#about the whole situation. then this other lady i work with chimed in with

[gamingbeats]

i truly wish some days being in a fandom paid the bills

[bradshawsbaby]

Like Peas in a Pod

Pairing: Bob Floyd x Female Reader

Summary: What happens when two wallflowers find each other?

Word Count: 5.7k

Author’s Note: I admit that this story is extremely self-indulgent. But I have a feeling that a lot of people can relate to what our leading lady goes through, and I hope you can find pieces of yourself in her!

Warnings: Mild angst, social awkwardness, feeling overlooked, alcohol consumption, flirting, fluff.

If you’d had it your way, you would be at home right now, curled up on the couch in a pair of cozy pajamas with a good book and a steaming cup of tea in hand. But instead, your friends had outnumbered you 3-1 and you were currently sitting in the middle of a noisy, crowded bar, the patrons loudly competing with the music that was blaring through the speakers.

“Do we have to go out tonight?” you’d groaned over FaceTime a few hours earlier. “It’s been such a long week. Can’t we just do a wine night and put on some movies?”

“We did that last week!” Shawna argued. “C’mon, I just got my nails done. Don’t let it be for nothing,” she teased, wiggling her manicured fingers in front of the camera.

“Besides,” Kelsey chimed in, “like you said, it has been a long week. We deserve a night out to unwind and treat ourselves.”

“Hopefully we’ll find other people to treat us,” Renee added cheekily, tossing her unruly dark curls over her shoulder as she winked.

“Besides, the girls at work told me this is a really fun bar. Apparently it’s where all the hotties from North Island go after work,” Shawna giggled.

Your former college roommate had just started a new nursing job at Naval Medical Center San Diego, so if anyone was going to know where the hot Navy guys spent their off hours, it would be her.

“It’s settled! We’re going to The Hard Deck, ladies,” Renee grinned, blowing you all a kiss. “Meet at my place at 8 and we’ll Uber over.”

As much as you would have preferred to stay at home tonight, you had to admit that Shawna hadn’t been wrong. From the moment you’d stepped foot inside The Hard Deck, you’d been amazed at the sheer number of attractive men crowding the space. You certainly never found men like this when you hit the bars downtown.

Renee, ever the mastermind when it came to scoping out the most advantageous situations, quickly managed to grab your group a table smack in the middle of the room. It had an excellent vantage point that not only made you most visible to the bar’s patrons, but also gave you a perfect view of the pool table, the dart boards, and the bar all at once.

“Cheers, ladies!” Kelsey exclaimed once you were all seated with your first round of drinks. “And a special toast to Shawna for telling us about this place!” she added with a grin, holding up her glass of hard cider.

The rest of you held up your drinks—Renee had opted for a bottle of Coors, Shawna had gone with an IPA, and you had chosen a High Noon—and clinked them together with a celebratory “Cheers!”

“Tonight’s the night that you’re finally going to find yourself a man,” Shawna told you, turning to you and playfully poking you in the side.

“Yes, it is!” Renee nodded in agreement, winking at you from across the table as she took a sip of her beer.

“Take your pick, babe,” Kelsey added, waving her hand to encompass the whole bar. “I’ve literally never seen so many gorgeous guys all in one place. And in uniform, too!”

You felt the back of your neck prickling and your skin growing warm at your friends’ expectant stares, a weak smile gracing your lips as you took a sip of your drink. It always ended up being like this. You loved your friends, and you knew they meant well, but they had no idea what it was like to be in your shoes.

The four of you had been best friends since college, despite the fact that you couldn’t have been more different from one another if you tried. Kelsey always joked that your four personalities combined helped to balance each other out.

Despite their differences in looks, style, and demeanor, Shawna, Renee, and Kelsey did all have one thing in common that you had never seemed to possess—the ability to turn men’s heads no matter where they were.

Shawna had the perfectly sweet girl-next-door vibe going on. With her strawberry blonde locks, big blue eyes, dusting of freckles, and curvy figure, she always attracted guys like bees to a flower.

At any given time, Kelsey looked like she had just walked off the runway. Even in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, she managed to look chic. With her tall, willowy figure, sleek dark brown bob, almond-shaped eyes, and lips that never needed lipstick, she had men drooling all over her.

Arguably the most exuberant member of the group was Renee, who had been a firecracker for as long as you had known her. The only thing bigger than her laugh was her smile, and she had the most gorgeous ebony curls that contrasted perfectly with her cinnamon-colored skin. Paired with her petite figure, she drew men in like moths to a flame.

And then there was you. Quiet, shy, bookish you. Throughout college, people had often commented that you seemed like the most grounded out of all your friends, but you knew what that really meant. You were boring. And you knew what people were really trying to say—how had you become friends with such fun-loving girls?

You loved your friends more than anything, and you were grateful for the ways they’d helped you come out of your shell since college. But you’d be lying if you said going out to bars with them wasn’t challenging at times.

They all knew how to light up a room, how to flirt and talk to random strangers and get phone numbers from the hottest men you’d ever seen. You—didn’t know how to do any of that.

You’d tried over the years, you really had. Mainly at the girls’ insistence. You made an effort to flirt with the guys they introduced you to, or strike up conversations with  random cuties at your favorite coffee shop, but it never seemed to work for you the way that it did for your friends. And guys never approached you the way they did Shawna and Kelsey and Renee.

The most painful experience had been a couple months ago, when a guy had come up to you while you were waiting to order a drink, smiling and chatting in a way that had you thinking he was interested. Your heart had soared inside your chest, only to crash a few moments later when he asked, “So, is your friend single?” while pointing at Kelsey.

You hadn’t told any of your friends about that encounter. You knew they’d just feel bad and you didn’t want them to. They were desperate to find somebody for you, and you didn’t have the heart to tell them that you’d given up hoping for that a long time ago. They just wouldn’t understand. They went on dates all the time. You were just the one guys approached to inquire after their relationship statuses.

“Don’t give us that look,” Renee told you, shaking her head and pointing an accusatory finger at you as you attempted to slink down in your seat. “You look hot tonight, and you need to show it off!”

“You do,” Shawna nodded vehemently, nudging you in the side again until you sat up straight. “I love that top.”

“See? I told you it was a solid purchase,” Kelsey winked, as she had been the one to convince you to buy the top in question when the two of you had gone shopping a couple weeks ago.

Despite your lack of hopefulness, you had put a good deal of effort into your appearance tonight. You couldn’t help it. A bar full of hot guys in sexy uniforms? You’d be crazy not to try. You’d spent over an hour on your hair and make-up, and had decided to finally take the tags off the top Kelsey had convinced you to buy. The neckline flattered your figure and hugged your body in all the right places. You’d coupled it with a pair of high-waisted jeans and strappy sandals to show off your pedicure. Even you had to admit that you looked good, but you still hadn’t seemed to catch the eye of any guy in the bar.

“Let’s just enjoy the night and focus on us,” you said, trying to deflect your friends’ intense attention. “If anybody else happens to come along, then so be it.”

The girls all shot you dissatisfied looks, but didn’t push the point any further. Shawna started regaling you all with stories from her new job, which allowed you to let out a soft sigh of relief.

As the night went on, you tried your best not to grow discouraged, but it was getting harder and harder. Countless guys had passed by your table, stopping to flirt with Renee or Kelsey or Shawna, or even all three, but their eyes skipped over you like you were invisible. Whenever your friends tried to direct their attention your way, they smiled politely before instantly turning back to the actual objects of their attraction. Every time you got up to use the bathroom or order another round at the bar, you attempted to smile and make eye contact and appear open and interested, all the things your friends had been telling you to do for years, but none of it worked.

At that point, all you wanted to do was go home, put on your pajamas, and live vicariously through a good rom com.

You were about to tell your friends that you were going to get going when one of the bartenders—if you’d heard correctly earlier, she might have been the owner—approached your table with a tray full of drinks, a smile gracing her lovely face.

“Ladies, these are for you,” she said, setting down a cider for Kelsey, a Coors for Renee, an IPA for Shawna, and a High Noon for you.

“Oh,” Shawna said, her blue eyes widening in surprise. “I think there might have been a mistake. We didn’t order another round, did we?” she asked, looking at the rest of you.

“Not that we won’t take them,” Renee chimed in with that bright laugh of hers.

The woman smiled at the four of you. “No mistake. These drinks are compliments of the group over there,” she chuckled, pointing at a group of officers clustered around the pool table.

The four of you turned your gazes in the direction she was pointing, your friends letting out various sounds of delighted surprise when they realized the men in question looked as though they had just been featured on the cover of Men’s Health magazine.

“Oh, we’ll definitely take them!” Renee beamed, flipping her dark curls over her shoulder.

“Thank you,” Kelsey grinned up at the older woman gratefully.

“Of course,” she nodded, tucking her empty tray under her arm. She leaned in a little closer with a conspiratorial smile and whispered, “I’ll vouch for the fact that they’re good guys. But if they act like idiots, just come find me. My name is Penny.”

“Thanks, Penny,” Shawna giggled, reaching for her new drink. “We owe you one!”

Penny winked at you before heading back to the bar, which was surrounded by thirsty customers. Business was booming. If Penny was the owner as you suspected, then she must have been doing quite well.

“Should we go thank them for the drinks?” Shawna grinned, chewing on her lower lip as she glanced in the direction of the handsome officers at the pool table.

“Not yet,” Renee decided, smirking mischievously. “We’ll let them sweat it out a little bit first.”

“Renee!” Kelsey laughed, lightly smacking her on the arm.

“What? You know it’ll work. They’ll be eating out of the palms of our hands,” Renee grinned, taking a hearty sip of her Coors.

“They look cute,” you ventured, though your palms were already sweating at the thought of approaching them. You highly doubted any of them would be eating out of your clammy palms.

Clearly you shouldn’t have said anything, because suddenly all three of your friends were pouncing on you like ravenous wolves.

“Which one do you think is the cutest?”

“Do you see one you like?”

“Claim one now before we get over there!”

Their words loudly overlapped one another, to the point that you had to resist the urge to cover your ears with your hands.

“I—I—I don’t know!” you exclaimed, feeling your skin grow warm with embarrassment. You hated being the center of attention. “I just meant—I mean, they look cute for you guys.”

“Um, last I checked, you were just as single as the rest of us. Why wouldn’t they be cute for you, too?” Kelsey demanded, raising one of her perfectly waxed eyebrows.

“Please, you guys, let’s just drop it. I’m probably going to start heading home soon anyway,” you told them, sliding down in your seat and wishing the ground would swallow you whole.

“What? No, you can’t!” Renee and Shawna practically cried in unison.

“C’mon, we’ll go over to them now,” Renee decided, grabbing her drink and her purse. “You can’t leave yet,” she insisted.

Kelsey and Shawna nodded, grabbing their things and following suit, nearly having to drag you out of your seat to get you to come with them.

“Well, well, well, fellas,” smirked a blonde-headed officer as the four of you approached the pool table. “Looks like our little gift didn’t go unnoticed after all.”

Glancing down quickly, you spotted the name printed on his nameplate—Seresin. He was extremely handsome in that clean-cut, All-American way, with his perfectly coiffed blonde hair, sparkling green eyes, and charming smile.

Renee, who always ended up being your group’s fearless leader, smirked in return as she stepped to the head of the pack. “Well, well, well, ladies. Looks like the guys who sent us those drinks aren’t half bad after all,” she said, resting a hand on her hip as she gazed up at the blonde man, challenge twinkling in her dark eyes. “Even if they weren’t brave enough to come bring us the drinks themselves.”

Kelsey and Shawna stood on either side of her, giggling softly, while you hung near the back, staring down at your feet as your cheeks burned hot.

“Most of us aren’t half bad. I can’t speak for Hangman here,” another voice piped up, deep and gravelly. You could sense, rather than see, Kelsey’s ears pricking up at the sound.

Glancing up, you saw another handsome man standing before you, looking every inch Kelsey’s type with his sunkissed brown hair, broad shoulders, tanned skin, and easygoing smile. If you knew Kelsey, you knew she was already imagining what that mustache would feel like against her lips. You clocked his nameplate as well—Bradshaw.

“Hangman?” Renee asked coquettishly, quirking an eyebrow as she glanced between the two men.

“My callsign,” the blonde cut in smoothly, pool cue still in hand. It was clear that while he and Bradshaw might be buddies, there was still a sense of competition between the two.

“Ah, callsigns. You’re fighter pilots,” Shawna commented, grinning knowingly. Thank goodness for her job at NMCSD. She was much more in the know than any of the rest of you.

“Not just any fighter pilots. The best fighter pilots,” came another voice from the other side of the pool table. When Hangman stepped to the side, you saw it belonged to a guy whose jawline looked like it could cut glass and whose smile could melt butter. His nameplate read Machado.

“Oh, yeah?” Kelsey asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “And who determines that?”

“The Navy,” Bradshaw replied smoothly, stepping a little closer to your statuesque friend. “We’re all TOPGUN graduates. The top 1%.”

“Hmm, and humble, too,” Kelsey laughed, delicately resting her hand on his arm as she did so. “So what’s your callsign then?”

“Rooster,” the mustached man told her, chest puffing out with pride. “But I’m being awfully rude. I didn’t catch your name,” he said, holding out his large hand.

“Kelsey,” she replied, her dark eyes twinkling as she slipped her hand into his.

You watched as, almost instantly, your friends partnered off quite naturally with the handsome aviators. Renee and Hangman were already bickering about the best way to sink the 8 ball, Kelsey and Rooster were talking about music near the window, and Shawna was flirting up a storm with Machado, whose callsign turned out to be Coyote.

Your stomach sank as you realized that you were suddenly on your own. As usual. Not that you resented your friends getting to flirt with cute guys. You always cheered them on when they met someone new, and you were always there to celebrate with them. You just wished that, for once, they had a reason to celebrate with you.

Glancing around, you saw that there were several other officers hanging around the pool table, though most of them seemed to be engrossed in their own conversations. No one was paying you any mind. And suddenly you felt like crying.

What was wrong with you? Was there something about you that just naturally repelled handsome men? Your friends were constantly telling you how beautiful you were, but that was hard to believe when you were the only one who never got hit on, never got asked out, never felt special or seen by anybody.

It was time to go home. You could feel the tears stinging the backs of your eyes, and the last thing you needed was to start bawling in the middle of a Navy bar. No one would notice if you just slipped away. You’d text your friends in the Uber and ask them to let you know how the rest of their night went. It always ended up being like this, and you weren’t sure why you had thought tonight would be any different.

Silently leaving your drink on the table with your friends’ things, you turned and began snaking your way through the crowd, trying to get to the bar so that you could close out your tab. Before you could get there, however, someone bumped into you from behind, sending your purse flying out of your hands.

Sighing softly, you dropped down to your hands and knees, praying you wouldn’t get stomped on as you tried to reach for it. Just as your hand was hovering over it, however, a much larger hand closed down around it and lifted it up.

Before you could shout for help, that same hand was hovering in front of your face, silently offering to help you up off the sticky bar floor. You lifted your head and your heart skipped a beat at the man who was gazing down at you. He had sandy brown hair, big blue eyes magnified behind a pair of military-issued glasses, and ruddy cheeks, an uncertain smile on his handsome face.

Wordlessly, you took his hand and allowed him to pull you back up to your feet. He was even taller than you had originally thought from your position down on the ground.

“Are you alright?” he asked loudly, trying to be heard over the din of the crowd.

“Yes,” you yelled back, nodding your head on the off-chance he hadn’t heard you. “Thank you,” you added.

“I’m guessing you were looking for this?” he went on, holding up your purse in his other hand.

You nodded again, accepting your bag with a grateful smile. “I guess I’m just a klutz,” you told him sheepishly, the realization dawning that this man had literally just witnessed you crawling on a grimy bar floor.

He smiled in response, which only made him look all the more handsome. “It wasn’t your fault,” he said, shaking his head. “Someone bumped into you.”

He had seen that? Had he actually been paying attention to you? Or did he just happen to be nearby?

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it,” you murmured, nervously fiddling with one of your bracelets as you glanced over at the bar.

He followed your gaze, his expression conflicted. “Well I don’t want to hold you up,” he told you, sounding vaguely disappointed.

Your head whipped back in his direction. “Oh, no! I mean, you’re not. I was just trying to get to the bar to close my tab.”

Were you losing your mind or did he really look disappointed now?

“Oh, you’re leaving?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder. “I, um, I thought I saw you with the girls who were hanging out with my friends,” he explained, indicating the group at the pool table with his thumb.

He was a part of that group? Was this a sign that maybe you shouldn’t leave after all?

“Oh, um, yeah,” you nodded, chewing on your bottom lip as you tried to think of what to say. “I just, um…well, it���s kind of loud in here and I just…” Your sentence trailed off as you realized how lame you sounded.

“Would you like to maybe go outside for a minute?” he suggested. When you hesitated, he stammered, “I mean, of course you don’t have to. I’m sorry. I mean, obviously you just want to get out of here and I’m—”

“No,” you cut him off, briefly brushing your fingers against his arm. “I mean, I would like that,” you clarified with a shy smile.

“Oh,” he blinked, looking a little surprised. But then he brightened instantly, his bright blue eyes shining as he smiled at you in return. “I’m Bob, by the way. Bob Floyd,” he introduced himself, holding out his hand to you.

Slipping your hand into his, you smiled wider as you told him your name, beaming when he repeated it back to you and told you it was pretty.

“So do you have a callsign, too, Bob?” you asked curiously as he led you through the crowd and towards one of the back doors that faced the beach. “Your friends were telling me and my friends their callsigns earlier.”

“Oh, um, yeah,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck as he held open the door that led to a little back patio with picnic tables. It was relatively empty, except for a few people hanging out in the sand. “My callsign is Bob. Original, I know,” he said with a self-deprecating laugh, as if he was used to being made fun of for it.

In that instant, you felt a deep sense of connectedness to him that you couldn’t explain. Maybe it was the way he ducked his head and averted his gaze, like he was trying to hide, or the way he nervously shoved his glasses up the bridge of his nose, but you were suddenly certain that no one understood what it felt like to be in your shoes more than he did. To be overlooked, forgotten, underestimated. To be uncomfortable in your own skin because you were so certain you were never going to be enough for people.

“I like it,” you told him with a smile.

“Thank you,” he replied sincerely, looking caught off guard and surprised by your words once again.

The two of you wandered over to one of the picnic tables and took seats opposite each other, the fairy lights strung up outside illuminating his features as he gazed at you.

“Is this your first time at The Hard Deck?” he asked curiously, resting his elbows on the table. “I feel like I’d remember seeing you.”

You bit down on your lower lip to hide your smile, his words warming you from the inside out. “It is, actually. It was my friend Shawna’s idea to come tonight. She just recently started working at NMCSD and some of her co-workers told her this was a good spot.”

“It is,” Bob nodded, smiling at you. “Penny Benjamin, the owner, is a good woman and she always makes sure to look out for us.”

“I’m guessing this is a regular spot for you guys then?” you questioned, glancing up and spotting your friends through one of the windows. They looked like they were still having a good time with the aviators they’d found.

“Pretty much, yeah,” he chuckled. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve been back in San Diego. I was at TOPGUN a few years ago, then got stationed at Lemoore, then got called back to TOPGUN last October for a special mission, then got asked to stay on permanently with my new squadron. The Hard Deck has become like a second home,” he joked.

You laughed softly, charmed by the way he told you the story without a trace of arrogance or conceit. Clearly, he was one of the Navy’s best pilots if he had been called to TOPGUN not once, but twice, but he wasn’t bragging or boasting. He was just stating the facts.

As if he could read your mind, Bob explained, “I’m actually not a pilot. I’m a Weapons Systems Officer. I ride in the rear of the jet and deal with navigation and operating the aircraft system. I wanted to be a pilot when I was young, but my vision’s always been a problem. I’m proud to be a WSO though. And I have a great partner.”

“I think that sounds really impressive,” you told him honestly, reaching out and resting your hand over his. “I’m sure that takes a tremendous amount of skill and talent. If it was up to me, we’d never make it off the ground,” you grinned.

Bob smiled in return. “I’m sure you’d get the hang of it real quick. You seem really smart,” he said, the tips of his ears turning red as he ducked his head slightly. “So, uh, what do you do?”

“I’m a teacher,” you replied. “I teach history to middle schoolers.”

“Now that’s something I’m sure takes a tremendous amount of skill and talent. Just the thought of middle schoolers terrifies me,” he admitted, which made both of you laugh. “And history, too, huh? I love history. It was always my favorite subject in school.”

“Really?” you asked excitedly. It was rare that you found someone who enjoyed geeking out over history as much as you did.

“Absolutely. If I hadn’t gone into the Navy, I would have loved working in a museum or something. Maybe being a teacher, but like I said—middle schoolers terrify me,” he grinned, his eyes crinkling.

“There’s always high school,” you pointed out with a smile.

“Even worse!” he exclaimed, which made you dissolve into a fit of giggles.

The two of you sat in companionable silence for a few moments, taking in the sound of the ocean waves and the faint trickle of music coming from inside the bar.

“Is that a piano?” you asked when the sound of the music registered in your ears.

“Sounds like Rooster is already trying to show off to your friend,” Bob teased, glancing over his shoulder as the door opened and a small group of rowdy sailors made their way outside.

“Trust me, Kelsey is probably eating it all up right now,” you assured him with a knowing look.

“My friends are very smooth with the ladies, but they’re also good guys, I promise. Your friends are in good hands,” he told you.

“It’s funny, Penny told us the same thing earlier,” you said.

“Ah, well, no one’s more trustworthy than Penny,” Bob smiled.

You nodded and the two of you sat in silence once again. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, however. You didn’t feel the need to fill it with awkward chatter. You were more than happy to just sit there with him, enjoying the cool evening air and listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

Bob looked like something was on his mind, like he wanted to say something, but was holding back. When you met his eyes and cocked your head to the side curiously, however, he seemed to come to a decision.

“Why were you going to leave?”

You were a little taken aback by his question and immediately dropped your gaze to your lap, fiddling with the strap of your purse and trying to figure out how to answer his question in a way that didn’t make you sound completely pathetic.

“I’m sorry, that’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked that,” Bob chastised himself, shaking his head. “Please, just forget it.”

“No, um, it’s okay,” you reassured him, clearing your throat slightly. You suddenly wished you had thought to grab a cup of water before coming outside. “Um, I guess I just realized that my friends were really hitting it off with your friends, and I didn’t see any point in sticking around any longer.”

Bob seemed troubled by your response, a small crease appearing between his brows. “Wasn’t there anybody for you to talk to?”

You turned your face away in embarrassment. Things had been going so well. You didn’t want Bob to know what a wallflower you truly were.

“Um, no, not really. My friends are the ones guys usually want to talk to,” you admitted quietly, your voice nearly drowned out by the wind. Your mouth felt so dry, and your hands were sweaty as you wiped them against your jeans.

Bob fully frowned at that. “Guys should be lined up out the door to talk to you,” he said softly, his voice serious.

“That’s sweet of you to say,” you murmured, staring down at the table instead of meeting his eyes.

“I’m not just saying it,” Bob insisted, his tone so urgent that it actually caused you to lift your head up to look at him. “You’re sweet and kind and funny and smart and so beautiful. Guys would have to be insane not to want to talk to you. I’m honestly shocked you’re out here talking to me of all people.”

“Don’t say that,” you begged him, your heart hurting to think that other women didn’t appreciate the wonderful man sitting before you.

“I know that I’m not like my friends,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck as he blushed furiously. “I know I’m not the kind of guy that girls want to talk to. So I know what it’s like to feel like you could just disappear in a place like this and nobody would notice. I hate that you feel that way, too.”

Your breath caught in your throat at his words. You had never met anyone before who seemed to know your thoughts so clearly, who could read your mind and understand everything you were feeling.

“Bob,” you breathed out, reaching across the table and clasping one of his hands between both of yours. “I think you’re a terrific guy. And the girls who can’t see that? It’s their loss.”

He smiled at that, his gaze fixed on your face as he rested his free hand over yours, brushing your knuckles with his thumb. “I’m really glad you didn’t leave.”

“I’m really glad you asked me to stay.”

He said nothing in response, just held your hand tighter as his blue eyes bore into yours, as if he was reading the very depths of your soul.

The air hung thick with tension as the two of you stared at one another, leaning in closer and closer until your lips had no choice but to meet, his mouth firm, but gentle as it closed over yours.

It was soft and sweet and chaste, but when the two of you pulled back, you were both stammering and blushing like a couple of schoolchildren.

The stillness of the moment was broken a moment later when your friends shoved open the door and spilled out onto the back patio.

“There you are!” Renee exclaimed, hands on her hips as she did her best impression of your mother. “You had us scared half to death!”

“I told you she was fine,” Shawna insisted, rolling her eyes and mouthing ‘Sorry!’ to you.

“See? Nothing to be worried about,” Kelsey added. “She’s with…” She let her sentence trail off, shooting you a look to make quick introductions.

“Um, Bob! This is Bob,” you quickly supplied, squeezing his hand and shooting him an apologetic look.

“She’s with Bob!” Kelsey said, poking Renee in the side.

“Floyd, there you are! We were wondering where the hell you got off to,” Hangman said, joining your group and wrapping an arm around Renee’s waist.

“I guess they did notice we disappeared after all,” you whispered to Bob with a knowing smile.

“Of course we did!” Kelsey butted in, smiling when Rooster stepped up behind her and slipped his hand into hers.

“We were all going to head back to my place for a midnight swim,” Shawna explained, beaming up at Coyote. Your friend’s apartment complex was the only one that had a pool, and her landlord was cool enough to allow residents to use it whenever they wanted, so long as they were mindful of the noise. “Invite your friend!”

Your cheeks grew warm as everyone stared at you expectantly. “Um, Bob, would you like to come swimming with us?”

“I’d love to,” Bob grinned, his eyes fixed on you and only you.

Your friends clapped and cheered, which made your cheeks grow all the hotter.

“C’mon, let’s go close our tabs. Jake’s paying for the Ubers,” Renee smirked, patting the blonde’s chest as she gazed up at him.

“Aww, thanks, Jake,” Coyote grinned, smacking his friend on the shoulder as he and Shawna headed back inside.

“Owe you one, man,” Rooster nodded, leading Kelsey back into the bar.

“Hey, wait a second—”

“That’s what you get for losing two rounds of pool,” Renee teased, planting a kiss on his cheek before dragging him back inside.

Once you and Bob were left alone in the blessed silence once more, you looked at each other and couldn’t help but crack up laughing.

“I think your friends have really met their matches in my friends,” you told him playfully, gathering your things and rising from the picnic table.

“I think so,” Bob nodded, rising as well. “But I think I really met my match in you.”

Smiling, you slipped your hand into his and beamed up at him. “I couldn’t agree more.”

And as you walked out of The Hard Deck hand-in-hand with Bob, catching the victorious looks and playful winks your friends were shooting your way, you found yourself very grateful for all the times it had never worked out for you before this. Because you were certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bob Floyd had been worth waiting for.

[cryptidghostgirl]

I have another chubby reader for you! I was only gonna ask for one but YOURE SO AMAZING I JUST HAD TO PUT IN ANOTHER REQUEST😞😩 Alastor x chubby!reader, where reader goes out with angel Dust to a party or something wearing a *cough* slutty *cough* outfit and Alastor SEES THEM WEARING IT 👀 and he gets possessive of reader and won't let them leave with angel (whose smirking in the background and fluttering his eyelashes like he's innocent because reader and Alastor are bother emotionally constipated or something and haven't confessed to each other😤) and reader is nervous enough wearing something so revealing already (but they felt good enough in their own skin to wear such an outfit; that confidence is quickly fading when Alastor stops her from leaving with the outfit) so she gets the wrong idea that Alastor thinks she disgusting or body shaming her 🥺 but Alastors just ranting about being ladylike and "dressing like a proper lady" , Angel Dust is now watching this heartbreaking train wreck happen and tries to intervene but then Alastor turns on him about tainting the reader or something but reader has heard enough and just quietly just turns around and walks to her room heartbroken 😭 then angel yells at Alastor and tells him everything *shocked Pikachu face* and goes to reader to fix this misunderstanding, you take it from here????? BUT THEY DO CONFESS

(I LOVE ME SOME HURT/COMFORT AND LOVE CONFESSIONS! YUMM!)

A/N I love your requests and I'm so glad you liked how Sweet turned out. I am actually really proud of that one myself. Of course I will write this. 11/10.

Pretty Bunny (Alastor x Chubby!Rabbit Demon!Reader)

Pairing: Alastor x Reader

Warnings: Hurt/comfort. Body image and weight stuff. I feel like Alastor is a bit ooc but I think this is cute so I don't super care.

Word Count: 2,049

Master Lists:

Master Lists 

Hazbin Hotel Master List

“And where exactly is it you two are off to in such a hurry?”

Y/n and Angel froze, Angel's hand resting on the handle to the hotel's door.

"Well?"

Exchanging a covert look, Y/n and Angel turned to face Alastor. Y/n clasped her hands innocently behind her back, looking up at Alastor through her lashes which Angel had done up in silver falsies, and Angel fixed a smile on his face.

"Just out." Y/n hummed.

"Yeah," Angel chimed in, draping one of his lower arms over Y/n's shoulders and bringing her into his side, "little Y/n here deserves a night out on the town and some fun."

Y/n quickly elbowed Angel in the side. The spider demon knew Alastor and his opinions on the night life of Pentagram City. He was tempting fate. Alastor raised his eyebrows.

"You deserve 'some fun,' do you?" Alastor asked, fixing his gaze on the shorter of the pair of demons.

Angel released his grip on Y/n, shoving her forward slightly. She stumbled a bit, shooting him a glare before looking carefully back at Alastor. His scrutinizing gaze traversed her form with care. Angel had insisted on dressing her up and while the outfit he had put her in was a bit out of her comfort zone, Y/n felt incredibly pretty. The little white satin dress hung from her hips, playing gently against her thighs when she walked, and the black knee high platforms made her at least a couple inches taller. Angel had even placed black satin bows around the bases of her rabbit ears to tie the whole thing together.

There were also the chains, thin and dripping off her body. A necklace here, a carefully placed waist chain there, she looked practically angelic. Alastor crossed his arms, tapping his foot menacingly as he impatiently waited for an explanation.

"Well, we've been working so hard to become better people and it's been three months since we've done anything... fun. Besides, it was my birthday last week."

"Uh-huh." Alastor nodded, his lack of amusement with the situation obvious, "And where exactly are you two planning on going?"

"Oh come on, Smiles. It's just a club I know." Angel sighed, "You're starting to sound like Charlie. I thought you wanted to see us fail."

"That is true." was the only response the Radio Demon gave Angel before fixing his attention on Y/n once again.

She was beginning to grow uncomfortable under his piercing stare. Y/n wrapped her arms around herself, her shoulders hunching slightly.

"So what is the issue, Alastor."

The name felt foreign on her tongue. Although she had been a guest of the Hazbin Hotel practically since its creation, she avoided Alastor. At first, it had of course been due to intimidation. Then, as he had slowly begun to reveal his true colors to the residents of the hotel, it had morphed into something entirely other. Y/n thought that the Radio Demon, one of the most feared overlords in all of Hell, was pretty.

Y/n had never been good at dealing with crushes or flirting or anything. She avoided him like the plague. Her tail twitched thoughtlessly with trepidation, shifting her skirt just the slightest bit, revealing just the smallest big more of her thighs.. It was the last straw for Alastor.

"You're not going out in that."

Angel pressed his palm to his forehead, shaking his head. Love was his specialty, the act and the feeling. It was obvious to him Y/n had a thing for the Radio Demon, and not just because she had revealed the information to him in one of their late night talks. He never brought it up with the rabbit demon who had become a dear friend in the time they had known one another, but he was relatively certain Alastor had some interest in her as well. The Radio Demon seemed to constantly be a few steps behind her, entering rooms she had just left, letting his eyes linger on her when they did their group exercises.

At Alastor's words, Y/n's mouth fell slightly open. Her breath caught in her throat, a shiver running through her.

"Oh."

Her voice was strained and Angel could tell she was holding back tears. Y/n turned away from Alastor, her shoulders slouching even further.

"That is no way for a proper lady to dress." Alastor continued, not seeming to notice the effect his words had had as he lectured the smaller demon, "I mean, you're barley wearing anything at all! For goodness sake, your shoes are covering more than that dress an-"

"Alright," Angel cut in, stepping up beside Y/n and pulling her into his arms, "that's enough big guy."

"You're clearly tainting her with your promiscuity." Alastor sighed, "What, you want to bring her to some club so ignorant wimps can drool over her all night? Or maybe that's what she wants to have happen."

Y/n pulled herself from Angel's grip and marched right up to Alastor. Her eyes wet with unshed tears, he looked down at the finger she was jabbing into his chest in mild shock.

"You are mean." she stated, "I can't believe how wrong I was about you. I thought... god!"

She let her finger fall and crossed her arms over her stomach once again.

"You ready to go, sweet cheeks?" Angel asked and she shook her head.

All the fight had gone out of her.

"No, you go ahead without me. I think... I think I'm just gonna go to bed. Thanks for... yeah."

With those parting words, Y/n stormed upstairs. Angel and Alastor watched until she had long since disappeared into the depths of the hotel. Slowly, they turned to face each other once again.

"What." Alastor said in the most deadpan tone Angel had ever heard come from the demon.

"How could you do that?" Angel asked accusatorially, taking a step towards Alastor, "She is the sweetest little menace on the planet!"

"Do what?"

Alastor's brow furrowed in confusion. He didn't think he'd said anything wrong, done anything wrong. Y/n was the one who had over reacted, stepped out of line, right?

"Do you have any idea how long it has taken her to be confident enough to wear something like that? She has worked so hard on her relationship with herself and... and... she felt pretty. Why would you say that shit to her?"

"I... what?"

"She liked you, ya dumbass! She cared about what you thought of her!"

Alastor took the slightest step back, his hand not grasping his microphone raised to his chest, hovering over his heart.

"I am afraid I don't understand you."

Angel sighed, trying to calm himself.

"Look. Y/n has a crush on you and you just told her she wasn't pretty."

"No I didn't. I told her she should be more ladylike. A crush on me?"

"Yeah well, that's not much better. She is who she is and she is wonderful! The way that she dresses doesn't change any of that."

"She has a crush on me?" Alastor asked again, dumbstruck.

"Yes you idiot."

"But she never speaks to me. I thou-"

"That's cause she's nervous. Geeze, you are dense."

Y/n jumped in shock as she caught sight of Alastor using his shadows to teleport into her room through the reflection of the mirror. Her makeup half off, she turned to him.

"The fuck are you doing here?"

Alastor opened his mouth, about to make a comment about her language before thinking better of it and closing it again. Y/n rolled her eyes, her anger and hurt having festered into irritation. She turned back to the mirror, using the cotton pad in her hand to take off the last of her mascara. Alastor watched her face through the mirror as she tossed the cotton pad to the side.

Reaching up, she slowly began to disassemble the sculpture of a hairdo Angel had put her in.

"Why are you here?" she asked again, placing a bobby pin on the table.

"I came to... apologize." he replied, taking a small step forward.

"What, did Angel force ya' to?"

It wasn't often her accent slipped out. Y/n had been raised in Brooklyn but her parents had been insistent she work not to have the accent. People didn't take people who had them seriously, they said. It only ever made an appearance when she was drunk or feeling any emotion to it's extremity, especially anger.

"No, I am here of my own volition."

"Yeah, sure." she scoffed as she pulled the last of the pins from her hair, allowing it to fall freely around her face as she turned back to him over her shoulder, "I totally believe that."

"It was not my intent to make you feel like you weren't... pretty." Alastor carefully said, avoiding her eyes, "Just tha-

"If an apology involves an exception, is it really an apology?"

Alastor had never been good at this. Apologies or any of the other feelings he had been actively suppressing about the rabbit demon since he had come to the hotel. She stood up from her chair, walking over to him.

Y/n knew the clock was ticking, felt the heat of the tears building in her head again.

"What." she asked, throwing her arms out to the sides and looking around the room, "Ya' think I'm ugly? Unladylike? Is that because I let Angel dress me up or because I'm not stick thin?"

"Y/n."

There were tears dripping down her cheeks now. She looked away, crossing her arms tightly across her stomach in protection.

"Just leave, Alastor."

"Y/-"

"Leave!" she commanded, "Get outa here!"

"Y/-"

"I don' wanna talk to you! What don't ya' get about that!"

"Y/n!" Alastor grabbed her shoulder, turning her to face him.

"What!" she yelled back, tears streaming hotly down her face, "What, Alastor."

"I... I think you're beautiful."

The tears stopped, Y/n's eyes wide. Fueled by a sudden wild courage Alastor continued, grabbing her hands in his own.

"I do. You... I don't have the words. You..." he shook his head, "I really don't. You are a wonder."

Her nose twitched subtly, her ears adjusting themselves atop her head.

"But then why... why did you say those things to me?"

"I was jealous." he anxiously admitted, "I never meant to make you cry."

"Jealous?" Y/n repeated with a slight laugh and Alastor nodded.

His cheeks were hot and his heart pounding in his chest but he refused to look away from Y/n. Releasing one of her hands, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a handkerchief. Gently, he raised it to Y/n's face, patting away her tears.

"You were jealous."

He wasn't going to be able to escape this one.

"That some other guy was gonna see you like that? Was going to charm you and hold you in their arms while I did nothing? Of course I was."

"I have a confession to make." Y/n said after a moment.

"And what might that be?" Alastor asked as he took another step closer to Y/n, still holding one of her hands in his.

He tried his best to repress a smile, her bashfulness was so endearing.

"I maybe, kind of sort of... think you're beautiful too?"

She looked up at him through her lashes. He let go of her hands, grabbing her by the waste and pulling her body into his.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." she nodded shyly.

"You know, I might have heard something along those lines from Angel just a bit earlier."

"From... that little bitch! I mean snitch! I mean both actually I guess."

Alastor laughed at her antics.

"So, pretty bunny, what are we to do with this revelation?"

Y/n's ears cocked. Alastor could feel her tail twitch, brushing up against his arm where he held her. A shiver traveled down his spine.

"Oh I don't know." Y/n feigned indecision, her hands finding her way around his waist as well, bringing them even closer together, "Maybe you should ask me on a date? If you're interested."

"Interested?" Alastor laughed, leaning down, "Of course I am."

[exquisitepluviophile]

pairing: jess mariano x fem!reader

summary: jess does not want to, and would never dance. except this one time

chapter warnings: none to my knowledge!!

A/N: Guess what dumbass pressed ctrl z and deleted all her work so she had to type it out again. OKAY IT'S BEEN A WHOLE YEAR SINCE I POSTED OR SOMETHING BUT I GOT TIRED OF STUDYING AND DECIDED TO FINISH THIS UP TO TIE UP SOME LOOSE ENDS

You had your legs on a table of Luke's diner, and you could not fathom how anyone could ever be more bored than this. You had to sit through Liz Danes' bachelorette party. You could imagine anything that would have been better than this. Being out with Rory and Paris, talking to Lorelai, or even letting Michel show you pictures of his chow chows. Letting out a sigh, you went back to reading Anna Karenina while the middle-aged women were talking about women not being monogamous creatures. "Is this how turkey legs are supposed to look?" Luke asked with a pained expression on his face. Carrie, one of the louder ones, said something about him taking his pants off so they could see for themselves. As much as you hated it, their conversations were kind of interesting. "Get your legs off my table I've got customers eating on 'em," Luke scolded as he looked at the turkey leg in his hand, as if he hoped that it would tell him whether it was cooked or not. You put your legs down and continued reading.

"I need to get some batteries, I'll be back," Jess said as he walked down the stairs. He noticed you were at the diner and stopped in his tracks. "Didn't know that you liked spending your afternoons with middle aged women." That comment made Carrie and the other women gasp. "The old ladies I wanted to knit with were busy, so I had to find company."

"Good book though," He said while you hummed in response. "Jess, Jess! Come over here and meet my oldest friends!" Liz said as she beckoned him over. Jess looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there. "Girls, this is Jess," Liz said proudly. A chorus of 'hellos' sounded. "Hello, handsome," Carrie said as she winked. You had to stifle a laugh for the sake of Jess. "He's going to walk me down the aisle! Is that cool or what?" Liz said to her group.

"It's no big deal," Jess said, trying to draw away attention from him. You found this funny. "It's a very big deal," you said with a dramatic look on your face. Jess gave an unimpressed look. At that time, a deliveryman walked through the door.

"Can I help you?" Luke asked with the confusion written across his face. "Got a package here." "From who? I'm not expecting anything?"

"It's a very important package," the deliveryman said with a serious look on his face. Luke stepped closer. "But there's no address on it?"

Jess smirked as he looked over to you. "I was going to go to the bookstore after getting batteries. Care to join?" he said, extending his hand to you. Looking for any way to escape this situation, you obliged. "Bye Luke, see you later."

"Have fun," Jess said with a laugh as you left the diner and heard a muffled "Have fun with what?!" as music started blaring from the inside.

-

"I was already having a bad day and then some guy had to spill his coffee all over my new blouse and my copy of crime and punishment," you lamented to Jess while you walked towards the bookstore which you frequented. "I didn't have enough money to get myself a new copy and a new blouse, so I decided to get the blouse because of my internship." Jess smiled at that. You were hardworking and diligent, while he was... less of that. You just got the coveted internship at one of the most competitive law firms in Connecticut, and you needed to make a good impression; a shiny copy of crime and punishment accompanied by a coffee stained lavender blouse wouldn't exactly do that.

The jingle of the door chime woke you from your thoughts about your precious copy of crime and punishment. Jess bent his head and didn't say anything to Kirk, the acting cashier, while you smiled and greeted him. You knew he wasn't one for politeness, so you tried to compensate.

"There's something I think you'll like." Jess meandered towards a shelf hidden at the back. You cluelessly trailed, wondering what book it could be. Knowing Jess, it could be a 2000 page book about a whale or a 20 page romance novel; the man read anything and everything with words on it. When he pulled a book off a shelf, your jaw dropped.

The blood-red lettering reading "crime and punishment" contrasted starkly to the obsidian binding that you ran your fingertips across.

"wow, this must cost a fortune, maybe i'll get it once my paycheck can get me more than one cup of instant ramen."

"let's go, i need to see what the guy at the diner did to luke,"

-

"does this dress look like too much?" you ask while twirling around in front of Lorelai. "no, this one is perfect. It makes you look like you'd be sitting in a tower waiting for your prince to save you from a dragon." You looked at her while she lounged on the couch in the house you had graciously invited yourself into. Well, she wasn't wrong. The dress was a light blue, silky fabric billowing around your ankles. The sleeves added to the whimsicalness of the dress. "only if the prince was Jesse Bradford,"

"you know what would make Prince Bradford fall in love with you even more? this flower crown," Lorelai said as she got up and pulled out a pretty-looking headband from a shelf. She put it on you and turned you towards a mirror.

"rory never let me dress her up like a princess; i should adopt you."

-

"hear ye, hear ye! announcing the arrival of her Royal Highness, the Princess, finally gracing us with her presence!"

"shut up, i was five minutes late; being a princess is hard work, you should know," you joked to Jess. You two met up near the gazebo, his reasoning being that he needed to make fun of you all dressed up as long as he could before he had to walk his mom down the aisle. "do you want to go get a seat? you're gonna be here for a long time. or maybe not, i've only been to three of my mom's weddings. "aren't you gonna sit down too?" you asked. "my mom wants me there to give her "emotional support" whatever that means," he joked as he led you to a seat next to lorelai and luke. Carrie from the diner yesterday was talking to them. lorelai looked concerned and luke just looked uncomfortable.

"hey, is everything alright?"

"no, there's gonna be a delay since liz ripped her dress and it's gonna take some time to fix it," carrie explained. "she told me to spread the message,"

"well, spread it car." luke got a suggestive look from carrie. "the message, the message." When carrie walked away, luke looked like he hadn't gotten oxygen in a good five minutes. "that woman makes me uncomfortable."

"poor liz, does she know how to fix something like that?" you asked jess and luke. "she was never one for household skills-" "i used to stitch up her renaissance fair costumes. trust me, she can't" jess interrupted luke. "i'll go see if she needs some help. where did you say she was?"

"she's at miss patty's,

-

You could hear Liz's laments from outside miss patty's. "my dress is ruined! how am i going to get married in a torn dress?" you pushed open the doors to Miss Patty's and gave Liz a concerned look. "I heard you needed some help? can i do anything for you Liz?" you asked, moving over to take a look at her dress. "I'm such a klutz, i tripped standing up and now its torn," she held up the side of her dress where there was an obvious tear. You grimaced and picked up the Doose's brand sewing kit from the table next to her, attempting to fix her dress.

"There you go! as good as new," you finished up the last stitch on her dress. "Oh, you're such a darling," Liz fixed up her hair. "you'd make a great daughter in law to a lucky lady someday. Could you tell jess to get ready for my grand entrance?"

The implied message didn't go past you. With cheeks redder than what your dollar store blush could get you, you thanked her and went down to the gazebo.

-

The ceremony passed by quickly, with you and Jess trying to think of sad and miserable things to make you stop laughing at the proceedings. "Oh man, i swear to you my wedding's gonna be better than whatever that was," you said, wiping the tears of laughter from your eyes as everyone went to the buffet line to get some food. "We'll see that," jess said as he inspected a turkey leg before putting it on his plate. You gave him an offended look. "Do you not think my wedding would be so much better than this 1500s medieval thing going on out here? I'd totally pick out a better theme," you said as you piled some mysterious looking food onto your plate. "I highly doubt that, and I hope you know that what you're putting on your plate is minced liver."

Your hand froze right right before you almost dumped another spoonful food onto your plate. You promptly pushed off the whole serving of minced liver back into the serving bowl. "That was so uncouth of you, private school girl. Did they not teach you manners at your finishing school?" You elbowed jess in the side as you chose a much more appetising looking burger prepared specially, from luke's. "one, i'm in college now; two let's sit down. I don't think they taught you table manners either city boy,"

-

After finishing up your dinner, you two decided to walk around to socialise. If socialise meant to make fun of every person in renaissance attire.

"the guy in the pantaloons probably thinks energy drinks count as water," jess pressed his lips to your ear, narrowly missing your cheek because of how much you were laughing. Everyone must have thought you two were drunk or high, from how hard you two were laughing. That was when you heard medieval sounding music playing where everyone had gathered.

"jess. you have to dance to this. i physically need to see it," you clung onto his arm, bringing him to the area near the gazebo, where Liz and TJ were dancing. They were doing some complicated looking dance straight out of the middle ages. "no way am i doing that. i'd rather slam my tongue in a car door." "please...?" "no." "...pretty please?" "fine, but you're coming out there with me." and before you could say no, he'd already dragged you to the dancefloor.

you'd be lying if you said you didn't have fun embarrassing yourselves. you'd only been dragged out of the dancefloor because TJ wanted to seranade Liz with a special dance just for her, and boy, were you glad you didn't have to see that.

-

Jess was walking you over to the gilmore house, where you'd been crashing with lorelai since your exams had been over. You, being a rich international student who's parents knew Richard and Emily Gilmore, had been asked to stay with them when you went to Chilton, and to Yale subsequently. Of course you could always tell them that your exams hadn't ended yet, and you were still staying at Yale, but where's the fun in that? You, lorelai, and rory, were planning on having a weekend of binging old movies and junking on the most unhealthy food you could find, so being a few days early wasn't a problem.

"after this is back to new york?" you asked him while approaching the door of lorelai's house. "maybe not, this time. might stay here for a bit; it's not that bad," he responded, leaning on the door. "any plans for summer?" you looked up at him. "you know, i've always wanted a summer romance. you know the type you read in the books, the notebook and stuff like that," you played with the straps of your purse. "maybe that'll be one of my plans," he said as he grabbed your waist and held you right up to him. "want it to be longer than just summer though." he pressed his lips to yours as he ran his fingers through your hair. you took a second to react, but you were kissing him back too. when you pulled apart for air, breathing heavy, you smiled.

"can't wait"

wc: 2.1k

[sapphicromanoffxo]

Lucky Ones | iii. Testing the waters

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Wanda Maximoff

Word count: 2697

Warnings: Gossiping, Dirty Talking, Degradation, Lost of Virginity, Oral sex, Fingering, Praise kink

Summary: Wanda spends her summer break back in the company and heard some slight gossips about Natasha. This caused for Wanda to ask questions to the older woman.

»»-----------► Series Masterlist

The day was a whirlwind of chaos, with orders buzzing in every minute, tasks being tackled from left to right, and an atmosphere of palpable tension settling over the team. The groundbreaking ceremony had been rescheduled, casting a looming deadline of less than two months to finalise every plan and submit the necessary reports.

"God, I need a second cup of coffee. I'm on the brink of my sanity with all these excel sheets!" Sharon, Natasha's junior engineer, exclaimed with theatrical exasperation. "I have no idea how we'll manage to meet our target deadlines with these requests piling up," she added.

"I know exactly what you mean. These never-ending numbers and charts are giving me a pounding headache," Maria chimed in, empathising with Sharon's sentiments.

Wanda, ever the silent observer, chose to keep her inner thoughts to herself. Her reserved nature and preference for handling things smoothly guided her decision to listen rather than voice her concerns in the midst of the chaos.

"Wanda, you seem to be pulled in so many directions by Natasha. How are you managing with all of this?" Sharon inquired curiously, attempting to gauge Wanda's thoughts on the matter.

"It's undeniably stressful, but I don't have much choice except to follow her demands and try to get everything done as quickly as possible," Wanda replied candidly.

"Natasha usually has reasonable demands, but this project is on a whole different level. I can see how everyone is on edge whenever she's not satisfied with the results. She nearly fired Jennifer because of her incorrect calculations," Sharon shared with the two other ladies, recounting a recent mishap involving their colleague.

"Romanoff intimidates me to no end, to be honest. I'd crumble under her scrutiny. I couldn't handle it," Maria admitted.

As Wanda absorbed all this information about Natasha's management style and its impact on the team, it became clear that Natasha could be quite demanding when her expectations weren't met.

"Hey, Wanda, do you think that if Natasha had a partner, it might soften her up a bit?" Sharon asked mischievously, introducing a playful notion into the conversation.

Wanda found herself unsure of how to react to Sharon's probing question. She was uncomfortable with the topic, but before she could voice her feelings, Maria interjected, "Hush, Sharon. You're being too nosy!"

Sharon, undeterred, continued, "What? Aren't you curious? In the two years I've been working here, I've never once heard that she's dating anybody. For the record, there are also no known past lovers. How does she do it? She's undeniably attractive, anyone with eyes can see that."

Maria responded with a hint of skepticism, "I can't tell if you're genuinely curious because you admire her looks and want to commend her for that, or if you're just fixated on our boss's seemingly non existent love life."

"Whoever she dates must be incredibly lucky," Sharon said dreamily.

Wanda remained silently stunned in her seat, her mind racing with questions. Natasha's extreme privacy had her employees speculating about her romantic life. It also made Wanda contemplate her own situation. Did Natasha have past lovers who were once in the same position as her? Were they offered all the luxuries and responsibilities she currently enjoyed? Her thoughts began to spiral, bordering on overthinking.

"Don't worry about us, Wanda. We're just gossiping to take a break from this exhausting workload," Maria reassured her with a friendly smile.

Wanda simply nodded in acknowledgment and returned to her ongoing task. The hum of activity continued around her as she focused on her work.

Natasha sat in their house, nursing a glass of whiskey, and observed Wanda with a thoughtful gaze. She sensed something was on the younger woman's mind and decided to initiate a conversation.

"How was your day, sweetheart? I apologise for not being able to talk much during the day, there was so much to be done," Natasha inquired, her tone carrying a hint of genuine concern.

Wanda replied, "It's alright. I assisted Sharon and Maria while also working on the report you requested for today."

With a contemplative hum, Natasha finished the last drops of her whiskey, setting the glass aside. Wanda mustered the courage to broach a more personal topic.

"Natasha, there are some things I'm curious about, but I'm not sure if you'd be open to discussing them," she began tentatively.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Well, that would depend on what you're curious about," she replied with a hint of intrigue.

Wanda proceeded cautiously, "I'm just curious about how you achieved such remarkable success at a young age. Becoming the CEO of M&A Engineering Corporation at 29 must have been an incredible milestone. It seems like you've been quite fortunate."

Natasha almost bristled at the word fortunate but her reaction remained guarded. "My father recognised my potential, and we started from there. I had to prove my worth, and it eventually led to me securing the position," she replied carefully, without revealing any key information about herself.

Wanda complimented her sincerely, "I truly admire your dedication and strength. Balancing work and studies is a challenging feat, and from what I've seen, you've excelled at it." Her words held a note of admiration and respect for Natasha's achievements.

"You'll reach great heights too, Wanda. I can see how you're building yourself up, and I'm confident you have a bright future ahead," Natasha replied, sharing her genuine belief in Wanda's potential.

"I have to thank you for that, I'm not sure I would have been able to finish my last semester without your support," Wanda expressed her gratitude.

Natasha responded, "I just did what needed to be done."

Curiosity still lingered in Wanda's mind, and she ventured further, "If you don't mind, can I ask more questions?"

Natasha, curious about the direction of the conversation, simply asked, "What's on your mind?"

Wanda inquired with great curiosity, "What were you like before you became a successful engineer? I mean, with your looks, I can imagine people falling at your feet."

Natasha, anticipating where the line of questioning is headed, decided to provide a short and guarded response, "I followed a strict path, focusing on my studies and career. I didn't have time for relationships. I was determined to complete my degree, pursued my master's, and dedicated myself to my work at my father's company." She chose to keep her personal life private, as she often did, leaving Wanda to wonder even more.

"Nothing at all? Not even before I came into the picture?" Wanda pressed on, seemingly oblivious to the gears turning in Natasha's head.

Natasha maintained her calm demeanour as she responded, "No, I never entertained the idea of committing to another person. It seemed like a lot of work."

Wanda's insecurity crept into her tone as she asked, "So, what changed then?"

Natasha met Wanda's gaze and replied with a touch of vulnerability, "I couldn't resist the urge to learn more about you. You could say that I was genuinely intrigued by you." There was a softness in Natasha's eyes that hinted at mischief.

"I would like to test some of my theories," Natasha said, skillfully steering the conversation away from any further probing questions Wanda might have.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Wanda inquired, intrigued by what Natasha has in mind.

"Allow me to show you," Natasha stood up gracefully and gestured for Wanda to follow her into the bedroom. As they entered the room, Natasha gently placed her hand on Wanda's waist, a subtle but electric touch that made Wanda's heart race.

In the dimly lit bedroom, they both stood beside the bed, Wanda facing it while Natasha stood behind her.

Natasha couldn't help but comment, "You always smell so good, Wanda." She peppered delicate kisses along Wanda's neck, her hands tracing teasing patterns on the hem of Wanda's nightgown, softly grazing her thighs.

Wanda's only response was a soft bite on her lip. She felt a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation with whatever is about to happen between them. Her ass is pressed on Natasha's front and the older woman starts groping Wanda's breast.

"I find these incredibly captivating," Natasha purred sensually, her palm aggressively kneading Wanda's breasts. The atmosphere was charged with desire and intimacy which is almost suffocating.

"Natty, please."

"What do you want, detka?"

Wanda whimpered upon hearing Natasha's husky voice in her ear. This is escalating to a new level and Wanda internally shaking.

"Use your words, Wanda. I'd like to hear what you want."

Wanda's voice quivered as she confessed, "I want you to touch me everywhere and take me however you desire!" Her desperation was evident in her tone, a reflection of the burning desire that Natasha had ignited within her.

A sly grin curled on Natasha's lips, and she leaned in closer, her ego delighting in Wanda's vulnerability. "I like the sound of that. Just so you know, I don't like being gentle."

Wanda's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She had imagined their first time together to be soft and tender, but Natasha's unpredictable nature took things in a thrillingly different direction.

"Get on the bed. I want your ass up in the air."

Wanda hastily obeyed, climbing onto the bed and assuming the position Natasha had requested. This position exposed her vulnerable ass and Wanda is feeling a bit scared now on what Natasha had in mind.

“I have been observing you for too long now, Wanda. I do think that you deserve a reward for being my good girl. Don’t you agree?” Natasha taunts the younger woman while softly caressing her ass. “Answer me when I am speaking to you, little girl!” That earned a hard slap in Wanda’s ass.

“Yes! I have been a good girl and I need to be rewarded, please.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.You make sure to remember your manners or you’ll be punished instead.” Natasha started pushing Wanda’s nightgown wherein her back is now also exposed.

“Natasha…”

“Yes, Wanda? Feeling impatient? You were able to wait for all these months. A couple of minutes won’t do you any harm.” Natasha said with a sinister voice.

Wanda whimpered again and didn't want to upset the older woman.

“Would you show how good you are if you take whatever it is that I'll be giving you?”

“Yes, Natasha.”

“Hmm. From now on, call me miss whenever I’m about to fuck you senseles. Is that understood?” Natasha emphasised her question with another slap on Wanda's ass.

“Yes, Miss! I understand.”

“Good girl.”

Nastasha started peperring hot kisses on Wanda’s back. Wanting to kiss every part of her Wanda and made sure to leave mark in order for her to fully claim Wanda as hers. Her hand drifted down to Wanda’s pussy and was delighted to find her core already wet.

“Oh my. I haven’t even properly touched you and you are dripping for me, baby. What a slut you are.”

Wanda’s head is spinning, Natasha’s words are doing a number on her and she’s unconsciously heading to a subspace, something that is an uncharted territory for her.

“Please, Miss…hmp!” Wanda whimpered once again as Natasha started circling her clit.

“Does that feel good, baby? Would you like more? I bet your pussy will be able to take 3 fingers instantly.

That sent a blaring alarm sound in Wanda’s mind. She’s been so desperate for Natasha’s attention and touch that she has forgotten to tell her that she’s a virgin.

“Nata- Miss. I have something to tell you.”

“What is it, pretty girl?” Natsha temporarily stops her attempts to tether Wanda on edge.

“Uhmm.. I - I’m a.. I have never done this before.”

Natasha wants to be shocked by Wanda’s revelation but it feeds her ego even more knowing that she's about to take Wanda's innocence. “Does that mean that you want me to be gentle?”

“No, I can take it. Just take it slowly, please.” Wanda is pleading that her request would somehow be granted by Natasha.

“Very well. Lay on your back, spread your legs wide for me.”

Wanda followed her order again and did what she was told. Natasha was very ecstatic with how eager Wanda wants to please her. It drives her crazy and does not want to prolong this anymore.

"Please, Wanda, if you ever feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable, don't hesitate to tell me," Natasha said earnestly, her voice laced with a caring concern. "I want you to know that your comfort and consent are my top priorities. But," she added with a playful glint in her eye, "I do hope you won't be asking me to stop."

Natsha descended her mouth on Wanda’s awaiting core and dived right in her aching clit. Wanda moaned in surprise feeling Natasha’s warm mouth on her. Wanda’s hands claw on the bedsheet to somehow ground her as she’s feeling her soul leave her body with all the pleasure that Natasha is giving her.

“Miss, ahhh.. You feel so good —hmf! Natasha!” Wanda exclaimed as Natasha started sucking her clit. Natasha is very thrilled with all the noises that Wanda has been making. The soft moans that turned into growls as Wanda is nearing her orgasm. The older woman decided to penetrate Wanda with her left middle finger, hoping to get a reaction out of her.

“Miss miss miss!” Wanda is babbling her incoherent thoughts as she’s feeling all the sensations that she thought she’d never feel from anyone. It made Wanda feel the pleasure mixed with pain but she doesn’t have the heart to tell Natasha to stop. All she wants is for this to never end. Her legs clamped on each side of Natasha’s head and it earned her a slap on her right breast.

“Keep your legs open or I will stop.” Natasha warned her to keep her legs in place.

“I’m sorry, please don’t stop. I need you!”

Natasha continued where she left off. Wanda is absolutely drenched. She has never tasted anything so addicting and she could stay here as long as she wants. She then again added another finger, pulling in and out in a gentle phase. Wanda was once again elevated to a new height of pleasure which made her scream with so much passion.

“Oh my god, Miss. Please! I need more!”

Ofcourse, Natasha could not deny her pleas and started to thrust her two fingers with so much force making Wanda’s eyes roll back. Her mouth is now agape and her throat is now dry from all of the screams and moans that she’s been making in the past minutes

Natasha is unmerciful with her fingers with the combination of her talented tongue, this sent Wanda into her orgasm without warning, hitting her like a tidal wave. Pleasure coming down on her leaving her dazed in fulfilment.

Wanda is sure that stars are dancing around her eyes for a minute before she is able to catch her breath.

"Are you feeling better now, Wanda?" Natasha inquired, her voice tender and filled with genuine concern. She continued to massage both of Wanda's thighs, which had gone limp in the aftermath of their intense moment. "You did so good for me, baby. I'm proud of you." Natasha further added.

Wanda took a deep, steadying breath as she met Natasha's caring gaze. The intimate connection they had just shared left her feeling vulnerable, but also incredibly content. "Yes," she replied softly, her voice a mixture of satisfaction and affection. "I feel more than alright, Natasha. I feel amazing. Thank you."

"That's reassuring," Natasha whispered, her fingers gently caressing Wanda's thighs as they lay together in the afterglow. She leaned in to place a tender kiss on Wanda's lips, savouring the lingering taste of their shared passion. "But remember, my dear, we have so much more to discover and explore together. This is merely the beginning of what I have in mind."

Wanda's eyes sparkled with a mixture of anticipation and affection as she gazed into Natasha's deep, knowing eyes. "I can't wait to see what you have in store, Natasha," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity and curiosity.

[theelvenhaven]

Sickening Plan

Celegorm x Reader

2.9k Words

Warnings: Emotional cheating, drinking, alcohol, attempted manipulation and gaslighting, angsty.

A/N: Unrequested work. So since I posted a headcanon for Friday I am adding a fic for Monday. Hope you all enjoy and shout out to my beta readers @batsyforyou and @fandomhoe101 for helping me with this piece and giving me feedback

 * * * 

Fury didn’t begin to describe what it was you were feeling as you entered in your office, a bottle of wine in hand. You wanted to get away from your so called partner as you closed the door with control. Careful not to slam it, not really wanting to draw gossip nor your partner to attention. They had brought here a Doriathan princess, the beautiful Luthien… And it was apparent to you that Celegorm was certainly of the same thoughts and far from caring about how you felt about the whole situation. 

You could tell from the look in his pale blue eyes that he was smitten with her, taken by her beauty and grace. Her soft spoken voice, with a firmness in it. Hair that was inky dark like a long cascade of a starless night, who Huan had taken a liking to it would appear. A Lady who was here on their invitation, and utterly kind. It certainly put her father to shame as you had listened to her plight when she first arrived. 

It wasn’t her beautiful and fair appearance that bothered you, or how long and pretty her black hair was. It wasn’t that she was perfect in appearance nor her kindness and gentle voice that irked you and festered beneath your skin. It was none of those things that was making you feel rage towards her. Then again as you thought about it, you weren’t really vengeful and angry towards Luthien. How could you be? When all she wanted to be was with the love of her life, Beren. 

No it was none of those things. 

What infuriated you was the conversation you had overheard Celegorm having with Curufin in their studies. Wanting to meet back up with them after you spoke to Luthien, to thank them for being so kind and at ease with her. For taking her in and trying to figure out how to assist her in her plight to find the man of her dreams so she could wed him and be together. 

It was the fact that Celegorm seemed to droll on about her beauty and even going on to compare you to her that was your problem. Bringing you to have paused right outside the door as the words just seemed to spill out of his mouth like a broken faucet. It had made ice run through your veins at the reverence he spoke of about her, and it made an ache start in your chest. But you had felt rooted in your spot, listening as Curufin went on to suggest marrying Luthien to Celegorm.

You had waited for him to deny it, to turn down the idea. Because he loved you right? You and Celegorm had been together for quite some time, it was logical those next steps should be considered between the two of you and not between him and Luthien. Yet Celegorm had chimed in all too quickly about accepting the idea. With Curufin rattling off a list of pro’s though Celegorm told him he hadn’t needed it. That being with such a beautiful elleth was motivation enough. 

Now here you were, sitting at your desk in your study. A decanter of wine almost completely drained and your glass of wine was filled to the brim, easily on your second very full glass. Already starting to feel warm and fuzzy, though fury continued to come in waves, ebbing and flowing as you continued to think on how readily Celegorm was going to abandon you for her. 

Your mind wanted to be angry with Luthien, to yell at her. To demand that she leave this instance, to tell her how she was terrible and temptation for already spoken for men and ellyn alike. But as you thought of her and her plight and her current quest, you felt the rage dampen towards her. You couldn’t possibly be mad at her for just existing, for having been in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

On the other hand when you thought of Celegorm and all the years you had been together, and how much you had loved him. Still loved him and thought that he was your one… Yet he was going to squander it all away for Luthien. Someone he barely knew… You were seeing red, all you could do was pick up your wine glass with care and take a generous swallow or two from it. Letting the dry wine and its bitterness slide down your throat as you glared up at the ceiling before setting it back down. 

Hearing the sound of your office door open and to your displeasure, the source of your fury stepped in. Celegorm looked at you with bright eyes, almost as if he was eager to see you. Before they trailed to the glass on the desk in front of you, 

“Partying this early in the evening?” He quipped out in amusement as he shut the door behind himself. You watched as his stupid face seemed to have a smug smirk on it, watching him fold his arms over his chest. Your eyes sharply glanced at him with a tight frown pulling at your lips, before you picked the glass back up, you were certainly going to need another bottle… 

“And without me at that. What’s the occasion?” He asked, moving to grab a chair, dragging it around the desk to come sit in front of the chair that you were slumped back in. Your hand angrily piddling at the hem of your robes, as a tick set in your jaw. Celegorm sat down and you watched as some of the smugness was wiped off his face, picking up the decanter with a quarter cup of wine left in the bottom. Pulling the top from it and taking a swig. 

There was a long moment of silence as the two of you stared at one another. You were still so angry and you couldn’t believe that he was pretending like nothing was the matter. As though he wasn’t conspiring with Curufin to marry Luthien. Like he didn’t worship the very ground she walked upon and they only just met. It took you a long moment to take a deep breath to rein in your fury before you took a breath. Opening your mouth to speak. 

“Well Lord Celegorm,” You addressed in a drunken callousness, feeling emboldened by the wine you had drunk. “It would appear I am celebrating your upcoming nuptials.” 

A look of confusion crossed his features for a moment, before you watched another stupid smirk cross his lips. You wanted to wipe it off his face so bad, you hated it. You were angry. The realization coming to you as the fact that if that was going to be his upcoming nuptials… Then it wasn’t going to be a mutual agreement. Not with how hard Luthien was set on Beren. 

“My upcoming nuptials?” He quipped back, leaning back in his chair, spreading his legs comfortably as he rested the decanter casually on his thigh. Gripping the neck of it with his fist, he tilted his head, with blond hair spilling over his shoulder. 

“Is this your way of proposing? I must say I always pictured being the one to do it and you being less angry with me for it.” Celegorm said in amusement, and you narrowed your eyes as you watched the sense of pride that seemed to fill him at the idea of this being some kind of backwards proposal. You definitely weren’t proposing and did he think you were stupid? To not know what it was he and Curufin were planning? To marry him off to Luthien. And he wanted to be! 

“Going to be hard to accept my proposal if you are already engaging yourself to Luthien, don’t you think?” This time there was satisfaction that filled you as you watched the way the smile seemed to leave his face. The way his pride seemed to deflate and a more scornful look found his face, ah there it was. Finally something other than pride and smugness. It was refreshing. You were looking for an argument at this point. 

It wasn’t like you to get drunk like this, you knew drinking your problems was a bad idea. Always was it. But you didn’t know what else to do, and so you had let yourself- literally- marinate in the wine. Letting everything fester. Now you wanted to take it out on him for betraying you. You were hurt. 

“What are you talking about?” Celegorm asked with a stiffness to his voice that he used when he was lying to you about something and was caught red handed. It was a rare thing for him to lie to you about something but not these days it seemed. Not when they were spent skulking around with Curufin, who was encouraging Celegorm to shut you out. Now he had successfully found a way to do it to you. 

“Do you think I am a fool? To not know what you and Curufin were speaking of earlier?” You pressed in a bitter tone, your hand holding the stem of the wine glass. Turning it slowly on top of the table top as you ground your teeth. You heard Celegorm release a big huff at your words, scoffing even and you knew he was rolling his eyes. 

“You don’t know the whole nature of that conversation, nor do you have all the details.” 

“Oh I heard enough.” You barked back, “I heard plenty about how perfect Luthien was, about how beautiful she was, that she was even prettier than I was. Or about how wonderful she smelled, or how her skin was softer and more perfect than mine.” You glared as you spoke every word to him, a sharp look finding his face yet he couldn’t get his eyes to look up at you and meet your gaze. 

“She’s so beautiful Curvo, she makes Y/N pale in comparison.” You quoted in a mocking voice, gesturing with your freehand with gusto, bringing up your wine glass to drink from. 

“You don’t know the extent of the conversation or what brought it up for me to say those things.” Celegorm countered, leaning back in his chair still. Watching you shift uncomfortably as you cast your gaze away rolling your own eyes and shaking your head. Your hand coming back down to your robes to pick at again. 

“Oh? Really? Are you going to tell me you lied to your own brother?” You scoffed with a sneer on your lips, and you watched a stoic look crossing his features. You didn’t know how it was he could so easily fool others and lie to Finrod. (Which you often fought him on). Yet with you, you could see through all his lying. Celegorm was lying to you. 

“Yes, I did in fact.” 

“I don’t believe you. You’re lying.” Again Celegorm huffed out at your words, he hated that you could see through him. Though he wasn’t going to hint at that to you. You only knew he regretted getting caught saying those things. 

“What about you? What were you doing eavesdropping on a conversation that was private?” Celegorm retorted, trying to twist and turn this back onto you. A defense mechanism to try and take the heat off of himself from you. Yet you weren’t going to buy into the bait, nor were you going to argue. They had summoned you to be there when you finished speaking with Luthien. 

“Don’t change the subject!” You quipped, “Are you or are you not going to marry her?” 

There was a long and uncomfortable silence, and while he gave you a poker face… His lack of quickness to deny that was the plan proved to you that was what his intentions were with her. He was going to force her into a marriage with him, just as Eol had forced Aredhel, and it was sickening. You couldn’t believe that he was going to go through with this!

“You’re sick!” You said bitterly, forcibly scooting your chair away from him, and standing from your spot. You grabbed your wine glass, walking around the oak desk to be on the opposite end of the room. Feeling his hand coming to grab your upper arm to stop you. 

“Wait! Y/N let me explain!” Celegorm said in a firm and deep voice, but you sneered up at him. Feeling the ground sway some beneath your feet and how light headed you were feeling from the alcohol. You wanted to sit again and enjoy the warm fuzzies, that were trying to dampen the immense rage you felt swelling in your chest. To be done with this conversation because you had heard enough from him. 

“What is there to explain?” You all but yelled at him, raising your voice. You were furious. You didn’t want to hear anymore of this sickening plan. He had hurt you enough with what all he had to say comparing you to Luthien. Now he was going to marry her. He was throwing you away so easily.

“It is only in vows! Not through binding of our fea!” He retorted out just as quickly, yet none of it made it any better. If anything it felt infinitely worse hearing that!

“So what? You’ll marry us both? Have two spouses? When bigamy is against our beliefs and not possible!?” You began pulling yourself roughly from his grip on your arm, sloshing some wine over your glass and into the floor. You watched as Celegorm simply took a step back away from you, balling up his fist but keeping it at his side. You weren’t fearful that he would hurt you. 

You had enough arguments with him to know that he wouldn’t. Even now with him being an absolute idiot and having to actually be accountable for his shitty behavior as of late, Celegorm wouldn’t lay a finger on you. 

“Yes, I still plan on marrying you. It is a show! To get Thingol to bend to our will!” 

“How is that better!?” You asked suddenly, “How is that supposed to make me feel better!? When I am the only one you are supposed to be with!” This time your voice rang off the stone walls that surrounded you and you didn’t care who it was that might be passing by and hear you. You were fed up with whatever this sick and twisted plan was, all to try and get Thingol in their pocket. As they had not even attempted to make conversation with the King of Doriath even once. 

“We are going to be together!”

“No! I am not going to bend to this sick and twisted plan that you two have concocted!” You said to him angrily, because there wasn’t anything on Arda or Ea that was going to let you give into this plan. You wanted nothing to do with it at all. It was time for Celegorm to make a choice. 

“You have a choice Celegorm. It’s either me or it’s her.” You hiccuped out, bringing your glass up to sip as you took another step back from him. You could maybe forgive the things he said… Maybe make him apologize for it for the next 100 years and then some. You knew he would, as Celegorm could be impulsive and stupid. His words not yours. Often you didn’t let the excuse he created to be what you used to ignore his mistakes. 

You didn’t want to lose him, no matter how badly those words made your chest ache when you thought back on them. You wanted to make the exception because you feared what life was like without him… Then again you were ready to abandon this life for something new even if it was scary. You weren’t going to be tied to him while he was tied to Luthien forcibly. 

There was a tense silence, and for once you didn’t want to jump to conclusions about what it was he was thinking. You wanted him to be actually considering his options and the consequences they had. Specifically the hair-brained plan that he was going to marry Luthien and you. Or choosing Luthien over you. 

“Y/N.” Celegorm said in a calm voice, taking a step forward to be near you. It made your heart begin to pound with some hope. Looking up at him with a more soft expression, waiting for him to finish his words,

“I can’t choose. This must be done.” He answered in a surprisingly soft voice, and immediately your face soured. You had let your hope grow too immense, and now it was shattered. You felt the returning ache in your chest, the way your heart fell into the pit of your stomach. You were hurt that he wouldn’t choose you over this plan or over Luthien. 

“Fine. If you can’t make the choice then I will.” You answered him bitterly, 

“I’m done Celegorm. We are done.” You said, turning on the ball of your foot and making your way to the door. 

“Y/N!” He called out behind you, there was the slight sound of panic on his voice as you heard him start after you. But you didn’t stop. You were finished. If he wanted to go through with this plan, well then you would make it easy for him. You weren’t going to be tacked on so callously like an extra perk. You were supposed to be his spouse. Not Luthien. 

If you weren’t good enough for Celegorm now, then you knew you’d never be good enough. So with that you slammed the office door behind you. Only to hear the sound of glass shattering meet your ears.

* * *

Tags: @saviorsong @lilmelily @dicksoutformtl @fandomhoe101 @celebrimbor-telperinquar​ @red-riding @miriel-estelwen @ta-ka-shi-ma @nerdysimpy @thegirlwithoutaname87​ @anunexpectedsideblog​ @spidergirla5​ @eunoiaastralwings​ @eternalabysss​  @noldorinpainter​

[marvelsage]

Wednesday & Wick

CHAPTER: TWO

SETTING: Weathervane Cafe

You had been sitting in the back corner of the cafe when Wednesday had entered. You didn’t put too much thought into her conversation with Tyler until he offered to drive her to the train station in Burlington. You watched as her attempts to bribe him failed, and opted to just wait. Scanning the cafe and she stopped on you and decided to approach.

“Hello, Wednesday.” You greet continuing to read an old family journal.

“Y/n. What are you doing here?”

“Reading.”

“Reading what?”

“A journal.”

“What’s it about?”

“Wednesday, do you really care or are just wasting time until coffee boy takes you to the train station?” Finally meeting her gaze over the rim of the journal, as usual she had an emotionless expression but you could see it in her eyes she found it the tiniest bit amusing to annoy you.

“How did you know he was taking me to the station?”

“I have ears, darling. And you weren’t exactly whispering.”

“Are you not going to inform Principal Weem?” Sighing you decide to just close the journal for now since you were stuck reading the same line over and over again.

“It’d be a waste of my time.”

“Why-”. Before she could question further the bell chimes above the door and the mayors son and his friends come. You sit up and put your journal away as they head straight for your table.

“What are Nevermore freaks doing out in the wild?”

“This is our booth.”

“Why are you three dressed like religious fanatics?”

“We’re pilgrims.”

“Potato, po-tah-to.” You silently laugh as you lean back and watch the scene unfold enjoying the way Wednesday was handling the situation.

“We work at Pilgrim World.”

“It’s takes a special kind of stupid to devote an entire theme park to zealots responsible for mass genocide.”

“My dad owns Pilgrim World. Who you calling stupid?”

“If the buckled shoe fits.”

“Guys, back off.” Tyler appeared behind them.

“Stay out of this, Galpin.”

“Yes, stay out of this.” You sat forward anticipating Wednesdays next move as she stands.

“So tell me, freak…you ever been with a normie?”

“I’ve never found that could handle me.” You could feel her dark aura surrounding her and your hand twitches to reach out for it. Instead you focus your attention elsewhere, like the two goons at her back.

“Boo!”

“Hey!” In a split second you grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back using the momentum to shove to the side. Easily dodging the other ones attempts at swinging at you.

“All these years of bullying people, you’d think you know how to throw a punch.” Grabbing his fist, he tries to yank it back but you don’t budge instead you grab his head and slam it into the table and let him fall to the ground whining.

“I could’ve handled that.” You survey the scene around you and then her.

“I know.” You mentally roll your eyes as Tyler steps up next to her. You tune out their little chit chat and gather your stuff as the door opens and incomes the sheriff.

“Dad.”

“Tyler, the hell’s going on in here?”

“They were harassing customers, and they put them in their place.”

“Wick, I can see that for you. But this little thing? Did you step in?” You rolled your eyes at the comments.

“Dad, I swear, I wasn’t involved.” Principle Weems rushes in and you straightened out knowing it was time to go. She apologies and ushers us along, briefly stopping when the sheriff announces to the whole world about Wednesdays dad.

“I’ll see you at the school Principle Weems. I have an appointment.” You gesture behind you somewhere.

“As soon as you get back to school to my office immediately, do you understand?” You jokingly bow to her.

“Of course, Lady Weems of Nevermore.” You send a wave to Wednesday as she remains stoic but gives a slight nod.

(A/N: Sorry slowly working in the Wednesday and Y/n interactions. Thank you all again for the love and support! A few people have asked so if you would like to be tagged pls let me know and I’ll start tagging on the next one!)

[writingwenches]

✍ WIP SUNDAY ✍

Thanks for the tags~ @rainwingmarvel7 @alicent-boleyn @rottengrowls

I had three days off of work in a row, and I should have done more with my life, but I just was a vegetable, and that's totally okay because my bills are paid whoops

I started writing the story from here in the first person, because that's what makes the most sense for the overall story, but...meh I hate it T.T

This is Lyn's whirlwind journey into the life of a lady, she was raised as a peasant her whole life, and maybe an hour or two ago found out she was High Born? I skipped all the parts with juicy potentially romantic parts with the prince, because ladies are more fun whoops

There was an open center courtyard in the Lannister tent village. I finally felt like I could breath, the taste of sickness washed out with red wine clung to the back of my throat. The Liar Prince was gone. I had finished displeasing him, he had accused me of being a spy. I was finally rid of him, at least like Cinda said, until we reach the Capitol, which still might never be. 

“Lynora!” a new voice called, seemingly from the sky. “Lynora, we are so happy to finally meet you.” It was the other woman, the other fanciful ladies framing the receiving room of the tent castle. 

“Lynora,” Cinda spoke, “May I introduce to you,” the women reach bowed when their name was called, I attempted to return the bow with much less grace.

“Lady Filippa Banefort, of Banefort.” The first woman was in yellow, her hair was black and straight and cascaded widely past her shoulders and in her face. 

“Lady Bette Harlaw, of Isle Harlaw.” I had no idea where these places were. Her dress was flowing with sleeves that touched the ground, the colors and patterns were many, as if they were sewn from scraps of other projects. “A ward of House Banefort, for nearly ten years.” Growing up in the Motherhouse, I know what scraps look like.

“Lady Cordelia Lannister, as you know,” The third was Cordelia, I couldn’t remember how we were related, but we were. The young girl’s face powder had smudged and smeared and revealed the scarred skin underneath. She was from Lannisport, that should be easy enough to remember, even if I didn’t realize it wasn’t true. 

“Lady Anna Grace Reyne, of Castamere.” She stood out from when I entered the room, wearing all blacks with a distinct lack of color, outside of the red tint to her hair. She didn’t seem to care anything about the situation.

“And finally, Lady Heather Oakheart, of Old Oak—in northern The Reach,” Cinda clarified, and I responded as if it meant anything to me. Her face was distinct, it reminded me of Lady Aeditya, a foreign, singular face, different than Aeditya, but different from mine as well. She was straining her eyes squinting, focusing on me with great intent. I don’t have to wonder what she could be looking at.

I force a smile back at her, and she excitedly appreciated it. 

“Well, now I will leave you do your new companions, as I see the Prince off,” Cinda chimed, a loud rumble in the distance gave the group pause for a moment before Cinda disappeared behind opulent curtains. 

The moment my head turned back, the group of women were all silently steps closer.

“Lynora, we are so happy to finally meet you,” the girl from the Isle, with the flowing dress spoke first, I could tell she wanted to grab my hands but resisted at the last instant. I appreciated that, especially when she gasped at the sight of my speckled hands. I instinctually curled my fingers.

“You can call me Lyn,” I say. 

“No, I think Lynora will be suitable,” the girl replied back. “Anything else is far too short. You can call me ‘Lady’, Bette is far too short as well.” 

Another one began to speak, “we have heard so much about you!” 

“Really?” I asked, surprised of what they could possible know. "Like what?”

“Oh—your people, of course,” the girl spoke again, the one with long hair and yellow dress, I tried to remember her face and put it with any other information I could see. She had freckles scattering her face, unlike the moles and scabs of mine. It was charming on her. “We have never met a Mullendore before, but I hear one lives at the Court of the Red Keep, Lady Dolores Mullendore.” 

“And her knight of a brother, Ser Arneld Mullendore!” the last girl introduced, the one who was studying me, chimed in. 

“So—many names,” I exhale, trying to keep everything straight. “And these are my…” I tried to think, the names all blended together, “my mother’s siblings?” I asked, that appeared to be wrong. 

“Oh no, you aren’t slow are you?” the girl all in black asked. 

“I don’t—“ I didn’t know how to answer that. 

“You don’t know?…If you’re slow?” another one chimed in with a worried question. 

“Oh, then she probably is? Isn’t she?” was whispered amongst the ladies. 

“That’s very unkeen of you,” the girl in all black said, it seemed like a bad thing to be. 

“I hope you can keep up,” the girl introduced last sounded uncertain. 

I take a deep breath, “I’m sure…with some help—?” 

“Help?” they asked, “who will have the time to help someone so slow?” they were chittering now, chattering amongst themselves with all their voices sounding together, like morning birds in a trees above the Motherhouse. 

“I could help her!” Cordelia chimed in, surprised by the sudden shift in attention onto her. 

“Oh Cordelia, you are so kind!” 

“Yes, let the child help her.” 

“I am no child. Not anymore. I am nearly a lady grown,” Cordelia corrected, with rehearsed phrases.

“Nearly not a child then,” the ladies all laughed, as if on queue. 

a/n: I'm having fun with not expecting the audience to remember all these ladies names right off the bat, so I'm playing around with what Lyn as a character would be calling them in her head because rip I am TERRIBLE at remembering names T.T

There is a big part of my that wants to start the story over in its proper "original" universe, which would mean I would need to make some bigger picture decisions on their world T.T I might start posting some muses about that in the near future 🤔

[storiesofstratos]

Chapter 9: Best Laid Plans

Daniel gets a bit more than he bargained for on his walk with Jack and Nico...

October 18th, 2042

“Alright Danny,” Nico called out to me as we started our walk down the trail. “So, Jack filled me in on what’s goin on while you were eatin breakfast. I see you fancy yourself a lady’s man, huh?”

I just.. Stared at her. “Don’t do that, you don’t talk like that.”

“What?? Come on man! I just wanna help my best friend find the love of his life.”

“We’ve talked a total of one whole time. Look, I appreciate what you’re… what I think you’re trying to do. Sure, Leah may be… beautiful and.. super cool and… ah, anyway, my point is, I just met her for the first time yesterday! I can’t be going off trying to be all suave and shit, that’s not how that works!”

“Well hell, Daniel, why not? This is the time of our lives where we’re supposed to be doin stuff like that man! Goin out, discoverin who we are! Dating, or, whatever!”

I shot a glance at Jack, who seemed to recoil into himself. God, there was no way I was taking dating advice from either of these two.

“So quit bein a bitch! You aren’t gonna gain anything if you just sit around waitin for it to happen! You gotta make it happen!”

I let out a chuckle, “Yeah, well, as much as I appreciate the speech, I don’t have time for a girlfriend anyway. I’ve got a lot goin on. Like.. finding Maria.”

I could feel the tension in the air as soon as I said her name. They missed her just as much as I did. I knew that well enough. Hell, you’d almost think she was their sister too with the way we all got on so well. As much as she was a pain in my ass, I’d give anything to see her come home.

“Danny,” Nico put a hand on my shoulder, “I don’t wanna sound pessimistic. I wanna find her too, but…”

“Nico. Please,” I didn’t want a repeat of the conversation Cyrus and I had the other night. Not now. “Can we just… focus on something else, please?” The last thing I wanted was to start a fight, especially with Nico.

Nico just solemnly nodded, “Yeah. Okay. I just want you to know that, you ain’t alone lookin. I’m sure Jack would agree, if you need help, you can always come to us about anything. Hell, I’ll sneak out the house in the middle of the night if it means bringin that little rascal home.”

Jack just nodded, “Yeah, what Nico said. Writing her off as dead never sat right with me. I get why they did it but something about the whole situation felt… off.”

“It was weird!” I actually got a bit excited knowing they were on my side about the whole thing. “And, a few weeks ago, I found a receipt from this cafe not too far from our house. It was stuffed in our mailbox! At first, I thought nothing of it, except for the weird M on it. So I took it inside, and after a bit of digging, it was her handwriting!”

“Whoa,” Jack was dumbfounded, clearly written all over his face, “But wait a sec, she was able to make it to your house and put that in your mailbox? Why didn’t she come to you to say anything?”

“Maybe someone was watchin her,” Nico chimed in, “Maybe she only had a small amount of time and.. Did the only thing she could think to do. Maybe she just took a leap of faith.”

“Hopefully her faith wasn’t misplaced,” I mumbled, taking in a breath to try and calm myself down, “But the weirdest thing… I went to check the place out, and it was burned to the ground! Not to mention, some creepy dude started talkin to me… Said somethin about not knowing what sorts of shady characters are out there. He gave me bad vibes.”

“You don’t think…?”

“I dunno, Nico,” I admitted, “Maybe he took her… maybe, I actually ran into the guy who took Maria that day… and if that’s the case… how close is she? Is she still in Stratos?”

“If she is,” Jack put his hand on my shoulder, “We’ll find her. Maybe we can use that computer we found in the junkyard! We should give it a more thorough look, who knows what we missed? Maybe we’ll get lucky and there’s gonna be like.. A bunch of cameras or something.”

“That sounds like wishful thinking on the camera part, but that’s a good start!” I could feel my blood starting to pump. This was happening… things were getting exciting! Could I really… Could WE really find Maria?

“Hell yeah! We’re gonna be detectives!” Nico sounded excited about the idea. “When we get back, we’ll check it out! Start lookin over things we might’ve missed!” But then she started to look around. “Uh oh… I think we might’ve strayed too far from camp. Maybe we should head back.”

Jack and I both looked around. Damn, had we been walking for that long already? We both mumbled in agreement as we started to make our way back toward camp. We’d have time to plan out the finer details later anyway, right?

Things were really looking up for us. Maria, I swear, I’m bringing you home. That’s a promise.

I took a look over the edge of the trail we walked on. The ravine was pretty deep, and a little imposing from this angle. I wondered if I’d even survive a fall from that height.

“Daniel, watch where you’re walking!” I heard Nico’s voice before I heard the sound of cracking dirt under my feet.

And the ground.. gave out.

[bludstaind]

(kotone furukawa, she/her, human) To ODĪRIA CHIBA, the whole world looks like an open page. With a leap of faith, their skills in HEALING grows a little stronger. For TWENTY-TWO years, they have survived a world of magic with both their CURIOSITY and CANDID ATTITUDE. They work by TENDING TO THE WIZARDS TOWER, but if they could change their fate, they’d want to EXPLORE THE WORLD. (ana, 25, she/her, est) 

⸺ THREADS . STARTERS . VISAGE . AESTHETICS . PINTEREST .  PLAYLIST  

hi friends! i've recently decided to do a total reboot on odiria! i lost muse for a while after an unfortunate situation outside of the dash but during my hiatus i've been reworking her from the shadows and i'm so excited to play her again! she's a litle different, and i'll try to cover any info about her here!

headcanons & tidbits

the wizards automation skeleton. in her previous life, she was a dreamshade. after facing an unfortunate and early demise, the wizard of whale island and the dimension witch created an artificial body, one that could house an immortal soul. it was an experiment, a proof of concept. neither fully living, nor fully dead, she is but a mere automation existing between realms.

in her previous life, she lived alone without family in kardia. she took on a contract with the goodmans. in return for home & shelter, she would protect their son tristan who was facing bullying. over time, however, she became more of a daughter to the family and grew quite close to the goodmans, as well as tristan in particular.

odiria is intensely curious and possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge. from the moment her new eyes fluttered open, she spent her time studying and observing, acquiring a profound understand of various disciplines, cultures, etc. she's not naive about the world, however, her insights often have a touch of detachment, as if she's understanding everything from a step removed.

due to her detachment from certain nuances, odiria may come across as overly blunt, insensitive, or inappropriate in certain situations. she struggles to grasp the delicate dance of social interactions, and often speaks candidly when others might expect more tact.

though her physical appearance is very human, there are subtle differences in behavior and functions compared to others. while she may experience a full range of emotions, her emotional expression are different. she cannot cry tears like humans do (perhaps from past life trauma?) and yearns deeply to feel something as human as to cry. she may exhibit a shimmer in her eyes or a delicate musical chime when moved by intense emotions, however!

because of her knowledge and unique perspective, odiria has become a close advisor to the lady of the wildwoods. her advice often provides unconventional insights, helping the lady navigate complex decisions.

has a minor proficiency in healing magic, though hopes to become a jack of all trades and know a little bit about as many disciplines as she can.

has grown quite bored of being stuck in the wizards tower so much, she seeks to rebel against her current situation and gain experiences outside of the life she's lived.

has a soft spot for the strange and peculiar

has always felt a little "off" and struggles with feeling defective

the wizard and the dimension witch are, in a strange way, similar to parents for odiria

constantly bickering and fighting with the wizard, she may or may not be in a bit of a "teenage" rebellion phase, despite her age

biography

in a world where enchantment and innovation entwined like an eternal dance, there came into existence a being like no other. born of a curious experiment, she emerged as a testament to the boundless abilities of magic. as her eyes fluttered open for the first time, she beheld the visage of a mother and father of sorts.

her creation had been an ambitious endeavor, an audacious fusion of the magical arts and arcane knowledge. though her birth artificial, her essence radiated with a unique blend of enchantment and the lingering breath of an immortal soul. neither fully living nor dead, she found herself existing in a realm between realms, an ethereal tapestry woven with the threads of her creators' aspirations.

within the confines of her abode, a tower adorned with the patina of forgotten tales, she yearned for companionship and adventure. the solitude weighed upon her, like petals adrift on the wind, until fate intervened and breathed new life into her timeless days. in a twist of destiny, apprentices for their way to her father's tower, their spirits injecting vivacity into the once stagnant air.  a newfound exuberance and insatiable curiosity delighted her, igniting a dormant spark from within.

through an uncanny coincidence, she bore a resemblance to the lost love of the lady of the wildwoods, a revered figure of ancient lore. as whispers of her resemblance reached the ears of the lady, her heart stirred with a bittersweet longing and grief. drawn to her presence, the lady extended a sorrowful invitation, granting odīria the honored position of becoming one of her advisors. with a grief-stricken gaze, the lady hoped to capture fragments of her lost love in odīria's existence. a glimmer of solace in the midst of an eternal longing.

she stood as a beacon of hope, embodying boundless potential within the realm between realms, illuminating a path of shattered boundaries. yet, an ache lingers within, for completeness eludes her grasp. deep within her artificial heart, she yearns for the ephemeral, the fleeting moments of growth and aging, a life mirroring mortal existence, where experiences shape her identity and fill the void tugging at her soul.

wanted connections & plot bunnies

adventuring partner(s) - a brave and trustworthy companion to join her on her adventures as she explores the world outside of the wizards tower. perhaps they share a respect for nature and a deep urge to face that challenges that come with it! a budding friendship through a mutual love of the natural world. open to multiple!

mentor in healing - odiria wants to connect with a seasoned healer who specializes in both magical and natural remedies. perhaps a mentor of sorts that was willing to exchange knowledge or collaborate on tending to the wounded.

childhood friend - they grew up together in her previous life as a dreamshade, before she'd met the goodmans. perhaps there was a drift in the friendship and your lives went in different directions. after she'd disappeared, your character always wondered what happened. in this new life, there's in inexplicable pull towards one another. while she doesn't remember her previous life, maybe fragments of their history shows up in her dreams, providing insight and becoming a source of comfort.

ventuswill worshipper - a fervent follower of ventuswill who believes her artificial existence as an affront to the natural order. their clases could spark debates on ethics, beliefs, and the intersection between magic and technology.

also open to any smaller wcs! friends, enemies, people involved with the wizard or yuuko, romantic connections, etc!

i'm losing brain power but i plan on adding more as i think of them!

about info & stats

NAME: chiba odīria

AGE: twenty-six

GENDER: gender neutral

PRONOUNS: she/they

SEXUALITY: demisexual, questioning

RELATIONSHIP: single

FACECLAIM: kotone furukawa

HEIGHT: 161cm / 5′ 3″

HAIR COLOR: black

EYE COLOR: brown

ZODIAC: aries sun, libra moon, cancer rising

SCENT: earthy and sweet, notes of chamomile, honeysuckle, and dragonsblood. mids of clary sage and rosemary

POSITIVE TRAITS: curious, sincere, inquisitive, forgiving, empathetic

NEUTRAL TRAITS: observant, ritualistic, unusual, candid, transparent

NEGATIVE TRAITS: complicated, verbose, grumpy, impulsive, needy

[starsweepers]

So, how was your first day as the queen's lady? What's she like? Scary?

             BROWS ARCHED HIGH upon her forehead, expression scrunching in a variable of amusement by the inquiry. "scary? she's not scary, why would she- oh, well. i get WHY you're asking, i suppose, but if i'm honest, i didn't even think much about that detail. i was more scared about making a fool of myself. or a bigger fool, at least. being late? on the f i r s t day? i'm normally astounding at first impressions, so go figure i did that of all things."

              hands would move to press to her face, groaning with softness tainted with bitter tone before rubbing at her eyes. long inhale, filling her lungs entirely, the cool air providing calm, and holding the breath there for a couple seconds before releasing. smile would follow the action, allowing easing sensation to settle to buzzing limbs.

                                "we have a lot to learn about each other! it's kind of an odd situation when you think too long about the whole ordeal, but it'll all work out. i'd like to think we'll even be friends. but she's not scary in my opinion. or maybe i'm just that brave." chime of laughter, because it definitely wasn't the latter. laila had confidence, but she wouldn't be one to declare it as b r a v e r y. no, queen elsa just hadn't really been all that intimidating to her... yet, at least. but the job?

           the job was as mortifying as it was exciting.

[realnightmares-fanfictionstories]

Chapter five part 2

Chapter 5 Halloween Dance part 2 confession and lies

Angelica allowed Susie to caress her cheek a bit more before removing her hand from her cheek. As much as she’s wanted Susie to continue Angelica suggested if they should try them on.

“ As much as I wanna enjoy you caressing my cheek in the heat of the moment said Angelica. How about we see if the costumes fit before making our final decision can’t stay here for too long, I did mention the new schedule at my job was made. then maybe later on tonight could help with my homework?

“ Don’t worry I haven’t forgotten said Susie. “where only here to pick out costumes for the dance before the big day and I promise we’ll head straight towards your job to check your new schedule alright? Now come alone we have the whole afternoon together Susie comments grabbing Angelica’s hand and heading towers the dressing room.

Angelica and Susie search for a fitting room with costumes in hand but the thought of Angelica’s reaction kept Susie reflecting wondering if the same reaction she saw early was real or fake while looking into her eyes. She understood the situation at hand but only time would tell for the actual conversation about Mary, Kate, and Brianna blackmailing and how she found out. A few minutes later walking around passing each area of different costumes they came across the firing room area. Both Susie and Angelica walk toward the counter to get checked into the fitting room.

“ Good afternoon ladies said the fitting room lady behind the counter. How many are we trying on she asked them.

“Four replayed Susie. Alright Angelica I’ll be waiting right outside while you try them on before searching for mine if you need anything just call me okay?

Angelica nods while taking the number tag from the counter lady she hands it to her while entering the fitting room. Susie walked from the fitting room area to search for a Halloween.

Meanwhile, later on in the evening, Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Kimi, and Dil were still having the same conversation about Susie's situation and wondering who told her about the Thanksgiving drama.

“ What do you mean she doesn’t have any friends said Chuckie raised his eyebrow. “ She’s the most popular girl in high school surely her befriended friends would take a liking to her right he questioned.

The others look at Chuckie with a blank face wondering if he was joking or being sarcastic about his reply. What happened to Chuckie before anyone could say anything his step-sister Kimi who faced her stepbrother spoke up first and said.

“ You can’t be serious Chuckie said Kimie. “ what Lil means is the people Angelica befriended don’t give a crap about Mary and Kate along with Brianna even the teacher Coco LaBouche. Kimi pauses before continuing to speak again. How could you not possibly when this has been going on for five years straight when Freshman and Almost Sophomore? Susie and Angelica only have two more years left leaving dil entering high School next semester.

“ Yes am serious said Chuckie. “ I wasn’t known to this knowledge when this was happening during Middle School. Chuckie pause. “ I was distracted by my School work and balancing my personal life.

“ Fair enough I guess said Phil. “ but possibly not having the knowledge of being aware of your soundings when it was in Plain Sight Chuckie we understand you been distracted but come on man. Anyway, can we focus on the main problem before the Halloween dance comes Susie is going to start questioning us when winter break starts.

“Phils right guys said Tommy chiming in. Susie will be questioning us all soon, but like Kimi said earlier how could Susie be aware when nobody spoke about the matter in later years? I mean think about it It had only been a year since we argued with Angelica, then Susie texted Lil out of the mid-blue to schedule a group meeting with the nine of us last but not least how was she able to figure out the Thanksgiving drama when nobody told her. He pauses waiting for the other to say something.

Lil and the others started reflecting on the situation as they wondered how could Susie have known within two days of last year's drama and how she found out of quickly. Lil spoke up and said.

“If you want my honest option said, Lil. within the six of us, nobody has said nether spoken a single word around Susie, so you can cross us off the list. The remainder of the suspects are Mary, Kate, Brianna, and Angelica herself unless anyone else has more information. But to answer your question about how was Susie able to figure out the Thanksgiving drama within two days is unknown unless Angelica told her or someone outside of school mentioned the conversation.

“Or maybe during lunch, she might have mentioned it when questioning Angelica on the matter said, Kimi. She pauses. Either way, we need answers but how?

“ I might have a few Suggestions said Dil. “ since the five of you aren’t middle Schoolers anymore I could probably ask around the area if that helps.

“ I don’t know said Chuckie. “ maybe we should just wait until winter break like anymore gonna bother answering our questions about Angelica. What if we get involved in someone else’s business?

“ Where already involved in someone else’s business Chuckie said Phil. Waiting a whole three months would be pointless, but yeah what’s the plan Tommy he asked him.

“ Alright, guys here’s the plan said Tommy. “ starting Monday Dil will start asking around for any remainder of the information that he can get. In the meantime, Phil, Lil, and Kimi will start from the second and three floors while Chuckie and I start from the first and Jim area including the people we hang out with.

Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Dil, and Kimi all agreed on Tommy’s plan and made their next move. Sometime Later on Susie and Angelica had finished their costumes shopping at the Halloween shop while heading towers Angelica’s job. The girls walked inside the building off grab and the stars inside looked amazing from the inside out.

“ Welcome to Grab and the Stars said Chris. “ how can we help you today wait a minute Angelica Pickles herself. Shouldn’t you be working right about now we could use an extra pair of hands he says jokingly.

“ Very funny Chris says Angelica walking toward the counter with Susie by her side. “ could use the extra pair of hands when there’s a good amount y’all be alright looking over noticed a few new people she did not recognize. “the newbies she asked him looking back at his direction.

“ Oh almost forgot to mention says Chris. During the past few weeks boss man hired extra hands since business started picking up over time without having the right coverage he told her. And if you are curious yes the schedule along with your hours and days has been fixed.

Angelica smiles with joy after hearing the wonderful news about her schedule being switched around. She told Susie she’d be heading towers the back to check her new schedule before leaving both Susie and Chris as long as she walked Towers back, but before Angelica left she introduced Chris to Susie.

“ So you’re the famous Susie Angelica mentioned during the job said Chris smiling while cleaning around the cashier. Sometimes Angelica would often Soliloquy to herself but didn’t question why.

“ Thanks never thought Angelica mentioned me that much said, Susie. Famous wouldn’t define me personally more like her guardian angel at best she says going back to a serious look again. Susie raised her eyebrow wondering what Chris meant by his comment. May I ask why? What do you mean Angelica would often Soliloquy to herself is there someone you’re hiding from me I shouldn’t know about.

Chris sighed after getting caught red-handed from his comment. He carefully looked behind making sure that the others including Angelica weren’t paying attention before Turning around and facing Susie again. “ yes am one hundred percent hiding information even since she started stressing herself out constantly while working on the job. then soon after there radome girls started showing up demanding Angelica’s presence each time of day. I couldn’t figure out why nor question the situation he said pausing.

Susie let Chris fully explain his sides of things during Angelica’s burnout episodes. But something caught Susie’s attention about radome girls being Mary, Kate, and Brianna. She spoke up and said. Let me understand if am hearing this correctly those girls who demanded her Presence each time of day were Mary, Kate, and Brianna why didn’t anybody take action she said in an angry annoyed voice.

'Woah said Chris, I understand you’re angry and have every single right to be highly upset. He stated before speaking again. But to answer why didn’t anybody take action is because number one we thought Mary, Kate, and Brianna the girls you named were her best friends. At first, we did not think much of the matter, but it spiraled months after the boss took notice of her condition slowly overworking herself to burnout. Long story short action was taken once the hospital and authorities were alerted said Chris. Also, her hours remain the same but her work days were changed That’s all I know since the incident.

Once the conversation between Susie and Chris the back doors could be heard opening as Angelica walked out and exited. Susie Quickly nodded after listening and learning more of the truth from Chris. Angelica notices Susie patiently waiting for her as she rejoines her. Both girls wave their goodbyes to Chris while leaving. After a long day, Susie and Angelica finally made it back home while entering before heading upstairs to get ready for bed.

The next day Monday morning at the high school. All the kids exited including Susie, Angelica, and Tommy. Phil, Lil, Kimi, and Chuckie make their way towards the high school building while entering through the double doors. Everyone did the usual routine as any normal student would like to go get breakfast in the lunch room, hang out in the hallways, or head straight towers their lockers and get ready for first period. Soon the warning ball sounded off in the loudspeakers letting students know they had exactly two minutes left. When breakfast was finished Susie walked Angelica to her math class on the first floor. Both girls hug each other separating. Angelica realized Susie wasn’t letting go of her but didn’t understand why neither questioned it.

Angelica leaned her head against Susie’s out of Comfort and said. “ Susie thank you for not leaving me alone this weekend. Angelica says hugging Susie again.

“ You’re, welcome Charlotte said Susie with a smile on her face. “ I wasn’t planning on leaving your side didn’t cross my mind not one bit this whole weekend, but before I left you entered your math class there’s something I wanna discuss with you just the two of us okay Susie said letting off Angelica to brake the hug.

Angelica raised an eyebrow at Susie’s comment and wondered what could she possibly wanna discuss when spending a whole weekend together. Right before Angelica could replay the security guards patrolling the hallways told the remainder Students to head straight to class before they got detention. Angelica watched Susie take off for Class right before Miss Rosenthal instructed Angelica to enter her classroom so she could bring the math lesson.

inside Miss Rosenthal's math classroom, she took a seat at her decks and started taking attendance while the school loudspeaker turned back on throughout the school.

The school loudspeakers: Good morning students hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Today's the day we congratulate our football high school team for bringing home the trophy where it truly belongs. Next month is October meaning our upcoming Halloween dance is upon us all. Tickets will be on sale during 6th period lunch Make sure you purchase before the deadline watch is the 25th before they sell. That’s all the announcements and have a great day.

Once the morning announcements were finished Miss Rosenthal finished taking the attendance of each student who was either present or absent. She stood up from her desk and walked over to each person's desk to collect their math homework. While Miss Rosenthal collected the math homework she assigned to the students Angelica's mind was elsewhere contemplating Susi’s statement about having another conversation but what exactly Angelica thought to herself spacing out from reality. We spent the entire weekend together while Mother was on her business trip. Angelica comments in her mind. It wasn't long until Miss Rosenthal came across Angelica’s desk grabbing her math homework. She noticed her favorite student spacing completely out barely paying attention. Miss Rosenthal carefully taps Angelica’s desk getting her attention and says.

“ Hey, Kido said Miss Rosenthal, “ everything alright she asked Angelica in a worried tone. I’ve noticed that you spaced out during the announcements when I was doing the attendance.

Before Angelica could continue her thoughts she snapped back into reality and looked up at her math teacher standing over her desk making her jump a little bit. She comments and says.

“ Oh yeah, she replayed. “ Sorry for making you worry during the announcements this morning Miss Rosenthal she said covering her face with her hands and taking deep breaths before letting it out. “ honestly I don’t know if things are okay, to be honest, I understand if I had problems you be the first person and only person to hear about the matter she paused.

“ There’s no need to apologize hun said Miss Rosenthal. “ yes you are correct sweetheart if there was any problem bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable I would be the first to hear the matter at hand am the teacher who is responsible for what went on in the classroom, but more on that later on a latter date okay, but remember am always here when you need me. Now let’s get started with our lesson. She comments before getting the math lesson started.

For the first time in 10 years, Angelica was taken by surprise by her math teacher’s comment like an actual mother would speak to their Child. She understood her mother wasn’t the very best but Miss Rosenthal was different from her other teachers. She treated her with respect and kindness and always showed her love. Sometimes Angelica always wondered what it would be like to be Miss Rosenthal’s stepdaughter. She uncovered her face and nodded with a smile on her face. But little did Angelica know the conversation with Susie was about to unfold taking a dark turn of events.

Meanwhile in October Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Dil, Kimi, Susie, and Angelica along with other students purchased their Halloween tickets at the last minute before selling out. On the night of the Halloween dance Angelica and Susie were inside the bedroom putting on their costumes and makeup adding features to make it look realistic. Once done Angelica finally looks true vamper Queen with her fake teeth while Susie looks like a true vamper queen herself. Susie couldn’t help herself but glance at Angelica’s beauty on how beautiful she was in her vamper costume and said.

“ I can’t believe am saying this but Angelica that vamper costume looks amazing along with the makeup said Susie blushing a bit. “You look good in everything you touch honestly.

Angelica turned to face Susie heading her comment about her looking amazing in everything she touches. She turns red and says. “ thanks Susie know you’re the person who looks way better in a shy tone. “ But about that conversation, you mentioned what exactly you want to talk about she asked Susie.

“Don’t worry Charlotte after the Halloween dance I mentioned last month will differently talk about promises she responds. Now let’s win ourself’s a Halloween contest Susie said reaching for Angelica’s hand.

Angelica took Susie’s hand as they both left the Halloween dance together as a couple. both Susie and Angelica were dropped off at the high School by Alyssa while taking off. While entering the School building music could be heard playing loud enough inside the gymnasium located in the basement. while everyone was having fun enjoying themself Susie and Angelica other the other side of the gymnasium staring at each other eyes and saying.

“ Susie there’s something I’ve been meaning to say for a long period Angelica says getting very Nervous. She continued and said. “ The moment we first met when my Aunt was pregnant with Dil we became bitter Enemies, but as weeks, time, months, and years passed you stood by my side during the good times and bad times. Angelica paused for a minute before saying. “ I wanna be your girlfriend Susie. You’re the only person I’ve craved that I daydream about your soft lips touching mine. Before Angelica could get another word in Susie cuts her off mid-sentence leaning close enough to her face and kisses her lips while caressing her cheek.

As Susie caresses Angelica’s cheek while she leans close enough for their first kiss Angelica eye’s widen finally getting her dream girl but finally sharing an actual romantic kiss. Angelica slowly closed her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her waist returning the favor and kissing her back as their lips locked with one other. After a good few minutes, Angelica and Susie broke the kiss and took a breather. Susie spoke up and said.

“ There’s no need to apologize Charlotte Susie comments. “ I figured you had a crush on me for a while since we became friends over time, but to answer your question about wanna be my girlfriend my answer is yes I’ll be your girlfriend darling Susie said.

Angelica smiled with joy as Susie did the same knowing they finally became one at last. After a while during the Halloween dance, Susie and Angelica won their very first Halloween contest coming in first place. Once the dance had ended all the students were picked up by their parents and guardians and headed home while Susie and Angelica held hands walking back to her place for the night.

Meanwhile back at Angelica’s house. Both girls had taken off their makeup along with the costumes as this was happening Angelica was sitting down on the edge of her bed waiting for Susie to come back from the bathroom and waiting for that conversation she mentioned. Not before long Susie had entered the bedroom while closing the door behind her and saying.

“ Alright about that conversion said Susie. “ I mentioned we were gonna have another talk after the Halloween dance. Susie took a deep breath and released it and said. Charlotte this might be difficult but understand that I’m fully aware of Mary, Kate, and Brianna's blackmail and mistreatment of you during School and at work. Why didn’t you lie to me Charlotte, why did you lie about not getting grounded Susie said.

Not before long Angelica had tears running down her face crying heavily and sobbing uncontrollably once Susie learned the truth about getting blackmailed by Mary, Kate, and Brianna. She spoke and said. “I'm sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry said Angelica. “ Mary, Kate, and Brianna were gonna ruin my entire life if you intervene making a life a living hell. all because of the class president election I took from them. And the only reason I lie was because my mother is selfish and demanding I’m tired of her.

Susie walked over towers her girlfriend's bed hugging her tightly while she let her release ten years of pain and stress from her system that was building up within her. Soon enough Angelica cried herself to sleep as Susie lay next to her in her arms.

End of chapter.

Hello everyone welcome back my nightmare readers hope I didn’t keep y’all waiting too long, but before we push forward I wanna deeply apologize for the lack of uploads each week. My reason is that this chapter was gonna be released around July or August but changed my mind at the last minute cause I wanted to make it look good enough by the time it's officially completed. Anyway, if you enjoy this story so far and want more make sure to leave a like and comment. Until Chapter 6 see you guys later.

[darklinsblog]

Dreams of Pleasure | Sandman imagine

Summary: Stumbled upon a dream of his lover Y/N he is found in a compromising situation, feeling aroused and conflicted.

Pairing: Morpheus x Reader

Request: Yes (light smut ahead 👹 sorry ma)

It had started out as a normal day of work, Morpheus had said goodbye to his wife before parting to work, as per usual the day went off incredibly fast. Next thing he knew he was guarding the dreams and nightmares of billions of people yet again.

He was caught up in his duties, when suddenly he began to hear a voice, but not just any voice.

It was his voice.

Morpheus could make up the sentences his proxy was speaking but he could make up some loose words here and there, his ears pricked as the proxy mentioned his wife’s name… Y/N.

Part of him knew that he should not be prying into finding out the endeavors of his proxy, knowing that would be a violation to his wife’s privacy-since you were the only one that would ever make out a proxy of him-but curiosity got the best of him.

But curious out killed the cat, or in this case, aroused him.

Morpheus found himself in the main bedroom, his proxy was completely bare, and you, oh good lord…

Your lips were perfectly wrapped around his cock, your head was lightly going up and down his shaft and his proxy had enclosed a handful of your hair in his fist, guiding you and keeping the rhythm while also keeping you in place.

You were taking him so well, the real Morpheus felt his mouth dry, the arousal filling his body, his pupils were dilated taking in the whole scene.

His ears were filled by your muffled moans and the groans and curses coming out from his proxy, he was unable to look away, but he practically forced himself, returning to his post.

It was best if he left the incident behind him.

Yet, a week later. Morpheus found himself going feral. Because whenever he closed his eyes, he would be taken back to your dream, and when he looked at you, he only wanted to take you right there, to make that dream come true.

He felt jealous when thinking back to that dream, he didn’t want it to be a dream, Morpheus knew it was stupid to be jealous of a mere copy of him, but here he was.

But he couldn’t take it anymore, as he entered the main room and found his beautiful and perfect wife laying in bed, with a lace lingerie set, writing on a notebook.

“Oh, you’re here early” Y/N chimed, closing the notebook and leaving it behind, you kissed his cheek and he felt himself being aroused by your actions.

“My love, I want to tell you about something I witnessed the other night” your full focus was on him. He went on explaining how he stumbled upon your sex dream and being extremely detailed about the images he saw.

He hated his lady wife could not understand what she was doing to him, by the way she dressed, the way she touched him, he was haunted. But how would she know if she wasn’t even aware of the things he had seen.

Your cheeks went red, feeling exposed and lightly aroused as well, you were open with Morpheus but it wasn’t something regular in your marriage to speak in such detail of your sexual fantasies.

“I hope you know this dream does not mean I am not sexually satisfied… It is normal for a wife to want her spouse” you reassured him, which Morpheus appreciated but right now he was focused on something else.

He approached you, kissing your lips all the way down to your neck, right now he didn’t care about anything else that wasn’t enjoying of intimacy with his wife.

[snapshots-inthe-shadows]

DWC Day 3 Sentimental/Feral

CW: Violence, Blood, Torture.

{Music}

You might call it brutality, I call it justice.

Mitharios was a man about the work, his new station in the Lady Shadowfel's organization came with opportunities aplenty, and he was hungry for it all. It was a rare thing, in his experience, for such a high and lofty person like the Boss to get their hands dirty, typically leaving the gruesome details to the underlings to deal with, but this was a whole new world.

The call came in the late night hours, the Sparrows had collected a target for questioning, and they were to gather to soften his meat before the Boss arrived. "Delightful." Mitharios responded, gathering his things and heading to the storehouse to join in the fun.

A seemingly inconsequential building on the shady side of Stormwind, appearing like all the rest, but containing its own precious cargo; Mitharios rapped on the heavy wooden door, awaiting the slot to open and admittance to be granted.

Dusty crates lined the path, creating a barrier between the entrance and the dimly lit room, and an elven man was restrained in the single chair below the low-hanging light.

"Thorn," The lead Sparrow spoke in greeting, the young world-weary woman stood before him with a deadpan look upon her face, cheeks gaunt and hair of ashen violet. "The target is still unconscious, figured you'd rather be the first face he sees."

"Well done, Amytheisa. You and the others are dismissed if that is your wish." Mitharios replied, removing his black leather gloves and moving toward the imprisoned man.

A single heavy-handed slap across the man's face was all it took to wake him from his state, gasping in shock as he looked around to find the peril he had fallen into, pulling at his binds to find escape was impossible. "Morning Sunshine," Mitharios spoke in a mocking tone, leaning down to meet the man's eye with a wide and cheeky smirk. "Comfortable? No? Good."

"W-why am I here?! Who are you?!" The man shouted, his tone filled with terror.

"Now now, you should know better than to demand things of your host. Bit rude, I think?" Mitharios asked the surrounding Sparrows who chose to stay back and witness.

"Aye, rude it is." A muscular man chimed in from the corner, a cigar smoldering in the corner of his mouth.

"Wouldn't want to be rude, it's not the Elven way." Mitharios snickered with a snort of derision. "Now then, I know you are all too curious as to why you've been taken from your safe little home and brought to such a strange and light-forsaken place. To put it simply, the woman you work for is far worse than any of us, an impressive thing but it puts you in quite the pickle."

"The Baroness is a good woma-" The man tried to stand up for his Mistress but was cut off by the slamming of Mitharios's fist into his jaw.

"So loyal, I wonder if that'll stand as our night progresses, I myself quite doubt it." Mitharios was barely even warming up, the man would either give in or face a night of brutal terror. "Nothing about your bitch of a Noblewoman is good, or we wouldn't be here. Now, we have been following her every move for weeks and suddenly she and her lot are nowhere to be found. How could that be I wonder?"

"Must be some kind of trickery." A lanky Nightelf man spoke, coming to stand next to the hulking mass of a man who chewed his cigar.

"Witchcraft." Amytheisa spoke, her tone flat as if she was bored of the situation.

"Aye, Witchcraft." Mitharios chuckled. "But you and I both know that isn't the case, don't we Mister?"

"I have no idea what you mean." The man remained steadfast, unafraid of the actions of these roughens.

"Oh, of course, a personal guard oblivious to the comings and goings of the bitch he protects. That sounds logical." Mitharios's fist slammed into the nose of the man, drawing forth blood. "Listen, I'd rather not spend my entire night here, so either you tell us what we want to know or I escalate far faster than the norm. Your choice."

"I'll tell you nothing scum!" The man shouted, blood pouring from his nose into his mouth.

"I thought as much." With this defiant response, Mitharios slipped a brass knuckle onto his right hand, slamming the spiked rings into the gut of the bound man, bringing forth a deep guttural cry of pain. Just as the man began to catch his breath another hard punch slammed into his abdomen, taking the air out of him as blood seeped through his clothing. "Consider this, the amount of pain you will experience from me is a fraction of what you'll receive from the Boss once she gets here. Answer the questions now and save yourself from inventive and excruciating agony, it's really your best choice. She's a feral Bitch."

Hours passed, leaving the man battered and bloody. Mitharios stood tall, his right hand dripping with the weakened man's blood as a knock came from the opposite side of the door. "Ah, that'll be the Boss. Poor sod, you'll miss me when I'm gone." Mitharios laughed callously as Valanthriell entered the storehouse.

{Mentioned: @ethereal-and-vaguely-threatening}

@daily-writing-challenge

[brennansdice]

A Bookstore Romance

So here’s is my entry for @ot3tropetober. (I know I’m late, please don’t @ me).

My prompt (which I added to the sheet because I’ve been obsessed with this idea for some time now): Eliot is an owner of a small bookstore and Parker is his newest employee. Hardison is a frequent customer, but also the cutest big brother either of them have ever met.

I didn’t have time to write the whole thing, so I’m offering a summary and hopefully, one day, I’ll finish the actual fic (does it count if it is finished in your head?) and add all the little details that I forgot to add here. This was written in a hurry, so excuse any mistakes.

After leaving the army, Eliot used to drift from town to town, not settling down anywhere, doing all kinds of odd jobs. He met Sophie in one of those towns and they became friends. Years later, she calls him up and leaves him her bookstore because she got married and decided to retire and travel the world with her new husband (Nate? Harry? Haven’t quite decided).

The bookstore is called Sophie’s but she didn’t name it after herself, she named herself after the bookstore.

Amy and Quinn are employees in the bookstore and they help Eliot a lot in the beginning.

A strange, blonde woman walks into the bookstore one day. Eliot asks around and Amy tells him that her name is Parker and that she’s probably homeless. She used to come by a lot, but after Sophie told her she was leaving, Parker got angry and didn’t come back until now.

Eliot is intrigued because he sees himself in Parker and goes to talk to her. However, Parker is pouty and keeps accusing him of stealing Sophie from her. At first, Eliot doesn’t know what to do with her and leaves her be. She keeps coming to the bookstore and spending hours there reading, but never buying anything.

One day, he’s working a lot and he’s overwhelmed. Some lady asks for a book, but he can’t remember where it is, so Parker chimes in and tells her the exact shelf and between which books it is. Eliot is impressed and decided to hire Parker.

Parker reluctantly accepts, but turns out she is excellent in every aspect of the work — except the people part. One day, she admits that she likes reading so much because she’s trying to understand other people and “be normal”. Eliot says that while it’s good she’s trying to understand others, she should never try to change herself and that he likes her the way she is. After that moment, they truly become friends and she starts hanging out around his house (which he also got from Sophie) very often.

When he thinks she trusts him, he asks her about her living situation and she admits she leaves in an empty warehouse. He asks her to move in his house which is too big for him anyway. She is reluctant because she had bad experiences (especially with men), but he assures she would be getting a whole floor for herself and that he would never breach her space and privacy. He also says that he’s a gentleman and he would never hit on a woman who is clearly not interested in him. After talking to Sophie about Eliot, she finally says yes, but only after Eliot also promises he would cook her dinner and make her breakfast every day. Eliot of course acts grumpy about this caveat, but we all know he’s secretly pleased.

Enter Hardison. He’s recently moved back to town to be closer to his Nana and his foster siblings. He works from home and earns quite a lot of money, but when asked about he just laughs it off (he’s totally ripping off rich assholes).

When he first comes in, looking to buy books for Breanna, he immediately likes Parker and tries to flirt, but she doesn’t really like it. He backs off, but he’s really sweet and funny and, most importantly, patient with her, reminding her of Eliot, so she starts liking him which confuses her because she never really liked anyone. What also confuses her is the fact that in her head, Hardison and Eliot are on the same level, but if all the books she read taught her anything, you can only like one person, right?

In the meantime, Eliot also meets Hardison and he’s charmed as well and finds him hot as hell (which he is lbr), but he is very reluctant about liking a guy in a small town, so he tries to be subtle. (He is not because even Parker notices it). They banter all the time, but Eliot acts grumpy more time than not, but his heart melts whenever Hardison talks about his siblings and everything he does for them and his Nana.

Hardison is having the toughest time though because he likes both of them and he keeps buying Breanna (13) books she doesn’t even need. He starts to annoy her with this so she asks to go with him to see who is the person that makes him go to the bookstore almost every. single. day. Luckily for her, both Parker and Eliot are in the bookstore when they come around and she immediately deduces that her brother is head over heels for the grumpy short guy and a weird blonde woman. She is not surprised because she always knew Hardison had weird taste in everything.

Trying to help, she says when she knows that both Parker and Eliot can hear: “So, this is why you come here so often. You’re into them.” Hardison gets flustered and tries to make it into a joke. They leave in a hurry and Breanna apologizes. She asks him why he doesn’t ask them out and he admits that he tried do that with Parker, but that she’s not interested and that Eliot is probably straight. Breanna tells him that’s bullshit, but he doesn’t want to hear it.

After he’s calmed down a bit, he asks her how she’s so well versed in relationship problems and she uses this moment to officially come out to him and tell him about the girl she likes. They end up having an emotional moment, but they definitely don’t tear up. (They do).

The incident with Breanna, however, also forces Parker and Eliot to talk about their feelings for Hardison. They talk about their insecurities regarding a possible relationship with him (e.g. Parker is not very interested in sex and isn’t sure she would know how to be in a relationship, Eliot isn’t sure about dating a man or dating/settling down in general), but they agree that Hardison is worth it and that they want to be with him. The only problem is they’re not sure who Hardison would choose out of two of them and they decided to just outright ask him next time and be done with it.

However, weeks pass by and Hardison doesn’t show up.

While waiting for him to come back, Parker devours the romance section in the bookstore and decides that she found a perfect solution for their relationship. She confesses to Eliot that she loves him and that perhaps all three of them could be together if he likes her as well. Eliot does love her, but she was very clear about not being interested in him so he didn’t allow himself to think about her like that. He also says that relationships don’t usually work like that, but she just shrugs and tells him that she was always considered weird, so why would she do relationships in any other way and wasn’t it him that told her to always be herself.

However, they both decided that they don’t want to start anything until they get a chance to talk to Hardison.

Cue a “Let’s steal Hardison” scheme.

Parker finds out where Hardison lives and follows him to a coffee shop nearby. She sits at his table (scares the shit out of him) and asks why he stopped coming. He’s flustered and tells her he doesn’t actually need books. She tells he could’ve just come to see her and Eliot as they both miss him. Hardison admits that he walked up to the store one day, but that he saw her and Eliot being really close and her hanging all over him, so he assumed the two of them got together. And he admits it made him sad and he couldn’t bear to see them and talk to them at that moment, but he’s happy for them. Parker tells him that she and Eliot love each other, but when they’re together more often than not they’re talking about Hardison and missing him. They don’t see their relationship working without Hardison and they want to be with him.

Hardison doesn’t quite believe her, but she invites him to their house for a date and he accepts because he’s hoping real bad that it’s true and he gets to be with two most amazing people he knows.

Eliot cooks for them and they watch Star Trek because Eliot and Parker had been binging it lately in order to impress Hardison with their knowledge. (Eliot tries to deny it, but Parker covers his mouth with her hand.) Hardison can’t believe his luck and after two episodes, he turns the TV off and asks to kiss them. Parker is hesitant and pushes Eliot first who seems flustered and admits he’s been with a man only once before and it was a bad experience. Hardison, a sweetheart that he is, understands and gently cups Eliot’s face and kisses him. Parker makes a delighted sound while watching them and admits she’s ready for her turn. They both laugh and Hardison repeats it with her.

Afterwards, she says she loved it and that she was very glad that she had her first kiss with him. Hardison is confused because he thought she and Eliot must have kissed already. They admit it didn’t feel right to do anything without Hardison and he says that he’s there now and he’s not going anywhere. They go and cuddle in Sophie’s, now Eliot’s, huge bed which suddenly doesn’t feel that empty and lonely anymore.

The end.

[twh-news]

[For you who decide to start ranting in the notes without reading: it's officially canon.]

TLDR:

Even more so than Loki just realizing he is capable of loving someone other than himself, Loki is finally willing to accept himself and all his flaws. “I don't think Loki's relationship with himself has been very healthy,” Tom Hiddleston explains. “Trying to accept those aspects of himself, which he's been on the run from, was a way of thinking about that in a really interesting way. Also, Sylvie's not Loki. Sylvie is Sylvie. That's interesting, too. I'm really excited to see what people make of it.”

“Two variants of the same being, especially you, forming this kind of sick twisted romantic relationship? That’s pure chaos! That could break reality. It’s breaking my reality right now! What an incredible seismic narcissist! You fell for yourself!”

That’s what Mobius practically yells at Loki in the latest episode of Marvel Studios’ Loki. In trying to get to the bottom of what caused the Nexus Event on Lamentis-1, Mobius starts asking questions and prodding the God of Mischief in just the right way to get a confession out of him, without Loki actually confessing to anything. After putting the pieces together from Loki’s context cues, Mobius arrives at the only logical conclusion: Loki’s fallen for the other Variant, aka Sylvie. “You like her! Does she like you?” teases Mobius.“

That was one of the cruxes of my pitch [for the series], that there was going to be a love story,” head writer Michael Waldron explains to Marvel.com. “We went back and forth for a little bit about, like do we really want to have this guy fall in love with another version of himself? Is that too crazy? But in a series that, to me, is ultimately about self-love, self-reflection, and forgiving yourself, it just felt right that that would be Loki's first real love story.”

Loki and Sylvie’s love story has an apocalyptic beginning since that’s where the two first begin to bond. Trapped on a moon on the verge of total destruction, the two are forced to work together to find a way out of this situation, only to have it completely fail before their eyes. Feeling defeated, Sylvie wonders if Lokis are always destined to lose?

Loki reassures her that while they might lose, they don’t die — they survive. He goes on to call Sylvie “amazing” for how she almost took down the TVA on her own, and it’s clear from the look on his face that even though they’ve only been together a short while, Loki’s already come to admire and respect her. As the moon literally crumbles around them, Sylvie places a hand on Loki’s arm, and that’s when it happens: A branch on the Sacred Timeline. These two Lokis are having a moment they were never supposed to have, which as Mobius puts it, is “pure chaos.��

“The look that they share, that moment, [it started as] a blossoming friendship,” continues Waldron. “Then for the first time, they both feel that twinge of, ‘Oh, could this be something more? What is this I'm feeling?’ These are two beings of pure chaos that are the same person falling in love with one another. That's a straight-up and down branch, and exactly the sort of thing that would terrify the TVA.”

Thankfully this branch also leads to the two variants being located on Lamentis-1; unfortunately, their rescue leads to them immediately thrown into captivity at the TVA.

But what happened on Lamentis-1 clearly affects both of them in different ways, with Loki slowly coming to grips with the fact that he does have feelings for Sylvie — even though she’s “difficult, irritating, and tries to hit [him] all the time.”

This is only made more pronounced after Loki finds himself trapped in a time loop with Lady Sif back on Asgard shortly following his past-self committing a cruel prank and cutting off her hair. Sif not only beats him up (and rightfully so), but tells him many times, “You deserve to be alone and you always will be.” For the first time, Loki realizes he doesn’t want to be alone, and that there might be someone out there for him, who he can connect with on another level.

Even more so than Loki just realizing he is capable of loving someone other than himself, Loki is finally willing to accept himself and all his flaws. “I don't think Loki's relationship with himself has been very healthy,” Tom Hiddleston explains. “Trying to accept those aspects of himself, which he's been on the run from, was a way of thinking about that in a really interesting way. Also, Sylvie's not Loki. Sylvie is Sylvie. That's interesting, too. I'm really excited to see what people make of it.”

As Mobius notes, it might just be a case of extreme narcissism, but it also makes complete sense for the character.

“Who’s a better match for Loki than himself?” director Kate Herron chimes in. “The whole show is about identity. It's about him, and he is on a very different path, and he is on a different journey. He sees things in Sylvie that he is like, ‘Oh, I've been there. I know what you feel.’ But she's like, ‘Well, I don't feel that way.’ And I think that was the kind of fun thing about it. She is him, but she's not him. They've had such different life experiences. So just from an identity perspective, it was interesting to dig into that.”

“When Loki meets Sylvie, he's inspired solely by curiosity,” reveals Hiddleston. “He wants to talk to her and understand her and try to discern what was similar about their experiences, and what was different. He keeps asking her questions because he wants to see if his experience was also her experience. I think he realizes, and she realizes, that while they're the same, they're not the same.”

Herron was careful setting up this relationship. “It was just about giving it the space to breathe and digging into it in a way that felt earned,” she explains.

Considering partnerships are 50/50, credit has to be paid to Sophia Di Martino, taking on the role of Sylvie and becoming someone who can match Loki’s own energy and chaos.

"I think something that Sophia captured really beautifully is that she’s in a different space,” continues Herron. “She's almost where Loki was in Thor in some ways where she's dealing with a lot of pain. For different reasons, obviously. It was really interesting having her in a different headspace of a different Loki.”

When production was shut down at the start of the pandemic, Herron kept working, putting together what had already been filmed. She realized that “there were tonally some things that were coming to the surface” between Loki and Sylvie that she could explore deeper.

“As we were cutting it together in the studio, everyone was, ‘Oh, this [relationship] is really cool. Let's dig into that more,’" shares Herron. “When we went back to filming, we added or tweaked scripts basically to [emphasize it].”