everyone excitedly agrees and you head into the spare bedroom to slip into your swimsuit. As you pull up your straps, completing your ensemble, there is a knock on the door. Without asking who it is, you tell them to come in. Only one person would want to come in and that is JJ. It is basically his room after all.

Closing the door behind him, JJ takes in the sight of you. The newly defined muscles on your arms and legs from the work with your dad. You can’t complain about the benefit of the job. Though when his eyes meet yours all you can see is concern.

“If you’d rather stay in and relax I’ll stay with you.” JJ offers you. An overwhelming sweep of adoration floods through your senses, but next comes the wave of anxiety. No, I can’t do nothing.

“It’s okay, we can go on the boat.” Your voice upbeat and convincing of the energy you do not contain. “I’m fine.”

Even as the last two words leave your lips, tears form behind your eyes. Thankfully the room is dark, no power on the Cut from the hurricane. Unconvinced, JJ nods and heads back out with the other two. You take two deep breathes as you clear your eyes and slow your now racing heart. With a quick nod at yourself in the mirror, you make your way out to the HSM Pogue.

The sound of the waves hitting against the boat is almost enough to pull you to sleep. That and the warmth of JJ’s arm around your waist. Leaning into him you find your eyes fluttering shut every few minutes. If this wasn’t the first time you’d physically seen everybody in days, you would have just stayed at the Chateau with JJ.

Situating yourself, you lean toward the cooler for a cold beer. Even though you know alcohol is a narcotic it just gives you something to do than think about how tired you are. From the corner of your eye you see JJ analyzing you. Aside from a beer here and there, you aren’t much of a drinker. It isn’t until you send him a smile that he drops his watchful gaze and smiles back.

“This looks like a good spot.” John B insists as he slows the boat to a stop and throws the anchor over.

The four of you jump into the cool water. The sudden alertness gifted by the water sends you through the break into the sky. Though as your body adjusts to its temperature the feeling of exhaustion returns.

JJ wraps his arms around you and peppers your face with kisses. Squealing, you try to pry him away from you but your efforts are futile. Taking your frame in his, JJ manages to throw you a few feet in the direction of Pope. Who of course fakes offence at the unseen attack. Water is thrashed around by each person until a full blown water war breaks out.

Swimming around to the boat, you take deep breathes as you watch the boys continue splashing around. You plan to hide out for a bit before climbing onto the boat and performing a cannon ball that will soak everyone. The splash to end all splashes. Not wanting to spoil the fun yet, you float on your back in the water. 

You close your eyes and feel the cool water soak into your warm skin. The aches and pains from the day’s work unravel from your body. Dark clouds filter behind your eyelids as the sounds around you become more muffled. You know you should get up but you can’t will your body to move. 

The water around you laps farther up your face, and within a few moments you’re completely submerged into the water. Making the mistake to breathe, a burning sensation fills your lungs and your body fights out of its own slumber. But you’ve already breathed in too much water and your body is still too exhausted to propel your body toward the surface. 

**

Looking around JJ realizes that he hasn’t seen (Y/N) in a few minutes. He calls out (Y/N)’s name while circling around the boat. Giving up on swimming, JJ climbs up on the boat and surveys around the best he can in the dark.

Panic rises within JJ’s chest and his breathing becomes labored. JJ knew he should have suggested harder that you two stay at the Chateau. He could tell through (Y/N)’s eyes how exhausted she truly is. Just a few nights ago he went to surprise her at home. Crawled in through her window with a big bag of snacks and drinks that will keep her up well into the night. However, the moment JJ wrapped his arms around her, (Y/N) was knocked out cold.

With his shaking hands, JJ grabs for a flashlight and shines it on the water. JJ knows he won’t be able to see anything but he can’t think straight. Just before he is ready to radio for help he sees a bubble rise to his right.

Not wasting any time, JJ dives into the water. His eyes spot (Y/N) a few feet down from him, unmoving. A shot of ice cold fear radiates through his body as he fights his limbs to move him toward (Y/N). JJ wraps his arms around her waist and propels his legs to break the surface above.

“HELP!!” JJ screams to John B and Pope. “HELP!!”

The guys hear him and turn to face his panic-stricken face. Realizing that (Y/N) is in JJ’s arms, the guys spring into action. John B gets onto the boat while Pope joins JJ and lifts (Y/N)’s limp body. JJ grabs onto the boat and pulls his body up and is quickly joined by Pope.

“Tell me how to do CPR!” JJ frantically shouts to Pope.

“You think I know?”

“You’re the fucking genius,” JJ lays you flat on your back, “so help me goddammit! I can’t lose her!”

“Okay okay!” Pope presses his fingers against his temple as he thinks about what to do. “Chest compressions! Two sets of 30 and then mouth to mouth. Check for breathing and then start over!”

JJ places his hands over (Y/N)’s chest and begins to press up and down. His actions start off timid, afraid that he will hurt her but feverishly picks up when he sees there is no change. Lowering his mouth to (Y/N)’s, JJ breathes air past her lips and sees her chest rise and fall. JJ can’t believe that only moments ago the last time he was this close the two of you were kissing, and now he is trying to breathe life into her.

I can’t lose her. I can’t lose her. She’s my everything. I can’t lose her…

JJ presses up and down (Y/N)’s chest to this mantra. Years ago, his mother left and his father became a raging drunk who is always on someone else’s meds. (Y/N) made him stable, made his life feel stable. Without her, JJ is scared he will end up just like his father. (Y/N) has showed him that there is more to life than the Outer Banks. They always talked about leaving one day, buying a house, running a business, and eventually starting their own family. Right now, all those happy plans are slipping past JJ’s fingertips along with (Y/N).

**

A burning rush of water flows up your throat as a coughing fit surges through your chest. Grabbing on to something nearby, you flip on your side to help expel the contents. Even as all the water leaves your system you keep coughing and feel as though you will never stop.

After what feels like forever, your coughing subsides and you feel two strong arms wrap around your torso. As you take in what happened, you feel your body begin to shake at the realization that you could have died. Tears flood your cheeks and fall against JJ’s bare shoulders. That’s when you register that JJ is shaking as well.

“JJ,” you say as your hand holds the back of his head, “I’m okay. It’s okay.”

JJ doesn’t speak but shakes his head against your skin. His head fits in the crook of your neck and you feel him breathing in your sent. It’s as if he doesn’t believe that you are awake and breathing.

“JJ look at me.” You whisper.

Reluctantly JJ’s eyes meet yours. You see his blood shot eyes and tear-stricken face. JJ leans his forehead against yours as his fingers run through your hair. A pit hits the bottom of your stomach as you think about how worried JJ was and how reckless you were.

“Next time,” JJ takes a deep breath as his voice catches, “can we just stay at the Chateau?”

“Yes, yes.” You sigh in relief.

JJ connects your lips with his. The kiss starts off soft and gentle, but JJ quickly turns it hungry and desperate. It’s as if he needs you instead of air. In this moment you make yourself a promise that you won’t over work yourself from now on. You’ve realized that you aren’t the only one that will become overwhelmed.

[livingdeadmlm]

saw MK on your list i am clicking my heels and bursting into song. a kung lao fic would be awesome. i feel like no one gives him the attention he deserves

I LOVE KUNG LAO hes so silly I'm a little rusty with MK characters but I'm using what i remember from the games since i played it as a kid

Ill do some SFW and NSFW hcs of dating kung lao a mix of modern day hcs and in game hcs

SFW

What a cutie am I right? he knows it and you know it so he uses that to his advantage.

He likes to say some weird shit and when you ask about it he just looks at you confused

"Did you let in the grass light morning?"

What did you say?"

"??? Nothing babe what are you talking about?"

dinner dates ooooo

Going out to eat and cooking together he considers a good date

In the modern age, he definitely is a gym goer and loves to go to Planet Fitness to set off the lunk alarm. You don't have to work out yourself but if you go with him he tries to show off more than usual hoping that you'd throw some praise his way.

Either has the latest phone or the oldest one known to man no in between

in-game you are his assisted fighter and have a duo fatalities. kinda like In Eyes of Heaven

matching accessories can be bought for the two of you.

calls you baby girl even if you're a guy.

thinks about you all the time at work and how he can't wait to get home and eat and lay down with you

he flirts with you in public places like he's a stranger and you are the lead in a romcom

people in the shop staring as it seems like a romance blossoming before them but it's less interesting when they see once again it is Kung lao flirting with the same man as many times before

NSFW

He believes in fairness so you best believe that both of you leave satisfied no matter what.

Probably not much experience to be had out on the farms but man does he get the hang of everything quick

Head game goes crazy, He is scarily good at it and loves doing it as well

He is not into hitting or anything, he doesn't like the idea of actually hurting each other.

Tug his hair though that's his one exception

He understands taking things slow and will most of the time but at the start of the relationship he gets pretty excited fast and is really hansy grabbing at your hips, legs, and ass like you'll vanish once he lets go

occasionally he still gets that way but has some more self-control

kinda likes getting frisky in risky places and alleyways and when there are people up and walking around in a shared place

his adrenaline spikes but never goes all the way, he insists that that's too far.

if there is distance he sends nudes for sure

with shitty camera quality, he means well and sends them seriously but its hard to keep the mood up when all you have is an 8-bit photo to work with

When you've been on top he has placed his hat on your head, strokes his pride to see it on you while you're enjoying yourself

Probability a Power bottom

[crucifiedfaerie]

hi!! just wanted to say thank for your service on behalf of the star wars community🫡 your writing is so good! i saw your requests were open and honestly anymore modern/delinquent!kylo content of any kind would be appreciated lol <3 anyways hope you’re having a good day :)

omgggg hi thank you sm <3 lucky for you i am currently working on a part two for nicotine stains !!! im shooting for it to be out by thursday at the latest but knowing me if i have an idea i cant stop until its done so it will most likely be earlier lmao. if you wanna be added to the taglist you can pm me or send another ask that isn't anonymous and i won't post it!

however as a little treat while you wait here are a few more modern/delinquent!kylo hcs my beloved @enviedear and i have come up with:

delinquent!kylo who is constantly taking cute pictures of you. literally doesn't matter what you're doing he just likes looking at you. he keeps a polaroid of you on his dashboard too. he also keeps pictures/love notes/ticket stubs from your dates in the sunglasses compartment and one time you opened it and they all fell out and he was rlly embarrassed about it.

"you weren't supposed to see that."

delinquent!kylo who when you get into fights he cries in his charger to nothing else matters by metallica, i was all over her by salvia palth, my body is a cage by arcade fire, and vindicated by dashboard confessional. he shows up at your window at 3am to apologize. his apologies are always terrible and he never actually says the word sorry, but he means what he says... he's just bad with getting the right words out.

delinquent!kylo whose favorite place to be is his 1969 charger with you in the passenger seat, driving around aimlessly with his hand on your thigh. he likes to play road trippin' by red hot chili peppers because it reminds him of you. he'll softly sing along to the lyrics while stealing glances at you at stoplights.

"'blue you sit so pretty west of the one

sparkes light with yellow icing,

just a mirror for the sun

these smiling eyes are just a mirror for.'"

delinquent!kylo thats childhood best friends with your brother so you all grew up together. your mother has pictures of an 8 yr old kylo helping 5 yr old you reach the kitchen sink and pictures of 12 year old kylo and finn making christmas cookies together. he's had a crush on you since he could remember and he made you a valentines day card when he was in 5th grade but got too nervous to give it to you. he kept it just in case though. he's a devotional lover even if the person he loves isn't aware of it.

delinquent!kylo who looks for you in every girl he dates before the two of you finally got together. one time your parents were out of town so finn threw a basement party. kylo brought his new girl-of-the-week but as she talks to him, he isn't listening. he's watching you across the room dancing with some random guy, wishing that was him.

delinquent!kylo who, when at a different house party, sees you way too drunk and guys getting too handsy so he gets you the hell out of there as fast as possible. he knows you're too drunk to take home to your parents so he takes you to his house. he lets you sleep in his bed and he sleeps on the couch. he doesn't care that he's showing genuine care for you and that you'll pick up on that in the morning. he only cares that you're safe.

delinquent!kylo <3

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 99 - Powerless

Ophelia's song is almost done! She needs some Marshmallow snuggles first to inspire her!

Ophelia's almost done polishing things up when the power gets shut off! Apparently the squirrels messed with the power lines? Fantastic.

I mean, it's not a keyboard, so she could work on her song in the dark, but the disruption makes her realize how long she's been working.

Xander had been taking care of Gemma all morning, and Ophelia had assured him she'd take care of her after her nap. Well, she maybe let that nap go on a little longer than she should have…

Ophelia: Oh no, how long have you been in that diaper? Poor baby.

Looks like Gemma found a way to get back at her mom for letting her sleep in that dirty diaper for so long.

Ophelia: WOOHOOCK! How did you even do that? I didn't think girls could pee on people! Ewwwww.

Ophelia: Do you promise you're done peeing?

Maybe for now, but it looks like we discovered Gemma's third quirk! I don't think that was a one-time thing, unfortunately for her parents.

Xander: Not to criticize your diaper changing skills, but Gemma still smells like pee.

Ophelia: That's me.

Xander: …Do you need to be in diapers too?

Ophelia: Haha. Your daughter peed on me.

Xander: Oh, so when she does gross stuff, she's just MY daughter?

Ophelia: Yes.

Ophelia: I am NOT sitting in the dark for 8 hours while the Landgraabs fart around.

Xander: Well, we have kind of been homebodies lately. Maybe we can take Gemma to the park, see if anyone else is available to hang out.

Ophelia: Beats reading by candlelight like cavemen.

Luckily, Drew was available and Moses was back from his trip, so they were more than happy to go to the park to hang out.

Xander brought some sandwiches he had made right before the power went out, since they were going to just rot in the powerless fridge otherwise

What is this place? Who are these people? Gemma misses the comfort of being someplace familiar. She doesn't care that the lights are off, she wants to go home!

There aren't a lot of problems that applesauce can't solve. At least having her mommy and daddy nearby is making Gemma feel a little less scared being someplace unfamiliar.

Drew: The child life ain't for me, but I've gotta say, Gemma's adorable. Thank Watcher she doesn't look anything like Xander.

Xander: I'm right here.

Drew: I know, that's why I said it loud enough for you to hear.

Ophelia: I'm so glad we could hang out! Between the baby and songwriting, I've barely had time to do anything. Come on, tell us all about your latest escapades, Drew! Let me live vicariously through you, Party Animal!

Drew: There's not much to report on, really.

Ophelia: Come on, what about that woohoo partner of yours?

Drew: Dude, I ended that weeks ago.

Moses: And you haven't met anyone new?

Drew: Honestly, I'm getting kind of sick of the woohoo partner thing. It's too much drama. We can't all suck so bad at it we fall in love.

Ophelia: Do my ears deceive me? Does Drew Padilla want to settle down?

Drew: Don't get me wrong, I'm not interested in marriage, but it'd be nice to have someone to woohoo AND do couple shit with.

Ophelia: Nothing wrong with that! If you want something different, go for it.

Ophelia: Speaking of couples, how did you and Ian like your trip?

Moses: It was great. Henford is as beautiful as ever. I miss it sometimes, but at least we got to see Mum. And uh, we actually did something a little spontaneous, so don't get mad I didn't tell you guys.

Moses: I don't know if you guys noticed the ring but it's not just for looks.

Ophelia: No way! You guys got married?!

Xander: I didn't even know you were engaged!

Moses: We weren't! It was very spur of the moment. Mum isn't getting any younger, and I wanted her to be there.

Moses: I'm so sorry I didn't invite you three. It was so short notice, and Ian's family didn't support his transition so I didn't want to remind him how fewer guests he'd have on his side.

Ophelia: Trust me, I get family stuff, but we support you both no matter what.

Drew: Congratulations! I just wish you'd told us before I blathered on about my stupid crap.

Moses: It's not stupid. That's what friends are for. Besides, marriage wasn't a huge priority, hence why we waited so long.

Ophelia: Well it's still something to celebrate!

Moses: Ian wanted to get married before we had kids, so that was another thing.

Ophelia: Wow, really? You're going to have a Science Baby?

Moses: We think we want to adopt. Hopefully they'll be as cute as Gemmy.

Even with applesauce all over her sad face, she's still adorable.

Xander: Congrats again, man. I'm happy for you and Ian.

Moses: Thanks, mate. Any chance you've got dad advice? I've read a few parenting blogs…

Xander: No amount of preparing will ever make you feel ready, but it's the most amazing and exhausting thing I've ever done.

Moses: I was the youngest, I was never around babies growing up. I've never even held a baby.

Xander: Well, you're in luck. I've got one of those right here.

Moses: Are you sure? She seems a little scared.

Xander: I'll be right here. She has to learn to be around other people.

Xander gently passes Gemma over to Moses.

Xander: There, see? She loves her Guncle Moses.

Moses: Guncle?

Xander: Gay uncle.

Moses: Ha! You're her pansexual father and I don't see you calling yourself her 'paddy'.

Xander: Cuz that doesn't sound as funny, does it, muffin?

Ophelia and Drew move to a nearby bench to chat, girl to enby.

Ophelia: So Libby told me you guys have been texting a lot lately.

Drew: Yeah, she's got cool stories. I can't believe you gave up an astronaut for Xander. I mean he's one of my best friends, but, total downgrade.

Ophelia: Libby also doesn't want to get married or have kids. And she's super sweet and loves doing 'couple shit'.

Drew: Ophelia, you'd better not be suggesting what I think you are.

Ophelia: Why not?

Drew: Because she's your ex!

Drew: Libby's cool, but I'm not risking our friendship over a girl. You mean too much to me.

Ophelia: I appreciate that, but I was so young when I dated Libby. It feels like forever ago. I have a whole-ass husband and baby now. Trust me, there's no lingering feelings there.

Ophelia: I love Libby as a person but we were totally incompatible. Your lifestyles line up more than ours ever did. It's fine if you really don't want to, but if you want to ask her out, you have my blessing.

Drew: Thanks, O. You're the best fake daughter a fake dad could have.

Ophelia: Ooooh, Libby just posted a pic at a nearby bar! You could go there and do a meet cute!

Drew: We've already met.

Ophelia: A meet again cute!

Drew: Look, I'll think about asking her out, but I'm not ditching you guys. You're a loyal Sim too now, you should know that!

Xander: You and Libby, huh? I don't know much about her besides that she likes waterfall woohoo but hey, so does my wife so I can't judge.

Ophelia: Xander, not in front of my fake dads!

Drew: Waterfall woohoo is baby shit. I've woohooed at the top of the volcano.

[beefromanoff]

Going Under Ch. 20

summary: after a week of living at the compound, some things begin to calm down, while others....

characters: Bucky Barnes x OC

soundtrack: open your eyes - snow patrol

warnings: fluff, pop star fantasy x love story, set in an AU where the Avengers reunite after Civil War, pre-infinity war, slight angst, hurt/comfort, lonely reader/OC.

author’s note: another long chapter! i've been working on it all week, but finally got to a good stopping point. can't wait for the next chapter already! thanks for reading, xoxo!

chapter list

_____________________________________________________

The next week flew by. 

Gianna developed a new routine, one much less structured. She’d wake up around 8, take her coffee to the lake, and write. Sometimes she’d journal, sometimes she’d write snippets of song lyrics. She’d stay out there until the sun rose into the sky and the morning was over. Then she’d pop in to watch Bucky in his element. Most of the time he worked with the agents on hand-to-hand combat or weapons training. He usually did so in conjunction with Steve, although it was clear to anyone watching that he had a gift for instruction. 

When he’d finish for the day, usually around mid-afternoon, they’d get a late lunch and walk around the compound. There was still so much to see, even a whole week later. Sometimes they’d sit in the back of the intelligence room and watch as the team intercepted and interpreted information from all across the galaxy. Other times they’d crash a private sparring session between Avengers, with Gianna serving as the ring girl for the brawls between Black Widow and The Falcon -- and Sam had yet to win one. Everyone admired his tenacity, though. 

Once the afternoon turned to evening, Gianna had started helping Wanda in the kitchen. There was no shortage of technology to help prepare the food, but she knew Wanda liked the nostalgic feeling of cooking the old fashioned way. It was some small reminder of the life that was taken away from her. Gianna knew that feeling all too well. So they’d pitter around the kitchen like old friends, dancing and singing while they worked. When they’d finish, they’d call the team to dinner and they’d sit around the table like one big, dysfunctional, dangerous family. 

They typically didn’t eat together, which was a fact Gianna was shocked to learn. Before she’d arrived, everyone fell into their own routines that seldom aligned with each other. Half the team stayed at the compound, the other half preferred the tower and city life. They’d interact, all got along great, but somehow it never quite clicked that they could live in sync. 

Now, as Gianna set the long dinner table for seven, she swore her heart could burst. For the first time in years, she’d eaten dinner in the same city for an entire week. She hadn’t had a single paparazzi photo taken of her. She’d slept in the same bed, one that wasn’t in a Hampton or Four Seasons bedroom. For the first time since she’d lost the last of her family, she felt the slightest bit of home. 

That, and she was sleeping one door over from the man who made love songs write themselves in her head. Musings and lyrics flew out of her faster than she could write them down most mornings. And they hadn’t even kissed for a second time yet. 

“Oh MAMA, something smells divine in here,” Sam called as he swaggered into the kitchen, reaching for the dish in Wanda’s hands. 

“Ah, ah!” She swatted his hand away, the pot levitating in midair in front of her so she could take a swipe at him. “You know the rules. Sit.” 

Shaking his head, Sam did as he was told. Behind him, Nat and Steve filed into the room, rolling their eyes as Peter rambled on about his latest invention. Peter spent quite a bit of time at the compound, something about shielding his eyes from his aunt and someone named Happy. Apparently they’d been getting pretty cozy at his home back in Queens. Gianna liked having him around, though he was younger than her, he and Wanda were the two closest to her age. 

The sounds of chairs being pulled out filled the air as Wanda floated a fresh pitcher of lemonade around, filling each glass. 

“Where’s Bucky?” Gianna asked, trying to sound nonchalant, as though she hadn’t been anxiously waiting for him to walk in the door since they started cooking. 

“Right here.” Bucky’s gruff voice called from the doorway. He stepped through, his combat boots heavy on the floor. Eyes darting up, Gianna saw what had kept him. 

Clutched in a metal fist was a bouquet of wildflowers. 

“Growing out by the lake.” He stepped forward and held them out to her. “I thought they’d, uh, look nice on the table. My mom used to like to keep fresh flowers in the house.” 

Blushing although they weren’t technically for her, Gianna took the bouquet from his hands. “You’re full of surprises, Sergeant.” Her eyes looked up through her lashes at him. 

“There’s a vase under the sink.” Wanda’s voice called. The table had gone quiet, letting the sweet moment unfold with the rare absence of teasing. 

Bucky took his seat at the table, telling Sam to shut up when the inevitable side comment was made. When the flowers were rinsed, Gianna placed the vase on the center of the table and took the last empty seat. 

Just like every night, Steve insisted they bow their heads while he said grace. Just like every night, they laughed and ate and sat at the table long after the food was gone. 

Just like every night, Gianna felt so incredibly lucky that this one was just like every night. 

After dinner, the team made quick work of the dishes. Seven sets of hands can be incredibly efficient, especially when one set can move things telekinetically. Gianna grinned to herself, wondering how the “normal” version of her life involved a trash bag tying itself and floating out the door. 

“Anyone down for a movie?” Sam called as he walked towards the living space.

“As long as it’s not Rush Hour again.” Nat elbowed him in the ribs, Wanda and Steve following behind. 

“I’m gonna head back to the city, I’ve got some stuff to take care of.” Peter said. “I’ll be back this weekend! Don’t watch anything good without me! I mean it guys, no Star Wars.” 

A chorus of ‘goodbye’ and ‘later kid’ followed him out the door, leaving only Bucky and Gianna in the kitchen. She dried her hands and hung the dishtowel back over the sink, turning to face him. 

“I think I’m feeling a walk tonight instead of a movie. Thoughts?”

“After you.” He gestured towards the door. 

________________________________________________________

The air was cool once again, a few beams of sunlight illuminating the grounds. In a few moments, the landscape lights would kick on. Walking slowly, the two approached the trail. 

“So, how are you adjusting?” Bucky asked, eyes down. 

“You asked me that this morning,” Gianna rolled her eyes. “And last night, and the morning before that.”

“I just want to make sure you aren’t, I don’t know, bored. Or unhappy.”

She was quiet for a moment. “I definitely haven’t been bored…but it’s been nice to have the chance to be, you know? It’s been nice to have so much freedom.” 

“I don’t know if I’d call being relocated to a secure compound for your own safety, freedom.” He chuckled. 

“Well, when you phrase it like that,” She laughed. “You know what I mean. How it was on the road. It’s not that I didn’t love it, I did, it’s just that…now I’m wondering if I really loved it or if that was just the only life I knew.” 

They walked in silence for a moment. 

“Now, I feel like I’m seeing a different version of my life…a slower version. I feel like I always felt like I had to choose between being free and not being alone. I could keep working forever, keep touring, keep people around me. Or I could stop, rest, but where would I go? Back to an empty penthouse somewhere, I guess.” She turned when they reached the dock, steering them down the wooden walkway. “Now, it feels like I have it all. I’m free, but I’m not alone.” 

“You make it sound like a dream.” He sat down on the edge of the dock, holding a hand out for her to join him. 

“Isn’t it?” Gianna’s eyes glittered as she looked at the sky above them, decorated with millions of twinkling stars, a sight only visible this far away from the city lights. 

“Yeah,” Bucky said, almost to himself, as he watched her gaze upward. “Yeah, it is.” 

They sat for several moments, just taking in the night sky and the quiet around them. 

“I’m glad you’re happy.” Bucky was the one who spoke first. 

“I really, really am. Thanks to you, you know.” She turned her gaze on him. “If you hadn’t done everything you did…saving me, telling Tony and Pepper about my contract, making them care enough to do…all this.”

“I didn’t have to make them do anything.” He shrugged. “You’re easy to care about.” 

Gianna blushed. “James Buchanan Barnes, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were sweet talking me right now.” 

“Old habits die hard, I guess.” He smiled his adorable half-smile.

Scooting closer to him, Gianna laid her head on Bucky’s shoulder. He had his weight on his hands, leaning back. He held his breath for a moment, the weight of her against him reminding him of the night they’d spent together. 

Why is it that all of our closest moments have been after disaster? His mind never failed to intrude on his fleeting happy moments. Shifting uncomfortably as he attempted to block out that train of thought, he accidentally nudged Gianna. 

“What’s wrong?” Her brow was furrowed, clearly reading the look on his face. 

“What? Nothing.”

“Bucky.” She gave him her come-on look, making it clear she saw right through him. 

He sighed. He’d gotten himself into this conversation, and now he’d actually have to have it. 

“I just…I like this.” He gestured to their general proximity. 

“I like it too, Buck.” She breathed. 

He stood suddenly. “I just wonder…all of our closest moments. They’ve all been because something bad happened, or almost happened.” 

Gianna’s face reflected her confusion as she turned, still sitting, to watch him pace. 

“We got close because there was no one else, I know that. I slept over because you were scared. You kissed me when you were drunk.” Gianna blushed as he finally put words to the topic they’d danced around for so long. “You’re here, living here, because something awful happened.” 

He took a few steps down the dock before turning back to face her. “I don’t know, I guess sometimes I just wonder if it’s real. This…” He gestured between them, his metal hand glinting in the moonlight. “Or if it’s just…bad things happening and me being the one who’s here.” 

Seeing the pained look on Bucky’s face nearly broke her. Standing to her feet, Gianna walked slowly to him, putting a hand on his chest. She met his blue eyes and spoke slowly. 

“We were together every day because there was no one else…we got close because I wanted to know you. I was the one who asked you to go to that boardwalk fair, remember?” 

His soft smile encouraged her to keep going. 

“You slept over because I was scared, but you were the one I wanted with me when I was. I almost asked you back the next night, but I chickened out. I stood and stared at your hotel door for way too long before I convinced myself you wouldn’t have said yes anyways.” 

His smile faded but his eyes were locked on hers. 

“I kissed you when I was drunk because that’s the only time I wasn’t petrified of you…not feeling the same. When I was looking at you that night, it just all hit me at once. Everything I’d wanted to do for months. I just said…fuck it. I, the next morning, I was so scared. Shitless. I thought for sure you’d tell me I misread things. I felt like such an idiot, here you were just doing your job and I’m -”

She froze, looking up at him. 

“You’re what?” He spoke softly. 

“You were just doing your job…and here I was, falling in love with you.” 

The world seemed to stand still for a moment, the only thing proving they weren’t frozen in time was the light evening breeze flowing through their hair. 

“You’re…” 

“Yeah.” 

Gianna’s eyes flicked from his eyes to his lips, desperate for any indication of what was going through his mind. 

“There’s…nothing bad happening here.” He spoke slowly, eyes drifting down to her lips. 

“No…there’s no disaster,” She took a step forward, closing the gap between them. 

“I don’t think this counts as doing my job,” His hands gently grasped her hips. 

“I’m most definitely not drunk right now,” 

He tugged on her hips ever so slightly, closing the gap between them. 

“Are you afraid?” 

“Terrified.” Her voice was a whisper, inches from his face. 

She went up on tiptoes, her left hand sliding up the back of his neck. Unlike that night at Tony’s, when every good memory between them flashed through her mind, this moment was different. There was nothing else outside the two of them. No interruption, no distraction. Just the cool night air and his hands on her waist. 

This time, it was Bucky who moved first. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, familiar and foreign all at once. It wasn’t hesitant like the last time. He felt desperate, hungry. One of his hands moved to her lower back, pulling her flush against him. She felt encompassed by his arms, strong and firm and all around her. 

Fingers tangled in the hair at the knape of his neck, Gianna sighed into their kiss. She couldn’t get enough of him. He consumed her senses. The taste of his lips on hers, the warmth under his fingertips, the smell of his skin, the sound he made when her free hand slid under his sweatshirt and grazed his taut abdomen…

Intoxicating. 

When his mouth parted to let out a soft moan, Gianna took the opportunity to catch his lower lip between her teeth, biting ever so gently. Their kiss paused as his eyes flew open to meet hers, still wrapped in each others arms. For a moment, she wasn’t sure what she was seeing in his eyes as they flicked back and forth between hers. 

Intense. Predatory. Lustful. 

Eyes dark, he moved faster than she could process. In one movement, his left hand was underneath her, lifting her into the air. His right hand cupped her cheek as his lips crashed into hers. Wrapping her legs around him, her arms draped over his shoulders and hands in his hair. 

When she felt a metal hand squeeze her ass, still fully supported in the air by his left arm, Gianna moaned against his mouth. Bucky took the opportunity to slide his tongue into her mouth, barely breaching the kiss. 

Gentle. Greedy. Desperate. 

She couldn’t tell who’s need for the other one was stronger as their emotions intensified. Bucky took a step forward, never ceasing his sweet and hungry kiss. She wrapped her legs tighter around him, wanting to touch him at every opportunity. 

“Have dinner with me.” Bucky groaned into their kiss. 

“We,” more kissing. “Already ate,” 

“No,” He pulled back, blue eyes bright in the darkness of the evening. “Tomorrow night. Friday. Have dinner with me. A date.” 

She grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.” 

“Thought it might be a conflict of interest.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the wind and his hands having taken their toll.

“And now?” 

“Fuck the conflict.” 

Gianna leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, something she could only reach from her position in his arms. As she pulled back, he slowly lowered her back to her feet. Both of their breathing returned to normal as they stood there, as if wanting to live in this moment forever.

Without breaking eye contact, Bucky ran his fingertips down the back of her arms, sending a shiver down her spine. When goosebumps erupted on her arms, he couldn’t help but smirk at her involuntary reaction. As his fingertips traced the inside of her palms, he lazily spread his fingers through hers. 

“God, you’re pretty.” She breathed out. 

“I’m supposed to say that to you.” He chuckled. 

“So say it.”

“God…” He brought her hands to his mouth one by one, planting a kiss on the back of them. “You’re so fucking pretty.” 

Something had awoken inside Gianna that she wasn’t sure she could put back to sleep. Need for him burned so deeply it was almost painful. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him if she wanted to. 

“Bucky, I…” Her eyes traveled over his jaw, stubble making him look so ruggedly handsome. “I don’t want to go to bed.” 

He chewed on his lower lip. He wanted to say something…inappropriate. He resisted. 

“You have to go to sleep so we can make it to tomorrow. The day I finally get to take you on a date.” 

She smiled, eyes still pleading with him. “You know what I mean.” 

“I do. Believe me.” He slid his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, walking them back down the dock to the trail. “I want to do this right. You deserve that.”

She blushed. “Goodness, Sergeant Barnes…so old-fashioned of you.” 

“Hey, it may have been 80 years ago, but I still remember what my mom told me about dating.” 

“Oh yeah, what was that? Make sure you find a girl who can iron your pants and have meatloaf ready by 5?” Gianna teased.

He looked down at her. “You only get one chance to create a story worth telling to your grandkids.” 

Blue eyes. Sweet words. Everything.

Her heart swelled as she sucked in a breath. A dangerously goofy smile threatened to overtake her face, but Gianna chewed the inside of her cheek to keep it contained. She didn’t know if there wasn’t an adequate response to his perfect words or if her muddled brain just couldn’t think of one, so she stayed quiet and leaned her head into him as they walked. 

Bucky saw her face contort as she suppressed a smile, making him unable to resist a small grin of his own. 

When they stepped out of the elevator back onto the floor, the team was finishing up their movie on the massive sectional that spanned the living room. Sam, whose idea it had been in the first place, had passed out open-mouthed with his hand still in the popcorn bowl. Steve sat with Nat’s feet in his lap, focused on the movie. Wanda, ever the touchy-feely type, had her head leaned on Nat’s shoulder as they watched, cuddled under the same blanket.

The soft light from the elevator lit up a strip of the kitchen. Steve, always the one positioned towards the door, looked towards them. It only took one look at Bucky for Steve to know something had gone down. He could read his best friend like a children’s book, but in all fairness, it wouldn’t take much for someone else to infer the same. Cheeks flushed, lips swollen, both of their hair tousled…and the two of them walking as close to each other as possible, as though there was a gravitational force pulling them together. 

“How was the walk?” Steve called as the duo crossed the living room. 

“Hot,” Gianna said.

“Great,” Bucky grunted simultaneously. They shot a quick sidelong glance to each other, grinning. 

Steve chuckled, the girls smiling but choosing to keep their comments to themselves. Wanda dug an elbow into Natasha’s ribs, making sure she was seeing the same thing. 

When they got to the far end of the living room, in front of both of their doors, Gianna paused awkwardly. The room was dark, but nearly everyone in the room had enhanced vision and hearing and she knew they were only pretending to watch the movie. 

“Goodnight, Buck.” 

“Goodnight, Gianna.” 

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, whispering in his ear. “I’m glad your mom gave you that advice…because what I had in mind wouldn’t have been appropriate for telling grandkids.” 

With that, she slipped into her room, winking at him just before she disappeared behind the door. 

Bucky groaned, leaning back against his bedroom door. 

“You know Barnes,” Natasha’s voice called across the room. “If you wanted to try out lipgloss, I have a shade that’s much more you.” 

Wiping the back of his sleeve across his mouth, he glared across the dark room as the two redheads giggled. 

“No, but seriously, I love your hair like that. It’s very rockstar.” Wanda joined in. 

“I hate you guys.” 

“Night, Bucky!” 

“Love you, too!” 

He let the door slam closed behind him, but couldn’t do anything but smile like an idiot once he was alone. 

Tomorrow night better get here quick.

[my-watch-begins]

A match for love. Part V

Pairing: Harwin Strong x Female!OC.

Words: 5.3 k

Warnings: cursing, things get hot up in there, smut. 18+. Minors DNI!, not proof-read.

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10.

Ayla danced her fingers around the table, waiting for her father to finish with his business before addressing her.

Just yesterday they had received word from Jessamine, who said that her concerned state hadn't gone past Lady Jeyne and she had taken matters with Lord Mooton directly with the Lord Groover Tully. Lord Mooton was expected to be sanctioned for the disrespect to the whole of House Redfort.

Now, Ayla had come to her father about Gwayne. Lord Edder didn't seem to think that the business with his daughter was as serious as Ayla was presenting it.

"What seems to be the matter Ayla?" Her father asked, the sound of Ayla's nails on the desk must've gotten to him quickly.

"I want to talk about Gwayne, are you going to speak with his father?"

"I will not" his eyes were still trained in the scrolls on front of him, he was more than likely reviewing reports of the latest regiment of soldiers he was sent to train.

"Why not?" She pushed.

"Well, do you have any updates on your end that would prompt me writing Gwayne's father about the betrothal? Something like a marriage proposal"

"I do not" she replied through gritted teeth.

"Then there's nothing to talk about" 

Ayla stood up and sighed in frustration. She has grown accustomed to be given everything, the few times when things didn't go her way often left her in a sour mood.

She knew that Harwin was going to spend the morning with her brothers, who apparently hadn't had enough fighting in the showcase.

Ayla decided then to join Harwin's sisters in the library upstairs, she knew that's where they spent their times in the Redfort. Grayce was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about events in the Vale. Jaena just accompanied her, often letting Grayce read her the words as she worked on embroidery. When Ayla joined, the three girls quickly dropped their chores and got to talking.

Hours passed until Harwin also made his way up, his eyes roaming the library as he looked for the girls, who were sitting outside sharing food and tea, throwing their heads back as they laughed. Harwin found that Ayla shared traits with both of his sisters. She had the kind and often reserved template of Grayce and Jaena's quick wittedness and often explosive temper. 

Once his sisters saw him, they beckoned him to come out to the balcony.

"Harwin look!" Grayce pointed to the horizon excitedly. Harwin walked around their table and stared out, finding the imponent towers of Harrenhal in the distance. The Redfort rose on the top of a mountain, the view it had from the Vale and the nearest road leading to the Riverlands was a great vantage point. The castle of Harrenhal stood unmistakably in the distance, their towers fading in between the low clouds.

"So you've had your eyes on me this entire time" he teased, leaning off the ledge and turning to the table.

"I don't know how I could've, you haven't been in Harrenhal in give or take five years"

"Have I now?" He sat adjacent to Ayla and pulled a clean cup from the center. Ayla was quick to grab the seaming pot and pour some tea to Harwin.

"Yes, you left Harrenhal when your father was appointed Master of Laws"

"Mmm, and how do you know that?"

"I make it my business to know" Ayla hid a little smile behind the cup of tea, sipping the contents shortly before her eyes found Harwin's bandaged hands "I've also heard of your exploits at Princess Rhaenyra's wedding, how you bravely hoisted her to safety"

"Oh, I bet that made you jealous"

"Mighty jealous now that I've met you" Ayla followed his teasing tone with her own one, both of them smiling as they talked.

Grayce pulled the conversation to the illustrated books she'd seen and how they portrayed Harrenhal in it's former glory, making Harwin point out that the castle wasn't all destroyed, there were still parts of it that held the former grandeur of Harren's original vision, including the still intact White Hall where King Jaehaerys I held the Great Council for the succession of his ruling.

Grayce had mentioned something about King Jaehaerys I and his visit to the Redfort, which prompted Ayla to lead her to one of the corners of the library to tell her all about it.

Harwin remained seated next to his sister Jaena, and he knew how dangerous of a place it was.

"Have you asked her yet?" She beckoned as she pulled the chair to sit closer to him, her eyes still trained on the door to mind it for Ayla's sudden presence.

"Ask her what?" Jaena quickly slapped his arm.

"For her hand" she scolded, as if they had any other reason to talk.

"No, not yet"

"And why not? We leave tomorrow at first light"

"I know that"

"Is there a 'but'?"

"Why are you so invested in this?"

"Because I like her" she whined, knitting her eyebrows together "we all do"

Jaena pulled a straight face when Ayla and Grayce walked back in the balcony. Harwin then stood up, greeted the girls and left them to keep talking.

That night, the last night, after Harwin settled his affairs and placed a new log in the fireplace, he sat in the armchair and sighed, knowing that he wasn't going to be sleeping much that night.

His feelings were clear, he realized he wanted Ayla as soon as they shared a first meal upon their arrival at the Redfort. He liked her eyes on his, the soft touches of her fingers on his hand, and when he kissed her in the clearing near the waterfall he made up his mind that nothing would give him such pleasure as to have her all to himself.

The words Gwayne had spoken about the arrangement had only made him lock his feelings and convictions more, and if he had to fight Gwayne to win Ayla's hand then he would be delighted to do so.

He straightened on the chair when he heard the door open, Ayla's figure slipping in between the tiny space she'd open, then she closed the door behind her slowly, not wanting for the heavy locks to make much of a noise amidst the quietness of the night.

She turned, finding his eyes already on her figure. She smiled, slowly walking to him.

Harwin picked up her intentions, clearly noticeable by the way she was just wearing her sheer nightgown, when she stood before him the light of the fireplace behind her accentuated the curves of her body under the garment.

"Couldn't sleep?" He asked, Ayla fisted her gown and leaned in to sit on his lap, his hands quickly found her waist, rounding it with his arm as he pulled her closer, and his other one found the dangerous place between her thighs.

"No, I'm-" she sighed, one of her arms had rounded Harwin's broad shoulders, his other hand touched his chin and jaw lightly "I'm heartbroken because of your departure"

She couldn't look at him in the eyes, Harwin could see the grimaces of her lips as she tried to make her chin not tremble.

"We still have the most fun way of communication, by raven"

Ayla let out a sad chuckle, her forehead coming down to his chin. Harwin pressed his hand along the curve of her waist, going up to her shoulder, then back down.

"I want to have this night with you" she sighed, her head shooting up to ghost her lips with his "and if I have to marry that idiot Gwayne later then I won't care because I will have had this, with you, tonight"

Harwin sighed, swallowing the lump in his throat. He was determined to pull her head up to make his gaze meet with hers, ready to deny her, but when he did so he couldn't. She closed the short gap between their lips, kissing him slowly at first. When he didn't pull her back she ran her tongue along his lower lip.

He heard the straps of her gown slide, and before he could react she pulled her arms out of the sleeves, the soft skin of her back hit his caressing hand, then the softness of her breast collided with the roughness of his own chest.

He inhaled sharply. He hastily pulled them both out of the chair, making Ayla stand on her feet.

His lips left hers long enough to search for the sleeves of her gown, when he looked down and his eyes met her two full breasts, her nipples hard at the arousal, he quickened his moves. Ayla complied and let herself be dressed again, but when she was about to complain to Harwin, her eyebrows already knitted at the middle, he grabbed her jaw and pulled her for a kiss, his teeth nipped at her lips once before pulling away from her again.

"Let's go to another room, one away from my family and yours"

Ayla searched in his eyes questioningly, then took his hand and began walking. She pulled him around the castle and to a stairway, once on the second level, he saw her look at the doors as she passed them, then decided on one and opened it.

The room inside was cold, had clearly been untouched for some time, but the bed was made and there were some thick furs to keep them heated, they would be needing them later.

Once the door was closed and locked behind them, Harwin pulled Ayla for a kiss, one that verged tenderness and roughness. His lips then traveled down to her neck, Ayla's hands found the nape of his neck, her fingers crawling at his back as she pulled herself to be flushed to his body.

It was Harwin who now pulled at the strap that held the gown tight to her chest, then pulled and opened the neck wide enough to slide down the garment all the way down, leaving Ayla naked in front of him.

His big hand cupped her breast, filling his entire hand with it, then his lips found hers again. They walked to the bed, his lips still on hers as Ayla grabbed his shirt and pulled, Harwin diligently put his arms up and was rid of his shirt, leaving it discarded next to her gown.

Harwin placed his hands on her waist and made her lay on the bed, then engulfed her body with his as he towered over her.

"Is this what you want?" He muttered breathlessly on top of her, his lips now traveling down to her neck, Ayla sighed and ran both of her hands over his mass of loose curls.

"Yes" she breathed out "I want all of it, all of you"

He leaned back to sit on his heels, looking at Ayla in all of her naked glory, he raked his hands down the valley of her breasts, then down to her stomach. He then grabbed the back of her legs and pulled them to either side of his body.

"It may not be pleasant at first, but it will pass" he assured, his hands now smoothing down her inner thighs, he felt the skin perk up in goosebumps, then slowly his hand made it's way to her heat, her slit glistening from her arousal.

Ayla stared at Harwin and his imponent figure in between her legs, how he was devouring her with his eyes, how he was surely thinking of all the things he wanted to do to her, when suddenly his thumb lost itself between her folds and traveled up. She inhaled sharply when his thumb moved on top of her most sensitive bud, circling it. Ayla's mouth fell agape, her skin peaking in temperature.

Harwin's thumb began moving faster on her clit, making Ayla gasp loudly, her body reacting making her begin to arch her back at the sudden change of pace. Still, Harwin was not happy with how she was seemingly holding back her pleasure.

He towered over her, one of his hands supporting his weight on top of her as the other kept working on her bud.

"Ayla, look at me" he commanded, Ayla soon opened her eyes, it was a sudden blessing having him so close, she hadn't known what to do with her hands, but now she could press them both to his shoulders, her fingers leaving a white indent on his skin "I wanted us in the furthest away room because I want to hear you" one of his fingers entered her, then curled inside of her making her close her legs around his waist "or am I not making you feel good?"

"You are" she replied instantly, nodding fervently as his fingers began pumping in and out. His lips attacked her neck, deciding that if she wasn't going to let go so easily, he would push her to the edge until she could no longer control herself.

He grabbed her by the waist with both hands and scooted her up on the bed, then dove in and before Ayla could register what was happening, Harwin's tongue raked along her slit, and when it touched her clit she let out a moan, long, one that reverberated through her entire throat.

Harwin's skillful tongue moved fast over her bud, and Ayla soon found the covers of the bed, fisting them as she moaned loudly again, her back arching. She found herself letting out a string of moans that threatened to leave her lacking her voice tomorrow.

In the brief moment she looked down, her hands now finding his curls to fist them, her legs trembled beyond her control. Harwin pressed now two fingers inside of her, and when he curled them to touch the tender spot in her walls, her back arched and she let out a high pitch scream, a short one that stopped when her whole body trembled. Her breathing also quivered as Harwin kept his fingers inside her, the delicious clench of her walls hugged his fingers in a  delicious rhythm.

Harwin straightened himself, once again sitting on his heels, his free hand rubbed Ayla's body, the skin leaving a trail of goosebumps after he caressed her.

"Ayla" he called breathlessly, not from exertion, but because he needed her now. Ayla opened her eyes and lifted her head slightly from the bed, a quiet understanding flashed on her eyes, Harwin understood that he could continue. He leaned over her, his arm propping himself up as his other hand, the one that he took from Ayla's heat, grasped his hardened member, he rubbed the tip on her slit, making Ayla press her hands at his shoulders again, her legs seemed to have a mind of their own, hooking themselves to hug his waist and to pull him closer, eager to finally have him.

She gasped when he entered her in one thrust, his fingers digging into the flesh of her waist as he stood still. Her walls were still clenching at the aftermath of her orgasm, making Harwin grunt as he placed his forehead to her clavicle. Ayla's orgasm hadn't stopped the initial pain of accommodating Harwin's girth to her tight walls, she'd pressed her hands at his sides and unconsciously held him still, as if it would subside the pain, her breath caught up in her throat, but she slowly let it out, relaxing herself at Harwin's caring hands on her waist and legs. When the pressure was bearable, pressing at his sides she beckoned him to start moving.

Harwin began thrusting in long strokes, his member managing to fit even deeper in her, listening attentively to her sighs and whimpers to gauge at how she was.

A moan escaped her at one of his long thrusts, soft and deep at the same time, like it originated from the deepest part of her throat, beckoning him to keep the pace going for the sake of sanity. He then lifted himself and placed his hands at her waist, picking up the pace on short and deliberate moves.

He wish he could have the view he had right now imprinted in his retina, the sight of her closed eyes and open mouth, her full breasts bouncing up and down, her hands now grasping at his forearms, then the most tentalizing sight of them all, his hard cock disappearing in her heat, squeezing it as he pushed inside of her, ripping more and more moans out of her throat.

Her face of pleasure changed as well as her moans, now higher in pitch, Harwin's hands now held hers and pinned them on top of her head. His hips began moving faster, making Ayla press the back of her heels at his lower back, the only way she had to cling to him as he pounded, Harwin was letting out his own soft grunts.

It was too much for Ayla to handle, the decided thrusts, the grip on her wrists preventing her from touching him, her moans echoing along with Harwin's own. She crumbled again, her back arching to meet with Harwin's chest as she came, a cry ripping out of her throat. Harwin's hands loosened the grip, giving Ayla finally freedom to dig her hands at his chest. Her skin became even more electrified when his hands raked her breasts, then up to her throat and back down again in the valley of her breasts.

She was spent, taking deep breaths as she felt her walls tighten around Harwin's cock. She finally opened her eyes, finding Harwin's already looking down at her, darkened with lust.

"Was that good my love?" Ayla nodded dutifully, her hands grabbing his and pressing down at her neck, she needed his hands on her body, the roughness of them to light her up "shall we keep going?"

Before Ayla could answer, he led her arms to round his shoulders, then pressed his own hands at her waist and pulled her off the bed. Now sitting with Ayla straddling his cock, she didn't know she could feel him so deep inside her, but she did. The change of position was enough to restart her wanton moans.

She had him exactly how she wanted him, chest to chest, his arm snaking around her whole back and his other hand guiding her hips in motion, back and forth, rubbing her insides with his cock in new spots. One of her hands clawed at his shoulder, the other one gripped at the loose curls in the back of her head, wanting to keep him close, to have his skin melt with hers.

"Fuck Harwin" she muttered, her lips on top of his, both of them breathing the same heavy air and drowning their moans with each other's mouths.

Ayla felt the change of pace, now both of his hands were leading an impossible fast pace, Harwin's turn to claw his fingers at her waist, surely leaving indents of his fingerprints on her body. Ayla felt an already familiar turn on her stomach, her forehead coming to his shoulder.

"Harwin" she gasped breathlessly, her legs threatening to numb. Suddenly she felt it, he stilled her movements to empty himself inside of her. Ayla hugged herself to him, his orgasm triggering her own, loosing all resolve as she moaned in his ear, her hand fisting at his hair making Harwin grunt, presumably in satisfaction at the mix of hurt and pleasure.

She felt outside of her body, lightheaded, but oh so very satisfied.

When she came to her senses, she was nested in Harwin's embrace, her head laying on his shoulder, covered with thick furs, his hand resting on her waist.

She lifted her head up just a few inches, seeing Harwin also become alert and look down at her with a smile.

"You feel asleep for a second there" he removed his hand from her waist as moved her wild hair out of her face "sleep love, I'll take you to your room before first light"

"Okay" she whispered, then crawled upwards to rest next to him, her forehead meeting his chin as her hand came up to rest at his jaw, her thumb lightly moving back and forth.

The next time Ayla came to her senses, she wasn't in the dreamy position she'd fallen asleep in. She was, sadly, back in her own bed, dressed and wrapped around the covers and sheets of the bed upstairs, her own bed was still made and untouched beneath her.

She quickly sat up when she saw the light outside, fearing that she had missed Harwin's departure. She unraveled the sheets from her body, noticing that one of them held the proof of her lost maidenhead, she balled it and held it to her chest as she looked to see if the other one was tainted. The door opened after a quick knock, leaving Ayla staring expectantly at the figure that would appear.

"Good morning my Lady" one of her handmaidens saluted, carrying a bowl of water and some rags, ones she left on the table near the fireplace.

"Good morning Talya"

"Oh, you've made your bed already" she noted, giving Ayla a quick look and a frown.

"Yes" she fisted the rest of the sheets "my blood moon came early, I was going to take this to wash"

"Don't bother my Lady" she extended her hands and Ayla gave her the sheets "the young ladies, Jaena and Grayce were waiting for you in the hallway, to break their fast with you before they left."

"Oh-" she felt her body loose the tension it was holding, they hadn't left yet "I'll meet them in a minute" Talya nodded, Ayla quickly added "I won't be needing any help with my dress, Talya"

"As you wish" Talya nodded, then headed out.

Ayla's suspicions were right, as soon as she rid herself of her nightgown, maroon dots painted her waist, the grip of Harwin's fingers leaving marks to remember him by.

Ayla changed quickly, not wanting to keep the sisters waiting, then quickly knotted her hair in a high ponytail, a few pieces falling and framing her face, then joined the girls in the hallway.

In the adjacent tower, Harwin harbored a pain in his chest that he at first doubted the reason for. He didn't touch a thing the maids had displayed for them to eat before their departure. Much to his dismay, he crossed glances with his father once, who looked at him with a sympathetic twist of eyebrows.

"You know, Lord Edder is to be in King's Landing in the upcoming month, a fruitful relationship has developed from this little adventure. I'm sure you and Lady Ayla will be able to reconnect then" he offered.

Harwin finally cracked a smile.

"That is not why I'm distraught. I believe lady Ayla and I do not need a longer courting period to gauge out intentions. I am going to ask for Ayla's hand before we leave" his eyes found his father's, gleaming with a certain proudness.

"I must admit I knew that would be the outcome of this trip the first night we had dinner with the Redford's. Lady Ayla is a picture perfect match for you, son"

"Still-" Harwin wished to keep his father's expectations at bay "I didn't say anything because I'm sure she would've insisted in coming to King's Landing with us. Leaving the family home is not something to take lightly"

"It surely is not, I'm glad you're willing to wait" Lord Lyonel stood from his seat and motioned at him to do the same "we should pay Lord Edder the respect of forewarning him your intentions"

Harwin nodded, then stood up from his seat and followed his father around the castle.

As soon as Harwin and Lord Lyonel crossed the door to Lord Edder's office, he smiled and waved his hand around, then placed both of them on Harwin's shoulders.

"There's absolutely no need for this my boy" he said with a smile, Harwin's nervousness dissipating almost instantly "I've raised my daughter to be a strong willed, intelligent and tenacious young woman. She, as you've witnessed, likes to get into a little bit of trouble every now and then. All she needs is for someone to protect her, sometimes from afar, but most important she needs someone to love her"

"I'm willing to do that and more, Lord Edder. If I am ever lucky enough to call myself her husband, she should expect nothing less of me"

"Good" he nodded, patting Harwin's arms reassuringly "I am more than happy to have our houses join" he looked now at Lord Lyonel, who by the look of his face mirrored Lord Edder's happiness.

Harwin only saw Ayla again when she and his sisters walked to the entrance of the castle. Harwin's heart tightened at the sight of her puffy red eyes and nose, she'd clearly been crying and so had his sisters.

He walked to them, Jaena and Grayce understood that they would want a few minutes to themselves. They left Ayla's side and Harwin kept walking with her to the furthest part of the salon, leading to a corridor.

"How are you today?" He asked, glancing down at her. Ayla gave a weak smile.

"Remember at the clearing, when you told me there would be plenty of time for us to make haunting memories together?" Harwin smiled sadly, standing in front of her and slowly raising his hands to her waist "back then I didn't think you were serious"

"Neither was I" he admitted. Ayla's eyes remained on his lips, her hands coming up to lay flat oh his chest. "Ayla"

Her chin trembled, Harwin's forehead came down to touch hers. He held her in his arms, much like he had done the night of Lord Mooton's verbal explosion. Their noses touched, and Harwin heard her unsteady breath as she tried to hold back tears.

"Look at me Ayla" he whispered. Ayla leaned back, took a deep breath and looked at him, almost instantly she blinked and heavy tears fell from her eyes "I promise you, this is our last goodbye"

He saw it, the clear change in her expressive eyes, how they turned to curiosity, then instantly disbelief.

"Next time we see each other, be it days or months from now, I won't let you out of my sight again. If you would have me-" Ayla closed her eyes, her hands crawled to his neck and she pulled his face to hers, foreheads touching "next time we see each other, I will make you my wife, if you'll take me as your husband"

"I will" she answered instantly, her lips meeting his plump ones "I will happily take you as a husband" she whispered over his lips, then kissed him again, now their lips dancing with each other, his tongue slipping into her mouth as one of his hands dipped lower to grasp at her glute.

Ayla startled in his arms and pulled away from the kiss when the hallway erupted in a frenzy of warnings and cheers, both from Harwin's sisters cheering at the both of them, celebrating them on their love, and Ayla's brothers who considered that Harwin had put a little too much passion in the kiss. Ayla was still holding him by the neck, but had managed to crack a good laugh along with Harwin, momentarily distracting them from the sorrow they would feel when they were no longer in each other's sights.

Upon their farewells, Harwin kept a reassuring grip on Ayla's hand as he saluted her brothers. Ayla on the other hand held both of his sister's, her eyes fixating on Grayce as she linked a bracelet at her wrist.

"We bought this at Wickenden. Something to remember us by"

Ayla stared at the thin chains twirling on themselves and painted in red, blue and green, the colors of House Strong.

"I love it" Ayla's hands slipped from Harwin's momentarily to hug Grayce and Jaena tightly "even if I wasn't going to marry your brother, I would've found a way to keep withing your lives. I hold you in a special place in my heart"

When the girls parted from Ayla and walked to the carriage, Harwin pressed his hand on her neck, rubbing his thumb over the curtain of hair and into Ayla's neck.

Ayla took a deep shaky breath and leaned to his shoulder, his hands found hers again and rubbed over her knuckles, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"I'll write to you as soon as I can" he muttered to Ayla, but didn't want to utter a word, fearing that it may launch her tears into overdrive again, she opted for tiptoeing to kiss him, his hand lightly pressed at her jaw, keeping her lips on his for a long but soft kiss.

She held her breath when he pulled back, forcing herself to open her eyes and look at his.

"This better be our last goodbye" Harwin pulled the corner of his lips to a small smile.

"It will be, love" he pressed another quick kiss to her forehead and reluctantly peeled away from her, their hands holding together until the last second. When Harwin turned to walk to his horse, Adrian took Harwin's side next to Ayla and pulled her crying sister to him, Ayla blinked heavy tears as she watched him climb on the horse. He gave a quick glance at Ayla, she forced herself to smile, even though her lips and jaw were locked in avoiding to cry.

Then slowly, the party disappeared into the road. Ayla sighed, running a hand on her cheeks and cleaning it out of the fresh tears that ran on them.

"Congratulations my girl" it was now her father's turn to kiss her on the forehead, then rounded her shoulders with his arm and walked into up the stairs to the entrance of the castle "Ser Harwin is a great match for you, one I'm ashamed I didn't thought of to begin with"

"It's better we made it ourselves, I'm sure Lord Lyonel wouldn't have agreed to the match if it had been set up as a political one" she reasoned, grateful that her father had turned the matter of conversation away from her love's departure.

"We will meet again with the Strongs. I do have some new business in King's Landing, and you'll sure join me then"

"I gladly will, father" she replied with a weak smile.

"And the marriage itself-" Ayla quietly rolled her eyes, mostly to herself.

"You don't waste time, do you?" She quipped, interrupting him.

"The marriage itself will have to be within the next four months. I wish for us to join houses as soon as possible, for your sake and Ser Harwin's"

"And why are you concerned exactly?" She stood before him, blocking him from walking further "do you know something I don't?"

"I know plenty that you don't. Regarding your betrothal, I know that by the way Larys looked at the both of you when Harwin asked for your hand, he wasn't happy"

Ayla thought of the lack of interaction she had had with Larys, he mostly kept to himself or joined Lord Lyonel in the matters he still had to attend as Hand, even from afar. She was glad that her father had kept a keen eye on him and had been looking over her even in her moments of weakness.

"You're afraid he would somehow convince Lord Lyonel of calling off the betrothal?"

"I'm concerned he would plant a seed in the time you and Harwin are away from each other. It doesn't need to be with Lord Lyonel itself, it can be with absolutely anyone who wishes to stir chaos"

"Well-" a sudden smirk painted on Ayla's lips "let him try".

Taglist: @her-fandom-sanctum @mostclevermiss

[blissfulalchemist]

8, 9, 17, 32 for whoever you’re feeling the most rn!

Hi Macy! Thank you for asking! I did both the FFXVI ships for this because they have just been on the brain. Anyway! Enjoy!

8. Who is a morning person? Who is a night owl?

The Trio: Of the three it would be Clídna and Clive that are the night owls but would argue that Clídna stays up the latest. Clídna doesn’t always feel safe at night and it comes from the need to protect and watch, especially in regards to Jill. When the two were in the Iron Kingdom many of the men would try to get into their room at night and have their way. After the first few times Clídna would fake sleep and stay awake to listen out for them so she could either fight them off or take their attention as to save Jill from having to be subjected to it. Fast forward to being in the Empire and there’s still that fear especially since she has to room with all the men and it was just a single room, and because of this was also almost always put on night watch duty when they were sent on missions. Truly Clídna could not sleep more than two to three hours a night until she befriended Clive and the two slept together, she felt safe with him. Clive is a bit more swings between the two states depending on what’s needed, typically if there was no danger he’d be more someone to wake in the mid morning. But he switches to give Clídna time to sleep and relax or to allow Jill to sleep in and rest when it’s needed, and the girls take over when he is need of rest (not that he ever feels inclined to do so willingly). Jill just naturally wakes in the early morning and will take the time to get things ready for her partners and watch over them when on the road. On the road it really works out for guard duty as typically Clídna stays awake most of the night, then Clive does for a few hours until Jill wakes up and he can get a little more sleep until they all have to be up and moving for the day. It’s really only in the Hideaway that they all are on the same schedule in Clídna not being a night owl.

Alma and Joshua: Naturally both are morning people, however Alma took to once again waking often in the night to make sure Joshua is still breathing and alive and doesn’t need any medical intervention. It was a habit started when she was 13 and not long after Joshua had woken up from a coma, she and other attendants had left for the night thinking all was well, but she still took a habit of going in at set times to check on him. During one of those checks she found he had stopped breathing and heartbeat was not as it should be, and while her intervention saved him she took to checking on him every hour to eventually sleeping close to him as to not bother anyone else walking back and forth. It was a habit that died down once he was awake awake, but came in full swing once more when he imprisoned Ultima in his chest. Thankfully though since they share a bed it’s much easier for her to wake do her checks and go right back to sleep. She would do this with other patients too but the only one to really need that kind of checking up on was Clive, but Joshua was also there to help and he insisted for her to rest as much as possible after all that it took on her physically to heal him, though still comprised on her being able to keep a hand on his chest to quickly check pulse and breathing or to at least feel it constantly.

9. Who travels lighter?

The Trio: Jill technically. Like if we’re judging this by the amount of items outside of a standard adventuring bag that’s the same supplies for all of them, it would be Jill. Clive and Clídna have bigger weapons but ones that need a bit more care to them, ie. whetstones. When they first all got together once again Clídna had the most stuff as she was traveling/living on the road and had a kind of second identity when it was needed to make money or just keep people from asking to many questions, it was basically her courtesan attire and make up to help with the scars a bit. Post time skip it’s not needed enough to take with her so it stays back at the hideaway.

Alma and Joshua: Again on a technicality it would be Joshua. Alma always always has to have her family’s journals with her, along with any personal ones she’s working on, and her medicine bag. Because the two along with Jote were always on the move it was imperative that they all travel light and in ways that they could just pick up and go.

17. Who is more competitive?

The Trio: None of them are competitive really, like they all banter and make stupid bets but it’s never serious. Clídna used to be competitive when she was younger having to prove herself but it’s waned significantly and a lot of that has to do with there being other things they need to focus on and just being older.

Alma and Joshua: Neither are competitive in a traditional sense. Joshua really isn’t competitive. Alma though….its more having a need to try and prove herself as being worthy to exist. Born to two Bearers she was seen as a waste of their aether that could have been used for others and their comforts, but then she had the audacity to be born not a Bearer herself well even more of a waste of precious aether. So much of her life kind of revolves around needing to prove she wasn’t a waste which can lead to her seeming more competitive than she is in all reality, more so she ends up with an air of “I’m better than you” arrogance.

32. Who's so affectionate they can't stop touching the other?

The Trio: Jill hands down! She just likes being able to feel that they’re there and they exist and it’s not a dream. Clive and Clídna allow her to, so you’ll often she her holding their hands, arms wrapping around them, and giving them kisses etc in the Hideaway and places of safety. Clive is the one that will be the one to initiate more the hugs and cuddles, putting an arm around them when sitting and enjoying a meal those kind of touches. Clídna due to the trauma doesn’t really see touch as a way to express love, so she initiates any kind of touch the least amount. She will accept it from Jill and Clive though as they both know when things are too much for her, and know how to best approach her with it.

Alma and Joshua: God when these two are able to be open with their relationship they are constantly touching in someway. They will almost always hold hands when walking, her head resting on his shoulder, him holding her from behind, kisses between them, like those two just make up for the many years of limiting that kind of intimacy. Before the safety of being in the Hideaway, it was Alma that had a hard time with it, she was good at keeping it small and only when necessary but god did it kill her to not have the ability to just have that PDA, it was all for good reason but when you can’t even hold hands or feel like it’s safe enough to do in a forest with only your older sister, who totally knows but isn’t gonna say anything, around like it just gets to you. And Alma just lives a life based around touch so she’s much more inclined to initiate and partake in that form of intimacy. All in all though Alma is the one touching him more though and in less subtle ways at times when she’s had a tad too much ale or a glass of wine.

[themollyjay]

Am I The Asshole For Refusing To Die?  (AITA D&D Edition)

First some Background.  When I(25f) was 12 years old, a gang of monster hunters broke into my dad’s lair and killed him.  My mom and I escaped through one of the secret passages he’d built into the lair, while my dad was busy roasting the monster hunters with his lightning breath (dad was a 2000+ year old Bronze dragon).  After my dad was killed, my mom and I ended up settling in a small town with an active smuggler community.  Mom ended up as the top lieutenant to the head of the largest smuggling operation in the city, and I was one of their best forgers, so it was a pretty sweet set up.  Not as nice as living in a dragons lair, but still, we were doing pretty well.  I even got a nice Tiefling girlfriend. 

About 8 years after my dad died, I was out for the night with my girl, and this guy, call him Smugface (fake name) killed my mom, her boss, and all the boss’s lieutenants.  I found out about it the next morning when I found one of Smugface’s goons dumping my mom’s body in the trash outside her boss’s headquarters.  I killed the good and took his gun, then loaded up my mom’s body in a stolen wagon, and buried her next to my dad in his lair.  Then I went back to town, swearing vengeance on Smugface for killing my mom.

The whole experience messed me up.  I broke up with my girlfriend because I thought maybe Smugface hired her to lure me out of position so it would be easier to kill my mom and her boss, and since Smugface took over the smuggling ring, I was out of work, and had to take jobs smuggling stuff across the desert instead of on ships.

Since then, I’ve built up a good reputation as one of the best couriers on the sand sea, but I can’t go more than about four months or so without Smugface sending someone to kill me, which is annoying.  But every time I send a piece of one of his goons back to him to let him know I’ve killed his latest assassin, he acts like I’m the one in the wrong.  I’m like, ‘Hello, they were trying to kill me.  What am I supposed to do, just stand there and not kill them first?’

Seriously, I just sent back the fifteenth assassin’s ears about 6 months, and word on the street at the time was that Smugface upped the price on my head by another hundred gold pieces.  I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong.  Dad always told me that if anyone tries to kill you, you kill them first.  I’m just trying to follow dad’s advice, but after the fifteenth time Smugface has thrown a fit, I’m starting to wonder, Am I the Asshole for non dying?

Edit:  I know I said he usually sends a new assassin once every four months, but the city state we live in got caught in the middle of a civil war, and that’s been taking up most of Smugface’s time, while I’m trying to destroy the death cult that engineered the coup that started the civil war in the first place.

Edit Number 2:  For those who are asking, no, it turns out my girlfriend wasn’t working for him.  I found out recently that Smugface was trying to kill me that night.  Turns out the head of the monster hunter gang was actually one of the leaders of a cult worshiping a death god (same one that started the civil war at home), and they wanted me dead because killing me with break a magic spell that was cast a thousand years ago to imprison their death god.  The GF and I got back together.  We ever have our own flying ship now.  My GF is the captain of the ship, and my other friend and I are leading a coalition of 7 armies to kill the death god.

Edit Number 3:  Guys, the bit about leading an army wasn’t me bragging or anything.  It’s the shittiest job you can imagine.  Long hours, high stress, people trying to kill my all the time (that part isn’t *too* different).  I’m a fucking mailman.  I have no idea what I’m doing, but everyone looks at me like I’m some kind of champion out of the sagas, off to save the world.  I tried to explain that I won the last battle by sitting on the general of the opposing army, but everyone thinks that’s impressive somehow just because I turned into a dragon first.  I’m like, “Hello, my dad was a dragon, how is this not normal?”, but everyone still looks at me like I’m some sort of hero, when all I want to do is crawl in a nice, damp seaside cave and nap for a couple of centuries.

[mbrainspaz]

Still processing the fact that before this job I never had one where I haven't been harassed or abused in some way. I'm still not sure I believe it can last.

It's been over a decade since I started working. My very first job in college I had a coworker who would cuss me out every day at 7am because he didn't want to be there, which wasn't worth the minimum wage pay. At my first office job the boss joked I should dance on a table and coworkers debated how easy it would be to assault me. In 2021 I had a coworker who would show up and follow me around on his time off just to criticize me and call me an idiot. When I tried reporting him the boss defended him and did nothing. So many people treated me like I was stupid and incompetent to the point that they almost had me believing it. Even once I stood up for myself I had to work through 2 years of useless corporate Karens talking down to me like I was a teenage peasant instead of an expert running their whole business from the dirt up. Another coworker made a hobby out of yelling at me every chance he got and trying to stop me from doing my job because he didn't believe it was 'women's work.' Everyone knew he was bullying me and just expected me to cope. Nobody (except one part time high schooler) ever used the right damn pronouns for me. My parting Christmas bonus was the corporate boss making up false accusations in an attempt to get me fired because she effed up the budget.

Now I walk in to work 5 minutes late. There's no time clock. People smile and greet me in the hallway. The department boss gives me a cheery 'good morning!' I settle into my cubicle with the fluorescents turned off and my top end mac they got me with my coffee. An hour later my boss stops by for a chat and we exchange notes on the tasks for the day. He's always the picture of professionalism. He asks me how my horse is doing. I ask him if the latest freak storm destroyed his house. He says it missed. Nice. I spend the next 8 hours doing the 4 hours worth of work I've been given and then drawing or writing my novel. Eventually my cubicle neighbor shows up and we exchange a friendly greeting. Sometimes the gen z girls from social media swing by and ask me if I want to go get coffee. Everybody still gets my pronouns wrong but they correct themselves on the next pass, even my boss's boss who gives me slightly bad vibes. The director stops by to say hi and pet whichever dog I brought into the office with me because that's allowed here. Just before 5 someone taps my shoulder and says there's leftover cake in the break room. The pay isn't making me rich but it's enough for now. I'm not any more or less competent, skilled, manly, valuable, or intelligent now than I was at any other job I've ever had, from the sandwich shop to the last horse stable. If anything I'm applying fewer of my skills than I've ever had to use to get by. Suddenly people see me when I walk past. They want to know my name. They treat me with respect. I did nothing different to 'deserve' this. At most I crossed paths with the right contact at the right time thanks to a funny bumble profile that I designed to ward off christian men.

[freesidexjunkie]

ooh interesting ask meme! maybe "lesson" for sarissa :')

ohhhh this one is good, I've been stewing it in my brain all morning. link to oc ask list here

I think the first big life lesson she learns has to be connected to her leaving her birth clan. She was very young when her magic showed (7/8, had to double check my notebooks). Her clan already had three mages; she couldn't stay. She was luckier than Minaeve, in that she was sent to Clan Lavellan to train as first under their keeper. She was also lucky to be Dalish, so her magic wasn't a stain or a sin or a punishment; rather, it was a very big responsibility.

I'm stuck between "clan Lavellan was luckily close enough to her birth clan and in need of a First, so it worked out very fortunately" and "the arrangement was worked out at the Arlathven." I'm leaning heavily towards the Arlathven; it would be Sarissa's first wide exposure to Dalish culture as a whole, since it only happens every 10 years and she's still younger than that. Lavellan could have recently lost their own first. Or better, they could've just lost their keeper, and Istimaethoriel is brand spanking new in the role and needs a first, or maybe even a second at the beginning. So Sarissa is here as this terrified, shaking child, clutching at her mother's skirts, and what should be an exciting and illuminating first step into the wider world is actually her send off from everyone she's ever known.

It does end up working out well, though. Isti has no family of his own in my headcanon, and he's a very patient and kind teacher, so they form a very tight bond. She doesn't get to see her parents again; that bond just kind of...disintegrates. She was an only child when she left, but she has no idea if she has siblings out there somewhere. She doesn't even remember her parents' names, since she was so young and only ever called them mom/dad (in elvhen ofc but I don't think there's an elvhen word for dad off the top of my head?). I haven't decided exactly where they are or what's happened to them, but I think that's fitting; just like Sarissa knows she has parents but not where they are or why they never reached back out, I don't have a clear idea for why either.

So, long winded explanation, but I think the first lesson she learned was responsibility. She was chosen, by right of her magic, to bear one of, if not the, most important job any Dalish can undertake. Others always come before herself, because she lives to serve them, keep them safe and keep their stories alive. And that's why she falls into the role of Inquisitor so easily after the mark - she has, once again, been given what seems like a divine sign that she has to serve for others. Her life is not hers, and that might have chafed once in a while, but she has never changed that mindset. Is it healthy? No not at all, but who would I be if I didn't give my beloved OCs pieces of my own trauma? ❤️

Thank you so much for asking this and giving me an excuse to ramble about my fav girl 🥺 this really made me think more about her background in ways I haven't before, and I think it adds a really good layer to her story. Adding one of my latest picrews of her post-Inquisition bc I love her and I need to share her with the whole world.

[simslegacy5083]

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 8 Ep. 186: Sweet Success

Luigi’s social disappointment induced urge to focus on his studies and earn early graduation stood him in good stead when finals rolled around.

Even though he’d only been hitting the books for a little while that hard work enabled him to get the highest scores on his exams. He was sure that he was well on his way now to being able to put high school drama behind him for good and move onto better things.

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

On prom night his cousin Denton invited Luigi to a sleepover at the family’s ranch and nectar farm in Chestnut Ridge.

The boys had a great time hanging out, drinking juice, and playing videogames until the wee hours of the morning.

Luigi decided he was glad Haylee had turned him down – he was sure he’d had more fun hanging out with his cousin than he would have making small talk with a bunch of Sims he didn’t really like in the stuffy school auditorium.

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

Luigi had avoided Haylee and her friends since the “prom incident”, no longer feeling safe and happy hanging out with them.

When he heard Haylee and the other computer club kids spreading nasty rumors about things the new girl, Isra, had supposedly done at her old school he was suspicious. Thinking of his Papa’s advice about verifying the truth and not prejudging folks, he quietly asked for more details.

Looking at the story critically the way his detective parents had taught revealed the rumors to be amateur tales fabricated to be amusing at the expense of an easy target. The injustice infuriated Luigi far more than the rudeness he’d endured, and he publicly called out Haylee and Mauricio for their part in making the new girl feel unwelcome. He now wondered if there had been some similar incident behind Haylee's fight with Bryon that had introduced him to the club.

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

Luigi’s good deed seemed to have made him a new friend. Isra began seeking out his company during free periods. Haylee had never done that!

He and Isra didn’t have many interests in common, but it was nice to have a friend who really seemed to enjoy his company (and didn’t come with problematic friends and tendencies). She wasn’t bad looking either, although he was too busy rushing graduation to try starting a relationship just then.

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

Sure enough, in no time Luigi was called into the principal’s office and learned that all his hard work had paid off.

When Ms. Kane offered him the opportunity to graduate early, he didn’t think twice before accepting. One new friendship wasn’t enough to make him want to stick around Cooperdale! Besides, if Isra turned out to be more than a friend of convenience, they could always see each other outside school.

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

When he got home that afternoon Peachy insisted on taking the household out to celebrate. After a pleasant evening at the theater Luigi made his way to the side yard to spend some time with Papa Jack, telling him all about his latest achievement and his plans for the future.

Up in his room Luigi did one final thing before bed. As an early graduate he was eligible to apply to university. He filled out the forms, crossing his fingers that his grades and high-level programming skill would be enough to get him into Foxbury’s distinguished computer science degree program.

He drifted off to sleep dreaming of his graduation with top marks from Foxbury. He couldn’t wait to show the world what he could achieve!

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

Want To See More? View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[jammie3132]

Fandom: Glee Pairing: Blaine Anderson & Sebastian Smythe Summary: Sebastian Smythe decides to check out the location of his next movie, a carnival in a small coastal town. He’s a million miles away from anything he’s ever known until…“Hi everyone! He’s Sam, I’m Blaine and we’re McKinley! Let’s get this party started!” Note: 10 Days of Seblaine 2023 Day 8: McKinley

Sebastian made a checklist when he moved to Hollywood, 10 Steps to the A-List. He knew this was no different than thousands and thousands of other wannabe actors, but he was Sebastian Smythe. When he put his mind to something, he always got what he wanted. There was that one time, but he’s moved past it…well, maybe someday.

Not only did he have the determination to accomplish his goals, he had the desperation. The day he graduated from Dalton he skipped the traditional parties for his own pity party. The only invitee was a bottle of Courvoisier. He’d had a ball in the pit of his stomach for months…and no, it had nothing to do with that fucking proposal! Ok, he wasn’t as past it as he wanted to admit.

That whole week he wondered what his emotions would be watching the over-the-top spectacle. Jealousy was nowhere on his list (he liked lists). He wasn’t jealous of Hummel (maybe a little). He was jealous of Blaine.

Blaine Anderson saw his future and was happy.

When he saw his future, he saw 7 years of Ivy League Undergrad and Law School, followed by 10 years working his way to partner. During that time, he’d have a continuous stream of hook-ups until he found a (parent approved) man to marry. By the time he was 45 he’d have his own practice, two beautiful, adopted children (boy and girl of course), a loveless marriage, a “boyfriend” on the side and a drinking problem.

In other words, he’d become his father…substitute wife for husband and no adoption. Although, he wasn’t sure if his father’s side piece was a mistress or mister.

Sebastian Smythe saw his future and wanted to vomit.

And he did (several times) during his post-graduation pity party. The next morning, he did both the bravest and stupidest thing he’d ever done. He emptied all his bank accounts (he wasn’t that stupid) and left everything he’d known behind. He had no idea what he was doing or where he was going. He just knew someday he wanted to experience the same joy Blaine had the day of his ridiculous proposal.

He never expected to land in Hollywood, but he did. And 3 years later, he never expected to be Hollywood’s latest “It” boy (despite what he told everyone). His 10 Steps to the A-List checklist worked to perfection. He was currently on schedule, beginning Step 7 Oscar-bait Indie Movie. That’s how he found himself on the coast of some state he didn’t remember the name of, in a hotel he’s sure he saw once in a horror movie.

He’d known from the beginning Indie was code for no money. On the bright side it also meant shoots were shorter than usual. The superhero movie he’d just finished shooting was four months. This one was six weeks, technically seven for him.

But it was of his own choosing. His latest fuck buddy had begun an incremental move into his house and thought he didn’t notice. That was the end of that, and he was off to, he really should remember the name of this state. Avoiding scandal, especially ones involving the words gay or love, was #1 on his Road to the Oscars list.

The downside of being a week early was no one else from the cast or crew was in town. He’d met them and they were all nice enough (for 6 weeks). But right now he was bored and the pay-for-porn channel only had that hetero crap. He was so desperate he put on his movie star pretending to be tourist disguise of hoody, cargo shorts, sandals, sunglasses and baseball cap and headed out to the seaside carnival where the majority of filming would take place. His character operated the Ferris Wheel. He should probably at least ride one before filming began.

Problem was he was afraid of them…traumatic childhood experience.

He’d walked around for less than 15 minutes and already felt like he’d been transported to an alternate universe. He was a million miles from everything he’d ever known.

Hi everyone! He’s Sam, I’m Blaine and we’re McKinley! Let’s get this party started!

His alternate universe joke had become a reality. No way in hell was Blaine fucking Anderson at a seaside carnival in, he really should remember the name of this state, on a stage singing country music with the guy who was his best friend in high school.

At least the name McKinley made more sense.

They were good…really good. The music was upbeat, not too twangy although Sam (he finally remembered) had a couple moments and the two of them were giving one hell of a performance.

Again…what the fuck were they doing at a seaside carnival in, he really should remember the name of this state.

When their current song ended, Sam and the band went behind the curtain while Blaine grabbed an acoustic guitar. He was going to sing a solo while everyone else took a break. The alternate theory had exploded into a multiverse.

He should get rid of the mindset from his previous movie before next week. Indie also meant limited retakes.

Hey everyone! You having a good time? (*cheers*) Great! While the rest of the guys are taking a break, you’re stuck with me (*laughter*). Since it’s just me and my guitar I’m going to take this down a notch. I wrote this song a couple years ago but it will be on our album…dropping in three weeks (*laughter*). Can't blame a guy for a random promotion drop. Expect a few more, Sam and I are really proud of what we put together. T he title of this song is The Song Remembers When.

I was standing at the counter I was waitin' for the change When I heard that old familiar music start

It was like a lighted match Had been tossed into my soul It was like a dam had broken in my heart

After taking every detour Gettin' lost and losin' track So that even if I wanted I could not find my way back

After drivin' out the memory of the way things might have been After I'd forgotten all about us The song remembers when

Since Blaine was here, and not in NYC, it was obvious something happened between him and Hummel. No way would old Gayface be caught dead in, he really should remember the name of this state.  But Blaine's song made their split sound amicable, although a little sad. If he had to guess, the outcome was the best Blaine could have hoped for.

He would’ve predicted a trainwreck.

“Hey, come with me.”

There was a big guy with a security badge next to him. He should be more aware of his surroundings. “Why would I do that?”

“Blaine thought you might like to watch from the wings before someone recognized you.”

“Oh…ok.”

He had no idea how Blaine recognized him standing in the back, in his lame disguise while putting on a hell of a show but he didn’t care.

When they made it to the stage, big security guy pointed to a stool he could sit on and watch. He’d missed the rest of Blaine’s song but he and Sam were switching places. So, after he grabbed a bottle of water, Blaine fucking Anderson was standing in front of him.

“I’d give you a hug but I’m already sweaty. The humidity is ridiculous.” Blaine froze except for his free hand going to his head. “Oh my God, you’ve never seen my real hair. I swear, it’s usually not this bad. The humidity...”

Sebastian shook his head and laughed. This was the Blaine Anderson he’d remember when he let his thoughts drift…not the depressed mess the Warblers tried to lure back to Dalton. “I think your curls are great. Very you, well, this you.”

“Yeah, not what you expected, huh? But to be fair, I never expected to watch Sebastian Smythe become a movie star. Here to film something?”

“Yes, but it’s a long story. I’m assuming Blaine Anderson, country music singer is a long story as well.”

“When I’m done here, and take a shower, you want to swap stories?”

“I’d love to. One thing though, I have to ride the Ferris Wheel.”

It was another hour until the concert was over, and if the crowd had their way it would’ve been another hour. Blaine and Sam sang beautifully both together and individually, but their performance was next level. High energy the entire time, except when they purposely slowed it down with a ballad. And they played the crowd perfectly, having them singing along with the covers and laughing at the banter between songs.

He had no doubt McKinley would be playing much larger venues in the near future.

Big security guy took him to where the buses were parked to wait for Blaine to shower and change. A few minutes later Sam came out of the tour bus, shirtless and drying his hair with a towel.

Hello abs!

“Blaine’s fixing his hair” Sam told him as he sat in one of the other chairs set out for them. “If he’s not out here in 5 minutes, I’ll send Jackson in to get him.”

“Jackson?” Sam pointed behind him “Oh, big security guy.”

“That is true.” A member of the crew handed Sam water. “Want one?”

“No thanks. I don’t want anything on my stomach, even water.”

“Does it have something to do with the Ferris Wheel? Blaine said that’s the one thing you had to do.”

Sebastian hadn’t spoken of his childhood trauma in years but for some reason he wanted to. “I threw up the first time I rode one. I managed to lean forward, it fell toward the ground and landed on my grandmother’s head. I haven’t been on one since."

“Don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand.”

Blaine Anderson was standing at the bottom of the steps to the bus, smiling as big as he did the day of the proposal…and Sebastian Smythe had never been more confused.

But he didn’t care. “I’ll take you up on that, Killer.”

“Then let’s do this now. Have you seen the chocolate covered caramel apples? They look delicious.”

“Did you have to mention food?”

Sam laughed and reached across to grab Sebastian’s shoulder. “I’ve got him B. You better get his hand now and not let go. He’s playing the Flash in his next movie. The guy’s a runner.” Blaine stuck out his tongue at his friend but took his suggestion. “Don’t stay out too late” he called out as they left. “We’re leaving for Indiana at 5AM!”

This time Blaine turned around to give Sam a middle finger.

By the time they arrived at the Ferris Wheel, Sebastian’s cover had been blown. But after the McKinley concert, Blaine was just as popular. One of the operators got them through the line and into a car as soon as the crowd began to close in around them. The whole thing was so chaotic, they were halfway to the top before Sebastian noticed they were moving. “Hey, this isn’t bad.”

“Good because when you had your eyes closed, I asked the operator to give us three trips around. Don’t worry, I’m not letting go of your hand.”

“Ok, ok, as long as you hold my hand, I can do this.”

When they were done the crowd was gone. It was replaced by an older gentleman holding two chocolate covered caramel apples. “Mr. Smythe, my name is Jim Yearwood. I’m the Mayor of Seaside. I apologize for earlier and I promise the citizens of Seaside will respect your privacy while you are here.” Then he handed Blaine the apples. “Mr. Anderson, I was told you requested these. Please accept them as part of our apology. And Mr. Anderson, McKinley is more than welcome to play here anytime. That was the best concert we’ve ever had here.”

After he left, Sebastian watched Blaine bring out his new McKinley (the duo...not the school) Blaine smile “What’s going through that head of yours Anderson?”

“The ocean! Come on!”

As Blaine pulled him toward the sound of the waves, Sebastian only had one question. “You want to eat these sticky monstrosities in the sand?”

“Part of the charm. Don’t tell me you’ve turned into one of those diva movie stars.”

“Excuse me, but Sebastian Smythe was a diva long before Hollywood."

The beach was remarkably empty making it easy to find a piece of driftwood big enough for them to sit on. Sebastian tried to get comfortable, but Blaine didn’t join him. He kicked off his sandals and began dancing around while eating his apple. “Oh my Goooood! This is even better than I imagined it would be. Try it. Sorry, is your stomach upset?”

“No, my stomach is fine. I think you saved me from the memory of my childhood trauma. I’m debating whether or not there would be a dentist around here competent enough to fix my teeth when I break them on this thing.”

“Shut up!” Blaine sat down, closed his eyes and inhaled. “I love the smell of the ocean. It’s my favorite smell in the whole world.”

“The ocean?”

“I’ve always been fascinated by it. When Sam and Cooper forced me to go to LA, we rented a house on the beach for a month. It was amazing.”

“You were in LA? When?”

“Ummm…almost 2 years ago.” Blaine took another bite of his apple then reluctantly sat it down. “I could eat the whole thing, but I catch up on sleep during long bus rides so I don't need the sugar high. 

Sebastian finally took a bite of his. It might have been the most delicious thing he’d ever eaten. But he was here for 6 weeks and Blaine was leaving in a few hours. He could have another one later. “Where are you going next?”

“Indiana.”

“Another carnival?”

“No, circus. It's Brittany and Santana’s wedding. Get this, they’re getting married in a barn.”

“Santana Lopez, Satan herself, is getting married in a barn…in Indiana?”

“Brittany tried to explain why but I’m out of practice deciphering her Brittany-isms. I’ll ask someone when we get there.”

Sebastian wondered if Blaine realized he’d left him a mile wide opening to ask about Kurt.

“Are you going to ask me about Kurt?”

“Your song told me everything I need to know.”

“My…?” It took a while, but when Blaine figured out what Sebastian was referring to he began to laugh, hard. “You thought The Song Remembers When was about Kurt?”

“Don’t laugh. From everything I'd been told, and then reluctantly watched, he was the only person you ever loved. But, I’ll admit, the thought of him letting you go amicably didn’t feel right.”

“Because he didn’t. He ended our engagement at a sidewalk café in the pouring rain. And no, not for the same reason as the previous time. He said I was smothering him.”

“He…he…what?”

“You heard me. I became depressed again, big surprise. It was so bad I was cut from NYADA. Sam and Cooper came to NYC the next day, packed my bags and put me on a plane to LA.”

Do not say I Told You So! “So, that song was definitely not about Kurt.”

"After drivin' out the memory of the way things might have been…the might have been isn’t about a relationship gone bad. It’s about a relationship I never had, that if I had given it the chance, it might have been great. Come on, I want to put my feet in the water before we go.”

And they did, talking the entire time. Sebastian told the story of leaving home due to fear of becoming his father, his10 Steps to the A-List checklist and he was in South Carolina (Blaine told him) for #7. And to his disbelief, he told Blaine why he was there a week early.

For Blaine it was how he and Sam were discovered at a karaoke bar in LA, how the label wouldn’t let them name the band Blam so they went with McKinley, how incredibly proud they were of their album, and how this stop was added at his request to get him in the right mindset for the wedding. He’d heard rumors Kurt wants another chance.

“I’m worried he’ll cause a scene at the wedding. I almost didn’t go because of that.”

“What changed your mind?”

“Santana would send his wardrobe through a wood chipper then cut off his balls if Kurt did anything to ruin Brittany’s big day.”

“That is true.”

The sun was long gone but the night was clear. The moon and stars were giving off enough light they could see they had walked in a circle and were back at the driftwood. Sebastian motioned for Blaine to take a seat. Even though they'd talked for what was probably hours, there was one more thing he wanted to tell him before he had to let him go.

“I vividly remember your proposal to Hummel.”

“Oh, Sebastian…”

“I was jealous of you that day.”

Blaine held up his hands to get him to stop. “Are you telling me you were in love with Kurt?”

“Oh, hell no! I was jealous of how happy you were. You could see your future and didn’t feel your insides twisting in knots. Blaine, you were the reason I had the guts to leave Ohio and never looked back. If I stayed, the only future I was looking at was becoming my father. Someday I wanted to smile the same smile you had that day.”

“For all the good it did me.”

“I didn't mean to upset you. What I'm trying to say is your smile today was 10 times better than the one you had back then. It's because now when you look at the future, it's one you're building for yourself. Did you, or anyone, think it would be as part of a country music duo? Pretty sure that answer is no. That's why it's perfect. You're not trying to mold your life into someone else's future anymore...except Sam. If you want McKinley to be as successful as I think it can be, you and Sam should be on the same page. And now I'm rambling."

Blaine blushed (thank you darkness) and fought the urge to kiss him. "Sam calls us platonic life partners. Anyone we wind up with has to accept we're a package deal...except for the fun stuff."

"Damn!"

“Ah…you like me.”

Sam’s voice shook them out of the bubble they’d made for themselves. “Sammy, why are you and Jackson here?” Blaine asked, not hiding his annoyance.

“I told you we’re leaving at 5AM. It’s 3AM. Thanks for not being too hard to find. Jackson is going to take Sebastian back to his hotel. Better safe than sorry.” He'd prepared 12 premium level zingers to embarrass his bestie. Finding him like this…he’ll save them for the ride to Indiana. “We’ll give you a minute.”

Blaine and Sebastian didn’t know how to react to how late it was, but they didn’t have time to dwell on it.

"Thank you for helping me ride the Ferris Wheel."

"Thank you for listening to me bitch about Kurt. Sam probably thanks you too."

"You're going to do great at that wedding."

"You're going to be great in your movie."

"McKinley will be on top of the charts in no time."

"Thank me in your Oscar speech."

"I'm not saying goodbye."

"I'm not saying goodbye."

Despite both of them thinking about it the entire evening, they didn't share a kiss. That was until Sebastian was getting in the car to take him to his hotel and Blaine called out for him to stop.

It wasn't a grand movie cliché, it was a simple peck on the cheek. But that wasn't what mattered. What mattered was what Blaine whispered before he did it.

“I was standing at the counter…I was waitin' for the change…When I heard that old familiar music start. That song, the one that made me think of someone. Someone who if I'd given him a chance, we might have been great together? That song was Uptown Girl.”

[spookyshipperfics]

Darkened Skies

Find it: a03 / Fandom: The X-Files / Rating: Explicit

Tagging @today-in-fic

What is it About? Scully and Mulder help out Skinner when bird attacks derail his vacation to a seaside cottage. Everything changes after they are forced to take cover in a phone booth.

Read a Sample:

It is 8:07 on a Monday morning. Mulder wants to tell Scully she looks beautiful, but instead, he tells her about the birds. Flapping, deranged clusters of them flood the skies in a nearby town. Typically, eye rolls and projector slides would follow, but this time the intel comes from Skinner himself.

It is not a case; it’s a request from Skinner’s personal phone. The assistant director’s rare vacation to a seaside cottage had been derailed by unruly birds. The FBI’s basement freaks the only two people willing to entertain him, despite his insistence that it is not an X-File.

“I guess he really missed us,” Mulder quips, earning him a small smile.

By 10:00, they are in the car. Scully sits in the passenger’s seat, rifling through the overnight bag she keeps on hand for such occasions. Manicured fingers parse through silk pajamas, underwear, bras—lacey, pretty things glimpsed only from the corner of his eye. The softer side of her she tries to conceal from him.

His thoughts are dirty, distracting, but they keep him busy. They reach their destination just after noon.

*

A children’s birthday party is the unlucky target of avian violence. An overturned cake litters the ground with icing. Balloons are tangled in trees. A lone party hat blows across the lawn like a bizarre tumbleweed. Mulder has barely left Skinner’s side since they arrived. Local law enforcement fills them in on witness testimony. The reports are all the same.

They came out of nowhere.

They attacked unprovoked.

You could barely see through the swarm.

A nearby farmer turns up next. Drawn to the scene by the commotion and glow of police sirens. He explains his chickens haven’t been eating. That something seems strange about the latest batch of feed.

Skinner’s off to collect a sample, his cell phone glued to his ear. Mulder stays behind, watching Scully tend to the children awaiting medical attention. Most of the injuries are minor. Pecks and scratches that bleed more than they hurt.

One little girl cries as Scully holds a washcloth to her cheek. For the second time that day, Mulder sees the softer side of his partner. A side that makes silly faces and tells stories with animated exuberance.

Soon giggles replace tears. When Scully removes the washcloth, the little girl peers back with glistening eyes. At that moment, Mulder knows that he and this child have one thing in common—they are both in awe of Dana Scully.

*

They park in the town center. Storefronts and the sparkling sign of a movie theater are a welcome change of scenery after torn party streamers and crying children. Mulder spots the police station next to the towering steeple of a church.

They are halfway across the street when he notices the crows. Perched in trees and crowded on telephone lines. He hurries Scully along, his hand on her lower back. Dozens of cold, black marble eyes watch their every move.

The church bell tolls.

The birds’ feathers rustle in a frightening orchestra. When the bell rings again, the birds take flight.

Mulder and Scully run, arms swinging wildly as the birds surge around them. He grabs Scully’s hand, diverting to a phone booth and slamming the door shut.

The phone booth is tight and cramped. He is so close to Scully that he can smell her. Swirls of floral perfume. Even in the face of danger, he wonders if she did it for him. Outside perils come secondary to the inner workings of her mind, her feelings, her well-being. The crows swarm around them, dark and menacing. They blot out the sky like a feathery storm.

The sound is the worst part. Fluttering. Flapping. Caws and squawks that are both threatening and panicked. One slams into the glass with a sickening crunch. Scully moves for her weapon, but he steadies her arm before she can reach her holster.

Together, they wait. They watch. Another crow collides with the phone booth. The glass cracks. Scully stumbles backward, and his arm moves around her middle on instinct.

“It will hold,” he assures her.

It’s not until the swarm clears that he realizes his groin is against her curves, her back almost flush against his chest. At some point, her fingers had found a vice grip on the arm encircling her waist.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

The hold on his arm relaxes as she gives him the standard “I’m fine, Mulder” response. She doesn’t move, though. Neither of them does. The excuse of adrenaline is enough to keep them frozen in place. The fear that one of them could have been hurt allows them to stay like that for longer than they should.

*

Blue skies have been replaced by the purple coolness of dusk. The cottage Skinner had whisked Arlene to for a romantic getaway has two extra guests. Mulder helps Skinner board the windows before sitting down to dinner.

Scully’s blue eyes travel across Mulder’s face, lingering on his lips. Her gaze is like a lightning strike, fierce and bright. He wonders if Skinner can feel the crackle of electricity from across the table. If the assistant director does, he gives nothing away. Small talk and the clanking of silverware fill the silence.

When Skinner and Arlene depart for bed, Skinner shows Scully upstairs to the guest room. Mulder is left downstairs, banished to the couch the same way he was banished to the basement.

Somewhere in the twilight of sleep, creaking on the stairs alerts him. For a moment, the shuffling of feet mimics the flapping of wings. His eyelids flutter open only to find Scully standing above him.

“Mulder.” Her voice is soft, barely above a whisper.

They must have started swarming again. Why else had she appeared in front of him? He knows Scully better than that, though. He knows her voice, her infliction. This isn’t an exclamation; it’s a question. An inquiry about what had started five years ago when they first locked eyes. A flash of destiny. A hint of love. He knows his next words count, so he keeps them simple.

He takes his chance. “Come here.”

Read the Rest: a03