#So retirement won't save me!!

[drumlincountry]

So one of the WONDERFUL ladies in my writing group took me aside last time we met and said she'd been thinking about me a lot recently. She said she felt her creative self had been in suspended animation for years and years and years while she was working and raising a family. she said that NOW she's had a new lease on life because she's just retired and even tho she's taking care of aging parents and learning piano she's written more than ever before. And that made her think of me because I always say how I wish I had more time to write & she feels bad that none of the group can give me any advice on that because the only thing that helped her was retiring. But that she empathised and wished me well.

So I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THAT.

[lovingmattysposts]

You don't know me 23

P1 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 P15 P16 P17 P18 P19 P20 P21 P22 P23 P24 P25 P26 P27 P28 P29 P30 P31 P32

pairing: y/n and chris sturniolo

summary: you and chris came from two different sides of the spectrum when it came to the social scale. You had the perfect life, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect parents, but when you start to peal back that layers things got messy. Your life was set and stone, your future was set and stone. That was until he comes and changes everything.

warnings: smut lol. fighting, mentions of cheating, fighting.

here is the most ydkm coded song to ever exist i'll argue with my wall:

"You're---"

"You're what?" My heart dropped. He looked down taking in a breath. I stood up. "Chris---you can't" I shook my head as my heart started to race.

"You can't move back. You're life is here. I'm here--Nate's here--your grandpa--" I shook my head as I tried to wrap my head around his words. "You can't just pick up and move" I said feeling my heart against my rib cage.

"Don't you think I know that y/n?" He snapped looking up at me. I just looked down at him. "I know" His voice broke. I just blinked down at him for a second as he placed his hands against his face. I bent back down, grabbing his hand and pulling it against me.

"W-What do you mean you're moving? I-I don't--" I felt my eyes start to water. "It's my grandpa--" He shook his head. I just watched him.

"His job laid him off and he won't find a job fast enough to be able to afford this house" Chris breathed shaking his head. "He's gotta be out by the end of the month, his retirement fund can only cover a one-bedroom house at least" Chris said shaking his head.

"I don't have a room, I don't have a choice in this" He shook his head. I took in a breath and shook my head. "Can-Can you stay with Nate? Can you stay with me? Chris there has to be--" I said frantically.

"I'm not going to ask the two people I love most for any more handouts, Y/n. I'm not going to do it" he shook his head. I blinked at him. "W-What company did Dan work for? Maybe I could do something maybe my father could--"

He glanced up at me. I paused when I saw the way he was looking at me. My mouth parted. "No" I breathed. He looked down at his feet. "Chris" I pulled his hand. He didn't say anything.

"He worked for the Labraut firm?" I almost whispered. He closed his eyes. I let go of his hand and pushed my hands through my hair as my breath quickened. I shook my head. "No-He--No" I shook my head.

"Is it-" I shook my head. Chris looked up at me. "Is it my fault? Is this my fault because last night i--" Tears fell over my lashes. Chris pulled my arm. "No Y/n, this isn't your fault. This is not your fault" Chris shook his head, pulling me into him.

I tried to breath against him, but I couldn't. Was this my fault? Because my parents knew I was seeing him? He laid off his Grandpa? It was my fault.

"You can't leave" I whispered. He looked up at me. "I don't have a choice" He whispered back. "Then I'm coming with you" I shook my head. "Y/n, you can't" His voice broke as he covered his face.

"You're family is here, your life---is here" He whispered. "So is yours" I said shaking my head.

The one thing that brought me happiness, my parents were ripping away from me. I closed my eyes as I thought back to my dad.

my mother wasn't always a bad person, so she doesn't understand how the master manipulation works. My father does.

So he wouldn't tell me I couldn't break up with him.

He would just resent me until I gave in, little did he know that this time, it wasn't going to work.

No, I wasn't going to let him win. Not this time. I wanna win. For once I want to be able to be fucking happy. I barley even got to play the game.

I pulled off Chris. "I can fix this" I said wiping my eyes. Chris looked down at me. "I can Chris, I can talk to my father. I can take out of my trust fund--so that you can save the house--"

"No Y/n, no" Chris stood up making me stop as I looked up at him. He stared down at me. "I don't want--" He took in a breath. "I don't want your money Y/n" He shook his head. I blinked at him before standing up.

"No Chris, don't think of it like that--please just let me help-" I said grabbing his shoulder. He shook me off of him. "I don't want you to help, Y/n. I'm not a charity case" He glared down at me. I blinked at him.

I shook my head.

"Chris, stop. You're deflecting your emotions. You're not mad at me, you're not angry with me, you're upset okay? Don't let your emotions get the best of you" I said shaking my head. He swallowed as he looked away from me. He closed his eyes taking in a breath.

"I get it Y/n, this sucks, but I don't want your money. I've never wanted your money" He shook his head. I just looked up at him. I leaned my head against his chest, wrapping my arms around him.

"I love you so much Chris" I whispered feeling my eyes pool again. "So so much, you're so special to me" I whispered closing my eyes. He stilled under me as he took in an uneasy breath.

I squeezed his hand, he finally down up at me.

"Chris, please don't leave me. You're my everything" I said as a tear fell down my face. He swallowed as his eyes filled with tears. "I-I-" He shook his head. "I didn't know how to tell you, Y/n I'm--" He shook his head as tears poured over his eyes.

I pressed my hands against his face, as he started to cry. I swallowed a sob as he shook against me. "It's okay Chris. It's gonna be okay" I whispered, but I didn't know that. I didn't know that at all.

I closed my eyes as his arms came around me.

My lip quivered as I felt my heart break.

-

"Hey, stop thinking" Chris pulled my hand. I took in a breath looking from him to my feet. "I'm not" I lied shaking my head. He tilted his head. "I'm not" I said again meeting his eyes forcing a smile.

"Good" He smiled leaning down and pecking my lips. I pulled his arm closer to me as we walked.

Stop thinking about it? How am I suppose to not think about it? I could take the privite jet there every weekend, but it would be behind my parents back, they might call the police. He could visit every break and maybe sleep on Dan's couch, or stay at Nate's.

Every break?

I couldn't wait that long to see him, I would claw at the walls. I wouldn't be able to live. I don't know how I've even gotten this far without him. I don't know how I'm gonna--

"Y/n"

My eyes snapped up to his. He sighed. "No, I'm sorry. I'll stop. I'm excited to spend some time with you tonight, really. I've just--" I let out a breath. He stopped walking and wrapped his arms around me.

"We'll be alright. Just relax, I want my girlfriend back" He whispered, but I could hear the weight in his voice. He was feeling the pressure of the situation. I leaned my weight against him as we walked.

"I'm sorry" I whispered feeling guilt wash over me because him moving was the only thing I could think about. It was eating me alive. I didn't want to think about a time when he couldn't hold me like this, when he couldn't speak to me face to face. It would be through a screen hundreds of miles away.

He leaned down pressing his lips to the side of my head before leaning off me and going back to just holding my hand, before giving it a light squeeze.

"Are you sad I'm pulling you away from formal?" Chris asked glancing down at me. I looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows. "Are you kidding? Forget formal, nothing could be more important than my time with you" I smiled up at him. He smiled and shook his head.

"You're so corny" He chuckled. I pulled his arm glaring making him laugh. I shook my head looking back forward seeing the gas station come into view. "I'm kidding, I love you" He smiled kissing my cheek making me blush and turn away.

"Stop hiding your face from me" He said grabbing my sides making me laugh and attempt to push him away. "Chris" I laughed as we walked into the parking lot. He laughed with me, but the laughing stopped quickly when the gas station door pushed open.

I froze when Max's eyes drifted up to mine and then to Chris. Sydney, Cayden, Mitch, Cooper, and two other of Max's friends exited the store behind them. I stopped walking when we made eye contact, because Chris's hand was still in mine.

Chris paused to before fixating his gaze on Max. My heart started to beat. No. No please. Not tonight. Please. Tonight wasn't suppose to be about this. I didn't have the mental capacity to do this with Max right now. This night was suppose to be about me and Chris.

My eyes shifted over to Sydney who stood frozen, staring at me, her eyes widening. I blinked at her. They were all dressed ready for formal. The boys in suits, Sydney in a dark purple dress.

I cursed myself because the realaziation hit when I saw Max gripping a brown paper bag in his hands. This is the gas station Max goes to before events to buy his alcohol, never failing to pre-game any event.

How could I be more stupid?

"Oh really?" Max's voice broke the awkward stare down. Chris stepped forward, my hand gripped his. "Don't Chris" I breathed. He stilled. Max glanced between us.

"So this is the reason?" He asked looking at me, raising the hand that was gripping the bag, pointing at Chris. I looked down at my feet, feeling the fear of him wash over me. Chris looked down at me.

"Some low-life you're gonna trade for me?" Max said stepped towards us. "Max, maybe we shouldn't-" Cayden said placing his arm on Max's, but Max pushed him off harshly. I didn't look up at him, feeling my arms start to shake.

"How long huh?" He spat. Chris's eyes never left Max's movements. "How long were cheating on me with him? Because I know you didn’t just pull this out of your ass" He spat motioning between me and Chris.

I flinched from his words. I let go of Chris's hand and hugged myself, feeling everyone's eyes on me.

"I-"

"I always knew you were a fucking slut, was it just the one or were there multiple?"

"Watch it" Chris stepped towards him. Max raised his eyebrows. I grabbed Chris's arm. "Chris don't, please. I--" I shook my head. Chris didn't turn to me, glaring down Max still. Their gazes never left each other. I looked at Max.

"I get it Max, this looks bad" I breathed shaking my head. I had to get this off my chest, what I did was shitty. I'm not oblivious to that. Cheating isn't right under any circumstances.

"I should have told you I was seeing someone else" I said shaking my head. "What I did in our relationship--I'm not proud of" I breathed shaking my head. Max's eyes snapped to mine. "But i'm not going to apologize for anything that brought me to Chris" I whispered looking at him.

He glared at me.

"You think you're in a fucking love story don't you? You think the whole world revolves around fucking Y/n Labraut." He said raising his eyebrows. I glanced to Sydney who was looking between us worriedly.

“Shut up” I mumbled. He glared at me. “This what you want? You think he’s gonna give you what you want in life?” Max snapped at me.

“You don’t know what I want. You don’t even know me” I clenched my jaw at him.

"Wake up. Because as soon as he gets a wiff of little miss rich priss's panties he'll be on his way. Just wait" Max glared at me. I swallowed before Chris pushed forward and grabbed Max by his jacket bringing their noses together.

"Wanna say that again Ralph Lauren?" Chris gripped his suit so hard his knuckles turned white. I stepped forward. "Chris it's not worth it" I breathed quickly. Max smirked up at Chris. I could basically see the steam coming out of his ears.

"Go on, tell your new little boyfriend to hit me" Max's eyes shifted to mine. "Doesn't change the fact that you cheated on me. I'm sure your father would love to hear that" Max smiled. I let out a breath feeling my chest clench.

Chris's gripped tightened. "Tell me I can hit him, Y/n" Chris glared down at him. I blinked at Chris. My hands shook. I shook my head.

"I-"

"He switched shirts!"

I looked over seeing Sydney stepping forward. My eyebrows furrowed as Sydney's eyes watered. Chris's gripped loosened on Max as his vision turned to Sydney. Max's eyes widened.

"Sydney what are you-!" Cayden snapped grabbing her shoulder but she shook him off. "No!" She glared at him. She turned back to me and I shook my head in confusion.

"Y/n, I'm so sorry. I should have told you sooner but I was so scared and I didn't want Cayden to-" She shook her head coming up to me. I put my hand on her shoulders as she started to cry.

"Sydney what are you talking about?" I asked shaking my head. She took a deep breath. "At the party! At the beginning of the year, you saw Max kissing that girl, not Mitch" She shook her head, tearing streaming down her face.

My face dropped.

"Max knew you saw him, so he gave Mitch a 12 pack of beer to switch shirts and take the fall. Y/n, I'm so fucking sorry I never told you" She shook her head.

"Sydney you swore you-" Cayden snapped.

"I don't care!" Sydney snapped.

I glanced over to Mitch and then Max who both looked guilty. I felt a smile come to my face before I laughed. Chris looked back at me and I shook my head covering my mouth.

"Oh my god" I smiled turning to Max. Chris let go of him and stepped back as Max's jaw hardened and he looked towards the ground. "You're not only an abusive piece of shit--" I said raising my eyebrows.

"You're a lying hypocrite piece of shit too" I gasped smiling. He shook his head and turned his head. I pursed my lips before stepping up to hm.

"And I couldn't thank you enough" I smiled. He looked up at me, a face full of confusion. I glanced over at Chris who had a small smile on his face.

"I used to stay up at night wondering why I was put in a postion to be with someone who eats me alive, who hurts me so so much" I said shaking my head. Max's stare hardened.

"But in the end it was all worth it, all of the pain, all of the hurt" I said stepping back. I smiled up at Chris who looked proudly down at me. I smiled grabbing his hand.

"Because it gave me you" I whispered up at Chris. Chris smiled down at me. Chris looked up at Max before looking back at me. "I wish you the best really" I smiled over at Max. "But fuck you" I smiled. Max glared at me.

I pulled Chris's arm before we turned and started to walk the other direction. Chris paused making me look up at him. He stared down at me. He leaned down pressing his lips against my ear.

"Please forgive me for what I'm about to do" He whispered before I felt him drop my hand. I opened my mouth to say something back but he was already marching back to Max, his fist flying at his face.

I lunged forward as Max stumbled to the ground. Chris climbed on top of him, swinging again and I ran back over to them. Mitch and Cayden grabbed Chris attempting to pull him off Max, but with one shove from Chris, they were laying on their ass.

"Chris! You're gonna kill him, Stop!" I screamed grabbing his shoulder. Chris brought his hands up, his chest rising and falling. Max groaned on the ground.

"You don't know how long i've wanted to do that" He said mumbling down to Max before shoving his chest against the ground. Chris climbed off of him before grabbing his bag with the liqour and taking it out and slamming it against the ground, the sound of shattering glass filling the air.

I glanced over at Sydney who stood there looking at me. Chris grabbed my hand. "Come on" He whispered down at me, before pulling my arm. I looked away from Sydney before walking away with Chris.

-

"You're insane" I whispered as I wrapped his knuckles. Chris chuckled in front of me. "They say that love makes you this way" He smiled down at our hands. I shook my head as I tore the end of the wrap before securing it in place.

I grabbed his hand and looked up at him. "You didn't have to wrap them, Y/n. I said I was fine" Chris whispered looking down at me. I shook my head. "I didn't want the cuts getting infected" I whispered back looking at his hands.

"I love you" He whispered. I glanced up at him smiling. He just stared down at me. "Like, I really love you" He whispered shaking his head. I looked up before wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I know you do Chris. I love you too" I whispered. But he had a different look in his eyes, he just stared at me like he never wanted to look away. He leaned forward before connecting our lips softly. I kissed him back letting go of a breath as he pushed me back, out of the bathroom.

"Jump" He mumbled before I lifted off my feet, barley moving because he basically lifted me off the ground and wrapped my legs around him. He bit down on my lip making me open my mouth as he slipped his toungue into my mouth.

I smiled as I pushed my hands through his hair. He leaned down, placing me against the bed as he crawled over me, disconnecting our lips. I smiled up at him, pressing my hands against his face as he smiled down at me.

"I'm sorry you missed your dance" He whispered. I chuckled. "What dance?" I whispered. He smiled before leaning down and kissing me harder. "And I'm sorry I beat up your ex boyfriend" He whispered.

"What ex boyfriend?" I mumbled as I pressed my lips to his again. He smiled against me, placing his hands on my waist, riding my shirt up. I pressed our bodies together and he pressed his lips against the side of my neck.

"I love you, I love you" He repeated, his lips on my neck. I leaned my head back, placing my hand on the back of his neck. "Chris" I breathed heavily, barley being able to see from the feeling of his lips. They were like sweet poison spreading through my body with every touch.

"I need to feel you" I whispered, my eyes closing. He lifted his head. "What can I give you?" He whispered looking down at me. I reached down before pulling my shirt above my head and throwing it to the side. His eyes stayed connected to mine.

"Everything" I whispered. He smiled as his lips overtook mine and he gripped my waist as we kissed. "You’re gonna kill me" He whispered against my lips. "You make life worth living" I whispered back. He smiled before he leaned up and pulled his shirt off his body.

My eyes glanced down his figure and he chuckled before coming back down over me. "Are you okay? Is this okay?" I whispered, pressing my hands to his face. He smiled. "If i'm with you, everything's okay" He whispered back kissing me.

He reached down before pulling out his belt and throwing it to the side. A few seconds later he was only in his underwear. He parted from my lips before hooking his hands under my short and looking up at me.

I nodded as I leaned my head back. He smiled as I lifted my hips and he removed my shorts. "I feel like I'm living one of my wet dreams" He chuckled. I smiled and shook my head. "I'm your girlfriend remember?” I chuckled as he came back over me.

"Shit, right. I forgot that wasn't a dream either" He smiled. I rolled my eyes. "Corny" I chuckled. "Only for you" He smiled pressing his lips softly to mine. "For the rest of my life" He whispered. I blinked up at him.

He blinked down at me. "Are you ready?" He whispered. I nodded before he pushed down my underwear, along with his own. He pushed my knees apart before pressing his chest against mine.

He lifted his head up before meeting my eyes. I stared back at him as I felt him push into me. I blinked my eyes closed and opened my mouth from the pressure. "F-Fuck" I cried. He kept pushing into me.

"So b-big" I mumbled trying to breath. "Please, don't tell me that. I-I wanna last" He breathed pressing his forehead to mine. I blinked my eyes open to meet mine. He finally bottomed out before he closed his eyes and sighed.

"You're inside me" I breathed. He chuckled, hanging his head into my shoulder. "Mm hmm" He nodded against my neck. "Can you m-move please?" I shifted under him, and he twitched inside of me. "Yeah s-sorry. You just..feel so good" His voice broke. I smiled before I felt him pull back, allowing me to breathe before it was caught in my throat again when he pushed back in.

We moaned in unison and he lifted his head. I grabbed his shoulder. "Chris" I moaned hanging my head. He fit inside of me like he was made for me. He pulled back out before pushing again. Hitting every spot he needed to.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him to me.

"Faster"

"Fuck"

He lifted my knee before pushing into me faster, making me crumble beneath him. "Y/n" He moaned against me. "You--You--fuck Chris." I breathed feeling his pace moving faster. I could barley see from the amount of pleasure.

"You're so perfect, so perfect for me" He whispered making me clench against him as he pushed into me. "You look so pretty" He whispered. "Chris" I arched against his movements.

"Please, tell me you're close because I---" He took in a breath as I felt him twitch inside me. I felt my stomach start to clench. He reached down before moving his fingers against me as he pushed into me.

"Fuck I-I-" I shook under him. "You got it. You got it, taking me so well" He whispered against my ear. I stuttered against his words as his fingers moved faster. "Feels--" I sqeezed my eyes shut.

"Feels good? Am I making my pretty girl feel good?" He mumbled. Oh my god. I nodded vigorously . "Please Chris" I whined. "I'm right---" I froze as I felt the knot in my stomach snap as I finished against him.

He sighed as his hand moved away from me and he chased his high, pushing into me a few more times before he shuttered and stiffened. He let out a breath as he collasped against me.

I leaned back as his hands came around me. I swallowed the lump in my throat that started to form. I felt my eyes start to water as I stared at the ceiling.

"Please don't leave" I whispered. His head snapped up from the tone of my voice. His hands came up to my face and he wiped the tears forming.

"Hey, Hey" He whispered shaking his head. I closed my eyes and shook my head. He sighed pressing his forehead against mine. "I don't wanna go. Please just---let's try to not think about it right now okay?" He shook his head. I blinked my eyes open seeing his eyes watering as well.

"I love you so much" I whispered. He smiled. "I love you more than I've ever loved another soul" He whispered leaning down and pressed his lips to mine.

2/3 plot twist complete

[nelkcats]

The Ghost King Wants To Rest!

After years of discovering about his immortality and living through the death and reincarnation of his loved ones, Danny was tired. The world had changed: it had destroyed, rebuilt, reboot, he honestly lost the thread over the years.

Although he could admit that it was interesting to see the evolution, the arrival of heroes on his "original" dimension. And maybe he forced Technus to build him a radio that would alert him to space-related issues there...

He was thrilled when Martian Manhunter was heralded as a hero (Superman was a pretty cool alien yes, but too... human?), though that was basically all the news he had of current civilization (not that he needed further)

The years passed and at the end he decided to live out his retirement on earth out of nostalgia (and by that he means Clockwork got his ass out of the Realms for a break) in what was once Amity a long time ago, he built a nice cabin in the mountains and settled there.

His relationship with Clockwork had evolved over the years, and Danny understood that his mentor (sometimes father) was very concerned that immortality would negatively affect him.

Seeing how he locked himself in his castle for the first few years after Jazz death didn't help alleviate his fears. So Danny didn't complain when the ghost threw him to Earth on that dimension (besides, it had Aliens now! and he missed Amity...even if it was not Amity anymore)

But people won't stop pestering him during his retirement! "Save us" "Help us balance the world, chosen one" "Play with me, let cause chaos!" And more ridiculous phrases. Can the horned boy and wizards leave him alone!? He just wanted to rest!

He couldn't even ask his loved ones for help because their reincarnations didn't recognize him (or did, and made fun of his situation).

On the other hand, Justice League Dark and Klarion have spent years trying to bring the powerful entity that lives in the mountains to their side but nothing works! Why is it so intent on pretending to be an old man with an appearance of 20!?

[deliciousangelfestival]

Unexpected Trip

Character: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Summary: Some people think you're too good for Bucky, who they see as just a nobody. Little do they know the backstory of both of you from 5 years ago.

Main Masterlist || support: Ko-fi

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you!" The cheery chorus filled the sunny garden as friends and neighbors gathered around. Balloons bobbed in the breeze, and the table was adorned with a colorful array of treats.

Your son, Tommy, was wide-eyed with wonder at the commotion, his little hands clapping together with glee.

You knew he was too young to remember this day, but the joy on his face was enough to make every moment worthwhile.

Bucky, your husband, stood beside you, a proud smile on his face as he watched Tommy's excitement. "Can you believe he's already three?" you said, leaning over to Bucky, who nodded, his eyes never leaving Tommy.

"I know, it feels like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital," Bucky replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Time really does fly."

As Tommy blew out the candles on his cake, the guests cheered, and Bucky wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close. "I'm so glad we decided to have this party," he said, planting a kiss on your cheek. "Even if he won't remember it, we will."

You smiled, feeling grateful for this moment of togetherness. "Me too," you said, watching Tommy's delighted face. "Here's to many more birthdays filled with love and laughter."

As you, Bucky, and Tommy were lost in your own world of celebration, the neighbors, known gossips of the neighborhood, couldn't resist whispering among themselves.

"I heard she got promoted to become the Director," murmured Mrs. Jenkins, a woman known for her keen interest in everyone's business, her eyes darting over to where you and Bucky stood.

Mrs. Thompson, a perpetually nosy neighbor, chimed in eagerly, "Wow, I knew she's a career woman since the first time I met her." Her voice carried a tone of admiration mixed with a hint of envy.

Standing nearby, Mr. Wilson, a retired gentleman with a penchant for spreading juicy tidbits, leaned in conspiratorially. "And she has a perfect house-husband," he added with a knowing nod in Bucky's direction.

The fourth neighbor, Mrs. Patel, a woman with a sharp tongue and a love for scandal, couldn't resist joining the conversation. "I don't want to sound rude, but she's too good for Bucky. He's just a nobody," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Mrs. Jenkins leaned closer, her eyes widening with exaggerated shock. "And guess what?" she whispered, drawing the others in.

"What?" Mrs. Thompson asked eagerly, her curiosity piqued.

"I heard a rumor that Bucky used to be a driver, like a courier," Mrs. Jenkins revealed,l.

Mrs. Patel gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her chest. "Omg! And he met Y/N? He hit the jackpot!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening as if she had just uncovered a scandalous secret.

Mr. Wilson chuckled, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "I think in Bucky's previous life he saved a universe," he joked, adding to the whimsical nature of the gossip.

Meanwhile, you and Bucky remained oblivious to the whispers behind you, too engrossed in Tommy's joyous laughter as he played with his friends. Bucky had his arm around you, pulling you closer, unaware of the drama unfolding in the background.

Little did the gossiping neighbors know, they were 10% right, at least when it came to the part about Bucky saving someone.

You see, Bucky wasn't just a nobody. He wasn't just a regular driver. To be precise, it all goes back to five years ago.

5 Years Ago

You had just arrived in Russia, alone and shivering from the cold. This wasn't a holiday trip; it was for business.

Unfortunately, your luck had run out, and you were the chosen one sent by your less-than-friendly manager, who knew the bid was a long shot. You were the scapegoat.

It wasn't until you were on the plane, reading the documents, that the truth hit you like a ton of bricks.

Shaking with cold, you reached for your phone and dialed your colleague. "Is there someone to pick me up at the airport?"

"You've arrived? I almost forgot. I suppose someone should be waiting for you. Check to see if there's a sign with your name at the exit gate," came the reply before the call abruptly ended.

"Huh?" You couldn't believe it. The company had tossed you out like yesterday's news, leaving you stranded like a lost child in a foreign country.

"I swear, if I had a lot of money, I'd buy the company's shares and fire every single one of them," you grumbled to yourself, dragging your small suitcase behind you toward the exit gate, uncertain of what awaited you.

As you approached, you spotted a person holding a sign. You gathered your resolve and approached them, saying, "Hi, it's me."

You finally took a good look at the person holding your name sign. He was pretty tall and muscular for a driver, more suited to be a bodyguard.

With a swift motion, he crumpled the paper and tossed it into a nearby trash can. When you finally caught a glimpse of his face, you couldn't help but think, "Damn, he's fine."

He pointed towards your suitcase. "Is that all?" he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

"Huh? Oh yeah," you replied, momentarily distracted by his good looks.

"Follow me," he said simply, then turned and walked ahead.

You hurried to catch up, feeling a mixture of confusion and intrigue. This wasn't the welcome you expected, but you followed him nonetheless.

After a quick walk, the two of you stopped in front of a black BMW. The design of the car felt straight out of the '90s.

"Get in," Bucky said, opening the backseat door.

You complied, noticing that your driver seemed to be a man of few words. "Um, what's your name?" you asked as you fastened your seatbelt.

"Bucky. Bucky Barnes," he replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he started the car.

Then, glancing at the rearview mirror, he added, "Always watch your back."

"What? What do you mean?" you asked, a hint of unease creeping into your voice.

Bucky shifted gears and increased the speed. "Just in case," he said cryptically, his focus on the road ahead.

You couldn't shake off the feeling of mystery surrounding Bucky. As the car smoothly glided through the streets of Russia, you couldn't help but wonder what kind of business you had genuinely stepped into.

Bucky glanced at you through the rearview mirror as the car continued its swift journey through the city. "You came here without knowing anything?" he asked, his voice serious.

"I knew that other countries also put a bid on this project," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady despite the growing unease.

"True," Bucky acknowledged. "Do you know what kind of representatives the other countries sent here too?"

Your voice turned into a whisper, barely audible over the hum of the engine. "Not like me?"

Bucky's eyes flicked to the side mirror, noticing a few cars trailing behind them. " And they've arrived too," he confirmed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly.

Feeling a surge of panic, you turned around to look out the rear window. "Oh, shit," you muttered under your breath.

There was a group of cars following behind you both, and their windows opened. Someone appeared with a gun pointed at your car.

Bucky shifted gears again, the car picking up speed. "Don't bite your tongue, Miss Y/N," he said calmly, his focus unwavering on the road ahead.

You swallowed hard, your heart racing as you realized the gravity of the situation. The cars following them meant trouble; you were right in the middle. Gripping the door handle tightly, you braced for whatever was to come, grateful that Bucky knew what he was doing.

The chase was like something out of a movie, but the fear gripping your heart was all too real. The car Bucky drove was bulletproof, a small comfort in the chaos unfolding around you.

"KYAAA!"

Yet, despite the safety of the car, you couldn't shake off the primal fear that clawed at your chest. This was the first time you had ever found yourself in such a dangerous situation, and the adrenaline surged through your veins.

"Oh god, oh god," you muttered, your voice filled with panic as you clutched onto the door handle, your knuckles turning white.

Bucky, on the other hand, remained surprisingly calm. His hands moved expertly over the steering wheel, navigating through the narrow streets with precision. "Hold on tight," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos outside.

You could hear the sound of gunfire, bullets ricocheting off the car's armored exterior. The world outside seemed to blur as Bucky weaved in and out of traffic, the pursuing cars hot on your tail.

"What do we do? What do we do?" you pleaded, your heart pounding in your chest.

Bucky glanced at you briefly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Trust me," he said cryptically, before reaching for a button on the dashboard.

With a click, the back of the car transformed. Panels shifted, revealing an array of weapons hidden within. Your eyes widened in disbelief as a gun turret emerged from the rear of the car, whirring to life.

"Oh my god!" you exclaimed, both terrified and amazed at the same time.

Bucky didn't hesitate. He maneuvered the car expertly, aligning the gun turret with the pursuing vehicles. With a press of a button, the turret unleashed a barrage of bullets, hitting the cars behind you with precision.

The sound of metal tearing and tires screeching filled the air as the pursuing vehicles swerved and crashed, their drivers no match for the firepower of Bucky's car.

You watched in awe and horror as the scene unfolded behind you, the adrenaline still coursing through your veins. "I can't believe this," you whispered, your eyes wide with disbelief.

Bucky remained focused, his eyes scanning the road ahead. "Welcome to the world of high-stakes business, Miss Y/N," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos around you.

As you both sped away from the gunfire, the intensity of the moment left you breathless. The adrenaline coursing through your veins made you wonder how Bucky could remain so calm, and how his car seemed to be designed for situations like this.

"Bucky, are you really just a driver?" you asked, your voice filled with astonishment and curiosity.

Bucky, focused on the road ahead, replied without missing a beat. "Most of the time I work as a getaway driver."

"What?!" you exclaimed, unable to hide your surprise.

Bucky glanced at you briefly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I have a few skills up my sleeve," he said cryptically, his eyes returning to the road as he expertly navigated the streets.

You panted heavily, trying to catch your breath after the intense chase. "Huff... huff... I have to win this damn bid. I almost lost my life. If I win, I will demand a promotion, and for you too, Bucky."

Bucky chuckled. "Thank you," he replied, his laughter mixing with relief as the moment's tension dissipated

Bucky glanced at you, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "You know, Miss Y/N, I'm impressed," he said, his voice tinged with respect.

You looked at him, surprised by his words. "Impressed? Why?"

"Because even though you were scared out of your mind back there," Bucky explained, gesturing vaguely to the chaos that had just unfolded, "you still have the drive to win this bid. That takes courage."

A small smile tugged at the corners of your lips, touched by his words. "Well, I don't want to go through all of this for nothing," you replied, a hint of determination in your voice.

Bucky nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. And I believe you have what it takes to succeed."

As the car continued on its journey, you felt a newfound sense of confidence swelling within you. Despite the danger and the unexpected twists, you were determined to make this business trip count. With Bucky by your side, you felt like you could take on anything that came your way.

"Thank you, Bucky," you said, gratitude evident in your voice.

He smiled, a reassuring presence beside you. "Anytime, Miss Y/N. We make a good team."

And at that moment, as the city lights blurred past the windows of the car, you knew that this business trip would be far more than just a bid. It would be an adventure, with Bucky as your unexpected ally.

🚗

After you won the bid, you demanded a meeting with the CEO and threatened to sue the company if you weren't promoted.

Asserting your worth, you stood firm, and the CEO eventually relented, granting you the promotion you rightfully deserved.

As you stood in the office, your evil manager and colleague before you, the air was charged with tension. They both wore expressions of surprise and disbelief, clearly caught off guard by your sudden assertiveness.

"Good afternoon," you began, your voice steady and firm. "I requested this meeting to inform you both that your employment with this company is terminated, effective immediately."

The evil manager scoffed, a hint of arrogance in his voice. "You can't do that. You're just a new employee."

You met his gaze, unwavering. "Actually, as of today, I've been promoted to a position where I have the authority to make such decisions."

The lazy colleague chimed in, who answered your call at the airport. Her voice laced with disdain. "This is ridiculous. You're letting power go to your head."

You shook your head, a steely resolve in your eyes. "No, this is about accountability and integrity. Both of you have demonstrated a lack of professionalism and ethics that is unacceptable in this company. And you make me go alone knowing that the trips was a high risk."

The evil manager tried to argue, but you held up a hand to silence him. "There's no need for further discussion. Your actions have consequences, and now you're facing them."

With that, you handed them their termination letters, each neatly printed with the company seal. The evil manager's face turned red with anger, while the evil colleague's eyes widened in shock.

"This is unfair!" the evil manager shouted, his voice filled with outrage.

You remained calm, unfazed by his outburst. "It's the consequences of your own actions," you replied firmly.

Othrr colleague tried to plead for another chance, but you stood your ground. "I'm sorry, but this is non-negotiable," you said, your tone resolute.

As they gathered their things and left the office, the weight of their absence felt like a burden lifted from their shoulders. You watched them go, feeling a sense of relief and empowerment.

🚗

One day, the memories of Russia tugged at your heartstrings, and you found yourself longing to return, this time for a personal visit to see Bucky. With determination, you booked a flight and arrived at his apartment.

Bucky greeted you warmly, a smile spreading across his face. "Miss Y/N," he said with genuine happiness.

"Bucky," you replied, matching his smile. "I couldn't resist coming back to see you."

You smiled, feeling a rush of excitement and nervousness. "I wanted to thank you," you began, gratitude filling your voice. "For everything. You were there for me in Russia, and I couldn't have done it without you."

Bucky's expression softened, his eyes reflecting genuine warmth. "It was my pleasure. You showed courage and determination. I was just glad to be a part of it."

"I wanted to ask," you continued, gathering your courage, "if you would consider coming with me. With my promotion, I have the opportunity to lead new projects, and I can think of no one better to have by my side."

Bucky's eyes widened in surprise, clearly caught off guard by your offer. After a moment of contemplation, a smile slowly spread across his face. "I would be honored," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I believe we make a good team."

Bucky smiled warmly, a glint of excitement in his eyes as he grabbed his car keys and jacket. "To celebrate, let me pay for tonight's dinner. My treat," he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

You couldn't help but feel gratitude and happiness at his offer. "That sounds wonderful." you replied, a smile spreading across your face.

That's how the love story between you and Bucky started.

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YOU'VE BEEN ON MY MIND—

— co-parenting with alonso has been smooth sailing, until he starts dropping hints that he wants to be with you again

P10 ★ BEATING THE RETIREMENT ALLEGATIONS

amgf AAAAAAAAHHHH yay! congratulations to me on completing ybom, and to you for reading along with this story 😎 we have one special chapter and that's it!!!!! thank you for all your support, let's see each other on jense's story. as always, enjoy 👍

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Rushing out of the car, you grab Ales' hand with your right, pacing towards Fernando standing on the beach alone. Your mind immediately thinks back on the thought of Fernando retiring.

You've only watched him race again in the 2023 season, and the thought of him retiring never crossed your mind, it made your heart ache.

You've fully integrated his racing schedules with yours, taking breaks and watching his on-boards live and sometimes choosing certain races to go with him and Ales. It helped you bond, and make memories with Ales.

You take a glance at the surroundings, seeing as there were very few people on the beach. "Mama, you should go to papa first."

Your son's words only confirmed your thoughts, that Fernando was retiring. You walk into the gazebo, preparing yourself for the worst announcement of all. Lance said it would be good news, how is Fernando retiring good news for you?

You stand in silence, waiting for Fernando to say something while your head racks up a few words of consolation. What caught you off guard however was the soft piano playing in the background.

Turning to face you, Fernando gets down on one knee. "NO!"

Fernando stills, stopping himself from grabbing the ring box from his pocket, trying to hide the disappointment in his eyes.

"You're retiring aren't you? That's why you're proposing to me? No! You can't retire, racing is your life, I can wait a few more years to get married, is Aston Martin ditching you for the next season? You did so well scoring points, what is wrong with them letting you go. I'm going to talk to my uncle, there's no way this is happening."

You grab Fernando's hands, pulling him up from the sand, as you drag him away from the gazebo. Fat tears flowing from your eyes.

"Amor, I'm not retiring. Is that what you think is happening?"

You wipe the tears falling down your eyes, "Then why are you asking me to marry you? I don't want you to retire!"

Fernando laughs, wrapping his arms around you in a comforting hug. "So you don't want me to retire? Do you need more time, I can wait."

You shake your head, "I want to marry you, but I don't want you to choose between me and racing."

Fernando breaks the hug pressing a kiss on your forehead, "Can I not marry you and race?"

"I want that for us, I want to marry you, and watch you race with Ales, and spend my whole life with you."

Leaning in, you wrap your arms around Fernando— the smile on his face growing as you kiss him harder. "I want that for us too. Will you give me the honor of marrying you?"

You jump and cling to Fernando, shouting at the top of your lungs, "Yes! I do, I love you Fernando, and I won't have this any other way. I'm glad we saw each other through."

"FINALLY!" You jump watching Lance from the shore, with a wet Ales, sitting on his shoulders.

"Let's all wrap this up and go home! I'm sorry to be the one ruining your moment here, but Ales jumped into the water while you two were talking about retiring, I know we all waited for this moment— me especially but let's all wrap this up before Ales catches a cold."

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[alhaith4ms]

maybe a bit ooc? but i rlly rlly rlly like to think that alhaitham full on craves affection the moment you've given him a taste of it okay? :(

i like to think that alhaitham enjoys physical touch once he's finally comfortable or settled into a relationship.

alhaitham enjoys basking in the warmth of your hugs, relishing the soft touches of your hand on his arms, and enjoying the feeling of your kisses against his lips. he's even integrated your affections in his daily routine — he receives a kiss from you before he leaves for work, a hug once he arrives home, and another kiss before you two retire and cuddle for the night.

so imagine his surprise when you didn't greet him at the door with a hug like you normally would when he arrived home.

"i'm home." alhaitham announced, thinking that you just didn't notice his arrival, closing the front door behind him.

you ignored him, continuing to busy yourself in the kitchen, making him huff as he made his way to stand behind you.

alhaitham's arms wrapped around your waist as he rest his chin on your shoulder, unbothered by your movements.

it was silent, save for the bubbling of the stew on the stove and the sound of running water as you washed dishes. it went on like this for a couple more minutes before you spoke.

"get off me."

however, your words fell on deaf ears as alhaitham tightened his arms around your waist and began to press kisses on your neck.

tilting your head in an attempt to stop him, you frowned. "i'm still angry, a hug and some kisses won't make me feel any better about earlier."

"i know," he whispered against your skin, mind going back to the little spat you both had earlier this morning before he left for work. "i'm sorry for the words i spoke earlier, it wasn't my intention to hurt you."

turning in his arms to face him, you pressed a kiss to his cheek. "you're forgiven, we'll talk more about that after we've had dinner, okay?"

"okay," alhaitham's body relaxed at the kiss, a smile gracing his lips. "...withholding affection was a bit cruel of you, don't you think?"

that made you laugh a little. "you've grown soft, haithie."

"only for you, my love."

[runningfrom2am]

cold nights // part seven

summary: all the stars aligned, and it was you.

pairing: coriolanus snow x fem!reader

wc: 2.5k

masterlists / nav / requests

tags/warnings: tribute!reader and mentor!coriolanus, r is very sweet (too kind for this world. literally.), sunshine x grumpy trope kinda, he falls first, violence typical for the source material, r is very smart (as she should), district twelve!reader.

a/n: guyssss omg this part AHHHHH

series masterlist // playlist

After your interview, Coriolanus insisted on being discharged so he could go home. If rest was all he required, he could do that at home, is what he told the nurses.

As soon as Tigris had gotten him home and retired to bed herself, he was quietly getting dressed again. If the arena was still going to be used even after the bombing, he had to see what that would mean for you. It couldn't have been rebuilt in a matter of days, and having an idea of what it would look like could possibly give you an advantage that you so desperately needed. The donations were a good start, but he could do more. He had to do more.

He walked all the way there and then to you with a bag on his shoulder and a knee that never seemed to stop aching. He could feel every step he took in his spine, and by the time he made it to the zoo, he was relieved that he could finally take a break. And finally, he could see you.

"Y/N?" You think you're hallucinating from hunger and paranoia when you hear his voice, making you sit up. "Y/N. It's me. Come here." Coryo's voice comes again, and you're quickly standing and making your way over to the bars.

"Coryo." You smile, wishing you could hug him. You still weren't totally sure if he was really there, or if you were slowly losing your grasp on reality. "What are you doing here?"

"I had to see you." He whispers, not hesitating to reach through the bars and grab your hand.

"But, Sejanus said-"

"I got them to discharge me after the interview. All I can do is sleep it off now anyway." He says, lifting your arm to get a closer look at the stitches. It's not like he could do anything to help it now, but he still wanted to make sure it wasn't getting infected.

You let him, and from the warmth in his hands as he touches you, ever so gently feeling the outside of your cut and grasping your hand, you can tell that he's real. "I thought I'd never see you again." You whisper.

"Likewise." He replies, lowering your arm but not letting go of your hand. "Are you okay? Are you in pain?"

"No." You say softly, giving a slight shake of your head. "It's nothing in comparison to what's to come. I'm trying to appreciate what I have."

Coryo is sure that is the nicest and saddest way anyone in the history of the world has ever confessed to being in pain. "You'll be okay." He assures you. "I won't let anything happen to you. I can't. You saved me."

"His nature is too noble for the world: He would not flatter Neptune for his trident, Or Jove for's power to thunder." You say quietly, a small smile forming on your lips.

"Romeo and Juliet?"

"Coriolanus." You correct him, squeezing his hand where it's still wrapped around yours. "But, I have a confession to make."

"What is it?"

"Now, when I try and remember parts of Coriolanus, all I can truly think about is you." It's true. You tried to remember something from that play for your monologue, to say goodbye and thank him in a way he would easier understand, but instead, all you could think of were his blonde curls against his striking red uniform and his blue eyes against the softness of his skin. For the first time, your mind was empty.

He blushes, but he's sure you can't see it in the poor lighting of the cold night. "Well, your name has only ever meant one thing to me."

"Which is?"

"It's only ever been you."

You don't even realize he's as close as he is until you can feel his breath brushing over your skin, both of you having leaned in closer to hear each other until your foreheads were almost touching.

The cold that surrounded you completely disappeared as your eyes fell shut, lips hardly brushing against his. You both hesitated, at first.

Being stuck in that hospital bed for days only fueled the fire inside Coryo that was slowly burning and churning out smoke that would always led his mind straight back to you. He didn't care if you were 'District', how could he? You were made for him- and you proved that when you chose to save his life over saving yourself from a fate so horrible as a death in The Hunger Games. You weren't 'District'; You were You, and he simmered in the guilt of his rejection of you for days after he had done it. His dishonesty with himself had wasted precious days he could have spent with you, or at least you could have known. Right now, he could have been kissing you for the second, third or fourth time, but now he has to live with the fact that it's possible he'll only ever get to feel your lips on his just once.

Your first kiss wasn't what you imagined it to be. Not at all. You expected that you'd be home, for one, but if you could go back and tell your younger self that you would find your very own Romeo in a blonde boy from the Capitol, she would have laughed in your face. The circumstances would have broken her heart just like they are for you right now. He was gentle, too gentle for the role he was given.

When Coryo pulls away, he's startled to see your cheeks glistening with fallen tears, eyes red once you reopen them. God, how he hates seeing you cry. Especially because of him. Especially if he had hurt you, somehow. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No." You sniff, wiping your cheek on your wrist as you look away. Maybe he doesn't mind seeing you cry as long as you're still looking at him. "It's not your fault I just... I don't know. I'm scared."

You feel annoying for telling him again. He knows. Of course he knows, you've told him so many times.

"I know... I know you are." He nods, reaching out and holding your cheek, urging you to look at him again. "But you're going to be okay."

"I'm not." You smile sadly. "Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me; the carriage held but just ourselves and immortality."

Coryo just slightly shakes his head. "No." He denies the inevitability of your death vehemently. "Listen, I went to the arena. It's completely different in there. There are places to hide, to run, you could get up in the stands or down into the tunnels underneath. You can hide now and wait it out. You can do it."

"I... I'll try." You manage to squeak out, no longer wanting to cry in front of him, making him feel worse than he does.

Coryo nods, looking around behind you to double-check check none of the other tributes are awake. "I brought you some things that may help." He whispers, dropping his hand from your cheek to dig through his bag.

He pulls out a rolled-up scarf, it's hard to discern the colour in the dark as he holds it out to you. "Coryo, I can't take anything in. You know that."

"Please." He pleads. "I need you to take this. It can kind of keep you warm, or you could..." He trails off, watching as you unroll the silk fabric in your hands.

"I can't kill anyone." You remind him. "I won't do it."

"I know. I know that." He nods. "But everyone does things they aren't proud of to survive."

You chew on your lip as you rub the soft material between your fingers.

"Turn around." He tells you, holding his hands out for you to give it back. You hesitate before obeying, handing it back to him and facing the inside of the cage. "You can't carry it in, but I think if you wear it no one will notice." He whispers, gently pushing the strap of your dress down one of your shoulders.

You understand what he's trying to do, so you do the same thing on the other side and pull your arms out, letting the top half of your dress fall down around your waist.

Coryo's breath hitches in his throat as he stares at your bare back. Your skin was bruised and adorned a burn that looked like it came from being thrown across the ground. Your skin was supposed to be clear, untouched, and unharmed, but the state of it doesn't surprise him. He reaches around you, threading the unfolded material under your arms and across your front which you quickly adjust to cover your chest comfortably as he folds it over itself in the back. "Turn." He whispers, planting the softest of kisses on your shoulder as it bumps against the bars. He wanted to touch you, to drag his fingers across your skin and cherish the only time he would ever get to see you so bare, but he couldn't and he knew that.

You shiver from the warm touch, but make a point of turning quickly as he wraps it around you again, and it's just long enough to tie in the front. He helps you, though you could do it yourself, tying it tight and tucking the knot underneath the layered fabric to disguise it better. "Do whatever you need to with it." He tells you again, letting his hands slide over the material where it wraps around your waist.

You nod slightly, looking down at the scarf now tied around you. You felt safer in it already, less exposed. It felt like a hug. His hands slide up until they're pressed against your cheeks once more, and as he looks into your eyes he's hoping you understand how much he needs you to win.

You pull your dress back on, and it perfectly covers the scarf underneath.

"I have one more thing." He adds, reaching back into his bag and pulling out a small, silver compact.

You take it, turning it over in your palm. "Don't open it." He tells you quickly. "Don't open it until you have to. The powder inside is so deadly it'll kill you if you so much as breathe it in. Be careful."

You're quickly trying to hand it back to him, shaking your head. "Coryo, I told you-"

He pushes your hand back, but holds it in his. "I know. Don't use it if you don't want to. But I need you to understand that I will just be sick if I send you in defenseless. I can't let you die knowing I could have done more to help. I would do anything."

You nod, solemnly accepting that you have to take it. "I can't go in there with you, but I will do everything I can from out here. I promise. I'm not giving up on you." He insists. "They'll give me a computer, and I can send you things with the donations people send, and we have tons. Just like I told you. You won't starve. You just have to wait it out."

"Wait it out." You mumble back to yourself, still nodding as you look down at the cold metal compact held in your palm.

"I'll be watching you the entire time. We're in this together, okay? I'll be with you, you won't be alone." He gives you a small, weak smile.

"Okay." You whisper, tears still steadily falling from your eyes. "And then I can go home?" You ask quietly. You knew the answer, of course, but you desperately needed the reassurance.

"Then you can go home." Coryo confirms, squeezing your hands. "And see the stars, and your family, and your cat, and your books." He whispers.

"And you?" You ask, tilting your head at him, smiling with teary eyes.

"I'll come say goodbye." He nods, and your smile fades. Of course you couldn't stay together, but you hadn't even considered life after the games until this moment.

"Yes. Goodbye." Your smile fades into a more sad one.

"But I'll write to you." He promises.

"And I can send you books." Your normal smile returns and he nods.

"I would love that."

"That reminds me-" You tuck the compact into your pocket, dropping his hands and holding up a finger, telling him to wait while you walk away.

You carefully pull the small blanket from Jessup's sleeping form and grab the tattered copy of Romeo and Juliet, bringing it back to him "Here. Take these now, I just wanted to make sure they got back to you."

"Thank you." He nods, taking them back from you. He wasn't sure how he'd get them back otherwise, but he wasn't sure he really cared.

"Will you read it?" You ask, pointing to the book.

"I will. I'm looking forward to it." He smiles, tucking it under his arm. "I have to go, I'm sorry..." He says, realizing that you both needed as good of a night's sleep as you can possibly get. He was sure he wouldn't be sleeping much as it was.

"Of course. Go home, it's cold out." You nod, arms wrapped around yourself and suddenly he feels guilty for taking the blanket. There it was again, that selflessness. You had endless amounts of it- he was still worried you would do something stupid in the games like sacrifice yourself for Jessup, but only time would tell.

"Hey, take my advice, okay? We're a team." He reminds you and you nod. "Don't trust anyone once that bell rings. I mean it."

"Okay, Coryo. I trust you." You agree, wanting him to understand that you really would try your best to listen.

"Good." He nods, turning to look behind him, at the path he was about to take home. He was hesitating and you could tell, he didn't want to say goodbye, so you would.

"Good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow." You hum, a knowing smile on your face that he wouldn't fully understand, but you didn't need him to. It was a goodbye, that much he understood.

"Goodnight." He whispers, running his hand down the skin of your arm one last time before leaving. He couldn't stay forever, even though he wished he could.

When he got home and into bed, he couldn't resist opening the book that you had cradled in your hands just an hour earlier. He flipped through the pages under the glowing, warm light from his lamp, and the pit of sadness in his stomach only grew when he opened to where you had kept a bookmark. The rose he gave you, pressed and dried between the pages to save your spot.

He lifts the rose carefully, his eyes drawn to the words underneath. "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."

[ghouljams]

Could we see Konig being real stalker- cough cough I mean devoted?

This is not good, the ideas I'm cooking up... At least Ghost gets to see Goose every day, lets keep that in mind. Also let's keep in mind that the nasty boy was retired for being too good at his job...

You tug your front door open because you're half sure you heard a knock. It was hesitant, and soft enough you could ignore it --something you're tempted to do given the sun is barely up-- but it doesn't hurt to check.

"Oh! König," You smile up at him, doing your best to look more awake than you feel. Still, you can't help rubbing some of the sleep out of your eyes. You note he's wearing his bandana again.

"Good morning Schatz, did I wake you?" His eyes dart over you with concern. You cross your arms tugging your flannel a little tighter over your slip, giving yourself some added protection from the morning bugs. You shake your head, like a liar.

"Nope, all good. What can I do for ya'?"

"My-" He drags the word out, looking over your head and into your house, "-coffee maker is broken," He nods a little, you stifle a yawn, "und I was wondering if you had any to spare?"

You nod and wave him into your home, hearing him shut the door nicely behind him and then silence. You glance over your shoulder to tell him to follow you, but he is. He's just... silent. You didn't know guys that big could sound like anything but giants, you sort your focus back to your coffee maker in the kitchen.

"Might take a few minutes, I was gonna make breakfast. You want anything?" You pop open the top of your coffee maker to dump grounds in, trying to think through what you've got in the fridge. Do you even have enough to feed this guy?

"That's very kind, thank you," König hums glancing around your kitchen, "Is there anything I can do to help? I'm not very handy in the kitchen, but maybe..."

You hum, watching the water fill your coffee pot before shutting the sink off. Actually you could use his height on a few things. "I've got a light out in the living room, if you'd wanna replace that? Save me getting the step stool."

You are so sweet, so soft, so trusting, made for all the things König wishes he was made for. You were so cute standing in your doorway, tired eyed, hair still messy from sleep, just a slip and an oversized shirt between you and him. That should be his shirt you're wearing. He'll find a way to get you one.

He flips a switch on the box on his kitchen table, and hears static crackle before the air waves pop into the right channel. This is just precautionary, he tells himself, just because you're a woman alone in the middle of nowhere. It's really for your safety, and he won't ever turn it on after this.

Your voice filters through the receiver's speakers singing along to some song he doesn't know. He settles heavy on his kitchen chair, folding his arms on the table to rest his head on them. You sound so pretty, like you're singing just for him. What's one bug? One bug is nothing, he thinks watching the blinking light on the receiver, you probably wouldn't even mind if you knew.

[imaginemoons]

PREGNANCY HCS PT.2

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Character: ZHONGLI 🫶🤗

Warnings: Bad English, blood

Genre fluff

| Zhongli |

When you tell him:

•Ok, First of all, he was SOOO shocked, him?You chose him of all people to bear children with?... He couldn't be anymore happier.

•You were honestly shocked (yet not) when he started tearing up that you also started to cry more, you guys couldn't honestly be happier.

•He picked you up and started spinning from all the happiness, he kissed you lovingly and sweetly. "My dearest.. you have truly made me the happiest man alive".

During the months:

•He has been to ALL of your appointments, he has to know if you and the baby are well and won't have any compilacations throughout the pregnancy.

•Like Diluc he would shower you with gifts from childe's wallet ofc. You'd have many jewelry all made from lapis.

•He loved watching your belly grow with your guyses child, He finally felt like he had retired from being an archon and had finally started a life for himself with the love of his life.

•He would ask for the adepti to keep an eye on you whenever you go out or he's out at work. Is sometimes REALLY possessive dragon things.

•Whenever you guys cuddle he would always be the big spoon, and hold you tight. Or he will sleep beside your tummy.

•If you ask him he'd definitely sing to your baby. Sometimes the baby even kicks when he sings🫶.

•"My love, I cannot wait for our little one to come out, I want to meet him, but I cannot help but think I would be a bad father" he says

•"Li, how could you ever be a "bad father" you are a man that saved hundreds and thousands of people" you say. Zhongli chuckles lightly at this.

•"Yes, but I have also killed hundreds and thousands of people" He says back. "Zhongli whoever you see yourself to be, You always will be the man I love and more and you will be a great father to our child".

•After more talking he eventually calmed down. It ended with you to cuddling and comforting each other.😭

Giving birth:

•It was night time and you guys were taking an evening walk. But suddenly when you were taking a break at the bridge, your water suddenly broke!.

•Of course you called for zhongli who was just taking in the beautiful scenery. Zhongli immediately ran to you and carried you to bubu pharmacy FAST.

•When you guys arrived baizhu and qiqi immediately went near you to see what was going on Zhongli explained to them: "Dr. Baizhu! Please! Help my wife her water broke!".

•Baizhu immediately led them to the labor room, and Zhongli gently laid you down onto the bed, Baizhu prepped you and checked if your cervix has dilated.

•Baizhu told you everything looked good, you just needed to push now so that you could meet your baby.

•"Breath (name), 3,2,1 push!," You pushed as hard as you can, holding onto Zhongli's hand he helped you to breath properly.

•After 3 more pushes, your baby was finally out, IT WAS A GIRL! ,you watched as Baizhu held onto you baby and immediately put your baby in your embrace.

•You couldn't help but cry out of happiness, I mean how couldn't you cry out of happiness?,You finally get to meet your child!.

•"Hello little one.." you say with tears in your eyes. You looked up at Zhongli who also was tearing up. "My child.." he said

•After a couple of minutes of you and Zhongli welcoming your child into this world. A nurse had to take her due to that your daughter was still covered in blood.

•After they had cleaned your daughter up, she was back, safe, in your arms, you looked up at Zhongli.

• "What should we name her?" You say, Zhongli thought for a while and eventually came up with the name "Daiyu... We should name her Daiyu" he replied

•"That name is beautiful Zhongli..." You say, you look down on your daughter "Hello, Daiyu... It's your mommy.." "And daddy-" Zhongli added, you couldn't help but chuckle.

•The rest of night, you slept with your daughter in your arms, and Zhongli hunched over the side of the bed, sleeping right beside you guys and holding your hand.

BOOM💥💥💥💥

[whohasthecards]

What if Goose was alive and eventually, after the mission, he meets the Dagger squad, and although he is enamored with all of them ("You can't fucking talk Mav, you literally already have adoption papers drafted-", "You're just as bad as your husband, Ice."), everyone notices how he's very fond of Hangman.

Bradley especially doesn't understand as he has told his dad about the incident during the mission training where he almost threw hands with the younger man, Hangman did apologize to Rooster and Maverick after the mission, but still-

Deep inside, he knows that his dad was never the type to hold on to grudges harshly. (Unless it's about pranks. That's a different story.)

---

"Sir?" A voice behind Goose meekly asks while he was stirring a big pot of stew to feed all the old and baby aviators he decided to feed today.

Goose put a lid to leave the stew to simmer as he turned and smiled at Hangman, the younger man hunched over himself and fidgeting, a far cry from the cocky aviator his son and his friends talks about.

"What can I do for you, son? Also, no need for that formal sir nonsense, I'm retired now," Goose says smiling, hoping to ease the kid.

It seems to make the kid tense up even worst, but the kid inhaled and, "I would like to apologize for my comments towards Rooster regarding you and their relationship with one another. I was out of line, and I'm sorry. Thank you for inviting me to your home despite my actions. I understand that you may have only invited me, so that I won't be left out when you invited the whole squad, and I would just like to let you know that that's unnecessary so if you would like me to leav-"

"Woah, woah, kid, slow down," Goose said as he stepped forward and clasped a hand on his shoulder, "Thank you for your apology, I already forgave you when you saved my son and best friend's lives, you're a good man, and I knew you were a great man when you apologized to them. I invited you because I wanted you to be here, son, and don't tell them I said this," Goose leaned forward letting his voice become a soft whisper, "Mav, Rooster, and Ice wanted you to be here too, you're wanted here, kid." Goose said squeezing his shoulder. "I should actually be thanking you even more for saving my son and his stupid godfather's lives, 'smile and wave' tactic, my ass," Goose said chuckling a bit and shaking his head.

He had a front row seat to see Hangman's dumbfounded face transformed a light shade of pink as he averted his eyes.

"I don't like leaving my team behind," Hangman muttered shuffling his feet. "I didn't want to, but I was spare, I left them to go, but my job was to make them come home, I'm glad I was able too." Seresin said looking at his feet.

"I was in the navy, son, pretty sure launching against orders wasn't your job," Goose said smiling softly, "but thank you for doing it anyways."

Seresin shuffled his feet, as he went back to fiddling with his fingers, before he straightened up and look at the older man in the eye. "Well, a proper thank you involves gifts, right? How about I eat everythin' your cooking, hell, even give me first dibs as one of the stars the the show," Hangman said smirking, a confident mask settling into place.

Reminded Goose of a certain aviator.

Goose simply chuckled at that and patted the boy's shoulder one more time before turning back to the food.

"You can get first dibs if you start throwing the salad together," Goose said nodding his head to the kitchen counter beside him with the ingredients for the salad. "Get to chopping and throwing lieutenant," Goose said teasingly.

Seresin put a heart to his chest and gasps, "Making your guest work for his food? Blasphemy. Goes against my heart-core beliefs." Despite the complaints, Seresin grabbed the knife and started unwrapping the vegetables.

"Does hard work go against your beliefs?" Goose teased as he grabbed more ingredients from the fridge.

"Nope, but I didn't think I was the host for the day. Your old age catching up to you, old man?"

Goose huffed out a breathe as he passed by Seresin on the way back to the stove, "Sure, kid, let's go with that," he humored. He set the new ingredients down and ruffled the brat's hair, ignoring the squawk of protest. "Don't forget to rinse the vegetables before chopping."

---

The dagger squad started growing closer to one another, they were on leave and from what he knew, they would be stationed on the same side of the country. He told Bradley that they were invited to come over to his house, and he knew that Ice and Mav have offered their house and hangar to the squad as well.

It ended up with the Daggers seeing each other several times a week.

It was adorable how close they are.

("They keep on getting into stupid arguments and rough housing one another," Mav complained dramatically from Goose's couch. "Nearly took out my table!"

Goose raised a brow at him, "Gee wonder who that reminds me off."

"Makes me wonder if they're grown, sometimes," Mav said shaking his head.

"Kids will be kids, at least they're comfortable with you to show it, plus you were much worst when you were their age, and still worst now."

"Rude.")

He and Jake started cooking more, the kid was an excellent cook, especially behind the grill.

"Jake! I bought some steak for dinner tonight, want to help me grill it up for you and the team?" Goose said, smiling and waving his fresh catch from the grocery store.

"Too much steak is bad for your cholesterol, ya know," Jake drawled but went closer to grab the food, anyways.

"Rude, I'm not that old," Goose said rolling his eyes.

"You were alive and thriving in the 80s," Jake snarked back.

He gave the boy a light head swap for that muttering how the younger generation had no manners these days-

---

"You ever interested in reading comics?" Goose asked one day when Jake was sitting on his sofa.

"Uhhh, like the movies?" Jake said frowning looking up from his phone.

"Blasphemous, stand up, they are not like the movies, they are a different form of art."

---

"You ever baked a cake before?" Goose asked letting Jake into his home.

"I feel like this is going to become another case of me and experiencing unpaid labor," Jake drawled.

"Your payment will be in mocha-extra-chocolate cake, is that acceptable?" Goose said moving towards the kitchen, smirking as he heard the boy's footsteps following him.

"Can we put cherries in them?" Jake asked moving to clear the counter.

"Sure, son," Goose said smiling.

---

"Why is he wearing my shirt!" Bradley exclaimed pointing at Jake who was chewing cereal at the kitchen table.

"He came here after his jog, and his shirt was drenched with sweat, we wouldn't want him to get sick, would we?" Goose said setting another bowl for his son, as he sipped on his coffee.

He didn't know how those two had so much energy in the morning.

Bradley pouted and sat down, "He better not touch my other stuff."

"Why would I want to touch your other stuff, I don't want anymore chicken feathers on me," Jake said wrinkling his nose.

"Asshole."

"Dickwad."

"Jerk."

"Chicken shit."

"Okay boys, enough, and eat your cereal. Go play nice or something after breakfast," Goose said rolling his eyes as he ruffled both of their hairs as he walked to the living room to watch the morning news. Leaving the sounds of protest behind him.

Children.

[bigfan-fanfic]

Back Into Trouble (Winchester!Reader x Winchester Bros PLATONIC)

A sequel to Brother Mine

This fic takes place somewhere near the end of season 1, after episode 19 but before episode 20. In addition, there's a song called Brother Mine that is really sweet and cute especially if put into this context of being Sam and Dean's, but especially Dean's, older brother. "I know that I sit and I worry too much/Especially when you come home such a sight/But I guess what you've got to do, boy, you go ahead and do it/And I sure hope things will be all right"

You may not have enjoyed returning to hunting, but you're damn good at it.

Although it's made even more frustrating when your father actually calls in.

You're not so thrilled about continuing on this... gallivanting cross-country, especially when John is chasing down the demon that killed your mother.

But Sam seems to have come to terms with it, though you honestly feel like that might have more to do with his desire to avenge Jess.

The real problem you see with your little brothers is their inability to let go.

You had all been raised by John in the hunting lifestyle, the family business.

But it's been decades since your mother's death. A horrible thing, that you have had to come to terms with having no real answers for.

And you can understand the desire for vengeance, for a clear-cut answer that will "solve everything."

It won't.

Something you've tried to get your brothers to think about is the future. About what they want out of their lives.

Because you remember how it was, living completely in the moment, day to day, hunt to hunt. And it was Bobby who pointed out that you had potential, that you deserved a life, if not now, then at least the promise of one.

So you convince them to take a rest in Massachusetts after leaving a hunt. Just to take a couple of days for hanging out.

Dean wants to see the Cheers bar and Sam wants to visit the Old North Church, so you get an actual hotel suite in Boston.

You check in with your colleagues and employees, apologizing for being incommunicado for so long. Thankfully the hotel has a business center with a fax machine you can sign invoices and contracts with.

Dean looks at you curiously. "So... you really did just... start a business?"

"Technically I bought it out from the owner who wanted to retire. So more... maintaining."

"You really are just... out of the life."

"I was, til you two called me."

"...sorry." Dean mumbles, and you grab his shoulder.

"Don't be. I was never doing this for Dad. I'm here for you and for Sammy."

Dean nods thoughtfully.

"You saw him. With that girl at the art gallery. He liked her. She liked him."

"Yeah."

"And you... with Cassie."

"Your point being?"

"Life keeps building off-ramps for you but you keep on truckin down this road."

Dean scowls. "Look, I'm not stupid. I know this life is dangerous. I know my days are probably numbered. But I'm making a difference. I'm saving people."

"What about you?"

He blinks. "What about me?"

"I'm done trying to force you out of the life, Dean. It's your choice. When we finally deal with all this shit - when the bastard that killed Mom is dead and you and Sam are finally free... I'm not gonna stop you if you go back to hunting."

"You're not?"

You nod. "But I'll be damned if I'm gonna lose contact with you again. I'll be there when you need a place to crash or a voice to call. Maybe you'll even visit me.

"Just... I need you to promise me you're not gonna run yourself into the ground. None of this has been your fault. It's not your fault about Mom, and it wasn't your fault I left, and it's not your fault that Dad couldn't really be a dad to us."

Dean wants to protest but you shush him. "You're gonna do what you do. And I'm gonna stop hunting again. For good this time. But when you decide it's time to come home... I hope you come to me, little brother."

You stand up then, leaving Dean to his thoughts. He's quiet for the rest of the day, but you feel an almost companionable nature to the silence.

And just maybe, after this all... maybe your brothers will follow you away from the things that go bump in the night.

[starlight-bread-blog]

My Interpetation of The Southern Raiders: Part 2 – Zuko

Warning: The views expressed in this analysis will be somewhat uncritical of Zuko. If you aren't likely to agree, you aren't going to enjoy this post. This is your chance to leave. I probably won't have a debate for personal reasons.

——————

This is the second part out of a three part series trying to answer every question posed by the discourse on The Southern Raiders. If I take some things for granted, it's because I discussed them in part 1, in which I delve into A\ang's role in the episode. Today, I'll set my sights on Zuko.

——————

1. Was Zuko a negative influence on Katara?

No, he did not. When Zuko merely presents the possibility of tracking her mother’s killer, it cuts through her reply right to her already leaving. In literature, what isn’t in the text holds no relevance and is to be disregarded as mere speculation. We don’t see Zuko convincing her, therefore he had no influence on her, and that she made the choices she did because she wanted to.

All Zuko did later on was defend a decision Katara already made on her own. And in both the first and second disagreements with Aang she had the last word. Ergo she was making her own choice.

Additionally, before they enter the room of who they think was her mother’s killer, Zuko asks her if she’s ready. And when she finally spares Yon Rha, he supports her decision. If he were to influence her, he wouldn’t have done either of these things. He only wanted to help Katara heal and never brought up anything that wasn’t already there.

——————

2. Was Zuko being too harsh on Aang?

(1) That's cute, but this isn't air temple preschool. It's the real world.

(2) [Forgiveness]'s the same as doing nothing!

(3) Okay, we'll be sure to do that, guru goody-goody.

He was definitely disrespectful towards Aang's culture, although his disrespectful remarks are a response to Aang’s own disrespect, imposing his beliefs onto Katara. And he didn’t say that until after Aang compared Katara to Jet. It was still wrong to come after the Air Nomad teachings, but they’re not as insulting as people paint them to be.

And it’s not like he didn’t take them back by the end of the episode. Zuko had good intentions, made a mistake and learned from it. That’s how characters grow, through mistakes. (More on that later).

——————

3. What motivated Zuko to find Yon Rah?

He wanted to earn Katara’s trust. The show makes it explicitly clear.

Zuko: What can I do to make it up to you?

And so later:

Zuko: Katara mentioned it before when we were imprisoned together in Ba Sing Se, and again just now when she was yelling at me. I think somehow she's connected her anger at that to her anger at me.

I’ve seen many describe this motive as selfish or manipulative, but I have to disagree. He has no reason to do anything to earn Katara’s trust. He saved her life on that very day, is fully accepted into the GAang, and in this episode he found out that some of her anger at him is rooted in projection. But he still goes out of his way to do the impossible, to give Katara the closure she needs in order to put faith in him.

——————

4. Why did Zuko think revenge\murder would help Katara?

Katara is a kind soul and murder wouldn’t have helped her heal, but Zuko had good reasons to think it would have. He didn’t know Katara’s soul, she didn’t even consider him a colleague, at that point she hated him. However, he did see Sokka killing Combustion Man in The Western Air Temple. So he has no way of knowing whether revenge would help, but he’s under the impression that murder isn’t a big taboo at least for some of the GAang. (Edit: Katara threatened to take his life 3 episodes ago. He had every reason to believe murder could help her).

Moreover, he knows that the person who took his mother away from him will receive justice, and that it helps him sleep at night. Katara doesn’t have that, Yon Rha retired in peace. So he offers her the justice he knows helps him.

But the main reason why he thinks revenge would help Katara, is that she told him it will. Zuko plays a largely passive role in the episode, simply assisting Katara in whatever way he can.He’s only fulfilling Katara’s wishes, and she told him that her wish is to seek justice on “the monster”.

——————

5. Did the trip have an effect on Zuko?

It did. By the end of the episode, Zuko delivers the following line:

This is an important part of his arc of unlearning the Fire Nation’s black and white philosophy that values aggression above all else. He comes around to Air Nomad pacifism and non violent solutions from seeing them work first hand. And as the good (redeemed) person that he is, he admits he was wrong and changes his views. He grew as a character to become a better version of himself.

Edit: As I stated previously, Zuko didn't really know Katara until they went on the trip, which is part of why he thought murder could be of help. Now that he'd seen her journey in the episode, he knows her quite well (and won't make such offers again).

—���————

In conclusion, despite the somewhat questionable nature of Zuko's actions in "The Southern Raiders", his underlying good intentions shine through. His role was not a devil on Katara’s shoulder, but a natural force backing up whatever decision she makes. And this allows him to emerge with a valuable lesson learned.

Continued

[xoxobuckybarnes]

February 2024 Stucky Fics

Completed

Keystrokes and Music Notes (Rated: M, Words: 32K) by goblininawig / @goblininawig

Summary: Bucky is paying Steve for help tracking down his stalker. Nothing happens until something happens: Steve falls in love.

Mr. Brick Wall & Mr. Overshare (Rated: T, Words: 7K) by LilyElk13

Summary: Based on the Tumblr post that's like "half of college professors are like 'you can know nothing about me except my name' and the other half are like 'and that's why my wife left me! anyway what's up with y'all'" and the response "There were two professors like this in my department and I was one of like 20 people who was taught by both of them so there was a very small gang of us who knew that Professor Brick Wall and Professor Overshare were married with two kids." except in this it's high school teachers instead of college :)

A Company Man (Rated: E, Words: 75K) by mambo / @whtaft

Summary: It’s the way that Bucky smiles at Steve from across his desk. No, it’s the way that Bucky’s hand brushes Steve’s as they stand side by side in an elevator not crowded enough to justify their closeness. Or maybe it’s the whispered conversations every Saturday night, the way Bucky saves Steve’s number under a different name in his phone. No matter what it is, the truth is the same: Steve Rogers is in love with Bucky Barnes, a married man.

Rock You Like a Hurricane (Rated: E, Words: 112K) by CelticCross

Summary: Bucky Barnes is an author, he's written many books in his Winter Soldier series, starring Lloyd Hansen and Nick Fowler. He hasn't written a word worth writing in the past three months and his agent, Sam Wilson, forces him to take a break. Sam books him a rental beach house in a place called Plum Cove in Mass for three months, hoping to break him out of his writer's block. The owner, Steve Rogers, retired Plum Cove Police Captain, landlord and part time surfer is surprised to get such a lengthy off season booking but takes it anyway. He doesn't expect to spend a lot of time with the person renting his house, but then he wasn't expecting the storm to be that fierce.

Closing Time (Rated: M, Words: 10K) by RecoveringTheSatellites / @thisonesatellite & art by maichan /@maichan808

Summary: Steve works in a Brooklyn dive bar. A tall, guarded guy comes in to drink at regular intervals. He always sits in the back corner. Steve leaves him alone. He looks like a guy who deserves some peace and quiet. He does find out the stranger's name is Bucky. Finds out what he likes to drink. And little by little, conversation happens. Connection happens. Until one day a cock-flock of dudebros comes in (i made up cock-flock, but really, is that not their collective term) and the heckling goes up to eleven once they’re good and drunk. Bucky gets asked to take it outside. Steve will have none of that, thankyouverymuch. . A tale of love and hope in unlikely places, sprinkled with a bit of PTSD, and the occasional sarcastic quip.

Use Your Agency (Rated: E, Words: 15K) by romanticalgirl

Summary: Bucky is given the assignment (punishment) of being the agent whose job it is to integrate the newly-thawed Captain America into life in a new century. Only maybe it's not so bad. Because Bucky ends up dealing with Steve Rogers, who is nothing like the Captain America in Bucky's history books. From coming out of the ice through AoU.

Stay with Me (Rated: E, Words: 79K) by maikurosaki / @allegra-dreams

Summary: When Bucky Barnes accompanies his family to a ceremony dedicated to George Barnes' activity, he expects free food and drinks, the occasional boring speech, and watching his dad blush furiously as he gets to finally meet his childhood hero. What he doesn't expect is saving Captain America's life and getting shot in the process. What follows is a slow road to recovery, eating hospital food (still disgusting), making new friends (Avengers!!! Seriously, the Avengers!) and pining over Captain America (he won't comment on that). It sounds simple, but it really isn’t!

The Steadfast Soldier (Rated: E, Words: 12K) by danielosbourne

Summary: Bucky returns to Brooklyn to help his sister navigate a family crisis.

twelve twenty-five (Rated: E, Words: 43K) by burning_brighter / @burnin-brighter

Summary: “I have to say,” Winifred says, a mug of cocoa in her hands. “When you say you were bringing someone home, I thought you meant you were bringing a boyfriend. But I’m glad you brought Steve.” “Who says I’m not?” Bucky teases, laughing when Steve lets out an exasperated groan. “You two finally got your respective head out of your respective ass?” asks George, looking at Steve and Bucky intently. “No,” Steve says pointedly, “Bucky just thinks he’s so funny.” - Ever since they met, everyone assumed it was just a matter of time before Steve and Bucky became a thing. Ten years later and it has yet to happen. But when Bucky invites Steve to spend the holidays with him and his family in upstate New York, things start to change.

WIP

Every Me and Every You (Rated: M, Current Words: 38K) by deadto27 / @deadto27

Summary: Bucky Barnes is doing his best. He’s getting by after the blip, after Sam became Captain America, after Steve…well, it’s best he doesn’t think about that. The point is, his life is different now, and he’s trying his best. He just wishes the hollow feeling in his chest would go away.—–Bucky gets blinded by a bright light as the tear seems to implode in on itself and there’s an odd little jolt as the pulling stops, and then Bucky’s blinking, trying to get his vision right again as he loosens his grip on America.“You okay?” he checks, still squinting. He’s probably not blind, he thinks. It just feels like it right now.“I’m okay,” America tells him and he sees her nod shakily as his vision starts to clear, and he carefully lets go of her, seeing that she can support herself, hands pressing onto the floor next to her.“Uh…I don’t think I am,” says another voice, and Bucky turns his head so fast he might give himself whiplash. Because he knows that voice. He knows that voice better than any other voice on the planet and he’s missed that voice, so, so much.

Lost Vocabularies that Might Express (The Memory of These Broken Impressions) (Rated: E, Current Words: 103K) by dorian_burberrycanary / @burberrycanary

Summary: The worst of times, like the best, are always passing away. How’s that for some consolation on the road? A post-The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Stucky fix-it as part of the all-American road trip, detours included.

[warrior-of-waistbands]

anyway here's my pitch for a Ben 10 AU because the season 2 finale left me REELING (mostly copied over from Discord convos). I don't have the energy for proper concept art so just take these quick sketches:

- George and Harold stumble onto the Omnitrix somewhere on school grounds; it latches onto George and the boys very quickly discover that 1) oh shit this thing won't come off, and 2) oh shit George is an alien now

- I'm not entirely sure that George would immediately want to use his new powers to be a superhero—mostly he and Harold start out by using the aliens and their powers to get up to their usual pranks and mischief. And then somehow they stumble into a situation where George ends up saving the day and, being the comic book nerds that they are, they deduce that being an alien superhero must be some kind of grand destiny. "With great power comes great responsibility" and all that.

- Ree here is a retired Plumber who immediately recognizes the Omnitrix and, horrified that it's ended up in the hands of a child, takes up a sort of mentor role for the boys, helping George learn how to use his powers while trying his best to keep the boys out of danger (with mixed results....)

- also, there's this:

- Krupp is an ex-Plumber, and Ree is an ex-Plumber, and neither of them knows about the other, it's just a complete coincidence that they both happen to be working at the same school at the same time

- George's aliens are based off the various aliens and monsters from the books/show—we got a Littlelite, a Biglien, one of those shark aliens, the lunch lady aliens from book 3....

- At some point Melvin finds out about the Omnitrix and tries to take it for himself (?), less because he wants its powers and more so for the science of it, as well as the confirmation that aliens are real. There's a possibility that Melvin ends up as the AU's equivalent to Kevin? If that's the case, then he's completely unaware of his abilities when he tries to pry the watch off George....

- and where did the Omnitrix come from in this AU? Well, about that.....

- It's fine. It's fine don't worry about it.

[palin-tropos]

So recently I posted about Kim and Harry hook up while he’s on the bender AU? Last night me and @excalibutt got a little inspired and co-wrote a scene set in that AU. Pre-Tribunal but some time after Day 3 or 4. 

—————

WHIRLING-IN-RAGS BALCONY: Apparently, the lieutenant has taken you out here before you both retire for bed to tell you something important. KIM KITSURAGI: He laces his fingers and presses hands onto the top of the balcony. He’s struggling mightily with himself.

COMPOSURE: His sense of propriety with…

ESPRIT DE CORPS: … his sense of duty. Guess which one wins.

KIM KITSURAGI: “You’ve been working on one of those mind projects, haven’t you? I think I can save you the time. In fact—I am obliged to. Yes, we did have… relations, the night before you lost your memory. I am so sorry I didn’t know how to tell you.”

DRAMA: The truth.

CONCEPTUALIZATION: Extracted from his mouth like pulling teeth.

EMPATHY: He’s really sorry. It’s rare for him to be the Sorry Cop.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: You got in his pants and can't even remember it!?

COMPOSURE: Don’t think about that. This is…

CONCEPTUALIZATION: This could be very bad.

INLAND EMPIRE: This feels bad.

RHETORIC: It’s probably bad.

SUGGESTION: It’s bad.

EMPATHY: Really bad.

VOLITION: Everyone be quiet. This is bad.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Ask him how it was! Do it right now!

New task: Ask Kim how it was

YOU: “… How was it?" ESPRIT DE CORPS: The lieutenant is flustered. Ashamed of himself. He doesn't feel his actions were becoming of a police officer. YOU: “It's not fair if I can't remember it...” SUGGESTION: You've pried at his fears about this encounter; that he now holds some kind of unearned power over you. He doesn't think he deserves that. KIM KITSURAGI: "... It... it was..." He struggles for the word. "Frenetic. One could say desperate. But you..." His ears have gone pink. "You performed well enough. It wasn't bad."

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: ... You were good.

COMPOSURE: You know a bit about Kim's self-control. He wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been good. Really good. Beyond what he could resist.

VOLITION: ... He was willing. You didn't force yourself on him, Harry.

HALF LIGHT: But you went at it like it was the end of the world.

PERCEPTION: You can almost remember what aftershave he uses. The taste of it was still in your mouth when you woke up.

INLAND EMPIRE: ... Pine needles...

YOU: Your tongue is sliding and pressing up to the roof of your mouth, as if some olfactory trace of him waits there to be tasted and remembered.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: The source is right in front of you. That bobbing apple of his throat. KIM KITSURAGI: The lieutenant is wringing his hands, unable to meet your gaze.

EMPATHY: He's guilty about this, although it's a confusing sort of guilt. He wishes this were a lot simpler than it is.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: Take him by the face and force him to look at you!

SUGGESTION: Don't let the doubt sway him. His principles are ironclad, but he bent them for you once before. Kiss him. Kiss the guilt away! He's clearly telling you all of this for a reason!

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Look at him. Really, really look at him. He's biting his lip, just the barest bit from the inside. You could do it better. You could kiss him better. Make him forget all about this...

VOLITION: I see. That's how it is. Nobody has a better idea. Just "kiss him", "kiss him", "kiss him". I'm not going to get through to you, am I?

YOU: And what do you think I should do?

VOLITION: ... He might not kiss you back. But it won't be the end of the world. Just be gentle.

ENDURANCE: Don't be too gentle. YOU: "Kim..."

YOU: Your enormous bearpaw of a hand is made delicate and clumsy as an exploratory moth trying to light on a lampshade. You lift it to reach for the lieutenant's face, past his wall of propriety and professionalism.

LOGIC: You're both off of the clock right now.

EMPATHY: It's fear. That wall is fear of connection, fear of vulnerability. Fear of being mocked.

DRAMA: Sincerity is required, sire. Tread with caution.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Do. Not. Fuck. This. Up.

YOU: You catch his chin, and his gaze snaps towards you.

SHIVERS: —two achingly lonely men wearing RCM halogen patches on their jackets stand close enough to share breath. The rotten-fruit smell of booze permeates the air, twirling and mingling with the soft, somber notes of The Smallest Church in Saint-Saëns drifting up from the miserable speakers. This is a stolen moment—heavy. Wrong... but not unwanted. They breathe ragged and shallow... but in time. ELECTROCHEMISTRY: This... this is what it was like. That raw potential crackling in the heavy air. That ever-present fear in his eyes.

SUGGESTION: He thought it was just the one time. He thought that when you finally remembered, or figured it out with your brilliant detective skills, that you'd find what happened humiliating, just like you did every other hint of your drunken rampage across the district. He thought he found it humiliating too.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: His breath hitches. His eyes dilate. He's drawn to the lingering traces of sweet rot on your tongue. Back then, inhaling the fumes coming off you must have been enough to make him tipsy. He doesn't drink. He doesn't ever indulge like that.

INLAND EMPIRE: He kissed you first.

COMPOSURE: He won't this time. But he did then.

DRAMA: Your slow tenacious press halted...

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: A moment. Look right there... at the purse of his lips. They're open.

DRAMA: Now.

YOU: You lean in and let your eyes flutter shut, and this isn't the desperate hunger of a man trying to die.

INLAND EMPIRE: You're virginal like this. You don't remember kissing anyone before.

YOU: You're kissing him.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: But your mouth remembers. Your hands. Your nose, your blood... all of you. It remembers. KIM KITSURAGI: His lips barely twitch at first, but his hands—his hands press against you, slide up your chest and clutch your shoulders, digging in tightly. Bracing against you.

PERCEPTION: Tighter pressure on your lips. The barest suction. A restrained, quietly voiced huff of air against your inner cheek.

SUGGESTION: He is.

INLAND EMPIRE: The pine tree bends in the wind...

VOLITION: He's kissing you back.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Fuck.

SAVOIR FAIRE: He won't even mind if you touch him more. Get your hands in there—

HAND/EYE COORDINATION: Hold Him. Drag him closer. Press closer.

YOU: You do. You sneak hands inside the warmth of his open jacket and feel the heat of his skin burning through the thin fabric of the flimsy white shirt he wears underneath. You kiss his mouth open, and he's not even stopping you.

PERCEPTION: He tastes like—

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: —like the cigarette that's smoldering on the floor of the balcony, forgotten. Dropped. You've taken its place.

KIM KITSURAGI: The lieutenant moves with you. His chest presses up against yours. The line of exposed skin between shirt and pants twitches under your glancing touch. An uncharacteristic half-noise erupts from the back of his throat.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: His lean, bony arms have flung themselves around your neck. He's clinging to you. A shudder runs down his spine.

SUGGESTION: You've still got it—whatever allure pulled him into your orbit before. You're still irresistible.

ENDURANCE: Stop. Now. Before you take it too far.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: You can take it all the way. He's not objecting!

DRAMA: Stop here, sire. While the moment is ripe for the taking! Slowly...

VOLITION: He's more to you than just an opportunity.

ESPRIT DE COPRS: He's vital.

YOU: You break the kiss, panting heavily as a dog from the intensity of it. Your forehead crushes to his, and your eyes open.

PERCEPTION: His are still closed but—

CONCEPTUALIZATION: —he's the most beautiful thing in the world right now. If you could actually paint, he would be your burning muse.

KIM KITSURAGI: His breath is just as heavy as yours, but as slow and measured as he can manage. It's fluttering.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: In time with the waves of complete bliss coursing down his spine.

SUGGESTION: It has changed things, that you've pulled back and waited. The moment is no less intense, but it is of a different sort than before.

VOLITION: He's basking in that newfound self-control of yours.

KIM KITSURAGI: He still has yet to open his eyes. His upper lip twitches, quirking that faint little mustache of his.

KIM KITSURAGI: He exhales, "Harrier."

AUTHORITY: You like this. A lot.

RHETORIC: Your full first name. The one he told you was a revolutionary name, when it sounded foreign to your ears.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: He has no idea how tempting he is making it to grab him by the shoulders and pin him up against the balcony door and kiss his face off.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Get. Between. His. Legs.

ANCIENT REPTILIAN BRAIN: It's where we belong, brother... the primal call of warm flesh to rub against. To sink into. To wrap your tongue and teeth around...

VOLITION: No. Wait. Just... wait.

YOU: All of that is burning in your eyes when you play your thumb along his top lip, brushing the faint mustache... making your fingers erupt in tingles.

YOU: "Kim..."

DRAMA: Gently, sire.

YOU: "... Look at me, Lieutenant."

KIM KITSURAGI: He blinks his eyes open. The glasses magnify those black-brown windows into his soul.

EMPATHY: Still full of fear, but a tinge of wonder. Staring at you reminds him of every reason why this is a poor decision, but equally reminds him of every reason why he's giving in to it.

HALF LIGHT: Why isn't he more frightened? Why can't he see that you're a living corpse?

ESPRIT DE CORPS: Your half-brother trusts you.

SUGGESTION: Don't... don't call him that.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Unless you want to be naughty.

KIM KITSURAGI: "So..." His voice is practically a weak croak. "You... don't mind that we did it."

RHETORIC: That's an attempt at humor. It's a little awkward, but let him off easy, he's struggling for words.

LOGIC: Wait. Why didn't he mind that you did? It doesn't make sense.

CONCEPTUALIZATION: It doesn't take the depravity of a seasoned pervert to find features like yours attractive.

ELECTROCHEMSITRY: ...or maybe he is a seasoned pervert.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: Please. Please, oh my god.

AUTHORITY: If Kim didn't want you kissing him, you would be eating asphalt with your hands cuffed behind your back.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: PLEASE.

VOLITION: No. This isn't just base depravity.

CONCEPTUALIZATION: ... He sees something in you. Something you haven't the skill the recognize.

ESPRIT DE CORPS: Don't betray his trust. Reciprocate.

YOU: "...I don't mind," you admit. "Unless... I did anything weird?"

KIM KITSURAGI: Something tugs at the corner of the lieutenant's lips. Rueful, disbelieving, wry... His eyes dart up to the right, unfocusing.

DRAMA: My liege. The tell-tale glance. You've seen it in countless now forgotten interrogations. He is about to lie.

KIM KITSURAGI: "Not particularly."

SUGGESTION: You did something very weird.

CONCEPTUALIZATION: It could have been the good kind of weird.

PERCEPTION: Kim's arms are still firmly settled around your shoulders. The outsides of his knees are rubbing the insides of yours.

LOGIC: It's clearly not weird enough for him not to want to kiss you again.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: You might not be done here tonight. In fact, he might not be done with you.

SUGGESTION: Ask him to walk you through the night. In detail. In fact... to demonstrate it.

YOU: “My memory is still foggy," you remind him, letting your cold fingers drift down to the bare strip of skin between the hem of his shirt and the waistband of his pants. “How did it happen?"

COMPOSURE: You've put him on the spot. He is squirming under that re-forming mask of his. He adjusts his glasses with the tips of two fingers pressed to the bridge.

KIM KITSURAGI: "Khm. Well. If I'm being honest, it started out as an argument. Things had gone downhill." He purses his lips, but not at all in the same way as someone anticipating a kiss.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: It seems like your body heat still relaxes him enough to keep him from clamming up completely.

KIM KITSURAGI: "It's hard to explain. You were nothing but intense. You kept talking about loneliness, and longing, and the apocalypse, and the woman who broke your heart, and then you told me I didn't deserve to be in the RCM."

ESPRIT DE CORPS: What. What could have possibly prompted that? Lt. Kitsuragi is unwavering, loyal, precise, assiduous. He is a perfect officer.

RHETORIC: No... that's not what you meant.

KIM KITSURAGI: He shakily exhales. "I responded with... considerable anger. There was a physical altercation. But it seems I'd misinterpreted you. You said I was a good man, and good men shouldn't become police officers. You went on to elaborate in somewhat poetic terms what sort of a good man I was."

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: How did that altercation go down? Look at his skinny arms. You must have overpowered him. Were you pinning him in place while you told him all that pansy crap about how virtuous he is?

PAIN THRESHOLD: Some people like it like that.

LOGIC: ... and yet...

YOU: "... You kissed me."

INLAND EMPIRE: You know he did it first. You just don't remember exactly why.

KIM KITSURAGI: His eyebrows jump up.

REACTION SPEED: He didn't expect you to remember that.

KIM KITSURAGI: "I... I did. In that fight, I assumed your remark was derogatory, and that it had something to do with... what you had deduced about me just prior."

RHETORIC: That he was a homo-sexual? With some of the guys in here, I'm not surprised he got that impression. Right, Coach?

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT: W-What? Coach hasn't got a problem with the homos. Just with the sissies and pansies—

LOGIC: There is no way you didn't participate, enthusiastically, in the act that Lt. Kitsuragi is now avoiding having to describe.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: And you’re going to do it again.

KIM KITSURAGI: "It was an impulsive thing to do. If I'm being honest, spending multiple days with you when you were still... compromised... seemed to affect my own judgement."

REACTION SPEED: Does that mean…?

CONCEPTUALIZATION: You were his bender.

ENDURANCE: Your throat is dry.

HALF LIGHT: Is he disappointed now? Would he rather you high and drunk as a beast?

YOU: Cold, clammy sweat creeps down your neck beneath your satin shirt.

YOU: "I'm not compromised in the same way anymore…”

KIM KITSURAGI: Kim nods, slow and grave.

EMPATHY: There is a kindness in his dark eyes.

INLAND EMPIRE: He shouldn't have seen you in that state. It wasn't fated to be. He must have sought you out, a fish to a lure in the dark waters of the Esperance.

KIM KITSURAGI: "No. You're not. And that's a good thing. Earlier, you seemed like you were about to... explode."

VOLITION: Just don't forget that his arms are still around you.

KIM KITSURAGI: "What's the matter, detective?"

VOLITION: He’s inviting you to share your irrational fears. You trust him.

ESPRIT DE CORPS: You really trust him.

YOU: “… Am I still what you want?"

COMPOSURE: There it is. Your heart hanging outside your body.

EMPATHY: Kim can tell how painful it was to ask such a question. That's why his features are so stiff. He's struggling to find a reasonable, responsible answer to someone who he had a one-night stand with.

COMPOSURE: Nothing about his feelings are responsible.

REACTION SPEED: Tick-tock. If he doesn't answer fast, he'll hurt your feelings, won't he?

KIM KITSURAGI: "... The temptation to take more than I already have… is there."

VOLITION: Oh.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: All the blood in your body races south, and you feel a telltale twitch at that naughty little admission.

SUGGESTION: Meaning he's currently being tempted. Right now.

YOU: You lick your lips for a moment. Not slowly and teasingly. Nervously.

SAVOIR FAIRE: Put the moves on him! Forget being self-conscious. He’s into you.

YOU: "It's free for the taking, baby,” you murmur, eyes hooding.

KIM KITSURAGI: The lieutenant subtly nods, and glances around. His ears are pink.

VISUAL CALCULUS: He's belatedly noticed that the two of you are exposed. While you were swapping spit, there were plenty of opportunities for you to be spied on. Anywhere you can see right now can see you.

SAVOIR FAIRE: Oh. Right. You definitely could have been a little more cautious.

KIM KITSURAGI: Kim drops his arms from your shoulders and quickly withdraws them behind his back. He pivots on a heel, moving to your side. "Should we... khm... finish this conversation somewhere more private?"

ELECTROCHEMISTRY: He's saying yes. Yes, I will take you again.

INLAND EMPIRE: He's burning next to you bright as a star, and he wants you.

YOU: You manage a graceless, coughing noise, and reach for the door handle.

HAND/EYE COORDINATION: It's broken. The door is broken. Oh god, you can't get inside.

HALF LIGHT: They’ve barricaded the balcony! You’re going to jail for all the sex crimes.

PERCEPTION: It says pull, not push.

KIM KITSURAGI: The lieutenant brushes aside your sweaty, fumbling hand and opens the door for you. His features are schooled to be unreadable.

KIM KITSURAGI: … But as you stand there gawking, his other hand swiftly snakes itself around your horrific necktie and sharply pulls you inside.

Task complete: Ask Kim how it was

+10 XP: gained experience.

[natigail]

I've seen the rise, the fall and the rebirth of DanAndPhilGAMES. Honestly, I cannot believe we have arrived at this day and they obviously had to announce it in the most exaggerated and hilarious way. It's so them, and I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that we're going to get gaming videos by Dan and Phil post coming out.

I had just started watching Dan and Phil properly in the summer of 2014 and just a couple of months later, the very first video on the gaming channel dropped. Since then, the regular gaming channel videos have been such a huge comfort for me and so many others. Then came the hiatus, an indefinitely decision that caught the channel in limbo. It's made sense, in many ways leaving 2018 and entering 2019 spelled an important shift for the boys.

They retired several of their old projects, even pinof, and started to separate the entity of "Dan and Phil" and as such the gaming channel also had to go. I was gutted to see it go, but I trusted the boys were doing what they needed. And in the years that's followed, I've kept a small hope that it was never quite dead until they definitively said so. Hell, Phil had recently mentioned checking to see if Dil on the Sims save was okay, and we knew they still had that cursed Dil Howlter head from TATINOF somewhere in their nostalgia pile.

Today they used that very papier-mâché head again. The motherfucker rose from the grave and called the boys daddies, which honestly had me pausing and just doubling over in laughter at their horrified faces. And let's not even talk about the tweet an hour before the video cordially inviting us, as if it was a fucking wedding we were about to attend!

Dan and Phil are nothing if not extra, and I love them so much for it. It's been over nine years that I've followed along with their content and lives, and tonight just proved that I will never be dragged from the phandom. The instant surge of excitement, anticipation and a little dread upon seeing the invitation tweet and the video thumbnail still got me like I got into the boys yesterday. It's still so palpable in my chest even now, and I cannot stop smiling.

The gaming channel is and has always been full of comfort content for me. Dan and Phil know it too. They put it in the video, they put it in the video description, and just the way they handled this whole announcement all radiates that they're so aware of it. They know we've been here, waiting patiently, until they were ready to come back to it.

I would have accepted it if they had really decided to kill the channel, but man, oh man, I am delighted that it instead has come back from the grave. Risen with static flutter and a menacing Sims character who's story isn't quite over yet.

We get to have the regular banter back, but now with no filter at all. They don't have to conceal parts of themselves that they weren't ready to share, even if the gaming channel always felt more open and intimate.

I am extremely ready to parasocially see two domestic nerds laugh, bicker, scream and make questionable noises. I just know I will be right there besides them. Thank you to Dan and Phil for bringing back our comfort channel. It's a gift and we won't forget it.