#I was suddenly struck with Many Thoughts about her and needed to express them

[adorablegorilla]

Thinking about how Joyce is just. Such a naturally affectionate person. She can't express it through normal words because of Device #9 but she still finds ways to show how much she loves people. Hugging Silence when she's overworking herself. Making visual novel jokes to the Doctor about her "affection leveling up" and pranking them in her E2 line. Helping Ifrit see Saria bc she knows it would be best for them. Immediately taking the opportunity of being able to speak normally for a brief time in Dorothy's Vision to tell Silence how grateful she is for their companionship. This funny owl has so much love and affection bursting out of her and she won't let her condition stop her from expressing it.

[natalievoncatte]

“What I did wasn’t personal,” Lena said.

Supergirl had already turned to face her. There were words formed on her lips, but Alex struck first, bringing her viper wit where it wasn’t needed or welcome.

“You had a stash of ‘Kills Kryptonians’. It’s personal,” said Alex.

Lena ignored her, looking directly at Supergirl.

“You know I’d never use it that way.”

“You kept secrets,” said Supergirl. “Secrets change things. I don’t like secrets.”

“Oh really,” Lena spat, knowing she’d regret what came next. “You don’t like secrets. Okay. What’s your real name?”

Alex flinched. Supergirl stared her down. Even in this miserable place, she was inhumanly beautiful, even if Lena was a little resentful that she’d been bitching about walking fifty yards a few moments ago, and making light of exercise, when she had the audacity to look like that.

The pause grew heavy. Something seemed to turn behind Supergirl’s eyes, like she was working something out. Her expression softened lightly.

“Why didn’t you come to me about Sam? I thought we trusted each other.”

“How can I trust you?” Lena said. “You still hold me at arm’s length, won’t let me in, only look for my help when it’s convenient for you. Maybe I should have sought your help, but it isn’t like I have you on speed dial, is it? What was I supposed to do, toss myself off a balcony and hope you were having coffee with Kara Danvers again?”

Supergirl flinched. Looking at Lena intently, she stepped closer, and Alex grew visibly nervous.

“Supergirl…” she said.

“You want to know my real name?”

“Yes,” Lena said, her voice suddenly unsteady, her palms breaking out in a sweat despite the cool, stale air. She stood her ground before a being that could level a mountain with a look and held her gaze.

“Kryptonian names are patronymics, sort of. A man’s name is his own and that of his family. So, for example, my cousin’s name is Kal-El. His father was Jor-El.”

“I knew that already,” said Lena. “Your cousin shared that an interview with Lois Lane.”

“He can share his because he has a name that was given to him by his adoptive family,” said Supergirl, her voice softening as she took another step closer. “I still use my Kryptonian first name.”

Something about that itched at Lena’s brain, but she wasn’t sure what.

“Supergirl,” Alex hissed. “You can’t… we can’t…”

Supergirl threw her a glance. “What? Trust her?” She looked at Lena. “My father was Joe-El’s brother, Zor-El. My mother’s name was Alura In-Ze.”

Lena licked her lips.

“They gave me the name Kara,” said Kara Zor-El. “On Earth, I accepted the surname of the family that took me in to raise me when my cousin gave me up to them. My full name is Kara Zor-El Danvers.”

Lena stumbled a step back, her mouth falling open comically. It felt like the ground was bursting open and swallowing her up, her stomach dropping through her knees.

No. No, no, no, no. It couldn’t be.

“Look at me, Lena.”

Lena looked away from her.”

“Look at me.”

Lena looked.

Lena saw.

Her hair was down, but Lena knew those honeyed curls. Supergirl carried herself differently- her shoulders were proud where Kara tended to hunch down, make herself small, as if to pass through the world without touching it.

Lena hadn’t really looked before. Not like this. She’d studied Kara, maybe even mooned over Kara a little until she seemed to confirm she was straight by dating that alien jackass. She knew every part of her face from her soft lips to her feel blue eyes to that funny little scar right over her eye.

How had she not seen?

“Fucking hell, Kara!” Alex snapped.

Lena’s lip trembled. She clenched her fists to keep her hands steady, knowing they were shaking.

“You tricked me,” Lena hissed, “so many times, so many ways, running off and changing into that suit when I thought you were both people. The super-speed, right?”

“I’m sorry,” said Kara, her voice soft. “Let’s just…”

“I wasn’t finished,” said Lena. “You… you told me you were having coffee with Kara, but you are Kara. Kara… you caught me when they threw me off the balcony. You risked being killed by a kryptonite explosion when Metallo went critical. You… you were… Jesus Christ, the plane, the chemicals, that was you?”

Kara’s eyes grew wider with every syllable and even in the gloom, Lena could swear she saw tears welling up within them.

“She’s risked her life for you over and over and over,” Alex said, quietly. “Her faith in you has only wavered the once. She’s always defended you and insisted on your innocence even when I was ready to throw you in a cell,” said Alex. “She defended you from the first. Shit, she defended you from Superman.”

Lena looked from one to the other, staring at them both in turn, trying to keep her wobbly legs from completely collapsing under her.

“I owe you an apology,” said Kara, raising her gaze to meet Lena’s.

“Can you two do this later?” said Alex. “We’re on a mission, here.”

Lena swallowed, hard.

“Yeah. Let’s go find Sam.”

They did find Sam, eventually, but the plan went sideways. After they were thrust back into their bodies, Supergirl -Kara- curtly told her to help Brainy while she and Alex rushed off.

So Lena helped brainy, until it was time for her to leave. Eventually, she made her way back to her penthouse, and to a glass of single malt, neat. She savored its subtleties as she stared out at the stars.

She knew this would happen sooner or later, so she wasn’t surprised when Kara touched down on the balcony, looking utterly stunning and brave and dashing in her fancy suit. She motioned to knock at the glass.

“It’s not locked.”

“Hi,” said Kara, stepping inside.

Lena looked up. “I can’t believe I didn’t see. You’re just… you, in a different outfit.”

That wasn’t exactly true, Lena knew. As she walked into Lena’s living room, Kara had neither the mousy, retiring way of Kara Danvers nor the brash swagger of Supergirl. It was like she was seeing a third person, one who’d been fully revealed for the first time.

“I’ve been going back and forth in my mind, trying to decide what parts of our friendship were real.”

“All of it,” Kara said.

“If my brother were here, he’d say that you befriended me to spy on me and use my resources and genius for your own ends.”

“That’s not true.”

Lena took a sip, and breathed in through her parted lips after swallowing to savor it.

“I know. He said the same thing about Jack, actually. Lex always tries to convince me that anyone else in my life is just after my name or money or body.”

Kara said nothing. Lena looked up.

“Just because he’s a madman who wants to gaslight me into being a supervillain doesn’t mean he’s always wrong. Does it?”

Kara swallowed, hard.

“You’ve been very insistent on being my friend,” said Lena. “You practically barged into my life and broke down all my barriers with your earnest kindness, but you were keeping yourself behind another one.”

“The first time I ever saw you, I knew in my heart that you were nothing like him,” said Kara. “I remember every detail.”

“In my office, with Kent.”

“No. In the helicopter. That was the first time I saw you.”

Lena swirled the dregs in her glass. “Oh. Right.”

“I just had to know you. You were compelling, and the way you treated me in your office that day was a huge part of that. You seemed so… I don’t even know how to describe it. I just knew I had to be close to you.”

A fit of pique moved her arm before she could contain herself, and Lena threw the glass. Kara snatched it from the air and placed it on the table without spilling a drop.

She was closer now, standing within arm’s reach.

“You can’t just say things like that to me,” Lena almost hissed, her voice loosened by the whiskey and the one before and the one before that.

“Why?” said Kara.

Lena looked up, swaying slightly.

“You told me your name.”

“I should have sooner. We could have worked together. We could have done a lot of things.”

“Fuck,” Lena snapped. “You’re doing it again! Knock it off?”

“Knock what off?”

“You goddamn well what,” said Lena. “Or maybe you really don’t.”

“I’m sorry,” said Kara. “I just don’t understand. Can you… do you want to tell me what you mean?”

“I… sit down.”

Kara swept her cape aside and sat primly in a side chair, folding her hands in her lap, worrying at the back of her thumb with her other thumb. God, she even had Kara’s mannerisms.”

“I’m gay,” said Lena.

Kara swallowed. “But… you were with Jack… and James… and you really seem to like the letter J,” Kara said, lamely.

“It’s called bisexuality, Kara. It’s a thing.”

“Oh, I um, I don’t really get ‘sexualities.’ On Krypton, we didn’t have sexual preferences. We didn’t choose our partners at all, everything was arranged.”

“That sounds awful,” said Lena.

Kara looked away. “It was our way and it worked. We had stable families, and most people had a kind of love. My parents loved each other.”

Lena sighed. “I wish I could say that. One of my parents didn’t love anyone but himself. Your sister is gay, Kara. How can you not understand it?”

“I understand that. I just find the whole thing confusing, and overwhelming. I keep looking for this spark that everyone talks about, and these ‘gut feelings’, but every time I think I’ve had it, it wasn’t right.”

“It seemed right with Mon-El. Oh. Oh Jesus. You banished your own boyfriend from Earth.”

Kara shook her head. “I know it did. I thought it did. I just never… it was the idea of him. I was checking a box. I was with him to have a boyfriend, not to have him. We’re really different people.”

“Why are we talking about this again?” said Lena.

Kara suddenly looked nervous, and thus even more like herself.

“I don’t know. It just seems to have happened. Kind of like our whole friendship. I never made a plan to be your friend. I never had an agenda. I just needed you in my life without knowing why. You just bring me joy.”

Lena wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream.

You big indestructible goof, that is the spark!

“I should have told you about me after Medusa. I should have trusted you then, but Alex talked me out of it. I didn’t push past when it counted. I know you doubt how much you mean to me now, and I’m so sorry I did that.”

“I’d never hurt you, ever,” said Lena. “Even if you weren’t Kara. But I could never hurt her. You.”

“I know.

“For what it’s worth,” said Lena. “I felt it too. That pull, that need to know you. That’s why I allowed you to get close to me instead of being bundled off by my security. I felt it from the first, that day you came to my office. I might have felt it a little during the helicopter crash, too.”

Kara nodded.

“I feel like there’s something we’re both not saying.”

Lena licked her lips.

“I have to stop the worldkillers. I have to save Sam. I have to fix it all. I just needed to talk to you first. See you first, see you again, just the two of us.”

Lena nodded, swallowing.

“I guess I should go.”

Lena wanted to tell her not to. To ask her to spend the night, change out of that ridiculous suit, to just be Kara and stay with her, but it dawned on her now that it could never be quite like that again. Kara was Supergirl and Supergirl had to be shared with the world.

“I want to help. I’ll come to the DEO.”

“Okay,” said Kara. “I’ll see you there.”

She stood up and walked to the balcony, pausing before she opened the door. She didn’t turn when she spoke, as if she was afraid to face Lena, to face the answer.

“Do you think, when this is over, we can try it again? Try to fix it?”

“Is that something you want?” Said Lena.

“That pull is still there.”

“I know,” said Lena. “I feel it too.”

Kara’s shoulders rose and fell, as if she’d just rolled a great burden from her back.

“Okay,” she said. “Okay. I’ll see you back at the DEO. Goodnight, Lena.”

“Goodnight, Kara.”

She slid the balcony door open and stepped out, pausing for just the briefest second before lifting off, sending a gentle gust of chilly night air rolling into Lena’s penthouse.

Lena let the breeze flow in for a while before she stood up and went to the door, meaning to close it. Instead, she stepped outside, leaning on the railing as the chill raised gooseflesh on her arms.

“I feel it, too.”

[0-animelover-0]

Itty Bitty Crush

Summary: How they react when they realize they have a crush on you.

Warning(s): None, just Fluff.

Characters: So'lek, Teylan, Eetu, Etuwa, Ri'nela and Nefika.

A/N: sorry if they are a little ooc. I haven't played in a week.

So'lek ->

• So'lek would likely have conflicting feelings about having a crush on you. On one hand, he is drawn to you by your strength and your passionate spirit. On another, he feels as if his feelings would distract him in his duties or he'd lose the relationship he built with you.

• He would likely keep his feelings hidden, as to not cause any conflict. He'd distance himself from you, not to be cold or harsh, but to hope that the thoughts of you would fizzle out.

• That would obviously just make things worse so he let his guard down for once and let you into his heart. It would take a while for him to confess these things to you.

Teylan ->

• Teylen would likely be embarrassed that he has suddenly developed feelings for you. He'd feel a sudden rush of attraction towards you as he came to the realization. His feelings may be overwhelming at first, but given time, his heart would slowly be drawn in your direction more and more, and he would gain more and more confidence that he truly likes you.

• He might become shy or awkward around you at first, then try to find ways to impress you. He'd follow you like a lost puppy, always trying to talk to you about basically anything.

• Eventually you would notice that he'd become more and more comfortable with you. He'd hang around you more than the others, his touches linger longer, and his face blush whenever you touched him.

Eetu ->

• Eetu would likely be initially confused about the feelings. He would try to rationalize and logically understand where they came from. Once he recognized them, he would probably feel embarrassed and act awkward. He might even feel the need to hide his feelings.

• As time went on, he'd warm up to the idea and try to get closer to you. However, it would take time and a lot of patience for him to open up and accept the fact that he has a crush on you. Even then, he would definitely still be awkward about it.

• He'd quickly feel a warm sensation in his chest, and butterflies in his stomach! He'd feel like he'd been struck by lightning, and his pulse would race! Eetu would feel overwhelmed by all the feelings that come with having a crush, and his reactions would vary! He could blush and stutter one moment then give you cheeky smiles that might be slightly teasing next.

Etuwa ->

• Etuwa would be surprised to realize she had a crush on someone, but would also be intrigued by it. She would take the time to study and observe her emotions, and try to gauge if these feelings were genuine, or just a fleeting attraction.

• After some time, she would likely approach you and share her feelings in an honest and open-minded way, hoping to see if they reciprocated. She would likely express the various qualities you have that make her attracted to you, and hope that this would spur further affection between you both.

Ri'nela ->

• Ri'nela would react with a mix of confusion and excitement! She would become flushed, and may even have difficulty speaking as her heart pounds in her chest. She would try to hide her feelings from you, but there would likely be a hint of nervousness about her that could reveal itself.

• As she is a very strong independent woman, once she realizes she has developed feelings for you she will slowly start to show her soft, feminine side. At the start she will blush uncontrollably when in your presence, and will begin to make up excuses to spend time with you.

• Once she has enough trust in you (after many adventures together, bonding and sharing secrets), she would use a clever joke or flirt with you as an attempt to gauge your interest. Even though she can be stubborn at times, she is loyal towards whoever can earn her heart.

Nefika ->

• Nefika would initially be in disbelief at having feelings for someone else especially you, the Sarentu. She would then perhaps try to hide those feelings. However, once she accepted those feelings and realized they weren't going away, she would likely start to act differently towards you.

• She might be more affectionate, smile more, and potentially even flirt with you. However, she would still be a bit hesitant, wanting to make sure you felt the same way before taking things any further.

• Since she'd find it difficult to express her feelings with direct confrontations, she'd prefer to show them through gestures and gifts. She would swear that it was alright whenever she gifted you with an exquisite attire. However, if you show an affectionate side towards her and make her feel appreciated, she might eventually open up and admit her feelings for you.

[heeseung-min]

Yandere Jungwon mafia liking yn but yn already likes sunoo and vice versa. So sunoo and yn get in a realtionship but jungwon hates it and wants yn to himself. Can you make a one-shot about this?

Sorry for the late reply😓😓 Hope you enjoy this😄, in this story i make all of them are in same year which means all of them are 23 years old.

[22:31]

"Finish them. Make sure to kill them slowly cause I want him to feel the suffering."

"NO! PLEASE I'M BEGGING JUST GIVE ME FEW DAYS AND I WILL PAY BACK!!!"

Jungwon glared to the pathetic man where his face already ruined with punches and kicks that he got from Jungwon and his men. He hates when people couldn't fulfill their promise. This man can be an example for that. Jungwon already gave him few months to pay him back but instead when he stalked this man, he found out this man just using his money for gambling and even borrowing more when he lost.

"I gave that already many times, Junghoon. But your disgusting ass can't even do something good to earn the money to pay me back."

Junghoon hold Jungwon's legs to beg again. Quickly, Jungwon kicked the man until his face fell down to the floor. Jungwon groaned when he saw some blood on his outfit.

"FUCK!! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THIS COSTS? HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME WITH YOUR DISGUSTING DIRTY HANDS??!! AHHH FUCK YOU BASTARD!!!!"

Jungwon stepped real hard on the man's face and kicked it for the last time. He clenched his jaw while watching his men started to torture Junghoon. He closed his eyes in satisfaction when he heard the scream. He went out from the place and let his men finished their task.

While he was driving, he thought about getting new suit since the one he was wearing right now already got dirty. He stopped at the shop he always goes to buy new suit. When he went inside, the manager there already knew what is he looking for.

While the workers were showing some suits with different design, another worker made a trouble by spilling a drink that was made for Jungwon. He rolled his eyes at the clumsiness while the manager seems to be embarrassed.

"Y/n!!! What do you think you were doing?!!"

"I'm- I am sorry I accidentally slipped."

Y/n apologized to her manager and turned to Jungwon to apologize to him too. Jungwon was strucked by her appearance and went speechless for few seconds before he came back to realization.

"Forgive us. Mr. Jungwon. Y/n is new here so she's still clumsy. I will teach her lesson."

Jungwon looked at you who only stared down to the floor with guilty expression. He wanted you to pay attention on him.

"It's okay. It's not like she spilled that on me. Stand up, y/n. No need to bow down. You should give her another outfit too since the drink also spilled on her. I will pay for it."

"No sir- I mean, there's no need for that. I'm good"

"I didn't give you option. So, just take it."

Since that day, Jungwon will come to the shop every week just to see you although he's not really interested to get new clothes. He's a bit frustrated when other staffs and not you serve him. So, he requested at your manager for you to serve him alone.

"What style you prefer, Mr. Jungwon?"

"Just call me Jungwon. No need to be so formal."

"Umm, okay Jungwon."

Jungwon smiled at your shyness. He wonder how would you be when he make you fluster. He went closer to you suddenly and put his hand on your waist.

"Umm, what are you doing?"

"Stay still, doll. There's a bug on your hair."

Your eyes widened at his statement which made him wanted to laugh at how gullible you were. There was nothing on your hair. He did that just wanted to feel closer to you.

"Is it gone?"

"Yeah."

One day, he went again to the store to see you but became disappointed when the manager informed him you were having off day today. He let the other staffs served him while thinking about you. Oh, how boring he is without your existence here.

"Do you see Y/n's boyfriend?"

"What? I didn't know she has boyfriend."

"It's the barista nearby our shop!!!"

"My my I guess they are really a good match."

"Y/n, we are so sorry for your lost."

You nodded at what your coworkers said. It's been two weeks since your boyfriend's death. You felt useless when the doctor told you the cause of death was suicide. You took few days off since you can't focus without thinking about Sunoo.

Now, you were on the beach enjoying the scenery and breeze. There was not much people so it feels okay to sit there alone while looking at the water and the sky.

"Even though you are sad, you should at least take care of yourself."

You immediately turned to the very familiar sound. Jungwon stood beside you with some foods on his hands. He then sat beside you and put one of the meals he bought on your hands. It's a new style you see from Jungwon. Usually, you just see him in suit but this time he was wearing white shirt and short pants which is comfortable to be at the beach.

"What are you doing here?"

"Why? I can't come to the beach because I'm rich now?"

"Erghh, I didn't mean that."

Jungwon sighed when he saw you back to you sad mood. He decided to put your head on his shoulder.

"Cry."

"W-what?"

"Just cry, y/n. No one is here so you can cry as much as you want. I won't judge you, just do it."

Jungwon smiled when he heard you cried. He finally got rid of that bastard aka Sunoo, your boyfriend. Now, he can finally make you his. As long no one disturb both of you, he will make sure no one can even get closer to you.

Ayo, I hope you guys like this. The ending feels rushed ...im so sorry

Taglist: @stacey-stonem @duolingofanaccount @obsessed1with1straykids @huggyuvita

[ghostofskywalker]

Lovesick Fools

Poe Dameron/Fem!Reader

Fictober Day 28 of 31

Words: 1,393

Summary: After deciding that she's had enough of Poe not admitting his feelings for you, Rey recruits BB-8 to help get the two of you to see what’s obvious to everyone else.

Poe Dameron Masterlist

“And then I set the entire building on fire,” Rey spoke nonchalantly as she stared intently at Poe, who was fiddling with some of the controls on his X-Wing and passively nodding every time she spoke. She was convinced that he hadn’t heard a word she had said for the past five minutes. If this were any other time, there wouldn’t be much harm and she’d simply talk to him when his brain was back on the ground, but she was in the middle of explaining a mission that the General had asked them to complete, and it was a pretty important assignment.

“Good for you,” he responded absentmindedly, proving her theory correct.

Shaking her head, Rey knew that there was one surefire way to get her friend’s attention, so she decided to pull out the big guns. “Y/N was telling me-”

She didn’t even get a chance to finish her sentence before Poe had begun to listen again. “What about Y/N?”

“Nothing, but you weren’t listening to a thing I was saying before, so I had to get your attention somehow. At this point I genuinely can’t believe that you are denying the fact that you’re in love with her, it’s so obvious.”

Poe rolled his eyes, an indignant expression crossing his face. He always wore this look when you were the topic of discussion, and no matter how much he tried to deny his feelings, Rey always knew that he was full of banthashit. “How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t have feelings for her? This is getting a bit ridiculous honestly.”

“You can keep saying it, but it won’t just magically make the statement true,” Rey said, shaking her head at him. “Now, are you going to listen to me about your next mission, or do I need to call the General down here to give the briefing herself, because she won’t be happy about it.”

“I was listening!” She just sighed in response to her friend’s defensive tone, not bothering to argue as she started to repeat the details of the mission.

After she left Poe to get ready for his mission, Rey couldn’t stop thinking about how ridiculous he was. It was clear to anyone with eyes that he was in love with you, so why couldn’t he admit those feelings? Maybe he thought that if he admitted how he felt to someone else, they would try to get the two of you together before he was ready?

But the joke is on him, Rey thought as she walked through the halls of the base. Because I’m going to try and get them together without him admitting his feelings.

BB-8 came rolling past her, no doubt heading to Poe before they left for their mission, and Rey was struck with an idea. She made a mental note to find BB-8 and talk to him once Poe had returned from this assignment, because if she wanted to really get you and Poe together, she was going to need some help.

***

You didn’t even need to check your schedule to see who your next patient would be, because BB-8’s cheerful beeps suddenly filled the room. Out of all the droids you helped service on the base, BB-8 was by far your favorite, and it almost didn’t have anything to do with your massive crush on his owner, Poe.

“Hey buddy!’ you said, laughing as the droid spun in circles around your legs. “Here for a checkup?”

BB-8 beeped in affirmation, and he allowed you to pick him up and place him on your worktable. This was a relatively routine thing for you to do, so you weren’t too worried about anything being wrong with his systems. Unlike most of the other droids on the base, who didn’t really have too many people watching out for them, if something was unusual about BB-8, Poe usually brought him in to see you.

Speaking of Poe, you were removing the piece of durasteel that covered BB-8’s control panel when you heard his voice. “Hey Y/N, have you seen…”

Clearly he was asking about BB-8, judging by the way his voice trailed off as he took a look at his droid sitting on your worktable. Upon seeing his owner, BB-8 beeped cheerfully, and you laughed. “He’s right here, don’t you worry.”

“Is everything okay with him?”

“Yep, just a routine maintenance appointment,” you said. “And so far, it doesn’t look like anything is wrong.”

But you very quickly realized that you had spoken too soon, because a shrill whistle filled the room, obviously coming from BB-8 himself.

“What the kriff is that?” Poe asked, eyes widening as he placed his hands over his ears.

You looked through every single panel you had touched previously, but nothing you had checked so far had the power to make that kind of noise, and it seemed that BB-8 was still generally conscious. “I don’t know!” you said worriedly.

You were desperately looking for a part on your table from another BB unit that you fixed recently, wondering if perhaps it could be something in another part of his body, and you heard BB-8 beep incessantly at Poe. While you could translate some of what the droids said on this base, you were in no way fluent with how every model communicated, so you didn’t quite understand what he was trying to say over the annoying whistle that still filled the room.

“No! I’m not going to do that now, it’s not the right time!” Clearly Poe could understand, and BB-8 was trying to get him to do something.

“Everything okay?” you asked. The beeping got louder, and you winced. “Clearly not.”

As you continued to check over BB-8 to see what could possibly be making this noise, you heard Poe start to speak again, but you couldn’t focus on what he was saying. BB-8 beeped back and forth with him though, so clearly he wasn’t talking to you.

The next time you looked up, Poe and his droid were full on arguing. “If you’re doing this on purpose-”

“Why would he be doing this on purpose?” you asked, re-attaching BB-8’s front panel to see if maybe there was some kind of security issue that could be fixed by putting him back together. It didn’t work.

“He wants me to ask you out,” right as Poe spoke, you saw a look of shock cross his face, as if he wasn’t supposed to say those words out loud. Before you could respond, the shrill whistling stopped, and BB-8 beeped happily before completely shutting down, leaving just you and Poe staring at each other in the now silent room.

You weren’t sure what to say, and you were honestly wondering whether or not his words were a trick of your mind after that incessant noise BB-8 was making. “What do you mean?” you asked. Maker, this was definitely not your finest moment.

“I really like you,” he said softly, and he walked over to you and gently took your hand. “And apparently my droid has decided that I need to make a move already and chose to ruin our eardrums until I admitted my feelings.”

You couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled from your lips, and you squeezed his hand a little tighter. “I really like you too.”

Suddenly your faces were getting closer to one another’s, and Poe’s gaze flickered down to your lips. “Can I kiss you?” he asked, voice but a breathless whisper.

“You better,” you responded.

Thankfully, you didn’t have to wait too long for his lips to land on yours, but your moment was interrupted by BB-8 making joyful noises from your workstation.

“Oh, you woke up for that, huh?” Poe scolded his droid after he pulled away from you, his hands still on your waist, where they had came to rest during your kiss. You couldn’t help but laugh quietly at the expression on his face. “You’re a little menace, you know that?”

You couldn’t translate exactly what BB-8 said in response, but you could tell that if BB-8 had eyes, he would be rolling them right now. You weren’t too bothered by it, and you knew you’d have to find a way to thank the little droid later, when he wasn’t interrupting you and Poe.

- the end - 

[man11c]

Xavier x Reader - Maybe a few more lessons. Pt 8.

Plot - During second term, you join Nevermore Academy. One of the first things you do is join the archery club, and from there you get to know Xavier Thorpe. At first he seems head over heels for Wednesday, but maybe at some point he'll see something in you? In school, you go through many dilemmas which you need to solve.

Part 8

────♡────

Xaviers words repeated themselves on your mind, a loop which you kept restarting whenever it ended. Your reply wasn't as well thought out as you wanted it to be. It was more joking and sarcastic. You and Xavier still had a good night. But you did leave your date hanging. He watched as you went off with another guy who held you in his arms so tender. What surprised you, is that Bianca said nothing. She left the two of you alone and just watched with a smile plastered on her face. Too soon you had to leave Xaviers arms but you held on that extra moment you could. Both faces mirroring each others wide grin when you took a step away from him. This year, no pranks happened, and the dance went smoothly which was just great. So far, so good no outrageous fiasco pulled to ruin the night. Everyone was so relieved. "I need a drink after that, I'll be back." You were warm and thirsty now with the dancing. Xavier gave you a brief nod before watching as you disappeared into the crowd of people behind you. Trying to get by all the jammed people that flailed their arms around in the air almost whacking you a few good times. The line was longer than you expected for drinks to be served up but you stood in the line slightly giddy, still thinking of how Xavier held you. A small tingle in your stomach caused by the simple thought of it all. It was too good... maybe just too good.

Bianca made her move, walking over to Xavier with a concerned look on her face and she got a blank face in return. "Xavier, you need to he careful. She's manipulating you!" Biancs exclaimed to him while you weren't around. Xavier shook his head and put his head back in annoyance. "Bianca stop talking nonsense...I know you're jealous but-" Xavier was rudely cut off with Bianca butting straight in. "No listen to me. Think about it, you were madly inlove with Wednesday, you wouldn't give up... and the second she came? You are suddenly acting like this... Xavier open your eyes!" Bianca persisted, she played on a serious expression with concern that flourished in her eyes. They were hypnotic. Xavier was already a weary guy, who's been hurt by things like this. "She didn't even want to go to the dance with you... she likes the vampire guy. Xavier, listen to me she's usuing you." Bianca took her seat next to Xavier and reached for his hand, cupping it in hers as she looked at Xavier.

Xavier looked... puzzled. Lowering his head as his eyes pranced around the floor. He thought about it again and again. It made sense to him. He was all over Wednesday up until you came to school. Fear and concern struck him. Darting his gaze towards Bianca, who looked at him softly. "She got expelled because she did something similar at her past school... she told me it all. That's why I've been so defensive." Bianca lied straight through her teeth. It's what she was good at. And when matters came to her ex, she still had feelings for - she'd pull far stretches. Xavier shook his head in disbelief, raising his hand to rub his temples as he felt a cluster of emotions hitting him at once. Slowly his mind trapped itself in a defensive mechanism, believing what he was told. Bianca looked so concerned. Xavier let out a shaky breath as a wave of anger hit over him. Standing up abruptly from his seat before storming off, rushing out of the building and shoving past people roughly just to get a gasp of air. It all made too much sense. You could control minds.. invade them. Xavier himself said it.

You manipulated minds.

The feeling of denial dwindled in his inked heart that gave into the accusations. Bianca watched with a tainted smile on her face, the same tainted smile she had been watching you with.

You were taking a look around as you still stood in line. You saw how Xavier rushed out the dance. He seemed angry? What on earth could have happened in the short while when you were away. Concerned, you went out of the queue despite waiting so long already - you had to go check on Xavier to make sure he was alright. Snaking your way through the people around you to finally get outside to see Xavier leaving? "Xavier! Xavier hold on!" You call out, picking up your pace to go after him.

Xavier snapped his eyes on you, a face full of anger as he looked at you. It wasn't the soft face you had been used to. "Leave me the hell alone. I shouldn't even be surprised you'd do such a thing!" He raised his voice at you, making you slow down in your tracks. Your face of concern turned into a lost expression. "Xavier what?" You take a step closer only for him to lash out again. "Don't you act fucking stupid (y/n) of course with a ability like that you could do whatever you want." Xavier nose flared as his face scrunched in anger. His brows pointed down with a certain darkness in his eyes.

Was this... about what you thought this was about? Your mouth parted in shock as he yelled at you as you stood outside in the darkness with the cold attacking your skin. That was the least of your worries. "Xavier are you kidding me do your hear yourself right now?!" You too began raising your voice at the accusations blamed on you. Feeling your heart rate picking up while your breath got heavier. "I hear myself just fine. I'm so tired, of being walked all over. Do me a favor and don't talk to me again. I don't want to be surrounded by another manipulator." Xavier sneered at you, his Adams apple bopped up and down as he continued yelling. His voice slightly shaking due to the anger. You gasp in absolute shock, but you couldn't help but get angry. Being yelled at for something so absurd. "Bianca was right about you. You are too insecure and afraid, so you think everyone is out to hurt you. I should have listened to Bianca the first time when she told me how you broke up with her." You snapped at Xavier glaring at him angrily. Those words only pissed him off more. He gave you daggers before he left you to stand all alone. His figure getting smaller.

"Urugh!" You yell to yourself before you rush yourself back to the Rave'N, your date was waiting for you.

Bianca met you at the entrance, giving you a worried look. "Oh my god, (y/n) I saw what happened... are you okay?" You held your shoulder, rubbing it with comfort. Suddenly you felt like you'd burst into tears. "I should have listened to you Binaca." You say much softer than before, your voice wavering as you spoke. Your breathing uneven. "Oh dear... go enjoy your night. You still have a great date waiting for you over there." Bianca spoke to you so softly, as she guided you through the crowd back to your date. A malice expression on her face as she walked behind you. "Just forget about it... you can leave the getting angry till later after the dance." She whispered into your ear before she left you. Bianca has the biggest devious smirk on her face as she walked back to Yoko.

Whatever you did to try take your mind off it, you just couldn't. Dancing with your date didn't even feel the way it should. You were distant - mind far off in another place not even paying attention to him. The first place Xavier went was his art studio, when he was met with the painting of you looking at him with such a smile. He knocked it off the stand. Letting it fall face flat. His emotions all being blurted out into paper, he threw painting over the painting of you. The soft colours being taken over by dark brutal colors. It changed itself to something powerful with overwhelming emotions. Sad, angry betrayed emotions. Xavier couldn't process it but he heard your distant voice, it only pierced deeper through his heart. His friend that he grew so fond of, betrayed him and hurt him. He thought of you and your cruel beauty that truly manipulated him. His hands jittered as he tried to paint, he didn't know if it was anger or even just sadness at that point. Either way, his heart hurt. The change from feeling so light and warm to a cold brutal bash right through his heart.

───────────────────────

IM SO SORRY FOR THIS.. I HAD TO 😭😭 IM SPRRY I LIED THAT THIS WSS GONNA BE SWEET BUT I LOVE ANGST😓

Part 9 out now ❗️❗️

word count : 1462

[lovingastory]

Sakura collaboration story

Back in 2020, Kadokawa published a volume titled Sakura collaboration, which included a number of short stories (more like drabbles, really) related to several light novel series, including The Slayers. "Cherry blossoms" (sakura) was the common theme.

I recently got my hands on one copy of the volume, and the story Hajime Kanzaka wrote for The Slayers (set sometime after novel 17 and paired with a lovely illustration by Araizumi of Lina and Gourry under a cherry tree, which has been circulating on its own for a while) is so cute and quietly poetic that I thought it was a shame not to share it with everyone. So under the cut you can find my tentative translation.

It looked like falling snow.

It filled up the sky, filled up our field of vision – swaying, drifting white, white, white.

Except, it wasn’t cold. If anything, it reminded of warmth, perhaps simply because it was warm, or perhaps because there was also some red among all the dancing, falling white.

The open blossoms fell among the lined trees, splendid, and ephemeral at the same time.  

“Wow,” I couldn’t help but say in admiration, unconsciously stopping as soon as I fixed my eyes on that spectacle.  

“Amazing,” commented Gourry, my travel companion. He stopped too, enthralled by the dancing blossoms. “Say, Lina, what kind of flowers are those?”

“Dunno. I’ve never seen them back where we come from,” I replied.

A little while before, for a number of reasons, Gourry and I had been sent away to an unknown, faraway land. We’d found ourselves under this sky as we were trying and get back where we came from, on a clueless and unsuccessful journey.

I’d travelled here and there in the land I used to live in before, but I’d never seen those flowers. Meaning they probably only blossomed here.

“Cherry blossoms!” The girl called Ran, who’d become our travel companion ever since we got here, suddenly blurted out, in a strange voice.

She often used weird expressions, which, according to her, were in her hometown’s dialect.

“Huh? What, now?”

“The name of the flowers – cherry blossoms.”

“Ah. They are called ‘cherry blossoms’.” I looked at them again.

The mountains stretching out in front of us were green. However, at their foot, the colors of what appeared to be ‘cherry blossoms’ trees lining along the highway formed a long streak of white, continuing as far as we could see.

The fact that they were only along the highway and not on the mountains made me think that they hadn’t grown naturally, and had been planted. But why on earth were hundreds – heck, thousands of trees planted like that?

“To have grown so many trees… must have been some sophisticated and eccentric king or lord!”

“Wrong!”

“What’s wrong?”

“It wasn’t a king who grew them, just one common person.”

“Huh?!” As the meaning of her words struck me, I couldn’t help but raise my voice. “Wait, wait, wait! A single person, growing these many trees on their own? That shouldn’t be possible!”

“They were not on their own.”

“Didn’t you just say it was just one person?”

“After they’d started working hard to grow them, the people around here came to help too.”

“… Right.” Her way of expressing things was always a bit confusing.   

“Still, why did those people feel the need to grow that many trees? Are their fruits edible, by any chance?”

It wasn’t elegant of Gourry to ask, but truth is, it did happen sometimes that trees that bore edible fruits were planted along highways, in order to lower the chance of travelers collapsing from hunger or thirst.

When asked that, Ran furrowed her brow. “Mmm… they do bear fruits and those fruits are edible, but… they are not that good?”

Judging by her words, she had tried them before. Perhaps, they were extremely bitter or sour.

Gourry, probably anticipating that he, too, wouldn’t enjoy the taste, wore a dejected expression. “Not good? Why, getting plenty of delicious fruit like that would have been perfect…”

“What are you talking about?” I said, still enthralled by the white. “This scene itself is perfect, isn’t it?” A particularly strong gust of wind made the petals dance.

“Perhaps, the person who started to plant the trees did it because he wanted to see something like this, too.”

That one scope. Perhaps, he’d kept on with that one scope in mind. Perhaps, that person had seen something like this in his past, and burned with desire for seeing it again.

Perhaps, the people around that person had been moved by that love and enthusiasm, and decided to lend a hand.

The earth-moving passion and effort of one person, stirring up other people… that wasn’t common, but it did happen, sometimes. And as a result…

… as a result, now, we were in that place, surrounded by blooming white.

Perhaps, one day, Gourry and I would be back where we came from, far away from there. And still, we wouldn’t forget the scene we’d seen that day.

The three of us stopped there for a while yet, surrounded by dancing flowers.

[chubbydino]

I just finished reading Fool's Gold.

I feel an overwhelming amount of a myriad of emotions, and the need to put it all into words, imbued with the certainity that I will never find the words to express the true depth of what I feel, nor will there ever be a time when what I have to say will even begin to tell you just how much gravity and meaning this story holds.

nevertheless, I will try.

rpf rids you of the difficulty of creating a character - it gives you a name, face, quirks that make them true to their person, a life and circumstances, and above it all the freedom to do with that what you will. this often comes with the cost of your characters, who are real people, becoming mere puppets of a story, vessels intended to tell it.

to be able to tell a story that has never happened as you wish to tell it, centred around people that very much breathe, live, and exist all while making them true to their own person is no easy task. and yet you've done it so irreproachably. you've somehow painstakingly, and impeccably struck a balance between creating a world for them, whilst still writing an ode to them as real people.

I went into Fool's Gold wary of the tags, staunchly believing you couldn't convince me of many of the things you had implied. I understand now. there wasn't a single sentence that I didn't believe with my full heart.

my simple mind couldn't even begin comprehending how you managed to weave such an intricate, riveting plot. there's not a single thing you didn't think of. every sentence you wrote felt like it was thought out and decided well before any of these people or these events happened. everytime I thought I knew what was happening, you very artfully reminded, I in fact, did not.

you had such generously fleshed out stories and love for every character that I couldn't help but wonder how you could conclude so very many relationships in a sensible way. nevertheless I trusted you to write an epilogue that would be delicate, sensible and bittersweet, much like most meaningful stories.

having read the last chapter, beginning the epilogue confused me. and then i was fraught with anger. what of the stories you told me before ? what of them ? and then as i continued to read, i felt as if i had been doused with water, not the kind that leaves you shaking and spluttering, but the gentle kind a mother bestows upon her child - with care and love, and in some parts the feeling that times will not always be like this. suddenly I wanted to be nowhere but where you had taken me, hear no other story than the one you were telling in that moment. and just like that, it was over.

thank you, with everything in me, thank you.

i don't really have words to properly articulate myself, but thank you. fool's gold will always be special to me in many ways, and allowed me to engage in F1 in a way far beyond how i'd been doing so for years prior.

it has its flaws and there are parts people hate about it (including the epilogue lol) and there are a lot of things i would improve in the fic, but the joy of fanfic for me is that it is what it is, raw and unpolished. FG really taught me a lot about myself and opened a lot of doors for me that would be firmly shut if i hadn't accepted a $5 venmo for coffee from my dear friend who wanted me to write my crazy rpf idea.

i'd never written rpf before FG and wow did it change my whole opinion on rpf 😂 f1 rpf is still the wild west in many ways but i LOVE writing my messed up takes on these guys who i have no clue about irl 😂😂😂

[sailforvalinor]

Joker and Ace: Jester's Privilege

Chapter 2

“Remind me,” the girl whispered as the music struck up and he led her onto the floor, “what dance is this again?”

He glanced down at her, mildly alarmed. “It’s a waltz, Miss,” he said, more bluntly than he intended. “Don’t you have a dance card?” Did she even know how to dance? Some of his sisters’ speculations about who she might be sprung into his head unbidden. 

She gave him a wry look. “A waltz?” she repeated, ignoring the question. “In a ballroom in Bath in 183-? That doesn’t seem exactly…proper.”

Theodore didn’t see what the year had to do with anything--but at least she sounded like she knew what she was talking about. “My father’s balls attempt to mimic Almack’s in every manner. But if you’d rather wait for the quadrille…?”

The girl smiled dazzlingly. “Oh no, of course not,” she said, then, with a quick glance about her at the other dancers taking the floor, assumed the beginning position for the waltz with startling ease.

He bowed, she curtsied, and Theodore took her right hand in his left and placed his right on her shoulder blade almost mechanically, having done this so many times he barely had to think about it. She was quite a bit shorter than him, he realized--the top of her head barely came to his shoulder, and from that vantage point, he noticed that her hair seemed to almost sparkle, as if she’d dusted her hair with tiny diamonds. How on earth she’d managed that he had no idea, but the thought of how envious his sisters would be at the sight of it made him crack a slight smile.

The strings struck up, and Theodore was struck with them with the strange look the girl had given him when he’d first approached her. “Do I…know you from somewhere, Miss?” he asked carefully.

She couldn’t read the expression that came over her face. “I don’t believe so.”

The waltz began, and much to Theodore’s surprise, the girl moved through the intricacies of the dance effortlessly--it was like dancing with a cloud on his arm. She knew exactly what she was doing, but still let him lead. He’d rarely danced with a better partner, and so distracted was he by this that it took him a moment to realize that, though he usually regarded it as a necessary nicety of polite society, he was actually enjoying dancing for once. 

If he were being honest, it made him feel a bit uneasy.

“So,” the girl said at length, “Mr. Theodore Ace--for I believe that’s who you are, though you didn’t introduce yourself--I must ask, do you often ask girls you haven’t been introduced to to dance?”

“I don’t generally make a practice of it, no,” he said as they glided past the punch bowl, guests staring at them in shock as they clutched punch glasses and fans. 

“Why ask me then? Were you so enchanted by my beauty that you couldn’t help yourself? Or--” she suddenly looked at him very shrewdly “--are you dancing with me because you deemed it the best way to scandalize your sisters?”

So stunned was he by not just the substance of the question, but by the fact that something so shrewd and direct had been said in such a soft, gentle voice such as hers that it uncharacteristically left him floundering for a response. “Uh--”

“--don’t feel the need to answer that,” she cut with an amused smile on her face before he could come up with something clever to say. “I’ll take your intentions at face value, if you’d like--although, don’t look now, but that’s rather difficult when I can feel your sisters’ eyes burning holes into the back of my head.”

Disobeying her, he allowed himself a quick glance up at the balcony--and sure enough, Angeline’s face was flushed red with anger, Emmeline’s white with shock, and the both of them whispered to Ida furiously. However, Ida’s face was expressionless, almost placid--something that should have made him uneasy, but at the moment he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“Hmmm,” the girl said thoughtfully, “doesn’t listen to instructions, clearly hates his family, given that he’s perfectly willing to embarrass them in this manner, but still dependent on them for the moment, quiet, a little bitter, dances like a dream, a bit unapproachable, probably reads Eliot--wait, no no, that’s too soon,” she cut herself off. “Tennyson?”

“Um, yes,” he answered, startled. How did she know that? “What exactly are you doing?”

She giggled. “Trying to make out your character, of course.” That phrase sounded vaguely familiar, though Theodore couldn’t put his finger on why. “As one does in ballrooms.”

“Well, I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage there, Miss,” he said, trying to regain some control over--well, whatever this was. “What’s your name?”

“Oooh, you’re asking me this now?” she asked, the smile on her face almost broadening into an unladylike grin, but not quite. “Hmmm. Well, I will tell you--just not now. Later.”

It was all he could do not to gawk. “What? You won’t tell me?”

“No, I said later I’d tell you,” she said in a lower tone as another couple spun past them, clearly trying not to stare. 

“Are you acting mysterious for your own amusement, or are you truly hiding something?” The thought briefly crossed his mind that she might be making some attempt at infiltration into his father’s circle, but he dismissed it almost immediately--no one making such an attempt would show their hand so plainly.

She laughed. “Yes and yes.” She craned her neck over his shoulder for a moment to peer at some of the other dancers. “Oh dear, do you think I’m a little overdressed?”

“Then may I ask what exactly you’re doing here?”

“I’m dancing. With you. That’s generally why girls go to balls--not to dance with you specifically, of course, just to dance. Although,” she said, looking around the room, “I suspect from many of the looks I’m getting that that certainly applies to many of the ladies in this room.” She smiled up at him. “Aren’t you popular?”

“If you’d just wanted to dance, you could have gone to any of the assembly rooms instead of stealing into a private ball,” he said, really more curiously than accusingly. 

She shrugged fractionally. “Perhaps I heard that this ball was the thing.”

The girl caught the disbelieving look he shot at her. “Ooh, alright, I suppose I can give you a bit more than that. I’m--well, how to put it--” she lowered her voice to nearly a whisper, causing him to have to lean close “--I’m casing the joint.”

“You’re casing the what?”

“You strike me as quite clever, Mr. Ace, if you don’t mind the presumption,” she said. “I’ll leave that up to you to parse. I’m sure you can manage.”

Theodore certainly didn’t feel clever--he’d never felt less so in his life. Every time he felt he’d felt he’d found some semblance of footing with this girl, it crumbled beneath his feet faster than he could blink. He really shouldn’t have been letting it needle him as much as he did--after all, he had accomplished his object in dancing with her, his sisters were undoubtedly beyond livid--but despite his desires and better judgment, he found himself too intrigued by this girl to stop asking questions. 

“In your object of ‘casing the joint,’ as you call it, you decided it was wise to leave your escort at home?” he asked. 

The smile on her face that so far had not wavered flickered suddenly. “I’m afraid there was none to leave.”

A sudden cold fear for her gripped him at those words, remembering what sorts of people spun about them in this ballroom, watched them from the edges of the room, from the balconies. He remembered the impassive look in Ida’s eyes as she stared down at them, and fought the urge to glance up at her again. He became aware that the waltz was swiftly coming to an end, and as he led her through the last motions of the dance, he pulled her slightly closer than was strictly necessary. “Listen,” he said in a low voice, “I don’t know what you think this ball is. I don’t know what your purpose was in coming here. You might know what you’ve walked into, you might not. But I’d feel morally responsible if I didn’t tell you that you’ve walked straight into a viper’s nest in coming here, Miss--everyone in this room could bring you harm in almost any way you could imagine, even more so if they knew of your circumstances. And you’ve ensured that you’ve attracted the attention of everyone in attendance--even more so by dancing with me, I’m afraid.”

He couldn’t tell if the girl was taking the gravity in his tone seriously. She studied his face carefully. “‘Everyone in this room,’” she repeated. “Are you an exception to that rule, Theodore Ace?”

The music swelled and came to an end, partners separating and facing each other. “I should think so,” he said as he took his bow, more steel in his tone than he had anticipated.

“Good,” the girl said as she rose from her curtsy. Her radiant smile returned. “That’s exactly what I wanted to know.”

He offered her his hand, and he led her off the floor, now ignoring the stares and whispers as they passed by. 

“Also, thank you for the warning,” the girl said softly. She seemed to have a knack of speaking at the perfect volume so as not to be easily overheard, he noticed. “It was quite honorable of you.”

Her hand slipped out of his as they came to the edge of the room. “If you appreciate it,” he began, “perhaps you could--”

He turned to her, but she had vanished.

“Hmm.” He looked around to see if she had slipped into the crowd somewhere, but he couldn’t find her. Shrugging, he strode off towards the exit, ignoring other guests’ attempts to speak to him, hoping the girl would heed his advice--and wondering how soon he would inevitably regret dancing with her.

<- Chapter 1 / Chapter 3 ->

[tinkabelle24]

To Build a Home

Chapter 19: Birthday Shenanigans (PART 3)

A/N: This chapter will feel a smidge scattered as I had many, MANY ideas, and it would've taken forever to formulate a readable chapter around them. So, you'll be getting snippets of a few scenes I absolutely could NOT part with.

Also, thanks again @android-cap-007 for the amazing pictures! 🥰🫂

TW! Sexual references.

Masterlist / Chapter 18

---

To say Raph was restless was a colossal understatement.

It'd been an hour and Val (still) had yet to join the group. The sun was shining, the water tepid, the wine chilled; it was a beautiful day, and she was missing it.

And he was missing her...

It's a problem.

Her 'yes' to his relationship proposal felt like a trigger; the moment that word left her lips, he was obsessed.

Prior to said moment, he thought of her often - nothing like this.

He's now struggling to eat, sleep, or shower without her. Obviously, she gets her space; he'd feel like a prick otherwise. But being deprived of her: her smile, her laugh, her touch... as dramatic as it sounded, he'd rather be drawn and quartered.

Raph practically leapt from his chair when he spotted her finally emerge from the house; but she didn't appear to be headed in his direction...

The terrapin's curious gaze followed her tiny form - arms brimming with various unidentifiable items - as she awkwardly jumped the porch steps, then started jogging - toward the barn.

What are you up to-

"Saved ya life!"

Raph barely had a moment to register those word, before a heavy force suddenly struck his plastron, thrusting him off his feet. He glimpsed a mane of black as he fell; past the dock then hitting the water, shell-first, with a slap.

"Your scales were lookin' a little dry, bestie," Casey razzed from the dock, when the terrapin finally surfaced. "Thought I'd moisten 'em for ya."

"C'mere and say that!" Raph spluttered, coughing up the liquid he'd inhaled in the assault. Behind him, further out, he could hear his younger brothers sniggering; Leo and April, who were lounged under the gazebo with Tyler (the latter stuffing his face with crackers and grapes), fought like hell to keep a straight face.

As the grumbling terrapin hauled himself back up onto the dock, a more severe expression crossed Casey's features.

"Leave her be, mate," he ordered; a tone Raph knew his normally equable friend rarely used, especially where he was concerned. "She'll be down when she's good and ready."

April nodded. "Val's put a lot of work into this, Raph," she added gently, tossing the food blanket over the grazing platter, so her son couldn't gorge himself. "Please don't spoil it for her; or yourself, for that matter... It'll be worth the wait, I promise."

Raph sighed softly, avoiding the couple's gaze.

Though it pained him to admit it, they were right. In being a nosy pain in the shell, he'd spoilt at least one of Val's surprises (yes, he did see the cake so, no, he wasn't just staring at her boobs).

Had Casey not intervened just then, he likely would've spoilt another. Hell, he may have already done so...

He really needed to pull his head in.

"Yeah..." the terrapin sighed again.

He attempted regaining eye contact, but all his mind focused on was the house behind them. The moment Val reappeared (seemingly headed back to the house), he pried his gaze away.

"Yeah, okay. I get it. I'll do better..."

---

Another half hour passed and Leo and Tyler were finally in the water. April remained on the bank, soaking up the midmorning sun. Donnie, having dibbsed the doughnut floaty, was also doing some sunbathing. Mikey, still butthurt about losing said floaty, decided harassing poor Leo (who was just trying to back float in peace) was the perfect outlet for his boredom.

Meanwhile, Val was still M.I.A.

The anxiety was still there, but Raph managed to keep himself busy with helping Casey teach Tyler to swim.

"Alright, Ty, come to me now... You've got this, bud-"

"Good job!"

The men shared a proud look as Tyler doggy-paddled the five feet from father to uncle, squealing with delight when the latter tossed him into the air.

"Ya did it!" Raph seated the youngster at his hip. "High five- well, you can high-five me and I can high-three you... Yeah! Good job-"

"Hey," Casey nudged the terrapin as he waded closer, nodding behind him.

Turning around, Raph could feel Tyler being taken from him; thank God, as what awaited him rendered his entire body slack.

Holy shit...

Val was finally headed their way; clad in a black (of course) high-leg, long-sleeved one-piece. The top covered most of her cleavage, but her hip-bones and thigh tattoo had nowhere to hide.

Raph had only seen the full tattoo a handful of times, mostly while she was naked. Now, it was being publicly displayed for his best friend and brothers to see.

Forgive him for feeling a little territorial...

Mikey, having finally granted Leo respite, sliced through the silence with an enthusiastic wolf-whistle; causing Val to blush and curl in on herself, and setting Raph's teeth on edge.

"Sweet tattoo, Dudette!" The youngest brother braced himself on his arms at the dock's edge; leaning forward, to get a better view of her ink. "How long did that take to do?"

"About five hours..." A still flushed Val glanced April's way, who smiled and winked encouragingly at her; then to Raph, who was wading his way over. His indecipherable expression was making her nervous...

Does he like it?? Is it too much?? Oh God, it's too much...

No. She mentally slapped herself, took a deep breath, then straightened up; forcing a smile on her lips.

You felt good in this before coming out here, you feel good in it now.

Tough titties, if he doesn't like it.

"A friend did it for me," the brunette explained; grinning pointedly at Raph, whose wary gaze darted between his brothers.

His protectiveness of her virtue was admirable, but unnecessary. She was safe here.

"This was one of her first big pieces."

"Must've hurt like a mother effer- ow!" Rubbing his offended arm, Mikey met Leo's disapproving stare. "What??"

"Took ya long enough." A smirk finally pulled at his mouth as he brushed past his brothers, climbing to Val's level.

"Yeah, sorry about that," she quipped, attempting to mask her insecurity with snark. "My work was delayed due to a certain red-masked individual..."

Raph chuckled softly, giving her suit one last once-over before closing the distance between them completely. Hand at her hip, he leaned forward; voice low and husky. "You're playin' with fire, wearin' that thing..."

Heat immediately rushed to Val's cheeks. She lowered her gaze, a half-stifled giggle escaping her lips. Quickly composing herself, the brunette then graced him with a suggestive smile; fingers teasingly tracing along the zipper.

"Oh?" She whispered back. "You, uh... gonna burn me later?"

Raph gave her a look. He opened his mouth to respond, but then his gaze abruptly shifted behind her.

"Time for a dip!"

The startled woman yelped as she was promptly scooped off the dock, into the green-skinned arms of another brother. He was already on the move by the time she'd identified him.

"Mikey! I beg you - don't-!"

Too late.

When they finally broke the surface, Val pushed away; thrashing at the water blindly, with the hope that some of it hits the offending terrapin in the eyes. She could hear snickering from all angles.

"You dick!"

"How's the water, Val?" Mikey taunted as she wiped the excess liquid from her lids. "It's nice to see you finally in it!"

Sight finally returning, Val fixated on the youngest brother; he was practically begging to be smacked, with that smug grin of his. "You're so gonna get it!"

"Bring it on, sister!" He beckoned.

Utilising all her upper body strength, the brunette pushed hard against the water; the resulting wave headed straight for her target...

Then he ducked underwater.

Leo - standing behind him, having just retrieved his lemon-lime ramune from the inflatable cooler - copped her wrath instead.

A collective gasp was heard.

Mikey, who'd since resurfaced and seen the damage, burst out laughing.

"Oh my God! Leo, I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..."

The terrapin in question slowly lifted his gaze; burning into Val's very soul. She chanced a glance at his drink, praying he hadn't already opened it...

Ah, shit.

The bottle was overflowing, its defiled contents dripping down his arm into the water. Not good.

Not good, at all.

"Oooh, someone's in trouble!"

Leo's brilliant eyes then flickered Mikey's way; the youngest brother was watching them, with impish glee.

Turning back to Val, a similar smile formed. The brunette watched, with increasing dread, as he set aside his drink, inching lower into the chest-deep water.

"Wait, where are you going? Get back up here! Leo, please don't..."

He was gone.

Full panic mode: activated.

Val frantically shuffled away, over the grainy sand and pebbles covering the benthic.

"Oh God, please- no, no, no-"

Something (or someone) brushed against her leg and she shrieked, kicking outward instinctively. Nothing.

A stream of blue caught her eye as she scanned the water; she followed until a plume of disturbed bedding obscured him from view. Looking up, she immediately realised where he was headed...

"You better run, little girl-"

A green hand suddenly shot out of the water, smacking Mikey square in the snout. Leo promptly followed, bracing his brother's neck as he proceeded slathering wet sand all over his face.

Another collective gasp.

"That's for spoiling my drink." The leader winked at Val as he then shoved his brother backward, by the face; the latter finally coming to, once the cool water enveloped him.

"Wait- what??" A bemused Mikey exclaimed, splashing away his 'mud mask'. "I wasn't the one-"

"You started it," Leo retorted. "I was just finishing it."

"My hero!" Val 'swooned', earning a light spraying from the blue-banded terrapin as he passed. She splashed him back (intentionally, this time) before shooting Mikey a shit-eating grin, who responded by sticking out his tongue.

"Are you all quite finished?" Donnie gestured to himself, still bobbing about atop the floaty. "I'm getting wet up here, in case you haven't noticed..."

"Oh!" The brunette turned to him, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Are you feeling lonely, Don?"

"Don't even think about coming near me, with that look..." The terrapin grew more unnerved the closer she became. Soon, she was braced against his floaty, grinning up at him like the Cheshire cat.

"What do you want?" He mustn't let her smell his fear.

"...This."

Sliding her hands under the device, Val heaved it upward, tipping a startled Donnie overboard, then scrambling into his place.

"Oh no, you don't!" Mikey rushed forward, dragging the brunette down by her calves. "I had next turn!"

"Hey! C'mon, Mikey..." Raph dropped off the dock into the water. "Don't manhandle-"

He abruptly halted; watching, in stunned silence, as Val then latched onto his brother's neck, tugging him back with all her might.

"No, it's mine! I earned it!"

"You stole it!" Donnie snatched back the floaty, making a 'run' for it. Finally breaking free of Val's vice-like grip, Mikey pounced on his brother's shell, sinking them both; allowing the brunette to make her claim.

"Yes!" She exclaimed triumphantly; fists in the air, perched atop her prize.

Her rivals hung their heads in defeat.

An amused Raph turned to April, making the 'drinking' gesture whilst nodding his girlfriend's way. The redhead laughed, shook her head then mouthed: "nope".

"The doughnut is mine!"

---

"Tell ya what though: I'm glad I wore my seatbelt; I woulda gone through the windshield otherwise-"

"Oh, go away!" Val shoved Raph playfully, nearly causing him to spill his coke. "It wasn't that bad and you know it. Quit bullshitting."

Leo relaxed into his fold-out chair, smiling slyly against his cup. "Oh, I don't know about that..." He countered, prompting an admonitory side-glance from the brunette. He boldly pressed forward. "I saw you park - not pretty."

At that, Raph proceeded demonstrating the jolting motion his body apparently made when she braked a little too hard; the boys snickered at the sight.

Meanwhile, April had finally returned from the 'bathroom'; grinning knowingly at Val as she very casually slid back into her chair, beside Casey.

"Yeah, well..." Val shot Raph a look, flames of the bonfire dancing in her eyes. "That was payback for nearly making me lose my lunch."

~~~

"You're grippin' the wheel way too tightly; your knuckles are whiter than your teeth... and you're stiff as a board. Babe, you really need to relax."

Val huffed in frustration as she slumped into the driver's seat, shaking out her stiff fingers. "I can't figure out the gears," she complained. "How the heck am I meant to focus on the road, when there's so much goin' on down here? Clutch, first gear, accelerate; ease off clutch, handbrake down, accel- there's just so goddamn much!"

Raph reached over to comfortingly squeeze her bare thigh. He could easily get used to this shorts-wearing weather.

"With practice," he reassured. "Had we an automatic, you'd be learnin' in that. Stick-shift ambulances are impractical, especially in the city; chances of you landin' one are nil. But think of it this way..."

Begrudgingly lifting his hand from her skin, the terrapin then gestured to the gearbox. "You learn to drive this and an automatic, once ya finally get behind one, fuhgettaboutit. So..." He tilted his head to meet her gaze. "You ready to keep goin'?"

Raph could always tell when Val was being disingenuous; the eyes truly were the windows of the soul.

"Why don't we take a break? We've been at this awhile."

She blinked, 'smile' faltering. "What? No! I swear, I'm fine. I just needed a moment..."

"Oh, really?" He quirked a brow ridge at her. "Tell ya face."

At that, the brunette scoffed, shaking her head as she turned away. After a moment or two of fumbling with the steering wheel, she finally reached for the key, attempting to turn the ignition over.

"Ya forgot to put it in neutral," he remarked, struggling to suppress his amusement. She side-eyed him as she nudged the gearstick into the "N" position, then tried turning it on again.

"Aaand the clutch isn't in-"

"Oh, for God's sake-!"

"Alright, I'm callin' it!" Raph yanked up the handbrake then braced himself against the centre console, fixing Val a firm look.

"I'm gonna say this again: you need to relax. You ain't gonna get it perfect the first time, or even the second; so, stop expectin' it. And you've loads of time; you'll have the truck to practice in, when we get back..."

He then took her hands into his, expression softening as he caressed her scarred knuckles. "...and you've got me to help ya- and April and Case... and Leo, and Mikey, and Don- aw, well, I'd give him some time; you did steal his doughnut-"

That pulled a laugh out of her.

God, I love that sound!

"Alright..." Val nodded, shoulders loosening as she attempted expiring all her nervous energy. "Okay, I'm relaxing now..."

She still wasn't quite looking him in the eye...

"I've an idea..."

"We're not having sex in the car."

Raph snorted. "That ain't exactly what I had in mind, but if you're offerin'-"

"Raph-"

"I jest!" He tittered, hands up in surrender. "...Sort of."

Val playfully rolled her eyes.

"In all seriousness though: do you trust me?"

She eyed him warily. "Why...?"

His mischievous smile promptly returned. "Let's swap."

Out in the open field behind the farmhouse, Raph proceeded taking her for a spin - a literal one.

~~~

"Oh, you loved it! Quit bullshittin'," Raph echoed as he slung an arm over Val's shoulders, planting a kiss on her brow. She groaned in protest, but the kittenish giggle that followed betrayed her enjoyment.

Donnie (thankfully) waited to finish his mouthful of chocolate cake, before smugly interjecting: "I could hear your screams from my polyvinyl chloride throne."

He got his floaty back.

Val frowned at him. "How many slices have you had now - six?"

The terrapin scoffed. "That's a gross overstatement," he sassed, gesturing to the half-eaten dessert in his lap. "This is my fourth, thank you very much."

The looks on the boys' faces when she and April carried out not one, but four birthday cakes, will forever be burned into Val's memory: Raph's patent relief, Leo's surprise, and Donnie and Mikey's childlike delight. She could live a long time off the warmth that image alone gave her.

“I saw how you cut your cake,” the brunette retorted. “Your ‘four’ slices may as well have been the entire thing.”

Mikey - who appeared to be minding his own, plucking away at his guitar strings - abruptly strummed an ominous tune. Leo and April spat their drinks, Donnie playfully rolled his eyes and Raph and Casey shared a look, fighting to keep a straight face.

"The claws are out tonight!" Casey grinned Valerie's way. "I like drunk Val - she's fiery!"

The brunette laughed. "I'm not even drunk!"

"No?" Mikey smirked as he reached over his instrument, pulling out her near empty drink jug from the cooler beside him. "How do you explain this, then? Hm?"

"That's an excellent question - Leo?" Val side-eyed the eldest brother, who snorted incredulously. "Wanna answer that one?"

~~~

"It's vodka, water and grapefruit juice - alcoholic cordial, basically. But it's really nice! I'll pour you some, so you can try..."

The leader was puzzled. "So, no wine, then? Who are you, and what have you done with my friend?!"

"I never said that!" Val laughed, tugging two cups from the stack beside the giant bowl of non-alcoholic Mai Tai (luckily, they had enough ingredients for a second batch; Raph and Tyler obliterated the last one). She filled one to the brim. "I will be having wine, just later. It's not really something you can sip on, all day, without getting sick."

He smirked. "You've never seemed to have any trouble-"

The brunette promptly lifted the jug away from the second cup, daring him to continue digging his own grave.

"Alright, alright! I'm sorry..." Leo conceded. He then tilted his head and pouted, like a puppy begging for treats. "Please?"

Val snorted and rolled her eyes, then proceeded filling the cup.

~~~

"Yeah, thanks so much!" Leo replied sarcastically. "It's not like I saved your ass today, or anything..."

The brunette scoffed. "You didn't 'save my ass'," she retorted, not-so-subtly nodding Mikey's way; he sent her a crabby look. "You just punished the true culprit. And as for why you're under the bus: you've had just as much of that as I have; if not, more, as it was three-quarters full the last time I filled my drink. So..."

Her confidence visibly faltered in lieu of her next statement, as she awkwardly sipped her drink. "...Check yo self."

"Rightio, Ice Cube," Casey chuckled, as Raph jocularly plucked the cup from his girlfriend's hand; before promptly returning it, under threat of a plastron elbowing.

April quirked a bemused brow at her. "What the heck was that?"

Leo smirked. "She's scared of me-"

"Am not!" A flushed Val objected.

"Mhm, sure-"

"Hey!" The brunette scooted to the edge of the double fold-out, jabbing a finger in his direction. "Don't bite the hand that... drinks? No-"

"You should quit while you're ahead," Leo interjected, smirk deepening.

Val's mouth fell open; Raph shot his eldest brother a 'now you've done it' look.

"You-!"

"Ladies, ladies...!" Mikey grinned between the two as he strummed an obnoxiously reposeful tune. "You're both pretty, alright? Let's take it down a notch... Raphie boy-"

"Don't call me that-"

"Show us your pipes."

Raph blinked. "S'cuse me?"

Mikey frowned; upping the tempo slightly. "Come now. Don't pretend we don't know you can sing." Catching Valerie's quizzical side-glance his brother's way, the orange-banded terrapin gasped dramatically. "You haven't told...? Dude!"

Raph snorted, shaking his head. "I've no idea what you're talkin' about-"

"Oh, bullshit! He's being coy, Val. Right, Case? He's being coy."

"Ohhhh...!" Finally catching on, Casey levelled a shit-eating grin at his best friend. "Yeah, he can totally sing-"

"Seriously?" Raph chuckled, bemused.

"You sing to Ty all the time," April chimed in with a smirk.

"That don't even... wait, why am I-"

"Is that so?" Leo enquired unctuously.

"I've so gotta see this!" Donnie eagerly added, rubbing his hands together.

"The people have spoken!" Mikey gestured triumphantly to Raph, who harrumphed as he awkwardly shifted in his seat.

Had Val not already been watching him, she would've missed the desperate look he flashed her.

"C'mon, Raphie boy - sing. She'll love it, I promise! Wontcha, Val?" Without waiting for a response, Mikey proceeded thumping a palm against his guitar's soundboard; attempting to rile the crowd. "Sing, sing-"

Casey and Donnie joined immediately; followed by Leo, then April; expectant gazes looming over the red-banded terrapin, who looked ready to croak from embarrassment.

"Sing, sing, sing, sing, sing-"

"My house in Budapest my, my hidden treasure chest..."

Everyone snapped toward Val, who'd unexpectedly broken into song; setting aside her drink to pat her denim-clad thigh to the beat.

"Golden grand piano, my beautiful Castillo you-"

The brunette winked at Raph, then squeezed his leg; before shutting her eyes, to curb her increasing anxiety.

"Ooh, you, ooh I'd leave it all... My acres of a land I have achieved, it-"

"It may be hard for you to stop and believe-"

Startled, Val shot open her eyes, finding Raph singing alongside her. He smiled gratefully as he squeezed back; soloing the next couple lines, whilst waiting for her and the others to pick their jaws off the ground.

His silky smooth voice sent shivers up her spine...

"But for you, ooh, you, ooh I'd leave it all..."

Finally snapping out of her stupor, Val giddily re-joined him. They were far from alone.

Suddenly, the entire group were belting out the chorus (some more drunkenly than others); amplifying the beat with whatever solid surface within reach.

---

Several rib-tickling campfire songs (and Casey's piss-poor attempt at 'Cotton Eye Joe'; knocking over a table of empty cans in the process) later, things appeared to finally be winding down. Good thing, too. The last time Val checked her watch - 11:47pm - was, err... sometime ago.

Having consumed only water for roughly an hour, Val felt the alcohol's effects steadily waning. Again - good. She needed to be somewhat sober to carry out Raph's final birthday surprise...

"Alright, everybody..." Leo cut through the overlapping chatter. Everyone fell silent, turning to the leader as he carefully rose from his chair; nursing his third cup of unadultered H2O (at the behest of the resident bartender).

"Before we disperse for the night, I wanted to say a few things... Firstly, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules, to make the trip-"

"You're welcome!" Mikey smirked as he relaxed in his chair; swirling the contents of his beer can, like it were a martini. "Anything for you, big bro-"

"Don't flatter yourself, Mikey," Donnie interjected, rolling his eyes. "You had no choice-"

"As I was saying..." Leo side-eyed the youngest brothers, before turning to address Val. "I know getting leave wasn't easy for you, so..." He gestured to his brothers, then himself, with a warm smile. "We thank you... and for the cakes. They were beautiful."

The brunette returned the smile, raising her cup to him. "It's no problem. I wouldn't miss this shit for the world - you know that."

The terrapin chuckled at that. "Well, thank you..." He then turned to April and Casey, who were snuggled up in the latter's chair. "...and to you two, and Ty, for the gifts."

April shot the red-banded terrapin a playful glare. "Raph's lucky to even get his, after his behaviour today..."

"Hey, now," Raph retorted, poking a snickering Val in the ribs. "We've settled that already, haven't we? ... I apologise, Leo. Please, continue."

Leo gave his brother a weird look, but continued otherwise.

"As you all know, this, uh..."

The mood shifted when the leader abruptly lowered his gaze; a shuddered breath escaping his lips. He took a moment to recompose himself, before finally looking up.

"...This is the first birthday we've celebrated without... d-dad. These last nine months have been... a ride, to say the least - for all of us. We've all had to adjust, rather quickly, to our new normal... But I feel we're finally there. We've found our peace; thanks to the unwavering love and support from you guys..."

A small smile crossed the terrapin's features as his gaze drifted to April and Casey (both of whom returned the smile), then Val.

" - our found family."

The brunette blinked, taken aback. Sure, he's referred to her as 'family' before; but that was in private - this was a public declaration.

"Val..." Leo's voice faltered, as tears brimmed his eyes. "You never got the chance to meet him, but I know he'd have loved you as much as we do..."

Hoo boy.

Here come the waterworks...

"Goddamn onion ninjas..." Val sniffled, pulling a tearful laugh from everyone. Leo raised his cup to her, and nodded. April and Casey did the same; as did the rest of the brothers.

"Love you, Val-"

"Yeah. Love ya, Val-"

"Love ya, Dudette-"

"You better have that cake recipe saved, cos I'll be asking for it next year; and the year after that, and the year after that..."

Val giggled. "Don't worry, Don, the recipe's not going anywhere... and I love you too - all of you. I-"

The brunette abruptly fell silent; lowering her gaze, with a quavered chuckle. Sensing his girlfriend's apprehension, Raph took a hand into his, giving it a comforting squeeze.

She squeezed back; nodding to him reassuringly, before finally continuing.

"I wanted to thank you all for... accepting me into your lives. I know how risky it is... I also wanted to thank you for everything you've done thereafter: sharing your food, teaching me to fight... saving my life."

She was looking at Leo now.

"You put your neck on the line for me; I'll never forget that, ever."

Leo, finally resettled in his chair, gave Val a look. "Val, seriously, there's no need to thank-"

"Well, I just did."

He attempted protesting further, but she kept talking.

"I really wish I'd known Splinter personally. From what all of you've told me, he sounded- actually, no - he was an amazing man... friend... father. How could he not be? He raised the kindest, bravest... sometimes stupidest-"

"Oi-"

April whacked Casey's arm. "Shhh!"

The brothers shared an amused look, as Val resumed; the low visibility masking her now darkened cheeks.

"Heh, um... Yeah; the bravest, kindest..." She met Raph's gaze, with a amorous smile. "...most wonderful people I've ever met. I think he'd be proud of you - all of you - for how far you've come. I hope you think so too... To Splinter."

"To Splinter!"

Lowering the can from his lips, Casey frowned at the couple sitting before him; still engrossed in the other's gaze. They may as well be on top of each other...

Time to get this ball rolling.

"Well!"

The group snapped toward him (was that relief he saw on Val's face?). He slapped his legs, nudging April as he hauled himself upright.

"It's been fun, but we should really be hittin' the hay now - it's almost 3am."

Leo grimaced. "Really?"

"Oops," Mikey chuckled.

"Yeah, we should!" April leapt from her chair, flashing Val an excited grin. "Knowing Ty, he'll be up in, like, two hours..."

"Oof! Yeeaah, I think I'll join you..." Donnie agreed.

While the others gathered their belongings, Val purred into an increasingly suspicious Raph's ear. "Don't move; I've got something else for you-"

"What are you lovebirds whispering about?" Mikey probed, waggling his brow ridges. "Sneaking off to get freaky deaky-"

"Mikey," Raph interrupted; voice low and commanding, despite his racing heart. "Shuddup, and go to bed."

The orange-banded terrapin whipped his hands up in surrender.

"Alright, fine." He slung the guitar strap over his shell, before turning for the house. "But just so you know: bears roam these woods... and a certain zombie redneck torture family- ahem! Stay safe, you two!"

"Thanks, for the words," Leo said as the couple stood to give the approaching terrapin a hug. He squeezed Val tightly; tighter than usual, but she chalked it up to his mildly intoxicated state. "They meant a lot."

"Thank you, for the words," the brunette echoed gently; stepping away, to allow Raph his turn.

"Night, brothah."

"You look after her, alright?" Leo enjoined; giving the red-banded terrapin the 'I'm watching you' gesture, as he slowly turned away. "Goodnight!"

"Oookaaay..." A bewildered Raph then leaned into Val, whispering into her ear. "Is he my brothah, or yours?"

She snorted.

"Goodnight, you two!" April called unctuously as she and the others stumbled up the hill. The suggestive looks and gestures by the boys were largely ignored.

"So..." Raph turned to Val, once it was clear they were finally alone. They hadn't had an ounce of privacy all day.

"So..." the brunette echoed, tittering nervously. She was shaking like a leaf; again, not quite looking him in the eye...

"You-"

She suddenly shoved him. "You didn't tell me you could sing!" She hissed playfully. "What else have you been hiding from me??"

Classic.

Raph gave a half-mustered chuckle and shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a turtle of many talents..."

His expression then turned severe. Val promptly lowered her gaze, abashed. "Nice try - what's goin' on, babe? Talk to me."

"I'm just..." The brunette squeezed her eyes shut and breathed; fighting to expel the nervous energy. After a moment, she finally looked at him - really looked at him.

"I'm just really, really nervous, heh..."

A laugh escaped Raph's lips, and he took her hands. "Why are you nervous?" He enquired gently.

Val frowned at him.

"What?"

Her frown deepened.

"What? No- tell me!"

"...I just wanna make sure you enjoy your... f-first time."

Raph gawked at her, mouth agape like a suffocating fish. "My... my what, now?"

Val gave a soft smile and squeezed his hands. "I'm ready, Raph. I wanna have sex with you- that is, if you're ready, too..."

"...Lead the way."

---

Masterlist / Chapter 20

@android-cap-007 @happymoonangel @miss-andromeda

[bambinella]

Special person? Special gift!

A/N: It’s been 84 years... and I finally managed to get out of writing block! Don’t know how much I’ll be writing, but hey, at least I can say I’ve returned! Have some fluff y’all!

Summary: it’s almost Natasha’s birthday, and Kate is determined to give her the best gift ever

Warnings: none, except fluff and tickles

Word count: 2986

Kate was currently sitting on the giant couch in the Avenger’s common room, lost in thoughts as she chewed her lower lip. Natasha’s birthday was approaching fast, yet she couldn’t think of any gift she deemed ‘worthy’ for her friend. The widow was special to her, so she deserved a special gift. After what seemed like hours Kate stood up and made her way towards her own room, figuring merely sitting on the couch wouldn’t help, as an idea suddenly struck her. The archer turned on her heels and ran in the opposite direction, making her way towards Natasha’s room.

After making sure the assassin was not present in the building, Kate took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After a few heartbeats she heard footsteps approaching, and moments later Yelena opened the door, unable to hide her surprised expression as she looked up at her friend. She clearly had not expected Kate to drop by.

“Kate? Natasha’s not here, she went out for a run about an hour ago,” Yelena said, raising an eyebrow at the archer.

“I know, I’m not here for Natasha, I’m here for you,” Kate quickly said, scanning the hallway for Natasha’s possible return. “Can I come in? I need your advice,” She added.

Yelena blinked several times, both eyebrows raised in surprise once more before stepping aside, allowing Kate to quickly dart inside. The blonde closed the door and turned to her friend, both eyebrows still raised.

“You’re here for me and you need my advice?” She repeated, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “And you came here knowing Natasha isn’t here? Alright, spill up. What did you do?” Yelena asked, for a moment sounding like a mother about to scold her child.

“I didn’t do anything! It’s just… it’s almost Natasha’s birthday and I’m clueless on what to give her!” Kate whisper-yelled, causing Yelena to blink yet again. Of all the things she had expected Kate to say, this wasn’t one of them. Not many people knew Natasha’s birthday, and if they did, not many were actively trying to get her a present. A smile tugged at Yelena’s lips as she looked at the archer, feeling pride instead of jealousy.

“You’re her sister, you know her best!” Kate continued rambling, desperate to get some ideas from her friend. Yelena looked at her for a long second, nodding as she agreed.

“Well… my sister is pretty easy when it comes to gifts, because she’ll love anything you give her,” The blonde started, tilting her head to the side. “But if you truly want to blow her off her socks, then don’t buy anything. The best gifts are the ones you can’t buy,” Yelena said with another nod, rather proud of her advice.

It was now Kate’s turn to blink, looking like a confused puppy as she thought about that. A gift you can’t buy. Huh. She didn’t even think about that option. But what did it mean?

She was pulled out of her train of thoughts by the sound of a picture being taken, looking up to see Yelena grinning at her while putting away her phone. 

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it,” She chuckled, obviously not sorry at all. “You had the dumbest and funniest expression, and I HAD to add it to my gallery,”

“Oh come on, that’s so-” Kate started, before going wide eyed. “Wait, that's it! That’s perfect! Thank you Yelena!” She said, leaving the room just as fast as she had entered, leaving Yelena to be the confused one this time.

For the next few days, Kate was creeping around the compound, trying to somehow sneak up on Natasha. Yelena had given her the perfect idea by taking a picture while she wasn’t looking, and it was exactly what she planned to do to the Widow Sisters. She wanted to give Natasha an album full of pictures of her and Yelena, and some pictures of the three of them. However, to get the best results, she wanted Natasha to be unaware of the picture being taken. A hard task indeed.

At first it was easy. She simply had to sit across from the two sisters - who were almost always cuddled up - and take a picture when Natasha was looking away. Yelena, of course, noticed right away, yet decided to keep quiet as she figured it was for the birthday gift. Kate was very grateful for that.

However, as time went by, the best spy in the world started to notice Kate’s different behavior, since she never sat next to Natasha anymore. The redhead knew something was up, yet she couldn’t put her finger on it. She also knew nothing was wrong, since Kate remained her cheerful self, with no signs of hidden sadness. So, she decided to brush it off. Until one certain afternoon.

Kate once again sat at the other end of the couch, facing Natasha and Yelena as they watched a movie. There was a comfortable silence, until said silence was interrupted by the sound of a picture being taken. Kate mentally cursed as she realized the sound was still on, looking up at her friends. Both Natasha and Yelena had looked up in the direction of the sound, noticing the phone in Kate’s hand.

“Did you just take a picture of me?” Natasha questioned, narrowing her eyes at the archer. Kate gulped and shook her head.

“No…? No I did not, I definitely did not,” She lied. Her lying was still horrible, Yelena realized, as she let out a sigh. 

“Kate…” Natasha said sternly yet playfully, slowly untangling herself from her sister as she turned her full attention to the brunette.

“I did not!” Kate cried out, noticing the smirk on Natasha’s face. She was in big trouble, she realized, while trying to back further into the couch. She knew from experience that running away was futile, yet staying put was even more dangerous. This was bad.

“Give me your phone.” Natasha said, standing up from the couch while holding out her hand towards Kate, who quickly shook her head.

“No!” She said, quickly putting the phone into her front pocket, keeping her hand inside to guard it. She wouldn’t give her that phone under any circumstances. She couldn’t!

“You do realize…,” Natasha said, now looming over Kate with a mischievous smirk. “That if you don’t give me your phone, I’ll be forced to use extreme and effective measures, right? You know that, right?” She added with a teasing grin.

If Kate could sink any further into the couch, she would be inside of it by now. However, she still refused to give her phone to Natasha, so merely shook her head in stubbornness. Natasha let out a sigh and shook her head as well, putting her hands on her hips.

“Can’t say I didn’t warn you, kid,” The assassin said, before pouncing on the young archer. Kate knew what was going to happen, yet that didn’t make it any easier. She tried to curl in on herself while keeping her left hand in her pocket, letting out a cry of laughter as Natasha started tickling her sides.

“NOOoohohohohohoho! Natashahahaha staahahahahahap thahahahat!” Loud giggles immediately filled the room as Kate squirmed on the couch, using her free hand to push at the redhead’s shoulder.

“You can easily end this, Kate,” Natasha smirked, scribbling her nails up and down the poor girl’s sides and ribs. “Just give me the phone,”

The brunette was drowning in her own giggles, her eyes closed and her nose curled up, yet her hand remained in her pocket. Natasha playfully ‘tsked’ and decided to step up her game, moving her hands up to scratch into Kate’s underarms. Kate’s eyes flew wide open as she let out a shriek of laughter, immediately slamming her arms to her sides.

“NOHOHO! NATAHAAHASHA NOHOHHOHOHO! OHOHHO NOHOHOHOHO!” She howled, weakly pushing against the redhead’s arms as she attempted to curl in on her side.

“You know you want to get that hand out of your pocket~,” Natasha teased in a sing-song voice, speeding up the tickles under her left arm while moving her other hand to her stomach, clawing at the center of it.

“PLEHEHEHEASE! I CAHAHAN’T TEEHEHHELL YOHOHOHOU!” Kate pleaded, arching her back while placing her own hand on her stomach in an attempt to protect it. She had no chance at all. 

Yelena watched the scene in front of her with a wide grin, not planning on interfering in the first place. However, when she heard Kate plead for mercy - Natasha was clawing at her stomach with both hands - she realized that the archer needed help, or the birthday gift would be ruined. So, with a sigh, she crawled forward towards her sister and hooked her hands underneath her arms. Natasha, who had been too focused on tickling Kate to pieces, let out an out-of-character squeal of laughter and slammed her arms to her sides, ceasing her tickle attack on Kate.

“Alright sestra, you’re actually killing her,” Yelena chuckled, wiggling her fingers under Natasha’s arms while pulling her backwards. The older widow started giggling loudly at the tickles, no matter how hard she tried to stop it, while struggling to escape. Kate tried to catch her breath, still giggling from the tickle attack as she watched the sisters wrestle around on the couch. It took Natasha a good five seconds to get out of Yelena’s hold, and another second to pin her younger sister to the couch.

“Ohoho you’ve done it now,” Natasha chuckled, an evil grin spreading on her face as she looked down at Yelena. 

“Ah fuck,” The blonde giggled, shooting a glare at Kate. “Well what are you waiting for, you idiot?!” She yelled, yet there was no venom behind it. The brunette gulped and nodded, finally understanding what Yelena had done.

Natasha braced herself for tickles from behind, yet was surprised to hear heavy footsteps run out of the common room. Yelena had sacrificed herself so Kate could escape? Something weird was going on here.

“I’ll get you Kate! I’m not done with you yet!” Natasha playfully threatened, before turning back to the trapped blonde. “But first, I’ll have to deal with you,” She added with a smirk, winking at her baby sister. Kate could hear Yelena’s loud laughter in the distance as she quickly ran to her own room for safety.

The brunette had decided not to take more pictures of Natasha, now that she was on high alert. It would be a huge risk, and she heavily doubted that Yelena would jump in the fire a second time for her. It had taken several days to prepare the gift, since she had to do it sneakily, yet Kate was finally done, and she was very proud. And now, all she had to do was wait.

When the 3rd of December finally arrived, Kate was literally bouncing on her feet out of eagerness. She really wanted to give her gift to Natasha, yet she also wanted to give Yelena the opportunity to be the first one to celebrate with her sister. So, Kate decided to look for Natasha in the early afternoon, unable to wait any longer. She found the assassin in the common room, surprised to see that she was alone. It was the perfect opportunity, however. Natasha looked up as she noticed Kate approaching, her eyes full of love as she smiled at her friend. 

“Happy Birthday Natasha!” Kate cried out, almost jumping onto the couch to hug the redhead. Natasha couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement, wrapping an arm around Kate’s back as she gently rocked her from side to side.

“Thank you sweetheart,” She said, looking genuinely happy as she looked up at the young girl, releasing her from the hug. Kate thought her heart was going to explode with love then and there.

“I got you a gift!” The brunette said, sitting down next to her as she held out the wrapped gift. Natasha playfully rolled her eyes and accepted it, shaking her head at the archer.

“Sweetie, you didn’t have to give me anything. The fact that you remembered my birthday is already enough for me,” She said, yet Kate quickly shook her head. She was having none of that, and now she was even more determined to give Natasha more gifts from now on. 

“If you don’t open it right now, I’m giving you two gifts next year,” Kate declared, waggling her eyebrows playfully. Natasha rolled her eyes again, yet didn’t waste another minute as she started tearing at the wrapping paper. Kate was almost bouncing on the couch, nervous to see her friend’s reaction. She was pretty sure Natasha would like it, but she was still nervous.

When Natasha read the words ‘For the best friend in the world’ on the front of the book, she immediately went quiet. She opened the book to look at the pages, and couldn’t suppress a rather emotional gasp. Inside the book there were dozens of pictures of Natasha and Yelena from every possible angle, cuddled up together. And most importantly, Natasha was smiling on all of them. There was a heavy silence in the room as Natasha slowly flipped through all the pages, looking at every single picture. As she got to the last page, the redhead let out another gasp, one of her hands covering her mouth. It was covered with pictures of Yelena and Natasha as children - Yelena had been so kind as to give her some copies from ‘Mama Melina’s’ original book - and in the center of it there was a single picture of Yelena, Natasha and Kate, the words ‘you are loved’ written underneath it. Kate looked at her friend, now slightly worried as Natasha didn’t take her eyes off the page for a good minute, not even blinking.

“So… do you like it?” She asked, making Natasha finally look up from the book. Teary eyed, she put the book aside and pulled Kate into the biggest hug she had ever received. Natasha buried her face into Kate’s neck, unable to hold back her sobs and her emotions any longer. Kate returned the embrace, rubbing one hand over her friend’s back in a soothing motion. While she had expected Natasha to get emotional, she had not foreseen this outburst. After about a minute or two the redhead pulled back, cupping Kate’s cheeks with both hands.

“That is one of the best, if not the best, gifts I’ve ever received,” She said with a sniffle, a smile appearing on her face. “Thank you so much.” Kate let out a relieved sigh and leaned into the touch, an even wider smile appearing on her face.

“You’re special, Tasha, so you deserve special gifts. I just wanted to show you that you ARE loved, no matter what you think… and now, if you ever have a bad day, you can use this as a reminder,” The brunette said, grabbing hold of one of Natasha’s hands to place a gentle kiss on her fingers. “You’re one of my best friends, and I’m here for you when you need me, whenever you need me,” She promised.

Natasha was at a loss for words and simply nodded with a smile, pulling Kate close to her once more to cuddle, to which the brunette easily complied. The two of them sat together in a comfortable silence, Kate’s back resting against Natasha’s front, while the assassin played with her friend's hair to calm down from her emotions. Both of them were simply enjoying each other’s presence as Natasha placed her chin on Kate’s shoulder.

“I’m impressed you thought of such a creative gift in the first place,” She complimented after a while, lightly scratching at the base of Kate’s neck to get those sweet giggles she loved. 

“What can I say, I’m a genius,” The brunette giggled, trying hard not to pull away from the nails on her neck. “It was hard though, taking pictures while you weren’t looking,” She added with a smirk.

“So that’s why you were sneaking up on me,” Natasha chuckled, gently poking her cheek with one finger. “I knew you were acting weird. You little stalker,” She teased with a wink.

“I’m not!” Kate protested with a huff, now folding her arms in front of her. “I just needed to take pictures when you weren’t looking!” She added. Natasha suddenly raised a brow, a smirk forming on her face.

“Oh right… that reminds me,” She started, wrapping her arms around Kate’s shoulders to trap her in a hug. “Didn’t I say I’d get you for not giving your phone to me? I think I’ll do that now. Plus I still need to properly thank you,” She smirked. Kate’s eyes widened as she looked over her shoulder, immediately recognizing the look on her friend’s face.

“Wait, Natasha nO-”

Kate was cut off by a choked giggle as Natasha pressed a ticklish kiss against her sensitive neck. The redhead smirked, placing kiss after kiss on Kate’s neck, mumbling ‘thank you’ after each kiss to make the skin tingle. Kate shrieked and started giggling hysterically in no time, shaking her head side to side to try and escape from the teasing touches.

“Natasha pleeehehehehehehehease!! Thahahahahat tihihihickles!!” The poor archer cried out as she squirmed in the hug, unable to pull free. She now really regretted wearing her hair in a ponytail, since it exposed all of her neck. Natasha, of course, ignored her pleas for mercy and kept playfully tormenting the young girl. When Kate was reduced to nothing more than a giggling, blushing mess in her arms, the assassin finally let up with a chuckle, placing one last kiss on the top of her head.

“Thank you,” She said, truly meaning it from the bottom of her heart. Kate let out the last few giggles, leaning back into the hug with a content sigh.

“Happy birthday Tasha~”

[snailsandpuppy-dogtails]

Santa Paws

Criminal Minds Garvez WC 1,587 of Christmas fluff

Friday, December 22nd

Petsupply

Penelope and Luke looked on adoringly as Roxy posed for her picture with Santa Paws, bone shaped snowflakes hanging all around and a red and white dog house-workshop in the background. 

Somehow he’d let her convince him to leave his apartment and go shopping on a rare day off, three days before Christmas, in light snow and DC traffic. This trip also happened to see him agreeing to donning matching green and red Nissehue hats while shopping, and pet portraits with the jolly old elf- something he’d absolutely never do on his own, but somehow didn’t have the heart to turn down where Penelope was involved.  

She nudged him with her elbow, still beaming at the dog, but inclined her head talking softly, “Now you can have copies made and send out New Years cards for your family. I know even though you had gifts shipped, we’ve had so many cases you didn’t have time to write cards and update your family on your exciting life here in DC.”  

Luke chuckled at the jab to his personal life, looking down at her, but a pang struck knowing he didn’t have much new to share with anyone this year, certainly not the thing his mother hadn’t stopped asking about since he’d admitted to he and Lisa calling it quits so long ago…How Penelope was this involved, this close, this caring…and yet, still insisted they were only friends… He didn’t care to explain he would take her companionship in any way she deemed worthy to bestow, that it filled a space until “his person” eventually did come along…He knew how she’d react, he didn’t need that.  

Luke, lost in a maze of thoughts, was startled out of it as the elf pet-handler returning Roxy cooed, “What a beautiful little family you have! Are you sure you don’t want one with the three of you?”

Quickly, Luke responded, “Oh, hah, no, thank you. Ah,” he looked to Penelope, hoping the assumption hadn’t made her uncomfortable, “we’re not together, we’re friends. But thank you.”

Thank you for assuming the woman I’m in love with loves me too.

Thank you for stating we outwardly look like a couple.

“Oh, well, the picture can be picked up around the corner, and you can have them made into cards at the kiosk if you want. Some people like to do that,” the elf offered as she handed the leash back to him. 

Luke just gave a small, polite smile and nodded his thanks again before placing his hand on Penelope’s back, turning in the direction the worker had indicated.  

Errands run and cards made, he couldn’t help but notice how off she was on the drive back to his place, how quiet she’d been ever since leaving the shopping center… She’d turned down hot chocolate at that fancy new french cafe and hummed noncommittally at all of his attempted conversations. Thinking back on it, he realized she hadn’t said a word since leaving the pet store. Penelope Garcia: Silent Human was not a side he’d ever seen from her. Frankly it was not a side he was liking. Chancing a glance from the icy road, taking in her strange expression, he thought he’d push his luck. 

He’d felt her bite so many times over the years her lashes were more like a gumming at this point, and better that than this- “Penelope…everything okay?” He knew the holidays tended to be hard for people who lacked family nearby, maybe all the festivities and sad ‘home for Christmas’ songs had stirred things up. But Penelope, for all her attachment to the team, never really seemed particularly bothered by the distance between her brothers and herself…still, maybe she was thinking about her parents? The Morgans? Any number of past victims and their families, or her support group members. When he thought about it, the things that could upset someone who dealt with what they did were endless…He couldn’t blame her if all the commercial joy and nostalgia had suddenly put her in a funk.

Penelope looked at him thoughtfully, brow pinched, a dismissive quip primed, but then impulsively, rapidly, it poured out, “Why did you say that? I mean- I know why, we’re not- it’s just-” she frowned, stopping herself, “Never mind.” 

“No. Wait. Hold up, it’s something I said? Why did I say what?” His head bounced back and forth from road to face trying for clues. He’d made some jokes while they were out shopping, and he’d made a face at the faux fur coat she playfully held up for the Black Queen, but it was all in fun- Somehow she’d shrunk, Penelope small, voice smaller, shying from the shame, but she’d opened the gate, and there was no going back, “The elf. She said we were acute family and you told her- we’re friends.”

His head snapped back again, confusion evident. “Penelope, we are friends. As much as you may like to deny it publicly, if we’re out getting pet portraits together, there’s no other way to explain it.” Why would she be upset he politely corrected someone? What did it matter? It’s not like this person knew either of them, there was no pretense to keep up over fake-hating him.

Detecting a conversation he’d need to give his full attention to, Luke pulled over to the side of the highway, decelerating, then putting the SUV into park. But at the vehicle’s halt, that same impulsivity that seemed to possess her mere seconds ago saw Penelope rapidly lunging across the center consul, hands snatching at the lapels of his wool coat, leveraging herself closer, steady, belt straining against her as her lips crashed into his, Luke only just turning to face her, taken off guard. Their mouths met in a rapid, electrifying mash of teeth and lips, skin to skin, scraping stubble, supple flesh -and concluded in a halting gasp as she froze, pulling away. 

“Oh. Oh god. And now I’ve done that. That is not what I meant, and I know, I’m sorry…I know I have no right to be upset about the friends thing, we are friends. I’m sorry. I know, what I just did was not a friends thing it didn’t feel- are you- I know we decided there was nothing here-” she was faltering and floundering watching his shocked face, Luke processing what she’d just done, what it could mean, not what he hoped it meant or felt it meant, but really, in the context of Penelope meant, he needed to know where to go from here.  “-nothing between us and we’re just frenemies -or friends, and I’m sorry,” she continued, “I’ve just, I’ve been thinking, the truth is, lately…Luke, theres no one else that’s felt more like family…that I’ve felt like a family with…than you. The two of you.”

Her hands still on his lapels, shook them, gripping as she forced out the untimely confession, eyes pleading, every part of her pleading he understand…he was her friend, but he’d become more than that…she hadn’t realized it until some stranger thrust it at them, but now she couldn’t shake it, and she couldn’t deny it and worse yet she didn’t want to, and she hoped…he didn’t either…

His eyes flickered over every millimeter of her face, taking in all of her at close range, was she really suggesting? Everything she’d said was true for him too, the five of them becoming this little family unit…something he was happy to indulge in, but softly softly, knowing his partner hadn’t felt the same way, until apparently she did.  

Luke twisted in his seat, angling towards her, his hands flexing, releasing the death grip he’d unwittingly been inflicting on the steering wheel, then softly, softly, he brought one to gently cup the back of her shoulder, the other, combing over ear and through hair to guide her towards him. He hadn’t said a word back yet, but lips parted, he continued to watch her, gauging her reaction as he inched closer, fingers tightening, a breath a part, her mouth dropped open in response, quietly he confessed, breath to breath, “Family to family, I’d like to try that again-” and with that his lips fell on hers, or her’s descended on his, he wasn’t sure which, though it didn’t really matter as the result was the same, soft, but powerful, respectful, but demanding, Luke kissed her breathless, kissed her endless, kissed her until she broke away with a shuddering ragged breath. 

Hands still locked on each other, embrace intact, he sunk into her eyes warm as tea, “Still think there’s nothing here?” 

Her head shook briefly, gaze locked on his own before a quiet smile twitched into place, “Not a chance-”

Darting in, he snatched her lips to his, brief, sensual, then, hand cupping her cheek, parting, he smiled down at her, “Who knew Santa Paws was granting wishes early” 

Penelope grinned up at him, hands slipping under his coat and up his chest, Luke silly, Luke happy, Luke, comfortable, like home. “We should go back and get that family portrait, thank him.”

His skin burned under her touch, Luke on fire in the drivers seat, Penelope finally his, “We’ll send him a card- right now there’s nothing I want to do less than sit on Santa’s lap” and with that he put the truck in drive, taking them home as quickly as conditions would allow.

[beechersnope]

Welcome to My Island - Excerpt 1

I was going to wait until I finished this fic before posting any of it, but I accidentally made it like 90,000+ words so here is some of the first portion. This is super whimsical and self-indulgent, but above all: porny. Enjoy.

George/Max, girl!Max, public masturbation in a truth-or-dare-esque scenario, ~700 words

“So what,” Charles suddenly interjects. “You jerk off to the idea of getting P1?”

“Doesn’t have to be P1,” George replies without meeting his eyes. It’s not Charles’s turn, which means George doesn’t technically have to answer, but George can feel Max’s eyes boring into him, expectant, and he feels compelled to challenge Charles’s assumption even though the truth is infinitely more embarrassing than letting the misconception stand. “We just both have to finish.”

“With you on top,” Daniel adds with a smirk, evoking giggles from both Heidi and Charlotte.

Max doesn’t laugh, and when George finally glances over at her, she’s staring at him with a concerned expression—the sort that you might turn on someone whose face is literally melting. Fair enough, he thinks. That’s about how it feels with all the blood in his body rushing unbidden to his cheeks and ears, flushing him hot and cold all at the same time.

Thankfully, Charlotte transitions smoothly into her turn without any prompting. “Daniel,” she says quickly, clearly having already put some thought into her question while the rest of them went around. “Fuck, marry, kill: Toto, Christian, Mattia.”

Daniel scoffs loudly. “Fuck Toto, marry Christian, kill Mattia,” he replies almost instantly. “Easy.” He glances over at Charles and gives a faux-apologetic smile. “Sorry, mate.”

“There’s no need to apologize to me,” Charles replies with a laugh. “I would pick the same.”

He clears his throat and sits up a little straighter as the laugh fades, his eyes scanning the others with an uncharacteristic seriousness.

“My turn, then?” he says, waiting for Daniel’s nod of affirmation before alighting on Max. She sighs long-sufferingly but with a smile. “How many people have you slept with?” Charles asks with an answering grin.

The smile on Max’s face immediately fades. “I—well…”

“If you don’t want to answer, you can always take the hard way out,” Daniel reminds her with a smirk.

Max bites down on her lip until it goes white from the pressure. A few seconds go by as she deliberates, and then finally, she slips down into the water and turns to face the hot tub jet.

“Make sure she doesn’t cheat,” Daniel instructs George, who has absolutely no intention of following through.

George can barely look at her now, unable to see much more than the flex of her arm and shoulder as she maneuvers into a suitable position on her knees. It’s harder for her than it had been for Daniel—usually the girls hook their legs over the side to get the right angle, but George would rather throw himself off the cliff and into the ocean than suggest Max do that.

“I don’t cheat,” Max retorts, tossing a glare over her shoulder in Daniel’s direction.

To her credit, there’s no need for George to make sure of anything. It’s painfully obvious as soon as the stream of water makes contact with Max’s clit through her swimsuit.

Her fingers clench hard enough around the lip of the deck that George wouldn’t be surprised if she somehow managed to crack right through the tile, and her breathing abruptly goes ragged as she violently trembles and shakes.

George stares at her with his mouth hanging open. He can feel the blood rushing from his cheeks to his dick so fast it hurts, and he’s already half-hard in his swim trunks by the time Max stops coming.

“Fuck,” Daniel comments in an awe-struck voice as Max peels herself away from the jet and curls into the fetal position on the bench, still evidently trying to catch her breath. She doesn’t meet his, or anyone else’s, eyes. “Well, that was fucking—something.” He turns to George without warning. “Does she always have a hair-trigger?”

“Not your turn,” George responds automatically. His brain is still mush. He can’t think, let alone navigate the treacherous waters of Daniel poking and prodding at the nature of his relationship with Max.

“It actually is his turn,” Charles points out. “Technically.”

Daniel aims the full force of his smugness at George. “So?”

[lindszeppelin]

What a day, what a day, what a day. A few things:

- Regarding the “different sides of the fandom”… today has been quite telling. I’m not always into this fandom war bc it seems fruitless, but I have a thought that’s been sitting with me all day. All of the ones who are concerned on “this side” have been giving nuanced, layered, and observant thoughts and concerns. Maybe we’re wrong on some level (giving space for the idea that we have no idea what really goes on behind closed doors) but we’re trying to use our words and have a dialogue. The “other” side is just excited about any touch between them no matter how small and then calls us haters when we don’t see them as being madly in love. It struck me today that these people clearly have never had a healthy relationship (many have admitted to a difficult romantic past) and a few have never even been in a relationship (also many have admitted that). I’ve always low key saw that but today it became blatantly obvious. The line in the sand isn’t as much if someone likes Kaia or not but underneath it all is what someone’s frame of reference is regarding functional, happy, thriving relationships. I feel kind of bad for the other side bc I was there once too (most of us were) and it’s like being allergic to something and you don’t know even know it until you cut it out of your diet and feel so much better. It’s not a good feeling so I genuinely wish them well and better.

- I’ve appreciated you and all of your anons today. There’s so much going on in the world and not everything is fair, not everything makes sense, and sometimes it’s easy to feel alone in your opinions. Seeing countless anons roll into your account today with (again) ✨thoughtful✨ discourse echoing my exact reactions made me feel sane, at least regarding this topic! Small wins keep us going, right?

- I’m also the anon who a few days back spoke about how the “other side” does face reveals and I’m concerned for them and you gave a very thoughtful response back. A) thank you! B) sorry for the delayed response- I’ve been sick so some days I just had the capacity to only lurk. C) I really hope I didn’t start off the chain reactions of whatever happened yesterday. I’m a little confused on details (no need to further explain by any means) but it sounds like someone from that side was being manipulative and the timing felt sus to me. I had just mentioned Mollie basically semi- doxing herself and suddenly you had anons trying to dox her (or something). So sorry- I know I’m not at fault but as someone behind the screen I feel bad if that helped set off that chain reaction!

- Clearly (and thankfully) you have a group here who supports you and most seem to lead with concern and observational skills, so thanks for providing the space for discourse around this. Hope that counts for something, even on the unhinged days, so please have a lovely day!

hello anon welcome back! first of all right off the bat, no you were not the catalyst for this shitstorm that happened over that anon from the other side with that drama. pot stirrers like that cannon be helped, it was just a troll. but we brought up an excellent point that i hope it being received by everybody. never dox yourself, keep your shit to yourself and off social media platforms like this. but anywho, welcome back and you gives excellent opinions!

to your points:

that is entirely what the other side is about. any little tiny crumb of something that they can tie into their narrative of "he loves her", they will take it and turn and inch into a mile. and they will bully those who disagree into silence and bully us off of the platform. but today has given me so much amazing perspective over the insightful and amazing anons that have expressed their opinions today. it's real and it certainly does not lack depth at all. we go into it. and the other side will never understand what a real, loving relationship is like until they have been in one. so i never take anything they say seriously. it's like a town drunk screaming the world is coming to an end, and you just go about your day lol

today has been crazy. so much went on and i was a bit nervous as to the kind of anons i would get, seeing as how whenever i get an influx of anons like this you just never know what people will be lurking in the shadows. but it was fantastic intelligent dialogue back and forth, and it was painless lol. thank you for adding your 2 cents into the conversation!

[historia-jaeger]

What causes Shipwars

I am talking here about the ships EreMika and SasuSasu or NaruHina. I've heard that the Ship KenTouka also has this problem, but I don't know too much about Tokyo Ghoul. And it's about me that the fan wishes significantly influence the final composition of the couples. With Attack on Titan, it struck me particularly strongly because at the end the story didn't make any sense to me at all. Roughly summarized: It was about the fact that Eren Jäger saw no other solution than to wipe out humanity outside the walls to protect his friends and family inside the walls. He was able to achieve this by getting Ymir Fritz to make her powers available to him. Ymir was a slave of King Fritz and Eren practically made her understand that she is free and no longer has to obey the royal family. the scene ended with Mikasa overcoming and killing Eren to stop further killing of humanity. And that's where I think the story should have ended. Instead. But the mangaka used the last chapter to take the story completely out of context. Suddenly, the titan curse was lifted, because Ymir was in love with King Fritz and needed Mikasa to break up with him. So what Eren said was...meaningless. And Eren only murdered humanity, because he saw the future and couldn't find any other way. And suddenly he was oh so in love with Mikasa. Yes... But then I wonder why Ymir released the pigs. So that's how she expressed her desire for freedom. And why she had so little will to live that she didn't regenerate after being wounded with a spear. Yes. She must have been in love with the king. Definitely... The chapter was celebrated so hard, despite the rude logic errors, because the majority of the community was EreMika shipper. But because the other side has generated so much headwind, the mangaka thought: I'll just put Mikasa in a new relationship with an unidentifiable man. When it became loud, that the mangaka might have been persuaded by his publisher to end the manga with EreMika, this was painfully denied. Supposedly, Mikasa and Eren were about to kiss when the Grinning Titan attacked them. Then I wonder why it took Eren YEARS to ask Mikasa if she loves him. Never mind that he confessed his feelings to her. It couldn't be overlooked that she likes him. Apart from the fact, that there were hints in interviews, that the mangaka wasn't a particularly big EreMika supporter.

In the case of the Naruto series, the change in shipping was not significant. At least it didn't detract from the actual story. Nevertheless, you realizes that NaruHina cannot have been a planned shipping. No matter what the mangaka wants us to know. In the very first info volume of the Naruto manga, there was already a small hint that Sakura might fall in love with Nauto, might already be in love. It is also striking that Naruto's mother is very reminiscent of Sakura's character and background story and would have wished for her son to have a woman like her. Which Hinata definitely isn't. There are also many scenes that could indicate a soon-to-be-followed romance of the pairing. Especially because Naruto was obviously in love with Sakura. Hinata, on the other hand, seems very strange to him at first and he only sees her as his friend. Even after she confesses her love to him, it takes him until he even reacts to it. In the last Naruto film and the sequel Boruto, attempts were made to make this pairing more logical. Namely, by giving Hinata freaks that were reminiscent of Kushina. Trying to implement a romance where there wasn't, and in return making the pairing look bad for NaruSaku by suddenly saying Naruto only fancied Sakura because she fancied Sasuke and he wanted to rival Sasuke... As if it If there weren't 100 other girls in love with Sasuke. First of all, Ino. In addition, elements that were previously used for Sasuke and Naruto were incorporated. When allegations were made that the mangaka had changed his pairings in favor of his fans, it was said: No. Hinata was planned for Naruto from the start and Sakura was supposed to be a supporting character. As evidence, we were shown a picture of Hinata holding Uzumaki symbols, with Naruto sitting in the background. So. If there had been a picture of the two doing some couple activities. But that's not proof for me. But if Sakura should have been a supporting character. Why wasn't Hinata in Naruto's team? Why did Hinata have so little screen time and most of it with Neji? Why did Neji have to die? Why did Neji even have to play Cupid when Naruto loved Hinata from the start? If the mangaka had NaruHina planned from the start, he really paid very little attention to a believable romance build-up. No. I think NaruSaku, NejiHina and maybe SasuKarin were planned, but decided in favor of the fans. And that's why there are so many shipping wars. Because the most popular non-yaoi shipping wins in the end. And why? Because the mangaka or, for that matter, the publisher, wants to sell the manga in the best possible way. And of course it makes more sense to then target the largest target group. In this case the EreMika and NaruHina shipper. Just. Then you should also be honest, stand by it and not hit and say: No. I planned it that way from the start. This and this is the proof. Then I ask myself why so much rubbish has to be added, in order the pairing make any sense at all. Basically, as a fan, I can stop reading or watching, if I ship a pairing that is not so celebrated by the majority of the community. Because I know exactly which couple it's going to end up being. And that's the sad thing about the story. Instead of putting value on writing a good story, with pairings that also make sense and were probably planned, they prefer to ensure that the work can be sold in the best possible way, and I just think that's a shame. And in that case, I have zero sympathy when fans go, burn manga volumes and merch and threaten the mangaka and his team. Because such fans will be attracted to such things as well. You really don't have to be surprised.

Thanks for reading.

[that1nkyone]

Palina Speaks to a Glaceon

This is from that setting Off the Shores of Cobalt Coastlands. Thought too deeply about it. Have a rather one-sided conversation after some Events go down.

Palina stayed beside the Glaceon all night.

She watched for any sign of movement, any sign of awakening.

Calaba had come in a couple of times to gently rouse the slumbering Pokemon and make her drink Aspear tea from a cup.

It was strange to think that even ice-type Pokemon could become too cold.

Each time Palina watched the Glaceon drink, half asleep and half-aware, she searched her eyes. For some kind of sign, some kind of indication of what she had been told. But the Glaceon had simply drifted off after drinking, her eyes sliding closed.

Her hind leg was still wrapped in bandages from the terrible wound she'd endured. There were no signs of hostile Pokemon approaching the village - it seemed the ice formations that the Glaceon had created and Lord Avalugg were there to deter them entirely.

Still, Palina sat there and waited. And she, too, was on the verge of drifting off before she saw movement out of the corner of her eye.

The Pokemon's eyes were glazed over, as she blinked sleepily, looking around the small hut. Then, she began licking her paw and grooming her face - as if to wash away the sleep from her eyes.

Palina's chest grew tight.

Was this Glaceon truly her? Had they been misled? Or worse, had she been a Pokemon for so long that she had lost herself to instinct?

Her throat was dry as she spoke.

"Irida…?"

The Glaceon paused in mid-lick. Her gaze snapped up to Palina. Her dark eyes were nothing like Irida's own in appearance, but there was a familiar sharpness.

Palina, cautious now, scooted herself forward. The Glaceon did not move, her ears cocking back. Then, with a soft grunt, she pushed herself into a sitting position - though her injured leg remained straight.

She watched Palina. Her posture was proud - but her expression said otherwise.

The older woman drew in a deep breath.

"Irida, is it you?" she asked. "Are you in there, or…"

Palina sighed out a tired laugh, looking down at her hands. "… or am I just being a fool?"

There was a shifting noise before her, as the Glaceon suddenly pushed herself up on all fours - only to wince as her back leg dragged uselessly across the ground.

Palina's gaze shot back up. "Wait - wait, don't hurt yourself -"

She was cut off as the Glaceon placed a paw on Palina's bracelet, where Lord Arcanine was engraved. The Pokemon stared hard at it - and then up at Palina.

To many others, the Glaceon would have appeared to look angry. Exhausted.

To Palina, it was the look of a tired young woman who had been putting on a brave face for far too long.

And it struck her with an utmost sadness (as she reached out, cupping the side of the Glaceon's head) that this expression told her all she needed to know.

"Almighty Palkia, Irida." Palina sighed.

And she carefully pulled the Pokemon into her arms. Irida felt cool to the touch, but not nearly the same frigid state when they had lifted her from the battle-messed snow. She bumped her head up beneath Palina's chin with a small trill, before settling in her arms. Her leg remained carefully stretched out on her lap.

Palina gently held Irida in her Space, where she could have respite for a few moments.

"… You had us all worried, you know." she murmured.

A small "Glae…" sounded from the Pokemon, before she felt the motion of Irida's head nodding. Palina let out a sigh.

"… We were told… that you'll be like this until you heal. Is that… is that true?"

She felt the nodding of Irida's head again. Palina let out another mirthless laugh.

"… You've been like this for a week already, then." she said, her voice becoming stern. "And you went and got hurt again… How long do you expect to stay like this?"

A small huff, as the fur against Palina bristled. She only held her more closely.

"I'm not calling you foolish. You… you helped us again, regardless of all this. You've been a strong leader for us, in these crises. But I…"

Irida's head shifted. Palina realised she was staring up at her - but the woman could not bring herself to meet her gaze.

"… I wish it hadn't come to this." she said. "I wish we had better taught you to preserve and value your own Space. That you hadn't needed to try so hard to… to be worthy."

She finally looked down at Irida, the Glaceon's expression becoming stoic.

"Maybe then… your partner wouldn't have had to pray to Almighty Sinnoh to save you." Palina whispered, her eyesight becoming blurry. "Maybe then, we would not have been so useless to you that you had to depend on someone so far away…"

Her hand stung, suddenly.

The bite hadn't been hard. No breaking the skin, barely a mark left behind.

Palina blinked at Irida, whose ears had twitched back. Her expression was stern, at first - and then a little embarrassed. As if sheepish of her actions.

The message, however, was clear.

"… You're telling me I'm wrong?" Palina asked, quietly.

Irida huffed, quietly. She drew herself into a sitting position, her tail twitching in what Palina could only guess was agitation.

The older woman bit back a laugh as Irida firmly placed a paw on her tail to still it. It seemed being a Pokemon didn't come without some troublesome instincts.

"Glae… see. Seeon." Irida said. She was frowning, as she lifted a paw up to her snout. Then, she gestured back to Palina's ear.

Palina hesitated, as she put the pieces together.

"… You want us to have this conversation… when I can understand you." She said, quietly. "When you can talk back."

Irida gave a firm nod. The Warden took in a shaky breath, wiping away what tears had gathered.

"I suppose that's… more rational." she admitted. "I'm just having trouble taking this all in stride."

Irida's gaze softened. Then, her eyes lowered to Palina's bitten hand.

She gently licked the bite mark she'd left behind, her ears drooping.

An apology, Palina realised.