#THEY TOOK AWAY ALL HIS WHIMSY AND CUTENESS.

[robotsafari]

diagram of the degradation of ansem’s model

kh3 excluded because i dont want to fucking look at it (its the worst one)

[ellecdc]

can i request a poly!marauders where the reader just tends to wonder off, like she’s suspended to be in class but she just talking to one of the portraits or just outside staring at the sky and sometimes james and/or sirius follow her so remus has to round them up

so stinkin' cute - thanks for your request lovie!

~please note: my requests are currently closed as I work through some of my older requests~

poly!marauders x fem whimsical!reader

“I don’t mean to alarm you boys,” Marlene started, not looking at all concerned about alarming them in the slightest. “But I think you might be missing a member of your group.”

Sirius and James looked to each other in horror as Remus let out an exasperated sigh.

“Where is she?” Remus asked impatiently.

“I swear she was just behind me...” James admitted, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. 

“She cannot miss lunch, she hardly sat down long enough for breakfast this morning.” Remus commented mostly to himself as he headed back the way he came, hoping to quickly find wherever you’d wandered off to.

Although your whimsy and excitement in life was one of the things the boys most admired about you, it did make Remus worry from time to time that you’d forget to look after yourself.

It shouldn’t be that big of a deal, however, seeing as you had three boyfriends here to help you out on that end. Though, it didn’t speak very highly of them when they kept losing you.

There were very few moments in his life he was particularly grateful for his lycanthropy, but this was perhaps one of them.

He could smell you before he heard you, and he heard you before he saw you. 

He rounded a corner which was disturbingly far from the Great Hall, meaning they’d lost you quite some time ago, and saw you conversing with a portrait of the Fat Friar. 

“From what I’ve learned both in life and in death, forgiveness is not only for the other person, but also for yourself.” The Fat Friar said to you. Remus paused in his steps to enjoy the uninhibited smile that graced your face. 

“Have you ever met someone unworthy of forgiveness, Friar?” You asked, your serene voice drifting down the hallway and gracing Remus’ ears.

“Not in my nearly 1000 years.” He answered.

Your smile grew impossibly wider at that. “Me either.”

Remus couldn’t take it anymore, he resumed his trek towards you, and though he’d been going for stern, he knew his face looked impossibly lovesick as you turned your beaming smile onto him.

“Hi Rem.” You called softly, turning away from the portrait and towards your boyfriend.

“We thought we lost you, dovey.” He reprimanded as he reached for your face, resting one hand on either cheek and tilting your face up towards him.

“I’m never very far.” You answered. Remus was torn between wanting to roll his eyes fondly and thanking you for ensuring that this was true.

“Any amount of space is too far, my love.” He said instead, placing a lingering kiss to your forehead. Your eyes closed and you let out a pleased hum. 

“Why’d you wander off, dove?” He asked as he pulled back, keeping your face secured in his hands and rubbing your cheekbones with his thumbs. 

“I saw a dedalian key fly by, but as I was following it, I saw the portrait of Ferdinand Octavius Pratt who was very upset because the Fat Friar’s ghost insisted that he let go of old grudges. So, I figured I’d ask the Friar his side of the story. And, well, here we are.” You finished, smiling up at him like having him find you here had been your master plan all along.

“Here we are.” He murmured back, wondering how on earth he and his boyfriends managed to land something as impossibly sweet as you. 

Speaking of said boyfriends, Remus’ thoughts were interrupted by the sound of two heavy footfalls as the sods came running up to the two of you.

“There you are dollface! We were worried sick.” Sirius proclaimed as he all but shoved Remus out of the way and took his place, holding your face in his hands and peppering your head with kisses.

You giggled and pulled back slightly, which Sirius allowed but kept you safe within his grasp.

“You needn’t worry, Sirius. I was in wonderful company.”

Sirius raised an eyebrow and Remus translated for him.

“She was busy talking to the Fat Friar when I found her.”

Sirius nodded in understanding before he narrowed his eyes at you. “He wasn’t making moves on you, was he?”

You laughed as if Sirius had made some very funny joke, and Remus laughed along with you even though he could tell Sirius wasn’t  entirely convinced. 

“I’m sorry we lost you, angel.” James said somewhat meekly. Remus knew though that he was mostly apologizing to Remus and less to you.

“That’s quite alright Jamie.” You assured him. “I would have found you later.”

Some tension left James’ shoulders as he smiled at you, sharing a shy glance with Remus before continuing. “You didn’t eat much for breakfast since you were so excited about the Grindylow’s hatching, so...” He said as he pulled out a tote bag from behind his back. “Pads and I ran to the kitchens and packed a picnic. Would you like to head down to the Black Lake now?”

If Remus’ heart grew two sizes at the sentiment, yours must have grown three.

“Oh, Jamie!” You nearly squealed, pulling him into a hug that he eagerly reciprocated. 

“I’d love that! Thank you!” You cheered, stepping back towards Sirius who quickly hooked your arm in his – a guarantee that he wouldn’t lose you this time.

“After you then, m’lady.” Sirius said seductively with a wink, causing you to giggle again as the two of you turned and headed towards the school grounds. 

Remus quickly pulled James up against his side and pressed a kiss into his hair.

“You’re such a sweet boy, James Potter.” He murmured, feeling the fondness ooze right out of his being for this man he somehow got to call his. 

“Yeah?” James asked, sending Remus a beaming smile.

Remus smiled and accepted a searing kiss from the quidditch chaser.

James let out a pleased sigh as he pulled out of the kiss and walked in step with Remus, looking ahead to watch you and Sirius nearly skip down the hall. It was incredibly lighthearted, though Remus noticed Sirius possessively pull you into his side as you two walked past the ghost of the Fat Friar who exchanged nothing more than a polite head nod with you.

“We’re so lucky.” James commented.

Remus couldn’t help but agree.

[howlingday]

Beacon Class of '24

Warning: The following dialogue contains material that may be too hostile and disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. -----------------------------------------

Yang: Is this what cam-girls feel like?

Weiss: I feel like cam-girls do a little more than we did.

Yang: At least those girls get paid! We have to flirt with that dork for free!

Weiss: It's not for free. We lost a bet. We don't get paid, it's just hoin' pro-bono.

Yang: Why would put up flirting with Jaune in the first place?

Weiss: What? You thought Blake could steal that hot dog roller?

Yang: Well, no, but... Ugh... That whole class yesterday. "Wow, Jaune~! Your One Piece drawings are so good~!" Ick!

Weiss: That's not the worst part. Everyone had to watch us do that was the worst part.

Yang: And he probably won't leave me alone for a month now. He's gonna go home and make characters of us in his games.

Weiss: He'll probably make us in Larceny at Large.

Yang: You can make characters in Larceny at Large?

Weiss: Do I look like bitch who would know?

Yang: Whatever. God, I need Mygone. (Fiddles in bra) H-Hey, where'd-?!

Weiss: (Pops pill in mouth)

Yang: Bitch, that was my last Mygone! How'd you take that?!

Weiss: Quick hands. Hm. Mygone and titties. What a combo.

Yang: Goes together like peanut butter and Pain-Away.

Weiss: This is true!

Yang: Ugh, yeah, he kept doing that, too! Like he has to be a fucking expert or something.

Weiss: It can't be worse than, "Uh... Okaaay?"

Yang: FUCK! I HATED how he said that!

Weiss: Like he has to be the gay comic relief cat in a fucking Whimsy cartoon.

Yang: This is true~.

Weiss: This is true~!

Yang: Quite the interesting outfit~.

Weiss: Yes, indeed~.

Yang: Stop screaming, we're having sex~!

Pyrrha: What are you girls up to? It sounds like you had a class with Jaune.

Weiss: She has BurgerQueen! Pyrrha, where'd you get BurgerQueen?!

Pyrrha: ...BurgerQueen.

Weiss: Bitch, give me a fry!

Pyrrha: Is that how you ask?

Weiss: Bitch, please give me a fry!

Yang: And yeah, we had a class with Jaune.

Pyrrha: (Feeds Weiss a fry) I could tell. He was drawing pictures the whole class.

Yang: No...

Weiss: What were we doing in the pictures?

Pyrrha: Just cute things, like holding hands and making kissy faces.

Yang: Weiss, we're gonna get murdered! We're gonna get murdered by a guy who gets motion sickness from riding a fucking bike!

Weiss: At least he won't torture us, since he'd get even more motion sick from carrying our bodies.

Pyrrha: Yes, well, I ripped them up. Not because I'm jealous or anything, but because I respect you both too much. I'm definitely not into Jaune at all.

Yang: You're the best, P-Money~!

Pyrrha: I know. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go sell the janitor Drow-Zs. Later. (Leaves)

Weiss: She has got to be the hottest bitch ever.

Yang: I love her hair.

Weiss: ...Hey, what's gayer? Dating a girl or wanting a girl to have sex with your dead body?

Yang: Uh... Dating a girl?

Weiss: (Sighs) Yup. Still straight.

POP!

Yang: What the hell was that?

Weiss: It's probably the air conditioning unit exploding again.

Yang: Oh... Fuck, that scared the shit out of me.

POP! POP!

Yang: Huh. That's a lot of AC units.

Goodwitch: (Via PA) Attention faculty and students, we are in an emergency lockdown. Please follow emergency guidelines.

Yang: ...What the fuck was that about?

POP! POP! POP!

Jaune: (Muffled) COME AND GET SOME!

Weiss: Is that...

Yang: Jaune's fucking snapped! We gotta get the fuck outta here!

Weiss: Huh...

Yang: What do you mean, "huh"?! Let's go!

Weiss: Relax, Yang. There's no way he'd come for us. He likes us, so we're the last people he'd want to kill. Just chill out.

Yang: Easy for you to say! YOU TOOK MY LAST MYGONE! (Runs to door)

Yang: (Walks back)

Weiss: I thought you were escaping.

Yang: The doors are locked down.

POP!

Weiss: Oof... That was a big one.

Yang: You won't be in Volume 4.

Cardin: (Muffled) Is this because I ripped up your anime books?

Jaune: THEY'RE NOT ANIME BOOKS! THEY'RE CALLED MANGA!

POP!

Jaune: MAAANGAAAAAA!

POP! POP! POP!

Jaune: Anime girls are better than real women!

[sunhavenkitten]

On Cloud 9

(Vaan x reader)

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

"Can I... touch them?"

Vaan looked at you curiously.

"Your ears... I mean," you continued, little tendrils of embarrassment creeping up on you.

His curious smile grew, one eyebrow slightly lifted.

"Of course," he said as he leaned his head towards you.

Your fingertips brushed against soft ginger locks until they found the pointiest part of his ears. Gliding over the smooth edges, your thumbs slowly massaged the tips with a gentleness ripe with inquisitive whimsy. You giggled a little, feeling silly but entranced all the same. Elf ears really were no different than your own, after all, just a bit longer.

If there's one thing Vaan understood, it was curiosity. He was charmed that you were so intrigued by him. Though he had to admit, the interest was mutual. Ever since he'd first laid eyes on you, he wanted to know more about you. Who you were. What you were like. He felt so lucky to be slowly finding the answers to those questions, and even luckier that you had some mild fascination with him, too.

The two of you had been talking for a while on your infrequent visits to Nel'Vari. You'd gotten along quite well, even though it wasn't very often that you saw one another. But as it turned out, tonight would be the perfect night for the two of you to get to know each other a little more.

Tonight, Nel'Vari was throwing a small celebration in the spirit of plentiful harvests and the blessings of the World Dragon. The air was humid, fire flies danced amid the bush, and cicadas buzzed somewhere deep in the woods.

As the night wore on, many festival attendees retreated home or to the bar for their own little after parties. However, a few were still gathered around the fireplace, listening to music and enjoying some seasonal elven snacks. You and Vaan had retreated from the center of events a while ago, standing by the river to talk amongst yourselves. A sense of intimacy had settled in the air as the light and giddy atmosphere from the festivities carried over to your secluded spot by the water.

Friendly orbs of gold glanced up at you as he spoke, "May I?"

He reached his own hands up, head still tilted towards you to allow you to keep touching him. He was asking if he could touch your ears, of course. Your face heated, realizing now how odd it felt to be on the other end of that question, but nonetheless, you agreed with an awkward giggle.

"Sure."

He took a step closer to you, chest inches from your own as he reached up and wrapped his fingers around the rounded curve of your ears. You felt him smoothing over the edges where there was no point to be found. It felt a little awkward, but that calm smile never left his face. In fact, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, though by the way he looked at you, you couldn't tell if it was because of your ears or the expression you were wearing, or perhaps something else.

You started to realize just how close he was. You could feel your face heat up, and he could feel it too, all the way to the tips of your ears. Your hands froze. His smile got wider, a little more mischievous. You saw his eyes dart to each of your ears before staring back at you with a spark of amusement.

"Cute," he said with a grin.

"What?" You said, overcome with a sudden feeling of shyness.

"Oh, nothing. You just feel so warm all of a sudden," he leaned in closer, teasingly, "Are you blushing?"

You shook you head, the atmosphere getting increasingly intense as he leaned forward more. Then, his hands smoothed down from your ears as he cupped your face. With one more step forward, his chest was flush against yours. His eyes smiled at you, lips just inches away from yours, waiting to see if you would back away or protest.

When you didn't, his lips gently found their way to yours. For its brevity, the kiss was surprisingly passionate. From the way he sank incrementally deeper into the kiss, to the way his fingers went from gently cupping your face to threading through your hair, it nearly took your breath away. It felt like a kiss that had long been yearned for, and he drank in every moment of it.

When he finally pulled away, you felt light-headed. All you could do was stare at him, speechless.

"Now that's a look I could get used to," he said, smiling as he admired the stars in your eyes, or was that just the reflection from the fireflies?

You bit your lip and smiled, finally warming back up to him. You felt fuzzy and giddy and.. well, a little exposed. Your eyes suddenly glanced to the people only a few feet away by the fire. Had anyone witnessed your public act of affection?

Vaan's eyes followed your line of sight before darting back towards you. That's when he smiled and leaned in close to your ear, his breath raising goosebumps on your skin as he whispered.

"Could it be that you want to go somewhere a little more private?"

[viburnt]

Dabi (Touya Todoroki)|| Cigars

Type: Small fic

Genre: NSFW/Suggestive

Notes: I still find it hard to write NSFW, it always sounds better in my mind. Bear with me.

Characters involved: Touya Todoroki (Still Dabi)

Prompt: "Have a light?"/Cigarettes before sex

You didn't like cigars. The way they smelled and made you cough were enough reason to stay away from them, not to mention the nasty aroma clinging into your clothes.

However, despite your obvious dislike, Dabi still insisted on you being the one lighting his stogies.

It was annoying to say the least. Why would he, a fire-quirk user, ask for a lighter when he could use his hands? Whatever the reason was, it didn't matter.

He'd rummage through his pocket whenever you stepped into the room, and pull out a cheap roll for you to ignite. Dabi knew you'd always offer your zippo to fire up his vice.

—Want one?— The outlaw asked the first time it happened, handing you his cheap coronas so you could pick one. You shook your head but thanked him anyway.

—Don't say, you don't smoke?— His voice muttered with a husky style. You could feel his sapphire eyes piercing through your soul as he took a long drag. —Too good to give it a try?

He held his roll out for you, waiting for your fingers to take it. The smell was overwhelming your senses and all you wanted to do was breathe some fresh air.

—Sorry, can't do that. Thank you for the offer.— Your mouth responded, curling into an apologetic smile afterward. The raven – haired was not satisfied with that answer.

He laid a hand on your waist swiftly, pulling your body enough to lean you against him. Opening your mouth in surprise, a thick cloud of smoke met your face. The prick, you thought as you coughed, he just had to do that.

—You are so cute like this.— Dabi derided with a pat on your head. He liked it when you pouted and frowned, knowing you hated his guts.

—Could at least buy one of those vapes people nowadays use. They don't smell as foul.— You scolded. —Why do you like these so much? They are gross.

The man shrugged, not letting your body go.

—They are cheap and unfiltered, if I wanted some girly shit, I'd ask Toga for perfume.— He nonchalantly said, making you roll your eyes. —You seem like the kind that would use those fruit vapes, though. Always whining and yapping like a whimsy bitch.

Dabi lived to piss you off, you thought at that moment. He was having a blast testing your limits.

—Oh, I'm a whimsy bitch for not smoking this crap?— You talked back, taking his cigar out of his lips. —Aren't these like the cheapest available? Does that make you a stingy dog?

The way the man holding you laughed at your efforts had your patience running low. How adorable and helpless you were in his eyes was beyond your comprehension.

—You are giving me the reason, you know? When this pretty mouth of yours tries to get back at me… a yapping bitch.— He purred, his lips millimeters away from yours. Enough to make your body jolt.

—Tch, dick.— The criminal heard you mutter with a pout.

—You're so mean! Boo-hoo!— His raspy voice mocked in a high-pitched tone, imitating a phrase you'd said many times before. Allowing his hand to roam with more freedom around your body, he reached the dampness between your legs. —Shut up, whore. You say that, while I can feel this right here.

The way his digits applied some pressure on your nerve bundle made you mewl unconsciously. Pushing him a little, you put some space between your bodies. The way your face flustered was enough for Dabi to continue.

—Do you have to be like this all the time?— You scolded, trying to hide the way your body ached for him.

The villain threw away his cigar butt on the floor, extinguishing with his heavy boot.

—The more you act all stuck-up, the more I wanna bury my dick inside you.—

He stole your lips in a sloppy, wet kiss, his tongue playing with yours as his hands groped your hips.

The way you'd grind against his thigh to get some friction had Dabi baring his white fangs; fuck, so wet.

It felt good, you couldn't deny it. Specially not when your cunt was being split open by his cock as your face was pressed against the wall.

But God, you still hated cigars.

Like my content? Comment and follow! The feedback encourages me.

[brainlessbaguette]

Finished Fionna and Cake and I have some more thoughts, lots of spoilers below

So in regards to that Finn post I made after ep 1&2, apparently there was no more our Finn. In hindsight that makes sense but still a bummer that he didn't even get a cameo. I am absolutley stunned by the lack of Marcie mentions, especially in the finale. I am well aware that they wanted to branch out and away from the main cast for this one but this was very much a Simon story, despite being called Fionna and Cake. Your telling me we don't even get Simon recalling Marcie to talk or just a quick clip of them hanging, it felt wrong.

I did really enjoy the show. Like genuinely it was a great time, I recommend. I will say though it needed more episodes. Even just a "normal" 12, as far as smaller series go. They just wanted to do too much and didn't really get to stop and flesh out different ideas.

Now Adventure Time thrived at "dream logic" where crap didn't make sense, everyone in universe just excepted the most random ideas. It also had a sense of whimsy that it held while showing you some of the most gut punching stories. It was insane and the HBO stuff has felt more grounded I want to say? Like its lost that vibe. I didn't really notice it in "Together again" or "Obsidian" but "Bmo" definitely felt a bit off and "Wizard City" was... anyway after getting to see a full series it's just really brought that forward for me. Like its not bad it just doesn't fully feel like Adventure Time.

I will say for this series you could blame that on the fact we're following human Simon, who's here because he couldnt get behind that mindset and two outsiders. But thats not quite right. Its not so much a "how are the characters reacting to x" as much as it is "how is x being presented to we the viewer"

Its really hard to put to words. Uhh take Scarab I guess? In the original show you would've maybe had someone give Simon and the gang a quick explanation on who he is, a quick cutscene, or even just left it at what we see in the beginning. Not really going too deep. But instead they keep checking in on him and his little monologues, you even go to see his boss or manager dude. It felt like too much context for a character that did exactly as much as he would have regardless or whether or not we had that info. I feel like I know more about Scarab than I do the Lich and its weird.

It also, circling back, didn't work with how short the series was. They HAD to establish Fionna and Cake as actual characters and not just gender swaps, Simon needed to go through his whole arc. They then CHOSE to also establish Gary and Marshal in a B plot, Adventure Time really didn't have B plots so that was weird at first but it actually helped the Finale ep so they get a pass, and then added on Scarab with whatever he had going on, all while changing the setting and throwing in a new side cast every episode. They were working so hard to introduce everyone and get them through their stories that they really didnt have time to let the things settle. Like y'all remember in the Elements series how they took that whole (I think?)2nd episode to have Finn just sit down and process everything that had just happened and is currently happening. Was it the best episode? No. But gosh dang it did wonders for Jake's character, displaying how Finn has matured emotionally, giving the brothers a chance to connect(right before Jake disolves in some goo so that it hurts more), and gave the viewer a little break from non-stop action while also letting us catch back up all in a cute funny little Adventure Time way. Fionna and Cake NEEDED an episode like that. Because everything was so rushed they didnt really get to bond and grow together and grow away from the "owner pet dynamic." Finn and Jake had that line a little blurry in funny one off gags but they were absolutley brothers first, Fionna and Cake was on the other hand not that.

Anywho TL;DR, Show was good but pacing and vibes were off and would've benefited from at least two more episodes just to let things breathe.

I absolutley knew it about Simon's and Betty's relationship. I saw that coming from a mile away. That crap was so unhealthy and I'm glad they've made peace with that fact + Simon is getting therapy. Thank you Finn's mom.

Oh and last little bit, me being upset about my unanswered questions.

Uh how did Jake die? Cause Farmworld Finn's Jake is still alive and well, so its not of old age?

Why the heck did Prismo do a complete 180° so fast??? Your legit telling me that in 20-30 years(Idk how long but it's nothing compared to him) prismo, an immortal wishmaster, has turned into a washed up mess. Why? Where's cosmic owl, don't you guys still hang? Is it cause of our world Jake dying, if so back to question 1?

Not really specific to this show but Is PB still PB or just B? Cause she was living with Marcie in "Obsidian" and in "Together Again" Peppermint Butlers wearing her crown. Whose watching the candy kingdom, I'm just genuinley curious?

Is Farmworld Finn dead??? I genuinely don't think he is because Scarabs whole job seems to be keeping thing running smoothly and killing a reincarnated catalyst comet seems like it would be a big screw up. Also Jay and LD didn't seem upset, so I'm gonna go with no he's fine? But they also DIDN'T GIVE ME CLOSURE!

ALSO why are Jay and LD ditching they're families for Fionna's world? That seems out of character and overall just a weird choice.

DID THEY PUT BABY FINN BACK IN BABY WORLD??? Is there a baby jake without Finn??? I am devastated.

What was the point of sending Simon into Shermie's body other than the cameo? Like I love to see em, but we were pressed for time and they're could've been another way to do that right? It just felt weird.

Why did Prismo send Jay, LD, Baby Finn, and the tank peppermint butler anyways? There was definitely a different way to do that.

Lastly but most importantly

There was no Fionna meets our Finn??? Why it's all I wanted, even just a two second she bumped into him while chasing after Cake and neither of them realized. I would've been so happy and I'm a little salty now.

Very rambly as per usual. If you made it down here thank you for tuning into "me chucking my random thoughts about a very specific topic into the void of the internet because, regardless of whether or not people read, its surprisingly very thereputic to just write them all out there," we are currently workshoping that title.

[bloomeng]

I was watching a video essay on SU Future and I was just reminded how much Future meant to me as it was coming out. I loved SU as a child but I sort of lost touch as I got older. It always meant a lot to me, seeing as it was a fundamental part of my childhood, but some of the glaring issues that became more apparent in later seasons endeared me less to the series. Back in middle school I didn’t really interact a lot with the fandom. I was just told from the sidelines that it was toxic and learned exactly why that was years later so I don’t really have anything to say about that. However, when SU Future came out, I was a senior in high school about to graduate during the pandemic. A lot of its themes resonated with me in a way that the rest of SU just hadn’t. The themes in SU had always been something that I really enjoyed and at times related to, but it didn’t feel as personal.

Side note about me, I’m not the kind of person who cries when I watch stuff even if it does make me sad. I can count on my hands the amount of media that has ever made me cry and by the end of SU Future I was sobbing and I had no idea why. Perhaps it was the timing or because it was the true end to a show from my childhood but that didn’t seem right, seeing as truthfully I emotionally checked out from this series years ago. At the time I didn’t really have the vocabulary to articulate why it was having such an impact on me. My life didn’t add up to Steven’s story in any tangible way that I could see. The only thing I could rationalize about why the series had such a big effect on me was that it was about change and growing up, and I was about to go off to college. Looking back I do think that’s a part of it, but I’ve come to realize it’s more complicated than that.

Pulling back from my personal experience for a minute, I was shocked to find out how many SU fans hated the series. I know at that point it had become this kind of the cool thing to shit on SU and Rebecca Sugar (which there is valid criticism in there) so I kind of took it with a grain of salt, but I was still pretty confused. I thought the series was actually very well thought out and uniquely reflective. To me, it made so much sense to explore this avenue given the nature of the show’s history. Because of course, Steven had years of pent up trauma and of course his savior complex lead to identity issues. And I was fascinated with the way this epilogue series interacted with our understanding of Steven as a character. What was once a cute little quirk of his personality was being fleshed out. We were finally seeing repercussions of the reality of self-sacrificing behavior. Whether it was the whimsy of kid logic or cartoon logic that blinded audiences, it was very overlooked that Steven based his entire personality and self-worth on helping others, and as soon as you take that away, issues are gonna arise. So personally, I thought it was brilliant to create a series where he was now older, and having to deal with the calmness in the aftermath of everything that it happened. Honestly, I think exploring that was more interesting than the series had been in years.

I’m not gonna pretend that it didn’t have hiccups, but all of SU had hiccups, and considering that, I would say this epilogue series ran way more smoothly than the last few seasons/movie ever did. And people critiqued the main series and movie, but the hard-core fans still stood by both, so I expected the same type of leeway to be given to Future. That did not happen. I kind of let it go because I never really participated in that fandom space anyway. Years later I came across a video essay talking about the series and they absolutely trashed it. So I revisited the series with their criticism in mind. I saw some of their points but I still cried at the end. 

One of the most common types of criticism that I see towards Future is that people don’t like Steven. I’ve seen this take range from extremely thought out points, to simply “I found him annoying and out of character.” I’m not ever here to police how you feel about a character but hearing that take over and over again, made me realize how few people seem to understand the actual intent of the series. You can be annoyed with Steven all you want but that’s also kind of the point? Mental illness isn’t cute. Trauma isn’t cute. Steven suffers from both and his actions aren’t supposed to be cute. I think the moment where it really clicked why all of this rubbed me the wrong way was when I saw a post from some random person online who pointed out that a lot of the traits that Steven shows in Future closely emulate traits of bipolar and bpd, both of which are highly stigmatized. I’m not saying he has either of those, the traits of mental illnesses overlap all the time and honestly I don’t think it’s important that we diagnose him, but I absolutely think that it’s worth noting. 

Steven’s behavior in Future is supposed to be uncomfortable. I think part of the reason why so many people had a negative reaction to Steven’s shift was— just like all of the characters in the series— they expected him to act the same way that he did when he was a little boy. It’s great to talk about mental illness when you’re discussing things like anxiety and depression but when the conversation steers into anger is generally where the line in the sand gets drawn. In some ways I understand because anger is often associated with violence, but anger is a factor for so many people when it comes to mental illness. Now that I’m older I realize the reason that Future resonated so much deeper for me was that I was seeing the nuance of a lot of complex emotions that I had experienced played out by a character I grew up alongside. So to hear so many people bitch about how annoying they found Steven was really disheartening. 

I just wanna put a quick disclaimer that I do not think that this is a perfect series by any stretch of the imagination. I think— like a lot of SU— it suffered from pacing issues and I don’t even wanna touch on Jasper. That’s a whole thing within itself. Bringing it back to the beginning and the first video essay that inspired this whole post, I came across a video essay talking about the positives of SU Future and it was a relief. I don’t really have anything intelligent to say on their video other than I liked it, and I recommend it (link below) but on an emotional level, it was just good to know that I wasn’t alone in liking this series.

[chibitantei]

Naoto is probably a third-rate detective in the world of Conan (not the barbarian) if it took her this long to figure out the card's gimmick.

Rank 5, or paper is nutritious and delicious, especially if citrus flavored.

Naoto has some things to tell you: these cards came from Shiroku, the thief himself purchased them here, and she smells something like citrus.

This is the part where Nanako also shows up, since she shows up once the IT's Social Links somewhere. Except if she's kidnapped or in the hospital, then she's not going to bust out of Heaven or the hospital for you.

In the version where Nanako is present, she notices Yu and Naoto sitting at the gazebo and comes over. What are y'alls doing, she asks and Naoto...

...does not know.

But she asks for Nanako's opinion on what secret the card holds, and gives her the hint that it smells like an orange. Nanako is very smart and picks up quickly that it's invisible ink because science class is where everything fun happens (when you're in elementary school).

Naoto reacts as well as you'd expect.

But at least she admits she's kinda dumb.

It should be noted that Naoto is appreciative of Nanako's help, and doesn't dismiss what she's saying because it's 'childish'. Perhaps she doesn't want for any kid to go through the same kind of experiences she's had, where the adults don't want to listen to a little kid.

She then whisks Yu away to his house to test it out.

In the event Nanako isn't present, Yu steps up and fills in her shoes, except he isn't cute. All of these options don't matter because Naoto will still figure out something from Yu's suggestions.

So, yeah. Naoto should eat the card, obviously. What's she gonna do, solve it???

At the house, Naoto explains that the areas stained by the citrus juice burns first, making the writing legible. She isn't thrilled about the revelation, though.

Besides the really obvious point, this shows that Naoto isn't a superhuman computer who knows the answers to every single problem. She might be labelled as a genius detective, but even simple and "childish" ( :^) ) tricks can mess her up.

No self-respecting adult would try to use childish tricks to outwit fellow adults, and Naoto was working on that line of logic, only to be jumpscared by it. It more or less shows Naoto's lost touch with the side of her that was filled with whimsy and wonder. A bitter adult like the rest of us, yippie!

The choices here are a fine example of the illusion of free choice, because no matter what you say, Naoto will figure it out. It's like in PQ how you can stare at her and she'll solve the puzzle for you.

You can either make her feel disappointed, impress her or be a dumbass and make her laugh.

Either way, Yu and Naoto arrive at the mailbox, and retrieve one of her stolen items: a detective badge that does absolutely nothing!

That being said, from this, the suspect list narrows considerably and she has a good idea of how personal this case is to her (and she wouldn't want anyone finding her stuff because that'd be embarrassing), but nothing about the motive.

Regardless, without Yu's help, she wouldn't have bothered with the card, and we've seen in previous rank how dismissive she was. In a sense, seeing that she was ready to brush it off initially is a little sad—and the reason for that will be explained later.

Perhaps a spark of childish whimsy is somewhere inside Naoto's frigid heart now, and it would really be nice if you helped her because... you know...

And the rank ends here normally, but do you want to crush her smile. Her rare, unconcealed smile.

Yes?

"You're on your own."

Besides being a jerk, it feels like a slap in the face for Naoto. She's showed you a side of her not many have seen, dares to open up a little, dares to act a little like a kid, and Yu tells her this whole thing is stupid.

Have fun watching her run off, I guess.

[the-francakes]

thefrancakes fics finished in 2022...

Cupid. | Dramione, 2k, GA

A Valentine’s Day Party and a letter of intent.

Of course, she would admit her crush to herself at the same moment she discovered he had feelings for someone else. 

Lady BloodPure's Society Papers | Panville, 15k, Explicit

Pansy Parkinson must find an eligible suitor by the end of The Pureblood Season or lose all her inheritance.  Enter Neville Longbottom. 

“Compromising position? Mother, we were in broad daylight and he touched my hand. If she really wants a scandal, Lady BloodPure should figure out all the places I’ve let Draco put his–”

Puppy Dog Eyes | Drarry, 2k, Explicit 

Harry bought a puppy and Draco needs to be convinced... 

“Plan B it is then,” Harry muttered to himself. Draco raised an eyebrow, unsure of what his husband meant, until Harry’s hands were on the towel around Draco’s waist and he was dropping to his knees. 

An Overly Considerate Friend | Jegulus, 8k, Mature

James has to figure out why Regulus is spying on their Quidditch practices. Talking to the cute git is a lot harder than it looks. 

James was going to shove sunshine down this boy's throat if it killed him.  Sunshine or his- NO JAMES. 

Diamond Girls | Hermione x Pansy, 4k, Explicit

Hermione has a parent-teacher conference with the ex-Mrs. Parkinson-Nott with very little clothing on... 

Hermione took a shaky breath. She wasn’t sure what she just got herself into, but the wetness between her legs told her she was looking forward to finding out. 

The Quidditch Pitch Incident | Blinny, side Dramione, 12k, Explicit 

Ginny’s angry at the world and throws all her anger into besting the Slytherin Quidditch team... too bad Blaise Zabini is captain now.  

She hated herself for it. Hated how she was absolutely vibrating with the need for him… hated how he just stood there doing the same and yet not moving a muscle. 

You & Lily | Jegulus, 6k, Explicit

Regulus comes up with a plan to break James’ heart... then he comes up with another plan to hopefully save it. 

It didn’t hurt as much as this, but that was how true pain was caused to someone that loved you. You had to sacrifice yourself to ruin them. 

The (Third) Worst Year | Drarry, 20k, Explicit

Draco learns he must kiss his true love by his 25th birthday or turn into a dragon, so he’s making plans for his transformation cause lol never gunna happen. 

Finally, out of everything, Draco hated Potter because he was pretty sure he was already in love with the man.

Maid of Honor for a Day, Best Friend for Life | Susan x Blaise, 7k, Explicit

Susan Bones needs a wedding date, and Blaise Zabini is single... 

She didn’t even notice the bright gold of the Wedding Bond sealing her best friends together. Not when Blaise Zabini’s gaze was completely and utterly on her every second.  

Like Diamonds | Dramione, 3k, Mature

What would have happened if Hermione walked into the 6th floor bathroom instead... 

But she also knows he’s human.  That he’s sixteen, just like her.  That she’s only seen him vulnerable twice now and she wonders if that’s more than anyone else in the castle. 

A Good Night for Whimsy and Love | Ron x Luna, 5k, Explicit 

Ron comes home from a ‘work trip,’ to his girlfriend and their two kids with a surprise in the making... 

But he knew what he wanted.  To live and be happy, to not constantly be pushing and struggling to be more, to be loved for who he is, and that be enough. 

Soulmates With Benefits | Drinny, 23k, Explicit 

Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy discover they are soulmates on the same Quidditch team.  The more they, uh, touch, the better they seem to play together.

He settled on Bee because, much like her given name, it held wisdom, rebirth, and romance. It also hurt like fuck when it stung you, just like her words. 

Summer Changes | Drarry, 7k, Explicit 

Harry learns that Draco has been babysitting Teddy and can’t seem to stay away. 

But now, with how he shied away, schooling his emotions, there was no pride in Malfoy’s past. The black void on Malfoy’s arm made Harry wonder if there ever had been. 

Locals Only | Draco x Theo x Blaise, 12k, Explicit 

Draco has spent the past 5 years without magic and doesn’t know how to explain he loves this life more than he ever loved his other one. 

Draco can feel the warmth building inside him, vanishing all the cold he desperately inhaled this morning. He lets Blaise in to take hold of the parts he’s scared to reveal. It takes everything not to break.  It’s ironic because he’s never felt so broken.

This Could Be A Disaster | Harry x Ron, 8k, Explicit

Harry and his friends come up with some fun things to do at Hogwarts like streaking around the Quidditch Pitch, shagging in a classroom, or skinny dipping in the lake... too bad the only person he wants to do it with is Ron. 

No matter what could have happened before, something about Ron taking his hand devoured Harry with love. Maybe it was just friend love, but it still consumed his soul and cemented the beauty of Ron Weasley into his heart. 

I WANNA SEE SOME ARSE | Nottpott, 10k, Explicit

Theo is stuck sharing a bed with Potter and Potter’s beautiful, plump, delicious arse. Too bad they're both oblivious to the other’s flirting. 

And if he sits on the bed, it's just the right angle to see Potter’s arse, already decorated with beautiful tan lines from his swim trunks and all soaped up.  His skin is a lovely umber, but his arse is a few shades lighter, like a glowing beacon that Theo cannot look away from.

‘tis the damn season (Pansy’s Version) | Pansy x Ron, 8k, Teen

Pansy returns to London to find Ron Weasley owns a wish-granting coffee shop and, in cheesy Hallmark Movie fashion, he makes sparks fly.  

Pansy stared up at Ron, her heart beating in her throat. She’d never felt so seen by someone, and all they were doing was just chatting. 

Lift You Again | Jilly, 2k, GA

Lily and James have to go get another Christmas Tree for the Great Hall after accidentally burning down the first one. 

She did her best not to think about how her heartbeat ignited at his touch or how wonderful he smelled, like stolen whisky cider and something distinctly James that always hung around the dorms. 

Remember Me As Tradition | Dramione, side Nottpott, 3k, GA

Malfoy Christmas Eve through the years, covering the tragedy of loss, the beautiful growth of friendships and love, and how a tradition is made. 

“Next year,” he promised, tugging her close so he could properly thank her with a kiss that had been on his lips for a decade. 

Helping Hands™ | Hermione x George, 2k, GA

Hermione helps George with a new product.

When he looked up, he found a bushel of mistletoe with a glittery red bow floating above them.

“Oh,” Hermione gasped, looking too. “Well, that is romantic.”

[has-gilgamesh-doneanythingwrong]

Okita from Hakuouki definitely gives me vibes of 'adult in child's body' to 'child in adult's body' But you know what? I think he deserves that as a treat!

Based on the fragments I've seen of his past in Reimeiroku and the Hakuouki remakes, he had to take on an awful lot as a kid: loss/ mourning, bullying, a lowered reputation in society, his sister Mitsuba even having to give him away...life handed him so many forms of suffering, that it's as if his kid self had long grown used to resigning himself to it. It's just sad to see a kid have to endure so much bs, over and over again to the point that they end up losing their sense of agency and autonomy in life.

I felt like crying when Kondou helped him out, inspiring to fight back...and even taking care of him whilst he was covered in blood after gaining the will to fight back against the tide of bs that people and life kept throwing at him.

Finally, someone other than his sister who treats him like he matters; like he has some worth!! I do feel like that enabled him to be a bit more like a kid again, for there was now somebody there who would give a damn if anything bad happened to him; giving him room to vocalise his needs. And the other shinsengumi guys gradually let him in as well, giving him multiple pillars of support (even if some were his allegaled 'competition' for Kondou-san).

And boy, is the child-like side of Okita quite something...

Lmao though despite saying that he acts more like a child in an adult's body thanks to all the many funny teasing moments, playing with (bullying) fellow kids AND adults, and enjoying a bit of whimsy... now that I think about it, that side of him from childhood- that acts without a regard for his own needs, mechanically fulfilling whatever he deems best or right to do, even at the cost of his own self- still remains strongly ingrained inside of him.

I am assuming that a lot links to how Kondou has such a profound meaning in Okita's life that he even mimicked his hairstyle, and is first to murder anyone who much as dares threaten Kondou's Shinsengumi; so I guess that he would do absolutely anything for this man, who is a vital part of his feelings and emotional development. It would be horrifying to lose the one who fully took you in and gave you the space to actually be a kid, to actually be spoilt for once, and loved. Kondou gave him a purpose, and thus dedicates his entire self to him as a possible means of showing that love. And to the others he cares for as well, it seems he will completely risk his everything for their sake (especially his damned health! i see you not eating and worsening your condition over remaining as the loyal sword of the shinsengumi to maintain your sense of worth to others, even when you look like you're about to die, OKITA!!)

So you know what I say? Let him pout, get emotional and play around with cats! He's taken too many Ls to be an adult in an adult's body!!!! And besides, that side of him can be pretty cute sometimes (if not also scary every now and then).

[rhetoricalrogue]

WiP Whenever

I don’t know what this is, but have some Astrid and Adam conversation, set somewhere in Book 2. I’m still playing with the idea of them continuing the fake dating thing beyond the carnival “date” because Wayhaven is a small town and the local gossips have already gotten their claws into the idea and it’s easier to just play along than to explain that they aren’t an actual couple.

Her eyes snapped open at the sharp intake of breath, loud in the otherwise silent room.

Not again, she thought, sitting upright and running her shaky hands through her hair. A quick glance at her phone on the bedside told her that it was early, too early to actually be awake even though she knew that getting herself to go back to sleep was going to be an almost impossible task.

Astrid reached for her phone, thumb hovering over Markus’ number before she thought better of it. With time zones being as they were, he was already starting his work day and most likely busy with his first clients of the morning. She was tempted to text Tony, knowing that he kept an unpredictable and all but nonexistent sleep schedule so the odds of him being awake were high, but she also knew her best friend. He’d always had a knack for seeing through any conversation and getting to the heart of the matter, and right then, Astrid wanted the comfort of friends instead of having her brain picked over.

She wasn’t even sure why she had been jolted out of a deep sleep. She knew that it had been a nightmare, but for the life of her, she couldn’t remember what the dream was about. It hadn’t been the usual work related ones where she dreamt that she had hit reply all to an email, nor had it been ones of fangs at her throat, blood coating her chest and shoulder as she slowly bled out. Honestly, she hadn’t had a Murphy-related nightmare in weeks, which was something of a blessing. She usually woke from those angry and ready to fight instead of frightened, adrenaline overloading her system until she had no other choice but to head out to the little 24-hour gym a few blocks from her place and take advantage of the weight racks and punching bags before going home to catch a few hours of rest, body and mind finally exhausted enough to sleep.

“Come on, girl,” she muttered, pulling her legs close until she could rest her chin on her knees. “Pull yourself together.”

The buzz of her phone made her jump. The single text had her tense shoulders pulling away from her ears.

You should be asleep. It’s 3 am.

Her thumbs moved over the keypad as she penned her reply.

It’s 3 o’clock. Do you know where your detective is? She added a smiley face with an eyebrow raised in thought to the end.

Adam’s reply took a little longer than what she expected, the little ellipses appearing and disappearing for a good minute or so. She was about to ask him if he was writing a novel when she got his next text.

I know where my detective is, but I wonder why she isn’t sleeping. Did you have a nightmare?

Why are we texting when your room is literally a door away from mine?

Almost instantly, she got a reply. I didn’t know if you wanted to be disturbed.

And yet you still decided to text.

More ellipses. She decided to butt in before something was lost in translation and they wound up arguing. She was tired and unnerved from whatever dream, she didn’t need to drag him into it via an unnecessary fight.

I’m sorry, she wrote. I don’t want to fight, can we talk instead? Your room or mine.

The “I’m still typing” ellipses disappeared from her screen. She waited, still sitting in bed, as the cute clock shaped like a fox Nate had found to add a touch of whimsy to her Warehouse room ticked almost comically loudly in the silence. Just when she was going to give up and settle back into bed to at least close her eyes in an attempt to get some rest, there was a knock on her door.

“May I come in?”

She snorted, opening the door for him. “And here I thought that whole rule for vampires needing to be invited in was fake.”

He raised an eyebrow. “A false superstition, yes, but I asked out of common courtesy.” He gave her a brief look over, his eyes lingering on her face more than the thin tank top and comfortable cotton lounge pants with their vibrantly colored botanical print she was wearing as pajamas. “You look…”

As if she wasn’t aware of the state of her hair, mussed and tangled from sleep. “If you continue that sentence with a statement of how awful I must look, you can turn right back around.”

The look he gave her could have been described as blank to those who didn’t know his expressions, but she could see the faint look of amused exasperation by the way the corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. “I was going to say that you looked tired.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest, eyes suddenly looking down at the carpeting between them before hesitantly coming back to her face. “Are you certain you want to talk?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I do know that I wouldn’t mind some company.” She opened the door wider and stepped back towards the bed. It was up to him if he wanted to join her or not.

It almost surprised her when he chose to come inside, the bedroom door closing with a barely audible click. “I hope that I’m adequate company, then.”

Sitting crossed-legged on the bed, she gave the empty space opposite of her a friendly pat. “Oh, I think you’ll do, Adam,” she teased.

[multifandomthoughts]

Sunbathing Beauty

MINORS DNI, NSFW

AFAB READER

Requested by: @softiebadbitch

Warnings: Fellatio, Penetration, Semi-public sex (though nobody is there)

“Ace, you can’t even swim!” You shout as the brunette held your arm, dragging you across the warm sand as he ran, umbrella slung over one shoulder and a backpack over the other. “But I wanted to spend time with you, and pops said if I didn’t get out soon, he’d tell the cook not to let me have any food for a week. I know he didn’t mean it, but that personal of a threat has to mean something.”

“I still don’t understand why you took me to the beach of all places.” You retort, the sun beating down on the two of you, reminding you to put on sunscreen after this conversation. “Isn’t it enough that I want to spend some time with you? You are my favorite person after all.” Ace flashes you a wide grin and drops the bag he was carrying, some of the contents spilling out.

You get a look at the contents and sighed. Buckets and hand shovels? The second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates… wants to make sandcastles? “You’re lucky you’re so cute.” You say, trying to act annoyed but unable to keep a smile off your face. Pulling out the rest of the contents, there are two towels, sunscreen and sunglasses. The towel and sunscreen are most important, considering you were burning not only your skin, but the soles of your feet from the baking sand.

The first thing you do is spread your towel on the sand, and once the safe haven is formed you get off your hot feet and lie down on it, putting on your sunglasses. “Since we’re going to be here a while, do you think you could help me with the sunscreen? I don’t want to burn my back.” Ace nods and grabs the bottle. “Want to untie your top or should I just work around it?” He asks, squeezing a sizable dollop onto his hand.

You nod as best you can while lying down and reach back to untie the knot holding your top on. A small sigh escapes you as your chest feels that little bit more free. It’s soon replaced by a squeal as you twitch from the sudden presence of Ace’s cold, wet hands on your back. You return to a relaxed state once the initial shock wears off and enjoy the loving touch of him applying the lotion all over your bare skin. It feels like the interaction is over almost as soon as it started and soon he’s left your side again to start filling his buckets with sand. You pout a little bit, as you tie your top back on and sit up to start applying your own sunscreen everywhere else.

A funny feeling starts to creep upon Ace. His mind is no longer focused on the whimsy of building sand castles. He’s more interested in that bikini that you spent so much time trying to have him notice. His heart is racing as if he were on the battlefield, but adrenaline and aggression are the furthest things from his mind right now. This is purely… excitement, and something akin to the awe he gets from a sunset, all focused on you. The desire to get even closer to you begins to overwhelm his mind, and he has to do something about it. The thought of dumping a bucket of cold clear ocean water on you has passed.

Acting on impulse alone he left his buckets behind and stood in front of you once again, wordlessly staring. You give him a confused look. “Do you need something, Ace?” Stumbling over his words, Ace blurts “That swimsuit is so revealing it’s practically pointless. Let’s get rid of it.” Your face turns bright red, it wasn’t the reaction you expected, but one that you were looking for. “Ace….” You respond, a smirk on your face. “We can do that, but this is a public place!” “But why not? Being a pirate is about the freedom to do what you like when you like. And a relationship is about not caring what others think because you’re happy together. So since I’m all worked up now, let’s have some fun!”

You scan your eyes across the beach, looking for any signs of other inhabitants. It seems like any other occupants have left, either because they knew who Ace was, or they had become disinterested. Satisfied that you don’t have an audience, you give a sigh. “Alright, but can you at least put up the umbrella so we’ll be more cool in the shade?” Giving a mock salute, Ace sets about planting the pole in the sand and spreading the umbrella over your heads. “Nice and comfy now, hot stuff?” “Totally, the shade makes it nice and cool, as well as covering up.”

You go to take off your top, Ace’s eyes glued to your torso like a dog towards a steak. That gives you an even better idea, and you immediately put that plan into action. Running yours hand up and down your shoulders and thighs, you hover your hand over the knot keeping your swimsuit together. You can swear you see Ace gulp and a bead of sweat cascade down his forehead.

Rather than pull the knot undone right away you tug on the strings over your shoulders a bit to make your chest bounce for him. “You said this doesn’t cover enough, but I think you’re going crazy because you can’t see the best parts yet… but don’t worry baby, I’ll show you everything soon. And then you’ll melt in my hands, knowing that you have to beg. Ace squirms excitedly, his hands clasped together between his knees in a futile attempt to keep him from reaching out.

You right hand reaches behind your back to untie the knot while simultaneously holding your left arm in front of you, covering up your breasts as the top of your swimsuit goes limp around your body. Winking at him, you bring your free hand back around to your waist and start tugging at the side of your bottoms. “Which will it be first, Ace? Move this arm out of the way, or take the rest of it off?” For the first time, you think you’ve silenced Ace. He doesn’t say anything, and just stares straight ahead at your covered breast. So mesmerized, so enamored that not one word drips out of his mouth.

Ace says something, but the words just don’t come out. He repeats this multiple times, each time as quiet as the last time. You tilt your head in mock confusion, trying to hold back the smirk that attempts to creep onto your face. “Sorry babe, a little louder?” His fists are tightly clenched in between his knees as he sits in front of you staring unblinkingly at the arm keeping him from your treasure. “All… I want all of it… I need all of you…” he groans through gritted teeth, his legs constantly shifting as if that will bring any relief to his fierce prisoner.

“Oh, is that so? You laughed, happy to know that your plan of teasing him with your swimsuit has gotten you to this point. “So, what’s it going to be? Tits or pussy?” Ace flashes you a devilish grin, having gained his confidence back. The Ace that you met who was full of swagger, and could take on absolutely anything. Without a second thought he gently grabs your wrist. “Yes.” Next thing you know, you’re on your back in a passionate kiss with Ace. One hand is running through your hair, the other has pulled your arm away from your chest, your breasts now pressed against his pecs as the friction sends a wave of heat through both of your bodies.

“Now, for the elephant in the room….he declares. “Do I have your permission to touch you?” Nodding your head violently and vocalizing a yes, you take his hand, place it on your breast and wrap his fingers around the soft tender flesh. His knee runs up your inner thigh, stopping short of the prize and coming back down, then back up again. If he had finished the journey he would feel the damp spot in your bikini bottoms. Instead, he brings his mouth down to kiss and suck on the tit his hand had left unattended. “Love these so much…” he mutters, bowed over you as if in a prayer of gratitude. When his head does raise to meet your gaze, the mischievous look is back though a bit hazy with lust. “Permission to finish stripping you?” He inquired with a smirk. “G-granted…” you manage to squeak out between shuddering breaths and half suppressed moans. “Great. Then get up onto your knees and bend over for me.” He says with an authority you can’t dismiss but a needy tone that betrays the facade covering his desperation for this.

As he asks, you get on your hands and knees. No sooner have you done it than he is behind you running his hands over your ass. But he does not let himself get sidetracked and you feel fingers hooking under the waistband of your bottoms. With baited breath you try to hold still as he yanks the garment down to your knees. Your arousal is apparent in both the wetness of its crotch area and the moisture glistening on your exposed pussy. “Naughty girl, aren’t you?” Ace teases, knowing damn well he and his pitched mast aren’t ones to talk. “I could take you right here like this… would you like that? Or should I ask you to return the favor and help me out of my trunks now?” You squirm in his grip, before slipping out onto your back and spreading your legs for him. “You’ve been begging for it, I don’t know how you’re able to wait!” You giggle, batting your eyelashes at him. Seeing you in this new seductive pose silences Ace yet again, not to mention being called out for his lust. You take a little pity on him and sit up again to reach out for his swimsuit.

“I guess I won’t make you wait in agony any longer… let me see your handsome body…” you say softly as you pull his clothes off. Sure enough his erection springs out stiff and ready. You mull your eyes over it for a minute, big and thick before running your hand down and up the base. Ace let’s out a long sigh, one that he didn’t know that he was holding. He scoots back onto the very edge of the towel, spreading himself out so you have more room to take him in. Before anything else, you knew you had to give this thing some hands on attention… and probably lip service.

Running a finger up and down the warm flesh from soft tip to twitching base, you lick your lips and feel your lower half getting equally wet. You’re not some superficial girl who only appreciates a guy for physical attributes… but fuck this is an impressive dick. As you reach the tip again you wrap your hand around his shaft instead and start to gently stroke up and down. “So big and hard… just for me? You know how to make a girl feel special don’t you… Let’s see if I can make you feel even better. Just tell me if it hurts, or if you’re about to blow.” He nods violently, as you begin to lower your head back onto his dick. Your hand on the base of his shaft, you move it in the opposite direction you are sucking, sliding your hand up as you go down.

With a gentle grip guiding your head, Ace directs your motions in a steady pace, releasing a cacophony of moans. For every rise and fall he lets out a pleasured sound unlike anything you’ve ever heard from this notorious pirate. Some guttural, some high pitched, all from your man. You flutter your eyelashes again as you look up at him; it’s useless, as his eyes are gently closed in pure bliss. Despite the umbrella casting a long shadow across the two of you, beads of sweat roll down his forehead; you’ve got him wrapped around your finger. A sharp tug on your hair alerts you that he’s close, as his eyes roll back into his skull. He attempts to take control and starts thrusting in search of climax. You weren’t prepared to be face fucked like this, but you can adapt quickly.

Using your arms, you forcefully remove Ace’s hands from your head, releasing you from his guide. In an attempt to coax his climax quicker, you breathe in deeply through your nose and take all of his thick cock, burying your nose into his pubic bone. The mixture of deepthroating, and your hand on the base of his shaft causes him to let out an ear piercing whine. You manage to stay down and are rewarded as his pulsing cock unloads, the warm rush of cum filling your mouth. You swallow, before winking and blushing back at your partner.

“Ready for round two?” You coo, giving the tip of his cock a kiss before widening your stance expectantly. “Or can you not handle what beauty is sitting in front of you?” You expect him to need a little time to cool down and recharge, but his erection hasn’t gone down in the slightest and he only looks more eager. “I think I can handle you pretty well, just wanna be sure you can handle this bad boy. Guess I have my answer, so here’s a better question: Do we have any kind of protection?”

Biting your lip, you drag your discarded top through the sand, and reach inside the breast pocket. “For when a sexy man wants to have some fun…” You quip, tearing the wrapping open with your teeth. “Now’s the main event, big boy…” Separating the rubber from the plastic, you put Ace’s cock in your hand once again. In one quick movement, the condom is on and the two of you are ready to go. As he draws in close again, you run a playful finger along his abs. He takes hold of your left thigh while his right hand holds his member steady on its course. “Let me help with that…” you offer softly, grabbing his wrist to make the intention clear. He lets go and you take hold of the slick latex and warm flesh. Now with both hands on your thighs, he keeps your legs spread and your body steady as the tip of his member presses at your waiting opening to seek entry. With you to guide him he pushes a bit more and finds it.

You wince in pain, gripping his shoulders as his big cock fills you. He was stretching you a bit, but you didn’t mind the sting. The pain is worth the pleasure. You take a deep breath as you bottom out, a pleasant feeling enveloping your core. “Fuck me Ace, please…you feel so good…” you plead, squirming to get more of that wonderful feeling. “Okay hot stuff, be prepared for a wild ride.” His hands wander up to your breasts, grasping them as if they were the most precious jewels. Tantalizingly slow, he pulls out of you. You beg and whine, every inch lost leaving an empty feeling until all you have is the tip. “Put it….in…please!!” You howl, clawing at his legs as you attempt to push him back in. He goes back to rubbing your nipples under his thumbs and acts like he’s deep in thought. “Well… you’re making some pretty cute noises right now so maybe I shouldn’t? Ah, but I wanna hear what you’ll sound like when I do this!” And just like that he slammed back in, as you let out a loud moan.

Ace is done going easy on you, and the thrust in is immediately followed by another out, then back in agains and again. He’s really fucking you now, and it feels so goddamn good. Every slap of skin against skin elicits an even louder sound, is it possible that there’s a limit to your volume? The harder he goes on you, the tighter you can feel yourself getting. Your coil keeps tightening, almost ready to snap. As if the feeling of his cock isn’t exciting enough, the look on his face and the grunts and moans he’s making are sure as hell helping. You wrap your legs around his waist to keep him deep in you and arch your back to press your tits into his waiting hands even more.

Pleasure and joy flow through your body and mind so strongly you worry it might start to spill out as tears, and you can certainly tell it’s dripping out somewhere else. Your sexual frenzy continues a few minutes more until you know you can’t take any more. “Ace… I’m so close…” you try to tell him, though by now your voice has been reduced to a shrill squeak. Ace understands it though, and replies with a grunt that sounds like “Me too… together babe.” Your boyfriend leans in and kisses you one more time as he ruts like the animal in heat he seems to be. The dam bursts and you moan into the kiss as your pussy convulses and tries to milk him for all he’s got. Luckily you have the condom in the way, because he’s got a lot. He twitches a few times as a fresh load streams out and is collected in the reservoir tip, and you feel a new wave of heat in your core.

You lay back on your towel, spent. It feels as if you’ve just completed a marathon and every muscle in your body is crying out for rest. Despite this, you look into Ace’s eyes; they’re clouded from what just went on. Catching your breath, your face is just inches away from Ace’s. He’s regained all his energy already and gives you a cheeky grin. “See? I knew we’d have plenty to do at the beach without having to swim!”

[hypmic-writings]

Headcanons of sailor Riou with a mermfolk s/o? They enjoy singing to him, and even if they don't look it, can drive off more dangerous creatures if needed.

━━ ∘◦ ☆ ◦∘ ━━

Pairing: Riou Busujima x merfolk!reader

Genre: Fantasy AU;Fluff

Warnings: None

A/N: This one is so cute!I love merfolk AUs so much. The idea of Riou being a hunky, himbo sailor falling in love with a merperson is just the best thing to me! Hope you enjoy~

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

Riou took up being a sailor when he was quite young and he absolutely loves being out on the open ocean

he had heard stories all his life about the merpeople that dwell in the bottom of the ocean and he had always dreamt of encountering them one day

the two of you meet shortly after Riou begins to work on ship with a new crew and a new route

he had never sailed to this region before, and likewise, you had only ever seen a handful of ships before in your life

so one evening, when Riou is standing guard, mindlessly tightening the ropes on the deck of the ship, he hears a wonderful singing voice coming from beyond the ship

he's drawn by your voice, gazing down over the side of the railing and seeing you swimming slowly beside the bottom of the boat

he almost shouts out in surprise, but then stops himself at the last minute, not wanting to scare you away

you can see him looking at you, and you pause your singing for a moment to swim closer to the side of the ship, gazing up at him and meeting his eyes

you were told your whole life about humans, and how they were a danger to merpeople and that you should never interact with them

but here and now, the human that's looking down at you is so big and strong and beautiful that you can't help but be curious

in the setting sun, Riou can make out your beautiful, scaled tail as it glistens on the surface of the water

you peak your head out slowly, taking him in curiously

you can only speak a little bit of his human language, so you wave to him and say hello, knowing you're breaking every rule by interacting with him at all

but there's just something about his wide eyes and his excited smile that make you feel safe as he waves back

the two of you fall in love slowly and neither of you is really sure when it happened

over the course of the next few years, you and Riou often see each other whenever his sailing routes bring him close to your home

the two of you come up with a code word/sound so that Riou can signal that it's him waiting for you

and then you'll swim up and greet him, swimming happily and exclaiming how happy you are to see him

sometimes he'll toss you little trinkets and things that he brought while on shore, making you excited to learn more about human life

whenever you sing to him, Riou feels himself going into a trance-like state, but it's only ever calming and never malicious

he'll often end up humming the tune later during the day when he's working on the ship where his crewmates will call him out on it

but Riou absolutely refuses to tell them about you because he doesn't want to put you in any potential danger

sometimes, Riou sails out alone, and these are the times that the two of you really get to know one another

he helps you learn how to speak, teaching you words and even showing you some things like 'books' and 'journals'

you, in turn, tell him all about your home under the sea, spinning your tales of its beauty and whimsy

but you're also quick to tell him of the dangers lurking in the ocean as well - creatures like the kraken and sea serpents that could cause potential harm

you tell him about a day when you found a sea serpent chasing Riou's ship and you had to fight to stop it from destroying the boat

Riou is surprised because to him, you're always smiling dreamily and happily swimming

but you make it quite clear that you can be ruthless and Riou is profusely thanking you for saving the ship so often

whenever you're playing around together, Riou is nothing but smiles when you tug on his arm to pull him into the water

you're always fascinated by his legs, pulling at his toes and poking his thighs when he's not looking

and as soon as you learn that humans give kisses for affection, you make it a point to kiss Riou, even though it’s on random parts of his body like his arm or his knees

one time you managed to kiss his cheek though, and it made Riou turn bright pink which, in turn, made you ask him if he was okay

because you didn’t know much about humans but you knew that they weren’t supposed to be such a bright red color

Riou loves watching you swim, gliding through the water effortlessly

and he's fascinated with your scales, constantly staring at them and wanting to reach out and touch them

but you know that they're sharp and dangerous (and quite sensitive) so you always gently push him away with a laugh

one time, though, when he told you that he had business to attend to far away and that he wouldn't be coming back for a long time, you peeled off one of your scales and gave it to him, fearing that he would forget you

and although Riou was grateful, carefully wrapping it and keeping it safe, he never needs anything to remember you by because there's no possible way he could ever forget you

the two of you are always spending time together, and pretty soon it's clear that you're at your happiest when you're with each other

it's difficult that you can't tell your family and friends about Riou, but you can't deny that he has your heart

and likewise, Riou doesn't care that he has to sail miles and miles just to spend time with you

because he loves you and you love him and there's nothing you wouldn't do to be together

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

[villainousshakespeare]

Bobby’s Play Date Part 1

The pandemic is keeping Tom idling in London by himself. One positive is that wearing the mask helps him avoid recognition, allowing him to wander in the park with his dog, Bobby. On one of their walks, Bobby becomes smitten with a dog named Lulu and Tom is equally enchanted by her human. Can the Hiddleston men manage to find a way to see the lovely ladies again?

Tom Hiddleston/OFC

Rated M - Pandemic, Fluff, Quarantine, Masks, Adorable Puppies, Meet Cute, Second Part May (will) Contain Smut

@yespolkadotkitty @just-the-hiddles @hopelessromanticspoonie @wine-and-whines @arch-venus25 @caffiend-queen @devilish–doll @enchantedbyhiddles @hiddlesholic @i-do-not-fangirl-i-fanwoman @kellatron55 @ladyoftheteaandblood @latent-thoughts @gorgeous1974 @maryxglz @myoxisbroken @nuggsmum @nildespirandum @pedeka @redfoxwritesstuff @sinfully-lustful-darling @vodka-and-some-sass @wrathkitty @kingtwhiddleston @wolfsmom1 @poetic-fiasco @shiningloki @dangertoozmanykids101 @bookworm-christina @thecutestlittlebunbunfairy @amwolowicz @delightfulheartdream @frostbitten-written @what-a-flammable-heart @tom-hlover @nonsensicalobsessions @myraiswack @loki-yoursaviourishere, from-hel-i-with-love, @sweetsigyn, @fictiondoesitbetter, @ms-cellanies @evieplease @viviennes-tears @turniptitaness @cynic-spirit​

It was months into the pandemic that had ground the world to a halt. Tom desperately hoped things would go back to normal soon, and that a vaccine would be found to help more people from getting sick and dying. There were, of course, many changes to the world at the moment that Tom was not pleased with. Being unable to work, for instance, or travel to visit his sisters was both frustrating and depressing. One change, however, he had to admit he was not completely adverse to.

Tom loved his fans. They were usually polite, often intelligent, and had donated millions in his name to charities. He often said that he couldn’t consider himself an actor without an audience, and he meant it. It was just that there were times when he wanted to enjoy a little anonymity. Particularly when health advisories suggested a six foot distance between people, Tom was relieved to be able to slip on a plain black mask along with his baseball cap and sunglasses and blend in with the other people wandering about on errands.

He was enjoying just such a stroll now despite the warmth, grateful for the ability to hide in plain sight. Bobby frisked happily on his lead, chasing after imaginary prey as they ambled aimlessly down the winding path. It was a lovely, sunny day, but fear was keeping many people at home and they had the park largely to themselves.

When they reached a bend, Bobby began barking excitedly and pulled Tom along, his human chuckling as he was dragged by his furry companion. The reason for Bobber’s excitement soon became apparent. Sitting on a bench placed beside a scenic little river was a woman in a flowered mask, holding the lead of a small, gold and white shih tzu dog in a ridiculous pink and white checked dress.

Tom had to take a firm hold as Bobby frantically tried to go over and meet the smaller dog, who had begun barking herself as they rounded the bend. Her fluffy head, complete with bow to keep the hair from her eyes, perked up, and she began jumping up and down in a little dance. Bobby calmed down a bit as he felt Tom’s pressure on his lead, but his tongue still lolled out of his mouth in a dopey smile.

“Steady,” Tom commanded, feeling embarrassed as Bobby continued to hover as close as allowed to the silly looking strange dog. “I’m sorry, I promise he is completely friendly.”

“It’s okay, so is she,” the woman replied, smiling with her eyes even though he could not see her mouth behind her mask. “You know, she’s usually quite shy, but she seems to like him! May I pet him?”

“Please, and thanks for asking.”

Letting the lead out a bit, Tom watched as the woman reached down to give Bobby a good pet, complimenting him on being a handsome boy. Her fluff of a pup had advanced timidly, and she and Bobby commenced sniffing and circling each other with obvious enjoyment.

“Wow, I have never seen her respond like that to a strange dog!” the woman laughed.

As she spoke, Bobby rolled onto his back and waved his paws in the air with a complete lack of dignity.

“Safe to say he is rather taken as well,” Tom chuckled. “Absolutely shameless! Mind if I have a seat? It seems a shame to deprive them.”

He gestured to the bench next to hers, wanting to keep a safe distance and indicate he respected her space, and the woman nodded. She was dressed much more simply than her dog, he noticed. Black leggings and long rose colored tee shirt, a pair of keds. Apparently, she got all of her whimsy out on her pup.

“What’s his name?” she asked, watching as the dogs frolicked with each other.

“Bobby,” he supplied. “I’m Tom.”

“I’m Leia, and that ridiculous creature is Lulu.”

“Like the princess?” he couldn’t help but ask with a chuckle.

“General,” she answered without missing a beat. “It’s what happens when you are born during the release of a cultural phenomenon. Pity all of the little girls out there now being named Daenerys or Gamora.”

Tom held his breath for a moment. If she was a Marvel fan, then did he have to worry about her recognizing him? Fortunately, she seemed more interested in the game of tag their companions were playing, and he let himself relax.

“There’s a dog run about half a mile from here,” he suggested after a few minutes of companionable silence. “It’s actually where we were headed.”

“I know, but Lulu is so skittish,” Leia sighed. “She just huddles in a little ball when the bigger dogs come near her.”

“She seems fine with Bobbers.”

“I know! Your adorable boy is some sort of sorcerer! It makes me so happy to see her playing with another dog!”

“I have to ask…”

“The dress?” she guessed; voice wry.

“Yeah.”

“She’s a rescue. When I got her, she was a pathetic, bedraggled little thing that had been there for ages. It was winter, and the first times I took her out I had to put a coat on her. After that, she started equating dressing with going out, and would get so excited every time I took a coat or sweater out for her. When the weather warmed up, I realized that I missed the way she would jump up and literally throw herself into whatever I had picked out for her to wear. It’s completely silly, I know, but it makes her happy, and she just looks so cute!”

Tom’s heart melted a little as he listened to her explain. Yes, the dog looked silly, but it was such a sweet reason that suddenly the little dress transformed into a symbol of kindness rather than an eccentricity.

“She does look adorable,” he said.

A beeping noise had him drawing his phone from his pocked, and he was surprised at the time. He had to get back home soon for a virtual session with his trainer. Oddly, he found himself reluctant to go. It had been so long since he had just spent time with another person, it had felt good just to sit in her presence and relax.

“I’m afraid I have to get going. But Bobby and I usually walk this way around lunch time,” he blurted out, lying through his teeth. “Hopefully we will run into you lovely ladies again. So that the dogs can play.”

He was more grateful for the mask than ever, as it hopefully hid the blush he could feel coloring his face. Once more her vivid eyes sparkled and she stood up too, twisting around with him as they attempted to untangle the leashes.

“I’m sure Lulu would love that!” she told him, picking up the golden dog as she whined and tried to follow after her new friend. “We’ll see you around, Tom. Bobby.”

With a jaunty step he let his long legs take him away, looking forward to tomorrow already.

It rained the next two days. Not just a soft drizzle but am early summer storm that made the idea of a pleasant walk a fantasy. Tom and Bobby both resented the weather, and it was a toss up which of them was more disagreeable as they were forced to stay indoors.

When the sun shone on the third day, Tom immediately cancelled all of his afternoon plans. He had waited patiently, he told himself, he was not going to let this day go to waste. It was for Bobby’s sake, after all. The pup deserved a nice day out after being shut up inside.

They left home mid-morning, Tom unable to sit still any longer. He couldn’t say why exactly he was so keen on meeting Leia and her silly dog again, but he had been able to think of nothing else during his enforced isolation. Perhaps it was simply the novelty of meeting someone new who didn’t instantly faun over him or act nervous and shy. She treated him as though he were just an ordinary guy walking his dog in the park; which of course was what he was!

He arrived at the benches where they had met earlier that week, but they were empty. It was still early, so they made a circuit of the nearby trails. His eyes always alert for their new friends. They passed a few other people walking their pets, but both Tom and Bobby were uninterested beyond a nod hello and brief sniff. The Hiddleston men were both to focused on finding particular companions.

It was, as it had been before, Bobby who first discovered their presence. As they were walking through a more secluded, twisting section of the park, the dog’s ears pricked up and he began barking in excitement. Tail wagging frantically, Bobby yanked on the lead and pulled Tom along behind him as he took off around a curve. A high pitched yip sounded from the direction he headed.

“Well hello there!” Leia greeted him, leaning down to scratch Bobby’s head as he and Lulu danced around each other. “We were hoping to run into you boys again!”

“Eh heh heh,” Tom laughed, dancing around to keep his leash from entangling too badly with hers. “Obviously Bobby here was looking forward to that as well! As was I.”

“Well then, I am so happy you found us.”

He felt absurdly pleased as they fell into step beside each other. The two dogs were happy to walk along, darting back and forth in play as they went.

“Were you going anywhere in particular?” Leia asked casually.

“Oh, just wandering about,” Tom answered, not wanting to admit that they had been on a mission to hunt down the ladies.

“Well then, we can wander together.”

As the dogs played, Tom and Leia chatted happily. He learned that she was an aspiring writer working on edits to her first novel, and a tour guide, specializing in guiding small groups around literary sights in London as a way to earn money.

“Of course, it’s hard to be a tour guide with no tourists,” she sighed. “You would think it would give me more time to write, but its hard to focus. Anyway, I talk too much. What about you?”

“Oh, I’m on furlough,” he shrugged, staying vague. “Just loafing about the house, annoying Bobby. So what is your novel about?”

He managed to direct the conversation back to her, even though she avoided the subject of her book. Instead, she brought up some of the more interesting places she had brought tourists. Tom, a proud Londoner, had been to many of them, and they happily discussed the more interesting locations. She seemed impressed that he had read books by most of the authors they discussed and was quite ready with a line or two from memory. In turn, Tom loved how expressive she became when describing the joy people experienced finding themselves walking in the footsteps of their favorite fictional characters.

By the time Leia announced that she and Lulu needed to head home, (Tom thought he detected regret in her voice) he was surprised to realize that they had been talking for almost two hours. It was the most pleasant afternoon he had passed in some time.

After that, Tom and Bobby spent every afternoon in the park. At first, they managed to “stumble” upon their companions most days. The days they did not were frustrating for both of them and usually ended with them barking at each other. After a few run-ins with Leia and Lulu however, Tom took the plunge and asked if they would like to make their daily meetups official. Leia seemed pleased, but with the caveat that some days she did need to stay home and write when she was struck by the rare inspiration. Tom deflated momentarily, thinking she was looking for an out, until she offered to text him an let him know if they would be absent. He happily gave her his cell phone number and took hers in return, letting her know that she should feel free to text anytime and then feeling like an idiot the minute the words left his mouth.

Over the next two weeks they met all but three days – two because of her writing and one when the skies once more conspired to thwart him. Their conversations ranged from literature to films to favorite places to travel. Leia sometimes teased him about his obvious upper class life style, jetting about to Viet Nam, Hawaii, Australia… but that was the closest his celebrity status ever came to being brought up. He would occasionally feel a stab of guilt over keeping that part of himself from her, it felt dishonest to lie by omission, but he was enjoying being just Tom, and didn’t want to spoil it.

Tom started taking more care in his appearance as the days went on. Gone were the torn running shorts and frayed t-shirts, and in their place were his slim fitting dark jeans and more presentable tops. If those tops also stretched a bit tight across his chest to better show off his muscles, well, he had worked hard enough to achieve them! He made some attempt to style his untamable locks as well, experimenting with different products until he found something that made the curls less crunchy. If he was remembering Leia’s off hand comment about how she liked his natural curls no one else needed to know that.

On the one month anniversary of meeting them in the park, Tom paced nervously back and forth near their favorite bench as he waited for them to arrive. He had a proposition for Leia and hoped desperately that she would say yes. When Bobby started frisking about he knew that he would see her walking Lulu, and spun around to see her come towards them.

“Sorry I’m late!” she smiled with her eyes. “This one managed to hide my house keys, and it took half an hour to track them down to her stash under the sofa.”

Lulu looked unrepentant as she pranced around Bobby, and Tom chuckled good naturedly. He gestured to the bench and sat after Leia, leaning back and stretching out his legs.

“No worries, honestly,” he assured her. “I am just delighted you are here now.”

“You are the perfect gentleman.”

“All lies, I assure you,” he waited for a moment, wanting to sound casual, and then launched into it unable to delay any longer. “I was wondering… The park is lovely, of course, but I thought it might be nice – for Lulu and Bobby – if they had a bit more freedom to run about. Lulu being afraid of the dog run, she has no opportunity to be off leash, and that can’t be too fun for our furry companions.”

“They seem to be having a good time to me,” Leia laughed, looking at where the dogs were investigating a small pile of leaves by the side of the trail. “But what did you have in mind?”

“Well, you see, our house has an enclosed back yard. Not huge, mind you, but large enough they would be able to chase to their hearts content without fearing larger beasts. I thought that perhaps you and Lulu might want to come over this Friday evening for dinner. There’s a testing sight not far from here. We could each get swabbed to make sure we are uncontagious. My bubble is only my Mum and Bobbers, and from what you’ve told me yours isn’t much bigger. It should be reasonably safe for you to come. I could make us dinner, and we could eat outside. If you would be comfortable with it, that is.”

He tried to look calm, but inside Tom was a riot of nerves as he waited for her answer. Leia’s brow crinkled in thought, and she glanced again to where the dogs were once more hopping back  and forth across the path.

“I can’t do Friday,” she told him, and his heart fell.

“Oh, alright then. It was just an idea.”

“Friday is my virtual book club,” she went on, talking over him. “Would Saturday work?”

“Saturday would be perfect!” he beamed.

“Great! I’ll go to the clinic for a test tomorrow then. Would you like me to bring anything?”

“Just Lulu and a healthy appetite.”

“Excellent! Now what do you say we walk over to the little waterfall?”

Tom practically floated through the rest of their walk. He had enjoyed getting to know her so much, but he wanted to spend more than an hour or two at a time with her. Dinner would give them a chance to really relax. Plus, he was dying to see her mouth. After a month of imagining her smile he wanted to know if what he had in his mind was anywhere close to reality. She would see his full face too, but if she hadn’t recognized him by now it was doubtful she would from the lower half of his face.

His confidence dipped a bit when they returned home. Looking around, Tom began to panic. Between photos of him in his full Loki regalia to a group picture with the cast of Skull island, there were far too many give aways of his fame. She might not recognize him, but you would have to like on another planet not to know who Sam Jackson was!

Tom spent the next few days rearranging his home. His awards, normally discreetly placed in a cabinet in his living room on the insistence of his mother, were moved to a back shelf in his office closet. The set photos from a decade plus of filming were shoved under his bed and various pieces of memorabilia were secreted away in the spare bedroom. By the time he was done his guilt had increased but he was fairly confident that all trace of his career had been tucked away safely.

“Well, Bobbers, let’s hope we don’t blow this,” he sighed, adjusting the bandana he had bought to go around the dog’s neck. Bobby whined slightly and Tom grinned. “None of that, you want to look good for your date. She has a fondness for clothing, after all.”

Bobby gave him a look that said he clearly knew Lulu was not the one Tom was trying to impress with his new fashion statement, but Tom cheerfully ignored it. Tonight was going to be a wonderful night.

[foulcrownkryptonite]

Tracing Constellations

A storm rages through the 104th's wooded training quarters, leaving a long hike for Jean and Marco to fix a water-logged issue... the time alone making for some unexpected discoveries.

(for the sake of the fic + levels of maturity I am achieving with this story, everyone will be legal adults!)

Chapter One: An Obscurity.

“I’ll kill them all! Just you wait and see!!” The dining hall had been relatively calm, the tranquil buzz of steady conversation and cutlery clinking against plates mixed to create a pleasant hum. It was one of those rare nights their usual starchy glop was exchanged for a more sustainable, hearty potato soup, paired with a cheap but effective booze. A good night to say the least. A good night until Eren (Dumbass) Jaeger opened his obnoxious mouth. The young man’s tired phrase reverberated throughout the hall, pitching obnoxiously off the high ember ceiling. God, I’m too sober for this…

Eren’s endless prattling of ‘I’ll save the world’ or ‘I have more passion than anyone here’ had gotten old fast. It bugged the ever-loving shit out of him, and with the current daggers-for-eyes and under-the-breath-scoffs Jaeger was getting, the sentiment was well shared.

“Don’t give me that Mikasa, I mean it! I’m going to kill every last one of those-'' Eren was promptly cut off by Jean’s hands smacking the table in front of him, causing a nearby fork to clink to the ground. Jean rose from his seat with an overly dramatic flare, making a show out of swooping his hair back. If the entire dining hall weren’t already watching the pair with dreadful, tired looks, they certainly were now. Some hushed whispers and exasperated groans sprinkled about the room as Jean assumed his stance towering over Eren.

“Well, all hail King Jaeger, eh? Oh don’t worry my friends, the man who can’t balance on his ODM gear will stop the incoming apocalypse!” he taunted, voice oozing with that special kind of ridicule Jean knew got Eren’s blood boiling. He was up and out of his seat before Mikasa had a chance to pull him back. Jean snorted loudly.

“Eager are we? Well then Jaeger, fight me like the man you’re always claiming to be.”

“Says the fucking horse face”

“Oh how original”

“Foal!”

“Jackass!”

The surrounding cadets watched with jaded faces, sighing at the scene unfolding for at least the third time that week. It was no longer entertaining, or really worth wasting any time or energy on, so they returned their attention to their much more exciting dinners and side banters.

The ever arrogant duo stepped to the center of the room, assuming, of course, all focus to be on them. Sharing dissent and ill-bred sneers, they theatrically assumed their fighting position. Guess I’ll just have to put him back in his pla-

“Nope. Okay-hah, we’re done here.” Marco interrupted, their foolish behavior striking his last nerve, the last nerve of the entire collective dining hall for that matter. Sighs of relief and annoyance sounded around them as Marco marched over and grabbed at Jean’s jacket, pulling him out from the table and towards the door.

“‘Ey, what’re you doin-” Marco wordlessly dragged the half pissed, half confused and positively tipsy Jean across the room, the grip on his jacket unwavering. A small chuckle escaped Jean’s mouth at Marco's unexpectedly forceful behavior. Damn, those muscles aren’t just for show, huh?

Marco sighed as he led him towards the door, a poorly concealed smile creeping its way onto his features. “Bedtime.” Marco concluded, biting back his smile in need of a more threatening look. Jean didn’t fight it. Instead, he bristled as he caught Conny’s snide face before the door to the dining hall was shut by Marco’s boot. The low lit lantern illuminated the two in a soft orange glow and the thick wooden door effectively drowned out the murmurs coming from behind it.

The change in air was drastic, shifting from a crowded and loud mess hall to the peaceful sounds of an autumn night and Marco’s freckled face incandescent under that old lantern. Marco’s hand remained firm in the layers of his jacket yet neither made motions to move. Jean was in a weird sort of trance and yeah he should move and unblock the way for Marco but for some reason he didn't. It wasn’t as if the other had really given him a chance to, what with him still holding onto the front of Jean’s coat.. A couple still moments passed and Marco had a strange, almost calculating look on his face.

Jean couldn't remember how long he had been standing there, the alcohol starting to intoxicate his body and the sheer closeness of Marco starting to intoxicate his brain. But if the loosening grip on his chest and Marco’s suddenly flushing face said anything, whatever this was had gone on a bit too long. The last thing Jean wanted was to make his good friend uncomfortable- No matter how nice just standing there in the cool breeze with Marco’s hand on his chest… Nope. Backtrack on that line of thinking. Immediately.

Things were getting awkward fast and Marco looked like he was going to say something and shit he probably shouldn’t have chugged that last bit of his drink, huh? To clear the sudden tension caused by his inability not to fucking gawk at Marco, Jean did the only thing his dumb tipsy brain could think of: make a drunken escape.

“Betcha can’t catch me.” he blurted before breaking out of Marco’s loose hold, running towards their quarters in a less than put together fashion. Was Jean literally running away from whatever moment just passed between the two? Why yes, indeed he was. But Marco’s eventual breathy laugh and quickening footsteps enclosing in on him told Jean everything was fine. Well consider that a job well done.

The two then stupidly ran around the camp, Jean hiding behind every tree and supply wagon trying to scare Marco, and Marco doing everything in his power to tackle the other. After a particularly bone crushing embrace and a loud laughing fit quickly admonished by Shadis, the inebriated pair walked the rest of the way to their dorm, the air around them now whimsy and casual.

They trudged through the wooded path, torches lighting the ground every few yards. They sprung into sporadic fits of giggles over absolutely nothing, both of the men now feeling the full effects of dinner’ mead, and Marco no longer playing the role of the responsible sober friend.

The cadets had been training in the woods for a week now, the goal being to get them used to ODM gear and combat in a dense forest. It was a welcome change of scenery from the usual parching desert and brutal heat. Being surrounded by rich greens and active rivers somehow made the strenuous drilling and long hours somewhat enjoyable.

Though navigating the dark forested path whilst drunk proved to be more than a little difficult. His attempts at walking straight in the dense woods were apparently remarkably entertaining, as when Jean confidently waltzed straight into a tree the slightly less drunk Marco lost his absolute mind, laughing himself into a puddle on the ground.

With minimal bumps and bruises, they eventually made it to their quarters. Marco plopped himself dramatically onto an old shipping barrel and started to squirm his way out of his jacket. Ok, perhaps the other was drunker than Jean thought.

Chuckling to himself, he walked over to help his struggling friend out of the confines of the fabric. Marco stopped squirming and tried to accommodate for Jeans helping hands, flushing slightly when his eyes met Jeans. He quickly averted his gaze, turning to eye the door as Jean finished struggling with the last button.

With the jacket discarded, Marco straightened his gaze to look up at Jean, who seemed to tower over him. A couple heated seconds passed in silence until Marco started… shaking? Before concern could settle in, sporadic chuckles started to escape from the man underneath him, evolving into a full on belly laugh. Jean took a small step back and looked down at him in bewilderment but Marco just shook his head, words be damned in his current state.

“Sorry, I just-” he began to topple over himself, a fit of laughter bubbling in his stomach. “I don’t know why I’m laughing honestly-” he spat out through giggles. He was fluctuating between attempting to catch his breath and then losing it all over again. It was utterly ridiculous, but Jean couldn’t hold back his own ugly laugh at the scene. Every couple of seconds Marco would try to stop and speak through the laughter but to no avail, making Jean slump to the ground in front of Marco, clutching his stomach as his body heaved with mirth.

Marco was snorting at that point and on anyone else he would’ve been annoyed at the sheer volume. Say, if Eren was sitting on that barrel losing his damn mind over nothing at all he would’ve slapped the sense back into him. But something about Marco’s water filled eyes and big loud smile just made him feel warm. Or.. perhaps that was just the alcohol.

He grinned as he looked only at the mad man sitting in front of him. From this distance he could see each little freckle adorning his nose and cheeks and the way his nose would scrunch in between sets of giggles. It was an endearing sight, cute even, though Jean would never admit that aloud.

Too caught up in their snickering, the two almost didn’t notice their comrades briskly stumbling in, Ymir being the one who pushed the two large wooden doors hurriedly. “In.” she commanded, and stepped back as everyone else dashed inside. Jean startled and Marco’s laughter alleviated as Ymir eyed them, her face contorted so it was impressively indecipherable. She had quite the poker face, though some general annoyance seemed to seep out as usual.

“What’s the damn ruckus about?” Jean demanded more than he asked, his filter coming back down hard now that more people were around. Ymir looked at Jean with a face that basically read as, ‘Shut the fuck up you’re the one making a dopey ruckus.’ Instead of voicing any of that though, she shut and locked the door as the final cadets made their way inside.

“Massive storm coming in, it’ll do some damage” she stated plainly before her eyes went back to Marco. “Maybe you two lovebirds would’ve noticed if you weren’t screaming like damn hyenas.” she joked dryly, her arms coming to a close across her chest. Marco snorted slightly at the tease but Jean stood up defensively, though perhaps a bit wobbly.

Before he could say a word, Ymir cut in with a raised brow. “Whoaaa relax there horsey, I’m kidding. Mostly. Just go lock the windows in the other rooms before they blow out in the middle of the night.” he nodded hesitantly in response and gave Marco a floppy wave of sorts. He still looked like he was glowing, as if somehow the light from the torches outside still reflected in his pale brown eyes. A sneer from Ymir brought his attention back to… what exactly? Oh right, the windows. Jean quickly left without another word, cursing the alcohol slightly under his breath. The rest of the cadets shuffled about, fulfilling whatever it was their makeshift Captain Ymir ordered.

Not without a scoff and an eye roll, she turned back to Marco. “Just us,” she demanded. “Help me with the rest of the rooms.”

__________

(MARCO POV)

After a solid half hour of flood-proofing the place to the best of their ability, as well as general clean up, Ymir poured the two of them a small whisky to top off the night. Marco relaxed into the sole couch of the common room and Ymir slumped herself into a chair by the window.

The living space was dusky and growing winds pounded the windows, putting them slightly on edge. Nevertheless, Ymir seemed to have something to say to him. She gulped down her drink and tossed the empty glass onto the ground, Marco’s eyes widening in both awe and intimidation. He steeled his nerves as he prepared for whatever it was Ymir needed out of him.

She looked at him like a scientist to a specimen, searching for something upon Marco’s features. Marco squirmed under the intense stare, and it was then that Ymir asked the burning question, cutting right to the chase.

“Do you like Jean?” she probed. Marco sucked in a quick breath at this question. The answer was yes, but why was she asking in the first place? Not knowing exactly what angle she was getting at, he tried to answer in the simplest, most non revealing way.

“Yeah I mean we’re definitely good friends.” he said apprehensively. Not wanting to look Ymir in the eyes, his gaze fell back to the rather pretty glass in his hands, thumbs tracing the engraved pattern.

Ymir smirked at this reaction and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees in a carefree ‘Ymir’ kinda way. “Marco. You know what I'm asking.” her voice was laced with mirth and her sneering face told him she probably already knew his answer. Damn her perceptiveness. Marco had hoped he wasn’t too obvious in his… feelings. But he supposes after tonight's less than subtle antics, e.g., grabbing a laughing Jean into an animalistic embrace and holding it for much longer than necessary, people would start suspecting something.

His eyes still didn’t meet hers as he sighed shakily, knowing there was little to no backing away from this conversation. “Please just… Don’t tell him?” he pleaded, looking back to the girl sitting across from him. Her previous visible mockery and inevitable taunt had faded, her features setting into something akin to understanding.

“Sure, you can trust me.” she said casually, taking a swig of the remaining whisky straight from the bottle. “We’re the same in that way if ya catch my drift.” Although compared to, say Christa, Ymir’s words would seem invasive and rude, they were sweet in their own way. And although Marco wouldn’t say this wasn’t invasive, he appreciated the kindness nonetheless.

Regardless, Marco definitely “caught her drift”. He looked at her with a sort of twinkle in his eyes, pleased to know there was at least one other person in the 104th that wasn’t straight. He chuckled, still embarrassed despite the genuinely accepting nature of their conversation thus far. “God, what gave it away?”

“Oh, I dunno,” she sighed dramatically, “Maybe the way he was looking at you. Maybe the way you were looking at him… Or maybe just a hunch I happened to get right.” Marco laughed at the sentiment before a frown crept onto his face. “Does anyone else…”

“Know?” she finished. Marco nodded. “No, they don’t. It seems only I had the misfortune of seeing you two ogle each other all the damn time. Awful luck on my part. But don’t ya worry, your dirty little secret’s safe with me.”

He snickered as he raised his glass to his lips, downing the rest of the liquid inside. Ymir gave him a curious glance, and Marco softly set the drink down to his side, hands reaching up to grab at his warming face.

“God, what do I even do about it?” he mumbled through the palms of his hands, and Ymir could taste the desperation from where she sat.

Resting her chin between her fingers, she spoke. “Look, hear me out before you interrupt and tell me I’m wrong - but he likes you too.” Marco lifted his head to speak but Ymir cut him off with a glance. “I said, listen. I see the way he looks at you. I saw the way he looked at you tonight. He wasn’t just glancing at his friend… He was admiring you, Marco, your features. Now to me, that’s pretty telling.” Marco contemplated what she was saying, tried to really think about it before he shot it down entirely.

Is that really true? Is it even possible that the oh so straight Mr. ladies man Jean could… Feel the same way about him? It’s true they had some… moments tonight. Hell they’ve been having “moments” for as long as they've known each other. Though Jean did end up speeding away from one of those so called moments just over an hour ago… Was he being too hopeful? Oh god was he coming on too strong?

Ymir groaned at Marco's crestfallen face and stood up, closing the distance between the seats and plopping herself next to Marco. He gave her a curious glance, and in turn she gave a patient smile, well it was really closer to a grimace but still, it was the principle of it all.

He sat quietly, picking his lips with his bottom teeth. Ymir let him wallow in his worry for a whopping three seconds before kicking his ankle with her boot.

“Ow!” Marco pouted. An unspoken question of ‘The hell was that for?’ being shut down before it could be voiced.

“Oh shut it you were visibly spiraling.”

Ymir sunk into the back of the couch, pondering a moment before speaking again.

“You know, Jean isn’t going to initiate anything. Seeing as you’re more in tune with your emotions than that knucklehead is, you need to drop your damn balls and make a move.” Marco scoffed, shaking his head with a slight smile at Ymir’s bluntness.

“I know, I know… You’re right.” Marco finally begrudged, causing Ymir’s ‘Of course I'm right’ smile to appear. “But we never get alone time - we’re always interrupted before he can fully open up to me…”

“Yes!” Ymir exclaimed. “You see it now. Sure it might seem tricky, but if Christa and I can find a way, you can too.” she winked and Marco damn near choked.

“You- and- I had no idea I mean-“ he stuttered before she kicked him again.

“Shut up. And don’t tell a soul.” She smiled cheekily. He nodded intently.

“Course, Ymir.” She playfully punched him, standing up from the sunken couch.

“Good luck, Marco.” she whispered.

He beamed, his chest gleaming with a soft gratitude. “Thank you.”

When Marco turned in for the night, his mind raced with endless possibilities, ranging from transcendent to nightmarish. Wishful thoughts flashed through his mind; Jean getting impossibly close, feather light touches of hands, his head resting in the crook of Jean’s neck, Marco being told he was wanted, telling Jean he wanted him. He bit his cheek, smiling stupidly at the fantasies before he felt a deep sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Jean could easily not feel the same. Jean could easily have never entertained the same idyllic fantasies as Marco was now.

Great, now it hurt.

Plagued with a new sense of guilt, he tossed and turned in the seasoned cot, praying for sleep to take him away from the build up of emotions in his chest. He pondered the possibility of similar thoughts dancing in Jean’s mind…

__________

(Jean POV)

Jean didn’t “wake up”, he just was up. That damned storm last night had kept him awake practically all night. What first was an occasional gust quickly turned into a rampaging wind-demon set out to prevent him and apparently only him from sleeping soundly. Someone had cursed him. Probably that damn Jaeger out for revenge due to Jean always winning their feuds. Typical.

The little sleep he did get consisted of repeated unsolicited scenarios about… Well that didn’t matter now.

It was the morning after a ferocious storm and he was reluctant to see the wreckage he knew he had to help out with. He groaned, rolling out of his bed in an overly dramatic pout. Sure he was acting a bit like a child but right now he just needed sleep so damn everything else, he’s going to throw his little fit. He caught Marco looking at him out of the corner of his eye, his hair ruffled and looking extra fluffy. He was giggling at Jean’s stubborn theatrics, a sweater-hooded hand loosely covering his mouth. Cute. Jean felt a bit more energized after that and he didn't bother to question why.

Once dressed, he headed out to meet the rest of the trainees outside the sleeping quarters. Holy hell, the damage was bad: shingles of the roof scattered the grass, trash was knocked down, even some large trees had fallen in the distance.

Eren rolled his eyes before their commander could even step close. “God, can’t we make someone else clea-” the brat began before getting hit softly by Armin.

“Eren! One day of cleanup doesn’t equate to the fall of humanity.” he sharply retorted. Jean chuckled at this exchange, overjoyed to see the prick put in his place by his own best friend. Speaking of which, he couldn’t seem to spot Marco…

“ATTENTION CADETS.” their Commander roared as he marched toward the gathered crowd.

“YES SIR!” They yelled back in unison, fists crossing chests in an assertive salute.

“Deep woods ODM training is put on hold for today due to the storm. I will be assigning you each in groups of two or three to aid in cleaning this mess.” Jean scanned the surrounding area nervously, where was Marco? “Proceed to the front to get your duty from me before you grab a cold meal.” the Commander directed. Pairs of people made their way to get their job of the day, but Jean stayed behind, unable to spot Marco. Nerves crept up his spine as the line got shorter, indicating he would have to grab a job with someone he possibly couldn’t stand - especially after such a shitty sleep.

A few moments later and the remaining crowd was scant, still no Marco to be seen. “Jean, you’re on running water. I need you to go up to the creek and find the source stopping the water from running back to us. We have enough for the day, but this cannot go on. You will need a partner…” Shadis trailed off, finding only Annie and some guy Jean barely could remember the name of. Tomas? Tobiaus? Timothious?

He sighed, knowing nothing but complaints would come from either cadets if forced to spend an entire day with him. Jean crossed his arms, awaiting a choice of partner from his boss while he dreaded the inevitably long journey stuck with either insufferable silence or annoying small talk.

“Commander sir, I can go with Jean.” A pleasant voice chirped in from behind. And with those few words: salvation. Jean subconsciously uncrossed his arms and smirked as the Commander let out a sigh of relief upon seeing Marco approach.

“Thank Heavens, the one person who can stand him.” he murmured, Marco frowning at the not so quiet comment as he walked up to Jean's side. “That is fine, pack plentiful in case you get stuck for a night, we are not sure how much wreckage is up there, nor how long the journey on foot will take. There’s a shed around there you could set up in for the night. Do not come back today if you do not have ample time before sundown. Now get moving!” he ordered, his last words reverberating in a loud squawk.

“Yes sir!” They saluted before Jean met eyes with Marco. “Where the hell were you?” he questioned. Marco playfully rolled his eyes.

“Worried, hmm?” he chuckled, “Don’t worry, I was just helping Ymir with something.” he replied brightly. Ymir? That seems random… But he decided to not question it.

The two went back to their rooms to pack for their lengthy and no doubt strenuous trip up the mountain. Jean found himself not only not dreading the excursion, but actively looking forward to it. He felt a bit like a hyperactive kid as genuine excitement coursed through his veins. Should he bring his comb? Nah he probably won't need it. But what if they do end up having to spend the night and Jean turns too much in his sleep and his hair gets all messy and floofy and Marco looks at him with damned bed head and then probably giggles to himself and makes a dumb but cute comment about it because its Marco and somehow he always manages to make what Jean is insecure about into something he can actually like about himself just like when he’d said Jean’s eyes were pretty like a brown hibiscus and he stopped hating the way his eyes looked when he saw his reflection looking back at him and- Jean grabbed the stupid hairbrush and threw it into his bag.

Once sufficiently supplied, they scarfed a crummy cold meal before heading out as quickly they could manage.

Marco seemed awfully giddy as they started down a gravely path lined with fern. Though cheerful he often was, Marco was struggling to hide a smile. It wasn’t a bad sight at all, though Jean was curious. “What’s got you so damn happy today?” he questioned. Marco shrugged.

“I think I made a new friend - always a nice feeling, yknow?” Jean would say he’s surprised, but everyone in the 104th loved Marco, even the stoic ones, and he had a sneaking suspicion of who exactly his new friend was.

“Ymir?” he asked plainly. Marco nodded, a soft smile finding its way onto his face.

“Yeah. Y’know, she may seem edgy but she can be really kind.” he expressed, eyes a bit starry and thoughtful. He clearly didn’t hear how the words sounded to Jean.

Jean bit back the bitter remark already forming as envy crept its way into his mind. Why was it bothering him? He’s still his friend. His best friend even. Gah, not a big deal, keep it together. He told himself before rephrasing whatever edgy comment he was going to sneer into a hopefully harmless question.

“You like her?” he ended up asking, false humor falling from his tongue.

Marco looked visibly confused. “What? No I’m- not my type. She just has a good head on her.” he surmised. Why won’t Marco ever admit attraction? Does he not trust Jean? Jean had no problem divulging about those he found hot, so why wouldn’t Marco do the same?

The next few hours were spent bullshitting around as they walked; sharing stupid jokes about who in their class was most likely to get kicked out, a stupid conversation about Ymir that probably shouldn’t have peeved him so much, Jean going on a long winded rant about how justified he is in smacking Eren atop the head, Marco stopping to pick up random bird feathers exclaiming each time that, “No Jean, you don’t get it, this one is rare.” and eventually, as the sun started its descent towards the horizon, their casual banter shifted into their hopes for the future.

“Eh, I don’t wanna get married. Who wants to be stuck with a chick forever?!” Jean quipped. At his words Marco chuckled nervously, his gaze diverting to the coarse dirt beneath him.

“Yeah, me too. I don’t wanna get married. I’m fine living a life alone with me and my hobbies.” he said flippantly, fiddling with the strap of his backpack. Jean found the tone of his voice had changed into something more sullen and somber, and a glance over at his friend did not yield him any better results. Jean must do something about this.

He lightly elbowed his friend. “Well, if ya change your mind, I think you’d make a great husband some day.” Jean said honestly, no lick of sarcasm to his voice. Marco’s knees wobbled for a moment before he corrected them, clearing his throat to cover his obvious nerves.

“Thanks, Jean. You too.” he replied, biting his cheek. Another glance towards his friend showed a soft smile and a flushed face. Jean succeeded. Though now he too felt a bit hot in the face. He once again decided not to unpack that.

As they hiked, they spotted a would-be stream leading down to their base. Taking note of the lack of obvious running water, they were certain something rather large had blocked it. “Guess it’ll be a chore huh.” Marco pointed out. Jean began flexing dramatically, his tight muscles showing slightly through the thin white tunic.

“Pfft, your ol’ buddy Jean here will fix it right up for us, eh?” he joked, Marco eyeing him with a raised eyebrow followed with a hearty laugh. Sure, he wasn’t helping Jean’s ego, but he didn’t care.

The more they conversed alone, the more Jean felt his social facade fade, ending up losing whatever filter he had in place for other people all together. He wasn’t sure why this was the case, only knew that it made him feel relaxed and just genuinely, all around good. Perhaps it was the lack of a crowd - or Eren Jaeger. Either way, he was loosening up and took joy in seeing Marco enjoy himself on this trip as well.

“This is nice,” Jean said, smiling at the open air and lack of obvious walls. It felt open here, almost free. Hell, for the most part, they’ve forgotten completely about life inside the walls. Marco looked over and followed his friend's gaze to the sky, basking in the comfortable feeling.

“It is…” he began, sneaking another glance at Jean. “Really nice.”.

PART 2!!! 

https://foulcrownkryptonite.tumblr.com/post/663166809268224000/tracing-constellations-pt2

[willowbird]

HEY for the prompt game: au 7, trope 3 (i love chaos), and very specific location 2? i'll leave the pairing up to your whimsy i just saw the combination of au and trope and HAD to request it lmao

Foxes as kids, foxes WITH kids, INSIDE ANDREW'S CLOSET.

Guys guys guys there were SO MANY WAYS I wanted to do this that my brain kinda exploded for a moment before I decided to go this route. Hope you enjoy!

---

"Oh no oh no oh no oh no!!!!!”

Andrew looked up at the ceiling, where the small, modern chandelier above the kitchen island swung in time with the distressed shouts and several ominous thumps. He looked over to where his husband was flipping pancakes and rose a single brow in question.

Neil shrugged, as if to say 'How should I know?'

A brief staring contest ensued, continued chaos still racketing upstairs. Finally, Andrew lifted one hand and curled it into a fist. Neil lifted his own, and after a brief round of rock-paper-scissors Andrew sighed to his loss and pushed away from the counter.

Neil caught the edge of his shirt as he passed him, tugging him in for a quick kiss. "I'll put extra chocolate chips in the pancakes."

"Bribery is unnecessary when you won fair and square," Andrew grumbled back.

Neil raised his eyebrows. "You turning down more chocolate? I mean okay, if you're-"

Andrew cut him off with a kiss. "Too late to take it back." Then he turned and headed out of the kitchen, only to be nearly mowed down by a wide-eyed eight-year-old.

"Watch yourself there, Kev," Andrew cautioned as he prevented the gangly child from sending them both to the ground.

The kid's big bottle-green eyes were wide with alarm. "Dad! He's going bonkers! I dunno what's wrong with him." He wrinkled his nose. "Well, there is a lot wrong with him. But I mean I don't know what's wrong with him today."

Andrew sighed, more because he was pretty sure he did know what was going rather than because he didn't. It was honestly better if Kevin just thought his brother was being weirder than usual for as long as possible. He had a feeling that if Kevin could get any leverage on his spazzy older brother he'd turn into even more of a terror than he already was.

Andrew ruffled his younger son's hair and gave him a nudge. "I'll check on him. Go help your dad with breakfast."

Kevin perked up. "Pancakes?"

"Pancakes," Andrew confirmed with a solemn nod.

"Do you think dad'll make one in the silhouette of a dead French guy?!”

"If you ask him, maybe."

That's all it took, and the kid was taking off like a shot again. Andrew watched him go, grimacing at the thought that they would probably have to enroll him in sports this year if only to help him burn off all that damned energy. He was just as bad as Neil.

A scampering upstairs followed by the slam of a door drew Andrew's attention back to matter at hand. The slammed door did not come from either of the boys' rooms, but rather the opposite end of the hall, where Neil and Andrew's room was. In all, this wasn't all that surprising - at least not when it came to his fourteen-year-old. He'd been hiding in Andrew and Neil's closet whenever he got particularly upset since he was four and Neil had performed a "magic ritual" to make the closet a "bunker against all evil".

Andrew climbed the steps and made his way down the hall, stopping once he came to the closed closet door. From inside he could hear the muffled mutterings of an anxious teenager. He lifted a hand and knocked with just two knuckles.

When there was no answer, he knocked again and asked, voice mild, "Can I come in?"

Then he waited, giving his son time to process that he was here for him, whatever the issue was. Almost a full minute passed before a tight, watery voice said, "Y-you can come in."

Permission granted, Andrew swung open the door to find Nicky curled up in the corner, cheeks flushed and brown eyes full of tears. Nicky was technically Andrew's much younger cousin on his biological mother's side, but he and Neil had adopted him when, at two, DCFS took him away from his parents due to a severe case of neglect. The first few years had been tense - because Luther and Maria had tried to fight it - but Andrew's adoptive mother was a child psychologist and Neil's foster sister a renowned family lawyer.

Even without the connections they would have fought to the death to keep Nicky, though. From the second they brought him home, he was theirs, and they were the only real parents the boy had ever known.

"H-hey pops," Nicky stammered through a poorly-attempted smile.

Andrew waved away the bravado and took a seat next to his son. "Should I talk to Grandpa Wymack about getting us a bigger closet? We aren't both going to fit in here much longer," he said lightly, a soft opening for Nicky to tell him what had him so upset.

Nicky laughed, a more genuine sound, then sniffed and rubbed at his eyes. "N-no. I'm sorry. I just..."

Andrew shook his head to stop him. "I would rather pay to have the closet expanded than take away a place you feel safe when you are upset."

As he watched, tears filled Nicky's eyes again, then he launched forward and it was honestly probably a good thing that the closet was a tight fit, otherwise Andrew might have gotten knocked over by the force of the hug. As it were, he was able to catch his son, patting his back only slightly awkwardly as Nicky let out a choked sob and began to ramble:

"..and then I told him that I liked his EARS oh my god Pops I am such a MORON why couldn't I tell him that I liked his eyes like a normal human or even that I liked his mouth or something!? That's sexy right? Oh my god this is terrible. And then! AND THEN I went and I liked about ten of his posts IN A ROW LIKE A CREEP and he NOTICED and then he MESSAGED ME and oh my god I can never show my face again.."

There was very little that Andrew could do other than listen, so that was what he did. As he did, though, he felt a warmth pool in his chest. A warmth that his son felt so safe and comfortable in his and Neil's space that he came here to hide when he felt upset. A warmth that he felt so comfortable, so safe with Andrew that he invited him into that space with him. That his son would cling to him and ramble about his boy problems without fear of judgement. That the biggest problems Nicky had right now were typical teenaged woes, not all the horrors that both Andrew and his husband were far too aware of existing in the world.

"I just don't know what to DO. Oh my god my life is OVER," Nicky finished with a flourish, pulling back and looking up at him with wide dark eyes.

After a thoughtful pause, Andrew finally gave a hum and said, "Well, that depends."

"Depends?"

Andrew shrugged. "Does he really have cute ears?"

Nicky made and high, defeated sound, burying his face in his hands. "They are ADORABLE, Pops. A-dor-a-ble."

"Ah." Andrew nodded his understanding and patted his son on the shoulder. "Then I think that definitely calls for extra chocolate chips in the pancakes."

And, because Nicky was a teenaged boy with boy problems - but he was also still a teenaged boy (and moreover, he was Andrew's son), his head went up and his eyes brightened. "Chocolate chips."

"And whipped cream."

"Oh!" Nicky scrambled to his feet and bounded out of the closet with a flourish, only to come up short when Andrew snagged the back of his shirt.

"And Nicky, those crashes from before..?"

Nicky blushed brightly and glanced out the bedroom door toward his own room and quickly back again. "Um.. I'll clean up after breakfast?"

Andrew put on his most impactful Dad Stare, then gave a firm nod before letting go. "You better. Now hurry on before Kevin eats them all."

Nicky yelped in an entirely new kind of distress, all but sprinting out of the room. "KEVIN DON'T YOU DARE YOU LITTLE MONSTER!"

Andrew watched him go and didn't bother to stop the smile that crawled onto his face from a hidden chamber somewhere in the center of his heart. There was once a time he might have resisted it, when he was younger and wounded and angry, his teeth bared against a world that had only ever hurt him. Now, though? Now there was so much fierce, protective warmth inside of him - so much pride, so much adoration, so much love, that he no longer saw the expression of joy as a sign of weakness.

Shouts and scuffling downstairs pulled him out of his thoughts and he sighed to himself, but he was still wearing the smile as he headed down to breakfast.