#I drew riley a long time ago

[nekoanything]

ゲンさん実装おめでとう！！！🥳💕🎉

Riley welcome to pasio !!!🥰✨💕

[qwimchii]

i was hoping to put forward a request, if that’s okay? 👉🏻👈🏻 angst (or hurt/comfort?) and smut with ghost? and i’m totally not projecting here but — reader has a hard time finishing, either by themselves or with someone? and when they’re with someone, they get so worried about taking too long and not being able to finish or even feeling good and they apologize for taking too long and it dissolves into them crying and apologizing more and mentioning how they think they’re broken and there’s something wrong with them and it kinda makes them think ghost will leave for someone else because that’s what everyone else has done and basically just ghost being soft and sweet and understanding and taking his time with reassurance and praise and yeah… gonna go hide now 🥲

𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 — 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘺

𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘹 𝘤𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯!𝘧𝘦𝘮!𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺 — 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘤 — 5k

𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦 — 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘧𝘧, 𝘴𝘮𝘶𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵

𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴/𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘴 — 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵, 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘮!𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘬, 𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘴, 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺, 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵/𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥…

note: omllllll!!!! 💞 i am so sorry for taking so long to write this request but this is so sweet and cute 😭 thank you sm for requesting!! ><

pt 2, pt 3

Simon Riley had been your boyfriend for maybe a month now. or maybe two weeks. or maybe three months, you decided finally, sipping your water with closed eyes, willing the frustrated bounce of your knee to settle.

of course, picking your head up and looking at the entrance of the restaurant one last time, that frustration redoubled, and you watched your knee bounce with a mind of its own.

setting the drink back on its coaster, you drew random patterns into the floral tablecloth with a pout. Simon had chosen this restaurant. Simon had initiated communication with you—mindblowing as it was—just last night when you were scrolling through instagram in bed. 

the notification had ballooned over a post of an old friend from college traveling in europe, and immediately, you had squealed, pressing your phone to your chest to stop the race of your thrumming heart. you made yourself count out two minutes—at least two, before you responded.

— Dinner tmrw at the diner on 6th ave?

— sure!! good to hear from you :))

— what time??

— 7.

it was curt, it was short, it was sweet, but it gave you all the motivation you needed to power through the day and weasel your way into the diner, earlier to the occasion than usual. now, it was half past seven. now, you were playing with the tablecloth of the booth and feeling stupid and sorry for yourself.

stupid because you had sorely missed Simon since he went radio silent for over a month. sorry for yourself because you had thought you were at least close enough for him to text you beforehand.

definitively, you knew you had met the brit five months ago when he moved into the empty apartment adjacent to your own. he crowded every entrance he stood in, so massive and hulking when the elevator doors that you startled with a squeak, dropping the cardboard box and all the items scattering out over the carpet floor.

you had flushed with embarrassment, whole body heating up as you scrambled to stuff all the items back into the box with a string of apologies. he had dropped to your side without a word, putting back a pair of socks, your old band t-shirt from high school, and tennis shoes that had gone gray with discoloration. he hadn’t even bothered to one-over your personal items, but you were scrambling for an explanation anyway.

“donations for vets,” you said with nervous laughter. “i donate every year.”

“vets?” he reiterated, and you looked up into his face, eyeing the black surgical mask on his face carefully, brown eyes a murky kind of gray-ish beneath blonde eyebrows and his hood drawn up above that. 

“mhmm,” you squeaked, suddenly wary of the stranger in front of you.

when he said nothing more, you asked him, “any veterans in the family?”

then he just stared at you and you blushed, feeling stupid for saying anything at all but—

“my grandfather,” he said slowly. “and my great grandfather.”

“nice,” you choked out, unsure what to say as you searched the carpet of the last of your remnants.

then, he added, “i’m in the military as well.”

just when you were about to bolt, intimidated by the sheer size of him and his eerie unfamiliar presence in your apartment complex, it was like he read your mind to introduce himself.

“Simon Riley. new neighbor.”

you nodded slowly, giving him your name back and edging your fingers under the cardboard box, heaving it up into your arms.

“nice to meet you,” you said, giving him a weak smile from over the top of the box. he tilted his head at you, eyes flitting from the box to you.

when a prolonged silence ensued, you turned on your heel and stepped toward the elevator before you jerked around again.

“thank you for your service,” you squeaked, scurrying toward the elevator and feeling awkward when he just watched you from the hallway. you waved as the doors closed, watching him slip his hands into the pockets of his jeans. 

with one long look, he turned and prowled down the hallway.

that was five months ago. two months later, after endless awkward encounters of wordless greetings with him, the plumbing in your bathroom sink had exploded, flooding the floor in a puddle of water and spraying over the front of your white dress.

in a panic, you went to your next door neighbor Simon who opened the door upon your third set of rapid knocks.

you looked up to his massive form in the entrance, suddenly aware of how the front of your soaked dress had become sheer when you asked him to help you. 

he helped. and then you asked him to get drinks at the bar around the corner as a thank you. then when that became a regular occurrence, things just got more confusing.

it felt exclusive. maybe. you thought it felt exclusive when a man approached you in the bar, gearing up for a casual conversation with a sly smirk, but Simon was always at your back in an instant, a large, warm hand on your waist and his words in your ear.

she’s taken.

your mind spun after the first time it happened. taken?

whirling around on your heel after the man left with a low grumble and scowl, Simon just blinked down at you from behind his surgical mask, squeezing your waist with both hands before he was sinking back down into his seat, hulking as he leaned over the bar.

when the same happened a few more times, you didn’t question it, thinking it was maybe just a perk of the friendship. he staves off a couple creepy men at the bar and you pay for drinks. 

or at least that’s how you thought it worked until he started sliding his card across the counter to the bartender to claim the tab before you could even get a word out.

you were especially confused when he knocked at your apartment door one night. you opened it to find him void of the hoodie usually slung up and over his head, blonde hair hanging down his forehead, and a black shirt in its place. that’s when you saw the thick black ink winding down the tattoo sleeve of his arm, and your eyes darted over it with a blush, before you were inviting him in.

he had smelled something baking, he clarified, craning his neck into the kitchen. that made you giddy because you hadn’t taken him for someone nosy, but you entertained it nonetheless, assuming he just had an insatiable sweet tooth for cookies.

another part of you hoped he just had a sweet tooth for you.

then the baking became a regular occurrence. you’d bake him all sorts of sweets while he watched you from the little table in your kitchen, staring from behind that black mask of his while you prattled about your day and he took it all in silently. somewhere along the way, after so many nights of him chewing behind the mask, he ditched it completely, and you could watch him devour your brownies in a few bites without the annoying fabric in the way.

the new schedule had become very regular until it was baking night and he didn’t show up to your door. rolling the tenseness from your shoulders, you sent him a quick text, saying you would bring over the sweets in the morning to his apartment.

when he didn’t respond to that, a little nervous bubble of anxiety rooted in your chest. you found out from your landlord days later that Simon would be away for work, and that hurt more than you wanted it to. if he had taken the time to at least notify your landlord, he could’ve done the same for you… couldn’t he?

unless he didn’t think about you that way. but you were so sure—from the quick glances you shared, his gentle touches as he brushed past you in your kitchen, or the possessive grip on your waist at the bar, or just the way he was so relaxed around you meant something.

those were your thoughts that ran in circles as you sat at the diner booth. the waiter checked on your table every once and a while, sending you nervous glances ever since you said that you had a date… or a friend. or something like that.

you felt stupid for accepting Simon’s proposal so quickly, even after he had ghosted you for weeks. even then, you had dolled yourself up anyways, picking out the new dress you got last weekend and doing your hair and makeup. you buried your face in your hands, not looking up when you heard the chime of the diner opening.

when you heard a familiar, low and grating accent, your head snapped up to see Simon standing by the entrance and talking to the waiter, gesturing to you as the waiter just nodded.

Simon strode over to you, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder and dressed in his military fatigues, half his face behind in a black surgical mask.

you couldn’t help the gasp that escaped you when you reached your senses, heart soaring as you scrambled to stand. your hands twitched against the table when he stopped in front of you, dropping his duffle bag to the floor.

had he come straight from the airport? for you? you felt like your mind was spinning, but you forced it to still, desperately not wanting to jump to any strange conclusions…

swallowing down your thoughts, you said slowly, “it’s been a while.”

looking up into his murky brown eyes had never been so comforting.

“it has,” he affirmed, hands clenching and unclenching by his sides.

for a long moment, you both just stood there in silence, staring at each other and unsure what to do.

eyes darting down to his torso, you could feel the warmth of his body in the close proximity, and you felt so tempted to just touch him.

you outstretched a hand to brush over his clothing, and when he didn’t move away, you pressed your knuckles into his abdomen, amazed to feel him solid and real. then you wrapped yourself around his torso, giving him a tight hug, cheek pressed against his strong chest.

immediately, he engulfed you, squeezing you back.

“missed you,” you admitted, screwing your eyes shut.

you felt his nose press into the crown of your hair. “m’sorry m’late, love.” 

“s’fine,” you sniffled, feeling stupid when tears pricked up in your eyes. when you pulled back, you swiped at them with the back of your hand, startled when he reached forward to brush his fingers across your wet cheeks, squishing the chub of your face lightly.

he looked at you with such a softness that you almost melted, feeling nervous because you had never seen him look at you like that before.

then, as you both slid into the booth, you chided him in between sniffles, “don’t do that to me again.”

don’t leave me in the dark again, was what you meant, and you knew he understood what you meant when he nodded curtly.

the dinner went smoothly. more than you could imagine. or maybe you were just overwhelmed with the exhausting joy that Simon was still just the same since before he left two months ago—lowly grunted non-verbal responses as he munched on a platter of fish and chips, stealing a couple of your fries after he devoured his plate at a startling pace, and some rumbles of half-sentences, leaning on his elbow as he watched you ramble with excitement and sip on your milkshake every now and then.

when you accidentally got a smidge of whipped cream on your nose, he reached across the table to wipe it off, cutting through your words mid-sentence. you thanked him with a blush, shifting over the booth, just blushing harder when your shoes knocked against his under the table.

leaving felt smooth too—walking back to the apartment complex just a couple blocks away. even in the darkness of the night, you felt safe tucked near his side, enjoying his presence so close to your side and feeling disappointed when you reached the hallway you shared in the apartment complex.

he stopped by your door and you fumbled with your dress, struggling for words.

“come inside,” you offered, though it sounded more like a plea. your eyes flitted from his face to the duffle bag on his shoulder, hands twisting into the fabric of your dress.

“i know you must be tired but—”

“m’not,” he assured, squaring his shoulders. you nodded dumbly.

“i can bake brownies?” you squeaked, and he blinked down at you.

“s’reason why i’m here, love.”

at that you blushed, opening the apartment and throwing your jacket on the couch, moving to rifle through the kitchen.

“it won’t take long i promise,” you called from behind the fridge door, snatching the butter and eggs from it.

closing the door to turn to the counter, you jolted when Simon materialized beside you, boots, mask, and the jacket of his fatigues off, reaching above you to open a cabinet. your eyes darted over the ink designs of his muscled arm.

“flour and sugar’s here, right?” he asked, and you squeaked a yes, ducking beneath his arm to put the butter and eggs on the counter before grabbing a mixing bowl and baking pan from a lower cabinet.

once all the necessary items were strewn across the counter, you measured out the dry ingredients, dumping them into the mixing bowl. beside you, Simon leaned back against the edge of the kitchen sink, arms crossed as he watched you.

you were hyper-aware of his presence, hands jittery, confused because he always sat at the kitchen table to watch you. he never got this close and personal, uncrossing his arms to slide a hand over the counter right by where your hip leaned against it.

from your peripheral, you glanced at him, finding him already staring down at you.

“can i help?” he asked, voice gruff, and you turned your head to stare at him in dismay. this was new. very new.

“sure,” you choked out, scooting over so he could help you measure out the ingredients. he filled the space easily, arm pressed against yours in the little space.

you blushed. this was very very new.

he cracked an egg on the edge of the bowl, and you watched the yellow glop plop into the flour.

playing off the whole situation as a joke, you laughed nervously as you mixed the wet ingredients into the bowl. “miss my baking that much?”

you bit down on your lip, unable to look at him, just focusing on the churn of brown batter in the mixing bowl. when you felt him lean in, his strong bicep against yours, you muffled a yelp.

“‘course.”

“really?” you asked, pouring the batter into the greased up pan.

for good measure, you dipped a finger into the batter and tasted it, eyes flickering up to Simon. it was sweet.

he stared down at you, an imperceptible, dark look on his face as he leaned over and dipped his thumb into the batter, then swiped the gooey brown substance over your cheek.

“oops.” there was a smugness in his voice that his face smothered, expression blank when he gripped your jaw tight. 

you gasped when he turned your face and leaned down to lick you.

the textured muscle of his tongue pressed into the curve of your flesh, licking away the sweet taste from your cheek.

then, he leaned back with a hum. “i like sweet things.”

you clutched at his wrist keeping your jaw firmly in place, wide-eyed and heart beating out of your chest. you watched his finger dip back in the batter and reached up to your lips, spreading the sugary sweet batter over your lower lip.

you squeaked, unable to look anywhere but his bare face, rugged and handsome in the low light.

“may i?” he asked, eyes flitting down to your lips, and you couldn’t even nod in his hold, just a low, breathy yes on your lips that he swallowed, tongue sucking the traces of batter on your lips. 

you whimpered into his mouth, clutching at his shirt as he angled your head with a soft touch, sliding his hand on your jaw to your neck, just resting there. that spurred on a familiar burn in your stomach, and you squirmed in his hold.

when he leaned back, you were breathless and panting with flushed cheeks.

“sweet,” he rasped, like he was approving the taste as he licked over his lips.

from that point on, you didn’t really remember how you got to your bedroom, Simon’s hands edging up the hem of your dress beneath him, knuckles drawing a warm trail up to your hips as he sucked on the skin of your neck.

the only thing you could do was whine and squirm under his weight, legs and arms pinning you down as he did what he liked, giving you sweet kisses that made you feel all hazy.

you watched his head dip beneath the fabric of your dress and you gasped when you felt his lips against your thighs, skipping where you needed him most, and then against your stomach and the flesh of your breasts.

and all throughout the pleasurable haze, your fingers curled into the sheets, nails digging into the bed because you were beyond nervous.

you knew this would happen eventually—that Simon would end up in your bed or the other way around. kissing him was a dream. having him caging you against the bed with his heady weight was a dream.

sliding a hand over his back, his rushed movements slowed against your skin, taking the time to suck carefully around your pebbled nipples that had your hips bucking up with a whimper.

your mind spun. but you were so nervous.

it was all you could think about as he descended back down between your thighs, both of his big arms curling around your thighs to lock you in place against the bed.

words rung your mind loud and clear—what the hell is wrong with you?

when Simon dipped a thumb beneath the top of your panties, the words shook you again.

what the hell is wrong with you?

you hadn’t even noticed how still and quiet you had grown until his head perked up between your thighs, pupils blown wide. he swiped a thumb over the soaking entrance of your panties, drawing a whimper from your throat.

“what is it?” he asked, voice so throaty and rough that you shivered with want. you had wanted this for so long.

“nothing,” you whispered, tugging his head back down between your thighs, but he didn’t budge, frowning at you.

“tell me,” he probed, “m’not touchin’ you if you don’t, sweet thing.”

sweet thing.

swallowing hard, you shifted against the bed. “m’just nervous.”

“yeah?” he stroked the plush, soft skin of your inner thigh, before pressing his lips to it. “don’t worry. i’ll make you feel good.”

you nodded, biting down on your lip, though his words didn’t quell any of the raging anxiety thrumming within your chest, even when he kissed the wet fabric stretched over your cunt, nosing through your folds and his hot breath against you.

lifting up your hips with ease, he tugged a pillow beneath you.

“comfy?” he asked, hooking two fingers beneath your panties and sliding it down your thighs.

“uh-huh,” you gasped, back arching when he ducked between your legs and pressed the pink muscle of his tongue flat against your cunt.

“good,” he grunted against you, pecking your swollen clit before swirling his tongue around it, and building a steady, delicious pace that had you hiccuping moans.

your hands snaked through his hair, gripping the blonde curls tight and pulling, startling when he groaned in response, the tremors going straight from the back of his throat and into your clit.

you ground against his face and he purred in approval. “tha’s it, sweet thing.” 

you took the pleasure and rode it, pushing yourself further and further to the edge, or at least you thought you were, seeing no end in sight for the sensations wracking your body. every passing moment felt too long, and you could practically feel the irritation roiling off Simon in waves.

even though you couldn’t see his face, just could hear his soft noises of approval against your cunt, it was like you knew he was growing impatient.

frustrated, you huffed a whine, that anxiety in your chest squashing half the pleasurable experience. he reached up and pressed down on the lower part of your tummy, intensifying it all over again, making you gasp as your head fell back.

“relax,” he mumbled, playing with your clit as he pressed his tongue into your cunt, humming as he tasted you.

it was overwhelming. too overwhelming, and you couldn’t help the tears that pricked up in your eyes as you were torn between finishing and feeling good and pleasing Simon and—

a little sob broke from your throat, and he went still between your legs.

you covered your face with your hands, digging your palms into your eyes and muffled the sounds falling from your lips.

why were you crying?

brows pinched together, you scrunched up your face. “sorry, sorry, just keep going—”

you cut off when a sob choked your throat, refusing to look at Simon and withering when he stayed silent, feeling really fucking stupid as you just cried in the bed.

“i don’t know what’s wrong with me,” you whimpered, feeling him tug your dress back down over your thighs and hike your panties back up your hips.

you expected him to leave, ready to feel the weight of him against you on the bed disappear, and his heavy footsteps through the apartment, then the slam of the door behind him.

and you did—the dip in the bed lifted and you heard his footsteps edge around the bed.

then, you gasped when he slid into the bed beside you, arm circling beneath your waist and pulling you flush to his chest, breath right against your ear.

“what’s wrong, sweet thing?” he sighed, though it didn’t sound irritated, just tired as he sunk into the bed beside you.

your breath stilled, the cries dying in your throat as you twisted to look back at him. his gaze was soft as he peered over your shoulder, squeezing you between both arms.

“what?” you croaked, and he leaned over you to press a kiss to your cheek, squishing you into the bed.

“what’s wrong?” he repeated, thumb drawing circles against your clothed tummy.

“nothing,” you said, and he made a low noise of disapproval, pressing his face against the side of your head.

clutching at his arms holding your waist, caging you to him, you choked out the words. 

“i just…” you turned your head from him, tears spilling from your eyes and onto the sheets. “i wanna be good for you.”

he hummed against your ear, squeezing you tighter. “you are so good for me, love.”

“no, i meant…” you huffed, sniffling with a frustrated sound in the back of your throat.

“i take too long,” you squeaked, avoiding his eyes. “there’s something wrong with me.”

a sob pierced your chest. “i think i’m broken.”

you turned in his arms and buried your face in his chest, embarrassed as you soaked his shirt with tears, muffled the sharp noises of your throat against his solid body. he curled around you, hand rubbing down your back.

“who put those ideas in your pretty head?”

his voice was deceptively soft, though you heard the threat that lay under it, and you shivered.

“my ex boyfriend.”

his body went tense against you.

“look at me luvie.”

you lifted your head and let him kiss you, tasting salty and sweet from the slick of you still in his mouth, as he brushed away the tears on your face.

when he pulled back and you looked over the curves of his face, the depth of his dark eyes, you admitted to him softly, “i don’t want you to leave me.”

it was such a small whimper that you don’t think he would’ve heard you, but from the way his face crunched into a frown you knew that he had.

“m’not going anywhere,” he promised, pushing the hair from your forehead. “m’right here.”

you whimpered, pulling him back down for a kiss that was wet and hot, teeth knocking against yours when he pressed you further into the bed.

“lemme make you feel good,” he whispered, and you clutched at his arm wound tight around your waist, the other creeping up to cup your breast.

“please,” you whimpered, and he hummed into your lips.

“when’s the last time you touched yourself?” he asked, lips trailing down to your neck, his large hand edging down to brush over your pelvis.

“long time,” you squeaked, gasping when his hand snuck beneath your dress, rucking it up so it pooled around your waist.

“c-can’t do it myself,” you admitted, screwing your eyes shut when his fingers slipped beneath the band of your panties. “doesn’t feel good.”

“yeah? bet your ex couldn’t make you feel good either,” he mumbled, either to you or yourself you couldn’t tell, mind dizzy and somewhere up high when his forefinger gently brushed over the shell of your clit. “bet your he didn’t even know how to touch a woman. how to make her cum.”

you whimpered, hips bucking into his hand, and you could feel him smile against your neck.

“s’okay, baby. i’ll make you cum.”

his fingers circled your swollen clit, other hand fondling the sensitive plush of your tits. as you squirmed against his touch, little breathy noises leaving your lips, you could feel his hard cock pressing into the curve of your ass. you whimpered at the sheer size of it.

“please, Simon,” you gasped, clutching at his wrist as he played and flicked at your clit, speeding up then slowing down and dragging you through a slew of different body wracking sensations, leaving you so whiney and sensitive that your thighs started to shake and twitch.

your ex boyfriend had never given you so much attention like this—just honing in on his own pleasure, degrading you when you tried to chase your own. it became something you dreaded. something you didn’t want and forced yourself through, faking orgasms and artificial, pitched moans.

it was so different from Simon that you felt delirious, blissed out as real, loud whines broke through your throat, riding his hand just wanting more and more.

“more,” you sobbed, burying your face into the sheets, jolting when he played and pinched at your swollen nipples.

“want you to cum on my hand first, sweet thing,” he whispered, and you almost cried real tears.

he huffed a laugh into your ear.

“feel that good?” he cooed, and you nodded against the sheets, wiggling your hips in his hand.

“c-can’t,” you whined, shivering when he made a noise of disapproval.

“yes you can,” he said, low and throaty, licking over your ear. “i don’t care how long it takes, baby. i can play with this pretty cunt all night.”

you moaned, grinding down into his hand, eyes rolling back into your head as he abused your clit, crushing it beneath his fingers.

“you’re gonna cum on my hand, and then i’m gonna stretch you out with my fingers, yeah? then you’re gonna cum on my fingers, and i’m gonna fuck two more orgasms out of you. how does that sound, sweet thing?”

“Simon—” you choked, whole body going still when you finally reached a sharp peak, shaking and twitching and moaning softly through your whole orgasm that made you see a blinding white.

he groaned in your ear, so filled with pleasure it sounded like he came alongside you.

“there you go, baby, good girl. so good f’me.”

your hearing felt muffled when you resurfaced, blinking your eyes open, sleepy and muscles lax against the bed. he was petting at your naval, peppering little kisses and kitten licks along your neck and shoulders.

“see? that wasn’t so hard, luvie,” he whispered in your ear, making a shiver slither down your spine.

“mhmm,” was all you could get out, pliable as he slipped from your side and moved you to your back, tipping your knees open as he dove between your legs.

you looked down, watching him drink up the cum from your pussy, slurping loudly and sucking on your twitchy clit, your hips squirming in his hold. 

“so sweet,” he practically growled, and you whined in response, trying to push his head away.

when he finally relented, he sat back, licking over his lips before tugging the shirt over his head. in the dim lighting, you could see scars littered over him, naval blessed with dark hair and a toned stomach that made your mouth water.

“think you can do that four more times, baby?”

when you shook your head, he only smirked, crawling back over you and pressing the crotch of his fatigues against your sopping pussy, grinding his painfully hard, big cock against your aching entrance.

“yes you can,” he said, low and throaty. “m’gonna make you, sweet thing. you’re gonna be coming on this cock all night long.”

taglist: @ivybeeloved

[scorpioriesling]

Invisible String - Part 2

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Pairing(s): Eris x reader

Warning(s): light angst if you squint. Please be advised; future parts might not be suitable for all audiences. Proceed with caution.

Summary: You'd taken the nanny position for the royal family over a year ago, not expecting what would come of it or how close you'd grow to the child you cared for. Things became tough for Eris when his wife left him and his daughter, and he found it increasingly harder to raise Riley himself. He soon realizes, you've provided a lot more than the typical job description duties for his daughter... and maybe for him, too.

SR’s Note: I added in the advisory so that younger / uncomfortable readers won't begin the series without knowing or expecting potential risks in content to come. For those who enjoy or look forward to content as such -- get excited! Nonetheless, I hope readers will enjoy this series that came to me in a dream one night. (; Much love to all.

Tags: @cynthiesjmxazrielslover @talesofadragon @rcarbo1 @mandziaaa @lilah-asteria @a-frog-with-a-laptop @kitsunetori (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

You paced back and forth awkwardly around your room, not sure what to do with your time. Normally, you'd give Riley a bath and see her off to bed -- but not tonight. Her father had come home during dinner today, and you almost couldn't believe your eyes when he'd materialized before the both of you in the dining room.

Gods, you'd never seen her so excited to see him come home in all the time you'd known the two. She truly missed him when he was gone, just waiting to see her dad come home at the end of the day. You understood; to be honest, you worried some nights when he would be gone late, always apologizing like his timing was the end of the world. He failed to realize that it was his safe return you were more concerned with.

You paused, shrieks of laughter heard from the opposite end of the Wing and you smiled to yourself. Padding over to your open doorway, you peeked your head out, listening as Eris' faint voice spoke with his daughter, saying something that had her giggling once more before you heard the distinct sound of her door latching shut. You retreated back into your room, trying to find anything to busy yourself as the sound of his shoes drew nearer toward your room.

"Could I offer any help with the last of those?" Eris asks, leaning casually against the doorframe as he gestures toward the stack of heavy boxes piled in the corner of your room. You turn, crossing your arms and then uncrossing them, not quite finding a comfortable position.

"Um... well, I could probably get them, tomorrow." You shrug, biting on your lower lip. Eris' eyes study your face for a long moment before he chuckles, walking over to the pile and pushing up his sleeves with such grace. He lifts the top box, his arms flexing under the weight as he adjusts his grip under the edges.

You try, really, really hard not to stare.

"I'll leave these outside to be picked up in the morning, unless you needed them to be kept for something?" He asks, and you all but shake your head before he heads out of your room, leaving you in awe. You shake your head, get it together. That is your boss, for Gods sakes. You take a deep breath, pushing your hair behind your ears before reaching for the next highest box, barely reaching the upper rim before its contents nearly spill over on top of you.

"Cauldron damned-" your curse is cut off when the box doesn't completely dump out on to you, but is caught haphazardly between your hands and one of Eris'. His other one is wrapped around your waist, preventing your impending collision with the floor.

"Woah! Woah," he says, his voice much closer than you expected and you open your eyes you'd inadvertently squeezed shut. He loomed over you, holding you so close to his chest that you sucked in a breath, your eyes widening when they met his peering down at you.

"I'm..." you made to stand, and he lifted the cardboard from your hands. "I thought I could help with that one." You said sheepishly. He chuckled, glancing sidelong at you.

"Always trying to do everything," he muttered. "Honestly, I'm just surprised to hear Y/N actually say a bad word out loud."

You set your hands on your hips, raising an eyebrow and ignoring his teasing remark.

"This is my mess, anyhow. I was just trying to help."

He turns, heading for the door once more.

"Allow me to help you for once, hm?" He says, winking and walking out. You roll your eyes, irritated at how warm your cheeks feel. You flit about the room, putting random smaller items away and folding a few articles of clothing as Eris makes the last few trips. When he comes back in for the final time, he sits on the edge of your bed with a sigh, running a hand through his hair.

You look to him, noticing his exhaustion from the day again. "Thank you," you say, and he looks to you again. He offers you a small smile, leaning back on his hands.

"For all that you've done, helping you move a few boxes is incomparable." Your lips curve upward as you place a few more of your skirts inside the drawers of the dresser, averting his eye. After a few shared moments of quiet, he speaks again.

"This room... its... I'm glad someone is using it again." He says, his hand running softly over the duvet. You glance at him, his fallen expression puzzling as you go about tidying up.

"Oh?"

He's quiet again before he looks at you. "I used to avoid coming in here, after... well, after Selene left." He says quietly, and you pause. The air feels thick, you try to keep breathing evenly as your mind races.

"She... the two of you didn't share...?"

"No." He whispers, looking at the floor. "She thought only mates should share a room."

You shoved the drawer closed, walking slowly to the bedside and sitting next to him.

"I'm sure this is common knowledge by now, but our marriage was simply a transaction, a sign of goodwill between our courts." He let out a humorless laugh. "No magic, golden thread there."

For everything he'd done for his court, all the battles he'd won, every fight he'd fought and all he'd witnessed... this was a subject he rarely discussed, as it seemed tomdrag him down the most.

"Eris..." You said softly, reaching out a hand timidly and placing it on his arm. He braced lightly against the touch, and you leaned closer. "I'm so sorry that you were treated that way-"

He sniffed, his hand rubbing along his jaw quickly before he stood, your outstretched hand slowly retracting with the distance between you two.

"It's alright. Nothing for you to worry about, anyway." He flashed a humorless half-smile, and you stared up at him with concern. You could tell it was a tough subject for him, and you definately didn't want to pry; but he didn't exactly have many other people to open up to.

"Well... alright then." You say defeatedly. He nods, turning and heading for the door. He looks over his shoulder only once more before closing the door behind him.

"Sleep well, Y/N."

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

"Apple juice, please?" Riley asks, and you pour her a fresh glass, delivering it to her awaiting hand. She sips quietly, then blinks a few times when you sit down beside her. "Oh -- thanks!" She smiles.

You nod, silently praising her good mannered habits. You could still remember when you arrived at the Forest House, the little spitfire was ordering people around at the ripe age of three. "Give this!" and "Do that!" was all she managed, and though her heart was pure, you did encourage better etiquitte; luckily, it stuck.

"Daddy said he have a surprise," she swung her legs under the table, some of her juice swishing in her cup. You raised an eyebrow.

"Did he, now?" You weren't sure what she was talking about, or if there really was a surprise at all. Eris had made haste this morning, rushing past you this morning on his way out the door. He'd barely kissed his daughter goodbye before he was on his horse and halfway to the border-

"He did! He said he had one." She insisted, and you nodded in understanding. What it could be, you had no clue.

"Well, lets finish our dinner so we're ready when he gets home, yes?" You suggest, and Riley agrees, jamming the last of her chicken nuggets into her mouth and chewing with maximum effort. You shake your head, smiling at just how normal the girl was. You were just glad she found joy in chicken nuggets still, and didn't request challenging dishes every meal quite yet.

Insisting on wearing her fluffy pink footie pajamas, Rylie then sat in your lap on the couch, her stuffed beagle clutched in her hands as you brushed out her wet-clean locks.

"Braid it pretty?" She asks, and you leaned in, kissing the top of her little head. She grinned, holding her little beagle's head to her lips and kissing it's head just the same.

"Anything for you, Riles," you say, getting to work on the long strawberry strands. She sits very patiently for a four year old; that is, until you've secured the band at the end of your work and the front door creaks open.

"Daddy!" She's up in an instant, running to the door with glee and clinging to her father's leg the moment she spots him. You stay seated a moment longer, listening from the living area but not quite ready to see Eris yet. After the tense conversation last night, you couldn't help but feel... awkward, after the conversation.

After a few minutes, Riley has retreated to the living room looking rather dejected. Your brows knit as she stalks toward you, her beagle hanging limply from her fingers.

"Daddy says bedtime. You take me please?" She says, looking down at the floor. You frown, your hands lifting under her arms as she wraps her legs around your waist.

"Of course sweetie," you try to sound upbeat, but she only lays her head on your shoulder. You pet her head, wrapping your other hand around her to keep her propped up against your waist as you make your way to her end of the Wing. You look around as you go, not seeing any sign of Eris on your way. He literally just got home, what the Hell could he possibly have to do right now?

Once you reach her room, you place her gently atop her plush duvet, her eyes half closed when her head touches the pillow. You pull a loose blanket over her legs, knowing sometimes she gets cold at night, and kiss her little cheek one last time before moving toward the door.

"Y/N," she whispers. Your eyes meet hers in the dim light, your fingers stalling as they reach for the glowing tableside lamp.

"Yes dear?"

"Can you please read? Please?" Her bottom lip trembles. "D-daddy always reads... he reads my book..." she sucks in a breath of air, and you rush over to her bed, taking her little hand in yours.

"Yes, of course honey!" You say, hoping she will feel better. "I would love to read you a story," you look left and right, searching for any tomes near her bed. She lifts a limp hand, her finger pointing to the book resting at the opposite end of her bed.

"You'd like that one? The Kissing Hand?" She nods, one tear slipping free and running down her cheek. You hastily grab the book, and she scoots over, making a space for you to lay beside her. You scoot close, reaching an arm around her and she snuggles close as you flip open the book. Her little fingers wipe her tear from her cheek, and you begin to read.

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You weren't sure when you'd drifted off, but when you slipped back into consciousness, your back ached from its cramped position on the small bed. You looked around, the darkened room coming into view as well as the peacefully sleeping babe next to you.

You must have fallen asleep reading to her, you thought. Surely you'd left the lamp on though; its glow would come in handy now as you tried to slip silently out of her embrace, sneaking out in absolute darkness. At least the door was still cracked open.

You'd stumbled around quietly enough and made it down the hallway to the kitchen, the clock on the wall coming into view.

Four in the morning. Gods.

You kept walking, feeling along the walls until you found your bedroom door, and let yourself inside.

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You woke up that morning to the delicious smell of cinnamon and sugar, the comfort of your plush bed surrounding you as the first light of day drifted through your curtains. You yawned, stretching out your arms and slowly opening your eyes.

Ahh, what a lovely morning.

Morning. The sun was out.

You threw the covers off of you hastily, your bare feet hitting the cold wood floors in a rush as you lunged for your door handle. Riley was surely awake by now, and surely starving. You bounded down the hallway, your steps faltering when you heard her familiar ramblings from the kitchen and registered the smell of food wafting through the air.

As you approached, you watched in pure shock as Eris stood over the kitchen island, his hand holding his daughters as he helped her spread icing over a tray of steaming cinnamon rolls, smiling and talking along with her. He hadn't noticed you walk in; but she sure did.

"Y/N! Finally! You're awake!" She squealed happily, and you forced a smile, still confused by the scene before you. Eris looked up then, his eyes meeting yours only briefly before he went back to the treats he was making.

"Good morning Riley," you said hesitantly, stepping closer toward the island. Eris' eyes flicked up again, snagging on the silk pajamas you'd changed into before collapsing onto your bed last night. You crossed your arms over your chest.

"Good morning. Eris." You said, and his mouth pressed into a thin line.

"Morning Y/N." He said plainly before turning to Riley, lifting her off the counter and setting her on the ground.

"Bunny, why don't you set the table," he handed her the silverware and a few plates. "And we'll join you in just a few minutes?" She nods, skipping into the dining room, as Eris braces his hands against the countertop, his eyes locked on yours once more.

You stare back, shrugging when you can't understand the point of standing in silence. "What?" You ask. He sighs, biting the inside of his cheek.

"Y/N, I'm sorry for the... discussion. We had. The other night, it was... highly, unprofessional." He nodded, looking down at the pan of cinnamon rolls once more. You raised an eyebrow, a soft laugh erupting from your lips and causing him to flick his gaze to you again.

"What is funny?" He asks, seeming a bit taken aback.

"Nothing, no," you say, smiling softly at him. "I just... Eris, I live in your home. I spend every day with your daughter. I think we're beyond professional, aren't we?" You say. He cocks his head to the side, a small smirk curving the side of his lips.

"I suppose we are, then."

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

"Daddy. These cimanim rolls. Are. Delicious!" Riley grins with delight, Eris' expression a mirror of his daughter sitting next to him at the table. You watch the two and your heart swells; one day, you could only dream of having something so special as that.

"Why, thank you Princess!" Eris says, and she holds her chin high. You shake your head at her, and Eris' eyes meet yours, his face giving away exactly what he's thinking. After a few more quiet moments, he speaks up again.

"Bunny, I wanted to ask you about doing something fun today," he says, and Riley immediately perks up.

"Fun?" She asks, and he nods.

"In the Town Square, there is the Autumn Festival, and it would make me very happy as your daddy if you would go with me-"

"Yesss!" She shrieks, every single one of her teeth showing as she smiles in excitement. You can't help but feel so happy for her -- she deserves time with her father, and he's finally home to spend it with her, doing something she had been longing to do anyway.

"Ohmygosh I can't wait! I will wear my Princess dress so everyone knows I am a Princess, okay," she explains hastily, only pausing to take a sip from her glass of milk.

Eris nods, looking to you. "I figured you may appreciate at least a day off as well," he adds quietly, and you offer him a gentle smile. Truly, you didn't need one, but you appreciated his consideration all the same. Riley doesn't quite catch the incinuation, though.

"Y/N, you have to wear a dress. You can't borrow from me this time because you're too big," she says, hopping from her chair. "You have a dress?" She asks. Your eyes meet her dad's and his mouth opens to answer first.

"Bunny," he starts. "I don't think Y/N was going to come today," he explains. Rileys brows knit in confusion as she looks at him.

"Why not?"

"Well," he says, trying to tread lightly. "Maybe Y/N has other things she would like to do today. It's okay though; just me and you can go." He says, but Riley looks to you, her eyes looking you up and down.

"What... what else do you want to do though?" She says, and you chuckle.

"Riley, honey, today you can go have fun with your daddy, alright? Me and you play here everyday," You reason with her. She doesn't let up, and Eris studies you from across the table.

"Daddy -- can Y/N just come too?" Riley says. You sigh, looking to Eris for help, but he only stares quietly at you, a small smile on his lips.

"I really will just stay here-"

"Yes." Eris says, and you meet his eyes, Riley spinning in happy little circles at the end of the table. "Y/N can absolutely come with us today."

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

[strlingsav]

Memories

– Simon "Ghost" Riley x F!Reader

— Meeting your ex leads you to reminiscing.

Explicit sexual content under the cut. Read at your own risk.

Thanks to @mykneeshurt for helping me out of my rut with this one 🫶🏻

It wasn't your wisest decision; you'd been careful thus far in the grieving process not to use poor coping mechanisms to get you through bad days, but the anonymity and seclusion of the downtown bar brought you a bit of peace. More than yoga or journaling- especially after the first sip of your drink.

You hated to admit it felt good. Even if you sat in silence and merely stared down the liquid in your glass, your brain was finally empty. You didn't want to sit with your feelings anymore, you wanted to get drunk and pretend they didn't exist.

You even contemplated trying a cigarette. Another poor decision surely wouldn't lead you any deeper into your already darkened abyss. The bearded man to your right, with one hand around a beer and the other holding a smouldering stick, made it look serene- cathartic, even. A flat expression and dull eyes, you envied his lack of awareness.

You stuck out like a sore thumb, though. You didn't meld with the horde of middle-aged men, or blue-collar workers crowded around a pool table. Your legs were crossed on the barstool, hair neatly done and makeup on your face- if it wasn't smudged yet.

It made it easy for him to spot you. As if he couldn't find you in a sea of people anyway, your appearance drew in his gaze immediately. His heart dropped to his stomach, a rapid increase in his pulse that throbbed in his throat.

He hadn't seen you for years. Not since you left, since he left. A scarred wound sat in his chest, reopened when you texted him, now raw and bleeding as he watched you. His saliva dried in his mouth, breath catching in his throat when your head turned to meet his eyes, and he swore he watched your lips turn to a small smile.

He wondered if your smile meant you were happy to see him- or whether it was a polite show of acknowledgement. Though rather than turning your back to him, you faced him, resting your jaw in your hand. He sauntered over, his pulse still thumping against his ribs, his hands suddenly clammy and warm- like he wasn't a seasoned soldier.

Sliding in next to you, an arms' length apart, he faced forward, still not yet able to fully find your eyes; eyes he'd missed for years.

Your text came as a shock, though he couldn't deny he'd been reluctantly praying you'd reach out, change your mind, give him a second chance. It was vague, a reminder of who you were, as if he'd ever forget your name and number, and an invitation to the bar you'd made yourself comfortable in. He couldn't say no.

He said your name- a greeting, rolling off his tongue like you'd never left.

"Simon," You nodded. "Thanks for meeting me."

He finally turned his head, his black eyes finding yours with hesitation. You swallowed, nearly succumbing to the nostalgia and breaking into tears, but held strong when he nodded in response and you heard his voice for the first time in a long time.

"Surprised to hear from you. Everythin' alright? You doin' well?" He asked, still nonchalantly peering around even though he was nearly salivating at the smell of you. Still the same- his favourite scent, mixed with your addictive pheromones. It made his stomach churn.

"Yeah," You nodded shortly. "Just needed a friend. How have you been?"

"We friends now?" A hint of humour in his tone made you scoff.

"I needed someone I know- someone who knows me." Your eyes softened as you watched him, suddenly feeling guilty for inviting him.

"Knew you years ago," He started. "Not sure I know you now."

"I'm the same person, Simon," You scoffed again. "Just older."

"And married." He had been stealing glances at your hand, eyeing the tan line looped around your ring finger. He tried not to let his jealousy be as obviously apparent as it felt, swallowing harshly.

Your fingers immediately reached the absence of a silver band, massaging slowly for comfort like you'd always done.

"Separated," You admitted. "A few months now."

He watched your eyes begin to water, feeling resentful of the man who got to marry you- the man you chose over him and were so emotional about now. Though your tears weren't for the man you'd recently left behind- you'd finally come face to face with the man you'd always wanted.

"Still holdin' on?" He asked.

You shook your head, still holding the invisible ring in your fingers. "It's been over for a long time, just finally did something about it."

Simon nodded thoughtfully. Still, the lump of anger sat in his throat, but it was mostly jealousy. Seeing your face again reminded him of the memories he'd pushed down into his chest cavity and burned with whiskey and beer. He didn't need to be reminded that you'd walked away- he didn't even want to entertain the idea of another man touching you.

"You wanna talk about it?" His voice dripped with disinterest and reluctance. It made you chuckle.

"No," You grinned. "I'd rather drink about it."

"That I can do."

His fingers lifted as he ordered a drink, and another for you, while you smiled softly. Truthfully, your feelings for Simon had never faded. Even at the courthouse with your ex-husband, a part of you was still overseas with Simon. Though your decision to leave Simon wasn't easy, you'd suffered too much loss to stay and risk even more.

You'd settled down, naively accepted your ex-husband's proposal, and chose to leave him after nearly two years of marriage- another difficult decision, though not nearly as difficult as saying goodbye to Simon.

The more alcohol in your system, the more you began to remember; every fight, every kiss, every time he touched you. It wrapped around your heart, nostalgia-filled daydreams that evoked warmth in your stomach and pliability in your body. Hours passed before you realized that your speech was slower, and your gaze was fuzzy as your eyes locked in on Simon.

Your hand reached his arm- an innocent gesture at first, though his eyes narrowed at you, feeling your touch for the first time in years.

"Do I look the same?" You teased, rocking side to side, tucking your hair behind your ear. "Or do I have more wrinkles?"

He shook his head, face stoic and serious. "Still just as beautiful."

Your heart leapt, though you were speechless. Awkwardly searching for an appropriate response, you pursed your lips.

Simon tensed. "Sorry- didn't mean to-"

Your eyebrows furrowed. "It's okay. It's just been a while since I've heard that."

Simon paused, watching your body language.

"Thank you, Simon. I missed you."

The latter slipped out- a sharp jolt ran through your body as you sat up straight.

"Think you're drunk," He huffed.

You nodded, letting out a short chuckle. "I am. Doesn't mean I didn't miss you. We dated once, remember?"

He pursed his lips. "Could never forget."

After a few moments of quiet reflection, a stinging sensation in your eyes at Simon's vulnerability, you sighed.

"You always were a good man," You huffed. "Can't say I don't regret leaving." You peered up at him, suddenly very aware that you'd finally spilled your feelings to him.

"Why did you?" He asked, cocking his head.

"I was scared," You shrugged. "Of losing you."

He squinted, before nodding. He accepted your answer, even if it didn't quite fit together in his head. He was relieved to know he hadn't done anything to push you away, that maybe there was a chance he could have you again.

"Well, I think I'll head home," You smiled.

"Let me drive you," He offered.

Your eyes met briefly, before you nodded and followed him out to his vehicle. You'd begun to fall asleep in the car- snoring lightly as Simon drove beneath streetlights and overpasses. He realized he didn't know where you lived, not since you'd moved out. Against his better judgement, he decided not to wake you, but to take you back home; to his home.

He even wrapped his arms around you, lifted you from the car while you stirred in his grasp. Peering down at you, his heart clenched at your soft, sleeping face. The feel of your body in his hands again, smooth flesh against his calloused skin.

He let you take his bed; fresh sheets he hadn't slept in in months. Without crossing anymore boundaries, he left you to sleep beneath his duvet and stumbled off to the couch.

You woke not long after, immediately recognizing the bedroom you'd been put in. The same sheets, same decor; it was like you'd been transported back a few years. Only Simon wasn't beside you, and your framed photographs were no longer resting on the nightside table.

You stood to your feet, slowly, cautiously moving around the room, trying your hardest not to give in and search through his things in hopes of finding a trace of yourself there. You left the room, wandering down the familiar hallway to the living room where he was lain on the same beige couch you'd bought together.

You held back a smile- an arm strewn across his face, harsh exhales you knew meant he was still trying to lull himself to sleep. As you neared, he sat up suddenly.

"Sorry," You whispered. "I didn't mean to bother you."

He shook his head, dismissing your apology. "Y'fell asleep," He said. "Didn't know where you lived."

"It's fine." You peered around the room. Just the same but entirely different- it wasn't yours anymore. "Feels strange being here."

"'M sure," He nodded.

You watched from your position on the wall, arms crossed while he situated himself.

"Everything feels so familiar," You sighed.

He was silent, watching you take in the surroundings. It made his heart soften; a bit of resentment having melted and now replaced with desire at seeing you back where you belonged. In your shared home, with him.

"Brings back memories," He nodded.

Your cheeks reddened at the thought of memories; particularly the ones where your late nights ended in slow sex on the very couch you sat on. Staring up at the ceiling, Simon's hands roaming your body, the TV light flashing across your naked bodies.

"We had good times together," You said, turning to meet his eyes.

"Still can," He breathed.

You sighed softly; it was a mouth-watering offer, however innocent he meant it, that brought your pulse between your thighs and warmed your abdomen. But you weren't sure. You hadn't seen Simon in years, hadn't talked in years, you wondered if trying again would only hurt more than the initial breakup.

"I'm not sure it's a good idea," You sighed again.

He stood to his feet, moving closer to you.

"You texted me," He said. "Had to be a reason."

"I told you, I needed a friend-"

"Bullshit," He scoffed. "You want more than a friend, love." He neared you, so close his chest nearly touched yours. His hand gently landed on your waist, slowly pulling you closer to him. He shut his eyes, inhaling shakily at the feel of your body against his again. "Think you want me to touch you again."

"Simon-" You started, your eyes flickering to his lips.

"That's it," He smirked, nearly unnoticeably. "Missed hearin' you say my name sweetheart. Missed a lot about you, if 'm bein' honest," He pushed his face into your neck, earning a broken exhale from you when he planted soft lips on your jugular.

"Simon, please," You breathed, your reluctant hands finding his biceps while he continued to wrap himself around you like a boa constrictor.

"Don't beg for me 'less you mean it, sweetheart."

He met your eyes, waiting for you to confirm or deny; your teeth clenched your bottom lip, letting it fall as you whispered another light plea. It was quiet and held no conviction behind it, only pure lust that drove it from the back of your throat.

He pressed his lips against yours, tight fingers holding onto your waist, his other hand gliding up to your jaw. Long fingers spread the length of your throat, forcing your lips against his, waiting to hear the moans he'd missed so badly.

You couldn't help but grind yourself against him- arousal was already flooding through you just while his tongue slid into your mouth, but you needed more.

You began to lift his shirt over his head, while he grabbed it at the neck and disposed of it within seconds. Your blouse, expensive and delicate, was pulled apart at the buttons by Simon's calloused hands, which dove down to cup your breasts and squeeze with fervour.

"Missed your body," He whispered into your neck, tugging your bra down your body to reveal your breasts.

"I missed your touch," You whispered against his jaw, your lip quivering at the nostalgia. "God- I missed you touching me."

He lifted you suddenly, strong hands carrying you to the beige couch- it was like your first time all over again. Goosebumps spreading across your skin, Simon's smell invading your senses. You were breathless, emotional, overwhelmed.

He tugged your jeans down your hips, pulling your panties off as you shuffled out of them. He wasted no time burying his face between your soft thighs, rough hands holding them apart while his tongue slid against your clit.

You gasped sharply, your back lifting off the couch to meet his lips, to grind yourself against his mouth. He'd always been over-eager when it came to your pleasure, though his tongue glided against you, encircling your clit with a level of attentiveness you'd not received in years.

His hand ran up your stomach, softly squeezing your breasts, while the other massaged the pliable flesh of your thighs. He missed having you spread out for him, vulnerable beneath him. Your thighs over his shoulders, your expression of pleasure illuminated by the TV; he'd always been driven by your enthusiastic moans.

"Pussy tastes so fuckin' good, sweetheart," He said, his voice hoarse with restraint. "Just as good as I remember."

You exhaled a whine, a gush of arousal spreading through every limb as he continued his methodical massage. You felt his fingers breach your pussy, slowly but surely stretching you out around him, a strained exhale leaving his mouth.

"Fuck," He whispered, leaning forward to connect his lips to your clit once more.

"Yes, Simon," You breathed into the silence. "Shit- you know just how I like it," You gasped.

His fingers curled inside you, his tongue still flicking quickly over your clit. He'd tasted you so many times, watched you come undone on his tongue- he could pinpoint the moment you were close to cumming. Your pussy fluttering around his fingers, squeezing so tight he nearly couldn't move them, your body writhing with pleasure, lips frozen in a gasp.

He'd been grinding into the softness of the couch, attempting to relieve some of the painful arousal. With each stroke of his fingers, his hips jerked forward, imagining himself deep inside you, your juices coating his cock.

When you came on his fingers, his eyes had flickered to your face, watching you combust with firework-like pleasure, galaxies clouding your vision while he watched with awe.

You exhaled, sitting up to make eye contact with him- he crawled over you like a hungry animal, one hand undoing the belt constricting his pants while the other held himself above you.

"Missed the taste of you," He whispered, his lips inches from yours. "Bein' inside you."

His voice was shaky with desire, a painful erection he wanted to bury inside you only throbbing when you'd chew on your bottom lip.

"I want you inside me," You said in return, watching his eyes close as he digested your words.

"Christ-" He scoffed. "You miss my cock, love? Miss havin' it deep inside you?"

His fingers wrapped around your throat again, watching you nod enthusiastically.

"I do- always have," You breathed. "Please," You whispered, another plea that nearly made him cum right there.

He yanked his pants down his hips, his impressive erection momentarily exposed before he gripped your thigh and yanked it to his waist. You felt the soft head of his cock gently probe your pussy before sliding in- smooth and quick, before he was buried to the hilt, connected so perfectly like you were made for him.

His head dropped, a low groan of satisfaction escaping him before he adjusted his hips and looked up at you.

"Fuckin' hell," He shook his head, situating his hands so he could dive closer, press his body against yours. "Stay right there," He insisted.

You tightened your thighs around his hips, your hands gripping onto the bulging muscles of his back, flexing and moving as he fought his impending orgasm. Your fingernails inadvertently scraped against his skin- you knew he loved it, knew it sent him over the edge.

He moved, a thrust that was uncertain and haphazard, but intentional enough to make your lips part. He was so deep, his pubic bone grinding against your clit- it sent a shiver up your spine.

"Too tight," he mumbled against your mouth. "So fuckin' wet."

He began thrusting, harsh and poignant, grinding into you. Your body rocked with each movement, finding yourself bouncing your hips back to meet him halfway. He'd begun to perspire, sweat dotting his forehead, his lips parted as he huffed.

"Simon," You murmured, pressing your lips to his neck as he thrusted into you.

"Tell me it's mine," He grunted. "This cunt is mine- you're mine."

Your eyes met- even if he'd insisted while inside you, you both knew it was true. You were his, he was yours, no matter the outcome.

"I'm yours," You nodded, "All yours."

He kissed you again, forceful and passionate, his thrusts becoming harder and faster, your stomach tightening as he rubbed against your clit.

Another orgasm overtook you- in turn, he began to reach his peak, desperately searching your eyes, watching you gasp and moan on his cock, struggle to breathe while he pounded into you.

"'M close, love," He breathed.

"Cum inside me," You spat out, clinging to him with all four limbs while he wrapped a hand around your throat.

His thrusts grew sloppy, slow- a long, low grunt from his mouth let you know he was cumming; burying his cock as deep as possible, hips jutting forward with every jolt of pleasure. He groaned into your mouth, a sloppy kiss as you felt his warm cum coat your walls. He exhaled, sitting back, slowly easing out of you while his cum began to drip down your ass. He used a finger to push it back inside you, a sly grin over his lips as he did, and helped you sit up.

A quick clean-up, change of clothes and a glass of water later, the two of you settled in your old bed, your old room. His arm tangled over your side, holding you against his body like you'd escape in his sleep, and you fell asleep with him- like it always should've been.

[thexsilentxwordsmith]

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Fem!Reader

Part 3 to Mid-day Texts

Fandom: Call of Duty

Character(s): Simon Riley, Reader

Summary: After your explosive homecoming where everything seemed to fall right into place, Simon begins to get cold feet about his feelings and what they could mean for the both of you. All seems bleak until a text about someone harassing you while you're on a night out makes him come to your aid and solidifies a decision he has already made.

Word Count: 8.8 k

Warnings:

Part 1 | Part 2

Simon’s gaze lingered a few more seconds at his office's door you had just left out of with a smile pressed to his lips. You were back and even though it was such a small occurrence in the grand scheme of things, it felt like a holiday to him. He settled back into his chair at the desk to dive back into his paperwork feeling as light as air, continuously checking his watch to count down until he could finally leave and give you the text to head over so you both could pick up again where you had just left off. 

Even as the elation of knowing you were back was still at the forefront of his mind through the rest of his day, there was a dark omen gathering at the edge of his thoughts that he was not fully conscious of yet. It sat there in the shadow like the distant accumulation of clouds before a storm.

It was nothing, he tried to tell himself, but still there it lay in wait for him…until he really understood why it was there at all.

Never had you experienced such an explosive homecoming than the one Simon gave you the second you returned from your mission. All those worries you had about him finding someone else to fill his bed had been for not as the way his lips were on yours the very second you two were alone was all the proof you needed, his yearning flowing into you until you were drunk upon it. 

That night, as you lay beside him in his bed with that post-coital glow radiating off the both of you, there was a strange calmness to the room that had not been there before. For a second it almost felt like…. No you couldn’t say it, not even just in your head. That elation you felt was that of someone returning to a familiar place after a long trip, that’s all, nothing more. 

Simon’s long, thick fingers drew slow circles along the curve of your hip as you lay close while he finished off the last of his cigarette. Crushing the butt into the ashtray on the table beside the bed, he pulled you against his bare chest that was still warm and pink from the rigorous activity you both had been engaged in. Your head rested on his pectoral, your ear pressed against it so you could hear the repetitious thumping of his heartbeat. 

Listening to the calming rhythm fill your head, the only sound in the room beside your collective breathing, your eyelids began to droop and your head became more heavy as it lulled forward. Amber eyes took notice and yet Simon didn’t say a word, not yet. With a gentle touch he ran his fingertips along your spine up and down as he watched a smile just barely breach the line of your lips.

If you had been more awake you would have heard that rhythmic thumping quicken in tempo as the man who swore only a short time ago that this was nothing more than a fling was caught off guard by how perfectly you fit against him as you lay there in his arms. It was more wonderful than he could have asked for.  

Quietly Simon cleared his throat. “Ya can stay the night, if ya want,” that low, gruff voice brought you back from the brink of sleep, making you stir against his bare chest. 

You rubbed your eyes, only then realizing that you had dozed off. “Guess I’m more exhausted than I thought,” you chuckled as you stretched, hoping the increased blood flow to your limbs would rouse you.

“You’ve been gone a while and left us both high an dry; I might get a hankerin’ for a midnight snack since I’ve been starvin’ for over a fuckin’ month. Just stay.”

You chuckled soft as you nuzzled back down onto his chest, throwing your arm over top of his abdomen to secure you to him. “Fine,” you agreed, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible while your stomach did backflips; in your sleepy state you couldn’t tell if you had pulled it off or not. “But it’s only because I’m already fucking comfortable and walking all the way back to my barracks would be hell right now. Promise I’ll be sure to be gone by sunrise.”

"Sure, sure," he chuckled as he hunkered down into the bed with you wrapped in his embrace.

He should have been more than content to lay there tangled together, naked bodies pressed close after how much he had missed you, but a cold sweat spread through his limbs as the minutes passed until his whole body was engulfed. As he silently watched your breathing settle into a steady pattern, your chest rising and falling lightly, his own chest grew more and more tight with the realization of what he couldn’t deny any longer; he had broken his promise to himself. This was more than emotional words conflated in the heat of the moment as he thought the confession in his office to be.

Simon had fallen in love with you…and that terrified him. 

This wasn’t like him, he wasn’t the type to be involved with someone that way; ever the stone cold sniper, dedicated to his work, living life behind a shield of anonymity that hid his face when he wanted. Attachment wasn’t something that was supposed to happen to him, that was a dangerous game that he knew well, and yet despite all that here he lay as his heart filled to the brim with an emotion he had very little experience in. 

That fear churned around in his mind as he placed a kiss to the top of your head and turned off the light before staring up at the ceiling. In the dark the shadows danced along the surface, creating patterns out of nothing as he weighed everything in his mind.  As he drifted off into sleep, unable to hold it back any longer, he was no closer to an answer then when he started. 

When you awoke Simon was passed out beside you fast asleep. Reaching down to the floor, your fingers found your watch and you brought it to your face to check the time; it was just at sunrise and you needed to go. Silently you moved out from his side and gathered your things, redressing in the attached bathroom so you wouldn’t risk waking him. Only then did you creep back over to the bed and place a soft kiss to his cheek before leaving him to sneak back to your barracks before you were caught.

As you quietly brought the door to latch and your hand released the handle, your body shivered as you were instantly hit by an overwhelming feeling of dread. There was no reason for your heart to be pounding or your hands to suddenly go clammy, but as you made your way back you just couldn’t shake this new feeling. 

It was silly, the entire time you had spent with him nothing had felt out of place. And yet that sensation persisted, rearing its ugly head completely out of thin air.

Something had shifted as you slept, something that was there to rob you of your happy homecoming, and for the rest of the day it ate at your mind so that by the time you were finished your nerves were completely frazzled. You constantly pulled your cell phone out of your pocket to check the screen, but nothing ever appeared from Simon. There could have been any number of reasons that caused him to stay silent all damn day and if you didn’t have this sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, you probably would have focused on that. 

Today though it only served as confirmation that something was wrong.

The moment night hit and you had a spare moment as you lay in your bunk, you finally gathered the courage to face this head on and you hurriedly wrote out a text to send.

Need some company tonight?

You sent the text and watched as it went through, but there was no quick reply, no instant confirmation that he wanted to see you as soon as you could get your ass over there. Radio silence.

Setting your phone down beside you on your bed, you tried to focus on your book to pass the time, but you could not pry your thoughts away from drifting back to your phone. It took all your will not to keep flipping the damned thing over to check the screen for what you knew would be nothing. The minutes ticked on in agonizing fashion until finally you felt your phone vibrate and you rushed to pick it up. One text glared back at you.

Bit busy tonight, maybe later alright? 

Fuck. 

It felt like you had been shot as a stinging sensation ran through your chest. Night after night you had gone over there no matter the conditions: if he was busy, if he was tired, if he was stressed. Whatever it was he still made it his mission to have you both sweating and out of breath…and now nothing. 

Days passed under the same excuse with slight variation, always that he was busy or too tired or just didn’t feel up to company. You'd repeat to yourself that this was just a dry spell and that things would pick back up soon. Then one week became two and two weeks became three and at that point you had to be honest with yourself that something had happened that caused him to back away from you. 

Had you done something in your tired state that made him push away? Came on too strong, said something out of turn? You stopped messaging him and he didn’t try to contact you outside of a few minor things here and there concerning work.

For something that was supposed to be casual, the sudden lack of it was causing you to become listless and reclusive, to the point that when off duty you would seclude yourself in your barracks. Days seemed to stretch on in endless fashion as what was once a major part of them was no longer available to you and that left you in a state of confusion. Why did it bother you so much? You knew the terms- this was just a casual thing.

And yet you knew there was more to it than that. You didn’t want to admit that you had…no, you couldn’t… but the signs were as clear as day. You had fallen for him and now you had to suffer the pain of rejection.  

Simon’s company was something you had grown accustomed to: the smell of his cigarettes at the end of the night, the weight of his hand on your bare hip as you both sat in silence coming down from that euphoric high, those random texts he’d send either asking to see you or checking in. Now all that familiarity had nowhere to go and it left you empty.

Why did you have to go and break the only rule that could ultimately destroy you? Why did you have to fall in love?

Sulking alone in your room after hours, you gave yourself a few more days to feel sorry for yourself before you had had enough. If Simon was moving on, then you needed to as well and maybe things could get back to normal. The weekend was coming up and with no new missions on the horizon you had the whole thing to yourself. So why not go out for a bit, just to clear your head?

There was a bar within a ten minute walk from the base, a small rundown hole-in-the-wall that was filled with regulars and members from the taskforce whenever they got the chance. It wasn’t much, but a change in scenery was all you needed. A little fun wouldn’t hurt, would it? Besides maybe a few drinks would help you get out of your head, at least for the night anyway. 

No sense in waiting around for a text you knew wouldn’t come.

As you walked in amidst the sound of hard rock blasting from the jukebox against the wall, you took note of a few familiar faces among the crowd. You didn’t feel up to socializing just yet, but it was nice to know that if you got the hankering for conversation later there would be someone there you sort of knew.

There were several empty seats situated around the sparsely filled bar as most were stationed in groups at the tables scattered throughout and you took your place amongst the few regulars before ordering a beer from the bartender. You’d gotten halfway through slowly sipping at your drink, messing about on your phone when a text popped up on screen and you couldn’t believe who it was from.

It was Simon.

Where are you? Went by your barracks and you weren’t there.

He was looking for you? You had not expected to hear from him at all tonight, but to see the words written out that he had come by to look for you made your heart skip a beat. It felt like being a teenager again, getting worked up for your crush to message you and you hated how quick you were to get excited to have him talk to you again after all that distance. 

You sat there with your phone in hand, debating if you even wanted to text him back yet or not. On one hand it would be nice to let him suffer for a bit, but that wouldn’t accomplish anything. This was supposed to be a casual hookup relationship and you were acting like you were dating. Simon was only acting as he would in your type of situation; why punish him for that?

At the bar. Wanted to get out.

You shot the text back and instantly another followed behind.

Are you coming back soon?

Did he need another fix, is that why he was so curious? I mean, it wasn’t entirely out of the question, though you would need to take the edge off a little more before you saw him again; you had to be sure you wouldn’t let your feelings make this complicated. You still wanted to have sex with him and that was enough…you guessed. At least it was something.

Just as you were about to text him back to let him know that you’d be back soon and ask if he wanted to meet at his, you felt the presence of someone standing at your elbow. As you turned and looked up, you found yourself face to face with a strange, greasy-haired man that you had briefly caught a glimpse of earlier sitting at the other end of the bar. 

“Well hello pretty lady,” he greeted you, his speech a little slurred. He stumbled as he came to sit in the bar stool right next to you, almost spilling his drink in your lap. “Care for some company? Name’s Dylan by the way.”

“I’m good,” you instantly shot back as your nose wrinkled and your lips contorted into a frown. “Thanks anyway.”

You turned your attention back to your phone only to be met with a hand on your arm as he began to stroke it up and down. “Come on baby, don’t be like that. You can’t be having much fun over here all by your lonesome. I’ve been told I’m pretty good at making beautiful ladies laugh.”

Quickly you snapped your arm back out of his reach. “I said I’m good,” you repeated a little more forcefully this time, hoping that the hint would be taken as you’d give him one chance to walk away with his dignity still intact if he wanted. 

“No need to get heated,” he shot back, not taking anything but the time to keep harassing you. “I just want to chat. You could at least give me a chance. Maybe you’ll enjoy yourself more than you think.”

“Doubtful,” you sneered. “Do you always corner women in bars to get them to talk to you? Seems like maybe you’re not as good a conversationalist as you think you are. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Pushing the stool out a little you made to get up and leave, but as you stood so did Dylan and his hand was already around your wrist before you could step away. Your eyes flashed over to where the bartender should have been, but he must have popped into the back and those around you both acted as if they didn’t see a thing. Quickly you darted your eyes over to the table where the others from base had been and your heart sank as you didn’t know where they went; this might actually be a problem.

Just what you needed tonight.

Back at base something felt off about how you hadn’t answered yet, causing Simon’s pulse to quicken in his veins, almost as if he could sense through the phone the situation unfolding. He leaned against the outside wall of your barracks and took another long drag of his cigarette as he watched his phone screen closely. The way his stomach began to churn and his whole body felt tense forced him to hurriedly send a follow up text. If he looked dumb, at least his mind would be put at ease. 

You alright?

Your phone buzzed in your hand, but Dylan wouldn’t let go of your wrist even as you struggled in his grasp. Maneuvering the small rectangle in your free hand, you used your thumb as best you could to type out your message. You didn’t want Simon to worry; you’d be done with this douchebag soon enough.  

Sorry. Gotta creep that doesn’t understand no.

Give me a min, might have to get physical.

He quickly read the message the instant it pulled up on the screen and his cig slipped from his fingers as his blood ran cold. You were in trouble, that’s all he read and it was like a switch had been flipped. Instantly Simon perked up and began moving as fast as his strong legs could carry him off base and towards the bar with murder on his mind. 

Thank Christ it was just under a ten minute walk; his blood pressure was already so high he could hear his heartbeat pulsating in his ears as he spotted the front door just a few feet away. Finally reaching the door, he grabbed the handle and flung it open with force.

Roaming eyes instantly clocked your back as you stood facing a man who had his hands on you and as he came closer he made out the slurred speech of the man fixing to be on a slab in the morgue if he didn’t remove himself immediately.

“You don’t want to cause a scene do you?” Dylan smirked as you tried to rip your arm out of his grasp. “I promise I’m not all bad; I can treat you real good if you just give me the chance. Never been with a military girl before. I bet you could teach me a few things.”

Your mouth was open, the words already on your tongue when you watched as the man at your elbow stopped and his attention was drawn behind you. Then you felt it, another presence to add to the mix, except you already knew who it was before he spoke.

“Get the fuck away from ‘er,” Simon’s low growl sounded as he stalked up behind you, “or you’re gonna wish you fuckin’ had.”

The man before you looked behind you wide-eyed at the massive figure of Simon standing at your back, but he couldn’t back down, not when his ego was on the line. Somewhere in that alcohol riddled brain he came to the conclusion that if he could just get the big man to leave that you would eventually give in to him. 

Again he reached his hand out to grope your arm as you wrenched it out of the way. “Look pal,” the slimy bastard addressed him snidely, “I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but this isn’t what it looks like so why don’t you just go along. We were just having a little fun, weren’t we baby?” 

“No, we fucking weren’t,” you hissed back as you joined Simon in glaring him down.

“Ya heard ‘er,” Simon immediately jumped to your defense, “so even though I rarely like repeatin’ myself, I’ll tell you one more time. Get. The fuck. Away. From ‘er.”

The rage in his voice made you shudder with its intensity. Though you could not see it, you knew by the way he spoke through his teeth that his jaw was clenched tight, matching what you could see which were his fists tensing so tight that it was turning his knuckles white. Shit just the aura radiating off of him was so full of wrath that there was no mistaking just how angry he was. 

The man took another swig of liquid courage before he grimaced with a shake of his head. “You think you can just waltz over and steal this sweet little thing out from under me?” he challenged, stepping in closer to you to get in Simon’s face. “I saw her first, she came here alone. So, she’s gonna be coming home with me; I can be very persuasive when I want to be.”

He reached out to you once more and actually got a bit of a substantial caress this time on your hip; instantly Simon saw nothing but red.

That was fucking it. Whatever modicum of decorum Simon possessed up until now completely flew out the window the moment that bastard had even brought up trying to get you to go home with him. And now he had watched him touch you?! If he didn’t back off now, they would be carrying him out in a body bag.

It didn’t matter anymore of who saw or heard what; if the guys back at base figured it out from the buzz of talk that would come from tonight or if it somehow got all the way back to Price tomorrow, Simon wasn’t about to let this fucking creep keep putting his filthy hands and lay claim to what belonged to him.

“She may ‘ave come here alone, but she’s wit me,” Simon again growled as his accent became more pronounced, this time with enough venom that it could have burnt a hole through the floor. “So I suggest you get your fuckin’ hand off my girl before you go home wit one fewer. Or test me and see what prize ya get. I’ve been itchin’ to try out my new Bowie knife. Supposed to be the sharpest on the market; maybe we should see how well it carves you up.”

As he spoke, his strong forearm snaked its way from behind you and wrapped itself securely around your waist so that as he took a step forward your back was right up against his chest. Through the shadow of his balaclava, those chestnut eyes glared daggers down into the man, daring him to make a move and give him a reason to commit murder, but lucky for him that Dylan’s brain finally reactivated in time. The intimidation had worked and the greasy piece of shit gave you both a nasty, agitated look before he grabbed his beer and walked off somewhere further into the opposite side of the bar.

Once he was out of sight, Simon quickly spun you around in his arms, his hands cupping around your cheeks as you came to face him. Those brown eyes softened as they shifted from anger to concern as he looked you over, checking down the line of your body for any signs that that bastard had done anything more to you that he hadn’t seen yet. “Ya alright?” he questioned. “He didn’t do anythin’ to hurt ya, did he?”

The question went right past you as your mind was reeling from the entire encounter the moment that you heard Simon’s voice behind you. You knew you had heard exactly what had been said, but was it all an act to get the man to leave?… you couldn’t be sure, but it was enough to put your mind into turmoil.

You were drawn out of your thoughts by more indistinct talking from Simon. “Hmm?” you asked as you met his eyes again. 

“I asked if ya were okay to go,” he repeated, the pad of his thumb rubbing gently over the hollow of your cheek to bring you back into the moment.

“Yeah,” you muttered with a nod of your head as Simon let you go so you could double check you had everything. You paid your tab and with his hand on the small of your back, he ushered you both out the front doors.

Once outside, the cool night air wrapped itself around you, easing that tension in your chest from the stifling atmosphere of the bar as you both began to walk back the short distance to the base in silence. So many questions you had, so much uncertainty about what had just happened, that you were so consumed with your thoughts that you hadn’t realized you were back at Simon’s room until he was opening the door and you were following him inside like a lost pup.    

He offered you a seat on the only thing he really had, his bed, and you took it just as you had done so many times it was almost like second nature to you now. Squatting down before you, he looked you over once more.

“Are ya really alright?” he asked the question again now in a more subdued setting where you could hopefully think more clearly.

“I’m fine,” you reassured him. “Annoyed, but fine.”

Why did it feel like that wasn’t the real question he was asking?

His eyes peered deep into your face a moment as if he was searching for something behind the surface, but it passed quickly and soon he stood back up to his full height and let the silence take back over. You allowed the moment to fall away as a more pressing question lingered on the tip of your tongue, gnawing at your mind until you couldn't ignore it any longer, one that you had almost forgotten all about in the chaos. 

"So, what were you doing earlier, looking for me I mean?" you asked, genuinely curious.

He cleared his throat and shifted in his stance. "It's…complicated…" he started, but something caused him to pause.

As you waited for him to reply, everything hit you all at once as if suddenly stirred by being in his room and it felt hard to breathe. It had been going so well until that second, being here surrounded in that specific familiarity again, but fuck it brought too much baggage with it. Memories aroused by the feeling of his sheets against your hand, the scent of his room, the proximity to him after all that space was overwhelming and you could feel your shoulders begin to tense. 

You had to get out and soon before you did or said something you’d regret.

“I should really go,” you said all of a sudden, just as Simon found his voice. “You can always tell me later, it's fine. We’ll need to keep our distance for a bit in case a private or someone saw what happened. Don’t want them to misconstrue what they thought was going on.”

Still and silent, Simon watched you through the mask a moment as you stood back to your feet. “Thank you though for coming to help, I really appreciate it,” the genuine sentiment prominent in your voice as you gave him a smile. Taking a few steps you moved to leave by walking past him, but his hand shot out from his side and grabbed your wrist to keep you from moving any further. 

“Don’t,” he muttered softly.

Your heart skipped a beat, you couldn’t help it.  A thousand times you’d heard him bark orders to the new recruits and this was nothing compared to that. His tone wasn’t demanding or harsh; it was soft and almost pleading. And against your mind telling you to go, you could do nothing else except stop right where you stood.

He moved his hand down to yours and kept it locked in his grasp as he reached up to his face and slid his balaclava up the back of his head until it came off of his chin, revealing those striking features that you hadn’t seen much of these days. Idly he turned your hand over in his so that the palms were touching and he could place his fingers between the spaces. You looked down at the connection and then up into his face where you were met with him staring straight back at you with such intensity it took your breath away.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized to break the silence.

You cleared your throat, desperately trying to keep your head about all this. “About tonight?” you asked, sure that was what he was referring to. “It’s fine. I’ve dealt with many creeps over my lifetime. He won’t be the last, but I’m tough. Would have handed his ass to him in a minute, even if you hadn't come to my rescue.”

Simon shook his head as he took a step closer, nearly against you now. The air around you shifted to become thick with intentions that had not yet been spoken, but were on the horizon. “No, don’t mean ‘bout what happened tonight.”

Everything stood still, even time itself within that space that existed around just the both of you. Your pounding heartbeat pulsed hard until you could hear it in your ears as he moved in completely, taking your cheek in his free hand as he leaned his head down to rest his forehead against your own. Eyes closed, you held your breath as you waited for him to speak. 

“I know you ‘eard what I said back there. Look, I tried to keep this casual like we agreed, I really fuckin’ did, luv, but watchin’ that goddamn pig put his hands on ya solidified everything for me…” he took a breath as his heart too was nearly beating out of his chest and you could feel his pulse through his hand still wrapped in yours. “I… I don’t want casual anymore.”

“What?” It felt like a dream, this couldn’t possibly be real… could it? Was he really saying what you thought he was?

A slight chuckle at your reaction, he continued. “When ya left on that mission, I thought it’d be fine; you’d return and we’d get back to what we do best: passin’ the time by in each other's company. Maybe the separation would do us some fuckin’ good, give us time to cool off. Then I spent over a month’s worth of nights without even seein’ ya once and it was fuckin’ torture. The way I missed ya was too strong for casual.”

“Then why…?” you started the confused question.

“Avoid ya?” he finished it. “I’m not the best at this shit and I panicked. For that I'm more sorry than ya know. But ya need to understand…I know I can be rough ‘round the edges; I’m the last person that deserves somethin’ as soft and gentle as you, sweetheart. Thought if I kept my distance, we could go back to just foolin’ ‘round. But I realized I don’t wanna go back; I want to try this, us, because fuck I can’t stand not havin’ ya all to myself. I want you…really, truly, only you…”

He was close, the warmth of his body as he came down from that rush of adrenaline made the air around you both heated. Moving his head until your lips were almost touching, bodies molded into the curves of one another, his fingertips brushed against your cheek as his gaze never wavered from the lower half of your face. 

"Are…are you sure?" you asked hesitantly, as if he would take it all back in an instant.

He nodded against your head. “I want us to be together. Say you'll be mine,” he whispered, hot breath so close to your mouth you could feel it tingle across the skin of your lips. "I need ta hear ya say you'll be with me.”

Your head may have been foggy by the tension flowing between your bodies, but there was nothing you were ever more sure of than this being what you wanted. Without a moment of hesitation, you gave him his answer. “Simon, you idiot,” you chided him gently, “I was already yours. You’re the only one I want to be with.”

Moist lips were already capturing your own by the time the ending sound of the last word left your mouth as if he were trying to swallow the words down so you could not take them back. Kisses like fire peppered your lips, his entire mouth enveloping your own with nose pressed into his cheek so that you could barely breathe and yet you did not try to escape.

Everywhere his fingers went as they caressed the lines of your body left trails of sensitive nerve endings bursting to life, sending waves of delicious tingles coursing through your limbs until they reached the very top of your head. Something in the way he touched you was like he was trying to take all those feelings you both knew you had for each other and capture it to hold in the palms of his hands; he could not get enough.

Whatever lingering bit of upset that still clung to you was dissipated the longer he molded your bodies together until there was nothing left. You knew the type of man Simon was, knew that raw emotion was not something he had much experience in; for him to be so vulnerable about what he wanted, he was trying to prove that he was willing to change- for you. And that was enough to make you forgive him for everything. 

"Please," he groaned into your open mouth, his hands dancing around your waist near the bottom of your shirt."I need ta be inside ya."

Your smile was on his lips. "Then what are you waiting for? Can't leave my boyfriend suffering," you replied with just as much desperation and that was all the confirmation he required.

Simon hadn't held that title in a long, long time, but something about how it sounded in your sweet voice made him feral and he was lost to anything but how you felt against him and how he would feel in you.

Grabbing the hem of your shirt with his exploring fingers, he released your mouth only long enough to rip it off over your head and toss it somewhere onto his floor. He had seen you naked dozens of times, had learned all the parts of your anatomy by touch alone, and yet here in this moment it was like seeing you for the first time again. 

"Christ, luv, you are always such a pretty sight," he said, pupils dilating as he took a lingering moment to run those rough fingers along the side of your breast all the way to your hip. "I am one lucky bastard to have such a beauty for a girlfriend."

Fuck, you both were so drunk on the other that there was only one need that desperately had to be met and that was to feel your bodies become one and solidify this relationship. This wasn't just sex, this had become something more. You were now connected and wanted to reflect that physically just as it was emotionally. Everything went quickly after that: clothes being removed in a mess of heated breath and tangled parts, until both of you stood completely bare before the other. 

He held onto you as he moved you both together closer to the bed where he sat back, pulling you into his lap onto the mattress. "I was a goddamn fuckin' fool to push away from ya like that," he said breathlessly as he helped you to situate yourself on him where he had you lean backward so that your back was pressed against his chest. "You are the only one for me, the only one that makes all this fuckin' hell worth somethin'."

His cock throbbed wildly between your thighs and up against his stomach, that aching tip with its dribble of precum begging to be allowed inside of your silky walls, but it wasn’t time for that yet. You were his focus, the one he wanted to bear penance to, and so securing you to him with a strong arm around your waist, his other hand rubbed across the length of your thigh until he decided to slip it in the crevasse between them.

"I am neva gonna let you go again, I fuckin’ swear it," his humid breath purred at your ear as he palmed your sex, catching the damp heat in his hand. “You’re mine, sweetheart. Mine.”

You opened your legs wider, until your thighs were on the outside of his. He extended his middle finger and drug it across the slit in your petals until he split them open and plunged it deep inside. You bucked in his grasp at the shock of his touch, back arching in a jolt as he ran that one finger along the length of your cunt, mouth falling agape as he found your clit and began to rub circles around the bundle. 

“Simon,” your soft voice moaned his name as your head fell back to his shoulder and he smirked as he kissed your cheek.

“I do fuckin’ love the way ya say my name, luv,” he groaned. 

It was like your lips turned sound into gold and never had a man felt more rich than he did. 

His finger locked onto your clit continued in its steady rhythm while he risked moving his hand up to massage your breast so he could stimulate the nipple till it grew hard enough that he could lightly twist it between his fingers. A gasp escaped from your mouth into the room at the multiple points of sensitivity getting his attention that it was making your thoughts hazy. “I need ya so fuckin’ bad all the time I feel like I’m constantly burnin’,” he whispered more of his yearning words into your ear. “I should have known by how much I craved ya even from the start that it was never just gonna remain casual. You and I were meant to be.”

Your body felt like it was on a cloud, so feather light with pleasure that even his words added to the euphoria.  Placing your hands on either side of your bodies onto the mattress you used the leverage to roll your hips onto his hand, grinding down in rhythm with the stroke of his finger. The heat from your body working its hardest the closer it got to its release caused sweat to bead along your forehead. 

Not wanting to leave any part of you unloved, he switched his hand to your other breast where the nipple already stood hard and raised, waiting for him as he continued his confessions. “Even after I made ya come, ya still wanted to linger around like I was somethin’ special,” his bassy voice hummed in your head, “fuck was that addictive. Whenever ya left I’d get a knot in my stomach, cause I missed ya bein’ near. All the excuses I made to keep you hangin’ ‘round just a little longer were all bullshit. I just wanted ya to stay with me.”

Your pace quickened as he spoke, breathing heavy and labourous, spurred on by the longing in his words that made you ache. To finally hear the sheer extent of his want for you, goddamn it was like a deep inhale after holding your breath for far too long; there was no hiding anymore, no more skirting around feelings that were surfacing. You could let go and experience the full capacity of everything he had to give you without fear or confusion. 

A sharp hiss of air between his lips as he rocked along with your movements, enjoying how lost you were in the depths of your oncoming release. “Fuckin’ hell, baby,” he groaned, his fingers coated in your warm juices as it nearly dripped to his palm. “Couldn’t say it before, but I can now. I am so smitten with ya I can’t see straight.”

Christ, Simon’s cock was so hard, the tip so swollen that the slightest bump from your thigh was enough that he felt like he might blow before he even got the chance to be inside you. The adrenaline from his admissions didn’t help either as skin felt like it was on fire and the way you moved over top of him had him grasping at anything to keep him sane until he could get you off once before diving in.

Your orgasm was approaching fast and your ability to think, let alone talk, was disrupted to the point that all you could do was grind harder on his hand and focus on remembering how to breathe. That pressure gathered as you rushed towards the peak, your muscles in your abdomen tightening as Simon leaned into your ear one more time to whisper the final thing that he wanted you to know about all this. 

“Ya are my addiction,” he breathed into the skin of your neck before his lips latched on to suck and bite along all that tender meat. 

And all at once it was over. The dam broke, completely exploded as the flood could not be contained a second more and as your head flew back with eyes closed you came so hard that you nearly knocked him over, but just as he had said earlier, he had you. Those fingers milked your clit through your orgasm for all it was worth, stroking out every last bit until there was nothing more for you to give him and you sank down into a puddle in his arms. 

He held you snug in his embrace as he stippled kisses along the edge of your jawline and down your neck, delicate pecks as the ecstasy played itself out. “That’s it sweetheart, ride it out. All the way for me,” he groaned his praises. “I want ya to have your fill.”

Minutes passed with all your focus put solely on steadying your erratic breathing and racing pulse, until finally you were able to collect yourself. Only then did Simon give you a gentle nudge with his hand against your ass. “Get up,” he directed as he helped you to stand, turning you around to face him before guiding you back down to kneel over his lap, that thick cock twitching between your thighs. “I need to see those pretty eyes.”

Positioning your body over top of him, Simon held your hips tightly in his grasp as he led them down over the top of his lap. The head of his cock prodded against the folds of your cunt until he was able to slip between them, that first sensation of all that warm slick coating him making his torso shudder as he drug the length through the petals. 

“Ya want this inside ya, pretty girl? Want me to fill that tight little cunt full of me?” he grunted as he continued to slather his cock in your cum. “Come on sweetheart, let me hear ya say it. I need to hear ya say it.”

Shit, the wind was knocked from your lungs, head lolling back as you felt all that delicious girth resting between your legs so close to its goal and yet still so far. You squirmed in his grip, trying to wrestle that fucking appendage inside you, but goddammit Simon had you firmly. Quickly you nodded your reply. “Please, Simon, please,” you begged, not caring how pathetic you sounded. “I need you inside me so bad. Please.”

That was the most he could tease as he was rocking dangerously close to the fucking edge and there was no way he would allow himself to come without taking you with him. Having you sit up again he aligned the tip with your entrance and as he guided your hips back down he pressed into it and in he went. He shoved your body down until you sat against his thighs so that he was buried in you to the base.

“Fuck,” he whined as abs clenched while his body convulsed so that he had to cling to you tight, fingers drilling into the muscle at your sides that would surely leave marks tomorrow. Christ you always felt like heaven. 

Your arms locked around the back of his neck to keep you from falling off, delicate whimpers dripping from your lips as his cock nestled securely inside to stretch you good and full to the brim. It pulsed and throbbed against your walls like a heartbeat deep in your core, its rhythm making your body tremble to the cadence of a dance that only you two had perfected.

“Fuckin’ hell you feel so good,” he sighed. 

More primal instinct overtook you as your mind crumbled to the euphoria of the connection of your bodies. Being on top you were in control of the pace and set it nice and easy as you rolled your hips till he loosened his grip and you could add a bit of bounce to the movement, using your knees to push off the mattress. Simon released your hips and gave you the reins to use him as you wanted, instead opting to palm as much of your ass as he could in each hand.

Massaging each cheek as he used his strength to take some of the pressure off your legs, he groaned desperately into your face, the last bit of speech he would be able to create for the moment as your body became his paradise. “That’s it, pretty girl, fuckin’ use me.”  

You ground your hips harder into his pelvis to engage your swollen clit like you couldn’t get enough of the way it felt. Your fingertips tingled with the prickling sensation of them running over the cropped bottom of Simon’s blonde locks as you rode him, every part of you from your head down to your toes in pure bliss. It was overwhelming, intense, mind-numbing, and you did not want it to stop. 

You were consumed with the pleasure of him and nothing else.

The desire to kiss again intensified, but the ecstasy running like magma through your veins left you both unable to do little else than to moan and gasp uncontrollably into each other's slack mouths, moist air being siphoned between one mouth into the other. Damp hair clung to the sides of your face and the back of your neck as the muscles in your thighs strained and flesh stuck against sweaty flesh.

Too much, too fucking much, and yet he need even more. Simon could not stand it any longer, the need to drill into you took over him and leaning himself back slightly he held your hips in place as he thrust up into you with strong snaps of his pelvis. The pressure of his cock being forced into your dripping cunt caused wet, slapping sounds to fill the space to accentuate the squeaking now emanating from the springs in his bed.

The pace was now his and by its slowly increasing speed you knew he was getting close; he only got this desperate when he was about to finish. You were right there with him, the stimulation of your clit helping to start that warm tightening in your stomach so that now you were so sensitive it would not take much more from him to send you over the edge.

More aggressively he thrust inside all the way up until he reached the base of his phallus, nearly bottoming out in you the harder he went. It was impossible not to get lost in the feeling of something so silky, so tight, so warm, not when it belonged to someone he needed like air. Goddammit he was aching to come, the struggle about to give out at any minute.

His hand pawed at your face, holding you by the cheek to prop your head up as you bobbed with his thrusts so that those amber eyes could meet yours. “Come with me baby,” he made his grunted plea, “come on, I wanna do this togetha. Are ya close?”

You nodded exaggeratedly to convey the messages since you were still not able to form words. Thrust after thrust he continued to pound into you, each one making that knot in your stomach grow stronger and stronger until finally like the flick of a switch it was over and you cried out as you came all over his cock, shuddering as the electric spark snaked its way up your spine while you sticky juices dripped down to his pelvis.

Simon, having completed his work, finally allowed himself to let go and he came with a fury and a shaky loud groan that ripped out from his chest. His body convulsed as he drained his swollen balls dry. “That’s it, that’s it sweetheart,” he repeated over and over breathlessly as you both rode out that high through to the very end. 

You fell forward into him, exhausted and satisfied while he still clung to your body so that his warm breath wafted over your shoulder as he came back down from the ecstasy. He didn't want to let you go and you were more than content to stay nestled in his arms for as long as possible just to feel him. After a moment his sweat-speckled forehead came to rest on your shoulder, his arms never loosening one bit.

“No one ever gets me like this, save for you,” he whispered into your skin before placing a kiss to seal it in. “And no one is ever gonna get the chance now cause I ain’t ever gonna let ya go.” 

Eventually his heart rate slowed enough that he could breathe normally again and as he did he eased you both down to the mattress on your sides so that his arms could stay wrapped tight. Against his chest he held you close as his fingers ran long, gentle lines along your spine and up into your hair in a tender gesture that soothed you back down into a calm.

At least your body was, but this was uncharted territory you were dealing with now that you had both made it official to one another and that brought along with it a whole slew of new dilemmas that you would face. And of course, you being the one to always be prepared, couldn’t help but bring up a few in that comfortable post-coital silence that followed.  

"You know that we are going to have to be even more careful now," you mused aloud. "What if a recruit tries to hit on me or something? What if I slip up and tell them about us?"

“Doesn’t matter what ya tell 'em. You're taken, so just tell 'em that,” he muttered sleepily as he worked those digits over your skin. 

“I don’t think Price is gonna be happy with us if and when he finds out we’re in a relationship,” you commented, still stuck on the line of thinking currently plaguing your mind. "I don't want you to get in trouble or anything, ya kn…."

His strong hands were already wrapped around your cheeks in an instant as Simon leaned into your face to peck your lips to stop you from speaking. “Stop fuckin’ worrin’, sweetheart. I don’t care,” he reassured softly. “We can figure all that shit out later. Right now, I want to lay ‘ere with my girl; fuck the rest. I'm not runnin', not anymore, so there’s plenty of time for us to work this out.”

His girl. His. Yeah, you could get used to him calling you that.

As you snuggled back down against him, you weren’t sure what this new development would bring for you both in the coming days, if it would be a struggle or not, but you knew that nothing could be as hard as not being together. Whatever it was you had to do to preserve this, you would.

Tag list: @ashcarmine @moviefreak1205 @dragonstoneshortcake

[mistydeyes]

Hey, Hope you're having a good day or night wherever you are.

Can I request a headcanon about 141 with a female reader who likes to draw and sketch a lot? Platonic ofc.

thanks anon, hope you have a good ____ as well <3 i used to be a sketch/artist girl so this was so cute to write :)

an artist’s touch

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊

summary: When you aren’t on the field, you are an avid artist of multiple mediums. It isn’t brought up much but once it is, the 141 has plenty of questions (and even some requests).

pairing: Taskforce 141 x platonic!fem!reader

warnings: swearing, mentions of blood/violence

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊

tbh when you first joined, they didn’t know much about your hobby (being part of a specialized task force is busy yk?)

but it was revealed when you finally were granted leave and you discussed your plan upon your return home

“my first stop is going to be to cass art :)”

immediate cacophony of “you draw?” “you’re an artist?” “have you ever drawn us before!”

after a few minutes you quelled all of their questions (“yes, yes, and i literally joined 4 months ago and haven’t had access to a pencil”)

ghost comments, “make sense why you’re so good at stabbing people”

“god you’re so morbid ghost”

when back on base, you were shy to show you’re talents but you eventually relaxed the more you were with your teammates

eventually you began to bring out your sketchbook or paints out when you were relaxing after a mission or training session

once in a while, someone will tell you your work is amazing but if you’re in the zone, they’ll leave you alone

one time price accidentally left his mug too close to your paint cup and you ended up swirling your brush into it

queue a long lecture about how you should pay more attention (but who am i kidding that coffee is so strong he probably didn’t notice)

you humored soap and drew what you thought the real simon riley looked like

ghost snuck a peek and one of the drawings was surprisingly accurate

speaking of which, you may or may not have used your teammates as drawing references but you’ll never tell

gaz just has such angular features which makes drawing his figure so easy

mans looks like a walking drawing figure

it’s relaxing to let your mind wander and hands do the work as you fill a page or canvas

painting at home in your studio helps you to unwind from the grueling job

once, you sketched a few designs for gaz when he mentioned wanting to get a tattoo

“i don’t know gaz this is permanent” “i’ve seen your sketches and they’re amazing! just send me a few designs”

he landed on a cool watercolor piece you had made months ago

after your design, you would all joke about how you would redesign ghost’s tattoo

“Lt. that shit is heinous, just let me draw you a coverup” “no.”

while you don’t accept commissions anymore, you did gift your captain a painting of his favorite secluded lake scenery

he has it hanging in the foyer of his elegant flat

while you don’t really exchange gifts, everyone knows what they would get you

ghost has taken special attention to the brand of pencil you use and the gouache paintings that litter your quarters

everyone likes to joke w you on the comms

“hey do you think you could paint a picture with the blood of your enemies?” “jesus! soap…but yes i could”

[sinsofbeauty]

Mine

Fandom: COD MWll

Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x Fem Sergeant! Reader

Requested: Nah :3

Warnings: FWB relationship, A little bit of Soft! Simon, Simon calling you “princess”, SMUTTYYY!!!, Very mimimal Dry Humping, Oral F! Receiving, Unprotected Sex!, Passionate, Rough?, Creampie

Overview: A friends with benefits relationship takes a turn, as Simon Riley starts to develop feelings for the young sergeant. He told himself he couldn’t let what they already had get the best of him, but he couldn’t resist.

A/n: A bit unedited guys, I’ll come back later to freshen it up but I was too eager to post this. Hope you all enjoy!

Y/n L/n, one of the Sergeants of Task Force 141. Unquestionably attractive, a true team player, and a certified badass on the battlefield. It was amazing how proficient she was with a rifle, and how beautiful she looked doing it. The woman was a crucial member of the squad, who excelled at stealth missions and was well recognized when it came to anything done undercover. She was someone who drew attention, particularly Simon Riley's.

The man was a brute, cold with pure fight to his masked beauty. Though when it came to her he didn’t know what the hell happened. His chest felt warm with comfort looking at her, regardless of whether she was seriously stern or joyfully smiling. He couldn’t help but stare. Sometimes he would stare too long, and when she would look at him he became tense with anxiety. Even though his eyes would show only blank emotion, he would casually look away moments after with his heart racing like a freight train.

He liked her, that much was clear. Simon wasn't sure how to feel about it even though it was evident she liked him back, from the way she flushed at his simple comments or occasionally flirted with him. Even after experiencing trauma, the sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The sight of mere attraction made him feel…strange.

“Do you wanna try?”

Were the words you said that started all of this. The very words that made the man crack, his figure stiffening as hard as his cock that had already throbbed with excitement. Just looking at you made him grow a fucking tent, let alone horny. When you said this it was in reference to him kissing you after all the countless encounters of flirting back and forth even if it was minor. Long story short, that day he fucked your brains out, absolutely destroying your pretty pussy with all his throbbing cock could offer.

Since then, the both of you had been Friends with Benefits. Whenever there was an opportunity, he would fuck that pussy up like no tomorrow. He drowned in it, craved it, oh he absolutely loved it. Nothing that he had felt before and he knew you loved it too. A minor issue, though, had emerged recently. According to Simon's feelings, the relationship was beginning to develop into much more. He started to feel envious when you spent time with the boys and they were able to flirt with you without issue, because they were unaware of what you both have done. His frustration at not being able to have you all to himself led to frequent episodes of anger. Could he, though? You, all for him? Simply put, you were a friend, sergeant, simply a coworker. There was just no way in hell that he could have such intense feelings, as much as he tried not to. You wouldn't genuinely love him in such a way. That kind of love wouldn't be possible…would it?

—

“Ghost?” The man who had been changing in the center of the room had paused, staring at your half-naked figure as it lay on his bed, with hooded eyes. "You seem a bit...preoccupied," You said curiously.

And he was, in fact. He slowly removed his gear, barely giving you the slightest glance as he did so. He didn't feel the same way he had when you two originally started this some months ago; instead, he behaved very differently.

“It’s nothin’,” He had replied to you, unbuckling the belt to his pants to pull them down. “Just a little stress.”

“You sure?”

His medium blue jeans fell to the ground, revealing his strained erection that tightly pressed along his black boxers. He didn’t bother taking off his black long sleeve, nor did he remove his skull balaclava. “Why do you ask?”

He simply approached the bed, grabbed your legs, and dragged you over to the edge. He bent down and placed his hands on either side of your head as he fixed his gaze downward on your vulnerable body.

“You seem a little different today, that’s all.” You replied to him as he tilted his head to the side. “Plus, I thought you said last time would be the…well, last time.”

He stared at you with no change in emotion, but you could see his brows twitch a little. He said, "I know," as his forearms dropped to the bed. “You're just fucking irresistible.”

With your legs slightly dangling off the bed Ghost had spread them with his knees, putting himself in between you as his clothed cock touched your slick panties. You whimpered lowly as his face was close to yours, the man bucking his hips slowly. His dick made his way up and down your clothed cunt, his eyes closing, enjoying the moment.

“Can I try something?” He asked. You nodded your head as he opened his eyes, humming a yes as he did so. “You’ll have to close your eyes then, princess.”

Despite your bewilderment you complied. He lifted himself off the bed as you were closing your eyes, seizing the hem of your underwear and dragging it down your legs. He growls, and you hear the gentle thump on the floor. He then gently patted your outer thigh before grabbing it with one hand. From the angle you felt that from, he must’ve been crouched on the ground.

“You ready?” He asked, since you couldn’t see he probably didn’t want to startle you. Which was…quite considerate.

“Yes but-“

As soon as you said yes you felt his finger dive into your already wet pussy, but that is not what made you tense up. For the first time you had felt his tongue planted flat on your sweet bud. He had taken the balaclava off, at least the bottom portion. Pushing his fingers between your sensitive flesh he fucked you, pressing against the spongey region of your delicate insides almost immediately. He traced his tongue over your clit, flicking lightly in a perfect rhythm.

“Aaah~!”

His tongue moved up and down on the dripping slit of your genitalia. God damn did he know what he was doing, and you writhed with delight as your hands captured the covers. Your inner walls spasm, making Ghost take you into his mouth while your legs began to shake. He keeps going, sucking, tasting, and savoring after each stroke. He pulls his fingers out from you when you begin to pull away, grabbing onto your thighs and pulling you back to him.

“Where are you going?” Ghost’s amused huff is heard before he goes back to eating your pussy like a french dessert.

You couldn’t help but fist the sheets with your sweaty palms, a feeling building up inside of you. Your toes curled, eyes still clenched shut as your back began to arch just barely. You couldn’t believe that you were already so close to orgasm. This man was gonna make you cum in less than five minutes! Your breathing becomes labored as you grind against him, bringing you closer to release. His tongue then descended into the folds of your pussy making you purr with satisfaction. Through the darkness of your eyelids you began to see stars, feeling his thumb fondle with your oh so sensitive clit.

It threw you over the edge. Your body convulses as cries of pleasure echo through the room. Falling apart beneath him your back arches high, thighs colliding with his head as you squeezed tightly.

“F-Fuck Ghost-“ You sharply exhale.

He continues to play with your clit until you’re practically crushing his head with your thighs, and releases you completely afterwards. With a loud sigh and the rise of your chest, your legs had spread apart, and you put a hand over your face. God…no one has ever made you feel that good.

“You called baby?” You heard his voice for only just a second, until you felt his lips press gently on the skin of your inner thigh. “Keep those eyes closed.” Another shift made you realize that he had moved again, your eyes obeying him and not opening. The heat on your face told you that he had kept the bottom part of his balaclava off, as it still exposed his face.

“Coming so fast for me. I love that.” His voice was taunting, deep and oh so sexy.

“Shut up.” You giggled softly. “When can I open my eyes?”

“When I say so,” Ghost commented. “Do you wanna try?”

“Try what?”

His lips brushed against yours, making your heart almost stop. “That.”

“Yes…” You immediately responded. It made you whimper, simply because those lips were literally right there.

That time you guys kissed, had been the only time. You didn’t know why, but now that the opportunity presented itself once more, hell yeah you were going for it. Without another moment to waste, you felt his lips on yours. He took a hand up to your chest and groped your breast, grazing his thumb over your puckered nipple. Your head becomes light as he kisses you tenderly, the slight turn of his head deepening it. You could taste what Ghost had been devouring, your juices mixed with his own distinctive taste. Fuck it was good. His lips danced onto yours with ease, soon turning into a slow, passionate kiss. Your hands had made their way up to the man’s face, grabbing the sides that were still covered by his balaclava with part of his stubble jaw. His cock, felt against your slit rubbed its rosy head up and down as you both fondly enjoyed each other.

Ghost had pulled back, you letting go of his face before he stood to his tall form. “You can open your eyes now.”

When he did, his balaclava was covering his face again.

“You’re such a dick.”

“I know, but you love it.”

Your face changed immediately, subconsciously looking at him with eyes that only could express love. Maybe you did, who knows. His erection pressed against his defined abs when he lifted the front of his shirt up, letting his body get some cool air before the fun. “Gorgeous, don’t look at me like that.” His voice was playful, making you snap out of your trance and smile at him with a giggle. “Making me melt over here, dripping like a faucet.”

“You’re telling me,” You playfully shake your legs. “She’s waiting for you.”

“Yeah?”

“Mhmmm~.”

“You’re such a tease.” Ghost softly put his fingers around your hips.

“Speak for yourself.”

“Hm? I didn’t hear that.” His head tilted to the side.

“Fuck you Ghost.” You shook your head looking away from him, a blush appearing on your face.

“I’m trying,” With that he positioned himself and sunk his dick into you. You moaned deeply as he went in slow, your eyes going back to his as he stared deep into your soul. His cock was so perfect, every inch of your pussy was filled to the hilt, no space left untouched.

“F-Fucking…hell…” You mutter, your fingers taking some locks of your hair.

“You good?”

“Yeah…it’s been a little while. You’re just so big Ghost.”

“And you’re so tight love,” He groaned, taking his hands off of you. “You’re lucky no ones here to listen to your pretty voice.” Ghost had rolled up the sleeves to his shirt before momentarily taking your hips again, making you flinch in pleasure as his cock moved slightly inside of you. “You drive me wild, you know that?”

“Maybe,” You smiled, feeling Ghost pull out before thrusting back in steadily. “Fuuuck Ghost…you fill me up so well.” You breath out, making him nod his head slightly to the side.

“Damn right,” He huffed, cock twitching inside you. Ghost began moving his hips in a consistent pace, thrusting his cock into you. He loved watching your face change, twisting with pleasure as he fucked you slowly. Though it was too slow, and he knew that. “Tell me how you want it baby.”

You stared into his piercing blue eyes, your own squinting up at him. “H-Harder.”

“Harder?”

You nodded your head, mumbling a yes under your breath. “Like how you usually do it. But…n-not as fast.”

He hummed, readjusting his fingers on your hips to a more comfortable position. Ghost then looks down, pulling out his cock to the head before thrusting his hips back into you harshly. Not something wind knocking or ruthless, but just enough to make your cunt spasm around him tightly. He took note of this, going in a little deeper to hit your G-Spot and oh did that drive you fucking insane.

With his slow pace but deadly hard thrusts into your tight hole, your mouth couldn’t contain the forced moans and shouts that escaped. The pleasure was pure, eye rolling, and did he do it just right. Your core tightens and grips at his dick while he makes your body jolt back from the hard force.

“Like this?”

He was doing it just right, but unfortunately it wasn’t as much as you wanted. You craved him much more than you had thought. “Faster~.”

Ghost cocked his head to the side, a small growl vibrating the pit of his throat. Plunging himself deeper, faster inside of you, made his head fall back in pure ecstasy. The sound of skin smacking as he quickens his pace fills the room, your back arching as he hits the deepest parts of your core. He knew what you wanted, and without another word he began pounding into you relentlessly.

You eagerly beg, desperate to feel him, “Aaaah~! Yes- Fuck! More, more Ghost..y-you make me feel..mmhn~.”

“S-Shit…” Ghost stuttered, slamming into your cunt with urgency.

You cried out to him, legs beginning to shake when he bent down. His body was planted on yours, your legs subconsciously locking around his waist. Ghost fucked you mercilessly, his eyes locked on you with no emotion. Gasping for air, your nails dug into his back that was still clothed from his long sleeve. Beads of sweat dripped down the mans neck, and you could feel the dampness of his shirt as you clawed at his back. You could just imagine how hot he would be under the balaclava. You could hear him panting behind the mask as your orgasm rapidly built.

“Just like that baby. You feel so good around me..”

You could feel his cock twitch inside you, but your mind was too fogged up from the stimulation to notice completely. “You fuck me sooo good” You could tell his thrusts had gotten weaker, but the pace was still the same. “Don’t stop,” You urge, still sensitive from your last orgasm.

Ghost had took your hands into his, eloping his fingers with yours. Your arms were above your head, pinned while his eyes just couldn’t look away. “Fuckin’ hell love.” he groans, sinking into you over and over. Momentarily he slows to adjust himself, before aiming right in the special spot of your core.

You gasp, immediately shutting your eyes as a shout escapes you, not long after a scream of pure ecstasy. “Yes” You encourage. “Right there!” The bed rocked back and forth at this point, hitting the wall over and over.

“So,” Thrust. “Fucking,” Thrust. “Beautiful.”

Climax rips through your body without warning, consuming you, Ghost fucking you through a wave of everlasting euphoria. With one last thrust Ghost had buried his cock deep inside of your, eyes closing shut as ribbons of cum spurt inside your pussy. You gasped at this, his pulsating cock harshly throbbing as you milked him dry, white coating your inner walls. His face buried in the crook of your neck scrunched with pleasure, body twitching. He panted hard, slumping into you as his hands held your own tightly. Your own chest rose and fell heavily, your hazy eyes looking up at the ceiling as the stars faded away.

“I…I-I’m sorry…” Your eyes looked down at the man who’s head was on your chest. “I forgot…I wasn’t wearing protection.”

He lifted his head up, his baby blue eyes staring into yours. His body was next, taking all of his weight off of you. In that moment he had slipped his cock out, his groan low while he watched his cum drip from your slick cunt. He looks down at you, sweaty and adoring your weak body on the bed.

You thought he was so adorable, you couldn’t help but lay there so he could get a good view. Feelings began to worsen, that heart in your chest racing. He was so lovely. “It’s okay,” You replied with a weak smile. “I’m on birth control.”

“Luckily,” Ghost turned, going to the small dresser he had in the corner of his room. There already prepared laid a towel, in which he picked up and came back to you with. It made you tilt your head at him, but as soon as you were going to get up he stopped you. Ghost had cleaned you up nicely afterwards.

—

“Ghost,” You said, dressed as you came back from the bathroom. He was sitting on the bed at this point, tying the strings to his sweatpants. “Is this the last time?”

For the first time you saw something spark in his eyes when he looked up at you. It made him look away from you as if he noticed himself, his leg beginning to bounce up and down nervously. “Do you want it to be?”

“No,” You reached out to him, taking the sides of his face between your hands. His eyes closed, taking in the warmth of your palms that were planted softly on his face. “Do you?”

“No love.” His response was in a harsh whisper, eyes fluttering open, bringing him back to you. His gorgeous blues took you like an ocean, blinking in perfection at your own beautiful irises.

“I want you to be mine, and only mine.”

[adastrael]

Cod: mw ii characters as type of kisses (pt.2)

Pairing(s): gender neutral reader / simon "ghost" riley, rodolfo "rudy" parra, alejandro vargas, valeria garza

Word count: 2.4k

Warnings: nothing that I know of, this is just fluff

A/N: here is part two! I have another (last) one in the works, I hope you like this as much as the previous one <3

Simon "Ghost" Riley - "hand kiss"

Being in a relationship with someone who had a difficult time opening up wasn't an easy thing, and if you were a lesser person, you would have given up long ago. But knowing your love was reciprocated — even if not in a flashy way in front of the general public — made the hardships well worth it.

Gently scooping up a little sapling while humming under your breath, you were enjoying a calm Monday afternoon. Well into the month of May, the weather has been perfect for gardening for a while now, and you didn't waste the time you had to tend to your little oasis in front of the house. The various plants have been growing for years and the garden was something you were really proud of; fruits, vegetables and flowers were all healthily blooming in this time of the year, making the path leading to the front door inviting and beautiful.

Lost in your own bubble, just thinking about where your next pumpkin seeds should be planted, you only perked up when you heard a vehicle on the street. It was usually a quiet neighborhood — you lived there for a good reason — aside from a few people who tended to come and go during the day, so the noise of a car always drew your attention. Hearing it slow down, then an engine being cut off, you finally turned your head after putting a flower down from your hands. Spotting a familiar black SUV parked in front of the house, you couldn't contain a beaming smile stretching across your face. Quickly getting up, you made your way over to the car, skipping a few of your steps on the way.

"Simon!"

As soon as the figure stepped out from behind the shade of the vehicle, you were throwing yourself into his arms.

"You're home early!"

"I am."

His rumbling voice was the same you were used to, and it didn't fail to make you feel comforted.

Standing in the driveway in his arms, it quickly became difficult to hold your tears back and not let your feelings get the better of you. You liked to think you've always dealt well with his absence, but every time he came home, it was nearly impossible to avoid becoming emotional. You would have thought that after all this time it didn't have such a strong effect on you, but Ghost never failed to bring your deepest feelings out — often with simply his presence.

As he lowered his head and hid his still covered face into the crook of your neck, you wound your arms around his shoulders a little tighter, hoping to convey what you felt. Knowing he needed a few minutes staying like that — just as much as you did — you let yourself fully relax and enjoy being in his hold again.

Not much later, he reluctantly let you go from the secure embrace, gently raking his eyes over your form.

"Come on, let's go inside."

Giving a slight shake of his head, Ghost reached for your hand that was now hanging by your side.

"Simon, my hands are still dirty!"

"Don't care." - came his murmur, and he lifted your right hand to where his mouth was still hidden beneath his mask.

Your breath got caught in your throat a little; no matter how many times he did this — always, when he greeted you — it still made you feel special and appreciated in a way no one else could. You knew it was his way of saying "I love you", and if that didn't make you feel even warmer inside, you don't know what did.

Rodolfo "Rudy" Parra - "routine kiss"

There was something endearing about the way he subconsciously presented his cheek for you whenever you leaned in to put a kiss on his face. Often, he was busy doing something work related even at home, so greetings or goodbyes could be swift and hurried. It didn't bother you much however; when it mattered, he was always more than ready to show you how much he appreciated you.

You've been scribbling words on a post it note for a few days now, making a grocery list for later when you would have time to go and shop for the needed ingredients. During the second half of the week you've waited, knowing some of the missing items would appear on the paper sooner or later — your boyfriend would add them when he suddenly remembered something missing from the house. So far, he's only scratched one additional thing on it during the time he's been spending home lately, so you decided come Monday morning, it would be the perfect time to go out. He would be going to work later that day, so maybe you could even make him breakfast before he disappeared for God knows how long again.

You weren't angry or annoyed by that anymore, getting used to how different your daily (or weekly) routines were. It still wasn't rare for you to subconsciously bring the topic up when he was home though, and the poor soul never failed to apologize every time. You had to reassure him you didn't mind and you knew how important work was for him, and that it just accidentally slipped from your lips — old habits die hard as they say.

The upcoming Monday morning, you got up and got ready to go out and buy a few things as planned. Of course, your boyfriend, Rodolfo was already awake, so you couldn't leave without chastising him for being up early on a day he could have been still snoozing in the comfortable bed you two shared.

"I wanted to take another look at these reports before going, mi corazón."

"Of course you did."

Sitting at the dinner table, all kinds of papers laid out in front of him, he looked professional already, even though it was early enough for you to feel drowsy with sleep. He's always been quick to get into the working setting, that much was true, so you just smiled a little. Thanks to the high wooden surface, Rodolfo was just at a comfortably reachable lever for you to lean close and put a kiss on his cheek. As if he sensed it coming, not even looking up from the words on the page, he turned his head a little, angling the left side of his face towards you a little more. It made you smile immediately, even knowing he didn't even notice he was doing it.

"I will be back soon."

"Alright. Be safe!"

Later that day, when he finally had to leave for work, you got much more than a small peck back in exchange as an apology from him. You would make sure to make up for the lost time later.

Alejandro Vargas - "comforting kiss"

If you had to summarize why he was such a good partner, you would have certainly been in trouble. From his habit to check on everyone dear to him, to the way he could make you laugh just by pulling a silly face; he was really in touch with his emotions, and even more with the ones' close to him. He always radiated warmth and a positive energy, and it was hard not to feel similarly joyful in his company. Even on your worst days, he was there to lift your mood up, even when you didn't ask him to.

It was pretty late when you managed to crawl out of the comfort of your bed. Having woken up multiple times during the night for one reason and another, you were grumpy and had no motivation to do anything now that it was finally morning. Unfortunately, duty called, and the housework wasn't going to do itself. So, cursing under your breath, you clambered out of the bedroom and went downstairs to at least get a cup of coffee before facing the challenges of the day. There would be a few, because the past two or so days were filled with work of other nature, so you really needed any extra energy you could get.

Entering the kitchen, you were met with the sight of your husband. He was facing you backwards, doing something on the counter while quietly muttering under his breath — probably not to wake you. When he heard you audibly yawn in the doorway, he swiveled around with a bright smile to greet you.

"Buenos días mi vida."

"Morning."

You never understood how he was so chipper in the morning, but it wasn't an annoying or bad thing; his enthusiasm was contagious, no matter the time of day.

You could feel a little smile forming on your lips and already feeling slightly better, you made your way over to the counter to pour yourself some coffee. Thankfully a dose has been cooling for some time in the jug, so you could comfortably make a cup and start drinking it. Alejandro, who was just quietly watching the whole time, now stepped in front of you, sneaking his hands around your waist, paying attention not to make you spill your beverage.

"How did you sleep?"

"Rough. Kept waking up."

"Sorry to hear that. Maybe I can make you feel better?"

He was wearing one of his cheeky grins again, and you knew he was thinking about trouble. It was clear he was just joking though, the tone and the mirth in his eyes were enough giveaway.

"I have to do the housework first. The dishes, folding clothes, vacuuming.."

"Amor, I already did the first two."

Looking into the sink, you noticed now that he was right. In your morning haze, you didn't pay enough attention, seems like.

"Sorry. Just tired."

Flashing him an embarrassed smile, you finished the rest of your coffee in one go. Squaring your shoulders and letting out a deep sigh, you put the cup down and mentally prepared yourself for the upcoming tasks. Slipping from his hold, you set off in the direction of the living room where the vacuuming was waiting for you.

"Hey, listen."

Reaching for your arm, Alejandro pulled you back gently, turning you to face him again.

"You know we can just do all of that together right? Or we could go upstairs, cuddle while you let me read to you, and we could simply do everything later."

His offer was promising for sure. Some more time to rest was very tempting, and you knew that by his side, maybe sleep would claim you once again — hopefully, this time peacefully. Unfortunately or not, you were stubborn, and it wasn't that easy to spoil your plans that once you made your mind up about.

"I can't, this needs to be done as soon as possible."

"Come on cariño, you can just leave it. You need this more. And I would be lonely in our bed without you by my side."

As usual, he knew he could easily win you over. Who were you to object when he made such good points?

"Fine. But we are doing everything later."

"Alright."

Flashing you a satisfied smile, Alejandro leaned down to kiss you. If you still had anything troubling your mind, it left immediately; his lips were soft and warm against you, and as you let the tension — that you didn't know you had — leave your body, he pulled you closer to himself, rubbing soft circles into your back. You were still amazed by how he always knew exactly what you needed, even when you weren't sure yourself. As the fairytales say: "One true kiss was enough".

Valeria Garza - "quick kiss"

Having such high authority as she did, it was essential for her to keep a strong and harsh facade in front of everyone. At first, understandably you weren't any exception, but it wasn't long before she allowed you to see a different side of her, one that let you know how much she appreciated you.

Still groggy with sleep, you reluctantly turned in bed to face the bathroom door. A muted light creeped into the darker room, indicating the presence of someone behind the door (if the careful noises weren't enough). The idea to have the two areas connected came shortly before moving together, and it wasn't hard to agree on the purchase, knowing both of your preferences aligned. Neither of you regretted it, not even when sometimes it cut one of your resting times short — like right now.

Hearing the lock click and the door open, you slowly sat up, rubbing at your eyes in hopes it would clear up the sleepy fog in your mind. Luckily, to a degree it did, and when a figure was already approaching the bed, you could think more clearly than before.

Valeria was already in her work clothes, and you knew she just got ready to leave for the day. It wasn't hard making out the silhouette of her uniform, and as she got closer to the bed, you could smell the perfume you bought for her previous birthday on her. It made a little smile curl on your lips, and as if mirroring you, her expression turned softer when looking down at you.

"Leaving already?"

"Sorry amor, you know I can't let them run the place without me."

Chuckling a little, you reached for her hand which she easily let you move. Linking your fingers together a little clumsily, you gazed up at her again, a smile still present on your face.

"I plan to cook your favorite tonight."

"I will hurry home then."

Leaning down, she pressed a soft kiss to your lips, then gently slipped her hand out of yours. Stepping over to the nightstand, she picked up her phone and a bag from the floor, then casting another loving look at your form, she left the room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.

You waited a few minutes to hear the sound of her keys jingling, then as the quiet sweeped back into the house, you let your body fall back into the soft covers. You knew it was difficult for her to be gentle after the years of hardships, but it was okay; she was trying, and Valeria always found a way to let you know how much she loved you with the little things. And if you joked to yourself later that she would take care of herself, if only to come back to a home cooked meal, you had a hard time taking yourself seriously.

__

Translations:

mi corazón - my heart

Buenos días mi vida - Good morning my life

amor - love

cariño - sweetheart

[lethalchiralium]

In The Morning | Simon “Ghost” Riley x GN! Reader

a/n: hi. i have so many unfinished ghost fics it physically hurts. anyway,,, here’s this

warnings: sickness, nightmares, simon being not as comforting as he should, this man does not know how to say i love you,,,, anything else? let me know

summary: simon doesn’t like when you’re sick, you’d never admit to his face that you were.

“Must you go?”

Your hand gently rested against his chest, your words sunk in his skin farther than a bullet - it hurt a lot more since you were asleep, and he was only shifting to get more comfortable. He had only been home a day and you have wounded his heart.

Simon’s hand was gentle when he moved hair from your face, your eyes didn’t even flutter. He moved his hand to pull your head to his collarbone, your forehead slick with sweat. He had thrown off the blanket ages ago, you must still be too warm - or even sick.

“Simon.” You breathed his name, your hand gripped his t-shirt. Your face pressed against his chest now, he was hesitant to place his hand on the back of your neck but he still did it; just to keep you close.

“I’m here.”

He could feel your heartbeat underneath his fingertips, imprinting the rhythm into his mind like a brand. He moved himself downwards on the bed, sacrificing having his feet on the bed for your face to be sheltered in his neck. The grip you had on his shirt loosened and your head finally settled on his neck, your warm breaths against his skin made his own eyes close.

Was this what normalcy felt like? Spinning, heart thrumming against his rib cage like a prisoned bird? Losing the security of the adrenaline in his career would be crushing. Simon took just a moment to process this - the normal moment of unordinary humans comfortable together. This could be one of the things he could be doing when the government finally lets him retire, lets him leave. A part of him was impatient for that time, ready to lay in this bed forever. The rest of him would rather burn alive than not be out there, protecting the world, protecting you. Because being out there meant he couldn’t hurt you.

His fingers drew circles as he curled them in the baby hairs of your neck, his other hand tugged the balaclava down farther on his neck. Another soft whimper escaped your lips, your fists curled more of his shirt away from his chest. “Honey.”

You pressed your cheek further into his balaclava, a sound of displeasure erupted from your lips.

His hand rested on your cheek then, thumb right below the side of your eye. He could feel how warm your face was, it gave him a flash of worry. He gently dragged his thumb underneath your eye, and you quickly woke up - eyes wide and staring up at him, but he couldn’t tell. He could only feel the difference in your breathing and when you pulled away to look at him.

“What?” You mumbled, he brushed your cheek again.

“Nothing, go back to sleep.”

——

He was watching you the next morning. It made your bristle a little bit, you weren’t used to it. He had been gone for months, no word, no whisper of safety. The cabin grew lonely with Simon, but you wouldn’t ever dare whisper that.

“Are you sick?”

You almost dropped your cup of tea when you jumped, his voice shattered the silence you had been used to for a long time. You settled the cup on the counter, placing your hands on the edge of it and stretching yourself backwards. “No, I’m fine.”

A lie, you hoped he wouldn’t see it. A growing fever, dizziness, chills, headache. It was probably an infection, you didn’t really want to be sick when he got home - yet here you are. You stood up, abandoning the tea for Simon. You moved at a lethargic pace, almost wanting to drop onto the floor but you kept going until you quite literally dropped onto Simon’s chest, his book smushing against your face and his chest. He fished it away from your face, letting your face settle on his shirt while you exhaled. His book lie on the floor now, rejected. “I lied.”

“I noticed.” His hand settled on your lower back, his other hand placed between your shoulder blades. “Do you need me to take care of you?”

“No,” You answered as a wave of dizziness hit your head, forcing you to groan slightly. “Just… want you.” Your arms moved to rest underneath his chest, awkwardly hugging him as he comforted you. Your eyes closed, calming your breathing as the dizziness got worse. “I’m tired.” Simon’s fingers dragged along your spine, ever so gently.

“We can go back to bed.”

You grumbled in disapproval. “I don’t want to move.”

“You’re difficult.”

You hummed a little, moving your fingers to tap his back. “I know.”

“You’re going to the doctor’s tomorrow.”

“You’ll drag me to it?”

He gently patted your back. “I’ll carry you.”

“Ever the gentleman.”

Silence filled the room then, all you cared to feel was his breathing, slowly raising and lowering your head at a steady rate. His left hand abandoned your shoulder blades, grabbing his book again before gently resting his hand on your back again, just now reading his book.

It wasn’t hard to focus on his heartbeat. It was steady, strong - a fire that your softer fingertips have burned themselves with. It thrummed and hummed in your ear, lulling you towards slumber.

“Love you, Si.”

He gently patted your back in response. I love you too.

———

Copyright © 2022 lethalchiralium. All rights reserved.

[middleearthpixie]

Seven Days ~ Chapter Seven

Seven Days -  Modern Tolkien AU

Firefighter Frerin Durin died in a fire set deliberately. But after he helps his brother, Thorin find happiness, Frerin is offered a second chance. He has to prove himself worthy by righting the one major wrong in his life. Otherwise, history will repeat and he will die for good this time. The catch? He has seven days in which to do this and isn’t even certain what his major wrong is.

At least, he doesn’t know for long. 

Syd Prescott has known Frerin since high school. She spent one night with him and then he vanished from her life. Now, he claims he wants to make it up to her, to right was he realizes was his major wrong. But can she trust him? And can he prove to her that she can before it’s too late? 

A/N - This story is the sequel to Miss Fortune, but is a stand alone story. 

Summary: Frerin confides in Thorin when he shows up at Frerin’s house the next morning 

Pairing: Modern!Frerin x OFC Syd Prescott

Characters: Frerin, Thorin 

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 2,708 

Tag List: @tschrist1 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knittastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78 @frosticenow @quiall321 @dianakc

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here.

December 6th 

Monday

Someone pounded on the front door.

Frerin lifted his head to squint at the clock. It was barely noon. 

The pounding grew louder and now Riley began barking to add to the cacophony. With a groan, Frerin rolled onto his back and sat up, then moved to the edge of the bed. More pounding. More barking. Wonderful.

He all but threw himself at the front door. “I’m here, I’m here, knock it off already. I only got in at ten this morning.”

“Yeah?” Thorin grinned at him. “What was her name?”

Frerin came fully awake at that and smiled. For Thorin, they’d seen each other only a few days ago, but for Frerin? It was the first time he could hug his brother in over six months. He flipped the lock on the storm door and slapped at the handle to open it. “Hey, come on in. I thought you were in Vermont?”

Thorin clumped into his house. “I was. Lex and I got back last night. So, who is she?”

“Who is who?”

“The woman who kept you out until ten this morning,” Thorin called over his shoulder as he made his way into the kitchen.

“It wasn’t a woman. It was work. We responded to a fire around two this morning and only got it out at dawn. We went for breakfast, got back to the station to clean everything up and I only dragged my sorry ass in at ten.”

“Here.” Thorin pressed the coffee he’d made for himself into his hands. “I just spent the last week on a ski slope. You need this more than I do.”

“Thanks.” Frerin brought the cup to his lips for a long, much-needed swallow. “So, how was it?”

“It was great. I hit twenty years and I’m retiring to Stowe to be a professional ski bum.”

“You think Alex will like that?”

“Yeah. I think she will.” Thorin took his own cup to the table and drew out a chair. He sank into it, then looked up, a frown creasing his forehead. “What’s wrong? You look different.”

“I look different?”

“Yeah. Like you’ve got something weighty on your mind.”

“Yeah, well… it’s been a busy few days for me. Not all of us get to bum around on ski slopes, you know.”

“What’s been going on?”

“T, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Let’s just leave it that it’s been busy.”

Thorin just stared at him for a long moment, and Frerin braced himself for a barrage of questions. But those questions never came. Thorin just took a sip of coffee and lowered the cup. “So, the fire? Everyone who went came back okay?”

“Yeah. It was house fire and everyone got out okay. Hopefully the family cat did, too, but like I said, I only got home at ten this morning.” He rubbed his eyes with one hand as he contemplated whether or not to tell Thorin everything that had happened over the last few days. Keeping it to himself was enough to make him wonder if maybe he was crazy—especially with the way Tori kept popping in and out on him. 

“Are you sure everything is okay, Frer?”

“Yeah… it’s fine…” He lowered his hand. “I’ve—uh—I’ve been seeing someone and it’s just… the beginning of a relationship, you know…”

“So you and Lisa are done for good?”

“Yeah. She found another dick she preferred to mine.”

“I did not need to know that.”

Frerin shrugged, draining his cup. “Yeah, well, it’s the truth. And to be honest, I’m really better off.”

“Well, tell me about the new girl, then?”

Frerin couldn’t help but smile as he got up to fix a fresh cup. “It’s Syd Prescott.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Believe it or not.”

“I believe it.” Thorin grinned. “The Prescott women are pretty tough to resist.”

“T, I’ve already been with her.” He tucked a medium roast pod into the holder and closed it, then pressed the button before adding, “And I fucked it up with her.”

“What did you do?”

“I never called her the next day.” He nodded as Thorin winced. “Yeah. But, she’s giving me another chance. So, keep your fingers crossed.”

“Damn, you sound serious, Frer. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I just… I needed a change, you know? And I’ve had a thing for Syd since freshman year. And now? Now I have the chance to fix what I screwed up and I’m going to do it.”

“Is that it?”

“What do you mean?” Frerin returned to his chair to sink into it. 

“Is that all that’s going on?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t know.” Thorin shook his head, rubbing his bearded chin with one hand. “It’s just… you seem different.”

Frerin’s gut twisted. “Different how?”

“Again, I don’t know. I just—you just seem different, is all.”

“I’m tired of living the way I’ve been living, man. I had the chance to see if there was something there with Syd and I fucked it up. She’s giving me another chance and I don’t want to blow this one, T. I can’t blow it. If I do, then that’s it. No more chances.”

“So don’t blow it with her.”

“Easier said than done. I’m really good at screwing things up with her. And I don’t have a lot of time to fix them.”

He realized his mistake the moment the words left his mouth and Thorin’s brows lowered as he frowned. “What does that mean?”

“It means just that and don’t ask me to elaborate because I’m not so sure I can.”

“Frerin.” Thorin’s voice took on that protective, big brother note Frerin had heard from the time they were kids. Five years separated them and Thorin had looked out for him for as long as he could remember. “What’s going on? And don’t tell me nothing. I know you and I know when you’re trying to hide something and I know you’re doing just that. So give over and spill.”

Frerin sighed softly, tracing a small circle along the table top and when he finally looked up, it was to see Thorin staring him down with the same no nonsense expression he’d seen on their father’s face a thousand times growing up. Shaking his head, he said, “You won’t believe me if I tell you, man.”

“Try me.”

“Okay. You want to know? Here it is. If I don’t convince Syd Prescott I’m in love with her and she can trust me and love me back sometime between now and Friday night, I’m going to die. And I don’t mean metaphorically speaking, I mean, I will actually, literally die. In a fire. Right here. And the next time you see me—and you will see me, T, because I’m going to convince you to get Alex, who you will not be in a relationship with at that point, to help you solve who kills me. I’ll bring you two together next summer, but I’ll be fucking dead. A ghost, man. Mist and magic and not much else.”

Thorin just stared at him for a long, uncomfortable moment, then said, “What?”

“You heard me. This all gets undone come Friday. I’ll bring you and Alex together next summer, but I’ll be gone and I won’t get another chance, T. I have to right this. I have to fix it and win Syd or that’s it. Game over.”

“How tired are you? Because this sounds like the ramblings of a delusional whack job.”

“Yeah. I know. It’s insane and I know I sound fucking nuts. But, this is what’ll happen, okay? Sometime Friday night, someone will set this place on fire, with me in. You and Lisa will hook up for one night and I’ll keep you from drinking yourself into an early grave by forcing you and Al together.”

“Al?”

“Yeah. I call her Al.”

“No one calls her al.”

Frerin bit back an impatient sigh. “I do when I finally convince her she can see and hear me. Look, T, I know how loony this sounds, but I promise you, it will all happen. I’ll die. You’ll fuck Lisa. You’ll finally hook up with Alex and the two of you will be very happy. But I’ll be very unhappy because I’ll be very dead. But, the Big Guy is giving me this one shot to right my biggest wrong and it’s Syd. I know it is. I feel it. And I’m so close to convincing her, but I’ve only got a few days left and I won’t get this chance again.”

“Frer, are you serious? Because this is insane.”

“I know. I know it is, and I swear to you, I’m dead fucking serious. When I was given this chance, I didn't want to see you alone, so I asked the Big Guy to play a little with the timeline of your relationship with Al. I knew you wanted to ask her out last October, so I asked Him to make it so you did. And a few other things have changed. I know Lisa was cheating on me. She and I broke up and I took Syd out the other night and… we’re going out again tonight and I’m trying real hard not to freak out about how quickly Friday is coming up. But it’s coming up fast.”

“And if Syd doesn’t what… love you? Trust you? What happens?”

“I don’t know what she has to do, T. I only know what I have to do. And if it goes right, I’m here. I stay here and with her and everything is wonderful.”

“And if you don’t?”

Frerin’s gut kinked sharply and a sour taste flooded his mouth. “I die sometime Friday night. For good this time. I won’t get another chance to do this.”

He waited for Thorin to burst out laughing, to tell him how completely fucking crazy he thought Frerin was, and how he couldn't believe he expected him to believe such utter bullshit.

But to his surprise, Thorin just stared at him for a long moment. “When did you get sent back, for lack of a better word?”

“Friday. A week before.”

Thorin nodded. “Around eight, eight-thirty?”

“Yeah, I woke up like it was any other day. Why?”

“It makes sense. I had the worst nightmare about you, Frer. I dreamed you’d gone on a call and the building collapsed on you. I woke up in a cold sweat around eight o’clock and Alex thought I was having a heart attack, I was so damn sweaty and out of breath.”

“That nightmare becomes reality if I can’t convince Syd she can trust me, T. And I honestly don’t know how to convince her she can.”

“You said she’s going out with you again, right?”

“Yeah. We went and shot pool night before last and I got her to agree to come home with me and then I had an attack of conscience about rushing her into sleeping together again. I took her home and we fooled around a little, nearly got caught by her grandmother, and now here we are.”

“Ah, caught by Grandmama Prescott would not be wise.”

“You’re telling me. But damn, T, if Grandmama Prescott hadn’t been there? I’d have been begging her to have sex with me. Do you have any idea how hot she really is?”

“No. I find quiet little brunettes are more my type. I leave the redheads to you.”

Frerin smiled. “I’m in love with her, T, and I have been forever. I mean, like I want to marry her and make babies with her kind of in love with her. I’ll throw my little black book down the disposal if she’ll just… I don’t know… be mine… that sounds so stupid and so fucking corny, but I want her. And not just for sex. And I can’t even tell her that. Not yet, because she’ll think I’m fucking crazy.”

“Does she know time has been manipulated?”

“Could you just imagine her reaction if I told her that?”

“Frer, I think you need to tell her.”

“You’re insane. She’ll run like hell because she’ll think I’m batshit crazy.”

“Do you trust her?”

“What?”

“Do you trust her?”

Frerin sighed softly. “I know where you’re going, T, and this has nothing to do with trusting her. She’ll think I’m literally crazy.”

“Then I think you both need to learn to trust each other.”

“Tell me the truth, T, do you believe me?”

He waited as Thorin just stared for a long moment, and relief surged through him when Thorin nodded. “Yeah, actually. I do. And maybe that means we’re both crazy, but I can’t imagine why you’d make this up and it’s not really much in the way of a pickup line, so…”

Frerin sat back, rubbing his face with both hands before raking them through his hair. “Thank Christ for small favors.”

“But you should still tell her. Trust me, honesty is the way to go.”

“Yeah, and she thinks I’m full of shit because I’m trying to get her in bed. I can’t win with this, T, and the stakes are too high to even consider it. I tell her before she sleeps with me, and I’m a jerk because I’m trying to get her to have sex. I tell her after, and I’m an asshole for getting her in bed first.”

“And let me guess, you’re not getting any help anywhere.”

“Not a bit. I’m supposed to figure this all out on my own, but if I make a mistake… I don’t even want to think about it.”

“Trust your gut. And just be honest.” Thorin hesitated and Frerin knew what was coming next “What’s it like?”

“Being dead?”

Thorin winced even as he nodded and said, “Yeah.”

“It’s…” It was his turn to hesitate now because he wasn't entirely sure how to phrase it, mostly because he’d never thought he’d ever have to explain it. Being given this chance came as the biggest surprise ever. “It’s peaceful, T. I don’t remember crossing over, as Ma would put it, but it was like I was in a dark room, and then, I wasn’t. I was able to meet some interesting people on that side, though. And then there’s Tori.”

“Tori?”

“Get that look out of your eye. I’m not sleeping with her—if sex is a thing on that side, I haven’t figured it out yet. She’s more like… not really a mentor but a guide, I guess. She checks in on me, both here and there. She’s a nice kid. Killed in a school shooting a few years ago.”

“Jesus, Frer…”

“I know. Hey, I’ve hung out with Glenn Frey and Bowie, so it’s not all terrible. And I was able to come back and see you and Ma. Pop wasn’t too big on believing her when she’d tell him she thought I was there. And Dís just refused to acknowledge me.” He grinned at his older brother. “You didn’t, either, you big jerk. At least not at first.”

His grin faded. “You were on the verge of becoming an alcoholic as well. That’s why you slept with Lisa.”

Thorin winced. “I would never do that, Frer.”

“Yeah, you would. You did. She came over to your place with some of my stuff, you were half in the bag, next thing you knew, you were in bed with her. You came clean to me, which I appreciated—I think—and you were honest with Al, which is why I forgave you. But, you touch Syd and—”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Thorin chuckled. “She’s not my type. I’ll leave her entirely for you.” He glanced down at his watch. “I’ve got to get to the station. I’m on at two. When are you seeing Syd again?”

“Tonight. So do not come knocking on my door any time tomorrow, got it?”

“You’re optimistic. Or horny.”

“I’m both, man. She got off but I got shut down.” At Thorin’s wince, Frerin nodded. “Yeah. But it’s okay. I really didn't mind it all that much, once the discomfort went away.”

“That’s the worst, man.”

“Tell me about it.”

[phantom-of-the-ruckus]

The Hello Puppets and MLB "crossover"

Disclaimer: This is not a crossover, but a universe inspired by Miraculous Ladybug. I am not much of a fan of the series anymore but I do enjoy it. I probably won't tag it there because the fandom sorta terrifies me (hence this disclaimer) Although I may have problems with the creator and the show itself, I do think it holds pretty well and my rewrites and changes are entirely for my own universe and lore. This was just for fun

I am not really finished with this universe as I have other projects like Riley Drew and Fallen. I am doing this mostly as casual projects and fun ideas. This has been in my mind for about a year and I remember its existence until a few days ago.

As this was inspired by the MLB lore, I am showing my major changes:

No love square and love triangles will be in here. The guys the main duo is a pre-established couple and will remain that way (most likely the only pairing)

No master Fu will be present, Scout is a sort of spirit guide but she's not exactly the best (best way possible)/Might add the other Scouts

Mayura will NOT be in love with Hawkmoth. She would only be his partner in crime and is platonically friends with him

Some of the stories will be more linear and episodes will be connected.

The powers will be severely limited to keep it in balance (So no lucky charm that magically fixes everything.) I'm still working on that aspect

The story would be more about teens and up

There won't be much akumatized character because I don't have the brain power to create an akuma of the day. So akumatization would be occasional, and the powers of the moth will be different.

The villains will have some allies who they'll akumatize, so villains will repeat but upgraded

In a future I will also change a bit the Kwamiis as I am not really a fan of their designs (don't kill me)

Ok, let's dive into the fun part, and start with the basics of the series, the characters, some lore, and a bit of a plot twist which I won't give too much information. Be aware a long post is ahead!

Also, there will not be any cannon x cannon in this

Feel free to ask questions in my ask box ^^

Overall series summary: The Amazing adventures of Lord Bug and Lady Kitty Noir tells the story of high school sweethearts Sarabeth "Beth" Jenkins and Anthony Pierson. At day, they are aspiring journalists with a love of the supernatural, but in night they are the fighting crime famous duo: Lord Bug and Lady Kitty Noir. A duo of superheros fighting the forces of evil along with their spirit kid guy, allies and friends while also learning balance and the hardships of that heroes. often face.

As for now If I ever write this, this would be divided into 2 seasons with 24 "episodes" each (technically it would be divided by parts. Each with some specials each (chapters that connect to each other)

Season 1: After discovering a long time secret from her late Aunt and Uncle, Beth and her boyfriend Anthony decide to continue the legacy of the late heroes "Miss Bug" and "The Black Cat" as a new duo of heroes called "Lord Bug" and "Lady Kitty Noir" as an old enemy of the city returns along with some new faces, and a new partner in crime joining his side seeking revenge against the city.

Season 1 right now has six special episodes (Two special events, all of them add to six.) They would be the longest, and as episodes let's say about 40 minutes each.

Episodes 1 and 2: "Origins"

Episode 1: Miraculous

Episode 2: Lord Bug and Lady Kitty Noir

Episodes 9-12 "Rise of the Phantasm"

I haven't planned out the chapter names yet but this could be it/note: this could change. This will be Mayura's origin story.

Episode 9: "The peacock miraculous"

Episode 10: "A dark new dawn"

Episode 11: "Phantasmagoria"

Episode 12: "The Phantasm strikes"

Season 2: Beth and Anthony are still facing the harsh realities of being a superhero and at the same time joggling the responsibilities of high school students. Things don't look exactly bright however as Shadow and Phantasm started to make their attacks more frequent, disrupting their established balance, not to mention the introduction of a new miraculous holder makes things easier than they already were.

Season 2 is undecided what would happen, but it would complete the same format as 24 episodes/chapters, Two specials with the total of 6 special episodes.

Two parted special would not be the premiere of season two, maybe mid-season or season finale

Special: "Through the Rabbit's hole"

Episode TBD - "Clockin' around"/Tittle might change

Episode TBD - "MadHat Hattie"

Four parted special is still a name in progress "Hero's day", this could be either mid-season or season finale

Episode TBD/ Part 1 - Hero's day

Episode TBD/ Part 2 -Mr. Foxglove and Phantasm

Episode TBD/Part 3 - "Captain Honeybee"

Episode TBD/ Part 4 - "Certain truths"

This is what we have around with episodes, so now let's dive into the characters and their alter egos (I won't be sharing much information about some)

---

Anthony Pierson (Protagonist)

Note: His actual hair and eyes are others, since I injured my wrist I have to limit my drawing and writing. His eye is actually gray, and his hair is more brown (close to black) and his hair is exactly like the picrew I originally made with the Vox Veritas' gang.

He's 17-years-old.

He currently studies at Summer Creek's High School in a journalist program with Beth.

He is the boyfriend of Sarabeth "Beth" Jenkins.

He lives with his mom, and takes care of his little niece Sally (@dolly-royal OC)

He had some troubles with the law around his preteen years due to many issues with his estranged father Victor, but he has worked his best to better his ways and works towards bringing awareness through journalism.

He's the ladybug miraculous porter.

Tikki's owner.

He's like a brother to Scout.

His personality is more like in the cannon version, but he's more laid back and keeps himself from breaking other laws again.

Alter ego is "Lord Bug"

"Lord Bug" - Anthony's Alter ego

He has a Ladybug shaped metal backpack that contains his wings to fly (not removable)

He's weapon is still a yo-yo. It's store on his

Under his goggles there is a mask like the OG Lady bug has.

He has level booths with some spikes as well (not removable)

He can't exactly remove his googles but he can move them up to his head. This help him have eye protection when he sees.

Once he activates his wings, his googles automatically extend to create a safety helmet.

His lucky charm is a bit different from cannon. He has the ultimate lucky charm, which creates a bigger item that he can use to fight crime but will disappear once his time runs out. He has the lucky charms, which are small charms with different uses. He has to limit his use because it would drain transformation energy.

He has the ability to fly thanks to his backpack, and other miraculous can activate their personal googles is he needs to carry them.

His booths and gloves give him the ability to climb and stick on the walls, although some surfaces are limited.

He has a shield that he can activate by spinning his yo-yo (a ladybug symbol appears)

This is what I have for now.

Sarabeth "Beth" Jenkins (Protagonist)

Note: Beth's appearance is in fact quite similar to the first colored drawing I gave her. I would just add some minor changes. She has a beauty mark on the left side of her cheek like in the drawing

She's 16-years old

Her mother passed away at birth and her father died while serving in the army. She lives with her Aunt Daisy (who is not her aunt, but she promised to take care of her after her best friend Amyrose died.)

She used to live with her Aunt Amy and her husband Owen, long before they mysteriously passed away in a fire.

Her personality is pretty much like in "Ambition" but she's more energetic and juvenile.

Anthony Pierson's girlfriend

Studies at Summer Creek High School at the same journalist program with Anthony

Is the high school journalist. She works with her counselor and editor Ericka Swan (no picrew yet)

She's like a sister to Scout

She originally was intended to inherit the ladybug Miraculous, but she chose to have the black cat miraculous.

Plagg's Owner

The Black chat miraculous holder.

Alter ego is "Lady Kitty Noir"

Lady Kitty Noir - Beth's alter ego

Just like the original Chat Noir, her gloves have claws, but she can get them out whenever she wishes too.

She has night vision and super hearing abilities.

Her weapon is the same as Chat Noir, but besides extending it, she can separate it into two.

Her suit grants her the ability to climb walls, although some surfaces are limited.

She has supper speed (like she can run around the same speed cats can) and can jump up to 6 feet tall thanks to her booths.

Her powers are still in definition but she can use catalyst (it will be like small ones) but it would take up her transformation time. They would look like cat scratches to be honest. She has the ultimate cataclysm which would be the equivalent of the OG power but to a larger scale. This would also take some suit power.

Her flexibility and a delicate sensor ability.

Her shield is activated through a special button with a kitty paw. She makes a circle with her weapon and it appears (it has a Kitty cat symbol)

This is all I have for now.

Scout (Tritagonist)

Guardian/Spirit form (True form)

Human form (Harper)

Scout is a kid spirit designated to care of the box of the miraculous and guide the next miraculous Ladybug and Black cat holders to the future (Recently assigned)

Although spirits have lived for centuries on earth, in Spirit age she's 12 years old.

Her personality is like in the games. She was a bit distrustful of the new set of heroes but eventually warmed up to them as their friend and spirit guardian.

She's rather clueless of her guardian abilities, but at least tries.

She can also turn herself into a golden retriever to get out of the world as it's too dangerous for her to live as a civil human.

She originally kept herself as a dog before Daisy learned the truth about the heroes. Now she can stay with her in her human form.

Her real power is being an annoying little shit/affectionate/positive

As a spirit she can fly

She gets the bunny miraculous on season 2

Fluff's owner

Alter ego is Madhat Hattie.

Madhat Hattie - Scout's alter ego

Her powers are way much different as the OG version because it was way over power. So she cannot travel in time, and her powers are more inspired by magicians and Alice in Wonderland

Her weapon is sorta her umbrella and is in her hat (she takes it out like a magic trick). Her real weapon are a limited deck of cards that she can use as shrikes

Her powers would be refences of Alice in Wonderland stuff. I haven't planned them out yet.

She can jump and run like a rabbit. Her umbrella will help her gracefully land by opening it.

Shield is activated by spinning her umbrella (bunny symbol appears)

Her superpower is Rabbit's luck. Her umbrella will become a drill that will let her create rabbit holes from a certain distance. It will also limit her super suit power.

Mayor Mortimer Handee - Main Antagonist

Mayor for about the two seasons before Rachel Breadstone takes the office.

Has an ok relationship with Nooro and treats him with respect. This is because there is a possibility that he'll have a redemption arc.

He's more serious and threatening but nowhere near his cannon version which is terrifying.

Has a vendetta against heroes and has a complex moral compass about his evil deeds. He doesn't do harm to people as he does take his duty to protect them, but questions if heroes are something necessary (quite complex that I am working on)

The moth miraculous (I am not calling the butterfly miraculous) was given to him by a minister during some duty stuff. He kept it ever since, and is presumably linked to the dead of that corrupt politician.

He actually was relieved when he stopped being mayor because the stress was bad.

Is in the search for the miraculous to keep them lock and end heroes as he believes there's evil that could abuse them as poor Nooro exhibits trauma.

Was good friends with Dr. Fred Ruckus

Moth Miraculous porter and Nooro's owner

Alter ego is "Shadow"

Shadow - Mortimer's alter ego

Note: I hate Hawkmoth and Mayura's design sorry not sorry

His villain name is because he's in the shadows and rarely makes appearances. He was named by Miss. Bug "Shadow" after he tried to akumatize her while introducing himself as simply "I am a simple guy in the shadows"

His cane is still his weapon. His shield is activated the same way Lady Kitty Noir activates her. It has a moth symbol.

He was the shadow for about 10–16 years.

Just like Lord Bug, he has a set of moth wings that he can activate, and his goggles can move up to his head. He was a mask underneath.

He still has the power of akumatization and can do it numerous times, but his suit time will run out and he would lose connection to the akuma. He can also upgrade former akumas and remove akumatization.

He actually creates the akumas with the power of his hands. I cannot take seriously Mortimer having a garden full of evil butterflies XD

For his ultimate power, I guess he can call an army of moths he creates that could work as a giant hand, or he as the ability to give himself one superpower with a time limit (TBD)

His personality is more jovial and cracks jocks. Phantasm is sick of his bird puns, but well sometimes he gets under her feathers

Dr. Riley Ruckus - Supporting character and now second main antagonist

Before becoming the Phantasm

Note: I forgot her freckles, sorry XD

Curator of the "Ruckus' Museum of Science" and daughter of Dr. Manfred "Fred" Ruckus.

She was friends and sorta is still friends with the duo. She tolerates Nicholas Nack (No. They're not related, and yes. I am keeping some of the cannon. No shipping) and had a rocky relationship with the mayor

She was very close to her father, Manfred (as her mother died in an expedition accident), and is the next Ruckus in line to inherit her family museum.

Her role was to investigate around the city and help the heroes find more about the akumatization.

Kids tend to stress her out a bit due to their lack of interest in her presentations as their attention was always drawn to the stupid Dino figure (who is historically inaccurate) Nick made as propaganda

Her family also found the book containing information about the miraculous, and her mother was the one who found about the peacock miraculous.

She used to have a bit of a secondary role until the special "Rise of the Phantasm"

She used to be an allied for the heroes.

After becoming Phantasm - Events after 4-part special

Note: The good boi is ok, he's being a good boi in the background doing good boi things

After the events and becoming the Phantasm, Riley became much colder and quite temperamental. She sorta remains friends with the main cast, but has become more distant due to the events

Her appearance drastically changed as she took over the museum she had to get into a more professional image, and was getting a bit more involved with candidate Rachel Breadstone and Mayor Handee was helping her with the museum.

She and Mortimer eventually learned each other's identities and formed an alliance as they fear the other could expose them. The eventually formed a Platonic bond and were in good terms, almost as best friends/ a mentoring relationship (No cannon x cannon shipping in this AU BTW)

She called off her deal with the two main heroes (in their hero alter egos) after they decided to redeem a group a bit related to her villain arc. She's rather cold and often ignores them.

She works very closely with Mortimer trying to translate the book her late mother found

Peacock miraculous holder and Owner of Duusuu

Duusuu does get along pretty well with Riley and she finds them tolerable. They basically adore her and drink Coffee with her.

Alter ego the Phantasm.

The Phantasm - Riley's alter ego

Note: Mayura is not really a pretty design and I gave her a mask for congruency. My AU my rules.

Her face mask is more reminiscent of a peacock. Her suit seems to be a dress, but it's a full suit with a not removable jacket that contains the peacock feathers.

Her fan is still her weapon and she can take one of the feathers and throw it as a dagger. She can also separate it into two to fight with her hands.

She works closely with Phantasmagoria for her public appearances, as she stays in the shadows working around and pulling variables to her advantage.

Her powers are basically the same as Mayura with the exception that she can create multiple amoks with the same consequences as Shadow has.

I haven't decided her ultimate power yet, but it's probably relating to creating a giant sentimoster to aid her. Sentimonsters tend to reflect what a person want and/or need the most.

Her suit can actually open her tail feathers, so that's her shield. They can also extend and make her land safely on her feet.

She makes clear that she's Shadow's partner in crime and not his assistant.

When contacting an amok or an akuma (if they're link) she can alter her voice to sound as Phantasmagoria.

Dr. Manfred Ruckus - Supporting character

He was more of a minor supporting character until the special "Rise of the Phantasm"

He was a great fanatic of heroes and the one who requested Nick to create Dino.

He took great care of Riley as she was the last remaining of his late wife, and the only family left.

His late father gave him the Ruckus museum and he often donated to charities

He rescued the Good boi and gave him to him as a gift for Riley during her time grieving over her late Mother

As Phantasmagoria

One day he was gone and the other day he appear to the public as Phantasmagoria.

Nothing is much know about his rise as a villain or his reason why. He's the face the Phantasm use for her public appearances.

He doesn't use his powers, but does fight with his fan (Which I forgot to mention it was made out of metal)

His mask is removable, but is speculated he uses it due to his accident. He no longer appears as Manfred but now as Phantasmagoria.

Nick Nack - Supporting character, now Anti-hero

Note: No, He doesn't have a fox as a pet is probably a statue

Artist and owns his own gallery. He has fair prices and sometimes lets people enter the gallery for free. His art varies from various inspirations

He made Dino the Dinosaur as per requested by Dr. Fred Ruckus. Riley told him to add feathers, Manfred told him to be created so he did not add them to piss off Riley. Dr. Fred loved his work

He's in an ok term with the heroes in their civil and hero form. He annoys them and they annoy him, but there is nothing that bad outside the occasional insulting Nick's supposed genius with criticizing his art

He's much nicer than the cannon version, and still has a lot of Daddy issues.

Mortimer ignores him, but at least he's in good terms with Daisy and she gives him goodies.

Owner and best friend of Trix

He found the fox miraculous and did try to tell the heroes but he was ignored. He kept it.

Alter ego is "Mr. Foxglove" (He gains it around season 2)

Mr. Foxglove - Nick's alter ego

His suit is more related to a fox but picrew was very limited.

Yes. He is named after Mr. Fox and Foxglove, it's meant to be a pun.

He has more of a trickster personality like a fox usually does in fables and stories.

Just like Lady Kitty Noir, his gloves have claws but he cannot exactly get them out whenever he pleases.

He has super hearing and speed. He has also the ability of camouflage

His flute is his weapon and he has to play a tune to activate his shield (Fox symbol)

He's more of an anti-hero as he helps both heroes and villains whenever he pleases or they convince him. He will help the Phantasm every time she threatens him (Why? Squirrels In My Pants/ They meet in season 3)

He accidentally slipped the whole Phantasm and Phantasmagoria deal after accidentally referring to Phantasmagoria as it and the Phantasm as she.

I am still deciding his powers, but he can make several illusions by playing minor notes. Prop ultimate power is a moving illusion with power suit consequences.

Daisy Danger - Supporting character, later hero

Note: not much info on her, so sorry Darlings

She's a character in progress sadly, so there is not much about her.

She's a home baker and a single mom. She took Beth under her wing and cares for her as an adoptive mother/aunt

She often helps with making pastries for special events and sent cookies to the Ruckus family.

She's sorta Riley's best friend and a mom friend to everyone.

She then becomes a mom to Scout, and makes sure she doesn't overwork herself during.

She becomes a miraculous holder thanks by Lady Kitty Noir choosing her to help her out. Beth gave her the miraculous back after revealing her identity. (Season 2)

She's now Pollen's owner

Alter ego is Captain Honey Bee

Captain Honeybee - Daisy's alter ego

Still under construction

Her googles basically function the same way as Shadow and Lord bug as well as her wings.

Her hair now has some black stripes and her suit resembles a bee.

Her weapon is still the same, but she can paralyze a couple of people. Still super suit downside

Her superpower would be the one that Multimouse has of becoming very small like a bee, which enhances her abilities to the max and is hard to spot.

Just as Lord Bug, she had to stick to the walls, and her vision is much better.

She also has super strength and her shield is shaped in a honey comb.

[tarnishedhalo]

The celebration of this year’s April 4th – his American’s birthday – was months, months in the planning. It was to be the first Ron could spend in his company, what with his move to New York last winter, and so to mark that fact, and to welcome in the next year of the good man’s life propah, thinking caps were put on early. Ears were opened. And a number Ron hadn’t dialled since oh, before moving over State-side, was rung. Had he sprung this notion of his on the fella he’d dialled last minute he’d have shot him down. Man was busy, had engagements, studio-time, plans for tours and all sorts, but he remembered the cockney drawl at the end of the phone fondly from a couple’a years ago tenue in London’s club scene, so testing the acoustics at Ron’s new Venture? It was hardly an ask in the first place, but was even less of one after mention of a musically talented jam-buddy-come-fan was made.

Diaries were marked, the 4th came round, and The Venture’s doors were quietly closed to the public from lunchtime ‘til the late evening to give Ron’s guest a chance to settle in and get his sound on, and to give Ron an ample window in which to steal Riley away from the day’s earlier-hours festivities and make introductions. Ron hated fibbing, but he consoled himself - as he spun a little tale about closing up shop early so Riley could have a jam session in the pub’s newly minted live performance space – with the knowledge that he was in fact telling half-truths. He had closed up for that very reason. It’s just that Riley, his favourite guitar in hand as they moved from car to premises, wouldn’t be jamming alone.

Soon as they neared the doors, there was music on the air. Chords were being tested and, if you listened close, a bluesy drawl that Ron would describe, if asked, as whiskey’s voice singing was crooning away at intervals. Key to lock, Ron fought the adrenaline bubbling up at the prospect of his gift coming clear like a Spartan ‘til a glance round at Riley kicked that straight out the park. With a grin that was all teeth and open lips and crinkling skin by his eyes, he took opening that door slow-time and began to speak.

“—Y’remembah I told yah I knew artists in club land, Lahndan, righ?”

The heavy door eased open, both men slipping in through a cloud of that whiskey-blues-sound. Ron turned and locked up quickly, then drew Riley through the entryway and onto floors of tile and hardwood. The live performance area – a slightly raised stage with room for a chair or stool as the artist preferred, their instruments and a microphone – lived off to their right; the bar and other seating spread out before them and left. An arm round his mate’s back, Ron went on.

“—Made friends ‘ov a few ‘ov ‘em – acquaintances’a more, ‘n since I ‘eard yah mention a name I knew as a faverit’a yours I—” Glee made a breath catch in his throat. Ron swallowed showing it back, but everything in him sang with the want to move. He contented himself to gesturing towards the familiar face populating his Venture’s stage.  The man looked up from plucking Heaven on his guitar strings, flashed the pair a smile, laughed a—

“Finally!”

-- to which Ron rasp-laughed back.

“Sorry t’keep yah, Joe” he greeted, bowing his head by way of the handshake he’d have given him if he had even the vaguest inclination to leave Riley’s side. To his friend then he said, “I f’ort y’might fancy keepin’ Mistah Bonamassa comp’ny f’a bit.” The arm round Riley’s back gave a little squeeze as Ron smiled up at him. It was a wonky thing, like the real ones always were. A wink flickered by as the expression eased into a warm, obvious kind of fondness. “Bar’s open f’yah if y’want anyfin’, yeah?” Softer then, and with feeling he enthused–

“--‘Appy birfday.”

Never fails, no matter how long he's been up the night before either at work or enjoying not being on his beat, he finds himself awake at half past four in the morning. He'd specifically taken the week off to celebrate another year inching him closer to forty. And yet despite his bed being comfortable, being warm enough not to set off the nerves of his phantom limb, and the window beyond the heavy curtains still being dark as fuck, the restlessness is already seeding itself through him. He should be up, running through his PT routine. He should be in the shower, washing off the last vestiges of sleep and the new coat of sweat. He should be in the kitchen making coffee then something healthy and protien heavy for breakfast, or at least something incredibly indulgent. He'd intentionally made no real plans, content to mourn a little more of his youth with a good bottle and maybe a handful of closest companions ~his brother and sister, of course, didn't really count as he sees them as extentions of himself~ and maybe a specifically catered dinner. He makes no effort to move, instead remains on his back, one arm thrown over his eyes. Neither sleeping nor fully awake, he listens to the morning progress. The traffic sounds coming up off the street, the so-called quiet shenanigans from his siblings who will swear they're trying their best to not wake him, and eventually he has to give up his ghosts when the door opens and they come bursting in. Coffee and breakfast on a tray, Beth singing the traditional birthday song, Billy singing a dirge. This checks out. At least the giant has good enough sense to jump onto the bed before Beth hands him the coffee and settles in on his other side. ~*~

Riley would never say it was grudging when Ron catches him off guard with the offer of something quiet as the night starts to cling to the city skyline. He should have realised there was something afoot when he left the apartment with his Gibson in its case, his siblings not uttering a word about his need for absence. That they'd been content with a 'call youse guys later", and out he went. Normally too, he would have balked at being picked up but he had no intentions of being a teetotaler tonight, and Sally was safer in the garage rather than on the street. Clearly, the sound system put in at the Venture was incredible, the live CD playing tripping its way across the pleasure centre of Riley's brain with its familiar and envy-inducing musicality. There were a great many musicians that inspired him with their art, names he could rattle off like his duty stations. A broad plethora of old and new that he judged his own skills by, and little hidden star-studded dreams that were for their weight just that. Private imaginings. When he passes his judgement on the speakers and stereo, the world lights up in Ron's face. That should have been clue number two. He remembers. Riley never really forgets anything, the curse of a photographic memory. He nods and grins, waiting to hear this story which feels so new its still shiny in the shorter man's mien, a feat unto itself. His eyes take a moment to adjust from the perpetual brilliance of the cityscape to the dimmer, honey-warm sort of lighting of the Venture's interior. The bar really is a gorgeous thing and with any luck, his friend will be as welcomed and rewarded by the city's adoration as he was back home in London, with the notable lack of his brother's anchor round his neck. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. As Frankie was famous for crooning. As Ron rushed through the tale though, everything started to trickle in. The stage set up was familiar too, he'd seen it before. Excitement all but poured off Ron the way it does Beth on Christmas morning and it partially carries him away on its tide but then… Then. Riley knows the voice, and he knows the song, and he knows the guitar. There is still the tiniest of disconnects as he freezes beside his friend, when all of everything comes crashing into him with the impact of a subway train. The arm around Ron's shoulders flexes, then tightens. His mouth parts, voice already so deep dropping an octave. "I. I uh. You're…you've gotta be fuckin' kidding me right now, Rawnie." It's in the half gravel drawl that Ron would find a universe of words that Riley is ever so eloquent with, and how they've all come to a halt just behind his teeth, unable to climb one over the other to come out. There is almost never an instant when Riley is stunned, and yet right in this moment, that's exactly what he is. A deathlock of a grip around his Brit's neck. The nearly imperceptible quiver than runs through all six feet plus of him. And as if proof of divine miracles still happening in the world, at the whispered congratulations, Andrew Riley blushes.

[lovelyxenofan]

Lord X is best boy besides Fleetway hands down. He also feels more like a man wife to me ngl. And I know that some fans portray him as a husband. He just feels more sweeter as a man wife. Plus the fanart of him being the mom is really cute! If you disagree with me about it, that's fine with me. As long as you can respect people's opinions <3

Now with that out of the way, I drew X meeting with my creepypasta character Stormy Bear for the first time from a dream I had about them two weeks ago. I figured that Stormy would be very happy about meeting new people, so Lord X would greet her kindly at her house, just for a visit with her mother.

The second image is my main teletubby OC Calvin meeting with the main four for their annual Christmas party. And Calvin isn't too happy about not getting a invention from Dipsy. So he bought his roommate with him and invited himself in the tubby house.

The last post is with Calvin and his little sister Riley. And Calvin is just feeding his sorrows with a hot cup of coffee instead of chocolate pudding. This was based on that popular meme back on YouTube lol

I thought it would be funny cause it fits Calvin's character perfectly, and I made them look so cute as mini versions of themselves!

Merry Christmas everyone! And happy holidays to all and a good evening! I hope to make more amazing ideas for you guys next year!

[georgi-girl]

BABBLE: Track 17

I know my sister like I know my own MIND,

You'll probably never FIND

Anyone as trusting or as KIND

I choose her happiness over MINE

Every TIME!

@@@@@@@

(Authors note: Rose and the Platinum tribe belong to artstar1997. For this au, I’ve made changes to the Platinum tribe lore.)

Zodiac and Rose spent all day together, talking about themselves. Apparently, Rose had come through a portal that opened up near her camp site. That tracked, lots of portals had opened and closed randomly around town since the "incident".

Rose was happy to gush about the history of her world and the music-worshiping people in it. “There are many Troll species. And long ago, the six most numerous species lived together their settlements making a perfect circle.” She drew a ring of circles in the dirt, and pointed to each one. “Pop Rock Country Classic Techno Funk. And in the center of the circle was a special area reserved for children born of interbreeding. The country rock, the funky techno, the classic pop, etc. Over time these hybrids inter married so much they created their own species. The Platinum Trolls.”

��Platinum as in the metal or platinum as in the record award?”

Rose hesitated before answering. “… yes.”

Zodiac laughed. Laughing felt good. “So, is that your people?” They asked.

"Yeah. We're supposed to have the best aspects of all the other tribes. But it's been so long since we've even written a song."

“Have you met the other troll species?”

“Some of them. I don’t tell them who I am to avoid a fuss. But now, I don’t know if I see any of them again.”

Zodiac leaned back against a tree and said, “I… we know how that feels. We aren’t ourselves anymore. But we aren’t one person either. Maybe this is our punishment for almost destroying our world.”

“Let’s leave together.” Rose said. “I can look for other trolls and you can find a way to turn back into yourselves.”

They made arrangements. Printing out clones to go back to Piedmont and the the Gleefuls and the Corduroys and the Valintinos and the Northwest’s and even someone to go back to Abuelita and Melody.

At the very edge of Gravity Falls, they stood with Rose on their shoulder. The first step outside was the hardest, like literally walking through jello, but they made it, and they took another step, and more, and more steps. Until everything faded away behind them.

@@@@

Riley pulled away from Zodiac, something clinging to her hand.When her head cleared, she realized she was holding hands with a little boy who had brown curly hair, a sunburnt nose, and wearing a salmon pink t-shirt with a blue puffy vest and blue shorts, and a blue and white baseball cap. Holding his hand was a girl with long curly brown hair, wearing a hot pink sweater and a skirt. They both landed on the ground bellyflop style. Zodiac gasped and collapsed senseless. The old man ~ Fillbrick Pines Riley realized ~ got up and limped away.

The boy ~ Dipper Pines ~ was to first to wake up.

"Oh my GOd don't tell me we've fallen into a deeper depth of magic and madness where we've convinced ourselves we're each back to normal..." He bumped into a tree, then sat down examining his hands. "Or maybe I really am back to normal..."

He noticed the girl still laying in the snow and shook her awake.

"Hey Mabel,"

She sprang upright, revealing the stylized shooting star sewn onto her sweater.

"AHHH! What's happend? WHere are my powers? I forgot how to hambone!!!" Then she looked around. "Oh."

They looked around, Riley was staring at them dazed, Zodiac was sprawled out senseless on the ground, Kryptos was gone, Tone was gone, they were exposed to the cold and danger.

Mabel started freaking out again. Dipper took her hands and comforted her.

“It’s going to be okay. I promise, as long we’re together we”

He coughed mid-sentence, and a splatter of blood splashed onto Mabel’s sweater.

“Your…” that was as far as he got before collapsing in her lap.

Riley gasped at the scene before her. This was bad. They had to get shelter immediately.

She called Miguel and Species. They helped carry the children back to the clinic while Jack Frost helped carry Zodiac, who was actually glowing in their unconscious state.

@@@@

Zodiac paced back and forth in agitation,

“You know what? This is good this is perfect. Now they can go home and we can…”

“What? Aren’t the rest of you going to come out? Riley can just pull you apart.” Mabel said.

Riley looked at Zodiac, feeling uncomfortable, the memories still filling her mind.

“That man… was he…”

“A distraction. Nothing more. Probably just some artificial life form that creep created to mess with us. We’ll probably never see him, IT, again.”

@@@@

Pitch Black chose that moment out of all moments to make his entrance.

“Dear Jack. You’ll be glad to know I’m no longer going to scare children. I have found something much more fulfilling.”

He walked right over to Tone, took her hand, and kissed it. Tone cringed in discomfort.

@@@@

There is gunfire.

Species is afraid of guns.

Miguel tried to comfort him. He reached out his hand to touch his shoulder.

Species only registered that he was in danger! And someone was going to touch him! Instinctively, impulsively, he turned around and struck!

[uncl3badtouch]

I read The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, and I'm gonna tell you why you need to read it too

I finished this book about a day ago, and I am still reeling from it! I love that it sits with me. It's such a twisty adventure that has inspired a little bit of fear in me that I'll probably think about every time I swim.

Now, normally when I'm diving into a book that says things like "a terrifying read" or " an insane ride that'll keep you white knuckled the whole time" on the back with all those reviews from people I've never met or really paid attention to, if I'm being honest, I just kind of take it with a grain of salt. I like to go into things without anyone else's ideas in my head. But if I had paid more attention and had and looked at the back, I would probably agree with whatever was written.

It started kind of in the middle of a scene, a pretty intense one too, and it really drew me in. The chapters are divided up between Now and Before, with each part twisting in with the other, oftentimes making my jaw clench and unclench trying to figure out how the story is going to end.

We start with Casey, a recent widow whose fame didn't mix with the depression and alcoholism and was forced by her mother to stay at the summer home in Vermont she grew up in until she isn't always drunk. We meet sweet older Eli, the retiree who moved there full time after his wife had passes, and is kind of like the wise older uncle to Casey. There's and empty house occupied by Boone, a widower cop the same age as Casey, who was no longer a part of the police and does odd jobs around the area. Finally we meet Tom and Kathrine Royce. Tom being an app creator (and jerk) and Katherine is a supermodel who is taking a break from the game.

Casey wakes from a drunken stupor one morning and notices something strange in the lake. From there, she and Katherine make nice and a friendship starts to blossom. Casey has made a habit of spying on her neighbors though, and when it's discovered it kind of gets her into a bit of trouble, of course. After another night of drinking until she can't feel, Casey is woken at the crack of dawn by a sound she's not even sure she heard.

Casey soon finds herself in a life and death battle between her past and a new friend's future, that was an intense ride with an ending I didn't see coming. It really made me think about the truth behind myths and legends we hear about places, and how a kind act can change lives.

I cannot think of a single time that my mind had wondered from the story (sometimes I have to re-read because my mind wanders and I get distracted. Not always because of the story, and it's more of a me problem)

It had inspired a few spooky thoughts in my mind that I would love to write out one of these days. I really admire how the twists and turns fell perfectly into place and the timing of it all was perfect.

So, I would give it 9/10 stars. It was more thriller than horror, although some parts are classically scary, it wasn't something that gave me nightmares, and when I read horror, I want that. Not thrill.

I urge everyone to read it, there's a reason there's a lot of buzz going on about it. I hope that more media comes of it. I couldn't quite tell about a new movie being made about it, but I would definitely will watch it. It wasn't a long book, and it was really easy to get through. I read in chunks at a time, unless I'm so close to finishing and I just can't put it down, that happens sometimes. Do yourself a favor and just pick up a copy, or listen to the audio book. You won't regret it!

[danilovesivars]

Not My Baby to Hold

Hey Charlie, I wrote something a little more than a week ago. I closed my laptop and didn’t save it. It was gone. I was exhausted I couldn’t write it again. I’m tired. Tuesday I started feeling very anxious and uneasy. Like I felt like you were lost. Like I didn’t know where you were. Denial was setting back in. Wednesday I took Riley to school but when we got in there we were waiting to talk to her principal and the office was really busy and she got really anxious and broke down. Eventually she did better and I went home. When I got home I got angry. So angry. I couldn’t control he tears. Then the tears turned into screaming so much shouting and screaming from the bottom of my lungs. Eventually I couldn’t breathe. I tried to get outside for air but it didn’t help. Our neighbour was out and came right over and sat with me until I started to calm down a bit. Then the school called because Riley was sick. The rest of the night tears just continued to slowly stream down my face. While I tried to watch tv, while I read, while I slept. Today I feel exhausted and dehydrated. No amount of water seems to be enough. I feel weak and shaky. It won't stop. It’s interesting how every time you cycle into another grief stage it knocks you over so hard. I don’t get it Charlie. I’m very confused. I literally feel like I can’t find you like my brain has decided that’s easier than admitting you are gone. I went from finding comfort in looking at your photos and videos. Your smile made me smile. Now I can’t breathe. I have so much heaviness in my chest. It’s so physically real I wonder how my heart hasn’t stopped. Last week was a lot of things. One day I took Riley to the park. As we approached the park I saw a toddler in the toddler swing. I felt a pang and I looked away and tried not to think about it. Eventually the parents brought him over to where Riley was sitting. Oh Charlie this little boy looked so much like you. Just so much like you. He was about your size, he had light brown hair with little curls. He turned and looked at me his big brown eyes and long eyelashes caught the sunlight and he smiled. For a moment I felt my body out of reflex want to reach for him but my brain knew it wasn’t you. That’ was not my baby to hold. I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t hold in the tears. I tried so hard and probably sounded like I had some hiccups or was hyperventilating. I called Riley and told her we had to leave. She didn’t hesitate she saw I was upset and we headed home. I tried to keep it together but I kept crying. Later that week Riley and I were heading to the store when I saw a dad carrying his little boy on his shoulder like Daddy carried you.They crossed the street ahead of us. As I pulled up to stop at the intersection to make a left hand turned I looked left for traffic that’s when I saw it. The little boy looked up over his dads shoulder and straight into the car and made eye contact as he waved at me. but not a typical toddler wave. A Charlie stiff armed wave. I waved back. “Hi baby” I heard myself say. I cry-laughed the whole way to the store. He was tiny like you. Brown hair but much curlier, brown skinned, brown eyed. It wasn’t my baby to hold but I knew in that moment my baby was sending me a hello. Which brings me to something else from last week. We hung some illustrations around the house. Remember Daddy’s coworker drew pictures of him and Riley? She drew one of you as well. So we framed the one of Riley and the one of you and hung them over the couch. We had to move the mirror. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. You liked to watch TV through the mirror. But we still have the big mirror in the bedroom you liked to watch yourself in. 

We hung another one too in your room. Tia’s daddy made it for us. It’s actually a drawing of my favourite picture of you. He titled it Charlie Forever in Touch. I cried when I saw it. His drawing was also beautiful. But the title. He saw what I see when I look at that picture. You still reaching for me. I actually even started making albums from your pictures - one of you laughing, one of you with the pets, one of you with the grandparents and great grandparents but it started with ones of you forever reaching. Forever in touch. 

It’s amazing how both artists captured your eyes perfectly. I can stare into them forever. Tomorrow is Riley’s birthday. She wanted you to be the special guest on Sunday at her birthday party. When you were in the hospital, the day they told Daddy and I the outlook wasn’t good Mommy had to come home and limit the information we told Riley. We would be assisted with the Child Life specialists the next day. As we were getting in the house she said “I’m going to make Charlie the special guest at my birthday party”. I didn’t know what to do I cried so hard. She insisted you would be okay but I knew. Not because the doctors suspected it. but I knew I could feel it in my gut and I hated it and I kept trying to bury the feeling and deny it. The next morning I was so numb and so confused. We packed some of your favourite toys I tried to find the noisiest ones to wake you up. I got so mad and fixated on finding your Cory Carson when Riley came up to me and said “Mommy... I think Charlie would rather us just be there than you find his Cory” Then she just took charge packing things. I was so proud of her. I think she knew too. I wanted to just throw up.  She’s hoping your elves Glitter and Gar show up in the morning. I think she’s only expecting Glitter. After you passed a few days later she sadly asked if I thought Gar passed too. Garland came after you were born and was connected to you. I think Gar will be here tomorrow. I think he will be sad. He will miss you horribly. I’m not sure what they will say. Because none of this makes any sense not even the elves can explain the pain away. She loves them dearly though. Almost as much as she loved you. You were her whole world. She’s not herself lately and I’m very worried for her. It could be just because I’m hyper alert now. But she does feel lonely. Maybe the elves can help her feel a little bit better and less alone. Maybe they can remind her we are here and you are forever in touch.