#The Expedition

[astarions-bride]

Hello! May I please have number 26 from the spicy master list with rob? Please and thank you!

Hope you like it! ❤

“Fuck!” you shrieked, twisting your hands in your own hair at the overwhelming sensations coursing through your body, and you were answered with a soft hoarse chuckle.

The man behind you never faltered his brutal pace. Your naked body was slick with sweat and the man’s bare too-warm skin was just as damp and offered no relief. You couldn’t remember how long you’ve been underneath your lover this time, your numerous orgasms making everything blur together, but what you did know was that this was somehow your fault. Rob, the man currently plowing you senseless, had just came home from his most recent expedition where he had a close call with a vicious animal. He wouldn’t go into much detail, and you didn’t ask, but you offered yourself to him as a distraction from the darkness hiding in his normally bright blue eyes. He had jumped at the chance to reacquaint both of your bodies, but his gentle ministrations eventually turned rough and frantic.

His long calloused fingers were dug harshly into your hip to keep you in place and you swore you saw stars every single time he pushed into you. His shaggy hair was loose from its normal half-ponytail and the sensation of the soft strands tickling your oversensitive skin whenever he leaned down to press biting kisses to your shoulders and neck left you wanting to scream. Your world suddenly spun as you were effectively flipped over and you blinked up owlishly at the man hovering above you. His pupils were dilated until you could hardly see the blue, his high cheekbones flushed pink, and his hair was a mess. He hooked your legs around his slender hips, sinking back into your sore and sensitive cunt with a groan, before nuzzling your temple with a softness that made your already pounding heart thud against your ribs.

“I’m not going anywhere,” you replied hoarsely while wrapping your arms around his broad shoulders and he placed a tender kiss to your warm cheek.

“Didn’t think I was going to come back home,” he said gruffly, barely loud enough for you to hear, before starting a slow deep rhythm that had you arching your sore hips into his.

“But you did,” you said softly, placing a kiss to his damp brow, and you could feel some of the tension ease from his body.

“Do me a favor?” he suddenly asked, making you lean back against the disheveled pillows to look at him, and his lips twisted into a small smirk before he leaned down to kiss you.

Tell me you love me as I fuck you,” he said against your mouth.

Your answering whimper was cut short by a sudden sharp thrust as he resumed his frantic pace. You saw stars as you were once more hurtling towards a devastating orgasm.

“Love you…I love you…I love you,” you rambled as he fucked you, his lips biting at yours and his hands leaving bruises against your skin, and you clawed at his back until he was hissing against your mouth.

“Keep on. Don’t stop,” he grunted while hiking your leg higher up on his hips and the new angle had you nearly howling.

It wasn’t long before the warm pressure building low in your pelvis snapped and you came clenching down on his thick cock with a scream of his name. He quickly followed you over the edge, burying himself as deep as he could inside you, and your eyes rolled to the back of your skull at the molten heat filling you up. You both stayed joined together until your breathing calmed and your heartbeats slowed to a more normal rhythm. Rob took the time to pepper your face in soft kisses, his beard tickling your skin and making you giggle, and you gently pet through his hair.

“You okay?” he eventually asked, leaning back to let his eyes roam over your body and lingering on the bruises already forming on your hips and thighs, and you reached up to press a kiss to the frown curling his lips.

“Never better,” you said with a happy sigh.

Eventually Rob pulled away to clean you both up, his hands gentle and loving on the tender flesh between your thighs, before he climbed back into bed.

You were sprawled out completely limp and he perched himself by your side with a smug smirk as he looked at you.

"Don't even start that," you muttered hoarsely, fighting your own smile, and received a short bark of laughter.

His bright blue eyes crinkling at the corners as he grinned, long slender fingers tracing lazy shapes across your sternum, and you knew that he could feel the still thundering beat of your heart. Rob drummed his fingertips over your ribs and you weakly swatted his hand away at the ticklish sensation.

"I do think you killed me, though" you said and you felt him place a swift kiss to your temple.

"You're the one who told me to do whatever I want with you," he drawled, low voice even deeper with his desire, and you felt warmth once more pool low in your abdomen at his words.

“That is true…I don’t regret it at all,” you said with a satisfied hum, dragging your body over to curl up against his chest, and you felt him rub soothing circles across your back.

“I’m glad you made it home…maybe you can take a sabbatical? Spend some time home?” you said softly while placing a ginger kiss over the still healing scar over his pectoral that looked suspiciously like sharp teeth.

“Maybe you’re right,” was his answer and you smiled as he kissed the top of your head.

You cuddled closer and let your eyes flutter shut, the strong reassuring beat of his heart lulling you into a complete state of relaxation, and you didn’t miss the way he pulled you even closer to his body.

“Especially if we get to do this more,” he suddenly mused and you didn’t have the energy to swat at him.

“You better be talking about the cuddling, mister,” you teased and his chest vibrated with his low laugh.

“Of course…although the other stuff was good, too,” he said and you rolled your eyes at his playful words.

Rob wrapped his arms around you before you could respond and the soft kiss he placed on your lips had you melting into his arms.

“I’m glad I made it back home to you.”

[scrumptious-delusion]

•°∘∗ the expedition ∗∘°•

summary: you’re about to make the discovery of a lifetime, so why is it you find yourself more focused on the man you’ve hired to keep you alive?

pairing: mercenary!steve rogers x archeologist!female reader

warnings: SMUT (18+, minors DNI), swearing, mention of: torture, blood, death, alcohol, violence, and knives.

length: 6.8k

a/n: written for my 3k celebration, the prompt is bolded. inspired by national treasure, the mummy (1999), and similar adventure films. the premise of this fic is based on fact/real legends, then the rest is the result of my imagination.

“Steve Rogers?”

The man hums in answer, his gaze fixated on the small television mounted above the bar.

Offering your hand, you introduce yourself. “We spoke on the phone.”

His head leisurely turns, and though they’re hidden behind dark sunglasses, you feel his eyes as they sweep over you before he accepts your outstretched hand.

“You want me to take you into the jungle.”

Glancing down at his hand as it engulfs yours, you can’t tell if he’s asking a question or stating a fact.

Either way, you respond with “Jake said you were the best man for the job.”

Sort of.

[2 DAYS PRIOR]

“Are you crazy?” Jake gawks, “I mean, yes, you’re crazy, but this is like a whole new level for you.”

“I’m not here for your opinion.” You assert, resting your palms on his desk and leaning forward. “I just need someone to take us, someone who knows the area.”

Running a hand through his spiked hair, Jake replies “Look, I know a few guys there but none are gonna buy what you’re selling. Treasure hunters are a dime a dozen in South America.”

“Explorers.” You correct, heaving a sigh. “C’mon, there has to be one guy willing.”

“I’m telling you there’s not.”

Slapping your hands on his desk, you straighten up. “Fine then, we’ll go alone.”

“What?” Jake splutters, “You wouldn’t, you - fuck, you would.” He groans.

Glaring at you for a moment, Jake shakes his head before rummaging through the papers strewn across his desk.

“Do you have any idea how dangerous Ecuador is? Do you know how many explorers die there each year?” He lectures.

“Why do you think I’m here?” You retort.

Muttering under his breath, Jake finds what he’s looking for and meets your unyielding gaze. “I’m not saying he’ll do it, but if you have a chance with anyone, it’s Rogers.”

You grab the small piece of paper Jake holds out to you, but his tight grip stops you from taking it.

“He won’t be cheap.” Jake warns.

“Of course.”

A few seconds pass before he relinquishes the paper to you.

Smiling sweetly, you pocket it. “Thank you Jake.”

Huffing, he gestures to the door. “Go.”

Your smile grows at his exasperated demand - which you quickly obey.

Jake’s voice calls out behind you just as you open his office door.

“Don’t tell Rogers what you’re looking for!”

[PRESENT]

Releasing your hand, Steve pushes up from the bar stool.

You have to tilt your head up and up as you watch him reach his full height.

“That was awfully nice of him.” Steve states dryly, his attention returning to the football game occuring on the television. “You didn’t say why you wanted to go into the jungle.”

Right.

“Well, I’m an -”

A low whistle interrupts you, drawing both your and Steve’s attention.

“Maxwell.” You greet the approaching man, smiling through gritted teeth.

Ignoring you, Max looks Steve up and down before announcing “Perfect, you’re just the kind of brute we need.”

He’s not wrong. Steve Rogers is built like a brick shithouse and most definitely suited for the task at hand.

Stopping beside you, Max extends his hand. “You must be Steve Rogers, I’m Max.”

Giving a small nod, Steve shakes his hand before aptly reminding you both “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”

You keep your lie brief.

“As I was saying, we’re here to study specific sections of the Amazon rainforest for a thesis I’m working on.”

Throwing an arm around your shoulders, Max helpfully - and truthfully, adds “She’s an archaeologist.”

Steve studies you both, his face expressionless.

Your stomach drops.

He doesn’t believe us.

“You’re treasure hunters.” Steve declares, confirming your fear.

“Actually, we’re explorers.”

Continuing on like you hadn’t spoken, Steve says “And I’m guessing you’re after the treasure of Llanganates.”

“Good guess.”

Sighing at Max's admission, you try again “We’re -”

“Listen,” Steve cuts off. “The jungle and mountain ranges here are no joke, and I’m not risking my life just so you two can come to the same conclusion as every other schmuck that’s gone looking for that treasure, which is that it doesn’t exist.”

Your jaw drops at his words. “I’m no schmuck Mr. Rogers and just because you don't -”

“We’ll pay you well.” Max intervenes, shooting you a wary glance as you glare up at the large man.

Steve places his hands on his hips, his attention still on you while you bite your tongue.

You swear his lips twitch with a smirk.

Asshole.

“How much?” Steve eventually asks, turning his head to Max.

“How much do you want?” Max grins.

Silence falls as Steve mulls over the question.

“Five thousand a day.”

Your jaw drops again. “No way!”

“Done.”

Baffled, you gape at Max. “That’s an insane amount.”

Lifting his arm from your shoulders, he shrugs “This is an insane trip.”

All you can do is stare as Max holds his hand out to Steve once more, stipulating “Five thousand a day for you to take us exactly where we want to go and to keep us from dying horrible deaths.”

Nodding, Steve shakes his hand. “Deal.”

You should feel ecstatic.

“Well then, when do we leave?” Max asks, “We’re currently staying at the Tesoro Inn.”

“First I need to know where we’re going.”

Both men turn to look at you.

Reaching into your jean pocket reluctantly, you pull out the map you outlined the beginning of your expedition on and hand it over to Steve.

Unfolding it, he studies the red line. “It’s incomplete.”

Of course, genius.

“You can see the rest when you get us that far.” Arms crossed, you raise your eyebrows, all but daring him to argue back.

Steve regards you from behind his sunglasses before stating “We’ll meet in front of the inn tomorrow morning at five thirty.” As an afterthought he adds “Make sure you pack light.”

You can’t prove it of course, but you just know he’s directing that last comment at you.

Narrowing your eyes, you’re dragged away by Max before you can utter a scathing response.

Steve’s mouth twitches again.

[THE NEXT DAY]

You stand outside the inn, watching as the sun begins to peek above the horizon.

“So he’s an ass and terrible at keeping time.” You announce in a cheery tone.

Max groans, taking a sip of his coffee.

I suppose after last night he’s probably had enough of me ranting about Steve Rogers.

“Darling, please, just ignore his personality and focus on his good looks.”

You scoff loudly.

“Oh, don’t even try.” Max laughs, “I know how much of a sucker you are for big arms and hands.”

Whatever.

A voice you unfortunately recognise calls out, “Good morning.”

Looking over your shoulder at Steve’s approaching figure, you use the barrier of your sunglasses to properly appraise him for the first time.

Steve’s tall and built, that much you had observed yesterday afternoon.

His hair is dark blond and long, the ends of it curling against the collar of his shirt while some strands fall around his face and over his still present sunglasses. The beard he has is thick and you’ll forcibly admit it’s the best you’ve ever seen.

You weren’t typically one for beards, but he made it work.

Similar to yesterday, Steve wears a long sleeved shirt that’s rolled up to his elbows and khaki military pants held up by a brown belt. Over one shoulder he carries a backpack while a duffel bag hangs from his left hand.

“Mr. Rogers,” You greet with a faux smile. “How nice of you to finally join us.”

Steve grins, coming to a stop in front of you. “Retract those claws kitten, I had to secure our ride.”

As if on cue, the loud rumble of an engine cuts through the peaceful morning air as an old pickup truck comes coasting around the corner, pulling up before you all.

“This must be the new Bentley model,” Max quips good-naturedly.

The older man hanging out of the driver’s window gives a rough laugh. “Ah, un comediante.”

“Solo medio tiempo.” Max retorts, earning another laugh.

Chucking his bags into the bed of the pickup, Steve grabs yours and Max’s off the ground and adds them to the pile. Twisting back to you, Steve extends a hand for the satchel slung across your body.

You shake your head, grasping tightly at the brown leather strap.

He raises an eyebrow but makes no further comment, instead gesturing to the bed of the pickup. “Alright you two, hop in.”

While you and Max climb into the back, Steve rounds the pickup and gets in the passenger side.

Max knocks twice on the back of the cab once you’re both seated and the pickup rolls forward with a loud bang, rocking the two of you sideways.

Resting a heavy arm around your shoulders for stability as you each sway with the motion of the pickup on the dirt road, Max states “I love riding in the bed of trucks, reminds me of -”

“Arizona.” You finish with a soft smile.

“Yep,” Max pops the p. “Where we found nothing but rock.”

“And got burnt to a crisp for our efforts.” You recall, looking up at him as he laughs.

“Let’s pray this expedition proves more fruitful.”

“It will.” You answer without a second thought, clutching your satchel again. “This time is different.”

Arizona had been a spur of the moment idea, something to do for fun and experience - nothing more. There’d been no prior research, no maps, no coordinates.

Humming, Max leans forward and grabs the rolled up sleeping bag from his backpack, placing it between the cab and his head before closing his eyes. “Tell me about it again.”

Settling against his chest, you recite the story you know by heart.

“In 1532, Spanish conquistadores captured an Inca Emperor named Atahualpa who promised them a room full of gold and twice as much silver in exchange for his life. The conquistadores agreed and soon treasures from across the region were being brought to them. However, the conquistadores’ fear of a re-energised Inca military led them to kill the Emperor before the ransom was fulfilled.”

“An Inca General named Rumiñahui had been en route with an enormous amount of treasure for the Emperor’s ransom when he learnt that Atahualpa had been killed. In response, Rumiñahui ordered his men to take the ransom into the uninhabited land of Llanganates and hide it.”

"Rumiñahui continued to haul even more gold, silver, jewels, and Inca artefacts to hide in Llanganates until he was captured by the Spanish. They tortured him for the treasure’s location, but he refused to tell them.”

“He’s a better man than me,” Max mumbles.

“In 1603, a Spaniard named Valverde married an Inca woman and claimed that her family showed him the treasure. Before his death, he wrote out the treasure’s location and even drew a map to guide others to it.”

“People have used and improved Valverde’s map for centuries trying to find the treasure, and the last person to have claimed finding it was Barth Blake in 1886. In a letter he detailed his discovery of gold, silver, emeralds, and other treasures, and stated that he, nor a thousand men could remove all that he had found.”

“So in over a century no-one has claimed to have found even a piece of the treasure?” Max questions, opening his eyes and looking down at you.

Lifting your head from his chest, you shake it. “Plenty have tried. A man named Mark Honigsbaum wrote a book in 2004 about his attempt. He concluded that either the Incans retrieved the treasure centuries ago or it’s been lost forever in the mountains.”

“You believe it’s still in the mountains, right?”

“Yes, in its original hiding spot, just not where it’s marked on Valverde’s map.”

Max huffs, “Why can’t they just say ‘go to this place, here’s the treasure, spend it wisely’?”

You chuckle, but both you and Max know you don’t - can’t agree with his sentiment.

Finding the location of this treasure has been your sole purpose for years. You’ve lived and breathed this lost piece of history for so long that you almost felt a part of it.

To be able to find something that you couldn’t simply be given a map to was everything to you. You’ve earned the coordinates sitting in your satchel through your own hard work and time - so much time. 

Succeeding at this would be your life’s greatest achievement.

As well as your greatest honour. The artefacts, like tiles from the Temple of the Sun, stowed away with that gold and silver were invaluable pieces of lost Inca culture that deserved to be returned to the people and shared with the world.

“How much is it all worth?” Max asks with a whimsical smile.

Sighing, you give him the answer he already knows, but just likes hearing. “Thirty-seven billion dollars, at least. However its historical significance is priceless."

Max squeezes his arm around your shoulders, pulling you even further into his side. "Well seeing how you’re in it for the history, I guess you’ll have no qualms with me taking ninety percent.”

“Ninety?” You repeat, shocked. “That’s generous of you, I expected you to take at least ninety-nine.”

Pressing his mouth to the top of your head with a loud smack, Max states “You underestimate my love for you.”

[SOME HOURS LATER]

“Looks like we’ve reached the end of the road.” Max announces once the pickup has slowed to a stop.

You wouldn’t exactly call what you’ve been driving on for the past few hours ‘road’.

A door creaks open before being slammed shut.

“Alright kids,” Steve appears to your right, reaching for the bags. “This is our stop.”

Your legs wobble when you stand and your ass is completely numb from sitting so long.

Gingerly, you lower yourself out of the back of the pickup and walk over to Steve, Max ambling behind you.

Collecting your backpack off the ground, you straighten up as the pickup rolls forward with its signature loud bang and makes a u-turn.

“Buena suerte!” The driver calls out as he passes, raising a hand.

“Gracias!” You and Max return, waving back.

Sliding your sunglasses up onto your head, you turn around to face the famed Amazon rainforest and take a deep breath.

This is it.

“Please, after you.” Max smiles at Steve, sweeping his arm out towards the mass of green.

Dutifully, Steve pulls out a machete from the holder around his thigh and steps forward into the awaiting wilderness.

[SOME HOURS LATER]

The first few hours of the trek are completed in silence.

You listen to the soundtrack of the Amazon, admiring the nature around you while getting tripped up by it more often than not.

It’s thick - and humbling.

There are trees that stretch up so high they must almost touch the sky, and their trunks are so wide that you can see nothing else when standing in front of them.

Unfortunately, none of it can distract you from the heat.

The humidity is like nothing you’ve ever experienced and the sun isn’t even at its highest point yet - not that you can see it.

You removed your long sleeved shirt a while ago, stuffing it into your backpack with your sunglasses. This left you in a dark green tank top and brown hiking pants.

“We’ll take a break here.” Steve declares, breaking the long silence.

Pushing your backpack off your shoulders, you take a seat on it and pull out your water bottle, taking a greedy gulp.

“I miss the truck.” Max sighs forlornly, collapsing beside you.

His skin is shiny with sweat, just like yours.

You pat his back sympathetically.

“I thought you were looking for the treasure of Llanganates.” Steve says suddenly, sitting on a fallen tree across from the two of you.

You think it’s a question, but his tone makes it sound like a statement.

He likes doing that.

“We are.” You retort.

“Your map doesn’t follow Valverde’s.”

Surprised, your eyebrows rise. “You’re familiar with Valverde’s map?”

“Do you really think you two are the first I’ve taken on this wild goose chase?”

Raising your chin defiantly, you assert “We’ll be the first to find it.”

Steve smiles at your confidence. “Guess we’ll just have to wait and see kitten, but I’ll keep my bet on you going home empty-handed.”

“Oh, I like a good bet, what are we waging?” Max pipes in.

You roll your eyes while Steve’s sunglasses continue to hide his.

After a moment your guide decides “If we find the treasure, my services will be rendered free.”

Max scoffs a laugh “How kind, and what percentage of the treasure will you be asking for?”

Steve smirks, “Nothing absurd, just one percent.”

Which would only work out to about three hundred and seventy million dollars.

Yeah, nothing absurd.

To Max, it’s a bargain.

“I knew I liked you for a reason." He grins, picking himself up and walking over to Steve to shake on their bet.

“When we find the treasure we will be donating it.” You deadpan.

“Ignore her.” Resting his hands on his hips, Max says “She doesn’t understand greed like the rest of us simpletons.”

Steve hums in agreement, “You’ve got finder’s fee written all over you kitten.”

“Would you not call me that?” You glare.

His mouth twitches.

“I thought it was fitting.” Max mumbles from where he stands.

“And yes Mr. Rogers, we will be donating the treasure and accepting whatever finder’s fee we’re offered.”

Standing up, you place your backpack on, deciding for the group that the rest period is over.

As you stride away, you hear Max mutter to Steve “Don’t worry, we can fill our bags with goodies before the museum stiffs show up.”

[THAT NIGHT]

You sit in front of the small campfire Steve built earlier as a light source.

Heat isn’t something you’re in short supply of.

Max is lying in his sleeping bag on the ground beside you while Steve sits across from you both, on the other side of the fire.

He’s finally removed his sunglasses, but the night hides Steve’s eyes just as well as his shades. Instead of colour, all you see in his eyes is the reflection of the flickering flames between you.

“I was thinking -”

“Uh-oh.”

“Shut up.” Max sighs, lifting his hand to slap your closest arm. “I was thinking about what you said about that Blake guy, the one who wrote the letter saying he found the treasure.”

“Hmm?” You prompt.

“Well, it sounded like he really found it, so why didn’t he take it?”

“Blake took what he could carry, planning on -”

“Returning with more men and supplies to retrieve the rest, but on his way to New York from Ecuador he disappeared overboard. Most believe he was deliberately pushed to keep the treasure safe.”

Your head snaps towards Steve and he smirks at your reaction.

“Once again, not my first goose chase kitten.”

You’re about to tell him once again not to call you that, but Max speaks first, clearly trying to avoid another back and forth.

“What’s your deal anyway? How’d you end up in this hot ass country?”

Steve’s smirk fades as he shrugs, his expression hardening.

You side-eye Max.

Good one idiot.

“There’s not much to it.” Steve states. “I used to be in the military, now I’m not. Now I choose what jobs I do, which is usually anything that pays well.”

The fire crackles.

“What about you two?” Steve retorts. “Rich kids with nothing better to do? I can’t tell if you’re related or dating -”

“Ew.” You groan, pulling a face.

“We are not related, nor are we dating.” Max informs.

“And he’s the rich kid.” You add, gesturing down at Max.

“Yep, she just mooches off of me and I mooch off my dad.”

That earns a chuckle from Steve.

“His dad is the director of one of the most respected museums in the world.” You elaborate. “I interned there while completing my degree, which is how we met.”

It’s hard to believe that was almost three years ago. When you first met Max you certainly had no idea how important he’d become in your life.

You’ll never forget the first thing he ever said to you.

“So, do you consciously dress yourself like Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy’ or is that just an odd coincidence?”

[THE NEXT DAY]

“I take back my complaints about the jungle.” Max mutters, observing the swamp.

Midday has just passed and so has the first and shortest section of your expedition - the rainforest.

Now the wetland awaits you all. You estimate that it’ll take roughly three days to get through.

Three days of mud, stench, and the feeling of being constantly wet.

“Staring at it isn’t gonna get us through it any faster.” Steve asserts, taking the first step into the green water.

Everyone has tucked the ends of their pants into their thick socks to try and limit as much contact with the water as possible.

You follow after Steve, Max trailing behind you with a reluctant sigh.

It’s slow-going, trying to avoid branches and rocks hidden beneath the water’s surface that Steve finds with the long stick in his hand. The same stick he uses to avoid deceivingly deep puddles.

However, you soon miss the relative easiness of trekking through the water once you’ve reached the mud.

Loud suction sounds are all that can be heard as the three of you trudge through the mud that swallows your feet and then some with every step, a dark line on your pants indicating the highest it’s reached - halfway up your calves.

It takes all of your strength to free yourself, just so you can do it all over again.

“My legs are going to be ripped after this.” Max pants.

You can only huff a breath in response, too focused on pulling your feet from the mud. The suction is so strong you’re worried you might lose a boot - or two.

It also doesn’t help that your backpack feels like it’s full of bricks.

“Oh thank god, solid ground.” Max announces gratefully.

You look up - not to see if he’s telling the truth, but to see why he sounds so far away.

Wasn’t he just beside me?

“Shit.” You mutter to yourself.

Both men have made better progress than you. Max has spotted the solid ground because Steve now stands on it.

Staring back down at your engulfed feet, you grit your teeth and use every bit of strength you have left to try and quicken your pace. Every hour of daylight was precious and there wasn’t much left of today’s.

Maybe it’s their longer legs or strength - Max isn’t that much stronger than me, or maybe their backpacks simply don’t weigh a million tonnes -

God my legs are burning.

Then suddenly, it’s like a weight is lifted.

Because it is.

Your backpack is pulled from your shoulders before Steve places it over his own, his bags deserted on the hard ground ahead.

“Oh.” You squeak, startled by his presence. “Uh, thank you - wait, what - put me down!” You demand as you’re lifted from the mud with an echoing pop.

Steve’s hands grasp your hips as he pulls you out with what seems to be little effort, his arms bulging with the action. Then you’re upside down, thrown over one of his broad shoulders.

“Are you a caveman? You can’t just manhandle me!” You protest, affronted.

You brace your hands on his lower back, trying to hold yourself up so your face doesn’t bump into his back.

Is he just all muscle?

He’s rock solid underneath your hands.

Steve chuckles, “I just did kitten.”

“Would you -”

“Time is valuable out here, we can’t wait around for you to finish playing in the mud.”

Glaring at the mud beneath you, you insist “Put me down or I’ll fire you.”

It’s a very weak threat since you and Max kind of need him, but it’s all you’ve got.

Also… maybe you kind of don’t want him to put you down. 

Maybe.

Another chuckle. “You didn’t hire me, nor are you the one paying me.”

“You know what -”

“Quit whining!” Max calls out, sounding close. “I told him to go get you, I want out of here.”

“See? I’m just doing what the boss asked.”

“How noble of you Mr. Rogers.” You mumble.

“Well it’s a nice change of scenery kitten.”

It takes a moment for you to understand his meaning, but it’s obvious when you do, your sharp inhale of air audible as you open your mouth to tell him to go -

You squeak again as you’re abruptly dropped onto your feet.

“And stop with the Mr. Rogers talk.” Steve says, shrugging off your backpack and hooking it over your left shoulder before you can snatch it from him.

Dropping his head so that he’s looking into your eyes - his are still hidden behind those damn sunglasses, Steve purrs “But if you insist on being so formal, sir will do just fine.”

Your mouth falls open and Steve moves out of the way with a chuckle when you attempt to swing your backpack at him.

The absolute -

Max appears beside you and grabs your arm lightly, urging you forward as Steve continues trekking ahead.

“Please remember we need him alive.” Max implores.

[THAT NIGHT]

“Now will you admit to me that he’s hot?”

“Shut up.” You snap at Max, shooting him a glare.

“Just look at his -”

Covering his mouth with your hand, you raise your eyebrows in warning.

You’re sitting on a log in front of the campfire not admiring Steve in the distance, illuminated by the torch on the ground beside him as he changes shirts for the night and -

Max snorts against your hand, making you drop it as your gaze quickly shifts to the fire while Steve changes into a different pair of pants.

Can’t he do that somewhere more private?

“Oh darling, you’d love his thighs, have a look -”

“Would you shut up?” You hiss.

“Too bad it’s dark,” Max carries on. “I can’t really see what his underwear is hiding - ow!”

Whack. “Shut.” Whack. “Up.” Whack.

“Alright, alright.” He surrenders, rubbing his arm. “Jesus, you’re in one of your violent moods today.” 

Then, as if he can’t resist - because he can’t, Max smirks “Unlike Harry, I bet he’d actually know how to -”

“Oh my god -”

“Who’s Harry?”

You jump at the sound of Steve’s voice and your hand freezes midair, interrupted on its way to hit Max again.

“No one.”

“Her ex.”

I will murder you before sunrise - that’s what the look you direct at Max promises.

Steve hums, taking a seat on the other side of the fire. “And what didn’t he know how to do?”

His smirk tells you he’s already assumed.

I want to die.

No.

I want them to die.

“Cook.” You declare, glaring at him. “He didn’t know how to cook.”

“Was terrible at it,” Max reinforces with a sad tone.

You have to refrain from rolling your eyes.

“That’s a shame.” Steve states in his deep voice, a hint of laughter detectable in it. “Every man should know how to cook.”

“I wouldn’t call him much of a man.” Max inputs.

Fucking hell.

The comment is probably a little harsh, but Max is your best friend.

Harry had been your first and last attempt at a relationship. He’d been nice enough but… well, that was it really. Just nice, tolerable… passionless. You’d stick to the fictional men in your romance novels.

“Can you cook Steve?” Max asks, as casual as ever.

You turn to him with wide eyes.

“I’m a great cook.” You can clearly hear the laughter in Steve’s voice now.

“Of course you’d think that.” You jab, looking from Max to him.

Steve meets your irritated gaze over the fire with a smirk. “I’ve never had any complaints.”

“Well,” You shrug, biting back “Doesn’t mean they walked away satisfied.”

“I wouldn’t say they walked.”

Max chortles next to you, choking on his own spit while heat floods your face and neck.

“Okay.” Standing abruptly, you state “I’m going to bed.”

Their laughter follows you all the way to your sleeping bag.

[TWO DAYS LATER]

“I smell so bad.”

“I’m glad you said it.”

“Oh, because you smell so much better.” You mock, eyeing Max.

The wetland has been punishing. You’re covered in mud, bug bites, and drenched in your own sweat - not to mention every part of your body aches. It’s unpleasant, to say the least.

In an attempt to distract yourself, you decide to tell Max some more historical fun facts. 

Well, they’re fun to you.

“You know, Valverde drew the map to the treasure before his death because he wanted to give it as a gift to the King of Spain.” You begin, “The King sent out an expedition to find the treasure but -”

“They were unsuccessful - obviously, and the friar that was accompanying them died in a swamp.” Steve gazes around, “Possibly this one.”

You purse your lips at his interruption, but can’t find it within yourself to be annoyed.

“Also,” You try again, addressing Max. “The Spanish conquistadors would constantly dig up large quantities of platinum while searching for gold and while we know platinum to be more valuable than gold -”

“They dismissed it as junk because being so rare, they didn’t know what it was. All they knew was that it wasn’t gold, so they would dump it as scrap.” Steve concludes, his shade covered eyes looking over at you.

“They threw away one of the rarest and most precious metals on Earth because their lust for gold, something that only had value because they gave it value, blinded them to the true, unique treasure right in front of them.”

It feels like the air has been knocked out of your lungs.

Forcing a huff, you feebly respond “Would you stop that?”

“Stop what?” Steve smirks.

That damn, all-knowing smirk.

“Knowing… things.”

Wow, good one. You really got him.

Steve’s smirk widens into a grin. “Why kitten? You like it when I talk smart?”

Yes, it makes me want to climb you like a tree.

“No, I just prefer not being interrupted.”

“Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.” Max pipes up, “But is this hellhole about to end?”

You gaze ahead and see that Max hasn’t gone mad. The wetland is indeed about to end.

“We’ll set up camp on the outskirts of the swamp.” Steve directs, glancing at his watch. “Tomorrow we’ll head into the grasslands, there’s a lake on our path that we should reach by the afternoon.”

[THE NEXT AFTERNOON]

“It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.” Max sighs lovingly, admiring the lake. “I dibs using it first.”

You shrug, “Whatever.”

After three days covered in filth, what harm could waiting an hour or so longer do?

Besides, you wanted to take your sweet, sweet time.

Leaving Max at the lake, you and Steve trek up over a small hill beside it. There’s a few trees here, but they’re slim and spaced out, unlike in the rainforest.

Steve selects a spot at the bottom of the hill to set up camp, giving anyone using the lake some privacy.

Max wanders down a little while later, after everything has been set up and a small fire is burning steadily.

You tell Steve he can go next and he’s quick to rise.

It feels like you wait an eternity, but you know it’s just your eagerness to be clean that drags the time out.

The moment you spot Steve coming over the hill you’re on your feet, heading for the lake.

At the lakeside you remove your clothes, leaving your bra and underwear on. You soak your clothes first, scrubbing them clean before laying them out over the rocks around the lake to soak up the afternoon sun.

Finally, you delve into the lake’s cool waters.

You don’t rush, taking the time to rub every part of yourself spotless. Afterwards you lie on your back and float around the lake.

When your face starts to feel too hot from the sun, you submerge yourself underneath the water and hold your breath for as long as you can before coming back up.

Breaking the surface of the water, you keep your eyes shut while you run a hand over your face, removing the excess water.

When you open them again, you flinch.

“Do you mind?” You all but shriek at Steve who’s sitting on a large boulder at the lakeside, watching you.

He smirks, “Not at all.”

Glaring at him, you hiss “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

One of these days I’m going to kill him.

Swimming up to the edge of the lake, you keep everything below your neck underwater.

“Well, pass me my towel.” You snap.

Steve raises an eyebrow and it’s only then that you realise he’s not wearing his sunglasses.

Blue.

His eyes are blue.

You’re too far away to see any great detail though.

Steve raises his other eyebrow, bringing you back to reality and making your teeth grind.

“Please.”

Leisurely, Steve reaches for your towel behind him on the boulder and holds it out to you, as far as his arm will extend.

“Are you serious?” You ask, exasperated.

He shrugs, “I’m afraid it’s the best I can do kitten.”

Groaning, you bite out “Fine, close your eyes.”

A moment passes before he eventually does as you demanded, his eyes shutting.

“No peeking.” You enforce, squinting at him.

When you’re certain he can’t see anything, you rise out of the water and quickly approach him.

The second your hand grips the towel Steve tugs on it, sending you toppling onto him.

You fall face first into his solid chest while your hands scramble for purchase to push yourself back.

“What are you -”

The words die in your throat when you feel his warm, rough hands grasp your waist and spin you around, bringing you down to sit on his lap.

“Let me help you.” Steve husks into your ear, his beard pleasantly scratching at your skin. 

His right hand presses against your bare stomach, holding you in place while his other hand picks up your towel again, swiping it over your left arm.

You open your mouth to object, but then his right hand is gliding up your wet skin to lightly wrap around your neck, tilting your head backwards so he can move the towel over your chest.

Any fight you might have had leaves your body in a giant whoosh, his touch turning you to jelly.

“There you go,” Steve coo’s. “It’s not healthy to always be so tense kitten.”

Fuck you.

That’s what you want to tell him, but instead you whimper as he suddenly drags the towel down and over your underwear.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Since you pleasured yourself? Yes. Since you had a man touch you? Even more of a yes.

But he hadn’t made you feel anything close to this.

“That’s okay.” Steve whispers, as if you had answered. “I’ll take care of you, it’s what I’m getting paid for.”

Abandoning the towel, his fingers dip behind the band of your underwear and you’re almost panting in excitement.

He’s so… big around you, caging you in and overriding your senses.

“Poor kitten,” Steve teases, dragging two of his fingers along your slick folds. “Just dripping for me, huh?”

You want to punch him so badly you -

“Oh.” You can’t help but moan as his thumb presses on your clit, lightly circling it.

Instinctively, your thighs squeeze together and both of your hands wrap around his wrist to stop the action.

You’re embarrassed by how sensitive you are.

It has been a while.

Steve hushes you, “I know, I know.” Using his left hand to pry your thighs apart, he begins circling your clit again. “Just relax, I got you.”

His words seem to have a pull over you, as your body instantly relaxes in his hold.

With your body pliant, Steve’s fingers dip down further and slowly push into you - first one, then two.

Your hips eagerly lift to meet his hand.

“Good girl, fuck yourself on my fingers.” The vulgar sentence sets your face on fire while also making you clench around his digits with a gasp.

How the hell does he know just what to say? 

It’s like he’s read one of your books.

Steve’s fingers start to push into you faster and a bit rougher as his thumb continues circling your clit.

Your stomach tenses, the coil within you already about to snap and god you want it, you want it so bad, so, so bad -

“Please.” You mumble, not recognising your own voice. It’s so airy and desperate. “Please let me come.”

Steve releases a guttural groan beside your ear, the sound rumbling against your back while his arousal pokes at your ass.

His thumb quickens on your clit as his fingers keep pumping into you, nudging just a bit more before -

You moan loudly when he hits the sweet spot inside you.

Steve’s warm breath tickles your cheek. “Come for me baby, make a mess on my fingers.”

Crying out, you whine Steve’s name as your orgasm collides with you.

It’s like the blood in your veins is replaced with fire, your body intoxicatingly hot as you jerk in Steve’s hold, riding out your high on his still moving fingers.

Steve’s murmuring in your ear, but it’s all white noise as you come back to yourself.

“Fuck.” You whisper when you feel a little less lightheaded.

Removing his hand from beneath your underwear, Steve raises his fingers to his mouth and sucks them clean. You watch him, mouth slightly ajar.

“How was that kitten? Was it good?” Steve asks once he’s finished, his blue eyes shining down at you.

They’re a light blue - baby blue. At first you think they’re pure blue, but then you see just a flicker of green within them. Somehow it makes them even prettier.

It’s a shame he’s always hiding them away.

“Very.” You breathe out honestly, your mind still muddled.

Steve grins and lowers to brush his mouth over your cheek, the feeling of his beard making you shiver. “The chef appreciates your compliment.” He teases.

Drawing the connection back to that night days before brings you out of your orgasm-induced stupor and kicks your brain into gear.

What the hell did I just do?

Pulling yourself from Steve, you stand - your thighs still shaking a little, and snatch your towel off the ground. Wrapping it around yourself, you collect your clothes from the nearby rocks.

When you turn back you find Steve still sitting in the exact same spot, contently watching you with a lazy smirk, like nothing’s out of the ordinary - like there isn’t a large tent in his pants.

Your core throbs at the sight and you quickly look away.

Marching past him, you don’t respond when Steve calls out “I’ll be up soon kitten, I just gotta wash some of my clothes.”

The smile in his tone is obvious.

Heading for camp, you try to process what just happened.

Did I really just let Steve finger me?

“Oh god, Max.” You groan, dreading his reaction.

Just act natural, he won’t know if -

“Hello there, you took your - wait.” His eyes narrow.

To avoid looking at him you begin drying yourself and re-dressing.

“What?” You ask, trying to sound casual.

Max strides over to you and grabs your chin, forcing you to face him.

“No. Way.”

How the hell -

“Did you fuck Steve?” Max whisper-shouts, his brown eyes wide with excitement.

“No!” You respond in the same tone.

“Then what -”

Gesturing for him to be quiet, you check your surroundings before answering “Look, he just… gave me a helping hand, alright?”

It was less painful to just tell him, otherwise he’d never drop the subject.

“Did he ask for a helping hand back?”

So damn nosy.

“No.” You sigh, exasperated.

Max grins, “I knew he’d be good to you.”

Squinting at him, you retort “What does that mean?”

“Nothing.” Waving you off, he sits back down by the fire. “Was he good at it?”

Looking over your shoulder again to make sure Steve hadn’t snuck up, you quickly answer “He was great at it, now can we please forget this ever happened?”

Max lets out a chuckle while you finish zipping up your pants. “Good luck with that darling, you can’t exactly avoid him out here.”

Fuck.

What were you thinking?

You were supposed to be searching for lost treasure - the find of the century, not getting some from your guide who you literally cannot escape from until this is all over.

A guide who is going to be unbearable after this, as if he isn’t already.

Dropping your head into your hands, you let out a pained whine.

It’s fine. Everything is going to be just fine.

[satureja13]

Night fell over San Myshuno.

Rubyn and the Boys gathered on the platform.

Rubyn wangled a very special transport for them. There it comes!

Rubyn: "Amazing, huh?" Poor Ji Ho isn't that excited ^^' Is he afraid?

But the others are amazed!

It's been a while since a Sim got the opportunity to travel in an UFO!

Beam us up, Scotty!

Saiwa: "Don't worry, Noxee!"

And off they go.

'Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its 5-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.' Star Trek: The Next Generation Intro

Well, not exactly ^^'

Poor Noxee.

But Greg has a plan. He's going to distract her :3

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest 'Putting the Boys Back together' from the beginning -> here Previous Chapter: 'Disbandment of the Group' from the beginning -> here

[im-his-druidess]

Don't forget to check out my new side Blog @astarions-bride dedicated to my newest hyperfixation...

Neil Newbon!

Hope to see you guys there 🥰

[aristocraticvision]

Chapter 330: The Expedition

Stepping out of their vehicle, the three women stared out over the barren landscape. It was still early in the day, so the oppressive heat hadn’t yet begun to build – but one could easily feel the potential in the air as the dry breeze met their skin.

A large man stepped into view, waving and smiling broadly, and the girls instantly relaxed.

“Sullah!” Theresa called out, striding forward. “I should have known mom would call you.”

“Hello, Theresa,” the older man said. “I’m glad she did. I’d have been angry if she had excluded me from such an adventure.”

“Hello, old friend,” Ruth said, approaching, ready for a trek into the desert. “Thanks for coming. You brought people we can trust?”

“Oh, yes,” Sullah replied, nodding. “They’ve been with me for years.”

“And no one else knows we’re here?” Ruth asked.

“No one,” Sullah said. “Not for long, mind you. This area is heavily patrolled by the government to prevent unauthorized access, so we have a day, maybe two, before someone comes knocking.”

“Then let’s make the best of them,” Ruth said, walking to the front of the vehicles while the others followed. “I don’t have authorization for this dig, so we’ll need to make good speed. Good thing is, I think I know exactly where we need to dig.”

“Where, boss?” Sullah asked.

Ruth stared across the desert for a moment, then pointed.

“According to the scroll, we dig right there, at the base of those rocks,” she said. “We should see signs of the entrance within ten to fifteen feet of the surface.”

“That shallow?” Theresa said. “Didn’t you once tell me that most tombs are buried under forty or fifty feet of sand?”

“They are, but the way these rocks are configured, I’m guessing that we’ll hit paydirt pretty quickly,” Ruth replied.

“And if you’re wrong?” Theresa asked.

“Then they’ll find us before we find the tomb,” Ruth said. “So let’s hope I’m right.”

Theresa shook her head.

“The question is, who will find us?’ she said. “The government? Or the guys who held you prisoner?”

CHAPTER 1 | BEGINNING OF PART 4 | PREV | NEXT

Continent of Oceana | History of Weston | History of Corwyn | History of Torenth | History of Allycia

[justinempire]

The Expedition

[listen-to-the-inner-walrus]

so theres a lot of posts going round about the titanic wreck and the missing submarines; all of them that ive seen have made very good points about how shoddy the submersible seemed to be and how the company decided to wait eight hours before reporting it, and how this is a play stupid games, win stupid prizes for the ultra-wealthy who paid like 250grand a ticket for this thing.

but what i havent seen any posts about is how the titanic wreck is a gravesite and this tourism is disturbing the graves of over 1500 people.

sometimes its kinda hard to remember that those on the titanic were real people; it was over a century ago, the story has been romanticised in so many ways (like the movie), theres conspiracies theories galore that cloud everything with misinformation, but at the end of the day, those who died were real people.

do you want their names? heres a list of them; its a long read. and for fun, heres another site where you can see photos of the children and babies who died aboard.

their bodies are long gone and their lives long forgotten. all we have to remember them and honour them is the wreck itself. its all we have of them and it is their gravesite. its their tombstone.

caitlin doughty/ask a morticians video on the great lakes discusses the topic well, and why we should leave these shipwrecks alone because again, they are the gravesites of all the souls who died aboard those ships. we rarely have bodies to recover so we really are left just with the wreck.

and what really upsets me about titanic tourism is how the majority of those who died that night were not the ultra-wealthy rich folks you might picture when you think of ocean liners.

61% of the first class passengers survived

42% of the second class passengers survived

24% of the third class passengers survived

24% of the crew survived **

the majority of those who died that night were regular folk; not to be cliche, but they were just like us. titanics wreck is not only a gravesite for over 1500 people, its also a majority working class gravesite.

and look at us now. look at what were doing. the ultra-wealthy can pay the equivalent of peanuts to them to disturb a mass gravesite of the exact kind of people they exploit today to hold onto all their wealth. 

its easy to point and laugh at these dumb idiots in their playstation controller submarine, seemingly held together with super glue and duct tape, but its also important to remember that what they were doing was simply disturbing a gravesite for fun. though the company does research, these guys werent down there to conduct research, they were there so they could brag about it to their friends. its like “climbing mount everest” while your sherpa does all the work.

if you cant tell, i have a lot of feelings about this. shipwrecks and ocean liners are one of my special interests and im currently building a (beginner’s) model of the titanic, for fucks sake. but i would never go down to see that wreck because its a fucking gravesite and we should not be disturbing their final resting place.

[javertisgay]

if I ever manage to own a house or flat the first thing i’m doing is making the bathroom polar disaster themed. like how people have beach/ocean themed bathrooms. but I’m hanging up ‘man proposes, god disposes’, the goodsir daguerreotype is gonna be there like a family portrait, i’m painting it the iciest colour blue possible and breaking the heating so it’s always cold as hell. every winter i’ll get to roleplay being sir john stuck down the ice hole

[thatsbelievable]

[maxwellatoms]

They left me no choice.

The animation industry is an absolute trash fire right now, and TBH... I don't think it's going to recover. Not in a form I recognize, anyway.

I could go on all day about the self-hating monster that is the Animation Business, but I've said it all before. Right now, none of the major studios are making much of anything, and almost all of what they are making is "library content". I'm currently doing storyboard revisions alongside a number of other former producers and directors, and I'm lucky to have the work. Once all of the mismanagement and the mergers get sorted, though, there should be plenty of room for more mismanagement and mergers. And the A.I. Don't forget the A.I.

It seems that I either give myself over fully to the souring corporate teat in the hopes that I can pretend that I still live in a world where "the grind" matters. Or I take a risk and make one big push to do... something.

First up:

Billy & Mandy vs. The Entertainment Industry:

This is my interview/reality/documentary show on the making of The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy from stem to stern. I'll be talking to as many people as I can who worked on the show about all sorts of different parts of the process. We'll definitely get to voice actors, but the first segment is probably going to be about Billy & Mandy's pre-history and the Big Pick Weekend.

The Upward Expedition:

This is my pick for my indie show. I have a bible. I have a decade of ideas. Time to sit down and tell a story. I want to get some screen sharing going at some point. I'll definitely share artwork as well as the trials and tribulations of getting from There to Back Again.

I'd love to get a Discord server going and provide a place where people can talk about the stuff I'm making (and the entertainment industry in general). I still have enough Billy & Mandy swag left that I'm sure I'll factor that stuff in as well.

In the immediate future, the funding goes to securing a space to do the interviews and probably to banking money for voice actors. I'm still deciding on my update schedule, but it should start in earnest next week.

I'm excited. Pretty scared... but also excited.

More updates to come. Definitely let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to see on the Patreon!

As always, thanks for sticking around!

[astarions-bride]

Dirty Prompt List

(Endearments will be changed depending on the character 😉)

“This is a one-time thing.” “That’s what you said last time, sweetheart.”

“Don’t talk, just spread your legs"

“I could watch you ride me all day

“Home is too far away. No one’s going to see us here.”

“I want to see those pretty little lips wrapped around my cock.”

“On your knees. Right now.”

“Ready for another round, baby?”

“Someone’s happy to see me.”

“They’re all distracted. They’re not even going to notice.”

“Were you just masturbating?”

"Who cares if everyone’s watching?”

“You’re so cute when you’re all needy.”

“You look so good with my hand wrapped around your throat.”

“You take me so well, don’t you?”

“See what you do to me?”

“If you keep making those sounds, I’m not going to be able to stop myself.”

“Such a needy little thing, aren’t you?”

“Why don’t you go put on something pretty for me?”

“Pushing back against my fingers already? You must be desperate.”

“I love the sounds you make when you come undone.”

“Did I say you could stop?”

“I need you. Now.”

“I love your expressions when I’m inside you.”

“You look so good on your knees like that.”

“Are you going to be good from now on?”

“These walls are pretty thick, which means you and I can be as loud as we want.”

“Come sit on my lap and let me show you how much I missed you.”

“Pull my hair”

“You know I don’t like to be teased.”

“Come here, baby, let me take care of you.”

"I’m gonna fuck you in front of the mirror, I want you to see how pretty you look when you’re spreading your legs for me.”

“Shh, don’t worry, I’ll take very good care of you.”

“Yeah, that’s it, baby, just like that.”

“Aww, poor baby, you want me to take care of it for you?”

“Let me show you what happens to little brats who don’t follow the rules.”

“Aww, is my sweetheart getting shy?”

“Come on, take it all like a good little pet.”

“It’s okay, honey, you can pull my hair as hard as you want while I’m between your legs.”

"Come here then, you can sit on my cock until I’m done working."

"I know for a fact that you can be a hell of a lot louder than that."

“You’re so beautiful, chained up like that on my bed. I think I might just fuck you like this.”

“Really? You wanna have sex….here? Now?”

“I don’t have the patience to remove your clothes right now”

“Slow down, sweetheart, I’m not going anywhere.”

“You can take it, you have before.”

[heartnell]

Do you ever go insane...do you ever lose your mind...

[satureja13]

It was dark when they left the temple. First we need to cure Jeb (who has been marked for death!) and Ji Ho. Luckily they passed an abandoned computer and were able to buy the cure. (I was in panik and couldn't think of anything else than saving them o.o')

And after drinking the cure, Jeb turned into a skeleton as a side effect... Poor Saiwa. He can't get used to it.

On their way to find a save place to sleep, they still looked for that Amazonite... They have to be very careful not to be seen, now that Vlad and Jack have these annoying suns over their heads for 2 days! omg

Still no luck! How are they supposed to proceed with this riddle when they don't find an Amazonite?

They didn't dare return to their accomodation or the Sapphire Retreat. Let alone light a fire. So they looked for a hidden place and slept under the stars.

Vlad and Jack are still awake. They talked for a while and made up again. Vlad promised to be honest from now on and Jack forgave him for what he did to them (Vlad tried to bond with Morgan to spare Ji Ho from the Bond Magic...) they are best friends after all and Vlad already paid for his mistake with his eyesight. Jack: "Is the Bond still trying to convince you to kill us?" Vlad: "It's surprisingly quiet..." Jack: "Maybe it's just happy because you're near Ji Ho. Tell us if anything changes." Vlad: "Promised."

And then they went to sleep too.

The next morning. Early... Since Jeb has a brand new appearance for a few hours, he thought it might be a good idea to visit the market again to look for the missing ingredients for the potion...

Saiwa isn't very happy about it. What if Mami and 'The Boys™' recognize and kidnap him to join them? But they have no choice... Saiwa: "Be careful." Jeb: "I will. Go back to the camp so nobody sees you."

So they went back to pack their stuff together. And Ji Ho didn't give up on that Amazonite. But he only found his second Alexandrite! Unbelievable...

Meanwhile at the market. Jeb bought the ingredients for the potion. No one recognized him. *phew*

Before he left he asked if they maybe have some Nitelite Crystals. The Boy™: "Ah no, I'm sorry. But you could go to the Meteorite Crash Scene. Some Aliens do their research there. There was a giant Nitelite Meteorite Crash a while ago. Hey, and if you like, take one of those Amazonites. They're for free. Lyin' around here on every corner..." What? ö.Ö

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest 🌴 'The Expedition' from the beginning ▶️ here 📚 Previous Chapters: 🎤 'Putting the Boys Back together' from the beginning ▶️ here 🥀 'Disbandment of the Group' from the beginning ▶️ here

[the-web-of-iris]

Thanks Google, just what I wanted!

[julieverne]

Excerpt day 2:

Sam seemed like a perfectly normal human being.

[fuckyeahchinesefashion]

November in northeast china: daily life of chinese college students on campus