#Pit Babe ficlet

[chibipandaao3]

PitBabe Drabble

Slight AU taking place after Babe and Charlie made up in the last episode. No real spoilers, I don’t even mention the event of the episode beyond the powers bit.

Jeff has an important conversation with Babe regarding Charlie.

This is very short — I’m not sure how or if I’ll expand it and post it on Ao3 later. Ideas are very welcome if you have any. Additionally, if you get inspired-by all means-take this idea and run with it. Happy New Year.

“What exactly are you insinuating, Jeff?” Babe wanted to sound annoyed, but the question came out more tired than anything else. He’d forgiven Charlie, He even thought he vaguely understood why Charlie had made the choices he made. Why wouldn’t you hide from a man like Tony? If you truly loved someone, why wouldn’t you do everything you can to make them less of a target? Even the lying made some sense, regardless of how much Babe hated it. Perhaps it was foolhardy to accept the apology so easily, but he knew that Charlie had no ill intentions towards him. He could feel it. Which was why it was so confusing to have Jeff corner him suddenly. The boy had been mostly quiet since their last encounter, Babe thought he had been sick frankly with how pale he had become that night. Then suddenly he appears minutes after Charlie left, demanding to speak to Babe, “I know you are worried about your brother, but –”

“I’m a seer,” Jeff rushed out quietly, “Charlie said he wouldn’t mention it for my safety, but I want you to know,”

Babe wasn’t sure whether he was surprised or not. The revelation certainly fit in smoothly with everything else he’d learned in the last several days, “Okay. Thank you for –”

“No, that’s not…things are changing. Bad things are coming, and I think you need to understand exactly what has happened and what is at stake,” Jeff persisted forcing himself further into the house, “And I have to tell you before Charlie gets back,”

“Why?”

“Because he’s protecting you, even if it means endangering himself,” he couldn’t help but frown at the thought, “He never intended to take your power – he’s never been able to do so without pain…”

“What?” Babe blinked in confusion, “Why didn’t he…”

“He wanted to. He thought that it would make you less of a target, but he’s only been able to take someone’s entire gift when Tony…” Jeff trailed off uncomfortably, clearly regrouping in his head, “When Tony thought Charlie was powerless he tried one last thing,”

“What?” Babe was hesitant to know the answer. Based on Charlie’s story, he had been a young kid when he was brought to the house. Though Babe knew firsthand that Tony cared little about age or kindness.

“He beat him,” the words came out soft and frank. Echoing somehow despite their lack of power, “Tony beat him to see if his powers would reveal themselves, and they did. When Charlie is in eminence amounts of pain, he can easily draw away someone else's power. Like a survival instinct… Once Tony figured that out,” he trailed off again quietly.

“I didn’t hurt him…” Babe couldn’t quite keep the horror out of his words. He was certain he had not hurt Charlie, at least not physically.

“Exactly,” Jeff suddenly relaxed, “You didn’t…and he didn’t know he was taking your powers…”

The offer Charlie had given him, the willingness to end his own life so that Babe could regain his senses felt more painful and heavy all at once – like a knife to the abdomen, “but, then why would he?”

“Guilt…” Jeff shifted, looking back to the door, and sighed, “I gotta go…don’t tell him I told you – it was just important that you know. Please be careful with him,”

“Wait. I –”

“I can’t. He’ll be back soon and if he sees me, he’ll know exactly why I was here,”

[oldsargasso]

sending you the mental image of Winner doing something mildly thoughtful for Kim and spluttering when Kim says thanks and pats his head

every day I come onto this website and you cause me severe psychic damage. please never stop.

maybe it could happen a bit like this:

Winner's lived alone for quite a few years now. Sure, he's had relationships, a boy or a girl here and there, but nothing so serious it had precipitated cohabitation. He likes his own space. Likes things to stay where he left them, likes knowing that if he wants to spend three hours cooking one dish, wandering in and out of the kitchen as he pleases, he can do that without anyone commenting nervously that perhaps he shouldn't leave open flames unattended.

So it comes as a bit of a surprise to Winner that he likes sharing space with his boys. There's something of a comfort to be found in being greeted when he arrives home from a frustrating practice, or knowing that if he puts something out in the laundry it'll be miraculously washed to Kim's fastidious standards, or just having another person around in the middle of the night to watch mindless movies with until they both can sleep.

Winner doesn't share that with them, of course, but he likes it.

One evening he finds himself alone, the house empty and breathing quiet in the summer air. Kenta's at therapy, the weekly planner on the fridge informs him, and Dean and Kim are having a shopping date, so say the messages on his phone. It's hot and humid, it's not raining, the sun's still saying her goodbyes to the crickets that have started their usual nightly chorus. There's a settled feeling in Winner's chest. It feels a bit like the last rays of sun, pink and orange and so very warm.

There's always a variety of fresh produce in their fridge: Kenta likes to go to the markets every few days and wander through the stalls, carefully bargaining with vendors over whatever catches his eye. Winner stands there for a moment too long, enjoying the cool air, before deciding to go ahead and make dinner. Kenta at least will be home at the time he said he would be.

Winner likes cooking. There's a method to it, and he likes the satisfying thunk of the knife on the chopping board as he slices through carrots and broccoli. There's leftover rice from last night, plenty of eggs, a wide variety of spices and seasonings. Winner dices the chillis and leaves them aside for now. He likes spice, likes it when the food he's eating has a satisfying burn, but Kim very much does not. Sometimes they have mild meals, and sometimes Kim struggles through a dish with a smile and judicious application of water and whatever salad accompaniment is available.

Kenta's car pulls in - he doesn't park in the garage, leaves that for the others cars - and Winner knows he's got another five minutes before Kenta gets out. It's always like that, after therapy. Time enough to plate up two bowls and then toss the chillis through the rest of the dish for himself and Kenta.

As the door opens and Kenta calls his usual soft greeting, there's the sound of tyres on the driveway and another set of doors opening and closing.

"Good timing," Winner says as Kim and Dean come inside, laden with a variety of bags. They dump them on the couch, and there's the usual whirlwind of hello hello how are you feeling come here a kiss before they all organise themselves around the table.

"No, this one's yours," Winner cuts in, swapping the bowl in front of Kim for the one in front of his. At Kim's questioning look, he elaborates. "I served yours without so much spice."

"So thoughtful, phi," Dean teases, bumping their shoulders together.

Winner graciously ignores him, choosing instead to focus on the pleased smile spreading across Kim's face and the unfortunate follow-up gift of his hand on Winner's head. "Okay, okay," Winner says, ducking out of reach.

"Thank you," Kim tells him, all big sincere eye contact and happiness keeping his shoulders relaxed and soft.

"Whatever," Winner says, jabbing his spoon into his rice. "It's just dinner, don't be so dramatic."

[wileys-russo]

ignorance is bliss ficlet II l.williamson x reader

my angry cinnamon roll gf’s 🤭

feel free to read the proper full fic that this is a spin off from here

ignorance is bliss ficlet II l.williamson x reader

"did she say she wasn't coming?" lia asked again with a frown as you shrugged hopelessly, just as clueless to your girlfriends absence from training as the rest of the team, leah now almost an hour late and not answering anyone's calls.

"no she was already up and getting ready when i left, she seemed fine?" you explained, having left before your girlfriend to get a coffee with lotte who had then driven the two of you to training, leahs unusual absence causing a pit of worry to form in the bottom of your stomach.

"oh thank god here she is hold on.” you breathed a sigh of relief as her contact flashed on your screen.

“may i please be excused quickly jonas? its leah." you asked softly, wincing as you interrupted the briefing and felt everyone’s eyes watching on as you hurried out of the room, accepting the call.

"leah where the hell are you? you're late and you're never late! in fact you are always on my case about making us late to things." you rambled, stepping outside and holding the phone to your ear.

"yeah uh, i sort of…ran into some car trouble on the way there." leah replied in a strange tone of voice making you frown. "car trouble? whats happened? are you alright?" you questioned quickly with growing concern, leaning against the wall behind you as your mind raced with all the worst case scenarios.

"well..." leah trailed off and you waited patiently for an answer but there wasn't one. "well? just spit it out lee, as long as you're safe we can fix whatever happened, a car is only something material babe." you assured her softly, feeling your chest tighten with nerves at her obvious hesitation to come clean.

"no no it wasn't an accident or anything I um, well I-" leah danced around her words and you felt your patience thinning, bouncing on the balls of your feet.

"isortoflostmylicensecauseigotdonespeedingagainandineedyoutocomeandpickmeup." your girlfriend word vomited so fast you couldn't make out a single word of what she was saying. "what? slower please lee." you pinched at the bridge of your nose, exhaling deeply.

"i sort of lost my license cause i got done speeding again and i need you to come and pick me up…please." leah repeated and your eyes widened as you finally understood, the silence on your side of the line causing leahs stomach to twist into knots.

"please don't be mad i know you're always onto me about it and i really think this is the thing i needed to learn my lesson but- hey are you laughing at me?" leah frowned as you doubled over, resting a hand on your knee as you were indeed laughing at the predicement.

"oi its not funny! i can't drive for three months now!" leah shouted and you could almost hear the stroppy pout which would be forming on the older girls lips.

"it is funny because i did in fact warn you of this time and time again and you never listened. i told you so!" you sung out with a grin, leah somewhat relieved you weren't upset with her but also not appreciating that your amusement was at her expense.

"too bad i wasn't there to flirt your way out of it huh?" you smiled smugly, rewarded with an annoyed huff and a half understood grumbled insult.

"sorry what was that? you're going to walk to training? wonderful i'll see you soon!" you teased, leah yelling out a hasty apology and practically begging you not hang up, something which was more than rare from your normally over confident girlfriend.

"please come get me! i'm stranded and it's really embarrassing, what if someone recognises me?" leah whined and you rolled your eyes that of course that was her biggest concern right now.

"why don't you just sit in the car then while you wait?" you sighed with a small smile, the silence on the other end telling you all you needed to know.

"oh leah....you didn't. not again!" "stop leah'ing me, you sound like my mum!" "oh i can't wait to tell your mum about this." "don't you fucking dare!"

this was not a one off occasion. leah determined to buy the most tricked out car she could had spared no expense on the bells and whistles, though one of these had time and time again meant she’d locked her keys inside the insanely posh vehicle.

"baby i warned you when you bought that stupidly expensive car that the self locking feature would bite you in the ass." "now is so not the time for an i told you so. just come and pick me up!" "come pick you up..." "right now?" "leah!" "sorry. please please please come pick me up gorgeous. i love you?"

"i'll get someone to drive me now. you know you could just get an uber leah." "what did i say about leah'ing me!" ~

"there she is." you pointed out your girlfriend with a grin as katie slowed down a little, leah sat on the curb with her hoodie pulled over her head, clearly attempting to hide herself but the glaringly obvious red and blue arsenal tracksuit did her no favors.

"she looks like that kid who runs away from home gets about five minutes down the road and calls for their parents to come pick them up!" beth laughed at your girlfriends sour expression as you pulled beside her, though you'd note that to the others in the back all pointing and teasing her.

"you had to bring a crowd?" leah grumbled, standing to her feet and crossing her arms over her chest, glaring at beth and laura in the back who were pulling faces at her.

"what’s to say other than we all just had to witness the miracle for ourselves!" katie beamed as you leaned over and whispered something quickly in her ear, the irish woman nodding subtly with a smirk.

"go on then speed demon in ya hop!" katie teased, leah reaching for the door handle as she suddenly jerked the car forward and away from her, the four of you grinning as leahs jaw tightened.

“come on leah, in we get!” laura called out much like you would encourage a dog to return to its owner, which was not lost on leah who gave the younger girl a frighteningly filthy look.

"come on woman we haven't got all day you know!" beth tapped at her wrist mocking the time as once again leah reached for the door and katie moved the car forward slightly, sending the four of you into hysterics like naughty school kids at the back of the bus.

"nah you know what fuck this! i'm walking." your girlfriend fumed, kicking at the back of katies car and storming off down the road. you were quick to unbuckle yourself, jumping out and racing off after her as the girls all called out for her to get in the car.

"baby, get in the car." you grabbed her hand, looking at her with an amused smile as the taller blonde simply glared back at you wordlessly as you wrapped yourself around her in a hug, her arms remaining stoic by her side as she refused to engage in it.

"relax the face, relax the face." you cooed sarcastically and stroked at her forehead and cheeks trying to smooth away the deep frown lines as the defender smacked your hands away but you saw a hint of a smile grace her features as you stole a quick kiss and tugged her back with you towards the car.

leahs frown deepened as she was met with slow claps and she slid in the back beside laura, flipping them all off and sinking down into her seat.

"good news mccabe. as my work wife you have now been promoted and unlocked a new daily task. driving us to training!" you grinned as the irish woman rolled her eyes playfully.

"only if you caress my thigh and hold my hand like you do with blondie darlin." katie smirked at leah through the rear view mirror as you agreed, reaching out to accept her offered hand, intertwing your digits over the middle console.

"mccabe if you'd like to ever walk again i'd suggest you not touch her, or else i may have to accidentally studs up tackle you in every single drill." leah warned seriously, katie only grinning and bringing your intertwined hands up to her mouth, kissing your knuckles as you sarcastically swooned and leah huffed.

"now now don't worry, i'm sure vivs happy to share." beth teased, holding her hand up toward leah expecting her to kiss it as the blonde simply shot her a murderous look and smacked it away.

this was going to be a long three months.

[bennysblabbering]

An Unexpected Reaction

I deliver with Toji armpits 🤌🏼 this was way longer than I intended oops lol

contents: armpit kink, musk kink, thigh riding, praise, cumming in clothes (you're the one cumming), pet names used are babe/baby and cutie

g/n afab reader

↓ Ficlet below the cut ↓

Toji's just finished his workout in the other room, the heavy equipment hitting the ground with a hard 'thunk'. You're sitting on the couch as you watch his silhouette make its way down the hall and closer to you, his perfect broad torso on display; his outfit of choice is simply a pair of compression shorts with no shirt, and it makes you salivate at the sight.

The exhausted man sits down next to you with a huff, leaning back and stretching his arm across the back of the couch, his other hand uncapping a water bottle and bringing it to his lips.

"Good workout?"

He nods as he swallows before parting from the bottle. "'S fine. Annoys me that I can't do as much as I used to."

You shrug. "It's alright. You're still strong as fuck."

He chuckles, flexing his arms, placing his hands behind his head. "Damn right."

At this angle, you can get a perfect view of his sculpted armpit, a tuft of coarse black hair on display in the dip of the glistening muscles. The thick, savory scent of his sweat floods your senses and you can't help but let out a small hum.

"Like what you see?" He smirks, letting his arms back down and leaning back into the seat again. You playfully roll your eyes and lightly smack his chest. He must have noticed your pleasant reaction, but assumed it was from looking at his physique. Which, of course, you did love his body, but he wasn't aware of this particular kink of yours. You'd been too embarrassed to bring it up yet; you'd just started getting sexual with each other- your first time having sex was only a week ago. How would he react to you telling him about such an...odd interest? Would he make fun of you for it like previous partners had?

He takes another drink of water for a moment, huffing as he sets it down. "Gonna go shower. I fuckin' stink." Standing up, he starts to make his way across the room. Shit, when are you gonna get this opportunity again? Should you tell him? No, it's too early, he'll think you're weird!

"Hm?" He turns his face slightly with a quirked brow.

"What?"

"You just whined like a sad puppy. What, you wanna shower with me?"

You freeze and blink. Did you really make a noise like that? You must have been disappointed at the idea of him getting rid of the tantalizing musk and fucking *whimpered.* Get a grip. Fuck. What should you say?

"Um...well if you're offering, yes, but...maybe later. Can...can you come back for a sec?"

You can feel your face heat up, your cheeks turning redder with every step he takes back towards you. You ball your hands into fists and can feel your heartbeat quicken. Too late to back down now.

He sits back down where he was before, a hint of concern in his voice, but his expression remaining collected. "Somethin' wrong, babe?"

You shake your head, keeping your gaze downward. "No, no, it's just...I think..." You scoot your way closer to him meekly, keeping your eyes downtrodden but your arm makes its way to gently place on his bicep.

"Sorry if you think I'm weird for this, but...I actually...really enjoy the smell of sweat. I think you smell really good. Stay for a few more minutes?"

Chewing on your lip nervously, you look back up at him, expecting a confused or disgusted look. But that's not even close.

He's grinning like a motherfucker. "Oh yeah?"

You feel your pussy twitch. He likes the idea? Would he really let you?

You meekly nod, a smile slowly creeping onto your face. "Yeah. Um...armpits are my favorite though."

The grin is still plastered on his face as he raises his arm, the upper half parallel with his head and his forearm behind him. "Come get it then."

And there it is once again, perfectly on display; his muscular pit, sticky and warm with sweat, the thick hair puffing out, almost inviting you in. You swallow hard, feeling your core clench once again, eagerly anticipating being able to indulge in your more personal kink.

You briefly look into his eyes, searching for a hint of judgement. But there isn't. The only thing you can sense from him is sincerity and even a bit of arousal. You lean forward, all in one motion, so you can't back out from nervousness.

Nuzzling yourself into the crevice, the hair tickles the sensitive skin of your face as you take in the intense, rich smell. As everything hits you all at once, a moan is forced out of your throat. Even though you're absolutely mortified, you can't help yourself but keep going. His scent is enveloping you, slowly sending you into an aroused trance.

"Damn, cutie, you really like this huh?" He smiles down at you, feeling his own arousal rise from seeing you in such a state. "You like my stink?"

"Yeah...." You nod with closed eyes, a dazed smile on your face. If you'd known he'd be this accepting before, you'd have tried this way sooner. Placing yourself on his thigh, you grind down a little as you put both your hands on his body, one lovingly sitting on his waist as the other squeezes at his chest.

"Yeah? What about it do you like?" He can feel his own cock hardening, excited to discover a new interest of yours. He'll definitely be doing this with you more often.

At this point, you're fully lost in the scent of his musk, drooling a little and lazily dragging your needy cunt across his muscular thigh. "I...I like...that it's so...instinctual. It's full of pheromones...makes me want more. 'N it's...I dunno...something so...masculine about it."

"Oh? You like it 'cause I'm a man, huh?" He grins as he uses his other hand to place on the back of your head, pushing you even further, your face now completely enveloped in his pit, skin meeting skin. "Maybe I should work out here more often, really get that nice sweaty stink goin' for ya. Huh, would you like that?"

You simply whine and nod in response, unable to form words anymore. You almost feel high. And knowing that you trust each other so much to do something so intimate, especially something others might judge you for outside of this room, really makes your heart swell for him.

You can feel that familiar warm and tight feeling building in your core. Fuck, are you actually getting close from this? How does he always know the perfect things to say and do in every situation, even something he's never done before?

"Good little cutie. So good for me, like me so much you even want my scent, you want me bad don't you? C'mon baby, I can tell you're close. Give it to me. C'mon, be good for me. Cum all over me, show me how much you like my musk."

And finally that thread snaps. A gush of warm juices are released from you as you tremble and moan, gripping onto his body for dear life as you make a mess on his leg, whimpering into his armpit as you ride out your high.

Pulling back with shaking arms, your heavy and enamored eyes lock with his. His deep gaze softens as he smiles slightly, content with your satisfaction. You're still lost in the post-climax high; you giggle and place a kiss to his lips before laying your head on his shoulder. He wraps his arms around you, picking you up and making his way down the hall once again.

"Alright baby, time to shower."

[timotey]

Ficlet: Of Secrets and Lies

Pit Babe. Charlie/Babe. A future AU missing scene (is that even a thing? 🤔). Unbeta'd.

Charlie wouldn’t lie to him about something like this. Would he?

(Yes, I wrote an mpreg. Go me! My first since 2014. Wow. Who woulda thought? A mesh-up of book and drama. Just... hand-wave your way through.)

***

A month after Charlie’s death at the racetrack, almost to the day, actually, Babe starts feeling sick.

He doesn’t pay much attention to it at first. He’s been feeling under the weather for days now, listless and drained, his mind stuck in the moment he felt his powers return to him, his heart stuck inside the emergency room where, as his newly expanded hearing revealed to him, his lover just flatlined. He can’t sleep, he can’t eat, he can’t… he just can’t. So when he gets sick, it doesn’t really come as a surprise to him.

But his sickness doesn't go away, the thing is. And one morning, as he’s bent over the toilet once again, throwing up where there’s nothing to throw up in the first place… he pauses. Because a crazy, absolutely impossible idea crosses his mind.

No way. No. Definitely not.

And yet.

No. Because Charlie wouldn’t lie to him about something like this. Charlie who… lied to him about everything else at first before finally coming clean. Maybe he just didn’t get the chance to tell him the truth about this. But he wouldn't. Charlie wouldn’t, not about this. Not when he knew Babe’s situation, first hand, the danger Tony presented.

And yet.

A simple pregnancy test would tell him the truth. But Babe wouldn’t be able to stomach it, such an impersonal confirmation of Charlie’s betrayal. It would… it would destroy him. He knows that.

So he chooses the next best option: he goes to Jeff.

“We need to talk!” Babe tells Jeff when he finds him in the garage and without waiting for Jeff's answer, he walks out again, out the back where the little smoking area offers some privacy.

Frowning, Jeff follows him out. “What is it?” he asks uncertainly. They haven’t seen each other in days and Babe looks… well, he looks terrible. Drawn and pale and wired tight.

Babe whips around and snaps out harshly, “Tell me that Charlie wasn’t an Enigma!” It’s not a question, it’s an order. “Tell me he did not lie about this too!”

Jeff blinks rapidly, confused, because whatever he expected, this apparently wasn’t it. “What? Why would you…” His voice trails off as his eyes widen. And before Babe can react, Jeff reaches out and touches him, letting his powers sink into Babe.

Babe pulls away but Jeff must've gotten what he needed. Because he breathes in sharply and stares at Babe, shocked by what he saw.

“What–” Babe starts saying but Jeff cuts him off.

“He was,” Jeff says, still staring at Babe, shaken. “Looks like Charlie was an Enigma.”

Babe swallows hard, his heart, already beating hard, picks up the pace even further. He’s feeling cold all over, his hands are freezing. “So… he lied about this too.”

But Jeff shakes his head vehemently. “No. He didn’t. He really didn’t know about this. I swear. He thought he was a regular Alpha, nothing more.”

Laughing harshly, Babe says, “How could he have not known? All it takes is a simple test, all Alphas take it when they reach puberty. Hell, I took it! He must’ve–”

“But Charlie didn’t, that’s the thing!” Jeff interrupts him. “Remember, Tony thought him useless. That’s why he let Charlie go when he ran away. Tony had no incentive to put Charlie through the test because Charlie was no good to him, not even as a test subject.”

“So, you’re telling me that Charlie - what? He simply assumed he was a regular Alpha?” Babe demands in disbelief.

Jeff shuffles his feet uncomfortably. “Well… yeah. Enigmas are rare. The odds of actually being one are, well, impossible.”

“Obviously not impossible enough,” Babe mumbles and closes his eyes.

Because he feels faint. He hasn’t truly eaten in days, being unable to keep anything down anyway, and Charlie is dead - Charlie is dead! - and he’s… he’s pregnant, it seems. And it’s too much. It’s all just too much. There’s white noise in his ears and he can feel a tingling sensation seeping up his arms and legs and…

“Fuck.” He staggers.

“Hey,” Jeff yelps and grabs Babe by the arms, leading him to sit down on the edge of a concrete planter with a some dried out plant struggling vainly. “Sit before you fall. There. You okay?” 

No, Babe's not okay. Of course he’s not okay, damn it. And fuck you, Charlie. Fuck you for doing this to me. Fuck you for… for dying on me!

Babe breathes in and out slowly, again and again, until the faint feeling passes. Only then does he open his eyes and looks at Jeff who’s now crouching in front of him, looking up at him in concern. 

“What… what will you do?” Jeff asks in an uncertain whisper.

“About?” Babe asks back.

“Well…” Jeff’s voice trails off and he waves his hand at Babe, at– 

Oh.

Odd. Ever since that morning, ever since that possibility occurred to him, his head and his heart have been in turmoil - but not once, not once did the idea of an abortion even cross his mind. Babe realizes that’s saying something.

“I will keep it,” Babe says, quietly but firmly. “Of course I will keep it. It’s Charlie’s kid, Jeff. Charlie’s!” He has to fight with himself not to lay his hands on his abdomen protectively. Because there’s no danger to his child here. Not here.

“But other than that? I have no idea what to do,” Babe admits, clenching his hands into fists. “When Tony finds out - and he will, a kid isn’t a hangnail, you can’t just… hide it! - when he finds out, he’s going to raze X-Hunter to the ground and everyone with it to get to it.”

Jeff looks down, thinking hard. It takes a minute but when he looks up again, it’s apparent that he came to some decision. He doesn’t like it - at all, if Babe can tell - but he's determined to see it through. He nods to himself. Then he gets up and says, “So, we’ll just have to take Tony out before it comes to that.”

Babe laughs at him. “Take Tony out? That bastard is untouchable!” He should know.

Jeff waves a hand dismissively. “We already have a plan all set up and ready to go. We’ll just have to... speed up the timetable, is all.”

Babe narrows his eyes at him. “Who is ‘we’?” he asks suspiciously.

An uncomfortable look passes across Jeff’s face. He clears his throat awkwardly, takes a deep breath and says, “Well, the thing is…”

And then he proceeds to tell Babe the truth.

“He. Did. What?!” Babe roars and he would jump to his feet if his head weren’t spinning. He’s furious, absolutely livid. And elated. But mostly livid, at least for the moment. “I’m going to kill him,” he spits out. “I swear, this time, I’m going to personally beat him to death, the fucker!”

And when Babe next sees Charlie, when Jeff brings him to where Charlie's been hiding this whole time, ever since his faked death, Babe punches him, hard, laying into him with everything he has. Because how dare he? How dare he do this to him? How…

And then he kisses Charlie, just as hard, and he hugs him fiercely and he cries because… because Charlie's alive. Charlie is alive and nothing else matters.

[iphoenixrising]

Dick and Tim and Jay in some combination:

DickTim

Angst: I've already forgiven you, but I won't make the same mistake twice | Effect | Fallen (‘What if Dick didn’t catch Tim when he fell through the window’)| Get wrecked Dick! (HC) | Tim moves on angst | Subdue | Last Line game | Cold Reception (HCs): Too old to cry, Get Wrecked

Misc Ficlets: The night the Flying Graysons Died | Tarantula (HC) | Birthday, Dick & Tim & their parents (HC) NSFW: The Suit (for 400 followers!) & Worth the Wait | Soul Mark

Sentinel/Guide WIP

The Body Swap epic The Swap & The Fallout & The Follow-Up (for 300 followers!)

Time Travel: Links & One & Two

Detective!Dick AU: Red Hood!Tim au (for my babe poison-basil) & art! | Civillian!Tim au

Dom!Dick/sub!Tim AU: One &|Sub!Tim SFW? &|Continuation?|Part II on Ao3|Part III|Sub!Tim Omake: Superbats | Ask | and another | Bruce initially struggling |Sub!Tim WIP challenge post | Mostly NSFW WIPs

DickTim Week 2021 On Ao3 | Day 1: Creature!Dick | Rambling about what happened after Creature!Dick | Day 2: Sad Time Loop, watch your feels | Day 3: AOB and BDSM with Alpha!Tim and Omega!Dick | Day 4: Dark!Dick and Vampire!Tim. Warnings for captivity, torture, blood-letting, and missing Bruce | Day 5: Winged Talon!Tim au. Warnings for violence, brainwashing, and injuries. | Day 6: Truth and Mutual Pining

DickTimJay

SFW: DickJay travel thru time for Tim | & creepy Ra's | DickJay came for Tim | Boneless | "Don't!" | Tim being Tim | Childhood (for 200 followers!) | Jason's Shirts (HC) | Boyfriends to the rescue! | memory loss ask |Missing memory, more ideas | Soul Mark AU: One & Two Soulmate au Epilogue for 800 Followers! (NSFW) & Art!!! | Strip Tease The First Ask And the continuation | Headcanons: Bond & Incomplete

NSFW: Whole Lotta Nice (HC) | Stuck in a Wall | Food kink | Birthday | Christening (for 600 Followers!) | Need: One & Two | Art & Art: AO3 | Counter: One & Two | Venom!Jay: HC & Ficlet

Mer!Dick, Mer!Jay: Logistics | One & Two (in which I like it better if they speak Mer language and they can’t understand each other; minor breeding kink) & Thirst & Future

Fic Rec: On the Clock by chibinightowl

JayTim

Misc: “For this,” he cracks his neck a little, “call me Robin instead.” | Tim waking up from a nightmare about Jay killing him| 700; JayTim vs NHFDB | Thinking | I Choose You | Knife kink | Pit Rage (HC)

Bottom Jason Todd Week: Cam Boy Jason, JayTim | Bottom Jason Todd Week: Willing impregnation | Jay's birthday NSFW

De-Aged Jay (based on fanart): Ficlet | HC

Night Call (Stripper!AU; NSFW): One & Two & Three

Praise Kink (NSFW): Ficlet | PodFic (& my take on a Gotham Accent) | Heart-to-Motherfucking fist

Robinpile Praise Kink idea | The initial ask | Chip’s art | A snippet of the idea

Bad Idea: (Space Salvagers AU): Ficlet & HC

Fic Recs: Are you Trying to Kill Me? by chibinightowl

DamiTimNight Sky: One & DickJayTim (HC) & "Gotham and Explosions" (for 100 followers!) & "Poke" & Two & Three & Finale

Tim-centric:

Tim (art rec)

Caroline: TimKon | DickTimJay & NSFW drab based of @curdleddoodle's amazing art

Misc Tim HCs: Ra'sTim: Bard | Marshall | Concussions & 90s | Brain | Plans | Fighting | Birthday | Family | Religion | Security & Steph | Steph or Tam | Why I Like Him Tim's hair: One & Two & Hair-pulling kink & His Weakness Tim's scars: One & Two & Three Supervillain Tim Drake:Supervillain Tim Drake | All the Titans as supervillains

[le-trash-prince]

Pre-KentaDean WIP

Another week, another Pit Babe WIP. Gonna ride this train as long as it lasts.

This one is tied to the Bad Guy polycule. I’d said it was gonna be a ficlet, but it is going to be a little bit longer than a ficlet oops @oldsargasso

Kenta takes to sitting quietly with Dean at the bus stop, smoking through a cigarette while they wait. Kenta never actually gets on the bus with him—he’s dropped off by a driver each morning, and Dean assumes it’s the same employee picking him up once Dean is gone. That is, he thinks it’s an employee until Dean’s bus runs late one day, and the car pulls up to the curb, and when the passenger side window rolls down, it’s Kim sitting inside. Dean sits there dumbly, frozen in surprise, while Kenta simply crushes his cigarette under his heel and steps into the car, nodding briefly at Dean before he goes. Kim gives Dean a long, appraising look—there’s no judgment in it. The man seems to take things for what they are, like “Oh there’s that guy who used to race for X-Hunter that I replaced.” And Dean knows it’s not like that, but it’s easier to bear than thinking about Charlie replacing Dean, or Kim replacing- Anyways. Dean brings it up on their next shift, “Because seriously, why is Kim giving you rides?” Kenta just tilts his head in that way Dean has come to interpret as a shrug. “He thinks I won’t show up if he doesn’t make me.” Dean frowns. “That’s dumb. You’d get arrested if you didn’t show up.” “I know,” is all Kenta says, and there’s a tense line in his shoulders that broadcasts more than he probably thinks it does. Oh. Okay. 

Edit: Completed work here

[noodyl-blasstal]

After the aftermath - Blupjeans Week day 8 (weeks are longer now, sorry)

My @blupjeansweek prompts are part of a story and this is a little ficlet to tie it all off! Find the others here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 or on Ao3

When people asked for the proposal story Barry never really knew what to say. They didn’t want to hear “one day Lup said it’d be baller if we made our wedding rings out of bone and I had some at home, so we did it, and look here it is! She did that cool twisty thing here first try. Isn’t she great?” Most people outside their immediate family just did weird squinchy faces about it or looked sympathetic. Barry had no idea why, as far as he was concerned it was perfect, mostly because Lup wanted to marry him and he wasn’t really bothered about anything else. 

“How about the bone church, babe?” Lup asked, stretching her legs out in front of her on their picnic blanket. 

Barry stayed cross legged and hidden from the midday sun in the shade of Lup’s parasol. “I know it’s what your spooky heart longs for, and I want you to have the perfect day, but bones or not it’s still a church.”

“And?”

“We’re not in any way religious? Or, well, the right kind of religious, church religious, obviously I worship you.”

Lup snorted. “Bad. Awful. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Said Barry, and squeezed her hand. “How about the university?” 

“So we don’t have to take leave?”

Barry laughed. “Yeah, we’ll just get Dav to use his captain powers and do it in the 10 minutes between lectures when we rush past each other in the hall on Fridays.”

“Taako would have to be there.” Lup said thoughtfully. “But  I think we could make it work… the drama of the time limit sounds kinda hot.”

“I… No, I mean… that wasn’t a serious suggestion, Lup. I was thinking more like the library, or the fancy hall? We could shove everyone round one of the big dramatic bench tables. Plus, we’d get staff discount. I bet they’d let us decorate it however we want as long as we put it back again after. We’re fire wardens too, so that’s the safety certificate sorted.” 

“Ooooh, we do have all those skulls to en-candle. They can’t stop us from having flames if we’re qualified about it.” Said Lup, sitting up a bit straighter. “And we could wrap twinkly lights round the beams…”

“... oh! And we could probably steal the flaming carpet from the office and see if Taako would be able to transmute something longer.”

“Pssh, he’ll be offended if we imply anything other than unfailing confidence in his ability to do it.” 

“Good point. I’ll let you bully Taako into doing a lot of manual labour.”

“He’s got Kravitz for that. Goth boy will be on carpet rolling duty as soon as Taako asks. He’s got it bad.” 

“They both do.”

“Yeah, they do.” There’s a long pause, a comfortable one. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever have this, you know?” Lup said. Barry didn’t dare say anything yet, Lup didn’t talk about the past a lot. He knew it was a hard topic and he wanted to let her get the thoughts out without interruption so he just squeezed her hand and hoped it conveyed ‘I’m here’, ‘I’’ve got you’, ‘I love you’. “There was just a time in the middle there where I wasn’t sure how we were gonna climb our way out of the shit pit life dropped us in.” 

“But you did.” Added Barry, unable to hide the pride in his voice. Sure, his life hadn’t been a walk in the park, but he’d always had Marlena.

 “We did.” Lup nodded. “And now we’ve built a whole family, and Taako has Kravitz, and I have you.”

“Forever and always.” Said Barry, nodding firmly. “You can’t get rid of me now…” He winced. “Okay, wait, no, that sounded creepy, but you know what I mean.”

“I do.” Said Lup, and leaned over to kiss him on the nose.

[ragingbookdragon]

This Isn't Red Vs Blue! This is Hot Pink Vs Electric Blue!

Dick Grayson x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 460 Warnings: None

Author's Note: 3/3 of the ficlets for my dear @multiverseofwonders! Love you! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“Hot pink,” he growled, propping his hands on his hips. “Her collar is going to be hot pink.”

The man in front of him scowled and yanked the pink collar out of his grip and put it back, ignoring his lover’s sharp gasp of disbelief. “Electric blue.”

“Richard John,” he stressed, elongating the syllables, “Haley’s collar is going to blend in with her fur if we get blue. If we get pink, it’ll show better.”

His lover frowned but held firm. “The blue is prettier and that’s what we’re buying.”

“The pink is prettier,” he retorted, yanking it off the rack to show the puppy perched in the shopping cart. “Isn’t that right, Haley?” he cooed. “Who’s a pretty girl? Who’s the prettiest girl?”

The little pit-bull wagged her tail and propped herself up on the cart with one paw, yapping at the two men; Dick looked down at her. “How are you going to do me like that, Haley? You and I are a team. The Dynamic Duo of Nightwing and Bitewing.” He held out the electric blue collar. “Our colors are black and blue!”

“Oh no, you don’t!” he countered, showing the pink collar to her.

The two men glared at each other while Haley merely looked between the collars and suddenly yipped, trying to climb out of the cart. They paused and watched as she struggled towards an electric blue collar with hot pink bat symbols on it. He blinked and picked it up, putting the pink collar back, and showed it to her. Haley took it in her mouth and sat down, a smile on her lips as her tail wagged against the buggy.

He looked at Dick. “I think she wants the dual-colored collar.”

Dick harrumphed and put the blue fabric back on the rack. “She still went for a blue collar and not a pink one.”

“Keep talking like that,” he warned, picking Haley up in his arms to carry her around. “And me and Haley will take the bed and you can sleep on the dog bed on the floor.”

“You wouldn’t kick me out of my own bed with my own dog,” Dick retorted, and he spun, giving his lover the stink eye.

“Try me, Little Boy Blue.” He rubbed Haley’s cheek against his own. “Me and Haley will snuggle up in the bed and you’ll be sad and lonely on the floor.” Sticking his nose in the air he turned and said, “Come on, Haley, there are pretty sweaters and tutus to go look at on the next aisle.”

She yipped in response as they turned the aisle and Dick sped with the cart. “Wait babe! I was just joking! Don’t kick me out of the bed! I want snuggles too!”

[phoenixfire-thewizardgoddess]

Caustane Fic

Here, enjoy a quick slap-dash mess of a ficlet. Gift for @grezzirossi

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

Scientific Discovery

"Come on come on come on, compadre..." the lithe green blur beged, moving from one end of th laboratory to the other, disrupting countless experiments with his questing fingers and endless curiosity.

"Please refrain from dipping your fingers in that serum... on you will lose them. Permanently." Caustic warned, seemingly not taking his eyes from the microscope before him even a split second. There was a considering pause...

"And do not try dipping your tongue or any other appendage you wish to keep, in the serum." Octane, tongue halfway towards the fizzing beaker, pauses. "Aww...."

Caustic doesn't move when he feels wiry arms wrap about his waist, an exasperated sigh pressed into his back.

"But I'm so booooored, amigo... when are you going to be DONE? It's been AGES!" Tavi whined, fingers fiddling at the various tubes and pouches dotting the larger legend's outfit. They lingered over a series of rather jagged tears in the suit where Caustic had been brought down by bullets earlier in the match.

The scientist noted how the ever fidgeting digits stilled, almost contemplatively, over the now healed injuries. It was not hard to fathom the thought process...

"Do not concern yourself with the damage, it was simply how match concluded. There was nothing that would have changed the outcome without a completely differnt set of variables."

"Yeah yeah yeah, I know... just don't like it when I have to shoot you down. Or Che. Feels like... the opposite of a rush, you know?" Octane sighed again, sagging against the yellow fabric.

Realising that his evening plans to complete the new nutrient formula for his Gaean fauna was unlikely to conclude successfully... he gently removed the slide and placed it into a containment module.

"I am not... the best at reading emotions, Octane, but even I can sense that you are filled with a sense of disquiet and despair over your victory today." he says slowly, almost tasting each word as it rolled off his tongue.

Sentiment was not always an easy discussion for him, but when it came to this particular human... he could try. "If, perhaps our... mutual partnership is impacting your functioning in the games, then it may be best we terminate it here." he suggested, finding a quiet gnawing discomfort growing in his chest at the thought of dissolving... this. Whatever one might refer to it.

Caustic saw them as symbiotic, natural counterparts from two different ends of evolution. The clever and quickwitted, the solid and the speedy, a difficult duo to best. Thus why the Syndicate had gone out of their way to avoid pairing them recently. One too many wins and betmakers were getting suspicious things were rigged.

Of course, pitting them against one another caused... other issues.

"I mean yeah, winning was awesome! My fans loved it!" Octavio crowed, delighted as he pulled out his phone automatically. Quickly shoving it away when he recalled Caustic's reluctance to be in pictures outside the games. "But... but it felt off having to down you..."

"If you had not, I would have been forced to kill you. Is the alternative any better?" Caustic queried, feeling the way the arms tightened automatically.

"Yeah but you LIKE killing, amor... and it's kinda hot when you do, but it just felt weird knowing I did this!" Octane's fingers dipped into the bullet holes, his hot fingers brushing against the tender new skin covering what was once gaping wounds. Caustic could feel the grin as his abdominal muscles clenched instinctually from the sudden contact.

"Mmm... but perhaps I am enjoying this reaction, Nox... do you like when I slip my fingers into your holes?" Octane laughed, even as he was shoved away by a semi-disgusted scientist. "Aw c'mon babe, you know you love it when I go full stim-mode on your-..."

"Please do not finish that sentence or I may be forced to kill you." Caustic intones, voice meanacing but with a distinct lack of bite. He was clearly enjoying the exchange, but going to great lengths to pretend he wasn't. And speaking of great lengths...

When the towering figure turned around, it left Octane eye-level with his prize, as he sat splayed on the floor. Something about the costume just accentuated... well, everything about the mad scientist. He could feel his heart thudding faster, heat flooding his cheeks and spreading to his cock in a way stim never quite could.

His hands swarmed up the dark tights, sliding underneath the blinding yellow protective material, still coated with spatters of blood from the match.

"Hmmm..." Caustic replied, not exactly encouraging, but not overly stopping him either. Seeming content to simply observe...

Tavi loved this. He was a risk taker, an adrenaline-junkie... and what else could make his heart pound harder than knowing he was both at the mercy of, and seemingly in full control of, a man like Caustic?

That he could let his fingers untangle the complex belt system beneath the outfit and delve deep within to cup the burgeoning shaft. The thickness always made his mouth water, as he raised to his mechanical knees. The padding on the joints prevented the chill lab floor from bothering him overmuch.

"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, show me the good compadre... you know I love it when you let me give you a rush!" he grinned, languidly stroking the shaft within teh tight confines of the man's legend garb.

His smile fades as his hand is swiped away roughly, and his eyes dart up to identify whether there's been soe miscommuication here.

"No... I believe that perhaps you are the one that requires a... rush, before you overthink yourself to a state of paralysis about the match." Caustic concluded, reaching down to pull Octavio upright without seeming to expend any effort at all. The sensation of being lifted went straight to Tavi's cock, and he felt it grind frustratedly against the protective fibre of his pants. They were flameproof, yes... stain-proof, no...

In an uncharacteristically tender movement, Caustic pulled him close, pressing him tightly against the rubbery fabric of the suit. His eyes filling with an almost radioactive yellow for a moment, before all he could focus on wa the muffled thudding pulse of his lover's heart, and the sharp inhale/exhale of the man's mask.

The hand at the nape of his neck was gentle, considering any other would have had their vertebrae broken in a sharp jerking motion by now, for daring to come this close.

"Tell me again, if you wish this..." Caustic said, tone ambiguous as if he cared not either way. "OR I shall return to my work and you may do what you wish in yoru quarters."

"Please..." Tavi manages, pulling back from the mild suffocation. "I want to feel you inside me until I can't come anymore, so I can carry you with me into tomorrow's match. If you can manage that, amor..."

"I think such an experiment can be arranged, Octavio. Now... put your hands before you on the bench and do not remove them for even a moment or I will cease." Octane placed both hands on the clear labtable before him, devoid of any ongoing experiments, and felt the thrill of exhilaration run up his spine as Caustic slipped down his jogging shorts. His cock, already erect and visibly oozing a thick bead of precum, bounced free in the temperature controlled air.

It sent goosebumps up his arms, his legs, his neck. Caustic placed a glove beside the runner, and dribbled something across the bare fingers on display. Octavio couldn't help but want to suck on them, it was so rare that he caught Caustic out of some form of glove... in a weird way it was more intimate than catching him maskless and naked.

His right leg bounced, all energy being contained in a single spot. He couldn't even stay still when asleep, let alone when his nerves were keyed up like this.

The still-gloved hand ran up the length of his back to his shirt, and then down again before admiistering a perfectly positioned slap to his buttocks. Tavi moaned, loving the sensation, as he always had, and feeling his knees tremble at the sensation of fingers sliding inside.

They'd been on the jumpship for months now, even before he and Caustic became... well, this. No privacy. One simply had to pretend they didn't hear others in their open-plan spaces having a quiet game of mess-the-sheets every so often.

Still didn't fully understand what Path or Rev or Ash were doing when those noises emanated from their areas... kinda afraid to find out. Also very curious.

The sudden sensation of two fingers in his hole snapped his wandering focus back to th moment, their pressure on his prostate anchored him to the now.

"Oh... yes, there amigo..." he moaned, wantonly like he was about to burst, and felt the way Caustic began to prod incessantly.

"D-do you think Pathfinder ca-... ah" he grasped at the surface of the desk and found no purchase as the fingers found a new friend to delve into his depths. "...can crank it? Or wh-...huh...whatever he's got d-down there?"

The fingers still a moment, thoughtfully pressing up against his prostate but not moving at all, as Caustic considered the query. Something he likely would not have entertained for any other.

"...I do believe he can. As can revenant... though I have no information to suggest if the new simulacrum is capable of such feats, for she has limited data available." mused the other man, fingers moving again. "Is that something you dream of, Octavio? When I am drilling you close to orgasm, your mind wanders who else could be satisfied bysuch ministrations?"

"N-nah... just wondering if they c-can... 'cause I heard some weird st-uh-ah-yes, there!" he cried out, grinding back desperately, hands obediantly on the lab benchtop as he felt the heat in his abdomen pulse hotly.

"There! Yes! Ah!" His come spurts out to coat the underside of the bench, the floor, and dribble down his still twitching cock. Heart thundering in his ears and hole clenching tightly at the fingers within as they mercilessly forced him into a second wave of pleasure.

There were many side effects to stim, and some felt that the exceedingly short refractory period after orgasm was not one of them... but Tavio felt that, when one had a boyfr-... partner like Caustic, who could try to make you come every few minutes for hours on end to test your limits... there were some drawbacks.

It was a tad awkward to explain to Che why he could barely walk the next day, the last time...

White streaks painted the normally stark, sterile decor and dribbled towards the floor.

"Mmmnh... more, please..." he gasped, hands clenching to fists as he felt the other continue his assault, not allowing Tavi a moment of peace until a third orgasm had reduced him to a shivering mess.

Only then was he gently pulled back into Caustic's arms and slick fingers pressed to his throat to check his vitals. A small juicebox appeared from somewhere, and he sipped greatfully at the little straw. Mouth flooding with sacharine fruity flavour that he immediately shared with his lover by way of kissing him like nothing else existed.

Pulling apart, he gasped heavily. "That was amazing, as always! I wish you would let me stream it sometime, I'm sure my fans would pay extra for a video like that..."

"I am glad that the experience met your expectations." Caustic returned, glowing green eyes slightly softer than usual, in a way they only were with Octane, and sometimes with Wattson... but for vastly different reasons.

Octavio crushed the empty juicebox with a hand and hurled it expertly into the nearby rubbish bin. A hungry grin spreading across his face as he noticed the telltale arousal from earlier making itself known beneath all those layers.

"Care to take my temperature with your equipment, Doc? Get some real acurate readings if you go deep enough..." he teases, pulling the other closer. "Do you want to take me on the bench? How about on one of your traps? Oooh, how do you get them to fill so accurately each time, you should let me look at the compression modules I might be able to supercharge my jumpads with them and-..."

Octane caught himself, and was surprised at the genuine fondness in Caustic's eyes, and a hint of excitement, prehaps because of the shared passion around gas compression as a means of fast and efficient deployment of ultimates... but possibly simply because it was Octane doing the talking.

"It is a relatively simple mechanic, that I believe can be easily adapted to make your jump pads more efficient to deploy. However, we would need to run some experiments, and perhaps identify if the variables can-..."

Without another word, Tavi turned and placed his hands back on the bench, arching his back to gain the full attention of the scientist. "C'mon amor, if you keep talking like that in that sexy tone I'm going to come all over myself again. Tell me while you're deep inside me and I have no where to run. Okay?"

A bare hand struck his backside for the impudence, and two large hands descended to pry the cheeks apart. Rutting the massive length in the slick of before, making certain that there would be no hinderance to entry.

"If you consider that the current model of your jump pad," Caustic said, his heavy tip pushing through the slick ring of muscle and stretching in a deliciously decadent way that Tavi could feel in his toes. He rocked his hips to accept more as the other spoke. Rewarded with the equally eager thrust of his lover. "I believe we could substantially improve on the model by-..."

Caustic paused a moment, as he slid in to the hilt with a final thrust, grinding right against the sensitive bundle of nerves that sent Octavio cresting into another orgasm. The doctor rocking his hips so that he dragged out the climax in a beautifully cruel way until Octane gasped into another and collapsed on the benchtop.

"...by recreating a smaller design with a more powerful compression-loaded deployment option. It should take some time to replicate, but if corect, would provide you with a better escape option from the ring or enemies." Caustic advised, his bare hand tracing soothing circles across the flushed tan skin of Tavi's back. "Is this too much for you at this time?"

"No way, amigo... g-give me all you got, I wanna feel you pulse inside me. Gimme the kinda injection I can't get from stim, hey?" Tavi goaded, rolling his hips and groaning at the sensation. "Wanna make your heart race like you do mine.."

"I did not take you for a poetic person, Octavio... but it would be accurate to say that you do, already. Mechanical affection aside, there are intangible variables that have led us to this mutual attraction..."

"Pfft, you are such a dork, amor, just say you love me... you're like eight inches deep inside me and still using big words. C'mon, c'mon, come in me!"

"If you insist..." Hands tighten about his hips and the turgid length pulls back before slamming home again, rocking him almost violently into the edge of the bench.

"Yeah yeah yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" Tavi crows, feeling another climax crawling up his already tingling spine.

Caustic begins to thrust hard, deep, prefectly precisioned to break Octane apart in the best way. He could not help but slide one hand free of the table to cup at the periodic buldge that rose in his abdomen with every thrust. When he gripped it, he could feel Alexander's surprise, and the sensation sent him into another orgasm.

He was going to need an entire punchbowl after this, or he was going to die of dehydration... but what a rush! What a way to go! The edge of the table bit into his hips in a way that sent pleasurably painful feedback through his body. A hand slipped down past his own to encircle his cock, forcing back an orgasm on the brink of erupting yet again.

He whined, poised on the precipice and a little confused about what this was about.

"No..." Caustic grunted, his rhythm falling apart, as Octane caught on. "Together..."

"Yeah yeah yeah! Together... come in me, papi, fill me up and make me yours...." Tavi moaned, thrusting back desperately, feeling his cock throbbing in alternating tempo with the cock inside him.

"Ah, hah... Tavi..." Caustic groaned deeply, the vibration of it rumbling between them through the pinioning length. Hand slipping from Octane's cock and freeing the runner for a ruinous orgasm as Caustic climaxed as well. His come pulsing hotly, deep within the risk-taker and slipping out with each subsequent, erratic thrust, to dribble down the taut muscular thighs there. Until neither could take it anymore and stilled, breathing heavily in the still, sex-drenched air.

"...that was amazing, 'lex. Loved it. Love you... but we made a mess!" Tavi grinned.

"Indeed." Caustic responded, flatly. He slowly slipped free in a sea of ejaculate that pooled by their feet. Reaffixing his mask, Caustic tugged off his attire and went to the nearby sink to pick up a clean washer.

With a care and precision few would credit, he gave the human and robotic parts of Octavio a gentle clean. The floor and desk would be a mere matter of calling in a cleaning bot. But Tavi always liked when Caustic cleaned him off, helped him free of his prosthetics and clothes, and took him into the shower.

It was not by accident that the scientist had a door to his quarters through this purpose built laboratory. However, it came in handy today, and in days before.

Tavi couldn't help but laugh when he saw another juicebox on the bathroom sink, a subtle sign that perhaps Caustic had anticipated this evening's activities. Of course, the scientist refused to acknowledge it.

Octavio simply enjoyed the experience, kissing languidly at whatever parts of his lover he could reach as the only really restful sensation he ever experienced crept over him like a soft blanket.

"Love you 'lex..." he mumbled as the other placed him in the bed, his newly cleaned prosthetics placed close at hand so he could leave if he wished.

"...and I hold great affection for you." Caustic replied after a moment's hesitation.

Tavi wrinkled his nose and laughed, a kind sound. "Dude, we have got to work on your emotion words... just say you love me, you had your cock so deep in my ass ten minutes ago I finally know how kermit the frog feels..."

Caustic barks a startled laugh at the muppet comparison, and places a slightly awkward hand atop the green fluffy mess of Tavi's hair.

"Very well. I love you as well, Octavio."

[oldsargasso]

sticks & stones (pit babe ficlet)

so there's nothing I love more right now than the pit babe polycule of kenta/kim/winner/dean, and @le-trash-prince said "I bet Kenta is the one to lick Dean’s wounds when Winner pushes too hard with his verbal roughhousing." this isn't really anything but it's something, you know?

dean-centric, rated g

It's Kenta that comes after him. Of course it's Kenta.

They'd been having fun, all of them; half-watching a bad movie and mostly just talking, Winner and him trading little love-bites of insults back and forth under Kim's indulgent gaze. And then with a slow gradual ooze like warm honey, it had slipped into something not fun, and Dean just--- He just had to get out of there quick.

It's dark out on the balcony off his and Kim's bedroom. Dean leans against the railing and tries to time his breathing to the red-light cycle at the nearest intersection, two floors and a hundred metres away. The flame of Kenta's lighter is a tiny blinding thing.

"I thought you told P'Kim you were quitting," Dean says. It comes out far more level than he'd feared. He hadn't been crying, not really, but Winner's words are still stinging in his chest.

Dean doesn't mind the smoking, not really. His dad, from what little he remembers of the man, was a smoker. There's a long-ago deep hidden feeling of comfort that comes creeping out when he smells nicotine. And he likes watching Kenta go through the little rituals that come with the act: the way he flicks the lighter on-off twice before touching the flame to his cigarette, how he always selects his next smoke from the middle of the pack instead of the edge.

Kenta takes another drag with a shrug of one shoulder. He blows the smoke away from Dean. "I will when Winner does."

Dean snorts inelegantly. "P'Winner says quitting goes against his name."

"Winner says a lot of shit," Kenta says. It's as pointed as he ever gets.

Someone impatient blows through the next red light to a chorus of horns. Their neighbour has turned on her <i>going out dancing</i> playlist. Kenta's free hand comes to rest, heavy and warm, on the back of Dean's neck.

"I know." Dean slumps sideways, just enough that Kenta understand he's supposed to hold tighter. "I know, I'm just being dumb."

He feels dumb. He feels the gap in years between them all most keenly at times like this. Getting all worked up about Winner saying something slightly mean, hurting Dean's <i>feelings</i>, when Kenta carries scars on his skin from what he's had to deal with. When Kim was beaten up and locked away just for caring about someone other than himself.

Winner didn't even look like he cared when Dean insulted him back.

"You're not dumb," Kenta refutes, the same steel in his voice as what he carries in his ramrod straight spine. He tugs Dean in a bit closer. A slight weight on the top of Dean's head, his hair ruffling slightly when Kenta breathes out slowly. He smells like nicotine and the beer Kim had been drinking. He tastes like all three when Dean twists around to pull him in.

"Thank you," Deans tells the shadows and reflected lights over Kenta's face. The hand on the back of his neck tightens once more.

[ensignabby]

143, A Destiel Ficlet

“What’s this?” Dean asked, putting down his burger and sucking some errant barbecue sauce from his thumb before reaching for the proffered box.

Cas had slipped it across the library table, letting his fingers linger when Dean’s met his, and reluctantly relinquished the small wrapped gift. The angel shrugged and seemed awkward and unsure, which Dean found nothing but adorable. “It’s, uh, well it’s for you. To commemorate.”

“Commemorate? What day is it?” Dean relied heavily on cases to create the context of his calendar, and after a few days at the bunker, he had started to lose track. When did they part ways with Sammy and Eileen when they finished that vamp nest? Thursday?

Cas sighed, only mildly put-out that Dean didn’t automatically know. “It’s the eighteenth of September.”

“Eighteenth of...” It came to Dean like a flash, like the burst of fresh air that hit his lungs those years ago as he emerged from the pit. “Cas...” He looked down at the carefully wrapped box with new understanding. “Is this an anniversary present?”

He was answered by small “yes” and a delightful pink hue spreading through Cas’ cheeks and reaching to the tips of his ears. “Aw, babe... Well, a Happy ‘Grip Me Tight’ to you, too. Although, I hadn’t thought to get you anything. I didn’t really know if dates mattered to you much, given, you know, the fact that you existed since practically ever.”

Cas looked away, lost in some faraway thought. “They didn’t. The unending march of millennia beared no consequence to the constancy of heaven, but,” he turned back to Dean, his blue eyes piercing his green ones. “The day I met you, I started counting. It’s the only date that has ever mattered.”

It’s Dean’s turn to blush now, and he doesn’t know how to respond to such unabashed declarations like that. He never has. They always steal his breath and sting his eyes. He clears his throat and reaches across the table to squeeze his angel’s hand in a silent gesture before bringing his attention back to the small box on the table.

Wrapped in light blue, Dean makes short work of the paper and finds a small wooden ring box. It makes his hands tremble. He knows what boxes like this mean. Does Cas? One glance up at the expectant face across from him tells him that he probably does. A deep breath steadies him and Dean opens the box.

The ring is platinum, a plain band with beveled edges that suits Dean’s sensibilities well. “Castiel...” he murmurs, taking it out of its setting to further appreciate the design. The soft yellow glow of the bunker’s lights reflect off the surface, highlighting the small engraving hidden in the inside of the band. “143...” He looks up again, seeing Cas’ obvious pleasure in watching Dean admire his gift. “What does 143 mean?”

Cas leaned in further. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with a man named Fred Rogers”

“Mr. Rogers? From TV? Of course I do. The man was the closest thing I had to a grandfather growing up.” He thought back to when he was little, where in a life of inconsistency he could always rely on the fact that every motel room had a television. And every television gave him access to that calming figure who told him it was okay to feel what he felt, even if John Winchester said different.

Cas elaborated. “Fred was a remarkable man. His place in heaven was secured for him long ago, and when Jack tore down the walls, I can assure you, he had a crowd waiting to greet him.”

“I can imagine.”

“What I admired most about him was his ability to see the good in everyone, to trust in the best in humanity. And he would always say to those that were listening, honestly and without reservation, ‘I like you, just the way you are.’ It’s a beautiful sentiment.”

Dean watched Cas speak, a small grin on his face, enjoying watching his partner enthuse about the host of a children’s television show, of all things. He flipped the ring over again, feeling the weight of it, noting that this ring looked perfectly sized for his fourth finger on his left hand. “Where does the 143 come in?”

“May I?” Asked Cas, not waiting for an answer before leaving his seat and coming around the edge of the table. He took the hand of Dean’s that was holding the ring and held it between both of his, finding himself kneeling next to him, prostrate before the object of his affection.

“Fred always liked this number. You see, it stood for something. One letter for the first word; four letters for the second word; and three letters for the third word. One. Four. Three.”

Something clicked in Dean’s brain. “I Love You.” He said, breath hitching.

“And I do, Dean Winchester. I love you, just the way you are. Just the way I always have from the first time I saw you. You are always beautiful to me.” Castiel was smiling through tears, taking the ring out of Dean’s hand and easing it gently over the knuckle of his ring finger. “That number serves as a reminder, and if you let me, I promise I will spend the rest of our lives making sure you will never need it.”

And dammit, now Dean was crying too. Fat, warm tears that blur his vision and spill unrestrained until he uses his free hand to wipe his face on his flannel. “Cas, did you just propose to me using a quote from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood?”

Castiel’s smile starts to waver, “Was that not clear? I thought this was...”

Dean rolled his eyes. “C’mere” and he dragged the angel up from his knees by the lapels of his trenchcoat, depositing him squarely in his lap. Leaving Cas no time to acclimate, he tangled his fingers in the nape of that dark hair and pulled him in, a crashing of lips, heat and stubble. And love. So much love.

After a moment, Cas pulled back panting, looking disheveled and glorious. “So I take that it’s a yes?”

Dean drinks in those brilliant blue eyes only inches from his, the glint of the engagement ring on his hand, and he can’t help but feel like every inch of him is vibrating with happiness. “Of course it is,” he breathes, and he leans in again to kiss his fiancé.

Oh, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

[rwby-diaries]

Happy birthday Ruby!

Our most adorable shooting star is up! Ruby was born on October 31st (kept from CRWBY canon)! She came into the world just a pink little thing, and she stole everyone’s hearts with just one look. Her family loves her so much and so do we!

Line Art by: @bosiphas

Colour by: @data-plays-viola

Ficlet by: @lameclub

Edited by: @bosiphas @yang-diary @data-plays-viola and @thetopazvulpix

Ficlet under the cut!

“Happy birthday Ruby!’’ Different voices all cry out in unison as Ruby stands there with her eyes big and wide.

“You guys shouldn’t have!’’ She says awkwardly - causing Yang tomorrow her eyes and smirk in her direction.  

“Jaune spilled the beans, didn’t he?’’

Ruby scoffs loudly, “Whaaat? How could you possibly assume that our good, kind-natured friend Jaune--’’

“You don’t have to defend me, Ruby. It’s pretty obvious,’’ Jaune says while scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. Weiss rolls her eyes as she walks over, taking Ruby’s arm and leading her in the other direction.

“You can count yourself out of the next surprise party,’’ Weiss says with a pointed look back at Jaune. Ruby giggles before turning around to better keep up with her friend. They begin to approach a round table not that far from them - causing Ruby to let out a giant gasp.

The table is decorated with many different trays of sweets and baked goods - carefully placed in order of colour and type. Ruby turns back towards her friends.

“You didn’t have to do all of this!’’ she says with a big smile on her face as her eyes well up with tears.

Nora giggles, "Ren spent the last two nights making sure every cupcake was perfect, didn't ya buddy?"

Nora finishes the question with a poke to Ren’s ribcage and a smile. Ren looks down at her with a puzzled look on their face, "You only turn 15 once - I don't see why I should hold back." Yang shakes her head as she leans on their shoulder with a smirk.

“We aren’t making fun of ya bud! No need to be self-conscious about the amount you made.

“Anyways,” Yang adds with an even bigger smirk, “Nora’s bottomless pit she calls a stomach will probably eat half of this in like an hour.”

Ruby giggles as she takes a single cupcake and, without an ounce of hesitation, bites into it. The sweetness burst to life in her mouth, causing them to hum in appreciation. “Oh! This is so good Ren, maybe the best thing I’ve ever eaten!’’ She exclaims as she quickly devours the rest of her sweet.

Yang whistles, “That’s a bold statement - considering we grew up around the self-proclaimed 'Best Cook in all of Remnant' - Uncle Clover.’’

Ruby blinks for a few seconds before she laughs in response. “Listen, both are on the same level as the other - actually this reminds me of my 13th birthday,’’ Ruby says happily as she finds herself becoming more distant and lost in thought.

~~~

"Uncle Qrowwww!" Ruby shouts as she jumps onto his arms; he catches and holds her up with ease. "I can't believe I get to spend my birthday with both you and Uncle Clover!" Her eyes sparkle as her legs dangle back and forth mid-air.

"How was the ferry ride from Patch? Hope it wasn't too scary to travel on your own." Qrow questions with a head tilt which only causes Ruby to scoff in response.

"You're talking to a future huntress here, Uncle Qrow - a little boat ride wasn't gonna scare me," Ruby says with a big smirk on her face before she continues "Besides I barely ever get to see you guys these days and no way was I going to spend my birthday alone!"

Qrow chuckles as he affectionately ruffles their hair. "Oz decided to let me have a free weekend. Coincidentally, Mr. Tin Man  felt the same for Clover," he smiles as she jumps back down to the ground.

"Tin man?"

Before Qrow could respond to her inquiry - the front door swings open and another voice is heard. "So, our favourite lil' whirlwind is here already?" Clover says with a smirk as he leans on the doorframe. Ruby lets out a squeal as she zips across the front lawn and practically leaps into her uncle's chest, knocking the man back a couple of feet.

"Uncle Clover, it's been so long!" Ruby cries out as they hug him tightly and Clover smiles warmly down at her. As she drops back down and takes a step back, she can barely contain her excitement, frantically patting her legs. Clover takes a few seconds to recover from the intensity of Ruby's hug, then looks down at her with a proud smile.

"I swear you've grown an inch or two since I last saw ya!" He exclaims with a short gasp - inspecting them closely.

Ruby giggles, "It's actually just my new boots," she explains as she shows them off proudly which causes Clover to whistle into admiration. Ruby pauses for a moment and gestures for their uncle to come closer, the other doing just that, as they stretch up to his ear in a stealthy fashion.

"But if anyone else asks - I finally had my growth spurt." Ruby whispers.

Clover takes a second to process that before he snorts and stands back up, "Your secret is safe with me munchkin." He finishes with a wink and ruffles their hair.  Ruby let's out a playful grunt as she frantically goes to fix her hair back to the way she liked it just as Qrow approaches from behind them.

"I'm gonna pop these bags up to your room, squirt, and then I hafta check on your birthday surprise," Qrow explains as he easily picks up and carries in her assortment of different backpacks and cases. "Why dontcha join your uncle in the kitchen?" He suggests with a smirk towards Clover - who beams brightly in return. Ruby nods enthusiastically and takes hold of Clover's arm.

"Yesss come on Uncle Clover, time's a wastin!" They cry out as they tug Clover in the direction of the kitchen which has her uncle laughing warmly; allowing for his nibling to drag him in the direction she wanted to go.

"We'll see you soon babe - shoot me a text when everything's ready!"  Clover shouts back towards Qrow and the other nods in agreement.

As the duo separated themselves from Qrow - they enter into the kitchen. The whole room was rather neatly kept - totally unlike Ruby’s kitchen at home, which often fell victim to plates and dishes piling up, especially if it was just Ruby and her dad.

On the table in the middle, there was a variety of different baking utensils and ingredients - all neatly sorted and ready to be used. Ruby gasps loudly as they sprint into the room, admiring her surroundings with great excitement.

Clover trails in not far behind the other and chuckles softly, "I was going to have the cake and everything else ready for you, but I remembered how much you love to bake, so I waited to make the cupcakes."  He tells them while watching the young kid take in the sight before them with big eyes.

"Always! Just because it's my birthday doesn't mean I don't want to make badass cupcakes-" Ruby stops herself when she realises what she let slip past her mouth and clears her throat. "Doesn't mean we can't make awesome cupcakes," they correct themself with an innocent smile. Clover rolls his eyes playfully, choosing to ignore that in favour of wanting Ruby to enjoy her birthday.

"Anyways! We should get started - would you like to do the honours?" Clover says as he passes her the bowl of butter and Ruby nods in a dramatic fashion. As she dumps its contents into the mixing bowl before her, her uncle pours some casting sugar in before presenting Ruby with the whisk.

"Use it wisely, young one." Clover says.

Ruby gasps while taking it carefully and nodding, "I won't let you down good sir." She tries to keep up the serious demeanor but she couldn't contain the giggles that were building up deep down. As they begin to whisk the ingredients together, Ruby starts to ponder on a few things.

She was excited beyond belief about spending her birthday with her uncles - it was a rare sight when both of them could attend. But… there were small things that were nagging at Ruby and refusing to let go. Their sudden quietness immediately catches her uncle's attention, who then turns to face her.

“Something on your mind?” Clover asks in a gentle tone - completely surprising Ruby who lets out a tiny yelp. It didn't take her long to recover from that sudden question as Ruby looks down at the mix and sighs.

“I'm happy to be here with both you and uncle Qrow but… It's my first birthday without Yang.” Ruby speaks very quietly as she slows to a halt and their hair falls onto her face - hiding her true expression. Clover watches with soft eyes as he lowers himself down to her level.

"I know how hard it must be with Yang being on that school trip and your dad being busy," Clover starts in a gentle tone while pushing Ruby's fringe back once more, "but trust me when I say you're going to have a great birthday with the most awesome surprise."  He gives her a big smile as the words seem to do the job of cheering her up. Ruby's expression lights back up and they wipe their eyes

"Thank you Uncle Clover," she says with a lopsided smile. Clover laughs as he kisses her forehead and stands back up - the pair returning to their tasks.

"So uncle Clover - a birthday surprise huh?" She asks with a sly smile.

Clover glances down for a moment before chuckling to himself, "You got that right." He doesn’t elaborate further, simply gesturing for her to stop the whisking for a moment. As he adds a small tablespoon of vanilla extract, while Ruby's curiosity reaches an all time high.

"I wonder what it could be - maybe a mega awesome present-"

Clover laughs, "Ruby I know you have long figured out I'm the weak link when it comes to surprises," he says with a side glance down towards the kid.

Ruby giggles. "Yeah I found out when you accidentally told Yang that dad was considering the motorcycle license-"

Clover hushes them with a small laugh, "Which your dad never ever lets me live down."

"But I promised your uncle I wouldn't breathe a word of it - so will a simple reassurance that you will love it suffice?" Clover asks.

Despite the desire to know brewing deep down within Ruby - she understood this was something super important to keep a secret. With a sigh, she finishes her whisking and nods in agreement. Clover pats her on the head

"Not much longer now," he says while taking the bowl away.

"Now remember - 15 minutes in the oven or you'll burn them!" Ruby calls as Clover goes to fill the pre-prepared cupcake pan with the batter.

Clover scoffs,"You're talking to the 'Best Baker in all of Remnant' here Ruby. I ain't about to let these cupcakes burn on my watch!"

After the batch has been fully cooked and decorated, Clover's scroll finally dings on the counter loudly. Ruby's head perks up.

"Is that Qrow telling us everything is ready?!" They ask while frantically patting the table.

Clover laughs, "Let's see." He walks over and picks the device up. After being silent for a few seconds, the man looks back up and smiles. "We have to head out back."

Ruby follows behind her uncle enthusiastically - as he leads them down the hallway.

Excitement was thrumming all throughout Ruby's body as they got closer and closer to their destination. About a dozen different scenarios were rattling around in their head at once - but they just couldn't come to a solid conclusion. Was it a new cape? Maybe they're getting a super cool motorcycle too?! Clover stops before the backdoor and turns to Ruby.

"Close your eyes buddy," he tells her with a big smile. Ruby did exactly as she was told and soon after did they feel Clover gently take their arm and begin to lead her forward.

Ruby could feel the cool breeze of the outside world as they were continued to be led by her uncle - the shuffling of feet could be heard too. After a few seconds, Clover orders her to stop and she does just that.

"Can I open my eyes now?!" They exclaim, growing more impatient by the second.

Clover laughs, "You can now."Ruby's eyes flutter open. After taking a moment to adjust to the sudden sunlight - Ruby focuses her gaze right ahead of her, letting out a huge gasp at the sight before their eyes.

"Happy birthday Ruby!"

Different voices yell in unison, coming noth only from her Uncle Qrow, but also from her dad and sister, standing next to Qrow with huge matching grins. Ruby begins to bounce on the spot before jetting across the grassy garden.

"Oh my gosh!" They yell, tackling all their family in one swift motion, everyone being knocked to the ground by the force of it. Everyone laughs wildly as Yang and Tai embrace Ruby.

"You said you guys couldn't make it!" They say with tears in her eyes and Yang swiftly wipes them away, a soft smile on her face.

"You didn't think I'd miss your big birthday bash, did ya sib?"

Tai nods, "I decided to get off work early and Yang finished up her Huntsfolk Observation Trip quicker than expected." The trio finally stand back up and Tai his head tilts in Qrow's direction before continuing.

"Qrow managed to pull some strings to make sure we were all here," he says with a smirk.

Yang scoffs, "I had to make sure these old timers were doing your birthday right." She gives both Tai and Qrow a smug grin. Tai playfully jabs his daughter in the ribs and Yang snorts in response.

Ruby's face lit up - not sure how to react. Tai's face softens for a moment as he turns back around to pick up an item he dropped when they fell, picking up a small book with a pink bow neatly placed on top of it.

"I wanted you to have this. We all spent the last week getting all the pictures printed and organized." He explains in a quiet tone while placing the book into Ruby's hands.

Ruby stares at it, seeing the words 'Ruby's Birthday' printed on the top stirred emotions deep down. Everyone crowds around them with supportive looks which encourages Ruby to open the book, letting the pages fall open somewhere around the halfway point.

As Ruby looks down at the page, she could see Yang holding their baby self with the help of Tai, her older sister’s eyes wide with wonder.

"Yang insisted that she held you the moment she laid eyes on you," Qrow chuckles fondly.

Yang gives a quick snicker in response, "I just knew how awesome my baby sibling was the moment I saw them," she says while ruffling Ruby's hair and the other pushes her off with a smile.

"What is it with all this hair ruffling today?!" Ruby asks with giggles sprinkled in between words.

As they flip backwards to the previous page, they see two pages of Qrow and Clover holding them as a baby as well.

"Clover of course, had to make a luck pun," Qrow says with a smirk in his husband's direction and the other stuck his tongue out playfully.

"So nothing much has changed between now and then?" Ruby points out which causes everyone else to laugh alongside them. Ruby turns the page further back towards the front of the book, seeing a picture of Tai.

"I remember when your mother went into labour - I quickly ran back into our room to specifically get that shirt," Tai explains with a short laugh, pointing at the red ‘#1 Dad’ shirt in the picture.

Clover scoffs, "You were planning that gag ever since Summer became pregnant too."

Tai waves him off “I’m the embarrassing father - I have an image to maintain!’’ He laughs and Ruby snorts in response  - looking up at her dad with happy eyes. After a moment, Ruby’s attention once again falls back to the book before them - as they flip to the first page of the book and Ruby finds herself growing silent.

Tai looks down at them with sad eyes as he places his hand on her shoulder "She wasn't scared at all when she was pregnant with you - I was more frightened than her." That comment has Ruby look up to her dad with a sad smile as she let him continue.

"She did everything in her power to make sure you were brought into the world safely and surrounded by love," he explains as everyone around them watched on in a wistful way "Your mom loved you so much Ruby. Every moment she spent with you was everything she could've hoped for."

That was what brought on the tears - as Yang and Ruby both found themselves starting to cry. Everyone  then closed in for a group hug. Nobody moved for a few moments, just choosing to instead enjoy each other's presence in total serenity.

"One last thing," Yang says with a smile as she pulls back and taking out a small camera. "Every year me and Ruby take a picture together for their birthday," she explains as she gestures for everyone to squeeze together "And this is the first time we've all been together in a long long time."

Yang places the camera on the nearby picnic table and sets a timer "Everyone says cheese!" She cries out while rushing over just in time as everyone screams out that word excitedly. The camera clicks with a flash and everyone starts to giggle. Qrow gives Ruby a quick pat on the head.

"Now let's dig into some birthday cake, shall we?" He suggests and Ruby gasps loudly.

"Birthday person gets the first slice!" She exclaims as she zips over in a burst of petals.

~~~

“That’s such a sweet story Ruby,’’ Pyrrha says with a warm smile on her face and placing her hands on top of heart in a fond manner. “Would you like to take a picture with all of us?’’

That question easily catches Ruby’s attention as her eyes go wide, “Oh my gosh yes! I’d love nothing more,’’ they say while jumping on the spot and clasping her hands together. “It’ll show off our awesome costumes too. I dont have one good birthday photo in Halloween costumes, and I’ve almost always had a Halloween birthday.’’

Weiss raises an eyebrow “Ruby, you were born on Halloween, every year is a Halloween birthday." Yang hushes Weiss with a playful push.

“You can survive one night without making a sassy remark Ice Queen,’’ she teases which obviously irritates the other but after a moment, Weiss takes in a deep breath and seemingly composes herself.

“Does anyone have a camera then?’’ Weiss asks.

Everyone looks around at each other before shrugging and Nora groans, “Where’s Velvet when ya need her.” . Blake’s head perks up as she takes out her scroll and gestures to it.

“It’s not as traditional, but I think your scroll could work.’’ She says with a small smile.

Yang’s face lights up “Once again - Blake is here with the big brain,’’ she says with a wink which in turn causes Blake’s cheeks to flush red and she looks down at the floor with a tiny smile. Ruby takes out her device and beams brightly.

"Everybody squeeze in - I’m pretty short,’’ she says loudly and everyone begins to crowd in around them, all trying their best to get in level with the camera. With a bit of effort, Ruby manages to hold the scroll as high she possibly could and she gives a big smile.

“Everyone say cheese!’’ She yells and everyone screams that word at the same time.

A flash on the scroll lights up the room before Ruby lowers it down - inspecting the picture that was taken. As they look at the photo, tears begin to well up in their eyes and she sniffles lightly.

Yang glances down with a fond look on her face and pats Ruby lightly on the head, “All good Rubes?’’ Ruby wipes her eyes and nods frantically.

“It’s everything I could’ve hoped for.’’

[babbushka]

Bond Villain Kylo is so hot it actually bothers me. Could you write ”You have me right in the palm of your hand and you know it” with him? I want to pretend I’m an elegant and sexy agent in the 60s, having captured the heart of my handsome sworn enemy! I’ve nothing much to do except read EVERYthing you’ve ever written and loving it. Thanks babes

Anonymous said: Something romantic with BVK! It can be nasty too but I just want to swoon over that sexy mf! <333

Anonymous said: Bond villain kylo & “You have no idea how much i want you” You’re just lovely, you know. Keeping us hot and bothered

Anonymous said: so many palm kisses with Bond Villain!Kylo. He seems like such a gentleman and so sweet

(~1k, Fluff)

(part 2 to this ficlet!)

He slips into the apartment quietly, hoping not to disturb you. Creeping up on you was never really a good idea, Kylo knows, because he could wind up with a belly full of lead if he isn’t careful, but you were expecting him, so he figures it’s okay this time. He unlocks the door and shuts it tight once he’s inside the small space, hand on the wall to trail across the room so he doesn’t trip over anything.

Kylo’s exhausted after his meeting with some of his business associates, and though the apartment is small and understated, the very fact that he’s here is enough for him – the very fact that he’s here with you.

You’re asleep in bed, the shape of your body illuminated by the pale night of a December moon. That cigarette he tossed you hours ago sits stubbed out in an ashtray, the lamp is off, the ropes litter the floor. You’re still naked even, you must’ve gone to sleep right after Kylo left.

He shucks his clothing off and lets it crumple down to the carpeting, peels back the covers and gently nudges himself behind you, arms just about to wrap around your waist and spoon you from behind – when you suck in a breath and turn around in his embrace.

“You’re back.” You whisper with something too close to affection in your voice for Kylo to do anything other than kiss you softly.

Your lips are chapped, but warm just the same, real just the same, his, just the same.

“I said I would be, didn’t I?” He cups your cheek with a big palm, rubs his thumb along your cheekbone and kisses you again, simply because he can.

In the dark of night like this, you aren’t 007 and he isn’t your sworn enemy. You aren’t with the Mi6 and he isn’t on their most wanted list. You’re just you, and he’s just him, and it’s easy to slip into the idea that one day every night will be like this.

“Sometimes you say things and then you disappear for six weeks.” You say, because you are 007, and he is your enemy. At least, he’s supposed to be. You look up at him with wide eyes, sleep long gone, not with Kylo here. “Why aren’t you in Spain? It’s dangerous here, Kylo. You should be in Spain.”

“I can go, if you’d like.” Kylo’s hopes falter, he had wanted you to be more excited to see him than you are, and you’re frowning, shaking your head at his reaction.

“No, that’s not it.” You try to explain, mind too foggy to really make the thoughts make sense.

“I know, you know.” He kisses you again, speaks in between gentle presses against your chapped lips, your cold feet searching for warmth against Kylo’s calves as he tugs you impossibly closer and whispers, “And I feel the same way too.”

“You can’t possibly know, you have no idea how much I want you.” You turn your face to hide in the palm of his hand that’s cupping your cheek, your hands holding it tenderly, your fingertips rubbing soothing circles to his knuckles.

You’re checking to see if he got into a fight, checking to see if he’s okay. He hopes you’re happy to find no injuries this time.

“I think I have some idea.” Kylo tucks some of your hair behind your ear and shuffles closer, the two of you sharing the single pillow they’ve given you. You kiss his fingers, his wrist, and he lets out a small sigh, “You have me right in the palm of your hand, and you know it. My beautiful agent.”

You’re both quiet then, just for a little while. You continue to kiss his palm, and he wonders when the hell he got so soft.

“You don’t even know my name.” You point out sadly, information that he knows you’ll never be able to tell him – at least, not for a long time. It’s too dangerous to even speak it out loud, you both know it, especially in Moscow of all places.

“But I know you.” Kylo reassures you, and you nod. If nothing else, you have that. It’s not the only thing you have, and Kylo’s heart beats a little quicker when he licks his lips and whispers, “I’m all yours for the weekend.”

“The entire weekend?” Moonlight reflects in your eager eyes, and Kylo smiles.

He nods, kisses you again and again and again, and you kiss him back, until your eyes begin to shut, your chest begins to even out, pulse going steady.

“Go to sleep, I’ll be here when you get up.” Kylo wraps his arms tightly around you, tucks your head under his chin, “And that’s a promise.”

Somewhere out there, in the great expanse of a Russian sky, he thinks he sees a shooting star. Kylo isn’t one to make wishes, but he can’t help but imagine an end to this war, when you aren’t such a target, when he can snatch you away and live with you on one of his private islands far away from the world.

“Good night, Kylo.” You mumble against the pit of his throat, snuggling up against him as best you can.

“Night, sweetheart.” He kisses the top of your head, smooths your hair down.

In the morning he’ll make you coffee and you’ll complain about it, and then he’ll fuck your brains out and take you out for a normal civilian life. No agents, no villains, no spies and soldiers, just you and Kylo.

And that’ll be enough, until the war is over.

Moments like these will be enough.

[lambourngb]

This Hard Journey

Fic prompt: “There’s something you should know…” Michael Guerin Day 2. This picks up after yesterday’s “This Hard Life” - a part of interconnected ficlets of an AU after the shed, where Alex doesn’t join the Air Force. Mentions of Malex and an Alex/Other here. Finished on ao3 here.

***

He finally got a dog, was all that Michael could think as he sat outside of the house that matched the address Max pulled from the DMV.  They had always wanted to get a dog together, but with pet deposits and the tight budget for rent and food, that had always been a non-starter for them. Not anymore.

The quiet shaded street just off of the Buchanan Arts District was lined with old-style Craftsman homes among the peppered in new, renovated sprawling McMansions born of the house flipping obsession during the real estate boom. New construction sprouting between old, mature trees, juxtaposing progress with tradition.

Alex had chosen one of the older homes, untouched by the remodeling fad with a large fenced in yard filling the property footprint, and a dog house that mimicked the main house in style. Two solid years of song-writing had rewarded Alex with financial security, and of course, after three years living in cramped efficiency apartments and noisy neighbors with Michael, the first thing Alex would want again was a house. The roots of his upper middle class childhood were never far away.

Pressing his forehead against the steering wheel, Michael worked to gather the courage that kept him propelled down the over 1,100 miles from Roswell to Nashville. He had made it here, the least he could do was knock on the door instead of freaking out over the fact that Alex had a house with a mortgage while all Michael could muster in the two years since was buying a bank-possessed Airstream.

At least it was better than sleeping rough in his truck again, something he had done when he fell behind on the rent after Alex had left.

Michael took a deep steadying breath and pushed himself out of his truck. The spans of sidewalk suddenly seemed longer than I-40 through Oklahoma. Another deep breath, the irony of borrowing Alex’s self-soothing habit not lost on Michael at all, he tucked his left hand into a pocket to hide the old damage and knocked firmly on the front door.

There was a long silence extended, shoving anticipation into chagrin as Michael turned his head to peek at the tiny side-carport, confirming there was a car there. A loud, chorus of deep barks picked up from within the house. The dog sounded big, but none of that registered as he picked up Alex’s voice, muffled and indistinct.

“-calm down, buddy. Stay- no, stay- It’s probably Daddy’s new speakers arriving-”

After two and half days of driving, Michael had perfected his speech to Alex. It hit every open wound between them, from the fact he was sorry he hadn’t gone with him, to the weak but true explanation that he wasn’t ready then, but he was now. Then finally the big dice throw, the gamble of everything, that every city needed a good mechanic, Nashville was no different, it was no pressure- but maybe? Maybe they could start over?

The door swung open, and like a bag of spilled marbles, all of Michael’s words scattered away from him.

“Michael?” Alex’s polite smile for an expected delivery dropped into disbelieving shock. He did a comical double take, looking back into the house, then to Michael, then over Michael’s shoulder. The classic Chevy truck parked on the street chased away the shock. “Jesus Christ, it really is you.”

“Alex.” Michael swallowed, his eloquence gone. “You look good.”

They had had three years together, and during that time Michael had seen so many different versions of Alex Manes. He had seen Alex tired, dark circles shading his eyes more consistently than eyeliner with an off-kilter alien antennae from the Crashdown. He had seen Alex resolute, using his shoulders to impart a warning in his black clad Wild Pony shirt to any drunk who dared to give him a hard time. He had seen Alex awkward, as he helped Michael with his chores at the Foster’s ranch when it came to cleaning out a cow pen or pulling the twine efficiently off baled hay. He had seen Alex ashamed, as Michael patiently explained during their first grocery store visit that the EBT card only covered certain items.

This Alex was new. Clean, well-rested, skin clear and not tight on his cheekbones from lean meals or bloated from cheap food. An earring shined from his ear, he was dressed in a soft v-neck shirt and artfully cut frayed jeans. Good was an understatement.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here- I’m here because Isobel got married, and um, she wanted to invite you, but I talked her out of it. I’m sorry. I mean for that, but also for like, everything. Not following you here was something I regretted every day since, but I thought- I thought I had to stay back then, but I don’t anymore- and there’s something you should know-” 

“Babe? Is that our new speakers at the door?” A new voice called out, cutting off the word vomit that was spilling from Michael’s mouth beyond his control.

A male voice.

The wince and apology on Alex’s face told Michael everything he needed to know. Well. He probably should have seen that coming. Only Alex’s reaching out quickly to grab his hand as he turned away stopped him from bolting from the house.

“No, not our speakers, but an old friend from back home is here-” Alex called back, before turning back to make deliberate eye contact with Michael. “He wanted to stop by to say hello.”

A tall well-built black man came into view, holding a squirming pit bull in his arms, walked toward them both with a bright welcoming smile, “A friend from Roswell? An actual flesh and blood human who knows you? I was starting to think you were an alien, Alex.”

“Just because you’re related to half of Nashville and went to school with the other half, Dennis, doesn’t mean I sprouted from a pod-” Alex shot back playfully, clearly picking up a well-worn argument. 

Like a couple. A real couple. With a house and a dog. Michael licked his dry lips, forcing his muscles upward, they probably had retirement accounts. In two years Alex had built something more secure than he had in the three years in Roswell.

“Well any friend of yours, Alex, is one of mine,” Dennis greeted, turning his head to avoid an excited dog kiss before transferring the bundle of fur into Alex’s arms in a fluid movement of trust. “I’m Dennis, welcome to Nashville, um-?” he prompted, extending his left hand to Michael.

“Michael Guerin,” he answered politely, before Michael lifted his left hand awkwardly from his pocket and offered his right in return. His name didn’t alter the warm smile on Dennis’s face. Ah. So he must be a nameless ex for Alex then. Swallowing hard, Michael continued, this time a little meanly, “this hand doesn’t shake so well after I got on the wrong side of a hammer, sorry. But good to meet you.”

The stutter of the clumsy interaction hid Alex’s wince and flash of pain of the reminder. 

Feeling no joy from that, Michael picked up the conversation lightly, “I’m a friend from high school. Been doing some transport work, and a job sent me here to pick up a car to drive back to Roswell, so I thought I might stop in and see what the famous Alex Manes is up to…”

“I’m not famous, I just write the words,” Alex protested quietly, before backing away from the doorway. “We were just about to have lunch, if you want to stay-”

“He’s famous, don’t listen to him,” Dennis interjected proudly. “Did you hear that new song from Paramore? Alex wrote that.”

“Oh I know, I have all the singles Alex wrote,” Michael smiled, looking around the house and at the couple with another deep breath. “I’m his biggest fan, I think. But um, thank you, I can’t stay, I gotta hit the road back to-” he started to say home, but that hadn’t been true for a long time. “Back to Roswell.”

*** 

Hours later with his heart heavy, Michael checked into his room at the Super 8. Normally the expense would have bothered him, but after his day, he figured he was entitled to a little bit of spoiling. And if it was sad that plain wrapped soaps and tiny shampoo bottles constituted spoiling, well, he was content with that.

The clunky black case of his small portable DVD player was propped open on the hotel bed. It was a hand-me-down as technology and electronic gadgets moved into smoother, more versatile means. For him, it was perfect to watch a borrowed DVD in his Airstream since he lacked cable.

With the entire contents of a motel conditioner in his hair, Michael started the paused video file. The shaky dark footage started playing, the sound crackling with amateur hands, before the clear, strong voice of Alex Manes filled the air. 

It was probably pathetic to watch this cribbed footage from YouTube, but the romanticism that fueled his journey down 1-40 was also the same sentiment that preserved this moment in amber for Michael. Pulling open his old notebook from high school, he let Alex’s voice singing about love and loss carry him through the calculations of point atmospheric entry and the parallax distance of habitable stars.

It would be a hard journey, but Michael didn’t know any other kind at this point. Roswell wasn’t his home. Nashville wasn’t going to be home either, but the universe was ever-expanding, surely there was a place for Michael?

[izzyfandoms]

Ficlet Prompt Thingy: "Hun, your going to be okay, we got you" with Remy x Virgil x Emile

Viremile - Okay

GENERAL TAGLIST: @quillfics42 @ajdraws0430 @phantomofthesanderssides @creativity-killed-thekitten @phlying-squirrel @sly-is-my-name-loving-is-my-game @because-were-fam-ily @imtryingthisout @a-creepycookie @emo-disaster @littlestr @spooky-scary-virgil @fuyel @mimsidoodles @soupgremlin @aroaceagenderfluid @birdsbookshiddeninrealbirdsskin @quirkalurk @gingers-trashy-stuff @iinyxtello @justaqueercactus @melodiread @mrbubbajones @glassferns

Masterpost

"Hun, you're going to be okay, we got you."

Virgil let out another shaky exhale, relaxing against Emile's chest as Remy squeezed his hand. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying very hard not to look at the concerned looks on their faces, as it just made his heart hurt.

"Sorry," Virgil apologised. "I should- I should be able to-"

Emile placed his hand on Virgil's arm, rubbing reassuring circles over his hoodie.

"None of that," he said softly. "There's nothing to apologise for, honey."

"Still," Virgil swallowed. "I'm- I'm sorry I'm like this. You guys deserve better."

Remy tucked his chin onto Virgil's shoulder, nudging Virgil's face with his nose. He switched the hand that held Virgil's, so he could move his left hand to the small of Emile's back.

"Stop being so mean to our boyfriend, babe, or we're gonna have to fight you."

Emile sighed, though the corners of his lips twitched up at Remy's exclamation. Virgil couldn't help but smile slightly, too, though the anxiety that swirled in the pit of his stomach remained a warm, uncomfortable constant.

"We're not gonna fight you," Emile said.

"Nuh-uh. Speak for yourself, babe. If he keeps talking shit about one of my favourite people, he's gonna have to square up."

Remy was grinning, and Virgil couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

His boyfriends gave him equally soft, fond looks, and Virgil's heart did a funny little tremor in his chest. He didn't feel good, but he felt better.

And maybe, just maybe, he'd be okay.