#Kids Rash Guards

[valor-fightwear]

Welcome to the world of Valor Fightwear

The Valor Fightwear long-sleeved rashguards are made with a durable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable. You can wear these rashguards in any activity, including surfing, hiking, or even just hanging out on the beach.

[honey-crypt]

more elliott hcs while i finish up my literature review for my research assistantship <3

fav dessert is red velvet cake with chocolate frosting

broke his toe while moving his piano into the cabin

gifts the farmer a fresh bouquet of flowers on the first day of each season after they get married

can sing very well but only sings when he's drunk (he has stage fright when it comes to performing)

takes his kids to the cabin during the summer season so the farmer can work uninterrupted and he can spend more quality time with the kids

his mom has red hair and his kids with the farmer also have red hair (the recessive gene is fighting for its life); the kids do inherit the farmer's eyes and smile, though

has a small cut on his lip from the time a tea cup broke while he was drinking from it

not the best at farming but he does a lovely job when it comes to caring for the orchard, which happens to be his favorite spot on the farm

wins the ice fishing competition by a small margin one year because willy accidentally drops his rod in the water (many tears are shed that day)

once in a blue moon, he can be found at the altar of yoba; he only prays in dire circumstances, such as the times the farmer was rushed to the clinic after a bad encounter in the mines or skull carven

he gifts the farmer a journal on their first wedding anniversary, it's filled with poems and journal entries from the day they got married to the present

curses like a sailor, thanks to willy

asks leah to be the aunt to his kids after the birth of his first kid (she immediately says yes)

he has been pinched by crabs on multiple occasions, the worst time was on ginger island and a crab pinched his nipple (he wears a rash guard to the next 3 or so outings to the island)

[reallyromealone]

Hear me out. Bonten Mikey x omega male reader

A few years after mikey and m/n broke up, mikey discovered that m/n has a 6 year old daughter who looks like a copy of mikey, and mike like connects rhe timeline and realizes m/n was pregnant at the time of their break up but m/n never told him bc he didnt want his kid to be involved in the mafia/gang shit

-🐰 (late birthday gift for me 🥹?)

It's A VERY LATE FIC I'M SO SORRY

🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐

(Name) smiled as he put his little pups hair in pigtails, her bangs/fringe pinned back with a cute bubble hair band, today they were visiting Draken and Inui and little (daughters name) wanted to dress her best for her favorite uncles--- don't tell the others.

(Daughters name) was (name)s world, the sweetest little pup in the world who was absolutely precious.

Though sometimes it hurt to look at her, she was literally a spitting image of her father-- (name) never realized how feminine Mikey looked till his pup came into the world, but he loved her so much. She was the kindest and most selfless little thing ever. It wasn't the easiest at times but with the support of his friends he managed. Just starting first grade, (name) was thankful to work at the bike shop and being able to collect his little sunshine.

"Don't forget the cookies papa!" (Daughters name) said excitedly as left for their visit, without a care in the world.

Many would ask "where's the sire" upon learning (name) was a single parent, the question annoying and invasive but (name) always lied and made up an excuse about the father being overseas and such.

He refused to let anyone know about the actual reason, that being (daughters name)a father was the most dangerous man in Tokyo, (name) was thankful as much as he was hurt that Mikey dumped him.

He refused to let anyone go through what he did with Kanto Manji Gang.

With what Mikey was quickly becoming.

It was sheer /fucking/ chance that Mikey was waiting for the light to change in his limo as (name) stood at the cross walk holding hands with--

Holy s h i t.

"...boss are you seeing what we're seeing" Kakucho and Sanzu stared in Shellshock as they looked at a tiny Mikey with pigtails and a little dress, all of them doing the mental math and coming to a quick realization that holy fuck (name) was pregnant.

He was pregnant that day, oh my god that's what he wanted to talk to Mikey about!

"What are your thoughts on kids?" (Name) asked awkardly as they ate dinner, Mikey surpisingly home for once to do so "annoying, would get in the way" the blond said simply "a liability"

(Name) forced himself not to place his hand on his stomach, anxiety riddling his body "I see..."

"Why?"

"Just curious"

Mikey was always so disinterested in (name) these days, (name) always suspected that he was cheating, never saying anything though.

(Name) wanted to just scream.

Mikey remembered that night.

It was the night Mikey dumped him, a rash decision on his end and during one of his dark impulse moments.

He immediately regretted it after, the pained look on (name)s face and they hadn't seen each other since.

(Name) had many expectations of life, but seeing his ex sitting on his couch after he put his pup to bed, noticing the other Bonten men guarding the apartment "the fuck are you doing here" Mikey expected (name)a hostility and glanced up "that's my kid"

"What do you want Mikey" (name) wasn't having any conversation, he wanted to know what the hell he was doing here "I want to meet my kid"

"And get involved in your bullshit? Absolutely not! "Babies are a liability" remember that Mikey?" He hissed out and Mikey sighed, knowing this wasn't going to be easy "I deserve to meet her"

"You lost that chance when you broke up with me, I'm not letting my daughter deal with your shit, Mikey you're /dangerous/! She's six and I don't want her to ever go through what I went through!"

"I can keep you both safe!"

"YOU COULDN'T EVEN KEEP ME SAFE!" (name) was crying at this point, so angry at his once beloveds audacity"I kept her away for a reason Mikey, you are dangerous! She gets to play with her friends and have sleep overs! Has sleep overs at the friends you left behind! She gets to have a childhood that isn't currupted!"

"Why can't you let her have that?" (Name)s voice was broken and his body shaking, he would sacrifice everything for his daughter and at this moment he would stand his ground.

Bonten would poison her.

"Can...can I just please /know/ my daughter"

(Name) was tired, he was tired of it all "if you can /promise/ me that nothing will happen to her, I will let you meet her but one slip up Sano and I will never let you see her again"

[nyxindustries]

Jealous | Rick Grimes

Fandom : The Walking Dead (Tv Show)

Pairing: Rick Grimes X Reader, Rick Grimes X Fem! Reader x Older x Young, Rick Grimes X Y/n

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!!SMUT, Rough Sex, Kink Calling, Explicit Language, Angry Sex, Pent up frustration Sex, Unprotected Sex (Wrap it before you Tap it) Kinky sexy, Thigh Riding, Oral Interaction, Dom! Rick Grimes and Sub! Reader

Word Count: 2000+

| Masterlist |

Wanting to get your mind after Rick and Yourself got in a very vocal argument moments earlier causing everyone to look at the both of you. Rick and you were complicated, it’s been a couple of years since Lori died and Carl was like your own kid but you knew you couldn’t take Lori, Carl's mom out of their lives and replace it with yourself.

Rick has been getting at you about the smallest things, How you don’t wanna live because you been reckless with going outside and supplies run. You have been getting on Rick about his rash decisions.

Being on the move right now since the prison was destroyed and looking for a permanent spot with the now small group that was once huge.

In a neighborhood looking for supplies, you and Daryl are on guard at the end of the street as the ‘grand consul’ makes their decision to stay in the neighborhood for a few days.

Standing next to Daryl as you looked around quietly.

" What was that argument about between you and Rick? If ya don’t mind me askin’ " Daryl says as he looks at you.

"I don’t even know anymore…He’s been getting on me about how I been reckless during supply runs and how I want to die and to be honest, I have been and that’s on me." You say quietly

"Do ya wanna die?" Daryl asked and you looked away from him shaking your head ‘yes’

"Yeah…yeah some days I do because in the world…is there a point but other days, I just-…I see there so much worth fighting for." You say and Daryl looks at you

"Then I would get on Rick about his rash decision he’s making and how he’s not making sense and everything just seems pent up!" You say as you took a deep sigh.

Daryl looked at you and smirked as he grabbed your shoulders and then pointed to an empty house.

"If we stay here tonight, ya, Rick in a room…the bedroom…don’t tell me I’m wrong!" Daryl says and you turned red as you stared at him.

"Ya hear me?" Daryl says and you were speechless as you didn’t notice Rick staring at the both of you as jealous and somewhat rage-filled Rick.

"DARYL!" You say hitting his hands from you as you laughed softly.

"Are you giving me sex advice?" You say and he shrugged with a smile on his face.

"Daryl!" You say hitting his chest and Rick continued watching as he throw an empty bottle to the ground and walked away into an empty house to look.

"Listen, just take my advice, trust me! I see what happened to ya right now but I've seen you with couples all the time especially now. " Daryl says and you looked away and sighed.

"Okay, Daryl…. I just might…." You say and he laughed

"Trust Me," He says

"And if ya do, I’ll make sure no one goes into that house…I know how loud y’all can be." He whispers and you gasped softly as you pushed him away playfully.

- A few hours later-

Maggie with Glenn tagging along as they come up to you and Daryl. You just all got news that you will be staying here for few days cause it’s safe there hasn’t been Walkers around at all which is unusual but take advantage of it now then wanting it later.

"Your shift over losers!" Maggie says jokingly and you sigh

"Already dang! The sun just settled, it doesn’t even seem that long." You spoke softly

"Also I would check on Rick, he seems pissed off and won’t tell anyone..said he wanted to be alone," Glenn informs you of your complicated boyfriend but also not your boyfriend.

"Where is he?" You asked Glenn

"That house" Glenn says pointing to the house, that Daryl was referring to earlier to help you and Rick "release some tension".

"Alright thanks" you say and you saw Daryl smirk at you.

"I’m taking your advice. You got my back?" You questioned Daryl quietly and he nodded.

"Of course I do! Have fun" he says and you rolled your eyes as Maggie and Glenn give you two a questionable look.

Walking to the empty house as you holster your weapon to your hip like you do when your not on watch duty.

Walking to the house and seeing darkness expect a for a small light in the kitchen. Swelling hard as you spoke through the emptiness of the house.

"Rick? Rick? Are you in here?" You say as you made your way to the kitchen and saw him sitting in old wood chair with a candle lit as he sat there.

"Rick, are you okay?" You asked as he looked at you, still silent.

"Are you okay? What happened?" You ask and Rick grabbed you getting up and pushing you against a wall.

"Rick! What’s wrong!" You practically yelled

"Wanna know what wrong?" He asked and let you go gently seeing the fear in your eyes and immediately backed up.

"Yes! I want to know! Rick! What happened?!" You say

"Are you cheatin on me?" He asks and you gasp.

"NO! Absolutely not! Why would you think that? " you ask as you looked away from him.

"Daryl and you…him gripping on your shoulder and pointing to this house, I’m hearing him say something about the bedroom. After us having argument! Tell me! Y/N!" Rick says as he scoffed and looked from you.

"Oh my god! Rick! NO! No no no you got it all wrong!" You say and he stared at you.

"What did I get wrong?" Rick asks and you grabbed his wrist and then his face making him look at you.

"Everything! Daryl asked about what we’re arguing about earlier… I told him about been getting on about me reckless and how You think I wanna die…I told him I been getting on your rash decisions..I told him everything seemed pent up….then he gave me sex advice and how he seen couple have sex when everything like building up and he said, he seen it work or whatever and I told him I’ll take his advice. That’s why I’m here and he also said he’ll make no on comes interprets the whole night" You explain, Rick staring as he sees the sincerity , the truth in your eyes.

"R-Rick, do you not trust me?" You ask getting unbelievably hurt at your own words.

"N-no I do…you’re right everything getting pent up and sometimes it’s too much…you know!" He whispers to as he place his forehead against yours, pulling you in.

"Ye-yeah I know that’s how I feel." You say as it went quiet and tension filled the air.

"R-Rick I want you to trust me and believe me…Please I would never cheat on you." You say and he nods

"I know I know, just so many thoughts running around" he says and you nod softly.

"It’s okay Rick…it’s okay." You say grabbing his hands gently and he leaned in kissing you softly and you kissed back.

"I want you Rick" you say and he nods.

Licking your lips softly as he kissed you roughly, making you moan into the kiss.

"What do you want baby? Want to ride my thigh then want me to suck you dry afterwards, then you want me to fuck you with my cock" Rick says and you nod greedily as you kissed him.

"Yes Rick, I want too.." you say and Rick grabbed your chin softly. "That’s not my name…what’s my name, baby?" He says

"Daddy…" you say and he smirked pushing you back

"Undress." He says and you looked at him watching him sit down in the chair, he sat minutes earlier.

You began undressing as Rick unbuckled his pants and pulled them down leaving himself his boxers as you dressed down to your underwear completely.

Rick smirking as he pulled you in roughly shoving you down his thigh.

"Come on baby..your thing…I’ll be patient" he says and you staring at him as your hands went up onto his shoulders and you began moving back and fourth on this thigh.

Small moans escaping your lips as you began picking up a steady pace against his thigh. Ricks calloused hands going to your hips, as he gripped them tight and began moving your hips for you at a faster pace then what you were going at.

"F-fuck." You moaned out as Rick was definitely going to leave handprints on your hips, not that you mind. Your panties getting soak wet from now your dripping core.

Rick going faster as you gripped his back, your nails digging into his back slightly causing him to groan out. Moaning escaping your lips faster and longer as you placed your forehead against Rick kissing him. Then feeling his hand move as wrapped around you as he picked you up.

"I can’t wait any longer, I need you baby." He growls into your ear as he picked you up, your legs wrapping around him as he practically ran upstairs with you.

Bursting into the first room he saw and this room was some what clean from hell and back…just a lot dust and debris front people moving and leaving, Cobwebs and stuff like that.

Which was different sight to see but these houses in the neighborhood were untouched but it small neighborhood in the middle of bum fuck no where so it was nice.

Rick throwing the blankets to the ground as he tossed you on the bed and immediately got on-top you. Spreading your legs willingly as Rick kissed you more passionately as he then trails down with kisses.

Ripping off your bra and blesses your nipples with kisses and soft sucks as he went down further. Practically ripping off your panties as he smiled at the sight of your pussy.

"Aw baby, you are a beautiful sight to see" he says and you turned red.

Rick immediately started digging into your soaking wet core. Sucking and licking you, until his fingers reached your clit and he began massaging that quickly as his tongue went in and out of you.

Making you moan louder as you watched him, your hand running through his brown hair. Rick face stubble rubbing against the side of your thigh.

"Shit, baby tastes like candy." He says kissing you softly as without eating he shoving two fingers into you.

"FUCK DADDY"you screamed out as he began thrusting fast as you gripping at his wrist moving further down on him.

Finger fucking you as you moaned loudly as your legs began shaking and Rick noticed as landed a soft slap in your slit causing your to jump in pleasure.

"Oh! you’re not cumming yet until you take this dick you hear me" Rick orders and you choked out a word through your moans.

"Why? You know why!" Rick says and you stared at him with more lust in your eyes. Rick taking his fingers out as you whined at the lost of pleasure and he immediately pulled his boxers down, his large in length and thick cock sprung out.

Rick spreading your legs wider as he shoved his cock into you. Screaming out as Rick towered over you and you hands going around his stomach and chest. Your nails meeting his back as he began thrusting fast and at a steady pace.

"Fuck…Fuck…daddy..please…Please faster"you moaned out as Rick started going faster with you as kissed him passionately.

Hearing Rick groans and moans in your hear as he thrusted even faster into you and he’s just pushing you to the edge.

"F-fuck fuck..I’m gonna come" You moaned out and Rick utterly just thrust harder in response. The sound of skin slapping and your moans and Ricks utter groans, filled the room along with the bed creaking softly with his fast and hard thrusts.

Rick grabbed your hair as he picked you as you were sitting on top of Him as he held you up with one hand and he began thrusting up into your as he leaned back to thrust easier as he still gripped your hair and pulling your head back. Rick smacking your breasts as he sucked on them making sure to leave hickeys on your chest, stomach and neck.

"Oh baby come for me, won’t you!" He says and you nod as you took over and began bouncing up and down him, kissing him. Feeling that knot unravel again as you bounced harder as you moaned as you stared into Ricks eyes and he started back.

"Come for me baby" he says and you nod as Rick gripped your hips and one hard thrust , you began coming with loud moan.

Soon feeling warm liquid squirt up into you as you moaned softly at the feeling. Rick smacking your ass as he placed you down on the bed. Rick going semi soft in you but he had grin that you’ve seen before.

"Oh baby…we’re not done yet" he says and you moan out whimper as your heavy breathing got the best of you. Rick flipping your body to your stomach as he spread, your legs and you felt his cum dripping down.

"Such a wonderful sight can’t wait to destroy it again" he says and you immediately felt his hard cock in your again causing you to moan.

"Please…Rick please fuck…I want it" you moan out and he smirked as he grabbed your hair and pulled you back.

"I know baby." Rick growls.

That’s when you knew this was going to be fun but long night with Rick.

[makethatelevenrings]

Rest // D. Grayson x gn!reader

Requested? Yes!

Warnings: illness, mentions of child assassins, not Titans!verse I just think Brenton is pretty

Summary: You’re feeling sick but refuse to admit you are. Damian intervenes and makes sure Dick is aware of the problem.

This is apart of Assassin!verse that you can read here

You had been shot, stabbed, poisoned, thrown through windows, and broken numerous bones, but for some reason, this sore throat was going to be the end of you. When you woke up that morning, it started as a simple scratchy throat that had bloomed into some demonic rash of pain that coated your throat and made every swallow feel like knives scraping against your skin.

“You are unwell,” Damian observed. You ignored him in favor of jabbing the small needle through the taut fabric and tugging it down. Cass had recommended embroidery as a hobby you should try out and you found that it was soothing, fun, and an outlet for you. After spending years surrounded by silence and met with anger if you spoke out of turn, sometimes you needed to retreat from the constant noise of the Wayne Manor.

While you had your apartment in Bludhaven, some problems in Gotham required the both of you, and Haley of course, to stay at the Manor for a few days.

Where two of the family members attended school and the others interacted with the public every single day.

So, of course, you got sick.

You stabbed the point into the fabric once more and pulled it taut. You hoped that Tim would like the screaming possum design you were making for him. He loved sending you those memes and delighted in the fact that he gets to teach you about memes and pop culture.

“I’m fine.” You internally winced at how rough your voice sounded. Nothing screamed “picture of health” more than sounding like you were choking on gravel. Your head pounded, the ache radiating at your temples and along the sides, and your nose felt like cotton was shoved up there. All in all, you felt miserable. All you wanted to do was go back to the queen sized mattress shoved in Dick’s old bedroom and sleep for a thousand years.

But Dick, Bruce, and Tim were all making appearances at a gala to collect intel and you needed to stay awake so you could assist if something happened. What if the gala was under attack? Or what if they needed a quick getaway? Or what if-

The couch dipped as Damian crawled onto the cushion next to you. He settled in comfortably, Alfred the cat resting comfortably in his arms, and blinked up at you with those wide eyes of his. You set your embroidery down and gave him your full attention.

While Dick was your closest friend, companion, and lover, Damian understood you better than anyone aside from Cass. Damian knew what it was like to be trained from a young age. When Dick first brought you to Wayne Manor, bloodied and weak and still as fiercely on guard, Damian was the first person to gain your trust aside from Dick. And if this kid was your boyfriend’s brother, then dammit, he was your little brother too.

“When I first came to live with Father, he sat me down one day and told me that it is one thing to know when to be on guard and ready. But it’s another thing to live your life always on edge waiting for the next attack. Father helped me realize that I was living my life feeling like I was never safe made me sure that I would never be safe. He assured me that he and the family would never let anything happen to me.”

Your mind was cloudy with fatigue and fever, but you nodded slowly as you tried to grasp what he meant. “Okay…?”

Damian turned to face you fully, the little tuxedo cat in his lap snuggling in closer to his owner’s arms. “We would never let anything happen to you or to one another. You can rest.”

You swallowed painfully against your aching throat and offered him a tight smile. “Thank you, Dami. I’m fine.”

He huffed and climbed off the couch. “You’re not fine. I am telling Pennyworth.”

“Don’t!” The exclamation left you so quickly that he looked at you with more concern than before. “He’s busy right now. He doesn’t need to be bothered with a little sniffle. Please don’t tell him. I swear I’m fine.”

He stared at you, doubt written all over his face, and then sighed. “You are more stubborn than Richard. It’s a miracle the two of you get anything done.”

With that, Damian and Alfred the cat exited the room. Silence fell over the leather furniture and aging books once more. You inhaled deeply, fighting against the stabbing pain of your sinuses, and focused on your embroidery once more.

It wasn’t a half hour before the door to the library flew open. Dick strode in, impeccably dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. Damian. That little rat.

“I’m fine!” you insisted. Damian peeked out from around the doorframe and you, the adult, stuck your tongue out at him. He merely smirked and disappeared, probably to go find his next victim.

“Richard, I am fine,” you snapped. He ignored your protests and laid the back of his hand against your cheek before doing the same to your forehead. You shuddered at the cool touch of his skin against yours and he immediately stepped back.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Dick demanded.

“Because I knew you would blow it out of proportion and make a big deal out of nothing,” you retorted.

“You’re burning up. And Damian said your lungs rattled a bit when you took a breath.”

“Damian’s a trained liar.”

“Stop with the bullshit!” His outburst caused you to pause. It really wasn’t that big of a deal. You had been in much worse condition than a little cold.

“I don’t understand what I did wrong,” you said quietly. Therapy with Dinah was helping you express your emotions, as she said. It helped in times like this. Dick’s face crumpled and then he pulled on the mask of assuredness that you were used to seeing. He crouched down so you were face to face rather than him towering over you.

“You don’t have to act like everything is fine, Buttercup. You’re allowed to let your guard down. You’re allowed to get sick.”

“But I can’t,” you blurted out. “If I’m sick and you or one of the others needs me-”

“We have legions of people that can help us,” he interrupted. Dick reached up to gently cup your cheek in the palm of his hand. “You are allowed to rest.”

“My head hurts,” you admitted.

He smiled that crooked grin of his and you shut your eyes, inhaling deeply. He stroked gentle lines across your face and of course he was still there once you opened your eyes once more.

“I’m tired.”

He stood, his hand falling from your cheek and entangling itself with your free hand. You set the embroidery down on the coffee table and stood. Before you could take one step, Dick swept you into his arms and started down the hall towards the bedrooms.

“You realize that I’m going to coddle you until you’re back to normal?”

You tightened your grip on his neck and grinned. “Can we watch Riverdale?”

“I’m going to throw Timmy off of a fucking roof for introducing you to that show.”

Tag List: @someoneimsure​ @perpetual-fangirl900​ @visagebrise​ @cursedandromedablack​ @alexxavicry​ @the-wayward-daughter​ @raging-trash-of-mind​ @bunny-kawa​ @khaylin27​

[feyhunter78]

Pink Pastels Pt 22

Description: A bunch of chaotic things happen to Miguel while he's just trying to have a normal day at work. TW: Gabi's school is attacked, but no children or innocents are harmed! Pt 23

“O’Hara, you gotta see this, you’re a fan of Spiderman right?” Jack, one of the geneticists, calls Miguel over, his phone turned sideways in his hand.

“I wouldn’t say a fan…more like an appreciative citizen.” Miguel says, sliding into the chair beside Jack.

He likes Jack, he’s a good man and a dedicated employee. He’s also the only one besides Monica he’ll seek out when he doesn’t want to eat lunch alone.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Check this out.”

It’s an…edited video of him, titled “Coolest Spiderman Saves.”

“What is this?” He asks, squinting at the video as it begins again.

Jack gives him a disbelieving look. “You don’t know what an edit is? Dude, you’re not that old.”

“Watch it.” Miguel warns halfheartedly.

“Yeah, Miguel’s real sensitive about his age, it happens to the elderly, ya know?” Monica teases, as she breezes by on her way to the fridge.

“Aren’t we the same age?” Miguel shoots back.

“Aren’t we the same age.” She mocks, grabbing a soda from the fridge.

“Real mature, Mon.” He drawls, rolling his eyes and standing, intending to go back to his office.

“Wait, Miguel, the boss wants to talk to you.” Monica says, her mocking tone gone, replaced by slight hesitance.

Tyler Stone is different in this universe. He’s less…everything. He looks up when Miguel enters and beckons for him to take a seat. “So—Miguel, thanks for coming.”

“Monica said you wanted to speak with me, sir?” Miguel keeps things professional with him, even though it’s painfully clear this universe’s Tyler Stone has begun to long for a more familial relationship.

“You don’t have to call me—yes, I wanted to speak with you about your plus one for the gala. Mon said you weren’t bringing anyone.”

Miguel blinks, thoroughly caught off-guard. Was this really what Stone called him in for?

“That was before.”

“Before?”

“Before I asked Y/N Y/L/N, to accompany me.”

“And who is this y/n?” Stone asks, as if he couldn’t find out with a simple search.

“She’s a friend.” Miguel says, his fangs itching to break through the gums and tear Stone’s throat out for even daring to ask about you. You’re his, no one needs to know anything more than that.

“A friend.” Stone repeats, his blond eyebrows furrowed.

“Mr. Stone, is this the only reason you asked me to come in here? Because my team needs me back in the lab.” Miguel’s already standing, halfway to the door.

“That’s it, thanks, Miguel.” Stone says, half professional, half almost mournful…?

He shakes it off and heads back to his office. Stone had plenty of time to be a father, especially in this universe. It wasn’t on him to fix Stone’s mistakes.

Miguel settles into his desk chair and shakes his mouse, waking his computer. Spreadsheets, lab reports, expense reports, and DNA analyses, that’s what he needs to focus on.

He gets about halfway through his to-do list when Lyla pops up in his peripheral vision.

“Miguel, you need to see this.” She flicks her fingers and a holographic newsreel plays before his eyes.

“Reports are saying that the target of the attack was Steve Rodger’s Elementary School.” A newswoman says, her tone even, her expression neutral but not uncaring.

Miguel feels his stomach lurch, and he pushes back from his desk, his chair clattering to the floor as he moves in a hurry, sprinting down the hall, ignoring concerned questions from his coworkers.

“Lyla, tell me what’s going on.” He says, his breathing erratic as he frantically swings through the city, his mind replaying the moment he lost Gabriella over and over again.

“No reports of any dead or injured, the hostile is a disgruntled employee of the school board, his kids go to the school, I doubt he’ll make any rash decisions.” Lyla says calmly, scanning through news segments and police reports.

He can’t lose her, not again. He can’t lose you either, not when he’s just found you.

The school is in sight when he hears glass shattering and metal creaking.

He scans the outpouring of students and teachers streaming out the doors of the school. He doesn’t see you or Gabi.

“Lyla.” He says, voice strained, his hands shaking as he lands.

“School board guy apparently has superpowers? Yeah, okay, Donald Wilkerson, did some weird experimenting after his wife left him, looks like he’s got metal manipulation?”

“Tap into y/n’s necklace, where are they?” He orders, pushing through the crowd and into the school.

“Shit, they’re trapped in the nurse’s office.” Lyla throws up a map, but he knows the way, he’s studied the layout of Gabi’s school extensively.

Around him is chaos, the building is creaking, windows are shattered, books left scattered, desks and chairs overturned. He makes it to the nurse’s office, only to see it break away from the school and begin to rise up into the air.

Miguel can hear Gabi crying and your frantic attempts to calm her. He webs himself up, claws digging into the wooden door before he rips it off, not even watching as it spirals to the ground.

“Back away, Spiderman, she’s mine.” Donald yells from the flying piece of metal he’s standing on.

He’s going to rip that jackass apart. “There’s a child in there.”

“Not mine.” Donald sneers, raising his hand and slicing it through the air in Miguel’s direction.

Miguel flings himself inside, the chunk of metal whizzing through the space he previously occupied.

“Did I forget to mention his ex-wife is the nurse?” Lyla asks, her lips pressed together tightly.

“Yeah, you did.” He snaps, scanning the room for you and Gabi.

You’re tucked into a corner, Gabi’s face hidden in your neck. Your arms are wrapped tightly around her, shielding her from the rapid winds whipping through the door and broken windows. There’s glass all over the floor and the beds are overturned. The nurse cowers beside you and Gabi, her hand in one of yours, the other gripping the safety bar attached to the wall. It’s an attempt to keep the three of you from falling as the room shakes and dips from Donald’s superpowered tantrum.

Even terrified both you and her are trying to protect his daughter, his heart swells for a moment.

“Y/N, y/n, we’re saved.” She says, shaking your hand slightly.

You look up, and your eyes meet Miguel’s.

It’s as if someone drove a spike through his heart. Your face is tear stained, your eyes wide with fear, your body trembling as you hug Gabi tightly.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, Spiderman is here to save us.” Your voice is shaking, but you try to run a comforting hand down Gabi’s back.

Gabi lifts her head, and the stake is driven further in. She’s utterly terrified.

“Te tengo mija, todo está bien.” He calls to her over the roaring winds. Trsl: I got you daughter, everything is good/okay.

Gabi nods at him, her bottom lip trembling as she tries to stop her tears.

“Victoria, baby, please, I’m sorry.” Donald says, floating to the empty doorway.

“You’re sorry? You’re sorry? What the hell kind of apology is this, Donald?” Victoria shouts, rising to her feet, still holding onto the safety bar and you.

“I just wanted to show you that I’m strong now, like you wanted.” Donald explains, desperation clear in his tone.

“I wanted to strengthen our marriage, not for you to get dangerous superpowers.” Victoria retorts, her face a portrait of frustration and disbelief. She releases the safety bar, and your hand, as she steps forward.

Miguel takes the opportunity to lunge, tackling Donald to the floor and raking his claws down his chest, one hand around his throat. “You’re a fucking coward, attacking a school because you couldn’t be enough of a man and try to fix your marriage? You’re pathetic.” He growls, tightening his grip on Donald.

Donald sputters in response, then his eyes begin to flutter shut and everything begins to fall.

Gabi screams, you scream, Victoria screams and Miguel releases Donald, then grabs Victoria using a web to sling her safely to the ground.

When he turns back to get you and Gabi, he feels something grab his ankle.

Donald is hanging on by a thread, using the last bit of his strength to attempt to drag Miguel away.

Miguel kicks him off hard, the sound of bones cracking as Donald’s grip fails.

Everything feels too fast and too slow. The building is falling, fast, fast, fast, and his steps are slow, slow, slow. After what feels like a lifetime, he grabs you and Gabi slinging a web, yanking the three of you out of the building and onto a nearby balcony.

You collapse onto the ground, hyperventilating, and Gabi is sobbing, clinging to him, so tight he’s afraid she might accidentally choke him.

He kneels down, one hand on Gabi’s back, the other gently raising your head. “It’s over, y/n, you’re safe.”

You fling yourself at him, sobbing into his shoulder, shallow, frantic breaths a harsh symphony alongside Gabi’s own sobs.

“It’s alright, you’re safe, both of you. I’m here, I’ll always protect you, it’s over now.” He soothes, pressing a kiss to the crown of Gabi’s head, then yours.

“I was so scared, I didn’t know what to do, Miguel, I—I thought we were going to di—”

“No, never. I’ll always find you; I’ll always save you, both of you. You’re my girls, nothing is more precious than you two.” His voice is firm but gentle, even though he’s trembling too.

“Papá, I couldn’t do anything, my powers didn’t work.” Gabi sobs.

The three of you have been testing Gabi’s powers for a few weeks now, in between you and Miguel going on secret dates. She’s come a long way, and he’s proud of the progress she’s making, but he never wanted her to think she had to handle a supervillain on her own. Not now, she’s still a baby, his baby.

His heart is shattered, and he holds her tighter. “Oh mija, that’s okay, this was an adult mess not a kid mess, this wasn’t for you to handle.”

He didn’t lose her, she’s right here, his daughter is safe.

Your breathing finally begins to calm, but you keep your head buried in Miguel’s shoulder, your grip on him bone-crushingly tight, but he doesn’t mind.

“You kept her safe for me y/n, thank you.” He whispers.

You pull back slowly, wiping the tears from your face. “Miguel…I didn’t do anything, you saved us, you kept us safe.”

“You kept her safe y/n, you kept her as calm as possible for the situation. You did the best you could, and I’m proud of you.”

You beam at him, a watery, shaky smile, but a smile, nonetheless. “Thank you.”

“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost either of you.” He admits scanning the area before his mask disappears.

“I…I can’t imagine my life without you two, I know it sounds crazy but, I just can’t.” You breathe, your eyes locked on his, searching them for something.

“Marry me.” He says. It’s spontaneous, ridiculous, completely inappropriate, and you’re probably going to think he’s insane but—

“Yes, yes, yes, I’ll marry you.” You say, flinging your arms around his neck and crashing your lips to his.

He’s ecstatic, especially when Gabi begins to cheer, her tears instantly drying up.

“Yay! New mom! Ms. Y/N is my mom!” She cheers, wriggling between you and him.

He opens his arms wider and crushes you both to his chest. “I love you, both of you, more than—”

“Boss, hi, sorry, umm your ex-wife is at your apartment.” Lyla chimes in, a sour look on her face.

“¡Ay coño!” Trsl: Oh fuck

Tag list: @miggyoharaswife, @badbishsblog, @imisshim2much, @wanderlustingcastaway, @lynn-9703, @sleepyamaya, @erensbbg, @sweetea85, @ilovemiguelohara, @natthernandez, @stxrrielle, @ihateuguys, @jenniferdixon05207, @blep-23, @luvisaaxoxo, @minimari415, @emerald-09, @violet-19999, @kenchosaikuo, @groovycass, @youcantseem3, @lovefks, @nightshxdex, @dusstory, @aesniri, @munsonssecretblog, @kirke-is-my-name, @starbearieee, @chatoicboy, @act1839, @needsleep3000, @totally-not-georgia, @witchy-lizard, @cxmeiloorun7, @justrandomlolidk, @chimpkinnuggies, @alicefallsintotherabbithole, @loser-alert, @wwwellacom, @ryantryan6969, @lollipopin, @blakeaha, @youcantseem3, @a-cult-leader, @verexi, @purpleskiesandroses, @they2luv1naia, @sophiaj650, @idolautism, @rheannajrs, @merakiq, @rexs-wife, @sukaretto-n, @twilight-loveer, @f1shb0nez, @callsign-blue, @marcelineormars

[southern-gothic-comic]

Page 42

Next 💜 Back 🖤 First

(Author Notes)

Panel 1: Finally, Relvin returns with the country doctor, a tired-looking woman of late middle age. She does a cursory examination of Imogen, who can hear her thoughts (as well as everyone else’s) the entire time.

Doctor: Another one. There’s the rash all right. Throat inflamed. Fever. Same symptoms. Don’t know how I’m going to find the time.

Relvin: She’s got to get better -- wonder what it’ll cost --  got a little put by -- poor kid hate to see her lookin’ so done in -- should crop off all that hair of hers it’s sappin’ her strength -- pity though

Laudna: What’s wrong what’s wrong with Imogen can it be cured? Is she all right? Is she in pain? Is she going to die? She looks so miserable what can I do to help?

Panel 2: Focus on Laudna, who is looking worried and uncomfortable. Everyone’s thoughts cloud around her, although only Imogen can hear them.

Doctor: So this is the one everyone’s calling “witch” and saying is the start of it all. I don’t put much stock in wild tales but she seems to have some malady, all right. Don’t have time for it now.

Relvin: how to ask that one to leave maybe if I offer to see her home that’ll get the point across

Laudna: Maybe I did cause this and I just didn’t realize it should I leave I don’t want to leave her I can’t lose her she’s all I have —

Imogen: Laudna. Laudna, it’s okay.

Laudna: Delilah did you do this Delilah if you’ve harmed Imogen -- don’t say things like that don’t start shut up SHUT UP DELILAH

Panel 3: Imogen cuddles up to Laudna as she moves to sit next to her. Rising, the doctor gives Relvin the diagnosis. Lost in his thoughts, he is caught off-guard.

Laudna: Do you need anything, darling?

Imogen: Just you.

Doctor: Despite what y’all may have heard in town, there’s no hexin’ at work. Just a nasty outbreak of scarlet fever makin’ the rounds. She’ll need care. Which of you will be providing it?

Relvin: What even is she she don’t look fey or elvish exactly but there’s something not quite right about her kind of unsettling to see Genny hangin’ on her like that all the time I mean I’m glad my lonely girl’s finally found a friend but did it have to be that friend wonder what kinda grave did she dig her up out of shoot is Imogen readin’ my mind right now???

Panel 4: Relvin hastily steps forward and raises his hand.

Laudna: I will!

Relvin: Now, we wouldn’t want to impose on you. I thank you for your kind offer, but I’ll see you home now, little lady.

Imogen: No! Don’t go, Laudna.

Doctor: It’s probably best if all you three quarantine together. 

Relvin: All right. You know best, Doctor.

Relvin, internally: Dammit.

Panel 5: Laudna hugs Imogen, cheered up by the prospect of quarantine together, which provokes a wan smile from her.

Laudna: Oh, a sleepover!

[crustyfloor]

I've gotta say, before round 6 I was dull enough to believe Ivan was the most normal out of the cast. After round 6 it really dawned on me just how many times I've been given hints about his true nature. I never really took into account how much alien stage fucked up these kids until I got bitch slapped with Ivan in round 6 showing just how cracked in the head he is, and the most surprising? is that it was totally in character for him and so understandable. We all know some good and bads that we were taught since childhood, but Alnst cast? they were only taught how to behave how the aliens want them to and how to sing. Generally speaking, their way of thinking is abnormal to most. Inhuman, even. And that was a fact skipped over by some people, including myself. Now i'm hyper aware that alnst cast aren't super human and too not be so rash with theories like I was with Ivantill round so that I don't get my soul shattered thinking Hyuna and Mizi could actually duo against a facility already on high-alert and full of guards on the ready.

[yandere-sins]

Okay but royal yandere with a thief darling. Just a master thief on a mission to steal the crown jewels but you quickly realise it’s not the guards and knights that are threats

It’s the lovesick ruler

Mmmmhm, yessssssss, let’s do it! Thanks for requesting :D

»»———————— ♡ ————————««

Finally.

Letting out a deep breath, you felt the weight of the long-gone queen settle in your palms. Amazing how one small item like this crown could hold so much joy and pain in it. Even you, a lowly peasant from the slums, could feel the responsibility it held in every jewel, every gram of gold.

Yet, you had no qualms about taking it from the previous socket it was erected on, waiting for the next worthy ruler to rule alongside her son. Hopefully, that would be someone better than he was so that this country had any chance of survival.

If not for his overspending, warmongering, and raising taxes, people like you wouldn’t need to suffer. With that, you justified your actions, breaking into the heavily guarded treasury of the castle containing the last precious items this kingdom owned. It was only fair that you took something worth enough money, once dissembled and sold, to feed everyone in your district and beyond.

While he lived in the lap of luxury, you couldn’t even remember the last time you could afford a glass of milk.

It already took way too long for you to learn all the guards’ schedules, find a way in, and prepare an escape for yourself in the worst case. Things like this needed preparation, but there was no time when people were starving every day. You knew you had to act soon, even though you did your best not to make a rash decision.

But who were you kidding? If you had a chance at any other life, you’d probably not have changed much.

Thieving and scamming had been the only thing you ever found yourself good at. No surprise with the lack of education and prospects you received from early childhood, resorting to stealing bread, cookies, and eggs. And later jewels, watches, fabrics, perfumes—anything worth enough money to get through the week. Someone like you could never be anything better than what you already were. And you were at your best when you weren’t caught and no noose tied around your neck.

Someone like you could never be like the fancy servants of the king or the honored soldiers of his battlefield. You’d never be invited to dance at a ball or feast at a victory ceremony. You could be happy if there’d ever come a time when you’d be able to retire and live frugally but comfortably.

Glancing at your reflection in a shield of decorative silver hanging on the wall next to you, you looked yourself up and down. Pitiful, dirty, scum.

You’d never be royal.

Turning your body towards the mirroring metal, you slowly lifted the crown over your head.

Even the grease and dirt in your hair would not be able to sully the beautiful, ornamental, moonlight shining down on it and making it sparkle crown. And just for a moment, just for the second of it touching down on top of your head, you were, in fact, royal.

It felt different. Though the heaviness remained, your body adjusted to it, fixing your posture, bringing your shoulders down and chin up. You had these few seconds to waste before you had to sneak out, but this crown had only time until you reached your handyman, who’d take it apart instantly to get rid of the evidence. And so you enjoyed it for the time it lasted.

Breathing in, breathing out.

Feeling the weight on top of your head, your neck.

Your shoulder.

Unbeknownst, you had closed your eyes. Let too many seconds pass. And the weight you felt was not the heaviness of metal and jewels pressing down. It was fingers gripping your shoulder, thumb digging into the blade at the back while the others dug into your muscles on the fronts. The reflection in the mirror was a mere shadow, but the grin it gave you was uncanny.

“Mousey, mousey, mousey. Look what a crumb of cheese brought into my treasury.”

Whirling around, you threw your arms in the air, though the hands caught them, gripping your wrists tightly. You struggled, slipping on a stray coin on the ground, forcing you to lose your body, your body collapsing miserably. The clanking of the priceless crown falling to the ground tore you out of the strange illusion that you had been convinced was happening. A face so unfamiliar yet well-known appearing hovered over you.

Guards, soldiers, servants—you learned about them all.

But the king.

That ruthless, unpredictable bastard! Someone you never thought you’d meet and never wanted to meet. You couldn’t have learned about him as he was as private as he was lavish, two things that hardly fit each other, but he forced them. And yet, who’d thought to find him in his treasure way past two in the morning?!

“Urgh!” Groaning powerlessly against his iron grip, his hands began to wander, yours shooting up to push him away while his wrapped around your throat. Feeling them tighten around your neck, you choked on air, smacking the bottom of your palm into his jaw.

Briefly, his grip loosened, but before you could wiggle yourself out of reach, the king pressed down twice as hard, war not having done him well if he could strangle a person to death with his bare hands, much unlike the aristocrats who were too classy for such a brute act.

“That’s good, little mouse,” he praised you, voice gruff as he applied more and more strength. Your lungs were missing air, your brain short-circuiting as you blinked rapidly, trying to focus your attack somewhere. “Keep fighting me, and I might end up liking you. It’s been so long since someone challenged me for their life, so make it interesting, will you?”

In a ditch effort, you kicked your leg up as far as it would go, hoping to find his crown jewels down there. And as luck would have it, your shin collided with him, making him wobble in pain, and you pushed him off, running on pure adrenaline.

Coughing and gripping your throat, you crawled away, wanting to get the crown and leave immediately. You’d hide somewhere and wait for another lucky opening in the guards’ schedule. But looking around, you couldn’t find the item, even when your eyes got their focus back.

Letting out an unholy moan, the king turned over, sitting on his royal buttocks as he let out a loud laugh. “Searching for this?” he asked, holding up the crown, and your blood froze. You had to go, but you were so fucking angry he destroyed your plans, you could have cried and screamed in frustration.

He was getting up, and you weren’t thinking any longer, bolting to the door, smacking into the finely decorated wood, and rattling the door handle. It didn’t budge. Since this was the treasury, there were no other exits, the only window being a ceiling one.

“Now, now, come on,” he chuckled behind you, his footsteps heavy, the war had given him a slight drag. “Here.”

Slamming his hand with the crown into the door, he caged you in from behind, pressing you forward. “You can have it. My mom—may that skunk rest in peace—won’t wear it after all. You want it, right? It’s the most delicious cheese for a mouse like you.”

You didn’t trust him one bit.

Glancing at him over his shoulder, you could see that big, fat grin on his face, eyes sparkling with either drunkenness or excitement, neither a good look for you. Gulping, you slowly reached out to the crown with shivering hands, but before you could grip it, he pulled it away, proving he was up to no good.

“Ah! My bad,” he announced. Before you knew what he was doing, he whirled you around again, though this time, he kept a bit of distance and looked over your head. Your eyes were sliding side to side, trying to find an opening, when you felt something heavy settle down on your head.

“Now it’s back where it belongs,” he laughed joyfully and stepped a few steps back, looking you up and down appreciatingly before clapping his hands. This was madness, the insanity dripping off him. Making an elated bow to you, he called you, “Your Highness,” and you cringed while also wondering what kind of drugs he must be on.

But just as you blinked once, his hands slammed into the wall behind you again, and his face leaned in close, sniffing.

“You smell like shit, little mouse.”

“You don’t say,” you blurted out without thinking, immediately regretting your sharp tongue. However, the king laughed out loudly, roaring with laughter even.

“Quick and feisty, that’s how I like my challenges! Say, wouldn’t you like to go to war with me? We could defeat our enemies with your feistiness.”

Or his madness.

“I’d rather not,” you gritted out through your teeth, hand finding the handle of the door again, frantically rattling on it.

“Well, that’s too bad, Mousey.”

Gripping you by the throat again, the king easily lifted you up into the air. Even though you cut into his clothes with your nails, he threw you around like a puppet. Leaving you gasping and sputtering, you tried to recover from the blow at your back, grinding your teeth as your head hit some treasure chest across the room, your ears ringing.

“You are coming, I decided. It’s either my tent on the battlefield or the gallows, Mousey. I think a collar looks better than a rope, personally.”

Still groaning, you were grabbed by your hair, wincing and struggling as the king pulled you after him, banging on the door until it was finally unlocked. Shamefully, you were dragged through the lavish corridors under the eyes of the guards you deceived; guards you weren’t sure would survive this night either.

“I always wanted a pet,” the king revealed, unbothered by your pain and struggles. Your fear and panic. “But my mom hated mice with a passion. Good thing that hag is gone, don’t you agree, Mousey?”

You had been so careful! Only tried to do something for everyone, not thinking you would doom yourself even if the danger had always been there!

You’d never be royalty, you thought. But it would have been okay if you managed to feed the people you loved and disappeared with them far, far away from the mad king that ruled these lands.

But maybe there was a worse fate than you could have ever imagined in your most brutal nightmares. Because a royal pet was just below even the scum like you in the social standing.

And his grip on you was firm enough to never let go.

[peachhcs]

Does Will tell any of the guys he's realised his mistake??

Or even just that he slept with someone??

i like to think will calls grace first. she gives the best advice when it comes to any of this and then he calls gabe and ryan to talk to them.

"what's up, will?" grace asked as soon as she answered the phone.

"i hooked up with someone," will said immediately which caught grace off guard.

"what?"

"there was this halloween party last night..i think i was a little drunk and i hooked up with this girl," the boy explained, chewing on the bottom of his lip.

"okay. did something happen?" the older girl grew concerned.

"only that i did it because i thought i'd be able to get over samy and i didn't. i only thought about her the entire time," the hockey player's head fell into his hands as he sat on the end of his bed.

"oh. i see," the older blonde was at a bit of a loss with what to say.

"i think i fucked up, grace. i think i really, really fucked up," will frowned deeply as all the feelings he's tried pushing away for months began resurfacing.

"will..you didn't..fuck up. did you make a bad choice on rash thoughts? yeah. you didn't completely fuck up though," grace tried reassuring her brother even though she couldn't quite back his decisions.

"i should've talked to her more. i don't..i don't know what i was thinking. i thought i was letting her go for the better, but anytime i see her anywhere i wish i could call her and everything was how it used to be," now will was crying.

"it's not too late to talk. reach out to her. tell her you wanna talk or something."

"i can't. she blocked me on everything so even if i wanted to talk to her, i physically can't," the younger boy frowned deeply.

"do you want me to mention something?" grace offered softly.

"no, that's gonna make me look stupid. she doesn't wanna talk to me and i don't blame her," a long sigh fell from will's lips.

"look, we all do stupid shit when we're 18. she definitely does wanna talk to you. you guys were best friends once upon a time. that kind of bond doesn't disappear that easily. is there any time soon you'll be out near michigan or something?"

"i don't know. days off are random sometimes and unpredictable," will shrugged even though grace couldn't see him.

"maybe talk to gabe and ryan. they could make something happen. i know they're rooting for you two as much as i am to get back together or at least talk," will knew his older sister had a point. he should talk to gabe and ryan, but then they'd just tell him i told you so and harp on him.

"i don't know. i'll see. i should let you go," will mumbled.

"i'm always here to talk, will. it's gonna work out, i promise," the hockey player really wanted to believe his sister's words and he hoped to god it was true.

—

"wow, look who's calling first," ryan grinned through the screen when the call connected. will rolled his eyes a bit, but smiled when he saw his friends on his computer screen.

"you look like shit," gabe commented upon seeing will's red eyes and puffy cheeks.

"fuck off," the blonde mumbled.

"i'm kidding. it's good to see you. you had a hella game the other night," the dark-haired boy cheered.

"dude, you put those older guys to shame. like you were flying," ryan laughed making will laugh as well.

"thanks, it was pretty cool taking some of the veterans down. they're gonna be after me now."

"yeah, no shit. i think everyone now knows why you decided to sign on so early," gabe grinned.

their compliments had will flushing with pride. he's been working hard to prove himself these last few games and he was glad it was all finally paying off.

"by the way, halloween was so legendary this year. we went to like four different parties," ryan chuckled.

"i bet it's crazy in california," gabe wondered as the topic shifted.

"yeah, it is pretty crazy out here. so crazy i even hooked up with someone.." will began which had gabe and ryan's eyebrows raising.

"wait, you hooked up with someone? who?"

"uh..i don't really know her name, but i think..i think i regret it. i thought it would like..help me realize breaking up with samy was the right choice, but it didn't. i just thought about her the entire time.." will felt almost ashamed admitting this to his friends.

"oh."

"you're gonna tell me i told you so, but i know i fucked up now. i..i shouldn't have broken up with samy. i thought it would be better for both of us, but i just really miss her and i wish i could talk to her or something," the blonde frowned.

"you're saying this now? six months after the fact?" gabe raised his eyebrows.

"oh come on, give me a break. i was stupid, i know. i finally realize that now. i don't know what to do," upon seeing their friend's face, gabe and ryan saw how torn up will was about everything. they knew he really regretted everything that happened.

"i just don't get why you didn't talk to her more about this before you even decided to break up? you know she would've talked with you about whatever you were worried about," ryan said.

"it was a bad decision during very rash thoughts. i was overwhelmed and a mess back in may. i got scared and pushed her away like i do to everything. you guys don't need to tell me how much i fucked up. i know already," will huffed.

the three fell silent for a moment. will pulled a hand through his hair while gabe and ryan spoke with their eyes.

"a few of us are going to michigan over winter break to samy's lake house. if you can find some free time, you should come out. i think samy would like to see you. you two can finally talk maybe," gabe finally said.

"i'll think about it," will nodded. could he actually fly out to michigan and see samy after not speaking to her or seeing her for eight months though? the idea sent will's head spinning and not in a good way.

[valor-fightwear]

You should concentrate on what matters while you are on the field. We established the Rash Guard as a result.

It has a permeable mesh that prevents chafing and sweat while enabling moisture to evaporate from your skin. This indicates that you are weatherproof when it matters the most and that you are prepared to play hard when you have to!

[the1975attheirverybest]

Being Funny In A Foreign Language

Chapter 1- Never Gonna Love Again…

Warnings: smut.

read all aditional chapters here.

———

“So, where is it, then?” Amelia’s eyes darted between Patricia and Matty, both of whom looked puzzled.

“Where’s what?” Patricia frowned.

“The- the naked Matty. The body double! Matty, The Second? You know, the better Matty.”

Matty rolled his eyes. “Are you finished?”

“Ummm,” Amelia looked into the distance, pretending to think. “The One True Matty? Eh. That's lame. Okay, guess I am finished.” She gave him a charming smile, batting her eyelashes at him, jokingly. Matty tried to ignore the beating in his chest and play along, but his love for her was like second nature by now. He couldn’t help it.

“Seriously, where do you guys keep him?”

Matty started to respond, “Oh, not here. we don’t-“ but Patricia had already spoken over him.

“Right this way, he’s in the storage room.” She gestured.

Both ladies gave Matty a quizzical look. They made their way down the hall, Matty trailing behind them, dreading the inevitable.

“You’ve literally just landed. Haven’t even been to the hotel yet, and this is what you want to see?” He attempted to distract her.

“What? You think I flew all this way just to see you?… well I guess I kinda did.” Amelia giggled to herself, “but like….to see the better you.”

Patricia flicked the lightswitch on in the storage room, waiting a moment for lights to flicker.

“How’s he the ‘better me’?”

“He’s naked. And he doesn’t speak.” She grinned, throwing him off.

“Here he is.” Patricia pointer to a box in the middle of the room, surrounded by clutter, and labeled, “peanut. EXTREMELY FRAGILE.”

Matty watched Amelia’s eyes scan over the text, and turned around, looking away timidly.

“Awwww, are you fuckin kidding me?! That’s so sweet.” She chuckled, a hand on her heart.

Patrician unclasped the lid, dragging it to the side and opening the box. “Here he is. Amelia, meet Peanut.”

Amelia took small, hesitant steps towards the box. “Gosh I’m a little nervous. I think starstruck.” She stood over the box, peering down, as if at a treasure chest.

Matty rolled his eyes.

“Awww” she smiled, melting Matty’s heart. Then her expression changed as she leaned over to get a closer look. “Oh. Would you look at that. He’s got your penis. Surprisingly, anatomically accurate.”

Patricia was startled. “Okay. That’s my cue to leave. Have fun you two.”

Amelia smiled at Patricia as she walked out the door, turning to Matty once they were alone. “How’d you get it to be so life-like? Did you have to show your dick to the sculptor?”

He retrieved the box cover, shutting it closed. “Wanna join me for dinner? Took about the show?”

***

As they rushed into the room, Matty couldnt help but recall his conversation with Ross earlier that day.

“Please tell me you did not hire her to come along on tour just so you could sleep with her….” Ross had tossed the rash guard into the designated hamper, eying the gym showers for an available one.

Matty had scuffed at the mere suggestion. “‘Course not. That’s despicable!”

Despicable though it may have been, Matty found himself in a compromising position, a bulge forming in his pants as Amelia’s hot breath tickled his neck. He almost allowed himself to think about how much he’s missed her, her body, pressed up against his, her fingers, tugging at his hair with just enough urgency to send a sting through his— fuck! No, he can’t repeat the same cycle of events all over again. He must choose character growth.

“Erm…..Amelia,” he sighed out, the feeling of her kisses all over his skin almost melting him. “We- should…listen, Amelia-“ would it really be so bad, he wondered, If he let them both have this?

He finally mustered enough self-restraint to pull their bodies apart, “Amelia, slow down.” He flashed her a smile. “You’ve only just landed.” His voice shook in his throat as he spoke. “We- uhh- we should get some drinks or something?”

“Oh, I’m not thirsty.” Amelia brushed off his suggestion. “The beauty of a Dirty Hit funded, all-Expenses-paid, first class ticket is that the meals on the flight tasted nothing like airplane food came with drinks too. Nice drinks. If the flight attendant had walked up to me with a plate of Caviar, I wouldn’t have been surprised.”

Matty smiled.

“So, if this is what it’s like to work for your label….I might like it.”

“It’s not my label,” Matty eagerly corrected her.“Well….a small portion of it is. But- Jamie’s in charge, so-“

He lost his train of thought when he felt her finger tracing patterns in the skin of his hand, softly, but deliberately.

“Anyway,” her lips, were, once more, by his ear, whispering, “not in need of any drinking. But I do have a craving for something else.” Her soft, seductive voice was making his knees buckle. He leaned against the wall, his head pushed back.

This wasn’t how he’d envisioned his do-over going. The romcom-esque arc that he’d planned in his head. He was going to spend time with her. Show her that he cares about her for more than just sex. Earn her time and attention by being worthy. Not because she was in love with him and found it difficult to stay apart.

“Been thinking about your hands around my neck since I got into that car that you sent for me.” Amelia’s voice pulling him in again. “Have I said thank you for that yet? Eh. why say it, when I could,” she sank to her knees, “just show it,” undoing his belt.

Shit, he’s in trouble. He tried talking himself out of it but, instead, he found himself looking down into her eyes, his hand gently cupping her face. “Fuck me, I’m the worst.”

Matty felt like the devil, conjuring up sinful fantasies as he looked down at Amelia, who somehow, looked just like an Angel kneeling between his legs.

His belt-studded jeans hit the floor with a thud, Amelia cupping his clothed crotch and delighting in his hissing.

“How long has it been?” She asked, grinning and looking up at him through her lashes.

“Wh-wha- what?”

“How long has it been since the last time that you’ve had sex?” She repeated, nonchalant, rubbing the fabric of his briefs.

Matty swallowed harshly, “no- not since- not since you and me.” He blushed and closed his eyes, not baring to look at her as he confessed.

If Amelia was thrilled about this news, she made no show of it. By the way that she carried on her teasing without a hitch, Matty wasn’t even sure she’d heard him.

She sighed, after a long silence, “that’s ages ago.” So, she did hear him. “Why?” She looked him directly in the eyes as she waited for his answer.

In the heat of the moment, Matty considered simply blurting out, “because I’m in love with you.” But that’s not how he wanted to tell her. He’d been fantasizing about it for a long time. He wanted the moment to be perfect. “Just doesn’t- doesn’t feel right anymore”

Amelia hooked a finger into the waistband of his underwear pulling it as far away from his body as possible, then releasing it to snap against his skin.

“Ah- shit!” Matty cursed. “Not interested in chasing something that- erm…disappears as soon as you finally get it. Don’t wanna do that.”

“Oh, so you want me to stop, then?”

The coyness in her voice lit a fire within him, like an old, stale matchbox lighting up a cold room. He repressed the urge to whine and beg her not to move an inch. A smile across his lips, he chuckled, amused, his thumb delicately brushing her lower lip. “Open up, Amelia.”

Her mouth open, tongue out, just like he’d taught her months ago. Matty grinned, pleased with her responsiveness.

Amelia’s hands reached for his briefs to rid him of them, but a sharp tug of her hair fixed her in place. “Who said you could move?” His voice was sharp, admonishing, but his smile gentle. She knew she’d be a sticky, wet mess between her legs if he kept this up. “Sorry, I- just eager, I guess. Missed you in my mouth.”

Fuck. He was done for.

Ignoring the shaking of his knees, Matty remembered his aim. “Hands behind your back, c’mon.” He nodded, “good girl.”

His briefs slid down his legs; he pushed her head down on his hard cock. “Breathe, deep breaths, Amelia. Remember what I’ve taught you.”

***

“So…what happened after dinner?” Ross smiled, amused, “the two of you-“

“We fucked. Yes.”

Ross held back a giggle as his bicep relaxed, setting the weights back down. He sat up on the bench, gradually getting off it, and dabbing the sweat off his forehead with a towel. He nodded for Matty to take his place, patting his shoulder as his friend walked by him. “Mate,” he shook his head in disbelief. “You are so-“

“I know.”

Matty laid on his back, where Ross had been moments ago, staring up at the high ceiling.

“You ready?” Ross hovered by Matty’s head, ready to spot him.

“Let’s fuckin go.”

Deep breath in as his arms pulled down. His mind taking him back to the night before, as he laid there, breathing deeply, by her side.

“Cig?”

Amelia shrugged. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Ever the gentleman, Matty lit her cigarette first, then his.

Amelia looked into his eyes, not saying anything. He blushed, turning away. “What?” The cigarette dangled from his lips as he spoke. “Why’re you looking at me like that?”

“You look… tired.” She cupped cheek in her hand, caressing it slowly.

Butterflies fluttered in his stomach. He was surprised to feel his emotions bubble to the surface. The urge to cry lingered for a moment before he repressed it again and put on a smile.

“I haven’t really slept since….2022.”

Amelia’s hand let go of his face. He felt the loss of her touch keenly.

“Yeah, I don’t blame you.” She sat back against her pillow.

“What’s that mean?”

“I mean if my name were in the tabloids as often as yours has been….I’d have trouble sleeping, too.”

“Oh, that? I don’t care about that.”

Amelia giggled. “Yeah, that’s why you’re making a whole show about it.”

Matty tried to spit out a quick retort but stuttered instead. “ that-

Is- it’s not- You know me…”

“Yes, I do know you.” She kissed his cheek, “you’re sensitive. You care so much about a lot of things. You’re somewhat of an idealist. which is why I know that you pretend not to care. But deep down? It bothers you” she spoke in between kisses inching closer and closer to him until she was back on top of him, kissing his face and neck.

“A-Amelia?”

She took the cigarette out of his mouth, setting it down next to hers. She kissed his lips. “Wanna go again?”

“Amelia, I-“

“A second round? Please?”

Matty felt himself melt into the mattress at her small, gentle plea. His arms wrapped around her, rubbing her bare back.

“Need to talk, first.” He whispered against her lips at after a breathless kiss.

She opened her eyes, looking at him to assess his seriousness. He looked genuine. “Okay,” she got off of him. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Well- erm. I think we need to set some ground rules. F-for….I mean, we’re friends. We’ll be working together. I don’t know if- we should be having sex.”

Amelia frowned, “why not?”

“‘Fraid it’ll get too complicated.”

“We’ve done it before….” She shrugged.

“Yes. We have. And it went well for a while. You know, until…”

He let his sentence trail off, not quite finding the right words for ‘you told me you loved me following a particularly emotional

fuck and I never said it back.’

“Oh, that!” Amelia seemed to pick up on what he meant. “If that’s what you’re worried about.” She chuckled, “then worry no more. I’m over it.”

“You’re over it?”

“Yeah, I mean- we’re friends above all else, right?”

“R-right.”

“Yeah, good. So, I’m over the whole thing.” She watched his face shift into an unreadable expression. “Sorry, I’m confused. So are you saying we’re having sex or no?”

Matty stumbled over his words, “I- erm- I don’t- know.”

Amelia took that as her cue to get off the bed. “Well,” she spoke with her back towards him, collecting her discarded clothes off the floor. “Figure out what you want, and then let me know.”

Exhale….

“It’s never happening again.” Matty pushed his arms upward, grunting at the weights.

“whatever you say, Matty.”

“ I mean it.” His breathing quickened. “She said she’s over it. Like- like I’m a horrendous case of the flu or something.”

Ross rolled his eyes. “Oh here comes George.” They spotted him walking through the door. “George- I’ve got a quick fire question for you: should Matty tell Amelia that he loves her?”

George’s brows shot up. “You mean he still hasn’t told her? Matty, bro..”

“It’s- complicated!” Matty reached for his water bottle, taking a quick sip.

“No it isn’t. It’s quite simple actually.” George insisted. “Find a time and a place when the two of you are alone, look her in the eyes and say ‘Amelia, I love you. I want to be your boyfriend. If you’ll have me’ and just like that….it’s done. You’ve done it.”

“But I’m not ready yet. I- haven’t shown her that I’m different now. I’m not ready.”

George turned to Ross as he spoke, hoping for backup. “There’s no such thing as ‘ready,’ Matty. You’re never going to achieve perfection. No human is ever perfect. What’re you waiting for?”

“For her to get a boyfriend? A husband? The birth of her second child?” Ross added, then whispered something to George about having taken it too far.

“Relationships aren’t songs, Matty.” George placed a gentle, firm hand on his shoulder. “You can’t control and edit every single moment to achieve a flawless result. If you wait for things to be just right, you’re gonna find yourself waiting forever.”

***

Matty felt his heart skip a beat every time that the elevator beeped, indicating that it had passed another floor. He checked his hair in the mirror and straightened his leather jacket, fiddling nervously with the collar. By the time that he’d stepped off the elevator and onto Amelia’s floor, he was practically giddy, floating on the ground. He smiled, excitedly, as he stared at the room number on her door. He knocked on her door as his heart knocked against his chest.

“Oh, hey, Matty.” Amelia opened the door wider once she’d realized who it was. “Come in.”

“You look nice.” He smiled, Watching her walk over to the hotel safe and take out her jewelry bag.

“Thanks, Matty.” She struggled to hook the necklace around her neck, feeling blindly for the edges of the clasp.

“Oh- here- let me.” Matty rushed over to help. Unable to resist running his finger along the curve of her neck and watching the hairs on the back of her head stand.

“Thank you.” She turned around to face him. “Did you- need something?”

“Oh, right. I actually- well, I….had wondered if you’d like to watch a film or something. Maybe get some dinner?”

“I’d love to, Matty. I really would. But I can’t tonight. I have a date.”

The blood drained from Matty’s face. His heart dropping into his stomach. “A date?”

“Yeah, in an hour actually. Hence the…” she gestured at her outfit.

Matty felt his mouth run dry. He stared at her, wide-eyed, for a long moment. “I- erm- I thought you’d said that…you didn’t know anyone in this part of the country. That…you’ve never been here before.”

“Yeah, I haven’t.” She stood in front of the mirror with an eyeliner pen in her hand. “And what better way to explore a new place than with a local handsome boy who’s lived here for ages.”

Matty stood there, tongue-tied and frozen watching her apply her makeup.

“Rain check on the film?” Her eyes met his through the mirror.

“Uhh-yeah. Yes. Yes, of course.” Matty felt his mind spiral in circles, not a single discernible thought. “Well…I guess I should leave you to it, then.” He waited for his body to muster up the strength to walk away. It took him a moment, but eventually, he managed to step towards the door. “Have fun, Amelia.”

Her attention remained focused on the task at hand, but she mumbled an expression of thanks as he walked out of the room.

Outside of her room, Matty leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. He was already too late.

[ddejavvu]

hiiii for mvm can we get lifeguard reader and surfer hotch? reader is ogling him, but had to look away for a sec, and when they turned back he was suddenly gone and they get all >:( until they hear someone clear their throat and aaron is all smug. “looking for me? >:))”

today is multiverse monday, send me any au you can think of! :)

--

Being a lifeguard is not so much hard work as it is stressful. No, you're not lugging boxes around a storeroom, or hauling materials to construction sites, but every minute you sit atop the tower is one that you're worried someone will drown, and it's exhausting.

You're happy to have distractions, especially when they come in the form of soaking wet surfers. Typically, the men run into the water with their shirts back on the sand, but the one you're watching now has a rash guard on over his chest. You're not as disappointed as you thought you'd be, because the fabric slicks tight to the slight chub of his stomach, and you've discovered something new about yourself in the way your eyes are trained on the curve of his skin.

His dark hair is short and wet with ocean spray. He's steady on his board, and he's only plunged once into the waves, strong thighs keeping him stable over rolling waves. He's not the best surfer you've ever seen, but he very well might be the best looking surfer you've ever seen.

Unfortunately, your job is not to ogle people in the water. Your job is to help people, and when a small voice calls up from the bottom of your tower, you have to break your gaze away from the handsome surfer to look down.

It's a young boy, no more than 7, with an ice cream in his hands. It's from a cooler, you presume, because you know the boardwalk doesn't sell that kind of ice cream. It's your favorite; you'd know if they did.

"What's up?" You call down to the kid, who squints through the sun at you.

"Do you have scissors? I can't get this open, and my dad is in the water."

"Uh, yeah," You fumble through the first-aid kit you have, retrieving the small scissors there. You're not technically supposed to use them for ice cream packaging, but you're not cruel; the kid wants his treat.

"Hang on," You descend the ladder, scissors held carefully in your hand until your feet land in the sand.

The kid, chubby-faced and blonde, stands just below your chest, sand dusted over his rash guard and swim trunks. They're a cute pattern, and you chat with him while you slit open his ice cream.

"Do you like sharks?"

"Yeah," He nods, looking down at his shark-print swimsuit, "I think they're cool, but I hope they're not at the beach today, 'cause my dad's out there."

"Yeah, you said," You hum, glancing over the water for a split second as if you'd be able to tell which one the kid is related to, "Alright, well, enjoy your ice cream," You hand off the wooden stick to the boy, jealous that he gets to dig in while you starve on the stand, "You're lucky, y'know, those are my favorite."

"Me, too!" The boy gushes as you turn towards the ladder, ice cream already smeared down his cheek, "Thank you!"

Before you can reply you hear feet in the sand, and a deeper voice pants, "Yes, thank you."

You turn to see a hand clap itself over the boy's shoulder, and when you follow the arm it's connected to, you see the surfer you'd been admiring earlier. Your breath hitches and your mouth falls just slightly agape. It's not enough to be obvious, but if he's looking, he'll notice.

He's not looking at your mouth, though. Probably.

"Uh, this is my son," He continues, a lazy grin on his face, "Thanks for helping him."

"Oh!" You nod, setting your foot back in the sand where it had been one rung up on the ladder, "Happy to help. You're smart, bringing ice cream. They charge, like, $8 a cone on the boardwalk."

"Yeah," He laughs, still dripping from the ocean. The sound sends butterflies through your stomach, and you admire the way he tips his head back ever so slightly, "We found that out last week. Would you like one?"

"Hm?" Is your dazed reply, "A- An ice cream?"

"Yeah," He nods, "You said they're your favorite. We've got a whole box, you're welcome to take one."

"Oh, no," You shake your head, tensing slightly at the overly kind gesture, "I couldn't. Thank you, though."

"It's alright," The man puts his hands up, placating you, "Really, they're probably gonna be melted by the time we leave, anyways. Take it as a thank-you."

You want to tell him you're just doing your job, but he glances down at his son who's already halfway through his treat, "Jack, buddy, go get another one for the lifeguard?"

"Okay," He complies with a cheery grin, "Be right back!"

He races off through the sand, kicking the stuff up behind him. The man looks like he wants to scold his son, but he's running too fast to hear you anymore, and you brush it off with a shared, sheepish laugh.

"So," The man huffs, still slightly out of breath from surfing, but composed all the same, "How was I?'

"What?" Another round of confused staring, and he gives you a knowing grin that nearly knocks you down.

"I saw you watching me," He hums, and your face heats up like a stoked grill, "Was I good?"

"Oh! Uh, yes," You nod vigorously, embarrassment clogging your brain, "You're- those were really big waves, you're pretty- uh, pretty good at that."

"Thanks," He chuckles bashfully, smile only growing wider, "I don't get to surf as much as I used to. I was better back then. But it's still fun to come out here. I'm Aaron, by the way, and my son is Jack."

You nod along, introducing yourself as Jack comes barreling back through the sand. He offering you a wrapped ice cream that's, thankfully, clean.

"Thank you," You gush, taking the package gratefully from the boy, "I really appreciate it, it's hot up there and I haven't eaten since breakfast."

"Enjoy it," The man nods, ruffling Jack's hair with a wet hand that clumps the blonde strands together. He looks up at Aaron, and the man speaks to him.

"Alright, bud, I'm heading back out. Stay on our towel, and don't talk to strangers, okay?"

"Okay," Jack nods, and you pipe in.

"Except for me, if you need more help," You chime, and Aaron chuckles again, a sweet sound that makes your knees feel a little faint.

"That's true. But don't bother her for nothing, buddy." He warns Jack, already heading for where his surfboard is waiting a few feet away, "She needs to focus, she's gotta watch me surf."

At first, you think it's a tease, and you want to be just about anywhere else. But he glances back at you with a smile nothing short of kind, and you realize it's an offer, "Be my judge?"

"Okay," You brighten with a laugh, and as far as you're concerned, sitting up in the breezy tower while munching on ice cream and watching Aaron surf is a perfect ten.

[dollfaceksj]

Hey! So I saw you mention something about a new style of drabble series and I was wondering if I could request something so you can try it out?

College!JK, that’s a year younger than Y/N, that looks shy and quiet but is actually a fuckboy, he just doesn’t show it around Y/N because he respects her as his senior and being a mutual friend of his (Tae or Joon or any member)

aaa thank you! i was rlly considering trying it out and u’ve given me the opportunity. the idea is derived from @/jiminrings’ lunchbox lovers! they’re one of my fav authors so definitely check out their work <333

ps: THIS WAS SO FUN TO DO!!! i might do this for a lot of ideas i have cause its so quick and fun!!

taste of a poison paradise | jjk (m) #1

masterlist

next ->

jungkook and you cross paths every now and again, like right now when you’re sitting in taehyung’s small studio apartment watching the two of them play call of duty: black ops on taehyung’s small flatscreen

you’re seated on taehyung’s bed, back pressed against the headboard and you’ve got a view of the back of their heads as they’re sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed

“dude, how did you miss that?” jungkook groans loudly, his head thrown back in disbelief

“that’s the same person that killed you 20 seconds into the game! they’re just good.” taehyung wants to defend himself but they’re both being a little too loud and taehyung has already got several noise complaints

UNFORTUNATELY you have to be the rational one.

despite this not even being your place

“guys, quiet down.”

you have to remind these annoying fucks about the neighbors every 10 minutes.

they’re so annoying like???

acting like little kids ffs

taehyung glances at you over his shoulder and sheepishly says, “sorry.”

jungkook doesn’t say anything but you’re not surprised, the only words you two have ever really exchanged were a couple awkward ‘hello’s and ‘how are you’s

“you don’t have to apologize to me, taehyung, i’m just trying not to get you evicted!!!”

they both chuckle at that but are suddenly interrupted by jungkook’s phone buzzing

jungkook’s hand dives into his pocket and his other hand shields his phone from taehyung’s prying eyes

taehyung teases him about it. “what? is it another one of your little girlfriends?”

your ears perk up at the new info

NEW INFO ALERT

jungkook actually gets bitches?

truth or lie?

there’s no way bruh

or is he so bitchless that it’s become an inside joke ?

like he’s pretty cute you’ll admit that much

but he looks like he’ll combust any second when talking to a woman???

“you talk too much…” jungkook mumbles as he gets up from the floor, wiping his sweatpants clean after shoving his phone back into his pocket

you take the opportunity to tease the younger one, the guy that’s always too shy to look into your eyes for longer than 3 seconds

“oh, you get down like that?”

jungkook’s head turns to you after the words leave your mouth and for the first time, he doesn’t look awkward or shy to be engaging in eye contact with you

his eyes slowly drag down your body, lingering on your bare thighs

you almost jerk at the intensity of his gaze but you compose yourself, it’s just jungkook.

like he literally looks like he gets boners from just getting on a bus

just as he parts his lips to answer, his phone starts ringing again

“see y’all later.” with that, he walks out of taehyung’s flat

hm. that was

weird?

different???

tae glances over at you, a wiggle in his brows and a smirk on his lips. “he’s definitely gonna go get his dick sucked.”

you scrunch your nose up at his words. “i don’t need to know that.”

you can’t help it though. you’re a bit surprised

jeon jungkook???

having SEX???

WITH AN ACTUAL PERSON?

that does not sound logical to you whatsoever

he’s top 3 students in his year, he’s quiet and awkward. he plays video games, is obsessed with anime and is always covered in head to toe.

like that time you all went swimming and he was the only one wearing one of those damn rash guards.

with the amount of time he spends on discord you think he might have a discord kitten but that’s as much pussy he’s gonna get

in your opinion, he’s literally a pussy repeller. an anti pussy magnet. a bitchless los–

“what are you thinking about?” taehyung snaps you out of your thoughts.

shit

SHIT

you weren’t listening to a word he just said.

you raise your brows slightly. you contemplate speaking your mind but then you remember it’s just taehyung.

tae and you go way back and he’s one of your closest friends

you shouldn’t feel awkward to ask him anything that’s on your mind

“does he actually get laid?”

there’s a quick beat of silence

“why? you interested?” he smirks and wiggles his brows at you.

he’s so annoying

“gross.”

he laughs as he gets up from his seat on the floor and falls down next to you on the bed.

“you look surprised.”

“tae, he literally looks like he’ll bust a vein whenever he talks to me.”

taehyung laughs and shakes his head. “nah, joon and i told him to keep his claws off our beloved friend.”

there’s a scrunch in your brows as you process the new info.

NEW INFO ALERT

claws ???

off YOU?????

you don’t know whether to be amused or offended

you shake your head in disbelief. there’s no way he just said that

“you actually think that kid has a chance with me?”

tae glances at you with a tilt to his head.

he shrugs his shoulders. “either way. don’t pay him any mind.”

now you’re intrigued because no matter how believable taehyung seems, you still don’t believe it.

you refuse to believe it

he’s too

EUUGHHH??

you can’t describe it

and to think that they THINK he has a CHANCE with YOU???

absolutely fucking mindboggling

“you seem like you don’t believe me,” he laughs but then returns his attention to his phone. “i forget that you don’t really know jungkook that well.”

just as you part your lips to say something, taehyung adds, “hm. maybe it’s better that way.”

to be continued???

next ->

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[hotxcheeto]

My request is for arcane ( vi x female reader) were she knows the crew since they were kids but she disappeared one day after anders death jinx finds her in Silcos base because she works with him and she is jinx protector. ( she thinks vi is dead and she first meets her at the dinner scene because she wanted to look for jinx and then jinx shoot silco)

━ 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐒 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒

𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜(𝙨) - Vi x Fem!Reader

𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 - Cursing, angst, a lot of angst, not a super happy ending but open ended, make your own ending, happy or sad :)

𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 ? - Yeah but I miss things /Nope

𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 - WARNINGS BABE

PLEASE REBLOG I WORK HARD & ITS APPRECIATED!!

It was gone.

That little blue glass sphere you'd practically murdered a tiny sized town that was shaped as an enforcer army for, was gone. The thing you'd worked so hard to track down, the thing that could save so many, had disappeared.

And you had an idea of who took it.

Your boots could be heard echoing along the tall walls, pounding against the floor as you searched for a door that would lead to her least favorite room. You should've known she'd be rash. That she wasn't in control since her old memories began to rise. It was Echo's fault, he should've stayed in the darkness. But the darkness is never truly darkness when there's not an absence of light.

He was just too bright to die out.

A part of that made you proud.

Your hand reached the doorknob, swinging it open without a second thought only to be met by a chair. Facing away, but there was a rope tied around it. A person.

Your footsteps had grown quieter, stepping around to see Silco there, in the chair. He was out cold, gagged, you were nearly taken off guard, but you should've seen it coming. Part of her hated him, Powder hated him.

"Powder, leave her out of this!" Powder. You hadn't heard that name in a long, long time. Looking over to your turquoise haired friend, her braids cascading down her back. There was a dark blue haired girl in front of her, tied to another chair. You almost felt bad for her, if it wasn't for her enforcer uniform.

But there was still a twinge of guilt.

"Jinx. What is this?" You questioned, tone calm and face showing nearly no emotion.

Her mind liked to trick emotion, happiness to accusation, love to trickery. You chose none. Staring at her, almost blank, that way the voices couldn't make up their minds. They couldn't tell her, because she didn't know.

"We're having a tea party!" She said, voice on the brink of anger, frustration, almost like a child's. "Right, sister?" She turned, making you turn, both of your eyes now on Violet. Oh Violet.

She'd grown. Her structure mature. No longer that baby faced fool that would watch the stars with you. She was small then, and muscular now. She was shy then, and an idiot now.

"Y/n?" She whispered, the girl with dark blue hair looking up at you. "Oh yeah! Y/n! Look who she's in love with now!" Jinx laughed maniacally, gesturing to the girl. "Total step down if you ask me."

You hummed, never taking your eyes from Vi.

"I thought you were dead?" For a moment, tears pricked your eyes, like a barrier between the light and the dark. Your eyes showed nothing though. "You've been hiding all this time?" Your voice cracked, tilting your head, though you weren't sad anymore.

"No- no, Y/n. I couldn't come. Not until-"

"Until she made her new friend." Jinx interrupted, staring dead at her sister. A tear falling from her cheek. "She doesn't love us anymore. Because we're not the same."

You looked at Vi, then at the enforcer, your hand moving to the metal guard in front of her mouth. You held it, the girl crying as you did so. You could see the pleading look in her eye. She wasn't part of this. She wasn't like the rest. That was obvious enough.

"Let her go, Jinx." The teen looked at you, frowning, opening her mouth to speak but you continued. "She's innocent." You let go of her face, letting it fall. "Vi can make her choice then."

Vi watched you, shaking her head.

"No- no I'm not gonna choose." You hummed, turning to her, pulling your knife from your belt. "You're gonna have to, Violet. As Jinx said, we're not the same." "Jinx? So you're a part of that?"

You raised your eyebrow, staring at her in pure confusion. And she noticed it, she noticed the way you tilted your head, paused, and just stared.

"A part of what?" You asked, as if you were a child once again. Looking at your best friend for some sort of guidance. Some sort of answer that wouldn't follow.

Vander might've known. He always knew everything. You wish you could ask. But that was your fault too.

"Vi... Powder is dead. The innocence we had, is dead. It died with him. You said it yourself. She is a jinx... so what's so wrong in owning it?"

You were angry.

Jinx was hiding behind you, looking at the ground, she was trying to be brave. She was trying to be strong for you, she knew you hated when she cried. It reminded you of that night.

"What's so wrong with growing up?" You said, your voice strong now, knife faltering. "It's what you wanted right? For us to stop being clumsy idiot kids? The kids that got him killed?"

Vi was beginning to cry now.

Because it wasn't her fault either.

"No, no I never wanted that. I was just..." She trailed off, shaking her head.

"A stupid, clumsy, idiot kid." You finished, smiling slightly.

Silco was awake, he was watching. But you didn't care. You'd never liked him in the first place. No, he was a monster. Using you both as a puppet, but he didn't know you could use him too. The strings had to connect to something. But who was dancing?

"You can go. Take your girlfriend with you-" "She's not. She isn't."

You both stared at each other for another moment.

"Doesn't matter." You whispered.

"But it does."

You nodded, moving behind her chair to cut the rope. Looking at the dark blue haired girl before, walking around the table to her.

"Come with me. Both you and Powder." Vi said, standing. Frozen, holding the rope, you shrugged. "You still don't get it do you?"

She closed her eyes, as if she wanted it to be a dream. Opening them back up to face you. But your nightmarish face still stared back.

"You're not the only one that changed that night, Violet." She bit her lip, choking back sentences that wanted to form. "I know." "Then why do you keep calling her that name?"

"Because she isn't just Jinx! She's my sister!" When you both looked at her though, she looked like a child watching her parents fight. One right and one wrong. One wrong and one right. But neither of them were, not this time.

"You're right. She isn't just Jinx, and she isn't just Powder."

You then mumbled, cutting the ropes of the girl in front of you.

"One is dead, and one is a false desire." You took the metal mouth cover off the girl, petting her hair back. "She is herself, and if you can't... accept that... then..." You grip on her hair tightened for a split moment before you backed up.

"It's time for you to leave Vi..." She only peered at the ground, shaky breaths leaving her mouth. But then she spoke, this time, sure of herself,

"But I'm not ready to go."

[sixhours]

i know you by heart - chapter 4

Series Chapter Index | Read on AO3 | Complete

Rating: Explicit, 18+, here be smut Series tags: The Last of Us, The Last of Us (HBO), Prospect, Joel Miller x Ezra, Joel & Ellie, Ezra & Cee, Joel is bad at feelings and relationships, Ellie is a little shit (affectionate), mostly follows canon after season 1, SMUT, gay sex, bisexual!Joel, period-typical homophobia, light angst, romance, age gap (~10ish years), I've probably forgotten some so please let me know <3

Chapter notes: Y'all, this whole story is easily the smuttiest thing I've ever written. You're welcome. Look for the ++++SMUT+CUT++++s if you want to avoid it.

Here's some happy stuff before things get a li'l rocky.

He justifies it by telling himself it was a one-time thing.

When it happens again three days later, this time pinned to Ezra’s bed by his dark eyes and mouth moving over him, he tells himself it’s just sex.

And when it keeps happening with a certain regularity–not frequently, but enough to establish a pattern–he tells himself he’s doing her a favor, not complicating their lives with…whatever this is.

But something in Joel has woken from a long slumber. He and Ezra keep a friendly distance in public, but it’s easy to give in to the want that’s always simmering, and more than once he finds himself pulling Ezra into a secluded alley or the darkness of the greenhouse shed, frantic as teenagers among the rakes and buckets and bags of soil. He feels like a kid again, new and fumbling and overeager. If Ezra notices, he doesn’t seem to mind.

They don’t get much time. Once a week, twice if they’re lucky, on the days when patrols and work assignments line up and Ellie and Cee are otherwise occupied. Ellie has friends now, a group to hang out with after chores and school. Some days it seems like he only sees her as she’s walking out the door. It’s a natural separation that’s healthy for a kid her age…is what he tells himself. But her pulling away from him is almost a physical pain, necessary as it is.

The loneliness needs somewhere to go.

They meet at Ezra’s place more often than not. Cee’s room is in the attic, Ezra tells him, and she likes her privacy. When she’s at home, she spends most of her time with her headphones on. She’s a writer; he says this with more than a note of pride in his voice, and Joel thinks Ezra downplays his fatherly inclinations.

He learns Ezra can wax poetic about everything under the sun. Joel usually isn’t much for conversation, but he finds the constant chatter soothing. He rarely needs to do more than nod or grunt in acknowledgment while the other man listens to himself talk. It’s a lot like being with Ellie…in some ways.

But Ezra likes to use his mouth for other things.

Sporadic days of furtive touches and meaningful glances soon turn into weeks, and eventually, Joel can’t even make the excuses sound legitimate to himself…but he still doesn’t tell her.

The creek on the far side of the south quadrant is calm and warmer than usual for this time of year; perfect grounds for Ellie to learn. They trod a well-worn path through the overgrown park, past the south fields and grazing area, their towels slung over his shoulder. He’d found a pair of swim trunks and a rash guard for Ellie at the trading post, and he’s wearing the swimsuit of his youth, an old tank top and jeans cut off at mid-thigh.

The air is warm, lush with the scent of green things, early summer temperatures setting everything to bloom. Sun filters through the trees and dapples the ground as Ellie skips ahead.

Last night, limbs heavy and sated and tangled together with Ezra’s, he’d mentioned the creek in the south quad, the swimming lessons, the hope for good weather. He might have set down a time, and if Ezra and Cee happened to join them for an afternoon swim, all the better.

“It’s fucking freezing,” Ellie remarks, wading into the water up to her calves. “Why do I have to do this again?”

“Swimmin’s a good skill to have.”

What he doesn’t say: There’s a museum on the outskirts of Yellowstone. Someday he’ll take her to see the dinosaurs, and she’s gonna need to be able to swim to get there.

What he definitely won’t say: He’ll take any chance to spend extra time with her.

“On your back,” he says, now waist-high in the water, and Ellie scowls.

“You’re gonna drown me, aren’t you? Finally had enough of me. Gonna leave my body in the river and let it wash out to sea to cover the evidence.”

“You seen any oceans around here? No, I’m gonna teach you, if you’d stop yappin’. C’mon, lean back. M’not gonna let you go under.”

One hand behind her shoulders, the other under her thighs. “Take a deep breath. Put your arms out. There ya go.”

She lays back, squints up into the sky, winces and flounders to put her feet down when she feels him pulling away.

“You’re floatin’ already,” he grins. “Stop flailin’ around and you’ll stay up.”

“No, I won’t!”

“You will,” he says. “Try again.”

She does. She’s on her back, gentle current lapping at her prone form as Joel’s hands slowly retreat, leaving her buoyant.

Footsteps on the path, a familiar tuft of white hair and tan skin emerging onto the pebbled beach. 

“Hello, young prodigy…and just Joel.”

“Hey Ezra! Look, I’m–”

She turns her head and raises her hand to wave, upsetting the delicate balance, immediately plunging beneath the surface of the water. She’s sputtering and swearing as Joel pulls her up.

“Told you to stay flat,” Joel says mildly. “Hey, Ez.”

Ezra peels off his t-shirt and tosses it on the shore, then dives under, coming up and shaking the water off his hair like a dog.

“How do you even swim like that?”

“Jesus, Ellie,” Joel sighs.

“Quite easily, gem,” Ezra says, turning on his side and gliding through the water, moving toward the deeper part of the creek.

Ellie wrinkles her nose. “Show off.”

“If I can do it one-armed, I suspect you can best me with two,” he says, flicking water in her direction, making her giggle.

“You ready to try again?” Joel asks her.

“Ugh, fine,” she says, but she’s on her back and floating within minutes, grinning up into the bright blue sky.

Joel shows her how to backstroke, then she gets brave and turns to her front. Joel keeps one hand under her belly at first, but soon she’s kicking away from him with a laugh, pulling herself through the water without touching the creekbed.

Eventually, Joel excuses himself to the pebbled beach, spreads his towel out, peels off the wet tank, and lets the sun beat down on his bare shoulders while he watches Ellie practice her dog paddle. Ezra swims alongside her like a seal, encouraging and–though she insists it’s not necessary–spotting her. Sometimes he meets Joel’s eyes and his smile is warmer than the mid-summer sunshine.

Ezra joins him a few minutes later, sprawling wet and dripping on his towel with a satisfied grunt.

“Cee couldn’t make it?”

“She’s an introverted sort. Likes her solitude and quiet.”

Joel arches an eyebrow. “An’ the poor girl ended up with you?”

Ezra pulls a face. “I can’t deny, the fates have a peculiar sense of humor.”

“Joel, look!”

Ellie dives under and the water churns around her, then pops up a few feet downstream. 

“Told ya you’d float, kiddo. Keep your legs straight when you kick.”

“I do believe your young prodigy has taken to the water like the finest of aquatic mammals.”

“You could just say she likes to swim, Ez.”

“I scrimped and saved my hard-earned pay for the use of these academic adverbs, songbird, and I intend to get my money’s worth.”

“Y'know those student loan assholes are all dead, right?”

Ezra grins. “And a well-deserved death it was, the bastards.”

Joel feels Ezra’s hand slip gently over his and squeeze. Joel squeezes back before pulling away reluctantly, nodding toward Ellie.

“She, uh…she don’t know…yet.”

“All in good time, then,” Ezra says easily, tucking his arm under his head and closing his eyes. Joel tucks his chin on his shoulder, watches the man’s chest rise and fall as the water makes little tracks down his sides, feels a gentle tug of longing in his gut.

When he looks back to the water, Ellie is nowhere to be seen and the creek is quiet.

“Ellie?”

Look away for one goddamned second…

“Ellie!”

He’s up and waist deep in the water when her head breaks the surface to his left.

“Gotcha, motherfucker,” she crows.

Joel’s heart restarts in his chest. “Christ, kid, don’t fuckin’ do that to me.”

She giggles. “Got you back in here, didn’t it?”

“Shaved a few years off my life, y’mean,” he growls, hands darting out to grab her around the waist before she can get away. He lifts her up as high as he can and tosses her unceremoniously into the water to the sounds of her shrieked protests.

“You jerk!”

A small tidal wave slaps him in the face, leaves him swiping at his eyes and making for the shore. She tackles him from behind, arms around his shoulders, legs around his waist, leveraging herself onto his back like a baby monkey.

Joel catches Ezra’s eye, head rolled to one side, watching them with a smirk. Joel throws him a wink before turning his attention back to Ellie, hooking his hands under her knees and easily tossing her off his back.

“Dude, it is on ,” she says when she can speak again.

And if the swim practice eventually dissolves into a splash fight, well, that’s alright by him.

“Are you, like, seeing Ezra or something?”

Ellie meets him at the stables after patrol to help settle the horses. They walk home together, Joel achy and tired from a full day on the trails, Ellie talking about the latest drama among her friends, when she asks the question.

Joel has to force himself to keep walking and not trip over his own feet, finding it suddenly hard to make his mouth formulate a response and move his body at the same time. “I don’t–we aren’t–”

“I mean, it’s fine if you are, dude,” she shrugs. “You’re just over there every week.”

“How did you–”

“He’s good to talk to,” she continues, kneeling to examine something on the road; a caterpillar. Joel watches as she picks up a nearby leaf, carefully scoops up the critter, and carries it safely to a patch of grass.

“You don’t…you’re okay with that?”

She wrinkles her nose. “Why would I care if you’re talking with him?”

“Right,” Joel rasps, tongue like sandpaper in his mouth. “Talking. Right, yeah. We…talk.”

It’s not a lie, Joel decides, because they are technically talking.

In bed.

Naked.

After all the not talking.

Fuck.

He needs to tell her. He’s going to tell her.

“Ellie, I–”

She spins on her heel, walking backward to listen to him, head cocked. “What?”

Before he can figure out what to say, she stumbles on a large rock, flailing. He’s just barely fast enough, grabbing her by the arm before she falls on her ass. She laughs as he pulls her close to steady her, keeps her there in a one-armed hug.

“Watch where you’re goin’, kid.”

When she looks up at him, her eyes are bright with affection. There’s color in her cheeks and she’s filled out with three square meals a day and a routine and she looks so…happy.

Maybe it’s the way her head tips back against his shoulder, reminding him of how it laid almost that way when he carried her from the hospital. His throat closes with shame at the thought.

Swear to me.

He can’t do it. Can’t tell her, not yet. Not when she has something–someone–stable for the first time in her life.

“S’nothin’,” he mutters, gently dislodging her from his arm, steadying her on her feet. “Let’s go home.”

Joel returns home from a late-night patrol shift exhausted and ready to fall into bed. He trudges through the door to a note on the kitchen table. 

“At D’s, Tommy said was OK - Love Ellie”

Love Ellie.

He smiles at that, feels the warm fuzzy grip of it resonate in his chest.

Suddenly not so tired, he takes a quick shower to wash off the day and goes to Ezra’s. He lets himself in, tiptoeing up the stairs, undressing in the dark.

“Songbird?” Ezra murmurs just as he’s slipping under the covers, curling naked around his lean body and nuzzling the back of his neck.

“Sorry,” Joel whispers. “Was tryin’ not to wake you.”

“On the contrary, mon cœur , I’m glad you did,” Ezra mumbles, reaching behind them to press the length of Joel’s body closer. Joel lets his hand trail up and down Ezra’s stomach and chest, firmer than his own, not as softened by middle age. His finger grazes the pebbled skin of one nipple and Ezra sucks in a breath.

“Mmm, I do hope you’ve crept into my bed tonight with less than gentlemanly intentions.”

“Think we can make that work,” he grunts, letting his fingers travel further south, slipping beneath the waistband of Ezra’s boxers.

“Ahh, delightful,” he groans as he takes him in hand.

+++++++++++++++++++++SMUT+CUT++++++++++++++++++++++

Joel growls in wordless agreement as he cups the velvet-soft skin of Ezra’s growing erection, holds him, traces the line from the tip of his head to the base of his shaft. He plants open-mouthed kisses along the column of his neck, the planes of his shoulderblades, tasting the salt and sweet of him. He drags the rough of his stubble against the shell of his ear until Ezra’s hips jerk forward of their own volition. With his own arousal aching and nestled between Ezra’s thighs, he sets a steady, easy rhythm with his hand, relishing every little moan and gasp of pleasure as he whispers nonsense and filth into his ear until he spills warm and sticky into Joel’s palm.

+++++++++++++++++++END+SMUT+CUT++++++++++++++++++++

After, he falls asleep with the younger man on top of him, Ezra’s cheek pressed to his stomach, fingers threaded in his curls.

He wakes some unknown time later, momentarily confused. The sex is familiar but the staying after is new. It takes another few seconds to get his bearings. Ezra is gone, and somewhere a girl is crying. Ellie? No…Cee.

He catches faint sounds overhead; Ezra’s baritone, low and soothing. Cee’s voice fading to quiet. Eventual footsteps.

Joel is still sitting up in bed when he returns. Ezra looks surprised to see him.

“I hope the little bird didn’t wake you.”

Joel shrugs. “Nothin’ new. She alright?”

Ezra nods and bites his lip. “She’ll make do. Fragments of the past come back to haunt us in dreams. We do our best to banish them, but…”

He trails off, lingers at the side of the bed, troubled.

“Ellie has ‘em,” Joel says, settling back against the pillows. “The nightmares. Not as bad now, but it was rough for a spell.”

“Mmm. The child suffers the sins of the father,” Ezra murmurs, as if lost in his thoughts.

“Thought y’said you ain’t her father,” he says, arching an eyebrow.

“I’m not. But I knew her father…in a different life. And his sins were none too dissimilar to my own...”

After a pause, Joel puts out a hand. “You gonna stand there and sulk or are you gonna get over here and tell me about it?”

“Shall I regale you with the tale of your favorite one-armed scoundrel and his trusty sidekick?” Ezra sighs, allowing himself to be pulled into bed.

“Who says you’re my favorite?”

That draws a dry laugh. “I wasn’t aware Jackson had another such resident traipsing about to compete for my affections.”

“Y’don’t,” he mutters, kissing the bridge of Ezra’s nose.

“Very well. But I’ll warn you, this story doesn’t paint me in a respectable light. In fact, I do believe it might cause you to–”

“Ez,” he says pointedly.

This earns him a side-eyed glare. He clears this throat.

“Cordyceps certainly brought out our baser instincts, and I was no different. We’re all apex predators underneath this…gauze of societal finery. Some of us are just better at it than others,” Ezra says, leveling his gaze at Joel. “Do you understand me, songbird?”

“Yeah…I hear ya.”

“No clinical text can prepare one for the end of polite society. I have, perhaps, walked the hair’s breadth of a line between lawful and not, but the end of the world turned a new page in the story of my life. Eat or be eaten, kill or be killed…and I knew which side of that equation I preferred.

“I fell in with a rough and tumble crowd after I found the overbearing drudgery of the Atlanta QZ…not to my tastes. At times, I could perceive my life as an observational case study in human behavior. I could separate myself from the…humanity of it. It was almost too easy to detach.”

His eyes have gone cold and pensive, his jovial, boyish mask forgotten as he speaks. 

“There were a number of us…mostly men, a few women. The leader of our group was a man named Damon, and one of the women bore him a daughter before she passed. No doubt you see where this is going.”

Joel absently traces the lines and ridges of his hands, their warmth and softness in stark contrast to his words.

“That young girl’s name is Cee. And though the life of a raider was no place for a child, Cee was afforded a certain degree of…protection. But her father was a self-obsessed fool, too concerned with holding onto whatever meager power he could lord over the rest. Textbook narcissist, if you’ll allow me to don my psychotherapist’s cap for a moment. Cee was but another resource he could use to his advantage, and when he couldn’t…he didn’t give a shit, if you’ll pardon my French.

“He didn’t see the way the other men looked at her, or if he did, he didn’t…care to see,” he says, swallowing hard.

“I feel I should clarify before I continue that I’m not a good man, songbird. I was party to some abominable acts of treachery. I sat idly by while our women were used as toys, as bait…often worse. I had no interest in the fairer sex, but I was hardly their knight in shining armor.”

He takes a deep breath and lets it out in a controlled rush.

“I happened to be in the wrong place at the right time. She was cornered. One of the brutes clearly intended to have his way with her. So I disposed of him…my knife found the socket of his eye,” he says coldly. “To this day I harbor no regrets, but I knew we would both regret the punishment when it came.

“I admit, I wasn’t in my right mind. Or perhaps I was. I was seeing clearly the man I had become, the lows to which I had sunk, and I…couldn’t fathom being at my own mercy any longer.

“So I stood at the precipice of a new life and I…I offered her a choice. Stay with her father and his ilk to suffer the same fate, or come with me. And though I still don’t pretend to understand why…she chose yours truly.

“We all have our lines in the sand, songbird. Cee was mine.”

“I dunno,” Joel murmurs. “Think she did alright.”

Ezra offers a soft, sad smile. “It was winter. We were unprepared. We left what little we had behind and stole away that very night. But Lady Luck has followed me most of my life, and we always seemed to find a little extra, my birdie and I. We made it further than we had any right to.

“When the fine citizens of Jackson stumbled upon us, your esteemed sister-in-law among them, we were in a very sorry state indeed. I was ready to succumb to whatever whimsies they fancied. I suspect they might have preferred to put me down like a rabid dog, and I could scarcely blame them. But then…Cee protected me. Threw herself in front of a cocked gun and begged for my life.

“And so I remain steadfastly in her debt, songbird. I can’t claim to understand how to…to care for a girl like Cee, not in the way she deserves to be cared for. Truth be told, she’s wiser and more courageous than I could ever hope to be. But I have to try. She’s brought out something better in me, something…something I hardly know what to do with. Do you understand?”

“I do,” Joel whispers.

“I know you do. When I told you I sensed a kindred spirit, I didn’t just mean this,” he whispers, bringing Joel’s hand to his lips, brushing the faintest kiss along his knuckles. “I see the same in you and your young prodigy. Am I wrong?”

Joel purses his lips. “No.”

He nods. “Then I suppose the question becomes, how much good must one do to make up for a lifetime of atrocity? And will they understand when it’s time for us to pay the piper?”

Joel thinks of the long hospital hallways, the easy dependability of his hands as he fired round after round, each shot an echo of his own steady heartbeat, every one bringing him closer to Ellie. He tries and fails to find a shred of remorse in it, even now.

“We did the worst so they don’t have to,” Joel says softly. “If that ain’t a kind of forgiveness…I don’t know what is.”

Ellie’s 16th birthday is a barbeque in the backyard. Her friends come over–Dina and Jesse and Cee and a couple others, all of them clustered around games of horseshoes and cornhole, sneaking sips of beer when they think the adults aren’t looking.

Joel gives her her present the morning before the party when it’s just the two of them; a refurbished guitar upon which he’s carved twining vines and butterflies. He’d spent hours that winter in his workshop, sanding it smooth and coating it with stain and replacing the strings.

He ties a piece of ribbon around the fret and presents it to her with a shrug, her eyes shining as he holds it out.

“Offer still stands. I’ll teach you if you want–”

She wraps her arms around his neck before he’s even finished talking; not that he could with the lump in his throat.

“You promise?”

“Pinky promise,” he smiles into her shoulder.

She wrinkles her nose, pulls back to look at him. “What?”

“Y’know…pinky promise…?”

“Dude, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Sometimes he forgets there are so many things she never knew; pinky promises and Christmas presents and birthdays in the backyard.

“Oh…it’s, uh, somethin’ Sarah used to do. It’s like a handshake. But…I dunno. Here.”

He takes her hand, pulls at her pinky finger to extend it, then wraps it around his own, tugging lightly. “See? Pinky promise.”

“That’s…so lame,” she says, but she’s giggling as she says it, still holding on.

Sixteen , he thinks later, dazed by the sun and the sound of her laughter. Sixteen means patrol training. Sixteen is two more years than he got with Sarah. It’s both too much time and not enough.

Ezra shows up with a flat square of a package, something on vinyl that Ellie unwraps and fawns over. When she hugs him, his look of frank surprise catches Joel’s from across the lawn. Even Tommy didn’t get that treatment, and his birthday gift was probably the favorite–he’s chaperoning an overnight camping trip outside the wall.

“Now that’s a sight I never expected to see when I signed off on mandatory counseling,” Maria says, sidling up to him at the grill. “Thought for sure she’d fight him tooth and nail.”

Joel rumbles a quiet acknowledgment, poking at the venison sausages. “Not the only one.”

“She’s a good judge of character, though,” she says quietly. “Present company included.”

“That your way of sayin’ sorry?”

“It’s my way of saying I’m glad you’re both still here.”

Just a year ago, he and Ellie had crossed the threshold into a whole new life. There were times when he was sure Maria would have preferred he turn around and go back to Boston and stay there. As many times as Tommy tried to convince him otherwise, it’s still a shock to hear it from the source.

He clears his throat. “Heard Tommy’s takin’ ‘em camping tonight. Can’t tell if that husband of yours is crazy or stupid or both.”

Maria laughs softly. “He’s desperate to make your kid like him, Joel. I swear, sometimes I think he’s more invested in Ellie than his own daughter.”

“Dunno ‘bout that. Izzy has him wrapped around her little finger,” he says, reaching for his beer. “Ellie’s just a little harder to win over.”

“Worth it, though,” Maria says.

He watches as Ellie successfully makes a ten-point shot with a beanbag, pumps her fists in the air and lets out a crude, “hell yeah!”

“Yeah, I reckon she is.”

Later, he’s trapped in a stilted conversation with one of the neighbors–a woman he doesn’t know but he’s pretty sure Maria invited on purpose if the way she’s hanging off him is any indication–when he sees Ezra head into the house.

Relieved to have an excuse to get away, he says a terse goodbye and makes his way inside. He finds Ezra at the kitchen sink.

“Songbird,” Ezra murmurs.

“How’d you know it was me?” Joel leans against the counter, arms folded, getting as close as he can without being too obvious. He watches Ezra plunk a handful of plates into the soapy water.

“You have a very particular tread.”

“I do, huh?”

“Mmm. I apologize for ducking out. I would have said something out there but it seems you were otherwise…preoccupied,” Ezra says with a hint of amusement.

“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that,” he says, frowning at the floor. “Think Maria keeps tryin’ to set me up.”

“Maybe you should tell her you’re already spoken for.”

Joel swallows hard. “That right?”

There are moments where Joel has imagined something more. Moments when they’re tangled up and sweaty and soft in a way he thought he’d forgotten how to be, where he thinks they could have…something. The kind of something he hasn’t felt in decades.

“I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t enjoy a more exclusive arrangement. I fear we’re both getting too long in the tooth to keep sneaking around like a pair of star-crossed lovers.”

“Who you callin’ long in the tooth?” he mutters, bumping his hip into the other man’s side.

“I do believe you have a solid few years on me, songbird,” 

“Haven’t heard you complainin’.”

“And you most certainly will not,” he grins. “I like my men fully fledged.”

“Christ,” Joel says, biting back a smile. “So, uh…you think I invited you over here to do my dishes?”

“Is that a euphemism, cher ?”

Joel rolls his eyes, suppresses a shiver of pleasure at the endearment, usually spoken behind closed doors.

“No, I realize you haven’t solicited me for my housekeeping services,” Ezra continues. “But I thought you might appreciate a hand.”

“Ain’t that a euphemism?”

“Depends,” Ezra lowers his voice. “Will I have the pleasure of your company tonight?”

Joel looks around, suddenly self-conscious even though they’re alone. He chucks Ezra gently on the chin, eliciting a soft grin. It’s not a parting kiss, but it will do.

“I’d like that.”

That evening, he and Ezra stand at the gate to see Ellie, Cee, Tommy, and their crew off after extracting multiple reassurances that they’ll stay within radio distance and be back before noon. Joel swallows a healthy dose of fear, claps Tommy on the shoulder, and gives Ellie a side hug that goes on for just a beat too long.

Sixteen. Christ.

But then Ezra is by his side. They walk down Rancher Street together, anticipation blooming in the early evening glow. The door has barely closed behind them before clothes are divested, and a shared shower quickly devolves. They don’t bother drying, just fall into Joel’s bed wet and naked and pliant.

+++++++++++++++++++++SMUT+CUT++++++++++++++++++++++

Joel’s cock hits the back of Ezra’s throat, and he barely restrains himself from lifting his hips to push himself deeper. It’s too good, the hot, wet silk of Ezra’s mouth sliding over him. He brings Joel to the brink and back again, and again, and again, drawing out his pleasure until he finds himself making sounds he’s never made before.

Whining. Whimpering. Pleading.

At one point, he’s braced against Joel’s cocked knee, hand cupped around Joel’s shaft as he laps hungrily at his head, taking him in as deep as he can before pulling back and swirling his tongue. Then one slick finger presses in, curls up deep, and Joel’s groan is a full-throated animal cry. Caught in the throes, he shifts his knee and Ezra loses his balance, pitching forward, nose to Joel’s stomach.

“Shit,” Joel hisses, contrite. “Shit, Ez, I didn’t–”

But Ezra is laughing, righting himself and leveraging Joel’s shoulder to crawl up the length of his body until they’re chest to chest.

“Could have just said you wanted a kiss, songbird,” he murmurs, capturing Joel’s lips before he can apologize, making him forget why he was sorry in the first place. Then his fingers are trailing a slow but steady path between his legs and pressing inside again.

“Fuck, Ez, I–I can’t–”

“Shhh,” Ezra whispers in turn, two fingers now working in deeper, deeper. “Relax, cher . All that tension will make it mighty hard to do what I intend to do.”

“Fuuuuuck,” Joel growls, leg thrown over Ezra’s hip. His hands slide over his body without aim, finally settling on his face, pulling him in for another kiss, letting his tongue trace the plush bottom lip, nipping and supping until he’s dizzy and aching for more.

Then he’s suddenly, brutally empty, and he groans at the absence.

“Patience is a virtue, mon cœur ,” Ezra whispers, lining himself up, the hot length of him pressing inside.

Joel’s eyes are squeezed shut. He’s so full he’s forgotten how to breathe. When he opens them, Ezra is watching him with that look, the one that cuts him open and shines a light on all his most vulnerable parts. He groans, lets his thumb wander to the curve of Ezra’s lips, the corner of his mouth. Ezra takes it in, sucking hard until Joel’s cock kicks against his stomach.

“There he is,” Ezra pants, withdrawing and sinking back in. “So tight, songbird. Oh, mon amour , you do know how to treat a gentleman.”

“Ez, fuck–” he grits out, unable to focus enough to form a coherent thought, but Ezra’s mouth is on his again and he doesn’t need to think, doesn’t need to breathe, doesn’t need anything except the hot weight of his body rolling him onto his back, grinding into him, cock leaking and aching with the friction.

“Touch yourself, mon amour ,” he grits out. “I find myself lacking a hand with which to do so or I would happily make myself of service to the cause–”

“Ezra,” Joel pants, desperately trying to concentrate on adjusting to the aching, throbbing fullness within him. “Do you…ever…shut…up?”

Laughter, cut short as Joel clenches around him. “I suspect…you already know the answer–ohh yes –to that question.”

Ezra nudges that spot deep inside that makes Joel’s breath catch. He can’t resist any longer, palming his cock roughly as Ezra continues that slick, delicious slide, sawing over that spot again and again.

“Ez, ‘m gonna–”

But Ezra is preoccupied with the hollow of his throat, lips and tongue suckling, so sensitive it makes him keen. Joel lets out a cry as his cock throbs and throbs and spurts of come glaze Ezra’s stomach.

“Oh, oh, oh songbird that’s–”

Three sharp, almost painful thrusts and he’s there, spilling inside, then barely holding himself up. Joel pulls him down, revels in the weight of the other man’s lanky body on top of his sturdier one, stuck together by their shared mess.

+++++++++++++++++++END+SMUT+CUT++++++++++++++++++++

“Fuck,” whispers Joel into the white-blonde tuft of Ezra’s hair when his heart rate has finally returned to a reasonable cadence.

“Words…fail me,” Ezra mutters into his throat, and Joel grins and barks a laugh, full-throated and raw. 

“That’s not fuckin’ possible.”

“Aha, so there is a sense of humor somewhere under that brutish demeanor,” Ezra says, audibly delighted.

“Shuddup,” he mutters, nosing at the other man’s cheek until he tips his head up and kisses him with all the tenderness he can muster, which, as it turns out, is a great deal.