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#also let's be real this is johnny of course he was already planning to make a movie about that
cienie-isengardu · 7 months
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Mortal Kombat 1 Behind the Scenes AU: It's bad enough there is three Shang Tsungs + BONUS
Author Note: Continuation to “Get. Lost.”, “Dating”, “Permission”, “Why date a punk like him”, “Panic (Mom is visiting)”, “Deep in trouble (Mom is visiting #2)”, “Why date a punk like him… (Lin Kuei Mom)”, “Why date a punk like him… (General Shao)”, “There is never a god around when you need one”, “ A mother knows best, p.1”, “ A mother knows best, p.2”, "Good at multitasking“ & "One moron to save"
[Cage’s Mansion] [Waiting for Liu Kang] [Special Bonus] [Grandmaster’s commentary] [Climbing scene] [Madam Bo’s Inn] [Cage’s Mansion 2 (fire extinguisher)] [Medic] [Shang Tsung’s sad face] [Smoke’s Fall] [Scenography (1)] [Scenography (2)] [Show off!] [Favorite brother] [Climbing on the wall (nonsense)] [Tomas’ commentary] [Perfectly fine] [Sexy, sexy man~♪] [Brothers between filming - Scenography(3)] [Wrong team!] [Since when you two are friends?!] [I like being evil sorcerer more] [I forgot my line, sorry!] [Read the script Kuai!] [Get. Lost.] [Dating] [Permission] [Why date a punk like him…] [Panic (Mom is visiting)] [Decapitation then] [Deep in trouble (Mom is visiting #2)] [Cultural differences (paid leave)] [Why date a punk like him… (Lin Kuei Mom)] [Why date a punk like him… (General Shao)] [Stop closing your eyes!] [There is never a god around when you need one] [(Over)protective brothers, p. 1 - upset Tomas] [(Over)protective brothers, p. 2 - Control your anger] [(Over)protective brothers, p. 3 - the perfect solution] [A mother knows best, p.1] [A mother knows best, p.2] [Good at multitasking] [One moron to save] [(Over)protective brothers, p. 4 - BUT ARE YOU SURE?]
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vampirzina · 7 months
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❥ ┆valentines day (w. Bi Han, Johnny Cage, Kenshi, Kuai Liang, Kung Lao, Raiden, Tomas + Liu Kang bonus!) hcs
tw: established relationship, fluff/sfw & nsfw/smut utc, mdni(!)
notes: happy valentine’s day chat! for a few, requests will be open. please read these before making them! closed! so sorry.
masterlist ⋮ lace divider credit
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Bi Han didn’t really recognize the tradition, until you. To him, it was just another day, as most holidays—life in the Lin Kuei was much different than the one outside of it. So when you showered him with affection and adorned him with gifts unexpectedly, it kind of flustered him underneath that poker-faced and grumpy exterior of his. Bi Han gives you flowers (real and ones of ice), and the occasional silver jewelry every other year. It makes him subtly smile under his mask when he sees you wearing it.
It’s Johnny Cage’s second favorite day of the year, other than his birthday. If he remembers this day, he absolutely spoils you rotten to the core with gifts; flowers, chocolates, new clothes, rose petals in the bed and in a dimly lit bath (and if you drink, your favorite wine), the whole nine yards. It’s cliche, but Johnny Cage doesn’t let you leave until you’re completely loved up.
Kenshi takes a breather from all his outside work on this day to love on you. You wake up to an empty bed, but that’s because he’s cooking breakfast (or lunch) for you—he’s exceptional at it, and you both thoroughly enjoy your day with each other. Kenshi prefers spending Valentine’s day inside, but if you want to go out, he’ll take you anywhere you want to go and buy you whatever you want. Of course, you do the same and he is very happy, even if he doesn’t explicitly say so.
Kuai Liang already has his gifts laid out for you. He planned in advance; duty calls and he wouldn’t be able to spend the morning or so with you in his warm embrace, so that he could greet you as soon as you woke and smother you with hot kisses. Kuai Liang leaves a heartwarming letter, and when he comes back from his day, gives you an even warmer massage to kick things off a bit. Whatever happens next is completely up to you.
Kung Lao already knows you love him, but it’s nice to be reminded of that with your affection. In turn, he takes you out to a fancy (and surprisingly private) dinner in an unsung corner of Madam Bo’s shop (or some other fancy place), somewhere where you could see the stars in the night sky. He loves to look at the way your eyes gleam in the moonlight, and he says so outright amongst other loads of compliments. Kung Lao makes sure to make you laugh a ton tonight.
Raiden looks like a hopeless romantic today even though he's in a relationship with you. He plans almost months in advance; the flowers he planted were kept all year and were finally going to be harvested just to give you. Raiden makes an effort to give you everything you want, take you anywhere you want. You’re sure to return the favor at the end of the day with your own presents, whatever they may be.
Tomas spends the night before and the entire day of practically clinging to your side. You’ve never had a weighted blanket until now, and you both could’ve spent the entire day in bed if you’d let him have you that way (he’s already asked Kuai Liang for the day off). Tomas leaves the bed once you do, and when he comes back, he comes back with gifts. He got the flowers last because he wanted them to be as fresh as possible.
+ Liu Kang leaves a humble setup of a table full of gifts for you. He’s also the one to leave a sappy note of apology and not-all-that empty (but not all that full) promises to you, to return just before the night was over after his duty at the temple were done with. Although he believes he doesn’t need a holiday to want you the inexplicable way he does, he understands the holiday and humors you when he sees how much it makes you hot in the face for him.
However,
Don’t you dare take the jewelry off after Bi Han got you pressed into the mattress. With every tear into you, his eyes don’t just train on your damp fucked-out face twisted in overstimulation from him ruining your hole over and over again tonight. His eyes flit up to the sight of the ring on your finger peeking from the boughs of crinkled sheets from you holding on too tight, and your necklace jittering further from your sternum to neck with every thrust… Bi Han’s eyes screw shut as he hilts with sudden roughness, your surprised hiccup overlapping with the so-rare whimper as he pumps you full.
Or think that Johnny Cage would let the rose petals on the bed go to waste. Some of the petals have fallen off of the bed by now, and others are stuck in forgotten crevices. You can smell each others’ soap. The lingerie you’ve bought is somewhat torn by impatient fingers, as you take your sweet time with him beneath you. He hates when you tease, almost as if you’re playing his own game with him. He wants to grab your hips himself to quicken your pace, but he only has red hands from sharp slaps.
Kenshi feels you up in your shared bed as the night falls further into itself. Soft yet passionate, tattooed hands wrap around just about anything as you bounce atop of his dick firm enough to knock the wind out of him. His body trembles sharply when your core squeezes him that certain way it does, your sore knees wound inward while legs are kept apart by Kenshi’s abdomen partially sunken in from his breathlessness. Between your gasps and his groans, he can only keep himself to extend this moment for so long.
The massage with Kuai Liang didn’t get very far. You didn’t want it to. Your arms somehow feel cold compared to Kuai Liang’s as he’s practically searing your insides with the both of your slick, your neck having been a perfect fit for his head to hide in as your fingers carve your way into the scalp of undone hair. He’s caged in by your shaking legs on his hips, languid strokes in and out of you drawing soft cries and sighs from you. He’d go as fast or as gentle as you wanted him to today.
Kung Lao reveled in hearing you sing his name as you both faced the window. He was fast and rough, despite having been so soft the minute ago—he was like a man starved, but he was intent on making you finish first (this time). You didn’t know whether to keep in awe at the skies or look back at your lover as he pounded into your hole without tame in his stroke. The inner corners of his brows were pressed together in focus as he held you at the junction of your hips to guide you, and his lips were parted just enough to let out an occasional deep groan or shaky breath. The sounds from your room could make even the dirtiest a prude.
Raiden's face burned when you got around to giving him your gift. A set of fingers twine with yours as you look up at him from his dick, but you make eye contact with no-one—his arm is draped over his shut eyes as he focuses on keeping from combusting right then and there. Noises of his neediness slip out time to time and involuntarily, and he can’t help but drive his hips further into your mouth when you hum around him. He lets out one of those shaky and coarse sounds again when you both make eye contact, sketching you between his legs in his mind.
You realized any self restraint you’d thought Tomas had was all a fib when he coaxed your plush thighs around his head two hours ago. He didn’t even bother with what he wanted tonight, as he pulled orgasm after orgasm out of you with just his tongue. It’s sloppy down there; his mouth is drenched from your juices and you, his unceasing work with his mouth. He couldn’t settle for which sight of you he enjoyed the best; the arch of you lowering after he’d reel out a gentle one from you, or the messy, knee-buckling one when he did as he pleased with you.
+ Liu Kang who hated leaving you so needy. But tonight he’d do anything you wanted, something that would sate you even for a minute, and he wouldn’t finish until he was sure you were done spending out your want for him after he’d left you yearning and unfulfilled for so long. At the end of it all when he apologizes and holds you close to him, he only leaves you blissed out and gasping again. He can’t promise his return to you often, so he makes every minute fucking you worthwhile.
@𝐕𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐀೨
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penelopepine · 4 months
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Don't be a stranger! Pt. 8
Part 7 Part 8 Part 9
Simon "Ghost" Riley x FemReader
Content: Neighbors AU, fluff, developing relationship, non-con drug use, light angst
Simon instantly felt his heart drop, “What do you mean she’s gone?” His voice was cold as he spoke. If Johnny is saying what he thinks he’s saying then someone is going to die today, that Simon can guarantee. 
Before Soap can respond though a gunshot rings out. "Soap, where are you? What's happening?" 
"We're at the small grocery store in town! Things here went from zero to hundred real quick; Beads is nowhere in sight." 
Right away Simon is moving; he has to get to you. "What the hell were you two doing off base?" 
"Just- I'll explain when-," Soap suddenly pauses , "Price?!" 
"Soap, go 4 aisles down; Gaz is there with Beads." Price's voice suddenly cuts through the phone. 
Price? Gaz? What were they doing there? An immediate uneasy feeling rises in his chest. This whole thing wasn’t making sense to him. 
He could vaguely hear Soap speaking to Price. The only thing he could make out was the clear anger and confusion in his voice. Moments later Price’s voice comes through clear as day, he can only assume that Price took Johnny’s phone. 
“Ghost, stay where you are.” 
“Price what the fuck is happening?” Simon growled. 
“Ghost.” Price took a deep breath before continuing, “It was all a set up. We planned for the possibility of Beads being targeted and taken once stepping off base. They did exactly what we thought they would do.” 
He couldn’t fucking believe what he was hearing, “You used her as bait! Did you keep her in the dark too, or was I the only one that wasn’t given the truth?” 
“You, Beads, and Soap weren’t told anything. The situation here is under control though now, and once we're back we can discuss more. Laswell is already waiting for you in the main meeting room; she’ll explain everything a bit more to you.” 
Simon hung up. He didn’t want to hear anything more from him. If you’re hurt in any way there will be hell to pay. This whole plan shouldn’t have happened; much less with him not being told about it. 
He almost wants to disobey Price, and go find you right now. The only thing stopping him is also wanting answers for what is happening. As much as he wants to be with you he knows that you're mostly likely on your way to him right now. So he turns and storms his way to Laswell. 
Once reaching the meeting room he gives a sharp knock, but doesn't wait for an answer before opening the door anyway. Laswell is sitting already with a serious look on her face. "Ghost, sit down. Let's talk about everything calmly." 
Calm was the last thing he was feeling right now. All he wanted to do was yell; yell at everyone involved with making this plan. "Explain then." Simon sneered before sitting right across from her. 
"On Monday Soap and Beads approached Price about leaving base to go to the grocery store. Beads apparently wanted to make a special meal for you, and Soap said that he would gladly accompany her." 
"A Russian terror group broke into both of our flats. They know that she is connected to me. Leaving base shouldn't have even been considered." Simon argued back. 
"She's been here for almost a month, Ghost. There has also been no other signs of them attempting to get to you." 
Anger filled Simon's veins, "Of course there hasn't been any signs! They've been waiting for us to mess up, and this, sending her out there, was what they were waiting for." 
Laswell doesn't react much to his anger; only giving him an unimpressed look, "We had no way of knowing that though, and we couldn't have kept her on base forever. Which is why when Price asked about what I thought about letting her leave I agreed, but not without planning for the possibility that they would attack her." 
"Why wasn't I informed then?" 
"We knew that you wouldn't have agreed to it. You would have gone with her in full gear; which would have only brought more attention to yourselves." 
"And the reason for not telling Johnny then; the one who would have been right by her side if he had known?" 
"Soap is amazing at what he does, but he is not an actor." That Simon could agree with; which is why he would have much rathered Johnny to be obviously lying to you, then him not there to protect you. “We had a small team following them the entire time. Price and Gaz were watching her the entire time.” He knew Laswell was trying to calm his nerves as much as she could right now. Simon knew though that the only thing that could calm him was seeing you; making sure that you’re alright. 
“So Gaz training recruits and yours and Price’s meeting was a lie to keep me unassuming then?” He lets out an almost defeated sigh, “At least tell me she's alright.” 
Laswell for the first time doesn’t answer him immediately. She seems to be taking a few moments to assess his emotions before answering, “Price called me before you arrived. She is safe, whole, alive, but she did end up getting hurt. One of the men grabbed her before injecting some kind of sleeping drug into her-.” 
It was sudden ding from Laswell’s phone that stopped her from continuing. She took a few minutes to write them a message back before finally turning her attention back to him.
"She's here."  
Simon didn't wait to see if she had anything else to say before he was standing and walking out of the room to the med bay area. He feels guilty; he knows that he had no way of helping you avoid this since he wasn't told of the plan. You had been there though because of him; you had apparently wanted to do something special for him. 
If he could he'd go back and tell you that just being around him is all he needs because you are special to him. 
He's vaguely aware that Laswell is following him. Simon isn't interested in speaking to her anymore though. The only thing that matters is making sure you're ok with his own eyes; everything else can wait. 
Which is why he immediately goes to just walk past Price who was clearly waiting for him in front of the med bay doors. 
"Ghost." Price puts his hand on Simon's shoulder stopping him from entering. 
Simon knows that he could break Price's hold and continue on his way; he stops though, willing to give him one chance to explain his piece. "Price." 
“I know you’re upset, Ghost, and you honestly should be. Believe me though when I say that we were watching her the entire time. She got hurt, yes, but there was no way I was going to allow them to leave that building with her.” 
He trusts Price, trusts him with his life. Simon also knows that Price wouldn’t lie straight to his face about something like this, “I want to be included from this point forward. I don’t care if you think I’ll disagree. I need to be involved when it comes to her.” 
“I promise.” Price says with sincerity, “Now would you like to see her? She’s being taken care of right now; we can go to her room if you want to.” 
Simon doesn’t say anything else, only nods his head. The sooner he can see you the sooner he can finally breathe again.
Laswell during all of this had been silently typing away on her phone. "John, Ghost, I'll leave  you two here. The men from the grocery store are ready for questioning. I'll call on either of you if needed. Hopefully this can end the whole situation," she pointedly looks towards Simon now, "You and your friend will be able to walk freely if so." She then turns and walks down the hall away from them. 
Placing a hand on Simon's shoulder, Price directs them back to the doors, "Let's go." 
Price led them inside down the white sterile halls of the med bay till they reached your room. “Are you ready to go inside?” 
Without answering he pushes past and into the room. Then there you were, lying down asleep in a standard hospital bed. A doctor was also there standing next to you writing some things down on her clipboard. 
“Ghost, this is Dr. Withers, she has been the one taking care of her.” 
The doctor gives them both a nod, “She’s doing well. We’ve already done a blood test, and nothing except the obvious seems wrong.” Looking down at her clipboard she flips through a couple pages, "It seems they weren't able to inject very much of the drug; she'll be in and out for a few hours, but she should be waking up soon." With that she leaves them alone with you. 
In the silence that follows Simon makes his way to your side, sitting down next to you, placing his hand near yours. Price stands at the end of your bed, but his attention is solely focused on Simon. "You really care about this girl don't you?" 
"…I love her." He whispered to himself, but it was clear as day for everyone in the room to hear. 
Simon couldn't believe that he actually said it. He's been fighting with himself about what he was going to do about it, debating ignoring the feeling all together. In the end though this wasn't something he could run from. He loved you. 
“You love me…?” Your gravelly voice calls out. 
Note: Ahhhh I finally getting this chapter out! Thank you for reading this far. I also hope you have enjoyed the series as much as I have. The next chapter will most likely be the last update on this.
Also a special thank you to @nexthyperfix for beta reading this chapter for me!
Taglist: @nexthyperfix @yourdaydreamerfan @tf141gloryhole @just-pure-trash @definitelynotaclown
@141tfsan @arminarlertssword @openup-yourmind @evie-119 @v1x3n
@whos-fran @trcyyyyy @azkza @kaoyamamegami @yyiikes
@leryg0 @pansexualhailstorm @trulovekay @kdidgg @ane-sthesie
@zhongtar @shinebright2000 @blackhawkfanatic @cmbghost @prozacprinc3ss
@shizukunora
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ghcstao3 · 2 months
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me: *grabbing you by your shoulders and shaking you like a rag doll* WHAT/- WHAT abiuOUT JOHNNY going to mEEt URKRnian aSIMons FAMiLy?!?? WHAT ABOUT THAT??? :(
(X) hmmm yes………. what about that…………
just a bit shorter of a post because admittedly i wasn’t too sure how to write out a scene, but! some things that happen:
- tommy is all “i told you so” the whole time johnny visits. all “i called it, that’s why simon was moping”, or “i told you he was texting someone, why else would he be smiling like that at his phone.” absolute nuisance, but it’s okay, because despite a language barrier he and johnny get along real well. two pains in simon’s ass (he still loves them both). tommy also uses johnny to practice english as if simon hasn’t given him suggestions of proper resources ten times over already.
- simon’s baba basically adopts johnny soon as she meets him. pinches his cheek and calls him handsome before turning to simon and scolding him for not inviting johnny home sooner. i mean, he’s respectful, educated, can cook—and not to mention, he’s been making such an effort to learn simon’s language and culture that it’d be a tragedy to lose him. if simon were to let johnny go, she threatens, he would no longer be her grandson (kidding, of course… mostly).
- simon’s mom is quiet, and cautious as she always is with strangers, but she’s also kind and patient with johnny as he struggles through his ukrainian, being she doesn’t speak a lick of english. simon is often the middleman to translate, but there are moments that johnny and simon’s mother exist alone, peacefully, near-silently in each other’s space, like when she teaches him a recipe. there’s one day, however, when she takes his hands and tells him with the utmost sincerity in a way that he understands most of what she’s saying: that she’s never seen her son happier than when johnny is around, so he’d better not hurt simon. johnny reassures her that that would never happen.
- simon, of course, does his best to immerse johnny in every way possible. tours johnny around his hometown in that same way, same experience one could only get if they knew a local. johnny absolutely loves it; is basically already planning his next trip in his head all the while. and, of course, it’s in one of simon’s secret spots, tucked away from the rest of the world, where they share their first kiss.
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whiskeynwriting · 1 year
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The way you write ghost is so genuine and realistic, he actually seems like a real person that i can clearly imagine in real life, i love ghost x bones!!
Would you ever write heartbreaking whump/angst for them? Literally bring me to tears, i’m ready for it
Love @sanfransolomitatm (that’s me) 🤍
Challenge accepted.
Also, thank you so much for the compliments, oh my goodness. The fact that he feels like a genuine person is so flattering to me, and I'm so glad he can be portrayed that way 🥹 I am also beyond thrilled to know that you love Ghost x Bones 🥰🥰🥰
Love Is a Sin (Part Two)
Simon "Ghost" Riley x OFC "Bones"
Word Count: 10.2k
Warnings: 18+ (minors DNI)
Lord… there’s a lot. Mentions of pregnancy/pregnancy tests, loss/death, injury/gore, battle, use of weaponry, angst, mentions of past abuse, mentions/discussions of funeral details, PTSD and therapy, brain injury, major grief. 
A/N: Here’s part two! As promised, it’s much darker. My goal here was to pull emotions out of you guys, let me know how I did (;
Read part one here 🥰
Simon “Ghost” Riley Masterlist
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“Alright,” Price booms, stomping into the room. “Let’s circle up. We’ve got plans to discuss.”
Already, he hates this. The entire atmosphere has shifted from light and lazy to dark and perilous. Simon can feel his heart rate increasing, his breaths deep and dragging. The mere thought of you in the field makes him want to jump up and wrap you in his arms, drag you away and hide you somewhere safe. What he hates even more than the possibility of that happening is the fact that he allowed it, he’s allowed this to happen. It wasn’t exactly his call to make, but he would’ve made it, and he didn't. 
He’s made his bed, and this time, he’s got to lay in it. 
So, without much choice, he watches his men regroup in front of him, with his partner sitting up to join in. Price tosses out the maps, Gaz whips out the compass, and Johnny’s already pulling out snacks. Tugging down his mask, Simon releases a harsh sigh, nothing that really draws anyone’s attention, though. He’s pretty much always cranky, and with you here, that trait has grown tenfold. 
When Simon reaches for your hand on the couch, your eyes widen. What the hell is he doing? But before you can react, and before anyone else has a chance to see, Johnny tosses a protein bar at the lieutenant. 
“Johnny, what the fuck?”
“Don’t be dumb.” Johnny scolds outwardly, scowling at his closest friend. 
Price can feel something lingering in the air, an awkward silence, a secret. But he pushes it away. Glancing between his teammates, he clasps his hands together. 
“Alright, let’s get to it, then.”
Here we go.
“No man’s land.” Price’s raspy voice begins, finger pressing into the map. “Are we ready for that?”
Easily, the boys respond. Gaz’s simple yes, Johnny’s hell yes, and Ghost’s ‘course we are. And with a contented smirk, Price then turns in your direction.
“Are you?”
You can’t deny the feeling of anxiety surrounding this entire mission. Every time the plans are detailed and discussed, a sort of nervous bile rises in your throat. But you’re here for a reason, and you can’t let the rest of them down. You won’t.
“Yes.” 
“Good lass. Gaz, what’ve you got?”
Kyle had performed aerial surveillance before the mission began on foot, scouting the area for more details.What he discovered wasn’t easy to stomach, but was to be expected.
“Casualties by the dozens all throughout. The cadavers are mostly soldiers, troops that had gone in before us. Some had been taken hostage, maybe two or three, but the rest didn’t survive.”
“Bones,”
Instantly, your head shoots up, looking into the blue eyes of your captain. “You stay focused on us, alright? The five of us, that means yourself, too. There’s no bother in saving any of those dead men; am I clear?” 
Swallowing, you nod. Though his words are harsh, he means well, and he’s right. Any body on that field is just that, a body, an unfortunate result of war. You have to focus on who’s alive, and keeping them alive. 
“Yes, sir.”
More than ever before, Simon wants to hold you. The muscles in his hand twitch slightly, wanting to curl his palm around your thigh in a comforting squeeze. He knows this won’t be easy for you. While you’ve seen battle before, you’ve never gone into the field as a medic. Years ago, you focused on killing. It’s a whole different ball game when you switch gears to saving.
“The reason they all died,” Kyle continues, “Is because they didn’t have you.”
Looking his way, you find a reassuring grin. Returning his encouraging words is your simple nod, a small sense of pride shifting in your features. Your team believes in you. 
“When we get across to the building, and that is a when,” The captain clarifies, “Bones will find coverage. She will not be infiltrating with us. In hiding, she’ll wait for our radio. Once we’ve confirmed our kill count, we’ll leave the building… completely empty of souls.”
And when he adds that last little tidbit, the boys around you hum, a certain excitement flowing through their veins. But Simon’s adrenaline rush is also coupled with anxiety. Outside alone? He questions, it’ll be far too easy for them to reach her. But your captain is confident you’ll be able to hold your own, and Ghost needs to try his hand in having faith in that. 
*
*
*
“You need to be careful with her.”
“And you need to watch yourself!” Ghost scoffs in return, inching away from his friend. “I can’t take a piss in private?”
Johnny shrugs, “Needed to piss, too.”
With a heavy groan, Simon rolls his eyes, redirecting himself to the task at hand, literally.
“What do you mean, anyways?”
“You’ve gone soft.”
“For her.” He mumbles, and Johnny’s brows raise.
“Holy shite.”
“Shut it, Johnny. There’s nothing wrong with it.” It’s not just Soap he’s trying to convince. 
“But there’s something wrong with you.” The sergeant snaps back. “You’re never like this on missions.”
Now, he doesn’t respond. If he’s honest with himself, he doesn’t know what to say; Johnny’s right. He’s too far in his own head to focus on anything else, the details of this mission fleeting tidbits in his brain.
“You need to get your head on straight before you get yourself hurt.”
Again, he’s right. Acting like this is dangerous. You’re an incredible distraction for him, you have been since day one. But this isn’t something he can fight. Last night was… something else. It was different, dare he even say special. It was the most intimate moment you’ve shared. There’s no denying it, Simon feels tied to you. 
“Simon,” He then says, truly drawing Ghost’s attention. “I’m happy for you, I really am. I’ve never seen you take such a liking to a person… aside from me.” With that, he nudges his shoulder, grinning.
“Get on with it, Johnny.” But beneath the mask, he’s smiling, too.
“I think you’d be an idiot to lose this, her.” He states, accent just as strong as his candid nature. “And anywhere else, it’d be a great thing. But not here, not now.”
At this, Simon turns his head toward his friend, eyeing him beneath the forest’s dimness. It’s grown dark out, the trees hiding the cabin well enough to be comfortable for another night. And he knows once he goes back inside, he’ll cozy up next to you.
“She’s a teammate out here.” Johnny says, ending his ramble. “Nothing more.” And with that, Johnny’s zipping himself up to head back inside.
That last statement rings throughout Simon’s head, barreling through any sentimental thought. He’s close with his teammates, would do almost anything for them. But for you, he’s wondering what he wouldn’t do. Johnny’s words were true, but it doesn’t really help his situation. He can’t shove down his feelings for you. Sure, he can restrain himself from being outwardly affectionate. But keeping you safe? That was a priority for him. 
Back inside, everyone’s picked a spot in the living room. A few blankets had been dragged out from the bedroom, one for each of you to lay on. And with your Mylar thermal blankets, you were more than warm enough for the night. Simon can see you huddled up beneath the shiny material in the far corner of the living area, right beside the couch. Your back is up against the wall and Simon can already see that you’ve laid a blanket out for him right next to you. 
Sometimes, your relationship feels like a school-age crush. Saving a seat for each other at the lunch table, pulling out chairs for the other, giving and trading snacks, all nonverbal gestures that are just… sweet, considerate. Evidence of an unspoken connection. 
“Thanks, love.” Simon mumbles, grunting as he lays down on the tattered fabric.
“No problem.” You’re laying on your side, already smiling at him.
“Stop lookin’ at me like that.” Settling on his left side, he faces you with his back toward the group. 
“Why? Are you blushing?” Teasingly, you grin, watching the corners of his eyes crinkle. He’s smiling. And you’d give anything to see it. 
“Shut up.” The roll of his eyes is such a tell-tale sign for him; he could never be annoyed with you, not truly. 
Turning slightly, Simon settles on his back. Within the cabin’s darkness, you scooch a little closer, nuzzling into his side. His bulking body hides you, too, his insides burning bright with affection when your lips press against his covered bicep, wet from the snowfall during his earlier outdoor excursion. But you don’t mind. You’re not as close as you were last night, or the night previous in your little tent, but this will do. You’ll take what you can, because you always sleep so soundly next to him. 
Simon can tell you’re sleeping well, your snores are evidence of that. And in the darkness of night, he almost feels comfortable again. There isn’t a single worry in his mind regarding the lads, he’d even grown the confidence to wiggle his arm beneath your head, pulling you into him. However, there were many worries brewing in his head about you. More than ever before, he feels a need to preserve this, to keep your relationship intact. He loathes the fact that this happened here, your expression of love for him. If anything, he wishes it’d happened back at base, somewhere truly safe and private. 
Guiding him away from such anxious contemplation is your soft, sleepy moan, and the movement of your hand. Lifting your palm, it slides up and over his side, resting on his chest. But you don’t stop there. Sleepy digits move around the neckline of his shirt, searching for something. And then he realizes - his dog tags. Once found, you cling to them, body curling into his side even more than before. Jesus, do you pull every ounce of sweetness from him. The simple motion makes him sigh, eyes closing as he revels in this. He hopes he never loses this. 
It was an action you’d done a few times before, something that’s almost become routine. Every other night, it seems, you like to play with them. Awake or asleep, you find some sense of comfort with the small, metal plates. They represent him, his existence, the man that he is. 
*
*
*
For some reason, you thought this would be… louder, scarier, more intense than it is. Although, it’s just the approach, just the simple shuffle of feet through the woods. Maybe you expected the enemy to be ready, to pounce on you once you were a foot outside the cabin. But it seems Price was successful with his planning. You’re going to surprise them.
With weapons up and at the ready, you move slowly, steadily, scanning the area as you approach. The air is still, a small chill moving through the woods. It holds you captive, steals your breath and haunts your bones. Something is coming.
Each of you are spaced a bit from the other, a few yards in between each of your teammate’s movements. With your rifles up and aimed, you wonder, what are you aiming for? Any man? A possible vehicle? Movement throughout the slightly rocky terrain? Jesus, it’s been years since you’d been at this. But you’re ready, you can feel it. 
Raising a fist, Price signals your halt. Each of your steps still, your breaths held while your hearts pound. What does he see?
As soon as you all stop, Ghost is looking to his right, assessing you. Your gun’s safety is off, you’re holding it properly, and your stance is right on. The sight makes him proud.
That’s my girl.
Through the comms, Soap’s voice comes through. “What’s goin’ on?”
“Five men, weapons in hand and flanking right.”
“Approaching?” Ghost’s gruff voice inquires, eyes narrowing.
“Not yet; they’re flanking to opposite sides of the building, crouching. They’re ready for us, lads.”
So much for the element of surprise.
“We’re crouching. Continue approach, and watch yer heads.”
“Sir.” Johnny responds, his voice firm. 
In unison, your group moves forward, scopes searching for this small group of men. Movement to the left of the building calls for your attention, and you wonder…
“Are we shooting?” Whispering into the comms, you keep your eye on a rustling bit of brush, the top of a man’s head clearly visible.
“Not yet. Stay out of their line of fire.” Price returns, stern with his command. 
Irritation courses through you, as you now have a clear visual of the enemy’s head. Still, you return with gritted teeth, “Aye.” 
“Boys, line up.” He then decides, “Left to right, we’re each taking a man. Bones, keep eyes on your current target, and wait for my go ahead.”
“Yes, sir.” 
With Ghost on your left, Price is directly to your right, and then Gaz and Soap. Each man walks on until they find their target within the group, sounding off into the comms once this first step is done. 
“We drop ‘em together, swift and silent.” 
“Aye.”
“Sir.”
“Yes, sir.”
And then, your turn. “On your signal, Price.” He can tell you’re getting agitated, and it humors him. 
Looking off to his left, Price can see you through the brush with his own eyes. Returning his gaze, you witness his amused smirk, an expression that aggravates you further. He’s such a father figure, holding you back before you make a wrong move, guiding you toward the correct path.
“Shoot.”
Just as he predicted, your targets drop in unison. A single bullet zips through each man’s head, penetrating their skulls and knocking them dead. On your own target, a spurt of blood shoots from his skin as he drops, the firm thud of his body heard even from your position. 
“Advance.”
Shuffling your feet, you roll your shoulders, breaths steady as you walk toward the building. The surrounding cover of forest you’d been using is starting to wear thin; when you’re on unmarked land, there’ll be close to nothing keeping you from getting hit. 
“Halt.” The word isn’t rushed or frantic, but demanding as all hell.. 
No man’s land is only a few yards away from where you stand, the bodies of dead men scattering the dusty earth. From the angle you’re at, you’re unable to see their wounds directly. But that’s just fine, the sight would only distract you. 
“Landmines.”
“Where?” Immediately, Ghost is speaking, having to actively stop his feet from moving closer to you.
“Surrounding the perimeter.” Price clarifies, heavy breaths coming through the radio’s static. “Retrieve your GPR’s.”
While the Ground Penetrating Radars in your packs aren’t exactly ideal, they’re still useful. Though smaller than the usual model, they can detect the electrical current of the explosive. However, it can also confuse any type of metal with a mine, too. Being that many, if not all of these bodies have dog tags around their necks, this could be difficult. 
As you continue on, you hear the occasional notification, the small sound from one of your teammate’s readings. And at first, it’s terrifying. Every time you hear a machine go off, you expect an explosion. But these aren’t rookies you’re dealing with; they have decades of expert experience. You thought that’d make this a piece of cake.
Propelled through the air, your body is flung into a pit. The shrill ring in your ears prevents you from accurately hearing the shouts of your team, eyes blinking widely as you regain your bearings. What… happened? Who set one off?
Before you can hear the words of your comrades, the quick zip of lead rushes through the air. The ringing in your head only heightens now, your first instinct being to duck. Shoving yourself further into the pit, your bruised body rolls down the multiple mounds of dirt, finally landing at the bottom. 
Cocking your gun, you almost can’t seem to get air in fast enough. You’re already bleeding from the side of your head, nothing extreme but it will definitely have to be looked at. For now, though, you need to come back down. Looking to your left, you’re relieved to see that you aren’t alone. That is, until you identify them. 
William Anderson
John Davis
Henry Miller
You don’t know any of them.
Eyes scanning the surrounding figures, they widen, breaths now coming all too quick. It’s like you’re seeing zombies; some eyes are open, black and bloodied and staring into your soul. Others are closed, having embraced the sweet release of death. Limbs have been blown off, flesh rotting as it mixes with the dirt. Legs and arms are twisted, distorted in otherworldly ways. Torn pieces of their uniforms, dog tags that have yet to be collected. Hair muddled and out of code, jaws open and broken. 
But the medic in you comes to. Regardless of the injury on your head, and the fresh bruises on your limbs, you move. Whipping out a pair of latex gloves, you scramble toward the dead men. Reaching for their necks, your fingers curl around the circular metals to grab and tear them from their chains. Blood smears across your covered fingers, flesh moving as you dig through clothes to find some of the identification. Hurriedly, you stash them away, using the inner compartment of your jacket. They deserve to be remembered. 
“Bones!”
“Copy.” Your voice is rushed, panting on the other end as you collect what remains of the lives now lying dead.
“Get to Gaz.”
“Location?”
“East of the building, along the treeline.”
Shit. Right now, you’re on the opposite end. Regardless, your response is, “Copy.”
Now that you’ve given yourself a moment, you can fully hear the surrounding commotion. You can also hear the way Ghost has been frantically calling your name through your personal comms. 
“Bones? Bones?! Fucking Christ, please.”
“Ghost, I’m here.”
And that scares you more than anything. You’ve never heard him so distressed.
“Where are you?”
As soon as you were out of sight, Simon was an absolute fucking mess. It took everything in him not to leap after you into that trench, doing his best to remind himself that you've done this before. You’re good at your job and you can take care of yourself but he needs to take care of you.
The field has never felt so chaotic before. And he usually loves this, the thrill is just too addicting. But right now, he can’t get his head on straight, not until he hears your voice.
“In a pit.” Replying quietly, you gain the courage to glance over the edge. From here, you can see the far east side of the building. That’s where you need to be. 
“Still?!” Simon replies, ducking behind a boulder before reaching over and taking a few shots. “You need to move!” 
“Heading for the building’s east side.”
Simon was still in the forest when the landmine went off, far enough away to not get hit with the explosion or any of its remnants. But he saw how hard you took the hit, and immediately wished it was him. 
“Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,  ba - Ghost. I’m fine.” Your correction makes him chuckle, even within this bedlam. 
“Ghost!” Soap screams his way, “Ya cannae just stand there!” 
Dumbly, Ghost blinks at him.
“Move!”
Taking his own advice, and that of his closest friend, Ghost switches his position. Johnny watches as he pushes forward, following his eyeline only to find you on the end of it. And concern fills the pit of his stomach. Clearly, Ghost isn’t advancing toward the building; he’s watching your six perfectly. 
Another group of enemies leak from the building, evidenced by the collective thud of their feet. But peeking out over the edge again might as well be your demise, as you’re immediately targeted by two men. 
Eyes widening, you duck back down, head running rampant with ideas. You can’t stay here, you don’t have any chance of survival in this pit. They have the advantage, higher ground. And you need to at least be level with them. 
Reaching for your gun, you’re suddenly hit with the realization that your rifle is gone. Head whipping in every direction, you’re unable to find it in your frantic search. It must’ve flung from your body when you were hit. Onto option number two, your pistol. But retrieving it from the holster does nothing for you; a large piece of shrapnel has blown right through it.
“Motherfucker.”
Frustration doesn’t come close to what you’re feeling, but you need to push that aside and find new cover. Scrambling up the side of the ditch, you aim for the forest, which is unfortunately even further away from Gaz. But as soon as you’re up, you’re turning, the two men now only yards away. Ducking away from two shots, you feel yourself stumble backwards a bit. Sweat drips down into the wound on your head, down your neck and chest. Reaching back, your hand finds a tree to rest on briefly, readying yourself for this fight. But then, seemingly out of thin air, one of them drops. 
“I’ve got your six.” You knew he did.
Your fixed blade has now become your best friend, quickly gravitating to your hand. They, on the other hand, choose to handle this with fists. The man isn’t much larger than you, allowing you to keep your footing as he swings. Your feet plant firmly in the earth, one further behind to keep your balance. A quick slice across his face surprises him, giving you the opportunity for a stab to the upper chest. The blade sinks into his skin, tearing through muscle to reach his most vital organ. Among all the adrenaline in your veins, you bare your teeth, raising your fists to break his jaw with your hand. Kicking him in the groin knocks him to his knees, allowing you to shift your stance. Standing behind his crumpled form, you grab a fistful of his hair, yanking his head up and back. Tugging the knife from his chest, you slide it smoothly across his neck, spilling a warm redness down his front before inevitably tossing him to the dirt.
“Damn.” 
Turning, you rush into the forest, doing your best to evade the current chaos. Ducking through the brush, you make your way back to the start point, searching for Gaz. He must be wounded, and in turn, hiding.
“Bones,” Crackling through your comm link is his voice, a big ragged. “Three yards ahead.”
Once you’ve followed his instructions, you find him lying behind a fallen tree. He’s used a good amount of brush to cover himself, which he pushes away once you’re close enough. 
“Can you just patch it up?”
In the moment, you almost breathe out your inner words, oh shit. But you don’t want to frighten him. The sight is gruesome, though, genuinely gorey. His left leg is mangled, three pieces of shrapnel in his stomach and two in his chest. Truthfully, you’ve never seen such torn, wet flesh on a living man. It’s hanging off the bone, tendons visible as they cling to what muscle they can. The shrapnel in his midsection oozes blood but not too much, and probably won’t fully spill until the metal is removed. However, you still retrieve your quickest blood clotting agent for the wounds. Gaz hisses through his teeth at the burn of it, the sensation sizzling through his body. Lastly, applying a good coat of saline to his lower leg will aid in reducing infection, as well as wrapping it entirely.
“Can you move?”
“Not anymore.” His voice is low, strained.
“Where is Price? Did he get hit?”
Nodding, Gaz applies a bit of pressure to his biggest wound. “Nah, he moved on.”
“He didn’t have any injuries?”
“He was too far ahead of the blast.
“Jesus.” No wonder Kyle is so badly mangled, he’s the only one that got hit.  
Glancing around, you begin to witness the small creep of fog covering the area. The nighttime air turns thick, and thunder rolls gently overhead. And you can’t see anyone else, the rest of your team is fighting. 
“We need to move you.”
“I have enough cover here. You couldn’t even find me.”
“Gaz,”
“Please just go,” Head lying back on the moss, he sighs. “Finish the mission, bring me home when you’re done.”
With a defeated and aggravated sigh, you concede. “Are you still armed?”
“To the teeth.” He confirms, now realizing your lack of weaponry. “Where’s your rifle?”
“Blown off when your dumbass decided to step on a landmine.” And the snarky remark makes him smile. “And my pistol was hit by some shrapnel.”
“Take mine.”
“Don’t be dumb.”
“I have my pistol, you haven't got shit.”
“Kyle.”
“You need it. Go.”
“Bones, cover me at the forest’s east edge.”
“Copy.” Giving Gaz one last judgmental glare, you snatch his rifle, heading off toward your captain.
Crouching low, you begin to crawl when you hear heavy fire again. Price is taking shots from behind a fallen tree’s trunk, watching you inch over to his side.
“How’s Gaz?”
“Alive.” Shrugging, you try to calm your breaths. Looking into John’s blue eyes does well in accomplishing that. “What’s the plan?”
Lifting a shoulder, he speaks into the comms while holding your gaze. “Ghost and Soap take the right. Bones and I will flank the left.”
“We’ve lost our GPR’s.” Soap’s Scottish accent shines through the static. 
“Bloody fuckin’ -  how?”
“Dropped mine during Gaz’s hit.”
“And Ghost?”
“Lost it in a fight.”
Price scoffs, shaking his head with a whisper of, “Children.” 
“Sir?”
“Just get it done. Use your knowledge, your experience, and tread lightly.”
When Price finishes his sentence, you feel an internal pull to your right. Turning your head, you’re met with a pair of strikingly dark eyes. Yards away, beneath the cover of shrubs, Simon’s stare penetrates your heart. 
“Are you hurt?” He whispers into your ear, stare holding firm.
All you do is shake your head, and he nods. “Good.”
“Let’s move.” Price then commands, moving toward the building’s right.
Creeping backwards, you swallow. You don’t want to lose sight of him, but you have a job to do. As you turn, you witness Ghost stand, his form towering over the dark green foliage. By the way he moves, you can tell he’s about to follow Johnny. But he stops to take one more look at you, before he grunts.
Sharply, the left side of his body jerks backward, feet staggering a bit. Eyes widening, you lean forward, watching the bullet go right through Ghost’s upper chest. The gasp that leaves your lungs is too loud for your liking, but before you can do much more than that, Ghost is pulling out another gun. With a loud grunt, he aims and fires, dropping a man not too far from you. And with rage now lighting up his insides, he steps forward, reholstering his pistol so he can grab his rifle again. Marching on, you watch as he shoots down five more men, clearing a path straight for the building. With genuine amazement, you watch him, peering over the edge of the fallen log to see every man now narrow their sights to him. But he’s a freight train of a man, listening to the men’s shouts and their weapons, ducking behind anything he can before reappearing with vengeance. Ultimately, though, it’s a dumb move. It’s left him out in the open. 
Going against Price’s orders, you set your rifle atop the fallen wood, watching his back. Aiming for the roof, you eliminate the targets up top while Ghost focuses on those surrounding him. And then Soap is appearing, stepping out from the treeline with his pistol out and ready. The way he stomps forward, the way his biceps bulge when he pulls the trigger, the look in his eye while he protects his teammate… it’s inspiring. 
“Did I tell you to stay here?!” Yanking you backward by the straps of your vest, Price hauls you off with him.
Like a bumbling baby, you stumble backward, finding your footing just as Price lets you go. Together, you advance toward the building’s right side. You can already see an area for coverage, a large cluster of rocks off the side of a steep hill. It’ll give you enough space to hide while waiting for the boys to get inside. 
For some reason, Simon expected you to stay back when he started mowing down a path through these men. He knows Price gave you an order, but in the back of his head, he thought you’d see that he had this handled. There wasn’t anything more you needed to do, he could do this for you. And that’s exactly why you stayed back for a moment, for as long as you could before Price pulled you back into battle, distracting Simon once again.
Head snapping to his right, he witnesses your eager lurch from the forest. You and the captain are ready for this attention, though, weapons drawn as you appear on the field. And it all seems to be going to plan now. Gaz is safe and handled for the moment, Ghost has an injury and so do you, but ultimately, you’re moving; you’re advancing, you’re winning.
Small trickles begin to drip from the sky, the product of the thunder you’d heard not so long ago. And for some reason, the moment freezes. You look up, witnessing the rain as it now freely falls; a moment of peace before your life’s most damaging event. 
Another explosion.
Ever the father figure, Price’s fingers once again curl around your vest. He’s tossing you around like a ragdoll today, and right now, it’s because you lunged forward into combat. Flopping to the ground with a huff, your breaths escape your lungs, the wind completely knocked from your chest. And still, you crawl forward, hyperventilating while your eyes search. 
At this point, even John is a little frazzled, neither one of you speaking until you hear the shouts of your sergeant. 
“Bones!” He’s screaming, voice full of emotion because, well… he never thought this would happen. “Get to Ghost! Get to Ghost!”
And now, your stomach drops into your fucking ass. They didn’t hit a landmine, Simon did.
This time, Price can’t do anything to stop you. You’re scrambling forward, eyes darting around the field until Johnny whispers breathily into the comms, “In that ditch.”
A few yards ahead, Johnny steps in front of you, guarding your body from the men approaching. Price does the same, knowing it’s just the two of them now. 
Dirt mixes to mud and smears across your hands, thick clumps sticking to the edges of your jacket. The wetness soaks through your knees to the entirety of your pants, the gentle drip now turning into a torrential downpour. Above your head, lightning strikes, thunder shaking the ground so fiercely that you end up slipping over the edge of the ditch. Falling headfirst into the crater, you land beside Simon’s motionless body. 
“Si -” With heaving breaths, you crawl over to him. Swallowing, you lay a hand on his chest. “Simon.”
This is different than before, different than when you dealt with Gaz. Your heart is beating out of your chest, and you could almost throw up from nerves. So far, you’ve done well at putting your emotions aside during situations like this, but not now. Not when it’s the man you love.
It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, it just doesn’t make sense. Not with your team’s experience and expertise, their strength and comradery; how did you find yourselves here? Each member was chosen for a specific reason, the best Price could get. Is that true? Have you really done your best? 
Lifting his head slightly, Simon looks in your direction. And what you see is haunting. One eye swollen, the other filling with red. His left arm is distorted, both legs twisted in ways that aren’t human. There’s barely anything left of his right thigh, but that’s not where the biggest injury is. Looking up, you see that it’s on his head.
“Simon.” Shuffling forward, your eyes widen, hands immediately reaching for his head. 
Crimson warmth soaks the side of his mask, a small indent visible. He has definite brain damage, and your heart sinks at that fact. What will he be like after this?
“Let me help.” You’re whispering to yourself, mainly, because you assumed he’d let you. But he protests. 
“No,” His voice is still low and gruff, trying to continue being the brave man he knows he can be. 
“I have gauze, and blood clotting agents.” Turning you shuffle through your pack, retrieving a fresh pair of latex gloves. 
Immediately, you’re dousing him in a cool saline solution, watching his body writhe softly from it. But before wrapping any of his wounds, you focus on his head first. Leaning forward, your hands swipe across the hard skull covering his face, sloppily wiping away the blood and dirt. But your actions become frantic, fingers sliding over your lover’s face in an attempt to see him again, to look into his eyes despite this misfortune. Simon listens to your gasps and pants, emotional huffs spilling from your lips. In your panicked state, the gloves break. And in any other setting, you'd care about this cross-contamination. But you don’t even hesitate. The mud sticks to your fingers, Simon’s blood caking beneath your nails as you continue to clean him. Seeing him laid out like this, body free of any movement, any sort of intention, it’s pulling at your soul. It’s not him, he’s leaving you. 
“I need to see.”
He just ignores you, right hand reaching down toward his belt. It’s the only limb that hasn’t been mutilated, and he uses it to detach his mags. Moving as best he can, he hands them to you, round after round of bullets without a single word leaving his lips. And what really breaks you, what finally does you in, is the sound of him gurgling quietly on his own liquid insides. It’s now that every emotion breaks free, every single feeling you’d been bottling up and pushing aside, each one obliterates the firm dam of your determination and pride. 
“Here.” He grunts, “Ammo.”
“Stop.” It’s all you can say because if you speak any more, you’re sure you’ll just embarrass yourself. 
“Bones.” He states firmly, the eye not swollen shut staring up at you with… something. He’s thinking. 
“Stop, Simon.”
“Please.” He pleads with you quietly, watching the first tear roll down your face.
“Simon… let me see, let me help.” Reaching forward again, you watch the rise and fall of his chest, you watch as it slows. He was right, the lungs give everything away. 
Squirming, his head turns to the side. “Simon, please. I need to - I need to take off your mask.”
The pain he’s experiencing is at a level he’s not felt in quite some time. His insides burn, feeling stiff around the shrapnel penetrating his muscle. And the injury to his head is making him feel fuzzy. Every time he looks up at you, you are surrounded by a black fog. His vision is leaving him, but he still sees you. 
A burst of memory overcomes him when he turns back in your direction, forcing breath after painful breath into his lungs. Replacing you is the vision of his mother, beautiful brown curls and dark brown eyes, the very eyes she’d given to him. The child in him wants to reach out, only to see her pull away. In her stead is now his father, fist slamming into him. Her neglect, her absence, while his father abused him like this, it’s all he can really remember. Trauma is funny like that, deciding which memories to banish and which ones to keep. It’s similar to the way he remembers school, the bullying, the loneliness that always seemed to chase his very being. Life was never something to be enjoyed, just motions to move through. 
But then he met you, and you made life exciting. Exciting in a way that wasn’t dangerous, exciting in a way that made him feel at home, at peace. Your love, your memories, are what’s most important to him now. The first time you met, the first intimate moment you shared. Smoking together, sleeping together, caring for and protecting each other. Simon can remember a specific moment now, one of his favorites. 
“It’s kinda funny,” He’d quirked a brow at you beneath the covering, listening to you continue. “I know you better than your own government documents.”
He’d laughed at this, because you were right. 
“Don’t get cocky about it, now.” Simon chastised lightly, eyes crinkling ever so slightly with a hidden smile. 
“I wish there was more, though.”
“How do you mean?”
“You do so much, so many important things. There should be more record of you, more details about your life, babe. You’re an impressive man, people should know about that.”
And while your words made his pride swell a little larger, he only sighed. “That’s part of the job, sweets. Anonymity.” 
Smiling, you leaned forward, slinking your arms around his neck. “Maybe, but not to me.” Kissing the tip of his nose, you whispered, “You’ll always be important to me.”
Simon never planned on being remembered. There was no one he was willing to give that burden to. But, selfishly, he wants to be remembered by you. 
“Baby,” When your voice cracks, Simon blinks, those dark eyes watching the flow of your silent tears. “Please let me.”
And he thinks, how is she going to remember me like this? A man without a face? And so, he decides to give this to you. There’s nothing left to lose. He knows you’re taking it off to help him, but he’s allowing it for different reasons; call it a parting gift. 
When he doesn’t respond this time, your fingers find the edge of his mask. With a great amount of hesitancy, they curl beneath the dampened fabric, lifting it slowly. One by one, each feature is revealed. His chin and jawline, his lips, all traits you’ve seen and openly admired many times before. But then there’s his nose, something you’ve never seen in its entirety. There’s a deep scar running right across the bridge of it, cutting down into his cheek. And as you continue on, you can barely handle the violent thump of your heart’s beat. 
Finally, the fabric falls from his head, revealing to you his identity, Simon’s true self. 
Surprisingly, you smile. His hair is blonde, straight and not too long. Absentmindedly, you lift a hand, fingers stroking carefully through the messy strands. A laugh leaves you, some sort of twisted happiness found in this moment. And then your eyes lower, finding his steadfast gaze. Languidly, he blinks, blonde lashes fanning over his cheeks. 
“I’m sorry,” He admits, coughing. “I’m sorry it had to be like this, seeing me.”
“You’re so perfect.” Leaning further in, your hands cup his face. He doesn’t even mind the tears that drip down onto his skin. “Simon.”
“Just know that I do…” Trailing off, Simon shakes his head, releasing an emotional breath. “Love you.”
“I love you,” Releasing any sense of restraint, you express, “I love you more than anything.” 
You’re choosing not to look at his head because you know it's bad, you know it. And there’s nothing you can do for him with what you have. He needs more than saline and wraps for this. 
“So,” Grunting, he again lifts his right hand. “Think you’ll be needing this.”
With a harsh yank, he rips one of the circular metals from the chain around his neck. And your heart sinks, pulse thumping in your ears. As best he can, he reaches across his body, holding it out for you.
“Give it to Price.”
“That’s not how this is going to end.”
“And then,” Continuing about his task, Simon sets the silver coin on your lap. “You can keep the other.” 
“Simon.”
“It’s not much but, if you want to remember me…”
“Simon Riley.” You want him to stop talking like this, you’d do anything to stop this. 
Barely, he nods, a single shift of his head as he tells you gruffly, “Yours.” 
His eyes stay open until the life seemingly leaves, stare going blank mere seconds after that promise. Without thinking, your fingers curl around the identification sitting in your lap, your other hand still holding his handsome face. But it then leaves, nails digging into the mask lying beside him as your head drops, hanging loosely over your chest. A guttural sob is then released, your insides tearing you open and leaving you emotionally defenseless. Sucking in a thick gulp of air, you know what you need to do. Preserving Simon’s dignity and anonymity, you slide the mask over him again, hiding his face from the enemy. And from you, once again. 
*
*
*
Simon,
I still wear your dog tags tag, I never take it off. It stays beneath my shirt when I sleep, when I go to work. It’s cold, like your mask. I still don’t know where that is, Price won’t tell me. But I stole your cologne, they didn’t get that. I think that would make you laugh. You used to make me laugh. 
I don’t know what to do now, or where to go. I just think of you. 
Strangely, it helps. You know he’ll never write back, but that’s not really the point. This is about you, and it does help… sometimes. Although, Simon never believed in an afterlife, you’re not writing to anyone. This was just something a therapist on base suggested, an exercise to help with your grief. Words you’ve begged life itself to say to him, to be able to speak to him again. 
At times, you’re angry. With yourself and with him. You were a distraction, Johnny knew it, Price probably knew it. You did this to him. And at the same time, your extended mourning is his doing, too. He didn’t give you anything, not a burial site to visit, no ashes to keep. Nothing that allows you to visit him, or at least visit his memory. Simon always wanted to be cremated, have his ashes scattered who knows where. Nowhere important, somewhere to forget. He didn’t get the chance to change these plans after meeting you, though, and he’d regret that. 
The funeral was small, smaller than it should have been considering he died in battle and with honors. There was no way of avoiding a celebration, though, no matter how much he’d protested to it in life. But if there was one thing Simon definitely wanted, it was to be as far away from Manchester as possible; he never wanted to go back there. And with each of you carrying his casket on your shoulders, you made sure of that. He was honored on the training field back at base, body tucked away in a coffin before being cremated. The ceremonial move of the reversed arms was performed, your heads bowed in respect. It was only the four of you with him, the closest thing to family he’d ever really known. The Union Flag covered the finished pine, and you thought, how many more layers of fabric would keep you from seeing him?
Taking your newest letter, you get to your designated Jeep and drive. Every time, you go back to your secret little spot, the place where you’d connected so many times. You even sit in the backseat, the one behind the driver’s side. That’s where you always sat with him.
The stare you give this hand-written note might as well burn holes into it, the edge of your cigarette threatening to do so if your eyes don’t. Packs of nicotine laced joints have found their way to you quite often since Simon’s death, more and more every day. It tastes like him, his lips.
Sometimes, late at night, the boys still hear you cry. You try to do most of it in the shower, drowning out your tears with the louder noise. Throughout the day, you’ll keep it inside, and they’ve all noticed. You’re blank, rendered nearly emotionless as you move through the motions of each day. 
But what’s more important during the night, is him. If you drink enough, you can see him - you swear it. His eyes staring down at you, blinking, body laying beside you on the bed. He holds you. He’ll kiss the back of your neck, tell you I do, I love you. His palm presses to your own, fingers intertwining before he pulls it to him, covered lips moving to the back of your hand. Everything is a memory, but you refuse this. Simon loves you, he comes back just to tell you. You’ll always be thankful you told Simon that you love him.
Johnny takes a sudden special interest in you. For weeks, he hesitates to approach your door when he hears you cry. But he finally caves when he passes by the washrooms one night, a night where the boys have gone for a drink and the base is all but empty. 
Initially, he thought you were hurt. With how hard you were sobbing, breaths tight and airy, he was sure you were injured. Bursting through the doors, he found you on the ground of one of the shower stalls. 
“Lass, wha - ” 
But there was nothing, no blood, no broken glass or anything that could have brought you harm. And then, he sees it, the pile of your personal belongings. Your shower bag and towel are sitting on the closest bench, with a few items scattered on the floor. And Johnny doesn’t know much about pregnancy, but he knows a test when he sees one.
“Bones…”
“He’s fucking gone,” Your voice is hoarse from your wailing, form crumpled and laying on the wet tile while water sprays over you. “Why couldn’t he have left me something? Anything?!”
It’s negative.
In a last attempt to save something, to preserve any part of him, you’d taken the test. Several, actually. But it’s futile; there’s truly nothing left of him. 
How could you feel so fucking empty? So lost? What was the meaning of life now? What was the meaning before you met him? There was nothing before him. 
Johnny picked you up off the floor that night, leaning in to first turn off the shower before bending at the knees to wrap you in your towel. You let him carry you; with the break in your heart you didn’t really have much strength left in you. So, you leaned on him, walking with his steps as he guided you back to your room. And he dried you, dressed you, and then he held you. 
Nothing was discussed, you didn’t speak about it, him. He just sat there on your bed with you, arms wrapped tight around your body, heaving chests pressed against each other as Soap’s eyes spilled over with tears, too. He let you bury your face into his neck, fingers pulling at the edges of his mohawk. It overtakes you, the grief. The all consuming power of it floods your body, greedy in its conquest as it watches you crumble in defeat. 
Johnny made this promise weeks ago, not exactly sure when but he knows it’ll hold true. He’s made a silent vow to Simon; he’ll take care of you. 
For a while, you refuse to let Johnny sleep in your room. He had nowhere to rest but your bed and that extra space was for Simon. But then he offered to sleep on the floor one night, admitting quietly that it wasn’t just for you. It was for him, too. So, you let him keep you company, opening up and giving in to your collective misery. 
Johnny watched the way you curled up with your pillows, watched your face scrunch as you twisted and turned, trying to find some form of sleep. It only came when your hand found your chest, clutching Simon’s last bit of identification. 
Your sergeant found comfort in reading, in literature and even poetry. Some written by war veterans and forever-changed soldiers. One poem in particular spoke to him, and he wanted to give it to you. And for some reason, it offered you incredible solace; it so deeply reminds you of Simon. 
If I should die, think only this of me:
      That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
      In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
      Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam;
A body of England’s, breathing English air,
      Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
      A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
            Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
      And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
            In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
Rupert Brooke
Waking up is difficult, but getting out of bed is actually pretty easy. It’s only because you've been running on auto-pilot, relying on your routines to keep you moving. Johnny said it’s good for you, consistency, and he’s right. He’s really helped keep you together these past few months. At times, Simon helps, but there’s only so much he can do. 
The nightmares come and go, and so do the terrors. You’ll wake up in a cold sweat, hyperventilating with tears running down your face and neck. But more often than not, it’s pure psychological torture. The nightmares occur far more often, and you know what? The meaning behind them is true. Some awful creature sitting on your chest, pressing down onto your body so you’re unable to breathe properly, staring at your face as its intentions wriggles inside your head, creating hellscapes you never otherwise could have imagined. That’s exactly what it feels like, it’s exactly what you go through.
Psychologists define it as post-traumatic stress, and you’ve come to accept that. At first, you’d tell them every detail, every new event. The occurrence of you taking a pregnancy test, that’s a new predicament, a new attempt at preserving him. Maybe one day, it’ll be positive. Nevertheless, you don’t tell them as much anymore. It’s all the same, anyway. 
There have been some changes recently, mainly toward the medical rooms. Courtesy of Captain Price, you’ve been given a private office. The room you’d been in originally, the one that overlooked the training yard, is now solely used for training-related events. Sprains and torn muscles, extra ice packs and wraps, water bottles and energy packs. Quick things for the boys to grab. 
Where do the injured men and women go?
Now, you have a full infirmary. One hall with several beds and then four private rooms for those with longer stays, too. That’s where you’re headed today, room number three, specifically. 
Tying your hair back and washing your face gives you the appearance of alertness, something you desperately need. Quite often, you find yourself lacking sleep. It also helps to not have sticky, tear-stained cheeks. You’re not sure when that will subside, but you’re not expecting it to happen anytime soon. Overwhelming emotions find you even when in his company. 
After breakfast and an entire bottle of water, you make your way to the hospital wing, readying yourself for the day’s work. It shouldn’t be too difficult, though; things are looking up. But before leaving the mess hall, you grab an extra orange. Simon always loved those. 
It’s quiet here, something you really love. It gives everyone the opportunity to focus on rest. Which is exactly why you open the door so quietly, peaking in to make sure you didn’t wake him. But he’s already up.
“Bones,”
“Hi, baby.”
The fruit in your hand is quickly made known, Simon’s reflexes ever-present. His right hand catches it with ease, setting it down on his lap so he can lift his mask.
“I can help, you know.”
“Uh-uh,” Already, he’s lifting it to his mouth and biting into the skin with his teeth. Using this method, he peels it.
“Savage.”
“Inventive.” He corrects, “That’s what you mean.”
It’s early still, and you’re the only one making rounds to him. You’ve given the remaining tasks in the hospital wing to your employees - you’re here for him. And so, you swing your chair over to his bedside, sitting and leaning forward to rest your arms and head beside him.
The hospital bedding has been shifted upward, allowing him to sit up as he eats. He’s shirtless, in nothing but boxers and his mask, with two dog tags on his chest.
“How are you?”
“Hungry as hell.” 
“They didn’t feed you?!” Sitting up, you immediately become appalled and enraged. 
“Sit down, soldier.” Simon laughs, shaking his head. “They fed me.”
“And you’re still hungry?” With a smirk, you raise a brow at him as he just shrugs. A sigh then leaves your shaking head. “Growing boy.”
“Yeah, thanks to all this.” He’s still grumpy about it, how could he not be? “Have to regrow an entire damn body.”
He’s being dramatic, but… not really.
Quietly, you admire him, allowing your love to eat in silence. You’re both used to it, the peaceful calm surrounding your interactions. It was something you always agreed on; why have meaningless conversation when you can just enjoy each other’s presence? 
His arm is wrapped, and both legs. The best surgeons the military could find enabled him to keep all four limbs, a true godsend. He hasn’t been able to move them much, though, as he’s only just started physical therapy. Easy movements for now, just wiggling fingers and toes. There’s also the task of his cognitive therapy, mainly exercises for focus and short-term memory. It’s been difficult, to say the least, but you’ve been with him through it, been to every appointment and therapy session. 
“You’re quiet.” He notes, still snacking. 
Timidly, you nod, not searching for his gaze. And at this he sighs, notes of sympathy in his breath. He knows what’s bothering you.
“More dreams?” Simon asks quietly, staring down at the woman he loves. 
Simply, you nod, tears welling in your eyes all over again. 
Simon’s recovery has been difficult, and for everyone involved. It took quite a few weeks of convincing both Price and your doctors that you were fit to care for him. Your mental state was just… shattered. And you’re still picking up the pieces. 
“Baby,” The way he says it makes your heart jolt with emotion, with an incredible sense of longing. It’s spoken so softly, so sweetly, that deep voice rumbling kindly. And just like always, it’s successful in requesting your attention. “What happened?”
Wiping his hand on the bedsheets (he knows they’ll be changed anyway), he reaches for you. Just like before, in the painful memory of your dreams, his fingers intertwine with yours, palm pressing to your own while dragging it up to his lips. And then he presses them to the back of your hand, eyes focusing on you.
“Talk to me.”
“You died,” Finally giving in, you speak. You’ve done this many times, and it’s never easy. But Simon insists that talking about these dreams will help. “Again.”
“Hm.” He nods, humming thoughtfully, giving you room to speak.
“Your funeral, ya know, the basics.” Rolling your eyes, you groan. These nightmares are everything you despise, everything you fear. “Johnny was there, too. I smoked a lot, just to remind myself of you. Wore your dog tag, held it at night. And that’s when you’d visit me; I had visions of you, Si. Laying in my bed, holding me, telling me you love me.”
“I do.”
“I know you do.” Lifting your head, your genuine smile is displayed to him. “I, um… I took a pregnancy test in this one.”
“That’s new.” 
“I know. It was negative though, and it was so heartbreaking. I just… wanted to preserve any part of you.”
The way your voice wavers forces his muscles to tighten, discomfort wreaking havoc on his body. Seeing you like this fucking breaks him. That mission should’ve never even happened, but at least it was successful in the end.
“I’m here, though, love. I’m still here.”
He knows not sleeping next to each other has been one of the biggest issues for you. Feeling his weight, it was a comforting thing that easily lulled you to sleep. And his absence often brought on these terrifying dreams. 
“I know, baby.” Nodding, you sniffle, doing your best to not release your silent weeps. He’s right, he’s here. Everything is alright, you’re both healing and you’re together. That’s all that matters now. 
Contemplating his next decision, Simon grunts, sitting up straighter on his bed. Releasing your hand, he then reaches for your chin. Your lips bloom into a smile as he tilts your head up toward him, his lips, jawline, and chin visible to you. And Christ, how you wish you could see more. You can vaguely remember his face, the features he showed you before what he was sure was certain death. But it’s traumatic to recall it, and he’s refused to show himself  to you ever since. The injury to his brain has made him… insecure, in a way. He hasn’t even kissed you since all of it.
“Have a surprise for ya.” He then reveals, smacking his lips while swallowing the last bit of fruit available to him.
“Really?” Doubt laces your tone. What could he have possibly done for you in this condition? 
“C’mup here.” Simon grins, pulling you in. Standing, you shift your position, now sitting on the edge of his bed. 
“What is it?” Giggling, you eye him suspiciously. “Why are you smiling at me like that?” 
Clearing his throat, Simon looks down, taking his hand away as he grabs the edges of his mask. You assume he’s going to pull it back down, now that he’s finished eating his morning snack. But you’re wrong, eyes widening as he does the exact opposite of that. 
Jaw dropping entirely, you stare in awe as he removes the soft skull, slowly sliding the black fabric from his head. It brushes through his hair, eyelids lowered as he refuses to meet your gaze for the briefest second. He knows he looks different than before, hair still trying to grow back in the spot of his injury. There’s a new cut that runs down his face, too, the upper left side of his temple. But he should know you don’t care about any of that, he’s hoping you don’t, anyway. 
And when he looks back up into your eyes, he can see a profound sense of love. Love and adoration, determination, true friendship and connection. 
“Miss me?” The cheeky bastard, lips pulled into a grin with his blonde hair disheveled and looking cute as all hell. But more importantly, his hair is clean, so much cleaner than the first time you’d seen him, no longer stained red and pink.
“You fucker,” Shaking your head, you lean in, holding his face and pressing your forehead to his. 
Simon audibly winces when his arms move, small grunts of frustration spilling from him. His right arm easily wraps around your body, firmly pulling you in. But his left barely budges, and it’s so embarrassing to him. But his struggles pause when you shift, lips pressing to his and melting away every single unpleasant sensation. It’s a distraction, you’re a fucking distraction. But it’s a good thing this time. 
“You know I did.”
The moment is broken when a knock sounds at the door, and you can’t hop off his bed fast enough. Moments later, Price walks in, a stack of documents in his hand. 
“Captain.” You greet, standing straight for him and trying not to look suspicious. 
Unmoving on the bed, Ghost just nods. “Price.”
“Good,” John steps forward, “You’re both here. Give these a look for me.”
Watching him drop the papers onto your desk, you frown. “What are those?”
“HR documents,” He begins, staring at the stack before turning his attention to both of you. “For workplace relationships.”
Your face couldn’t feel hotter.
He then points a finger at the pair of you, stating firmly, “Sign ‘em.” Before turning to leave. 
Well, there’s no hiding it now.
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✩CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE?✩
Johnny Cade & Dallas Winston
Dallas hates college. He really, truly does.
He never thought he’d miss the gang this much—or at all, really. Sure, they’re like brothers to him—but he’s always preferred being alone. It's easier.
He never planned on going to college. But some prison program—he never bothered to learn about it—made the offer to send him to community college free of charge, and Darry wouldn’t let him say no.
So now, here he is. He was always alone on Christmas—ever since his mother overdosed, it’s been just him. He spent a few years celebrating with the gang, but he always felt out of place. Still—he had planned on flying out to them. But being New York, a big fat snowstorm hit the day before he was supposed to leave—and all flights had been canceled.
He had settled down onto his bed, beer in hand and idly watching whatever shitty hallmark cable would play. A quiet but frantic knock hit his door—he could practically hear the heavy breathing from the other side.
Dallas wasn’t expecting company—he hasn't made any friends in his few months here. It was also 2 o’clock in the damn morning. Realistically he knew he shouldn’t open the door, but he found himself getting up anyway.
He leaned down to look in the peephole, he had to squint to make out the figure—even then, it was hard to tell. They were relatively small, he could beat them pretty easily—his best guess is that the person is high for the first time.
He groans, already walking back to his shitty bed. But the person knocks again—and he has a sinking feeling they aren’t leaving anytime soon.
“Whaddaya want?” He growls, throwing the door open.
The person—a man—jumps halfway out of his skin, already stumbling away. “I-I’m sorry—I’ll go—“ he begins to sputter, eyes wide and looking at Dallas like he was a predator of some kind.
“Jesus—Are you on something?” Dallas askes, looking him up and down.
He’s seen the boy on campus before—he stuck out because of how often people thought he was a highschooler. He was in one of those artsy-fartsy courses like Ponyboy wanted to do.
“No!“ The boy gasps out defensively. “I just—I… I’m sorry, I’ll go.” He repeats, already attempting to walk off. Before Dallas can stop himself, he reaches out and grabs the collar of his sweater, tugging him closer.
He knows he should just let the poor guy go. But he looks too familiar—the shake riddling his whole body, his eyes don’t really seem to focus on him, his hands shake even as he tries to tug Dallas off.
“Oh no you don’t! Why the hell are you knocking at my door at two in the morning, huh?” He bites, letting go once he’s sure the guy won’t bolt.
“I—I just…” he mutters, shoving his hands in his pockets and refusing to make eye contact. “My cat got out—H-He’s real white and it’s all snowy out—“ he begins, looking all guilty.
They definitely were not allowed to have pets here. This boy seems to know that too, talking as slow as he can to try and gauge Dallas’s reaction.
“I don’t want anyone getting—y’know, like a hold of him. I just—I don’t know where he is, and I’m really worried, and I’m sorry that I—“
Dallas sighs, rubbing his temples. That's what this is about? A damn cat? Here he was worried this guy was gonna overdose but he’s just unbelievably freaked out about a white-fucking-cat.
Personally, the closest he’s ever had to a pet was an alley cat in New York—it hissed and scratched him regularly, but it’d let him get close enough to pet it when he gave it some leftover food. One day it stopped showing up—he had been really sad, he knew animal control got it.
“So, what? You’re checking if anyone has seen him?” Dallas askes, trying not to sound as annoyed as he very much is. He feels bad for the guy—it’s clear he’s not used to talking to people.
“W-Well, I uh…” the boy mutters, finally glancing up at him. “I know he’s outside—but I don’t really have good eyesight…”
“You want me to go out there and look with you?” He deadpans, unable to hide his own annoyed raised brow. “Maybe perhaps.” He replies, a nervous chuckle leaving his lips as he already tries to back away again.
“I-It sounds stupid now—I don’t really… know anyone and you’re my neighbor, so—I’ll just leave, I’m sorry for bothering you.”
Dallas groans, loud enough that the guy glances at him worriedly. He really wants to slam the door in his face and go back to drinking until he passes out. But the sight is so pathetic that he knows he’ll never forget the look on his face if he doesn’t go.
The boy looks a lot like that stupid alley cat.
“I’ll go.” He says finally. The boy can't help but gasp, looking at him thankfully. “R-Really?” He says, eyes following him as he goes to grab his coat. “Don’t make me change my mind.” Dallas says simply, pulling it on and grabbing some gloves from his closet.
The boy stays silent after that. He stands in Dallas’s doorway until he comes out, locking the door behind him. “Don’t you have a jacket?” Dallas says, glancing back at the threadbare sweater and too-big jeans the boy was wearing.
“I’ll be fine.” He says simply, already scampering off to the elevator. Dallas watches him silently—he quickly unlocks the door, grabs an extra pair of gloves, and locks it again.
He tosses the pair to the boy as they both hop on the elevator. He stares at him for a moment before pulling them on.
“So, uh—“ the boy mutters, looking down at his feet. “What’s your name?”
“Dallas.” He replies, unable to hold back his own chuckle. “What about you?”
“Johnny.” The boy says in reply, pushing the lobby floor button. They are both silent for the rest of the way down. The receptionist gives them an odd look as they pass—it’s definitely past curfew, but they are a lot more lenient during the holidays.
“Does it have a name?” He asks, hearing his own feet crunch down on the falling snow. “Huh?” Johnny mutters, glancing up at him. “The cat.” Dallas replies, raising a brow at him.
“Oh! Shit, yeah—His name is Cobalt.”
Dallas chuckles, walking off already to search. Johnny catches up at him, frowning. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothin’.” Dallas shrugs. “It’s a good name. Unique.”
“You were laughing.” Johnny says, brown frowning as he searches his face for something. “His eyes are really blue. That’s where I got the name from.”
“Ah.” Dallas hums, glancing around. “We oughta split up, I’ll call you if I find anything.”
“Okay.” Johnny nods. “T-Thanks again, man. I mean it.”
“No problem.” Dallas shrugs, walking off. It annoys him a little that he’s so calm about this—it should be a problem. A random dude he doesn’t know came knocking at his door at the asscrack of midnight to help him search for some white cat with a dumb name.
Even so, he found himself actually looking. He told himself it was so he wouldn’t have to be out here all night—but deep down it’s because he knows the look on the kids face will destroy him if they don’t find the stupid thing.
They had been searching for a solid half hour when Dallas noticed an odd hole in the snow. He had passed it about a hundred times, but suddenly he felt like he just had to check.
He takes slow steps towards it, crouching down to look inside. Sure enough, two very blue eyes stare at him. He glances back at the road, cars driving past him at quick speeds. The poor thing must’ve burrowed down out of fear. A
He slowly digs his hands in the snow around him, halting everytime the cat hisses and only moving again when it stopped. It tried to bite him when he finally pulled it out. “Cut it out, you little shit. I’m trying to help you!” He finds himself whispering angrily.
“Johnny!” He calls, walking slowly to not jostle the poor animal. “I think I’ve got him!”
Johnny spins around quickly, pulling himself to his feet. He gasps when he sees him, running up with a big smile on his face. “You found him!” He says, full of child-like joy.
Dallas hands the hissing animal over asap. Sure enough, Cobalt stops hissing the second he’s in Johnny’s arms, ducking its little head under his chin and snuggling closer.
Johnny scratches behind his ears idly, finally looking back at Dallas. “Thank you so much! I thought I was gonna have a heart attack.” He says with a guilty smile.
“It’s no problem, really.” He finds himself saying. “Christmas spirit or whatever.” God, why did he say that? What has this place turned him into? Maybe the gang was right, he was going soft.
He can’t help but take note of Cobalt’s blue collar, with a matching bow tie hot-glued onto it alongside a little bell. He can’t help but smile at the sight—god, that’s too adorable for even stone-cold Dallas Winston.
Johnny tucks the cat into his sweater as they head inside—Dallas makes a point to walk close enough to hide the bump now on his chest. Surprisingly, Cobalt stays silent as they pass by the reception desk.
Johnny pulls him back out the second they’re in the elevator, letting Cobalt climb onto his shoulder like a perched bird. Dallas can’t help but chuckle at the sight, clicking the button for their floor.
Dallas slowly reaches his hand up, making sure the cat sees it before he touches him. Cobalt lets him scratch behind his ears, purring quietly. Johnny must be a damn good owner—It seems just being in the presence of him keeps Cobalt at ease.
“I found him in an alleyway a few months ago.” Johnny says, the silence grating on him. “He was so tiny and scared, I couldn’t leave him outside. I know it’s against the rules—“
“I’m not much of a rule follower.” Dallas shrugs. “Just make sure you don’t ever let the office find out.”
Johnny smiles. “Yeah, I’ll uh—make sure to keep the window fully closed from now on.”
Johnny doesn’t bother hiding the cat as they both step out—most of the students hid something, and a cat was the best thing that could be kept. Cobalt does hop down back into his arms, burrowing his little face into Johnny’s sleeve.
“I really can’t thank you enough.” Johnny says as they stop in front of Dallas’s room. “I don’t—I mean, I seriously don’t think I would’ve found him on my own. I owe you one big time.”
Dallas can’t help the redness that flushes his face. He’s not used to being thanked like this—treated like some kind of angel. It’s not like he helps people out often—not unless he wants something in return. Maybe he should do it more—it feels nice.
“I really don’t mind, man. It’s something to do, I guess.” Dallas mutters, not looking at him. Johnny just smiles at him, warm and big—like he knows there’s more to it than that.
They say their goodbyes and head their own way. Dallas can see Johnny give Cobalt a little kiss on the head as he heads inside his dorm.
He sits down on his bed, leaning back against the wall. He finds himself revolted by the idea of drinking.
He feels good—something warm in his chest, something he’s only ever felt a few times in his life. Huddled up with his mother beside the fire, watching the gang hurl snowballs at each other with big ol’ grins on their faces.
Dallas glances down at his phone. He reaches over and grabs it, scrolling through the Merry Christmas messages the gang had sent him that night. He couldn’t help but smile—alone in his room, he felt loved. He felt good.
He shuts his phone off, kicking off his shoes and falling asleep on top of the covers.
Dallas wakes up the next morning to cookies on his doorstep—a red bow tied around the tin with a little paw print painting on it.
Maybe he was going soft. Who cares?
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lingering-42-long · 1 year
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I’ll be home for Christmas
Soap x f! reader
I don’t know what happened, but the original one either got accidentally deleted or I just never posted it! This is the first of the series. I’ll be home for Christmas. Enjoy
Warnings: none
John winced when he got the call from headquarters saying he would need to leave for duty on Tuesday, witch meant be on a flight to the shitty hell-hole of a place tomorrow. He hated being called at last moment. Being left out of the loop irked him to no end.
Soap looked over at the clock and noticed that his girlfriend would be home soon. She worked at a local pub by night in Sterling and her shift was nearing the end. Just as he was thinking about her his phone buzzed with a text. It was from (y/n). ‘Hey Johnny, I’ll be home in a bit on my way.’
John texted back ‘ok love. See you here.:)’ He noticed she called him Johnny not hunny or babe. She must be tired. He thought to himself as he got up to finish dinner. He hated having to leave her behind in such short notice.
The Cock-a-Leekie soup was almost finished when John heard keys outside jingle and the lock opening. (Y/n) came in on this chilly night.
“Brrrr. It’s cold out there” she shivered and hung her jacket on the peg by the door and was in the process of taking her wet shoes and socks off, when two arms snaked around her waist. “Aye mo leannan (yes my sweetheart). You’re cold aren’t ya?” His thick Scottish accent rolled off his tongue as he kissed her neck. A giggle could be heard from her lips “Already trying to flirt with me this late? “Lass if I was try’n to flirt with ya, I would’ve put more effort into it.” He gave a little nibble to her earlobe. (Y/n) smiled as she slipped on a pair of house slippers. “Something smells amazing. Are you making what I think your making?”
“Aye ghràdh (love).” Soap smiled as he dished out two plates.
“You really didn’t have to do that. It’s so late…” It was true. It was around 1:45am, but John didn’t matter. He knew he did not have much time with his Beloved. “No I don’t mind,” he smiled then his face dropped, “Also I got to tell you something.”
A frown formed on (y/n)’s face. “Let’s talk about it after dinner, ok?” John gave a quick nod and touched her cheek gently “tha gaol agam ort (I love you).”
A light blush formed over (y/n)’s face “I love you too”
Dinner was amazing and the two of them talked about (y/n)’s job and who was at the pub that night. John gave a slight snort when she was telling him about the idiot who kept flirting with her. “Did ye tell ‘em yur with meh?”
“Of course I did but you know how men are, he saw that as a challenge”
“Next time I’ll show him a real challenge” he huffed.
“No need. I took care of it quick.” She chuckled. “I got Bruce to start waiting on him.” The man Bruce, she was referring too, was a big hulking of a man and could scare anyone into submission if it came to one of his colleagues getting uneasy with a drunken idiot.
“Well at least he has been delt with.” John nodded. He was very happy that she could stand up in a fight. That’s one of the many things he loved about her.
“So…. What’s this bad news you have to dump on me?” (Y/n) asked already figuring it out but waiting for the confirmation.
“Lass I got called in for a mission… I know it’s bad timing.” So close to Christmas. It was both there favorite time of the year. It was going to be tough on them.
“Yeah really bad timing.” She bit her bottom lip trying not to let her tears fall. “I had made plans and everything too…oh well”
“Hey now mo aingeal milis (my sweet angel). Yer can still do those things, and the plan is to be home for Christmas… if all goes to plan tha’ is.” A simple touch to the shoulder almost sent (y/n) crying. She was a tough-ie but things that were very important to her still got to her. “I know…I just worry if you will be ok…if you will make it…”
“Aye Bonnie I promise ye I will com back home in one piece yeah?”
“Alive?” She asked
“Alive and well.” He chuckled. “Now go get ready fer bed. I’ll clean up and be there in a bit.”
She shook her head “I want to help…”
“Your tired. You’ve been working all night. Let me do this fer ya.”
“Fine.” (Y/n) trudged upstairs to their room and washroom were she took off her makeup and jewelry. She had worn the necklace and matching earrings that John had given her last year as an anniversary gift on Valentine’s Day.
She looked at herself in the mirror, tears still threatening to spill, a long night and now this? Pull yourself together girl. (Y/n) told herself but to no avail. When she made it to the bedroom to get changed for the evening, the thought of her boyfriend leaving her made the waterworks start as she burst out crying into her pillow, sobbing away. Perfect timing for Soap to walk in, catching sight of his overtired, crying girlfriend.
“Hey hey hey! What’s this Love?” Gently kneeling beside her side of the bed and placing a hand on her back.
“I’m sorry I must be tired, but the thought of you leaving for the holidays…” (Y/n)’s voice broke again as she tried to regain her composure.
“No don’t apologize, ghràdh (love). I wished I could have told you sooner.” He kissed her head gently. “I know this will be h’rd on both of us but we can work this out, yeah?” John got up and walked to his dresser to get on a pair of pants. He liked to sleep shirtless.
As soon as Soap opened the covers to get in, his girlfriend clung onto him. “Aye lass I got ye.” He chuckled and stroked her head. “I’ll wake ye up when I leave ok?” No reply just a nod into his chest. Softly, as if she would shatter in his arms, he hummed an old song and gently rubbed her back. This made (Y/n) break down and cry again. “I got ye let it out. Shhhhhh.” John murmured, now his own eyes betraying him as they stung with salty water threatening to hit his pillow and his girlfriend. He held (y/n) tightly, letting her cry to sleep, knowing that would be the best for her. Soon he was following in that pattern.
It was 6:30am when John began walking to the door with his sleepy girlfriend in tow, holding his arm. Soap opened the door, with his duffel bags in hand gave his (y/n) a kiss. “I’ll be back in a few weeks, you’ll see”
(y/n) nodded sadly. “Be safe out here ok? Kick there asses.”
He gave a small smile “I always do.”
John turned around to head for his car don’t turn back, dont fucking turn back. But he did and saw (y/n) standing there “fuck” he muttered a small choke. He dropped his bags and swiftly dashed back to her.
“Oh lass I am going to miss ye so so so much!” He was shaking. Trying to hold it in, trying to be the big tough Sargent he needed to be.
“It’s ok. You told me last night we got this, it’s not like we haven’t been in this same boat before. If we did it 100 times before we can do it one more time. I’ll be waiting here for you when you get back ok?” A smile laced with sadness stretched over (y/n)’s face.
He pulled himself up and nodded. She was right. With a final lasting kiss he went back to grab his bags once more and this time made it to the car without look back. Setting his stuff in the back seat, he then got into the front, starting the engine, and slowly driving out from the driveway. He could see her silhouette in the dim light coming from the living room as she stood outside watching him. Soap drove down the road towards the airport with one thought on his mind.
When I get back love, I’m going to ask you a question… I hope you say yes.
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invitationtoher · 15 days
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You're in my Way, Cage. | Chapter 1: Kitana
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Summery: Kitana Edenia, smart, beautiful, and stressed. With dreams of becoming a doctor due to her sister, Mileena, having a major case of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Throughout her entire school life she's been focused on her goal of getting into the very same college that her mother and father went to and fell in love at, Mortal Kampus University (MKU), an ivy league school where the only people are intelligent as they are talented. Kitana vows to make her mother proud with no distractions, at least that was the plan until she met an obnoxious dirty blonde in her English Class.
Jonathan Carlton? No, he's Johnny Cage! Hollywood's next big star! He may not act as smart as he actually is, but he shines when it comes to entertainment, if it's on the screen or behind the scenes Johnny can do it all, thanks to the Carlton family being in the film industry for generations. Thanks to his parents money and his acting and martial arts talents (as well as writing), he got a scholarship to MKU's theater department! He knows MKU will be a good time, it's his chance to make his own name. When he sees a pretty girl in his English class whose walls seem unbreakable, he vows to break down those walls and see the real her by showing her a film.
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            I always knew I was going to get into an ivy league school. My father always told me and my sister that we were born to make the world a better place, and that if he could become a governor, we could too- hell, possibly even more. So, when I got my acceptance letter to MKU, I just showed it to my parents and let them do the celebrating for me. My sister, Mileena, was also incredibly happy for me, since she is not able to attend a physical campus due to her illness.
            “I swear, you’re like a robot!” Mileena teased at my nonchalant response of getting into one of the best schools in the country, I smiled and rolled my eyes at her teasing. Of course I was excited, just not as excited as everyone else since I knew it would happen. It sounds super cocky, I know, but I was a firm believer in working hard to get what you wanted, and I worked damn hard to get into MKU. It’s like MKU was the only thing on my mind, I was volunteering constantly, I was taking college classes at a local community college, I was working jobs, joining clubs, job shadowing, and making connections within the already busy schedule of a high school student that was also attending a technical school to get a head start on their career. Although, I wanted to follow my father’s footsteps to a T, and that is exactly what I did with a different goal in mind.
            “Oh, Kitana, we’re so proud of you!” My father exclaimed with his phone in hand in front of the house, I could hear him trying to hold back his tears as Mileena teased him about it causing playful bickering as my mother fixes my hair. I scrunch my nose in slight annoyance as she messes with my long, black locks that were in my usual half-up half-down hairstyle. Although I know there was nothing wrong with my hair (and she knew it too), I would be a fool to protest my mother. When she stepped back, squinting her eyes a little to see if she missed any of the “imperfections” of my hair.
            “Smile, Ki!” My father said, on instinct I smiled brightly, the way I did during school pictures. I tried my best not to squint at the flash of my father’s phone, the bright lights blinding me in the still dark sky. He lowered his phone once he finally got a picture he was satisfied with, I blinked rapidly to get rid of the little black dots that scattered across my vision as Mileena quickly walked over to me and squeezed me into a tight hug.
            “Kick ass today, Kitana.” She whispered into my ear so mother would not hear her, a small giggle escaped my lips as I hugged her back and nodded my head, my smile dropping into its usual neutral position.
            “I will, if you need anything at all, call me.”
            “I’ll be okay, it’s a good spoon day.” She replied, I let out a small sigh of relief while she pulled away from the hug, her eyes looking into mine. “Good luck on your first day.”
            “You too, Mileena.” I say as I adjust my black puffer bag on my shoulder, I walk over to my father and hugged him tightly. The hug was bittersweet, my father had a trip to Washington D.C. for work, meaning that I have no idea when I’ll get to see him again. We were slow to pull away from each other, I gave him a melancholic smile and a small nod.
            “Good luck, father.” I said, he nodded back at me as he cleared his throat, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he did so.
            “Good luck, daughter.” I let out a small laugh at his lame attempt to mock my formalities, he wiped his eyes before leaving me and walking over to Mileena to give her a goodbye hug. My smile slowly flattened as I walked up to my mother, preparing myself for her advice.
            My mother was one of the smartest people I know, Sindel Edenia- who also went to MKU like my father, though she majored in law- is everything I wanted to be: strong, intelligent, intimidating, the list could go on. Although she is kind to me and my sister, she is also very intimidating, never putting the lawyer’s act away. She’s blunt, and she could pick you a part layer by layer like a cat with a dead mouse, she’d gut you until she got the truth.
            “Kitana, I expect you to do your best.” She said, folding her arms across her chest and pulling her purple knitted cardigan close to keep herself warm from the chilliness of late August. I bit my bottom lip gently, tasting my strawberry flavored Glossier lip balm.
            “Of course, mother, I worked too hard to disappoint.” My response earns me a small smile from my mother, she hesitantly opens her arms wide and steps forward. She hugs me, not as tightly as father or Mileena, but enough to where I can smell her elegant perfume that had the comforting smell of vanilla and jasmine. My body tenses up a bit, but I eventually hugged her back, it’s very rare that I receive hugs from my mother after 6th grade. She only hugs us for special occasions or for family photos.
            “Don’t go messing around with those foolish college boys either, you’re too smart for that.” She whispers in my ear as she runs her hand through my hair. I nod my head again, a small, shaky sigh escaping my lips.
            “Of course, mother.” I say as we pulled away from each other, I give everyone a final wave before walking to my car, pulling my keys out of my bag and fiddling with the little blue fan keychain on it that I got from my grandparents when we visited them in Taiwan. My mother’s words echoed through my head as I get into the driver’s seat of my blue 2019 Chevy Malibu, I placed my bag on the passenger’s seat before pressing the push to start button and buckling myself up. I hooked up the Bluetooth to my phone and put on my playlist before I backed out of the driveway and made my way to school.
            I never had a boyfriend before, I thought I was way too good for the boys in my grade- thanks to my mother putting that idea into my head- of course I had crushes, everyone has crushes. But I would never act on them, I felt like I would’ve disappointed my mother with my choice in men. She expected Mileena and I to get with men with a financially stable job, one that can take care of us and our children; however, I feel like Mileena has already found that person. As for me, it sounded nice, it sounded like something I should be striving for- but it just felt… off in a way. I can’t really explain it to myself, maybe it’s me being jealous of my own suspicions of Mileena finding someone to love just by her blushing and giggling at her phone screen as she typed in rapid fire speeds. I guess I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I get there.
            The college was roughly a twenty-minute drive from my home, it’s not a bad drive except if I’m driving behind someone who doesn’t know that you don’t have to go under the speed limit. I was lucky since it seemed that people were in a rush this morning, guess I’m not the only one who didn’t want to dorm and were close enough to commute.
            I was lucky enough to get a parking spot close to the technology building, I only had four classes today and my first one was Intro to computers, then Chemistry, then Microbiology, and then finally English. It didn’t seem like a bad first day, I’d keep my head low, do my work, and then I should be out in no time, nothing’s going to distract me from getting what was barely in reach now.
I worked too hard to let anyone get in my way, and I won’t let anyone get in my way.
© invitationtoher 2024
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measuringbliss · 1 year
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Spider-Man Read-Through 010: The Night of the Prowler (ASM 78-82, Ann 6)
MASTERPOST
This arc, we transition from the 60s to the 70s! And we start by Annual 6 which is, and I quote, "41 pages of indescripable excitement"! The Sinister Six are here, muahahahhahaaaaa!
(Note: Ann 6 is a reprint of Ann 1, which I hadn't read but definitely makes sense, and a re-telling of the first issue).
Sadly, this issue is drawn by Ditko, which means even a shirtless Peter can't make me drool. What a shame.
So Otto escapes prison by Bluetooth-manipulating his detached mechanical arms, Ditko and Lee re-establish the setting, and that's only on the first page because no time to mess around because Thor's here on page 2! Good grief, the pacing is brisky. Sadly, after two panels, Thor is already far away. It was very subtle advertisement! But it also helps reinforce the (for now very lackluster, if that's what you're looking for) idea that the super-heroes are part of the same world.
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Then suddenly Flash is here in his high-school personality, and then DR STRANGE is here to tell you to read his magazine. Wow, they really wanted to sell those magazines! This sure reads as the editorial becoming aware of how much of a success Spider-Man was.
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We can see the writing has definitely improved since the first issues... even though this one is from 1969, just like the Tablet arc!
So the storyline is set "months" after Uncle Ben's death, which confirms to me that this is still high-school. Okay. All right.
And then as soon as Spidey loses his powers, he sees the Fantastic Four in what appears to be an attempt at showing as many cameos as possible.
In spite of his colleagues' messy yet sensible plan of "let's all gang up on Spidey at once", Otto says they'll each have a go, one after another. The idea is to weaken him by fighting him in each of their respective favorite elements. Okay, that's not so bad...
May's wondering what's wrong with Pete, surmising it might have something to do with "that girl he's been seeing", who's obviously... Betty Brant. Hey, remember when Betty Brant was a character? Me neither!
Peter's confused on what to do now, and passersby are amazed at "Giant-Man... and the Wasp!" Meanwhile, May and Betty get kidnapped. May by coincidence, and Betty because, according to Peter, "they know [he] was willing to fight [for her]".
The cameos pile on vertigineously as the Torch sends a message in the sky to Spider-Man and Charles Xavier says to "Ignore it! It doesn't concern us."
Spidey goes to fight Electro and the miracle happens! He's got his powers back. Basically, he was feeling depressed about Ben's death, but now he's fine! I must say I prefer SM2's version. It's a bit more subtle and well-executed. But that's still a commendable effort.
Jameson calls the Fantastic Four to ask if they've seen Spider-Man, and Jane replies that no, she didn't, and she adds that Jameson should probably call the police. Dear Lord.
Johnny wants to help Spidey (he seems to be Spidey's most regular partner) but Spidey objects. This fight is personal. This makes no sense but go off, king. But Otto is far from being a monster. He serves tea and Danish pastries to his lady guests, what an angel!
Then the X-Men attack Spidey but nooooo they're Mysterio's robots! So many plot twists!
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Then we get some real comedy that I could absolutely see in a MCU movie. It's actually really funny!
Another comedic scene is the Vulture ordering Spidey to remove his web-slinging device, or he'll just fly away and won't tell where Betty and May are. Because every time Spidey beat him, it was thanks to his webbing. Spidey obeys, because of course he does.
Spidey almost beats Otto, but then Otto's like "hey, I can control my arms with Bluetooth. Why should I even fight in person?" and thus, Otto proves his girlboss status. He can't be bothered to get to the party! However, he can't help himself but want to be there to drown Spidey in a giant fishbowl (what the writer smoked for this issue, i can't possibly figure).
The two ladies are eventually rescued, but May hates Spider-Man and is really starting to dislike her nephew's slang, so she asks that he FUCKING stops saying stuff like "shook up".
There's a second story that re-tells in more details the first meeting between Spidey and the Fantastic Four (hey, remember to buy their mags!), which is basically the same, then a third story, where Spidey thinks he's going to mess with the Torch and his girlfriend because he lives in a telenovela.
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Johnny actually has a really cute outfit that I'd love to cosplay one day. I already got a white shirt, the tie seems to be red, but I don't have a red tie. Still. I think it's a great look. Simple, but it definitely works!
...Well now I want to be checkered pants. Jesus.
Anyway, he quickly gets rid of this outfit to fight Spidey. Spidey gets angrier, Johnny gets angrier, then the other Fantastic Four arrive, show their sympathy to Spidey, who gets even angrier, they fight, then Jane and Spidey flirt with each other. The end. Oof.
Overall, Annual 6 is a lot of fun thanks to its bizarre assembly. It feels like a greatest hits that I'd recommend it if you want to see what Ditko's run was like. But it's definitely a downgrade, sandwiched between Romita Sr. issues. Lighthearted fun, at least.
Now, onto the main dish! As a reminder, I haven't read anything between 1969 and 1973, so it will be mostly new for me!
(gosh I really need checkered pants)
My familiarity with the Prowler is his appearance in Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, and his appearance in Into the Spider-Verse. Since Miles doesn't exist yet, I'm curious about what's going to happen.
Peter calls Gwen, but...
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What the fuck.
Turns out Gwen wants to understand why Peter keeps disappearing and stuff. Be careful, honey. Curiosity killed the cat...
After about 10 pages of delightful soap opera (seems like the 50/50 ratio's back!), I suddenly get flash-backs (both types) as Hobie Brown makes his entrance. I remember, now!
Hobbie wants to help his window-cleaning fellows be better protected, but his boss is against it because money. CoMiCs ArE nOt PoLiTiCaL!!! And Jameson tries to defend him because he's not racist.
From the very beginning, the Prowler is a very compelling character. He explains (to the reader) that he modified his cleaning equipement to become a super-villain. This is great! Economical exposition and very interesting.
A very compelling issue and a great return to the soap genre. In the letters, Ronald Gayda makes excellent points and did the maths:
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Yes yes yes!
Michael J. Susko, meanwhile, argues that someone knowing Peter's secret could help him hide it! Didn't think about that, but absolutely.
The opening of the next issue assures us that it was initially planned as a three-issue storyline -- but it's been reduced to two! Which concludes neatly the year, yay!
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And the first pages are absolutely terrific. Peter looks like a shojo romance hero.
And the issue concludes just as stellarly. Spidey doesn't turn Hobie in. I wonder what's in store for this character...
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With these panels, we're done with 1969. Onto 1970!
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I always appreciate Peter Parker being a handsome motherfucker. I hope we get to see the Prowler again, though!
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But first, Peter wants to fight.
Anyway, the Chameleon is back! His last appearance was Issue #2! That's a blast. After taking the place of Captain Stacy, he takes the place of... none other than Peter himself! What a fun twist.
It's another fun issue that I really enjoyed.
In the reader's letters, the topic of Peter's hair regularly comes up. I think his hair are perfect, so Linda, yes, you're right.
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Issue 81 features the Kangaroo, a villain nobody cares about!
Most importantly, this issue features the return from Aunt May, to my displeasure. She was nice where she was. She's been away since #72! And she's immediately worried about her nephew. Next to them, the aforementioned Kangaroo escapes from custody and recounts his sad life story.
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He looks like a kid, then as his resolve comes back, he's an adult again. Kudos to the artist!
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So Aunt May's dead (and I laughed).
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And that's a nice panel.
Naturally, Peter girlboss gaslights gatekeeps May and she now thinks she's senile. Which, come on. Isn't far from the truth. She treats Peter as if he was five. Dear Lord.
In the letters, the readers talk about the same subjects again and again, but the Prowler is praised. Good! It's a great story.
In the final issue of this post, #82, Electro's back! But more importantly, Harry's shaving his stache. He had it since issue 74! I honestly think it wasn't so bad.
Peter wants to get money, so he asks to appear on TV, however he needs to dry his Spidey suit, but can't do it while showing his face...
So what's his solution?
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Excellent.
The issue is alright, has fun ideas, but overall isn't that great.
The letters finally address my biggest gripe: I have never been able to faithfully reproduce Spidey's hand gesture to shoot a web, and Stan Reynolds has the same experience! Someone also wonders what kind of name is Flash. It can't possibly be written on his birth certificate, can it now?
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There's the occasional weird letter, but there's also heartfelt opinions. Hobie seems to be a beloved character! They had to make him come back after that, didn't they?
So here we are. We finished the Sixties era of Spider-Man... What a journey!
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servin-up-surveys · 1 year
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survey #165
Kissing someone with facial hair, do you mind? I've never kissed someone who had a whole lot of facial hair (at the time we were dating), but I doubt it would really bug me.
Would you ever enter any kind of pageant? Hell fucking no, I'm barely able to attend my niece's when Ashley decides she's doing one.
Do you have sympathy for hobos? ????????? DOES ANYBODY?????????????????? NOT???????????????????????????????
When holding hands, do you intertwine fingers? Girt and I do, yeah.
What's your opinion on Johnny Depp? I think he's a legendary actor more than anything, extremely talented, and I also think he's pretty damn attractive and also seems like a really good person.
If you write, isn't writer's block the most horrible thing? Yes, especially when you really want to write but words are a fuck
How old were you when you met your first love? I was 15.
Did you get ice cream from the ice cream truck when you were little? Do they still have an ice cream truck where you live? We did sometimes! Not often, but my sisters and I were always so excited when Mom was okay with it (like a good parent she was physically there with us, she didn't just hand us money). I have no idea if they're still a thing...
Your last ex finds out you’ve fallen in love with another person? She knew that already before I even cut ties with her.
Who was the last friend you added on Facebook? I want to say it was a former best friend's mom.
Have you ever encountered a black widow? Yes, I know I've seen a few in dark, cool corners and stuff. They're beautiful, but of course I never bothered them.
What letter does your surname begin with? "D."
Have you ever used a muscle stimulator before? Did it hurt? Yes, but only as an actual testing procedure on my legs. It was to see if the problem was actually nerve-related, but it wasn't, and it was a bit painful, primarily on the interior of my knee, THAT was unpleasant.
How many times have you dated the person you’re with now? This is the second time, the first time was only four-ish months and I know I just wasn't ready to date again yet so it never got very serious, I was really apprehensive to let myself love a guy again.
Do you know anyone who has gotten pregnant despite using contraception? Yes.
Would your mom care if she found condoms in your room? No, she's mentioned it gives her the "oh god my daughter's an adult" crisis for a moment lol, but it doesn't make her mad or genuinely upset or anything.
Would you ever get band artwork tattooed on you? I plan on getting some lyrics, however I will never incorporate band imagery (like a logo) with it; the lyrics can still be important to me even if some drastic thing happens that makes me dislike the band as people. I never want another tattoo that equates to love or idolship of a living person; I say "living" because I want a "crikey!" comic pop-up style tattoo in memory of Steve Irwin, but I mean he's dead, he's not gonna get canceled tomorrow lmao. In memorium tattoos are very different.
Do you think the last person you kissed has ever lied to you? I don't know, I doubt it, but given that we've known each other over a decade, it's possible.
Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker? No, I am waaaay too paranoid for that.
Do you think it’s important for children to have a father figure in their life as they grow up? This is very heteronormative, no. Regardless of the parents' genders and how many guardian figures are involved, I firmly believe a child needs AT LEAST one dedicated parent figure, and not any that aren't truly invested in the child's life, because that can normalize dysfunctional relationships.
If you could have one more pet, what? A western hognose snake morph, probably a snow or high-expression lavender individual.
Something you want to buy real bad? A new, good quality phone.
Could you wait until marriage for sex? Yes, it's the reason I remained a virgin through high school despite being in a long-term, intimate relationship; I was religious then and abstinent. I dropped that whole mentality multiple years ago, though, but if my partner wanted to wait, yeah, that's fine.
Do you know anyone who writes huge essays when they message you? Yeah, but I totally don't mind that so long as you're not writing a novel in basically every message. I really really like when someone shows clear interest in talking, it's very reassuring to me as someone who constantly believes I'm a nuisance that is a chore to communicate with.
Do you think your first love still loves you? No, I'm sure he doesn't. I don't love him either though, so fair's fair, y'know.
Were you ever a flower girl or ring bearer in anyone’s wedding when you were little? No.
Has your father met the person you currently love? Yes, it's wild when I remember that this guy's known my dad since my parents were still even together.
[TW: SUICIDE] Have you ever written or received a suicide note? I've written one, regrettably.
Do women breastfeeding in public make you feel uncomfortable? Why or why not? No, and for anyone who's disturbed by breasts being used for what they're properly for, please do the entire world a favor and blast yourself into deep space, please.
What band would you most like to meet? guess i know it's really hard it's not like i'm annoyingly enthused by a band or anything
Do you think you have to be skinny in order to be beautiful? That mentality literally only applies to myself, and not because I believe it, but it's pure societal expectations. I know how bigger people are seen by a large percentage of the population, and it's made ME very ashamed of my weight, while I would never think that for another person. I'm always meanest to myself.
What’s the most disturbing thing you’ve ever been through? A wildly severe obsession with an ex-partner. Now that I'm over that, I can realize how so many things I did were just creepy and alarming.
Are you into PETA and all that? They are way too extreme for my liking, and also way too spiteful towards those that disagree with them. They promote some things I support, but they're just straight feral.
Does your family have a secret? Not a major one, but I suppose there is one among my immediate family: my niece Aubree's dad isn't Nick (sister's husband), she was born before they got together from a VERY shitty relationship. Her biological father has exactly zero to do with her, I think he met her like once as a literal infant. He's a pure fucking garbage human being, and luckily because of how young Aubree was, she has no memories where Nick wasn't "Dad." He legally adopted her as well so that there was never last name confusion. Ashley absolutely plans on telling her at some age; Nick doesn't want to, but too fucking bad, Ashley knows Aubree has the right to know, but I don't know exactly when she's gonna talk to her about it. We all know very, very well that Aubree is going to handle it EXTREMELY poorly, like there's basically no question about it, just knowing how her mind ordinarily works.
Any current family issues? My older sister likes to act like our mom doesn't exist any day but Fridays (she babysits), VERY conspicuously, and whenever confronted about it, she brushes it off with some bullshit excuse. This is probably the main source of stress and upset in my mom's life, like she has cried oceans about how Ashley's treated her since Nick and his family got involved. I can't fucking stand it.
Have you ever picked wild flowers? Oh yeah, plenty growing up.
Which mythological deity or creature is your favorite? Dragons, easy. I have a VERY prominent tendency to be drawn to media relating to dragons.
What’s the biggest spider you’ve come across? Besides the pet store tarantula, proooobably orb weavers?
Have you ever been bitten by anything venomous? No.
Who was the last person you were with that smelled REALLY good? Girt lol, he generally takes a shower immediately before coming here and for some reason I could just really tell the last time he was here.
What movie coming out are you most excited to see? Why? Barbie, it looks super fun.
If you have one, do you and your significant other have a similar taste in music? Yep.
Do you know anyone who has changed their first name? Yep, primarily in trans situations.
Have you ever dated someone who posted a ton of selfies on social media? No, but does that matter...? I'd have no problem with my partner being confident with how they look and wanna document their life???? Coincidentally though the majority of people I've dated just about never took pictures.
Are you on good or bad terms with your most recent ex? Bad.
What’s your favorite YouTube channel? I don't actually watch him anymore really, but as an individual, Markiplier; I look up to him very much and see him as a great person who puts their success to pretty good use. These days, I probably get the most actual entertainment out of Game Grumps.
What’s the highest you can count in a different language? To like a million in German.
Where would you like to be buried? I want to be cremated with my ashes probably spread in Yellowstone, ideally wherever I lay Teddy's, should I ever get permission for it.
Which of the following areas is going best for you right now: finances, work, love life, social life or education? Why do you say this? lol love life, 'cuz the other areas are on fire rn
Do you know any illegal immigrants? I knew at least one, but he got deported after getting involved with crime. He's still in Mexico, I recently learned. Supposedly he's straightened up a lot, but I don't know exactly how much I believe that, just knowing him.
Can you sit for long periods of time? It VERY much depends on what I'm sitting on; if it's cushioned in some way, usually I'm fine, but if it's just a shitty wooden chair, I REALLY can't; I'm so convinced that that cyst removal surgery caused a sensitive nerve or some shit, because ever since that time sitting for an extended period (and "extended period" isn't even that long in the big picture) has been able to reach a point where I am literally in physical pain, like I have to get up slowly or else it's agonizing to stand. I've got no other explanation but a sensitive nerve, because something changed.
Do you have any cavities? Yes, a last one in my bottom left wisdom tooth that's getting pulled out later this month.
Who was the last person to flirt with you, other than your lover? Uh, I don't think anyone else has while dating Girt, so I guess Sara?
Have you ever read a book about a character in a psych ward? No, I feel like that would be really triggering for me.
Have you ever been in a mental hospital as a patient? ^ well yeah, like around six times. I stopped keeping track at like four.
Whose place did you last chill at and with who? Girt's, with him, his mom, his mom's best friend, Girt's sister, nephew, and sister's boyfriend, and my mom came as well.
Do you plan on having both your parents at your wedding? Yes.
Would you prefer cherry Cola or vanilla Cola? Definitely cherry, I remember not liking vanilla very much.
Have you ever tried to draw an anime version of yourself? No, anime has never been my drawing style.
At what point were your parents most disappointed in you? I don't know and don't think I want to.
If you could have a neon light sign that said anything you wanted, or looked like anything you wanted, what would it be? I literally DO want a replica of the woman figure with "paradise" written with it that is featured in Silent Hill 2, in the Heaven's Night club. I'd love to have a room in my house that's dedicated to game stuff (more so for Girt than me haha), and it'd be so cool to have that in there.
Will you cry at your wedding? Oh I basically fucking know I will, my makeup's gonna be fucked lmao
If your last ex said they hate you, you say? I know.
What do you get cravings for the most? Soda.
Where was your senior prom held? The local community college.
What was the theme of your senior prom? I actually don't remember whatsoever.
Do you know what you want the theme of your wedding to be? If so, what would it be? It'd be REALLY fucking cool to make the kintsugi ideology be carried throughout various decor, especially because I want the theme to be black and gold. I think it'd be super fucking pretty and also cute and very factual that we make each other into something even better than we are naturally. I very much want gothic themes, too.
What color Christmas lights do you like best on your tree? I prefer all the colors. <3
At what age did you start puberty? Idk, I just know it was a normal time to start. I remember just how much I hated it and how self-conscious it made me.
Have you ever passed out? Once, I know I almost did at least twice more, but I feel like even a time or two more than that. Only one of those I can explain.
How old is the last person you kissed? He's 29 and convinced he's like, 93.
Where does your best friend live? About 30 minutes away from me by car; he's very close to our former high school, in the middle of shitfucknowhere, you get an amazing view there.
How many people have you truly fallen IN love with? Two. Once upon a time I would've included Sara, but when I compare what I felt then to how I felt/feel with Jason and Girt, they are NOOOOOTHING alike. I do believe I loved her, though. Just not IN love, it's absolutely different.
Has anybody ever called you a tease? lol more than once
Have you ever seen your siblings naked? Well yeah, we grew up together.
What are you doing this weekend? I might actually be going down to meet Girt's grandmother; she's not well whatsoever and has cancer now that can't be treated with how weak she is, so it definitely sounds like she's not going to be around much longer and I really, really don't want to regret not meeting her if I have the chance; almost positive she's the last grandparent Girt has and I want to know her. We're just not 100% yet on what day they're going, and I also want Girt to ask his family if they're all even good with me coming; I can't imagine a world where they would care at all, his mom's probably gonna get on me for even checking lol, but the fact is that right now I am just Girt's girlfriend and I don't want to be overstepping into territory that would make anyone uncomfortable, especially since like, what if this is the last time they see her? I just want to know no one's bothered by me coming along. I know Sunday Girt and I will definitely be hanging out.
What’s your favorite hair color for girls? Probably pastel dyed colors, like gentle pinks, purples, oranges, etc. That's especially what I want on myself, but I really just liked colorful dyed hair in general, on anybody.
Does your first crush know you liked him/her? I never told him, so there's no way he absolutely knows. He mighta suspected it, I dunno.
Has anyone ever taken your clothes off of you before? Yeah.
What was the last seriously painful thing that happened to you? I recently stubbed my toe real fuckin hard.
Do you believe in Judgment Day? Sure don't.
Do you have a picture of you kissing someone? Yes.
If you had $100 dollars, how would you spend it? Save it towards getting a new, good-quality phone. I'm kinda thinking of offering human photoshoots again just because I wanna work towards this before Christmas...
You were given the opportunity to get a new cellular device, what do you choose? ... oh lol, I actually am not sure. I'd have to research and ask others.
Ever physically fought with a member of the opposite sex? No, only gentle playfighting with a partner that by no means was even remotely genuine "fighting."
What was the last thing you tried for the first time? A fruit smoothie this morning, I'm officially into those as breakfast. Today's I didn't like though, we didn't have nearly enough peaches so it mostly tasted like banana and cinnamon and I wasn't into it.
When was the last time someone admitted to having somewhat of an attraction to you? Well Girt.
Do you prefer to have more or less in common with your significant other? More.
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Hotel Transylvania adapted Dracula and Jonathan well...
I've seen this idea going around a lot and want to deep dive as to why. This is LONG, so warning for that (TL;DR at the bottom). Also, I will be using "Harker" and "the Count" to refer to Stoker's characters, "Jonny" (I know canonically they spell it "Johnny" but this seems more accurate for him and I like it more) and "Drac" for Hotel Transylvania's characters. I'll say Dracula and Jonathan if I'm referring to both.
Possible CWs: mentions of horror, death and vampires
Sidenote: I am reading Bram Stoker's Dracula via the email site Dracula Daily, which means I am reading it "in real time" to the dates given in the journal entries; in other words I'm only on Chapter 4 (May 16th's journal entry), so I won't be covering plot points later than that. Please feel free to add on your thoughts (though this might mean spoilers for a 125 year old book; beware new readers like myself!). Also, I will only be referencing the events of the first Hotel Transylvania, because I think it shows the characterizations I'm writing about best.
So let's start with Jonny first, since he's the internet's fav rn.
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So when we first meet him, his defining characteristic is his inability to notice Red Flags (just like Harker). This is best shown when he willingly walks into a "spooky" (haunted) forest he's been told about by the locals, sees zombies ON FIRE and FOLLOWS THEM to the Hotel without being fazed. Even when he enters the Hotel and encounters various monsters, he assumes everything is normal at first (even if we assume he knows about the local monster festival, the fact he sees all these abnormalities being pretty abnormal without blinking an eye is still very Harker-like to me).
He doesn't stay that unfazed for long, of course. Like Harker, it takes pretty big inconveniences (?) to notice how wrong everything is. Once he sticks his hand through a skeleton's ribs (not cool, Jonny) it's all over: he panics and screams because it's suddenly Too Real and he's officially scared. For Harker, this realization doesn't happen when villagers dissuade him from the Count; instead, it happens both when there isn't a knocker on the Count's castle and when his shaving mirror is yeeted chucked out the window (this may or may not be obvious by now but Harker is a British man from the 1800s /j), leading him to explore the castle and notice how all the doors are locked, which leads to him panicking.
Another characteristic we learn about Jonny pretty early on is his love for traveling. He has explored many parts of the world already, and wants to see more. Jonny likes to immerse himself in whatever culture he's in and is curious about everything, asking a billion questions about the environments he gets himself into. He's also pretty chill in general, calling his roommate from Hamburg "cool" despite the guy stealing too much of his shampoo and later throwing a flowerpot at his head. While Harker's profession is a lawyer, let's be real he writes about his experiences like a travel blogger, and probably would be if he had lived in Jonny's time. Also while he is put off by the villagers' concern, he seems to brush it off at first, just chalking it up to the locals being "superstitious" and choosing to go with the flow. He's shown to be very curious, asking many questions of both the locals and the Count once he's in the castle.
Jonny adapts to his new environment very quickly, as you'd expect. He is eager to learn more about these new monsters (asking a bunch of questions) and makes connections quickly because of his friendly personality. He even gets into planning Mavis's party the way he knows she'll enjoy, despite that just supposed to be a cover story, showing off his problem-solving skills. Frankenstein (Frankenstein's monster actually, but try telling the movie that) later describes him as a fun guy and that he enjoyed his many stories. Harker, as we well know, is polite to a fault and likes sending Mina his stories of his travels and recipes he finds. After his panic in finding he's a prisoner, he makes an effort to act as if all is normal and tries to find ways to adapt which will later aid him in escaping. In other words, the Jonathan's are curious, friendly, polite, and fairly adaptable with problem-solving skills.
Another thing to note is how Jonathan is with Dracula. Jonny gets increasingly frustrated with Drac's refusals to let him stay at the Hotel longer. He disobeys Drac multiple times, showing a rebellious streak. However, they are able to bond when all of that is pushed to the side, laughing and noting how fun the other can actually be (like when they use levitating tables to do cool tricks). Additionally, Jonny is immediately interested in Drac's family history, even before he knows that history's truth. He is patient and compassionate when faced with the awful truth of his kind killing someone Drac loved. Once he finds out being with Mavis could hurt her and his other new friends, he immediately chooses to put them first and leave the Hotel not to mention he doesn't want to be killed by Drac. Harker, on the other hand, gets annoyed by being held prisoner and has a resentment towards the Count for it. He rebels against the Count's strict order to sleep in his own room and works towards trying to unlock the entrance to the front door. He, of course, fears the Count which makes him unable to stand up against him fully, but he definitely doesn't just resign himself to a grim fate. However, he still finds himself distracted by the Count's descriptions of his family history, as well as his knowledge of law and the outside world. While I've yet to really see how compassionate Harker is (he is very polite of course!), it is obvious he loves Mina and cares for her, so maybe there'll be more similarities to this compassionate aspect as the book progresses.
Adding onto that, it's interesting to note the parallel and contrast of Jonathan and Dracula across the 2 versions. Harker is the protagonist of Stoker's story, while Jonny is the antagonist of Hotel Transylvania, which is vice versa for the Draculas. For reference, a protagonist and antagonist do not refer to characters being "good" or "bad". A protagonist refers to the character the reader/viewer follows the most throughout the narrative, and who is trying to reach a main goal the audience is following. An antagonist, by contrast, is the major character who opposes the protagonist's goal in some way as an obstacle. So in this case, Harker is the main protagonist of Dracula and his main goal is to leave the castle, which the Count (the antagonist) opposes by locking the doors and holding him prisoner for at least a month (but is likely to be longer, of course). In Hotel Transylvania, Drac is the main protagonist, and his goal is to keep Mavis (and by extension, all monsters) safe and away from humans. Jonny, the antagonist, opposes this by being a human who loves Mavis, fueling her desire to travel into the unsafe world, and wanting to stay with all of the new monster friends he has made. I think it's a fun note that while Jonny wants to stay in the creepy castle, Harker's only desire is to leave!
Some smaller things I noticed are how Jonny speaks in modern slang and often confuses Drac, which reminds me a lot of Harker's shorthand writing (which he professes would "confuse the Count" if he were to read it). At the end of the film, Jonny references Disney's The Lion King in a rap verse to refer to how he and Mavis "Zinged" (how Sony got away with that is a mystery to me), like how Harker uses Hamlet and Arabian Nights references to describe his predicaments. Also, the Jonathans have a thing for women with fangs.
Now let's move on (finally!) to Drac.
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Drac, first off, is overdramatic. While his fear of humans is understandable given his past trauma, you can't tell me this man isn't overdramatic when he gives (what I'm assuming are) YEARLY presentations on how bad humans are, and yelling at pictures of them. He loves to monologue about why he built the Hotel, his anger towards humans, his family's history, etc. However, his first instinct when faced with something he doesn't like is to snarl in anger, fangs out and eyes red. At all other times, he assumes a cool, relaxed demeanor. The Count also does this, seemingly being cool with everything until he sees blood and shaving mirrors, or until his women roommates (I'm just going to call them that because their relationship to him is left pretty vague, at least where I'm at) try to take a bite out of Harker. The Draculas both get red eyes when this happens: cool! The Count, of course, also loves to monologue about his family's name and what he plans to do in the future. While I know the Count is doing this to scare Harker as a part of his cruel plan, the fact that he crawls around cliffs and generally acts strange around him purposely is the definition of overdramatic in my book.
On a more serious note, Drac fears change. He is perfectly content to keep his life structured exactly as it has been ever since the Hotel was built. This is best shown through Mavis's birthday party -- he hires zombified classical composers for the music -- and the pre-party activities (e.g. quiet bingo and charades). You can tell this is a yearly occurrence just by how everyone other than Drac looks bored/falling asleep. When Jonny and his monster friends try to convince Drac to reconsider these plans he deflects or, as aforementioned, snarls in their faces. I assume much of this is due to losing his wife, because his past shows that he actually used to be the life of the party (e.g. him traveling to Hawaii and singing in public). His whole arc centers around him learning to accept change and let go of his daughter, and once he does he's a lot of fun to be around! So it's pretty obvious he was fun and open to change once upon a time. The Count, meanwhile, also professes to be fine living a calm, unimposing life, though you can tell he really longs for more. He wants to travel to London and fit in with others. He wants to make human connections even if he plans to murder them later. Still, he has a set routine he doesn't really want to change once it's set. For instance, he could've killed Harker off pretty quickly after getting the estate details, but instead keeps the guy around for much longer. Sure, it's also because he wants to toy with his prey, but there's a solid case to be made that he genuinely enjoys Harker's company and is content to spend all night talking to him -- after all, he seems to do this on an almost daily basis. I suspect once Harker tries to change this routine in some way (through trying to escape or refusing to talk to him), the Count is probably going to snap. Of course, that's just my theory and I don't want to speculate too much on this point; to sum it up, the Draculas have a problem with change, but also seem to be fun-loving/curious about the world in some way.
Plus, both run a mean hotel! Drac has employees (or servants? The suit of armor DID say he doesn't get paid, so that leads me to question if any of them do) to help him, but he isn't afraid to do the work if no help is available. The Count literally pretends to be his servants when cooking and cleaning for Harker, acting the part of a good host. Also, the Draculas are very comfortable in their powers and are pretty quick to use them when need be.
That's about it for Dracula, since I don't have enough of Stoker's character yet to make comparisons. Once again, I encourage anyone to add on with anything I might've missed! I probably should've waited until I finished the book, but I was too excited to wait!
TL;DR -- The Jonathans are similar because of their naivety, distraction from panicking, love for traveling, friendly personality, adaptability, problem-solving, and compassion. The Draculas are similar because of their dramatic flair, fear of change yet yearning for more of the world, and ability to run a hotel.
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raibebe · 3 years
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Love Is On Air
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Genre: fluff & smut Words: 8.722 Prompt: radio host Johnny x secret admirer female reader Warnings: soft dom Johnny, oral (f receiving), safe sex, dirty talk
A/N: Finally: My entry for the February event of my lovely network @neosmutcollective​. This is totally not the fic I planned on writing. In fact this was started way later after I realized I was never going to finish my original fic on time. Not that this one is on time... Special thanks to everyone who sent our lovely DJs some music recommendations @sly-merlin​, @moonctzeny​, @lenaluvs​, @lucas-wongs​, @burtonized​ and to @ncteaxhoe​ who helped me figure out this idea. I hope you enjoy this even though it’s wayyy too late.
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You hurried home to your apartment after your last class of the day that was horrifically late because of whoever had fucked up your schedule this semester. Panting heavily, you busted into your room and threw your jacket and backpack somewhere onto your couch, diving straight for your laptop that was perched on your desk. Cursing the old thing, you waited for agonizing minutes until it had booted up and your browser was open. You quickly opened the familiar page of your university’s campus radio just in time to hear the familiar voice saying: “Hi I’m John-D, welcome to NCT Night Night.” After that both hosts chuckled lowly before Jaehyun spoke: “Tonight we’ll read some of the letters you wrote us over the week again and we will try our best to help you out with whatever problems you throw our way.” “Exactly. Right after we play this song that was suggested by evangelie_99 over on our Twitter, it’s Pluto Projector by Rex Orange County and she said that she loves our show. We’re glad you like it so much, darling. This one is for you,” Johnny softly said before the soft tunes of the song filled your little one-room apartment.
Sighing, you leaned back in your chair, carelessly toeing your shoes off. Listening to NCT Night Night was your escape at night from the stress that classes brought you. The two DJs that were on air every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday were your favorites though. Not only did they have great chemistry but they both could be incredibly funny as well as soothe all your nerves with their calming voices – especially Johnny or John-D as he was called on their show. You might have developed a slightly embarrassing crush on the fratboy with a heart as sweet as his voice from what you knew about him from his radio shows and your shared classes. Since they had started their weekly segment where they would read out letters that students could send them, you had gathered the courage to send Johnny little messages about how you were crushing on him and it had quickly become a running gag on the show. Jaehyun would tease Johnny about it every week while Johnny kept insisting that his secret admirer should just talk to him. But how could you do that? Johnny was everything one could want in a boyfriend. Not only was he ridiculously tall and devastatingly handsome but he was also smart, always seemingly staying on top of his classes and he also went to the gym regularly if his thirst traps on his Instagram stories were anything to go by. When he wasn’t giving out advice in a gentle voice on their radio program, he was out partying with his frat brothers on the weekends more often than not complaining about headaches on their Sunday show. How could you just walk up to him and talk to him? Right. You couldn’t. So you had to resign to sending him anonymous love letters through his radio show.
“Welcome back, hi,” Johnny chuckled once the song had gently faded out and you couldn’t help but giggle along. “That was Pluto Projector by Rex Orange County,” Jaehyun tried to stay on script but you could almost hear the grin on his face because of Johnny’s antics, “If you want your song to play on today’s show, please suggest something over on our Twitter with the hashtag,” Jaehyun paused momentarily and let out a dramatic sigh before continuing, “hashtag JohnDplaymelikeaviolin.” Jaehyun hadn’t even read the whole hashtag out loud when Johnny was already bursting out in laughter and how could you not laugh along with his melodic laughter. “I swear to god I am never letting you choose hashtags for our show ever again,” Jaehyun groaned while Johnny sounded like he was still dying in the background. “Don’t be mean to me Jaehyunie,” he whined and even though today’s episode was not viewable, you could vividly imagine how he was pouting. While the two friends were busy bickering and talking about what they had done since their last show, you pulled up your own Twitter to send a recommendation in.
“Aaaah, I see we’re already getting plenty of suggestions. Sly-merlin suggested us Sexy Dirty Love by Demi Lovato – a great song – and added ‘I wish John-D would actually play me like a violin.” After a potent silence, Johnny broke out in laughter again. “And this is why you won’t choose any more hashtags,” Jaehyun groaned again. “Baby,” Johnny rasped into his mic and even though you weren’t wearing headphones, it sent tingles down your spine, “Just come to our frat party on Friday and I’ll see what I can do.” “Stop plugging our parties on the radio,” Jaehyun scolded the elder, the slap audible over the radio, “Also sly-merlin has to stand in line. You still have your number one admirer who has sent in a letter yet again.” “She still hasn’t come up to me,” Johnny shared, “I can only keep up my chastity for so long. I am saving myself for this girl.” You know he was joking but you were just a simple woman and even in your secluded home, you felt heat rising to your cheeks, your thumbs stopping on your keyboard where you had typed out your song recommendation. Both DJs shared a quiet laugh before Jaehyun asked: “And you really don’t know who she is?” “I really don’t man,” his friend sighed, “Like I have my suspicions because she has to be in my major if she sees me in class that often. That or she’s a stalker which I do not want to think about. But for real, hit me up. I’ll take you out for a coffee.” “Now everyone is going to come up to you and claim that they’re her.” “I’ll take that risk,” Johnny laughed, “Maybe I’ll finally meet the love of my life and settle down.” At that Jaehyun snorted loudly. “The woman that can make you settle down gets free coffee for like a month from me.” “Watch me have a wife and kids at 25 Jae, just to spite you,” his friend snorted, “But up until then, let’s play sly-merlin’s song recommendation: Sexy Dirty Love by Demi Lovato.”
While the song was playing, you finished up your own tweet and hit post before you grabbed your bag that you had carelessly thrown away before to get out your notes. You actually had to start a project for one of the classes you and Johnny actually did share. The professor had announced that he would announce the pairings for a group project tomorrow and you didn’t want to seem like an actual idiot if your group would decide to already meet up and discuss after class. So while you listened to your favorite DJs discuss the questions and worries of whoever had sent them to their email address, you worked through the notes you had taken over the last couple of weeks, trying your best to organize them to remember the key points.
“Oh John-D, I have a very special letter here,” Jaehyun said, waving the paper in front of the microphone so it would pick up the wiggling noises. “What could that be?” Johnny asked with over-exaggerated interest. “It’s from your secret admirer, John-D. So I think you should read it out.” Just like every time, they read your letter, your heart began beating faster and faster in your chest until you were sure, it would break free from your ribcage. “Okay, here I go,” Johnny announced while Jaehyun was playing the same cheesy music he always played when they were reading your letters, “Happy Thursday, John-D. The weekend is almost in reach, keep up the energy for the last day of classes! – she’s so sweet, I’m holding up alright – One of my professors will announce the pairings he made for a group project soon and I am nervous. I don’t have many friends in the course and I’m praying that I will get good group mates I can work well with.” “Oooh, I get that struggle,” Jaehyun interrupted, “I once had to work with a bunch of stoners and ended up doing all the work for a presentation that made up 30 percent of my grade. Worst experience of my life, would not recommend. But we’re wishing you all the luck.” “But you know what’s more interesting about this story?” Johnny tuned in, “Coincidentally my professor for my literature class is assigning our group projects tomorrow as well. Say, my sweet admirer, are you perhaps in the same literature class as me?” In your otherwise silent room, the panicked squeak you let out was loud even to your ears. There was no way Johnny could figure out who you were, there were probably at least 20 more girls with a crush on him in that class alone, so you were safe. “Oooh, so maybe she’s a lit major so that’s why she’s writing love letters.” “Could be but lots of people from different majors are taking that class,” Johnny argued, “Anyways, back to her letter. But I won’t let that disturb me! I will be doing my best regardless! – That’s the spirit – I’ll work through my notes as I listen to your honey voice so I can be prepared. I’m glad you don’t do viewable radios on Thursday’s or else I wouldn’t be able to get anything done, you’re just too distracting John-D,” at that Jaehyun let out a fake gag while Johnny just giggled softly, “Thank you secret admirer, I do clean up quite nicely if I do say so myself. – On last Sunday’s episode you melted my heart when you hid in your hoodie for half the show. – God that was the worst hangover I had in a looong while, I was so miserable.”
“You should have seen him at home,” Jaehyun laughed, “I had to physically drag his whole 180-something-centimeters body first into the shower, then into the car and into the station. He is the biggest crybaby when he’s hungover.” “Don’t expose me like that, Jaehyunie,” Johnny whined loudly, “I was dared to drink a bunch of tequila and my mother didn’t raise neither a quitter nor a coward.” “No, but clearly an idiot,” the younger DJ laughed his deep laugh. “Let me read my love letter in peace,” the other grumbled, “I couldn’t follow for half the show because I was so focused on watching you. Not in a creepy way of course! – Of course not,” Johnny chuckled, “I hope you finished that essay you had to work on after the show in time and still had some time to relax. – I did, don’t worry.” That you already knew when Johnny had handed in his essay in another class you two shared just before you had handed in yours and he had thrown you a little smile that had kept you going through the whole day. “Take care of yourself and keep smiling your beautiful smile, I look forward to seeing you again on Sunday or in classes. And fighting to Jae-D as well of course! – I look forward to hearing from you again, secret admirer. I bet your group project will go just fine, don’t worry too much. If anyone is mean to you, just expose them here and we’ll fight them for you.” “Love that she acknowledged me in one sentence as well,” Jaehyun grumbled, cutting off the cheesy music abruptly. “You’re just jealous you don’t have a sweet admirer who sends you cute messages,” the other teased his friend. “Yeah, yeah, shut up and put that letter in the box under your bed.” “It’s in my sock drawer, thank you very much.”
Giggling, you listened to the two friends bicker, your chest warm with a feeling you were scared to put a name on. “Anyways, I think it’s time for another music recommendation you can still send in via our lovely hashtag JohnDplaymelikeaviolin. This one is from lenaluvies and she says: Please play Hurts So Good by Astrid S thank you. No, thank you for sending something in darling. This one’s for you,” Johnny announced and you couldn’t help but laugh a little pained laugh. That song title hit a little too close to home for your liking. The rest of the radio show went by smoothly and Johnny and Jaehyun tried to help a handful of more students with their problems that couldn’t be more diverse. From a boy who had fallen in love with his best friend which had send him into an identity crisis over to a girl who was failing her classes because she claimed the professor hated her to a freshman who wanted to apply for a fraternity but was scared because of the rumors surrounding them which the DJs quickly debunked since they both were in the same fraternity. In the end they had to cut themselves short, asking their viewers to vote on a poll they would make if people wanted a whole Tuesday episode surrounding fraternities.
“So.” “So,” Johnny copied his friend. “We’re almost at the end of our time with you guys. We couldn’t get through all of your submissions but we hope our team picked a few good ones and at least some of you could get some advice.” “As always you’re free to send us your own stories to our e-mail [email protected] to get some advice next Thursday from your favorite DJs: John-D.” “And Jae-D. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday on your campus radio on 127mHz. On NCT-“ “Night Night,” they said their ending together and just like every night with them, you said goodnight to your computer screen, closing the tab which draped your little apartment in silence. Sighing loudly, you looked over your notes that needed a little more work if you wanted to make a good first impression on your fellow students tomorrow. Because you couldn’t stand the silence, you opened your Spotify to play the NCT Night Night playlist Johnny and Jaehyun had made with the songs that had been recommended to them, still missing the new additions from tonight.
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The next morning found you in your literature class, sitting two rows behind Johnny, staring at the back of his head while doodling on your paper rather than taking notes on whatever the professor was saying. If you were to let your eyes wander, you’d see that almost everyone in the big room was paying as much or even less attention as you were; the students in different states of excitement and anxiety over the group projects he had yet to announce. “I’m sorry professor,” Johnny’s voice suddenly cut through the room, “I’m sure you have already noticed that no one is paying attention to whatever you’re trying to teach us right now. Could you please just announce the groups for the project?” That moment you swore you would be able to hear a pin drop until your eccentric professor chuckled lowly. “I like you, Suh. I was waiting for someone to mention it,” he spoke, getting the dreaded list out of his bag, “Listen closely now, you’ll be assigned in groups of four and each group will get a specific novel to work on. Deadline will be by the end of the semester and your individual paper combined with the group presentation will make up 40% of your final grade.” That made a bunch of people, including you, gasp out loudly. A group project with this much credit to your final grade was always dreaded. “I don’t want to hear any complaints, that’s how it’s always been. Now listen carefully, I won’t repeat myself but the list will be hung on our blackboard as well.” With that being said, the professor began listing names and novels in the most monotone voice he could muster. To say you were basically vibrating off of your seat was an understatement when he got further and further down the list and neither yours nor Johnny’s name had been called yet. “And lastly, an all-time favorite: Romeo and Juliet.” You didn’t even register anything else after the professor had announced that the group featured both Johnny and you along with two other students you didn’t know. Your brain was reduced to static noise while everyone else was getting up around you to pick up the books that had already been stacked in a corner, probably by a poor TA. Only when a person bumped into you, you broke from your stupor to quickly pick up your stuff as well to hurry down to steps to where a crowd of students had already gathered.
Luckily Johnny towered over most of the other students and you could easily spot him and the rest of your group that were two other boys you didn’t recognize. “Hey, you’re the last one we were missing,” Johnny smiled and handed you over your copy of the book. “Y... Yeah, sorry for making you wait,” you stuttered, clutching the small book tightly in your hands. “No big deal,” Johnny played it off, “Do any of you have any more classes today?” When everyone declined, you all agreed that you should get a head start on your project as it would be hard to make a good project out of such an overused love story. While walking over to the student center to decide on a concept, conversation flowed easily between the four of you even though you were still really nervous to be around Johnny. God, you really hoped he didn’t think you were stupid or something just because you were nervous.
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The little study session went by in a blur and only further confirmed that you were so whipped for Johnny it wasn’t even funny anymore. You found yourself attentively listening to all of his ideas and laughing at every of his stupid little jokes and only mildly spacing out while looking at Johnny when the others were discussing ideas which had led to one or two mildly embarrassing situations where you would lose track of what you were actually discussing, your mind blank of any input when they asked for your opinion.
Soon you found yourself parting ways with your groupmates, leaving you and Johnny alone because his frat house and your little apartment were located in the same general direction. “Anything fun you’re doing this evening?” Johnny asked, trying to make some light conversation to fill the silence. “No, I’ll just binge watch some shows maybe or listen to the campus radio,” you shrugged it off. While today’s show wasn’t your favorite, you quite liked the DJs soft and gentle voice. “You listen to the campus radio? I have a show on there,” Johnny smiled. “I like listening to you and Jaehyun,” you confessed, trying to fight the heat that was licking at your cheeks. “Oh.” “You seem surprised.” “Yeah, it kind of still seems weird that people enjoy listening to Jae and me rambling for hours on end. You know with him it just feels like I’m hanging out with my brother rather than work.” “Your voices are really soothing, you know,” you tried to explain what you were feeling when listing to them, “And your friendship is kind of adorable. Like we can feel how much you care about each other and you always genuinely try to help your listeners without making fun of them.” For a while Johnny didn’t say anything and you thought you had fucked it up, that he thought you were weird now. “Thank you,” he suddenly said. “Huh?” “It means a lot hearing that. We do lurk on Twitter to see what people think of our show but hearing it like this is something else entirely.” “It’s nothing,” you mused, playfully hitting his arm, “No need to get this soft.” “Hey,” he laughed, “I’ll have you know that I am 180 centimeters of walking softness despite what people might say about me.” Smiling softly you caught his eyes for the first time since you two had started walking and the way his honey eyes were smiling back at you momentarily took your breath away.
“I- My room is right around here, sooooo,” you stuttered. “It was nice working with you. Even though you were spacing out half the time,” Johnny teased, “Thinking about a special someone?” You. The word sat on the tip of your tongue, the low light of the afternoon sun making you bolder than you actually were and Johnny just made you feel incredibly comfortable. “No... No- I- I’m single.” “A crush then?” “Something like that,” you mumbled, your fingers nervously playing with the hem of your jacket. “Talk to him. Or her. Or them,” Johnny advised. “I really can’t,” you sighed, “He doesn’t even know I exist.” “Well you don’t need to confess your undying love for him,” he laughed, not knowing he was the boy in question, “Just you know. Casually talk to him. Get to know him.” “I’ll try?” “Is that a question?” “Yeah?” “Have more confidence in yourself,” he gently nudged you, “You’re nice and very easy to talk to.” “Nice... Wow.” “Shut up,” he laughed, “I usually give better compliments but I have yet to get to know you better.” “Would you... Would you even want that?” “Sure,” Johnny shrugged and your heart skipped a couple of beats, “I have to get going or everybody will already be drunk when I arrive. So... I’ll see you in class? And you’ll hear me on Sunday?” “Yeah sure. Don’t drink too much or you will be miserable all show like last week,” you giggled. “Don’t remind me,” he groaned, “I’m never going to drink tequila on a Saturday ever again.” “Goodbye Johnny,” you smiled, really liking how his name sounded when you said it out loud. “Bye,” he waved before going his way.
Once you were sure he was out of hearing distance, you let out a little happy squeak and jumped up and down excitedly. You did it. You had actually done it. You had talked to your crush. And managed to not make a complete fool out of yourself in front of him. Which was a win in your books. A huge win. With a little spring in your steps, you stepped by one of your favorite pizza places to treat yourself before heading home where you spend your evening daydreaming about none other than Johnny while watching reruns of old dramas.
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“Hi, I’m Jae-D.” “And I am John-D. Welcome to NCT-“ “Night Night.” “John-D.” “Yes, Jae-D,” Johnny chuckled. “It’s Thursday again which means it’s time to tend to our listener’s worries,” Jaehyun read off of the script, not getting distracted by his friend’s antics, “And today is a very special episode.” “Special?” Jaehyun barely repressed to roll his eyes at his friend’s over-exaggerated acting before continuing: “Yes, since tomorrow is a day off for all students, we have decided to make this episode extra lengthy and-“ he shortly stopped to flash the camera a peace sign, “Viewable despite it being Thursday.” “Do we look okay?” Johnny laughed, checking himself out in the video that was playing on one of their monitors. “Aaaaah, the comments say we look good tonight, thank you,” Jaehyun mused.
And they really did. Not that either of them had to do a whole lot to look good but today they were both wearing white button-downs with their sleeves rolled up to expose their forearms. Jaehyun had even gone so far as to put on some fake glasses. “And if you’re following us on our Twitter you also already know that this week it’s all about love on our campus radio and our show today is no exception,” Johnny read his part of the script. “Today John-D and Jae-D are Loveholics, trying our very best to help you with your problems surrounding love,” Jaehyun completed, “You can send in song recommendations through the hashtag JohnJaeLoveholic just like taryn1026 did – I hope I said that right – but they recommended Paris in the Rain by Lauv to set the mood for today.”
The soft tunes of the song made you relax a little into your sofa where you had chosen to watch today’s episode of NCT Night Night. You had to say that you were kind of nervous for today’s episode. Just like every week you had written your letter to Johnny, telling him about your week and cheering him on for your group project. At this point it should have been pretty obvious just who exactly you were and judging by how Johnny was acting towards you, his flirting leaving you flustered after your study sessions and your group mates mildly annoyed, he seemed to already have put together the pieces. But yesterday while writing your letter you had felt extra bold (and maybe also extra riled up and horny from Johnny’s shameless flirting) and had written him a message that should confirm all his suspicions and would hopefully lead him straight to you and into your bed. But until the end of the show or at least until they read your letter, which you really hoped they did today as well, you had to wait sitting in your apartment, for once not in comfortable clothes but in a nice shirt and pants.
“That was Paris in the Rain by Lauv, recommended to us by taryn1026 through our Twitter with the hashtag JohnJaeLoveholic,” Johnny’s raspy voice filled your apartment when he leaned close to the mic, “Jae-D are you ready to make some love happen?” “I already had my love juice,” Jaehyun answered, showing his pink Starbucks drink to the camera, “And my reading glasses are on.” As to prove his point, he hiked his glasses up his nose before scratching his eye through the holes in the frame, making both DJs chuckle. For the next hour Johnny and Jaehyun tried to solve several relationship dramas as well as a very tricky friends-with-benefits situation and telling a boy to break up with his cheating girlfriend which had been a rather heartbreaking discussion. “So after this,” Jaehyun sighed, “Let’s play another song recommendation. Burtonized has sent in a very fitting song, I hope you all don’t mind a little Korean: It’s God Damn by I.M – a song about heartbreak.”
While the foreign song was playing, the two DJs stretched their backs and sipped on their respective drinks: Jaehyun still on his pink sugar concoction and Johnny already on his second iced Americano. Jaehyun must have found something funny on his phone, nudging his friend to look at him but Johnny was busy typing away on his own, only acknowledging his friend after he had typed his message. Just after that, your own phone buzzed with a message, showing Johnny’s name on the screen.
From: Johnny Are you watching our show?
To: Johnny Sure, you look good today
From: Johnny Make sure to listen closely ;)
“That was God Damn by I.M suggested by burtonized over our Twitter hashtag JohnJaeLoveholic,” Jaehyun’s smooth voice tore you from your spiraling thoughts about the winking face Johnny had sent. “Sadly our show is coming to an end even with our extended airtime.” “But John-D a very important letter is still missing before we close our show. Dare I say it could be the highlight of our show,” Jaehyun joked, already playing the cheesy music he was always playing when Johnny would read your letters. “You’re right Jae-D my lovely secret admirer has sent in another letter,” Johnny mused, arranging himself so he could read the printed out letter while being as close as possible to the mic for it to pick up the rasp in his voice, “Happy Thursday John-D, I hope your week has been more exciting than mine. I have just been going from class to class without much thought, the only high points are my group meetings for the group project we have to hand in soon – That seems very familiar, baby – But since today is all about love, I’ll tell you about a little problem I have: – get your love juice ready, Jae – There is this boy in my group. And boy isn’t really the right word to describe him, he’s a man really,” at that Johnny couldn’t hold back a low chuckle, “I’m sorry, I’ll be serious – And he is flirting with me. Has been for a couple of weeks now. And it has gotten to the point where our groupmates are kind of annoyed at us. He has also walked me home a couple of times but he never so much as touched me. At this point I am so frustrated with him. Is he just playing with me? Or is his mouth bigger than his actions actually are? He has been riling me up all day today and I was ready to let him have his way with me but he only wished me goodnight and left again, leaving me to deal with what he had done all by myself – oh wow, I,” Johnny stuttered, sharing a gaze with his friend who was only barely repressing his laughter, “Wow, okay, I hope we’re in the good for reading this out and it’s late enough,” clearing his voice and raking a hand through his hair, Johnny continued, “John-D I hope this man hears what he has done to me and will deal with the consequences of his actions. Would you play Animal by Jin Yosef and RIELL for me? Just in case this letter hasn’t gotten my point across? – Y... Yeah sure, darling. We’ll play that once our show is over.”
“So John-D,” Jaehyun grinned while loudly slurping on his ‘love juice’, “What would you advice your secret admirer to do about this problem?” “Well if I were her,” Johnny started, his gaze going straight to the camera where he knew you were watching and it felt like he was looking straight into your soul, “I’d wait for him. I’m pretty sure he can prove that his actions speak even louder than his words.” For a while it was quiet between the two DJs, safe for Jaehyun’s obnoxiously loud slurping noises but even if they would have been saying anything, you weren’t sure if you could have comprehended any words with how furiously your heart was beating. “Anyways,” Jaehyun eventually broke the silence once he was sure there was nothing left in his ‘love juice’, “I’m afraid that was it for tonight. This has been your extra lengthy episode of Jae-D and John-D and we will leave you with this wonderful song recommendation: Animal by Jin Yosef and RIELL. If you’ve liked today’s show, we’re here every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night on your campus radio on 127mHz to listen to all of your worries on NCT-“ “Night Night,” Johnny joined in and they both waved into the camera as your song of choice started playing. The video stream didn’t cut off immediately, showing the boys gathering their things and if your eyes weren’t betraying you, you swore you saw Johnny tense up when the song turned a little more explicit. The two DJs waved to the camera one last time before the stream cut off, leaving the screen of your laptop dark.
That was when it dawned on you what you had done. Shit. With how Johnny had sounded, you probably had about fifteen to twenty minutes until he would be at your doorstep. Oh god. Shit. Taking a couple of deep breaths, you tried to ground yourself before hurriedly closing your laptop and cleaning everything that seemed messy in your little one-room apartment. That was until you heard a knock on your door.
With shaky hands, you slowly opened the door and while you knew who would be standing on the other side, you weren’t ready for how he was going to look like: Johnny was leaning against the doorway casually with his arms crossed over his chest so the tight button-down he was wearing would strain over the planes of his chest muscles but what really reeled you in was how dark his eyes looked when he raked them over your body. “Good evening miss,” he drawled. “Hi,” you breathed. “Tell me what you want so I’m not misinterpreting any of this,” Johnny all but growled, one of his hands coming up to cup your face. “I want you to have me.” If you thought his eyes were dark before, they turned into bottomless black orbs once the words had left your lips. “You don’t know what you’re asking for, baby.” “Please,” you whimpered and that seemed to break Johnny’s resolve as he pulled you close to him and all but crashed his lips into yours. The kiss wasn’t delicate in any way, shape or form with how Johnny was licking into your mouth the second a moan left your lips. His tongue was intertwining with yours messily and in no time both of you were panting into each other’s mouths. “Inside. Now,” you rasped. “All with due time,” Johnny chuckled but let you pull him into your apartment, slamming the door shut to crowd you against it, one of his strong thighs slipping between your legs like it belonged there, “If you’re a good girl and listen well, I’ll give you anything you want.” “Fuck,” you cursed before slamming your lips together again, a new neediness bleeding into the kiss as you tugged on the longer strands of hair at the back of Johnny’s neck which made him growl lowly. “Anything off-limits?” Johnny breathed into your skin as he kissed down your neck to suck a mark there while his hands were busy pulling your shirt from your pants so he could rake them over your naked skin. “Just,” you had to cut yourself off with a moan, “Don’t be mean to me.” “Never,” he promised, “You’ll be my pillow princess.” His sweet words were in stark contrast to how hard his hands were gripping your hips and how his teeth were grazing over your neck that must be littered with marks already. “Take me to bed,” you heaved breathlessly, positive your legs would give out if it wasn’t for Johnny holding you up.
Listening to your demand, he slowly started walking you backwards towards your bed until the two of you were toppling down on top of the covers, his lips never leaving your skin. Whoever had spread the rumors about Johnny being a great lover had been absolutely right, he knew just how to touch you to have you gasping for air and judging by the grin on his lips he hadn’t even started yet. “Please,” you whimpered, arching into his touch, not exactly sure what exactly you were asking for but Johnny seemed to know all the better when he freed you from your top and pants to leave you in your matching lace set while he was still fully clothed in his by now wrinkled button-up and pants. “All for me?” He chuckled and pressed a kiss right between the valley of your breasts, his big hands cupping the soft flesh to squeeze it gently. “Have me,” you gasped out and you could feel the growl he let out vibrating where you were pressed together. “I’m going to ruin you,” Johnny promised, pulling down the cups of your bra to wrap his plush lips around one of your nipples to tease the soft nub until it hardened under his ministrations, sending waves of pleasure down your spine and straight to your core where you could feel your wetness starting to seep into the fabric of your panties. “Johnny,” you mewled and arched into his every touch, his calloused fingertips setting your skin alight when he let them travel down your body to tease over your lower stomach. As if by reflex, you let your thighs fall open for him to finally touch you where you needed him the most. “Such a good girl,” he smiled, blowing cold air over your spit-slicked nipple to watch you squirm beneath him. Your remark got stuck in your throat when he finally cupped you through your panties, feeling how damp the fabric had already become. “Naughty,” he chuckled, his eyes never leaving your face as he circled your clit through the fabric, watching your eyes fluttering shut when his gaze became too intense.
“Johnny,” you sighed, forgetting all other words except for his name. “Relax, princess,” he rasped and kissed his way down your body, leaving love bites on the sensitive skin of your stomach and thighs that shook with anticipation. If you’d say you hadn’t dreamed about his lips on you like this, you would lie and you weren’t going to miss the sight of this for nothing. Fighting back the fog that had started to cloud your mind, you forced your eyes open to look down to where he had settled between your open thighs to find him staring right back at you. “Good girl,” he praised you again before pressing a kiss over your clothed sex that made your head fall back already, the anticipation of what was to come making you push up your hips which made Johnny chuckle lowly. He didn’t leave you any time to feel embarrassed by how needy you were when he hooked your panties to the side unceremoniously and licked a broad stripe up your center, tasting your arousal. “Oh fuck,” you breathed out, your hands flying down to tangle them in the long strands of his hair. Johnny worked his tongue in slow and clever strokes, leaving your mind reeling with pleasure and taking his time to take you apart piece by piece, not even paying attention to your leaking center or your aching clit. But when he did wrap his lips around your clit to gently suck on the nub, your mind almost went numb with how intense his touch was, your thighs clamping shut around him. To make it even worse, he started humming around you while prying your thighs back open, holding you down with his large hands. You felt your orgasm approach almost embarrassingly fast now that he was altering between teasing your clit with his tongue, lips and even his teeth and fucking your velvety walls with his tongue, setting your nerve endings on fire. “Johnny I’m close,” you warned him but instead of slowing down, he stretched his jaw wide to press his tongue further into you, his nose bumping into your clit in the process and with the combined sensation and his doubled effort, it took no time for your first orgasm of the night to wash over you, a scream of his name leaving your lips as you shook through it, your mind going equally as numb as your legs.
When you came back to it, Johnny had straightened up between your legs and he was grinning down at you while he was unbuttoning his shirt, his face still shiny with your arousal. “That was the first one,” he spoke darkly. “Come here,” you whined, making grabby hands for him until he took pity on you and covered your body with his before connecting your lips in a bruising kiss. You could still taste yourself on his lips but that somehow just made it even hotter.
“Want you inside me,” you panted against his lips when Johnny broke the kiss in favor of raking his teeth over your racing pulse. “Yeah?” He rasped and ground his hips down into yours, making you feel him strain against the fabric of his pants. “Need it,” you moaned at the sweet friction. “Think you can take me?” He laughed as he leaned back on his hunches to pop open the button of his pants, pulling down the zipper agonizingly slow. With wide eyes you watched him push his pants down his narrow hips, leaving him in just his navy boxers that showed the sizable imprint of his hard cock, the fabric against the head dark from where he had leaked precum. Chuckling, he stroked over the outline and just the sight alone made your mouth water. “Show me,” you breathed, spreading your thighs so he could see your needy core, clenching around nothing. “Hmm,” he hummed, dragging one of his fingers that wasn’t preoccupied with teasing himself through the mess of arousal and his saliva between your legs, only barely dipping it into you to feel the muscles trying to suck him inside. “Don’t tease me,” you whined high in your throat. “But I like seeing you squirm,” Johnny grinned but took mercy on you and sunk his finger into you up to the knuckle, gently pumping it inside you. Still sensitive from how intense your last orgasm had been, you were torn between pulling away and wanting more but Johnny made the decision for you when he pulled his finger out, wiping your arousal onto your thigh.
“Eyes on me,” he commanded and finally freed his cock from his briefs. “Fuck.” The curse left your lips without even noticing at the sight of his flushed cock, too heavy to properly stand up against his toned abs. The tip was tinted red and shiny with precum that Johnny generously spread down that whole length, his eyes not leaving yours as you watched him lazily jerk himself. “Like what you see?” You eagerly nodded your head. “Want it inside me.” “Yeah? Show me.”
Throwing all caution out of the window, you quickly sucked two of your fingers between your lips before guiding them to your weeping core to slip them inside you, letting out an over-exaggerated moan as you crooked them. “Oh you’re so naughty, baby,” Johnny groaned, squeezing the base of his cock tightly as he watched you fingering yourself and if you had even one coherent thought left in your head, you’d have the decency to be embarrassed because of how intensely he was staring. “It’s not enough,” you pouted, pulling your fingers free and spreading them to look at the slick covering them, “I’m so wet for you.” “Such a dirty mouth,” he groaned, quickly grabbing his pants to fish a condom from his wallet to roll over his hard length. “Please, Johnny,” you hiccupped, winding your legs around his waist to pull him closer to you. “Sssh, princess,” he soothed you, running his hands over your torso before bending down to press tender kisses to your stomach, “I’ll take care of you.” “Please kiss me.”
Dropping his elbows next to your head to support his weight, he covered your body with his and caught your lips in a kiss much too tender for your current situation, taking his time to explore your mouth until you were perfectly pliant beneath him. “Tell me if it hurts,” he whispered into the small space between you while he snaked a hand between your bodies to guide his cock to your core. When the head slipped in without much resistance, both of you let out twin moans of pleasure. Painstakingly slowly Johnny pushed inside you, centimeter by centimeter until his hips were flush to yours. “Breathe, princess,” he reminded you because you indeed had held your breath and had buried your nails in his biceps. “Shit, you’re big,” you cursed. “So I’ve been told,” Johnny chuckled and peppered your face and neck with little kisses while he slowly ground his hips so you could get used to him inside you.
“Move,” you demanded after a while.   “What’s the magic word baby?” He grinned. “Please, Johnny,” you whimpered, clenching down on him. “Once more.” “Don’t make me beg.” “But you sound so pretty when you do,” he chuckled, only barely moving his hips. “Johnny please,” you whined, trying your best to move on his cock on your own but the angle was just not working out. “Oh, you want to do the work?” “I want you to move,” you groaned, pawing at his chest.
“But I think you’d look so pretty riding my cock,” Johnny rasped and in one fluid movement, he had sat up and pulled you onto his lap. Shit, it felt like he was even deeper now. “Come on, princess.” Whining, you wound your arms around his shoulders and pulled your legs beneath you so you could lift your hips up to make his cock smoothly slide out, the friction just right before you slowly dropped back down again, earning you an appreciative groan from Johnny. “That’s right, baby,” he praised you as you slowly found a comfortable pace, swiveling your hips until the angle was just right. Tightening the grip you had on his shoulders to use it as leverage, you began riding him in earnest, impaling yourself on his cock over and over again until your head was spinning and your thighs started to burn. “Come on, doll,” Johnny grinned, catching one of your nipples between his lips. Whining, you rolled your hips faster until your thighs began shaking. “Need help?” He just grinned, his big hands holding onto your hips to help you move up and down his cock at a steadier pace. “Please Johnny,” you hiccupped, hiding your face in his neck to ground yourself, “Please fuck me.” “Am I not doing just that?” He chuckled, filthily grinding his cock inside you. “Do it right,” you panted into his skin, “Fuck me like you mean it.”
“Then get on your hands and knees for me, baby.” He didn’t have to tell you twice, it was almost comical how quickly you obeyed his command and arched your back for him. “Hmm, that’s it,” he praised you, tracing the curve of your spine with his hands until he reached the space between your shoulder blades where he gently pushed down to make you arch even further. “So good and pliant for me, just waiting to be filled.” “Please,” you just whined again, past the point of caring about how pathetic you sounded, begging for his cock. “Say it baby,” he demanded, slapping his cock against your wet folds. “Please fuck me Johnny. Please. I want your cock inside me so badly. Want you to fuck me until I can’t even remember my own name anymore. Please I need it. I-“ your frantic rambling got cut off by the surprised moan leaving your lips as he thrust into you without any warning. “Don’t hold back baby,” Johnny rasped before gripping your hips tightly to finally fuck you in earnest, the sound of skin slapping together loud in the otherwise silent room. “God, your ass looks amazing,” he moaned, burying himself in your tight heat over and over again, mesmerized by how his cock was glistening in the low light and how easily your body opened up for him, “You’re basically made to take my cock.” You could only mewl at his dirty words and fist the sheets tightly in your hands as you tried to meet his thrusts as best as you could while you felt like you got your soul fucked right out of you.
“Feels so good,” you slurred when you felt the familiar knot in your stomach ready to snap, clenching around Johnny’s cock. “God baby, if you keep clenching like that I’m gonna cum,” Johnny cursed, grabbing you by the neck to pull you up against his chest, the pace of his hips only getting faster. “Please Johnny. Want it inside,” you whined, letting him use your body how he wanted to relish in the low moans he let out. “You want me to fill you up baby?” “Want it so bad, Johnny,” you mewled. “Then cum for me. Cum on my cock and I’ll give you anything you want.” And oh god. You had never thought that the strained sound of a couple of words could be enough to actually trip you over the edge but the rasp in Johnny’s voice had you falling apart in his arms, your orgasm ripping through you so hard it had your thighs shaking. “Such a good girl,” Johnny praised you before he let out a low guttural moan and fucked into you once – then twice – before his hips came to a halt, emptying his cum inside the condom.
For a while you two just panted loudly before Johnny gently laid you back down onto the mattress, chuckling lowly when you whined at the loss of his cock. “Shit,” you giggled while he quickly got rid of the condom, throwing it in the general direction of your trashcan. So tender you could have missed it, Johnny pressed a row of kisses down your spine until he reached the swell of your ass. “Cuddle me,” you pouted, making grabby hands at him. “We’re sweaty, princess,” he laughed but gave in when you kept pouting. “I don’t care,” you whined, fitting your head beneath his, wrapping your arms and legs around his body to cling to him like a koala. “You’re cute,” he smiled, pressing his lips to your forehead.
“For how long did you know?” “Know what?” Johnny asked, clearly confused. “That I was your secret admirer.” “I didn’t.” “It was so obvious,” you groaned. “Okay maybe I got a hunch after we started that group project. But you never said anything.” “What was I supposed to say? Oh Johnny, by the way, I’m the one who has been writing you cringey love letters for like half a year already. Please go out with me?” That made Johnny laugh, the sound melodic in the quiet of your room. “I would have said yes, you know?” He spoke lowly, “I’ll miss your letters.” “What makes you think I will stop writing them?” “Because you can tell me all that stuff in person now when we go on dates.” “We’ll go on dates?” “That’s what people do when they like each other, princess,” Johnny chuckled, “And I really like you. Both as my secret admirer and my classmate.” “Oh my god stop,” you whined, hiding your hot face in his chest, feeling shy all of a sudden while Johnny was just laughing.
“I like you too,” you eventually mumbled once it had gotten quiet again. “I figured,” he teased you. “I changed my mind,” you immediately shot back, rising from where you were cuddled into his chest but every other protest died on your tongue when you saw his dreamy expression, his honey eyes finding yours and completely ignoring the fact that you were still very much naked. “Date me,” he said. “Okay,” you answered, easily meeting his lips in a sweet kiss that wouldn’t be the last one you two shared tonight.
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“Hello and welcome back, that was Middle Of The Night by Monsta X, suggested to us by raibebe through our Twitter with the hashtag JonJaeLoveTalk. We’re your DJ’s John-D.” “And Jae-D on NCT Night Night. Hello again to all of our listeners. John-D.” “Yes Jae-D,” Johnny chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Something is off today. I looked through our mail and there was no letter from your secret admirer.” “Oh really,” he feigned surprise. “Either they didn’t send anything in or our director got sick of the pining.” “I can calm you right back down Jae-D,” Johnny smiled, “Because she simply doesn’t need to send any more letters. I finally found her.” “No way. For real? And you didn’t tell me? I have to find out through our radio show? Friendship is dead,” Jaehyun sighed dramatically and you couldn’t help but chuckle. “Jae-D you know you’ll always be the number one in my heart, you know that.” At that Jaehyun let out fake gagging noises that made both friends chuckle.
“No but for real. I finally found her and asked her out. It’s going great so yeah,” Johnny shrugged, “In case you’re listening baby: I’m dropping by later and bring sushi.” “This is so domestic already,” Jaehyun sighed dramatically, “Where is my secret admirer?” “Maybe you could find love as well if you stopped acting like the textbook example of a frat boy.” “What is that even supposed to mean?”
Smiling, you leaned back on your sofa and listened to your boyfriend bickering with his best friend. Boyfriend. That sounded good even though it still felt unreal. Love Letters weren’t dead after all it seemed.
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omg-imagine · 4 years
Text
Distraction
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Pairing: Johnny Silverhand x female!V
Summary: Johnny distracts V the best way he knows how.
Words: 3.1k
Warnings: language, smut (oral + rough sex, choking)
A/N: Please don’t mind the weak plot, this was just an excuse to write p*rn featuring the only character I want to romance in the game but can’t. Also, for the sake of this fic, let’s just say he can touch V and vice versa :)) Hope you enjoy!
V was pissed.
No, she was beyond pissed.
And when V’s beyond pissed, she’s sure to let the whole fucking world know.
“Tone it down, princess,” Johnny cuts in once he’s heard enough of her long-winded rant.
V stops her relentless pacing around the apartment and shoots a menacing glare towards the rocker.
“I warned you not to take that job from the start. Now, look at you, bruised up from head to toe, and cheated out of your eddies.”
“That son of a bitch promised me half the cut,” V recalls bitterly, her chest heaving from the fierce anger spreading all throughout. “I’m gonna make sure Cruz regrets asking me for help.”
The merc stalks off to her stash, muttering low under her breath how she plans on raising hell the next time she crosses paths with him. As V polishes her guns (something she typically does to calm herself), Johnny approaches the small room to the side with the same cocky attitude that would surely piss her off even more.
He can’t help himself at times; he sure does love pushing V’s buttons.
“You done whining or what?”
Rolling her eyes, V turns her head to see Johnny standing there as he takes a drag on his cigarette. Normally, she doesn’t mind him smoking around her, but after an exhausting night where things didn’t work out in her favor, she was quickly reaching her boiling point. “You better clean up all that ash on the floor when you’re done.”
“Since when did you start caring about this shithole of an apartment being neat?” Johnny comments, more so as a tease, and this earns him another scowl. “Don’t waste your energy on Cruz. He’ll get what’s coming to him.”
“Didn’t know you believed in karma,” V adds, narrowing her eyes.
Devilishly, he smirks at her, tossing the cigarette butt to the floor then crushing it with his shoe. “Hon, there’s a lot of things you still don’t know about me.”
“Yeah,” she agrees before brushing past Johnny. “I’m heading out.”
His figure glitches momentarily, reminding V that he was nothing but a ghost residing in her mind, despite how real he feels. Even if she wants to leave this “shithole of an apartment” for some semblance of peace and quiet, she knows Johnny will only follow. He’s tethered to her for what could possibly be the rest of her life.
And yet, no matter how big of an asshole Silverhand was, she’s grown fond of his presence.
Not that she would mention it out loud. Ever.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“Out,” V simply states, wondering what the point in Johnny asking her that question when he could easily find it out for himself was.
It’s truly unfair how he can read her thoughts, but she can’t read any of his.
He chuckles low. “Gon’ pay a joy toy to fuck tonight?”
“No, I’m going out for a drive, distract myself from that shitshow earlier. You better leave me alone.”
“Well, I’m a little insulted,” Johnny snorts, feigning offense. “I thought you liked my company.”
“I’m tired of your company. You never shut that mouth of yours.”
Before V could head to the door, she feels a metal hand encircling her wrist, holding her in place. She glances behind her, meeting Johnny’s deep, dark eyes, which hid a multitude of secrets. It’s been a while since she has felt a touch that wasn’t full of malice. Though his palm is cold from the material it’s made out of, a distinct heat spreads through her body—
It was a familiar warmth, one that radiates from V at his mere touch.
And when Johnny’s lips curl into a shit-eating grin, she knows that he has sensed it too.
“Shut my mouth? I think I can do something else much better than that.”
Johnny’s gravelly voice fuels the desire burning deep within V as he pulls her closer, her feet moving at their own accord. “God, I wish you came with an off-switch.”
“Don’t pretend you’re not enjoying this little game we’ve been playing.”
V doesn’t respond, her pulse quickening with anticipation. She lets out a shuddering moan when Johnny leans in, his hot breath grazing her silky skin before his lips crash against hers, possessively. He floods V’s senses all at once as he hungrily kisses her, letting him take the reins.
It would be a lie for V to say she’s never pictured a moment like this. A moment where she finally succumbs to Johnny’s charm and allows him to lay claim on her. It’s always been a constant dance between the two, a chemistry disguised as indifference, a craving left unspoken. Amidst the degrading insults and the snarky attitudes, deep down, they have always wanted the same thing—
To fuck each other’s brains out.
“Still tired of my company, V?”
“Just shut the fuck up for once and take off your pants.”
The grin on his face hasn’t disappeared. It only grows broader. “Ask, and you shall receive.”
Johnny roughly grabs V at the waist, his fingers curling underneath the hem of her shirt as he pushes her towards the bed. His mouth latches onto her neck, no doubt marking her for all of Night City to see.
They fell onto the mattress without finesse, similar to how V kisses Johnny feverishly, all tongue and teeth. Void of tenderness and only driven by the urgency of lust. She was too distracted by her want to care for the taste of tobacco from his last smoke. The hands traveling every inch of V’s frame lights up a fire in her, bringing a high that no drug on the black market could ever do.
Surprisingly, Johnny allows her to take the lead for a bit when she straddles him, his hardening cock pressing up against her aching cunt. She gages his reaction as she grinds on his clothed erection, a wicked smile forming to the sight of him being teased.
“You like that, huh? Fuck, I can’t wait to have you inside of me.” She feels herself growing wetter and wetter, losing patience just as swiftly as the man under her.
Without warning, Johnny flips them both over, the length of his body now pressed against hers from above. He wastes no time peeling V’s shirt and bra off, pausing for the briefest of seconds to admire her bare breasts. His cybernetic hand squeezes one soft mound as his lips descend on the other. She moans, and they were pure music to his ears, sounds that were so beautiful he could write endless songs about them.
“J-Johnny,” V stutters out his name, unable to contain herself anymore. She doesn’t remember the last time someone has quickly reduced her into a mess, and desperately she wanted, needed more.
The way his name trembles from her mouth drives Johnny into a frenzy, simpering at the fact he really hasn’t done much yet, but it was enough to leave V quivering. She looks too sinful beneath Johnny, too delectable. He’s well-aware of how long she’s gone without sex, and he’s now bent on ending that sad streak of hers.
Hastily, Johnny removes V’s pants and underwear in one quick go, his gaze devouring her beauty like a starved man staring at his meal. “Wow, you’re fucking drenched down there.”
“Fuck,” she gasps, one hand reaching forward to grip at his lengthy locks as soon as he delves in to taste her dripping nectar for the first time.
“You enjoying yourself there, baby?” Johnny’s inquiry needs no response. He could already tell she is solely by the way her eyes flutter shut, her head lolling to the side.
One lick. Two licks. Three. He surely knew how to work that deft tongue of his.
Johnny’s cock continues to throb in the confines of his trousers as his lips encircle V’s swollen bud, but he doesn’t end there. She wants more, and he’s willing to give her just that.
More.
V squirms when two chrome fingers enter her heat, stretching out her walls to prepare her for the serious pounding coming up. She’s lost in the sensations, unable to form a coherent thought or word. Johnny’s tempo was slow at first; tantalizing, nearly torturous. But once he starts moving faster, pumping even harder and reaching that sweet, sweet spot of hers, she begins to pant wildly as she fucks herself on his hand to get more friction.
“Holy shit, you’re a goddess,” he croaks after pulling back to study the needy woman looking back at him through half-lidded eyes. V is tight around his fingers, and he could only imagine how it would be like with his cock buried deep inside her instead.
Each rough stroke of Johnny’s digits against her wet walls brought V closer and closer to the brink of orgasm, her moans increasing in both volume and frequency. He urges her to let go, whispering into her ear how he wants to see and feel her coming. The gruffness in his tone turned her on even more, and V soon finds herself falling over the precipice, flushing hot with euphoria as Johnny watches, awestruck.
Satisfied, he beams at his work, which was only half of what he intends to do this evening. Being gracious, Johnny gives V an ample minute to recover, using the downtime to wipe the glistening wetness coating his beard before tasting the juices he’s collected.
Delicious, he thinks. She tastes as good as she looks.
V eventually comes back to her senses, propping herself up on her elbows as she gazes at Johnny with an almost dazed expression. “Perhaps the rumors are actually true.”
“Which one?” Silverhand asks, ridding himself of his clothes at the foot of her bed.
V pauses prior to answering, the sound of metal clinking filling the air as he unbuckles his belt, stripping off his leather pants afterwards.
“That you’re the best pussy eater in town,” she then reveals, glancing up briefly to see the smug look on his face before her gaze falls to his groin again.
Of course, Johnny chooses to go commando, and no, she wasn’t shocked at all.  
Silently, she marvels at the dick nestled in a thick bush of dark hair. Girthy and long with a slight curve upwards, the thought of it being inside her, barely fitting, made her mouth water. He wasn’t lying when he casually mentioned having an impressive cock.
It definitely did not disappoint.
“Oh sweetheart, that was nothing,” Johnny declares before climbing back on top of V, settling in between her legs. “The main act is just beginning.”
She doesn’t wait for Johnny to kiss her. In an instant, V’s lips were on his, her tongue pushing into his mouth, faintly tasting herself at the same time. Meanwhile, Johnny grips the base of his leaking cock, rubbing its engorged head against her slick folds that had her breathing heavily. V cants her hips impatiently, and through their kiss, he chuckles at her eagerness.
“So desperate for my cock, aren’t you?” Johnny husks mockingly. “How badly do you want me, slut? I wanna hear you say it.”
A moan escapes her throat at his words as he rubs his tip against her clit. V wants him so, so bad that she’s begging incessantly, something she never does in any of her past fucks. Usually, she was in complete control, never the one to relinquish her power.
Maybe that was the reason why V was utterly drunk with pleasure from this steamy session with Johnny. It’s good not to be in control for once.
“Shit, Johnny. Please, just fuck me already. Fill me up,” V pleads, now helpless at this point. She has to come again, this time around his cock. She repeats her keening over and over again, hoping that it was enough to feed into Johnny’s ego and finally show her mercy.
“Well, since you asked so nicely…”
Tugging at his cock, Johnny forces V’s legs to spread wider as she waits for him, mesmerized. Her pussy was soaked from his ministrations, but when he starts pushing into V, the burning stretch of her walls trying to accommodate his thick length leaves her in tears.
Those tears, however, weren’t entirely from the pain. V was also shedding tears because of how full Johnny makes her feel.
“Fucking hell, V,” he groans as she clamps down on him. “You’re so fucking tight. Damn, why didn’t we do this sooner?”
“We were too busy pretending to hate each other,” V replies, digging her nails into Johnny’s back when he begins to move.
His thrusts are slow but rough— as if he’s getting accustomed to the wondrous feeling of being inside of V. It doesn’t last long, though. Johnny has always been a hard and fast kind of guy, the one that does two or three more rounds before passing out. He’s bragged about his amazing stamina as well, and despite V believing she could match it, she probably won’t be able to tonight.
Not when he’s fucking her into the mattress like this for their very first time together.
Johnny’s brutal pace doesn’t falter. He pounds into V harder, faster, rougher; as if his life depends on it, the obscene sounds of flesh slapping against flesh bouncing off every corner of the room. His slick pre-come mixes with her honeyed essence, allowing him to seamlessly reach the depths of her center. Sweat drips down the side of his face as he maneuvers his mechanical hand to wrap around V’s delicate neck, adding pressure when she doesn’t resist.
“That’s it, baby,” Johnny growls next to her ear, rolling his hips as he squeezes her throat tighter. “You’re making me feel so good. I’ve always known you were a dirty whore.”
V’s gasping and thrashing, but she doesn’t want him to stop. She loves the rush of blood through her head far too much, especially with Johnny slamming harshly into her. It gives her a thrill she has never experienced with anyone else. Pretty sure he’s ruining her for others.
But whether this was part of his intentions or not, V doesn’t know. Nor she cares enough to figure it out.
“Fuck, you’re such a good girl for me, V. Look at you, taking all of my cock like the fucking slut you are. You’ve wanted this for a while, haven’t you? You practically dream about me every night, and don’t you deny it.”
She doesn’t. Johnny was right, though it doesn’t really matter at this very second. His hold on V loosens for her to speak, and she inhales as much air her lungs could possibly take. She could feel it again, the ultimate high she’s been chasing once more. Johnny’s shaft dragging against her pulsing walls brings her even closer to it, building up the pleasure rising in the pit of her stomach.
“I-I’m close,” V warns, the pressure inside her threatening to break free. “Shit, Johnny, I’m gonna come soon.”
Johnny’s hips jerked harder, causing V to cry out. “Yeah? You’re gonna come? Don’t worry, I’m gonna make sure you come on my cock.”
Halting, he drapes her left leg over his shoulder, allowing him to slide in deeper than he has before. Johnny then pushes his metallic thumb into V’s mouth, and without prompt, she swirls her tongue around it, coating it with her saliva. Not missing a beat, his movement resumes, all bruising and all punishing. He brings his wetted finger on her sensitive pearl, stroking it as if he’s playing his guitar on stage.
The change in angle proves to be the final straw for V, who’s litany of high-pitch moans spurs Johnny to fuck her even more forcefully. Again and again, she takes everything he gives her, and in turn, she encourages him to follow her into the abyss. Her pussy caresses his cock with every frantic push and pull, and she notices how he’s gradually picking up speed, losing his rhythm in the process.
“Your cunt belongs to mine now,” Johnny mutters, gritting his teeth, and it’s becoming clear to V that he’s holding back just for her. “Come on, V. Let go, let go for me.”
Lust-blown eyes lock with V’s own, wordlessly urging her one last time to come undone. Several sharp thrusts later, she finds herself clenching around Johnny’s cock, her orgasm shooting through her like a rain of bullets. Unabashedly, V shouts as her vision whitens, intense waves of ecstasy washing over her shaking body. She’s too absorbed in bliss to realize right away that Johnny was still in her, dick hard and ready for a similar release.
Once she finds her bearings, V grinds her hips against Johnny’s, and immediately, his nails dig into her as he begins to move inside her yet again.
“Don’t stop, Johnny,” she purrs, watching him fuck her with both fast and long strokes. “I want you to cum deep inside me, baby. Shit, I want it so badly. Please, give it to me. Please…”
With a strained moan, Johnny suddenly climaxes, snarling as he shoots searing ropes of his thick, creamy cum into V, painting her inner walls with white. His features contort with pleasure as he throws his head back, his breathing shallow and ragged. When his heart rate returns somewhat back to normal, he slowly pulls his softening cock out, smirking at the sight of his load dripping out of her.
Afterwards, he flops down beside V with a huff, joining her as she stares blankly up at the ceiling. Johnny clears his throat as he shifts closer to V, who instinctively rests her head on his chest. His cyber arm curls around her, and she sighs deeply, seemingly content.
“How about that for a fucking distraction?” He says, recalling how the two of them got here in the place. “Don’t even have to go on a ride to clear your mind. Feel free to ride me instead.”
V laughs at his jest. “It was a great fuck, the best one I’ve ever had if I’m honest. But I’m still going after Cruz.”
Johnny hums in response, seeing V’s weary eyes growing heavier. “Fine, but just to let you know, what happened between us isn’t a one-time thing.”
“Fuck, I hope not. You’re stuck with me till the end of the world, buddy.”
“It’s a good thing you have an amazing pussy then.”
V smacks him lightly as exhaustion begins to take over. Sure, she was still pissed she didn’t get her eddies, but at least now she knows the prick named Johnny Silverhand was surprisingly a cuddler.
And that piece of information was worth gold.
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zarla-s · 3 years
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Hi, Zarla! I already see your character Jake several times and he seems to me very interesting and nice guy. But I didn't find much information about him. Please tell us about Jake and thank you)
Ah, poor Jake. He’s really a fairly minor character all things considered, he really only shows up in one sidefic and a pwp, but he cameos sometimes in other Vargas things.
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I have a doodle of him somewhere that has “dim, but sweet” next to it, and that’s about as quick a sum-up as you can get, haha. Jake’s a friendly, extroverted dude who spends most of his time looking for fun and taking it easy. In particular he loves sex and has had a lot of relationships with men and women alike, some that went well and some that didn’t. He can be flakey at times, likes the idea of being artsy more than actually putting in the work to be so, and he’s not very ambitious or responsible. Kind of a slacker, really... he has vague pie-in-the-sky dreams of being an actor but he never actually pursues them seriously (although he does work out enough to have a nice body) and he doesn’t really have any kind of long-term life goals or plans. He usually hangs out with a bohemian/artsy crowd, although he can’t really follow a lot of their philosophical discussions. He’s very into body modification, thus all the piercings! That was one reason why Edgar intrigued him, he thought the scars on his face were done on purpose as a body mod.
Jake might not really have his life together and he’s not exactly a critical thinker let’s say, but he is very empathetic and attentive, and he’s very kind and patient with others. He tends to be drawn to shy or neglected people - if someone’s in trouble or seems to need him, then it’s hard for him to resist trying to help. This has gotten him into trouble a few times when he’s gotten in WAY over his head and really had no idea what he was doing. Edgar was one of those cases - he felt bad for him since he’d clearly come out of an abusive relationship (well he thought he had, Edgar lied about still being in one. well, two if you want to get technical) and he wanted to make him feel better (with sex). And he did genuinely like him! If Edgar had shut him down or said no at some point during the night, he would have given him his number if he needed someone to talk to and left it at that.
Unfortunately Jake just completely read Edgar’s signals wrong the whole time, he really thought Edgar was down for it. And then when he kissed him, Edgar only got like a few seconds of !!! before Scriabin took over and Scriabin DEFINITELY was down, so from Jake’s perspective everything was fine until out of nowhere Edgar said he was an entirely different (and kind of scarily intense) person, which was way more than he signed up for, haha. He ended up panicking and bailing, which was definitely not a good way to react, but like I said... sometimes he gets in way over his head and makes bad decisions.
The real tragedy of it is that Jake actually would probably be good for Edgar, even if just as a friend. He’s very affectionate and open and honest, and he’d try very hard to make sure Edgar felt safe. Scriabin actually also likes Jake, so they’d have something they’d agree on, and it’s possible Jake would be able to mediate between them, or at least tell Scriabin to stop being a jerk sometimes and have him listen.
Of course, this assumes that Johnny isn’t around to shank Jake, haha. And Jake absolutely wouldn’t want Edgar hanging around with Nny, since he (correctly) thinks their relationship is abusive. I think I mentioned before that thinking about scenarios where Jake sticks around and he and Nny have to deal with each other get really complicated really fast... not to mention the whole waste lock business...
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jaehyunzzmilk · 3 years
Text
dinasty (part 2)
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pairing: prince jaehyun x concubine reader
word count: 3.4 k
genre: Historical Mafia AU, smut, light angst
summary: after the perfect escape, you have to find a way to fit in your new life, leaving the past behind may seem easy when you're working for 4 princes and one of them is interested in you, right?
notes: hello again, part 2 is up and we have a new love triangle, thank you for liking the first part so much, and prepare for even more surprises
this doesn't have any relation to real facts and history, it's just pure fiction for entertainment purposes
warnings: violence, blood, cheating, unprotected sex, oral (female receiving)
main characters: jaehyun (prince), yuta (samurai, villain), ten (thai mafia, villain), kun (China's emperor warrior)
Reality - Part 2
Part 1 here
"- Nice tattoo!" the man says.
It was dark and his face was only visible through the moonlight.
You freeze, the man stays still looking at you like you were his prey.
You try to cover your body but your only reaction is to grab your stuff and run, praying he wasn't gonna come after you.
Arriving at your room, breathing heavily you try to think about what just happened. A guy like that had to be a prince or someone really important. Ms. Lee told you to be lowkey and on the first day you let a man see you naked in the bath area. "Whatever" You were just too tired to think, you didn't do anything wrong anyway, so you were gonna pretend that it didn't happen. The Korean Palace was gonna punish you for going to the wrong bath?
Suddenly you realize Kun's necklace isn't with you. "Fuck, I must have dropped there" but now it's too risky to come back and look for it so you decide to do that tomorrow. You lay down on your mattress and try to fall asleep.
-
Next morning Ms. Lee showed you the rest of the Palace, the kitchen and assigned your tasks. It was a lot of work and details, each of their meals had to be perfectly planned. They had someone even to taste the food before them so they know it's not poisoned.
"- I'm gonna be responsible for the King's meal and you're gonna be responsible for the four prince's meals."
-Four?
"- Yes, Taeil, Doyoung, Johnny and Jaehyun. Now you should prepare their tea, they always drink green tea in the morning."
While preparing the tea you wonder which one you saw at the bathing area and if you should tell Ms. Lee what happened yesterday.
You're walking with the trays to the dining place when you try to talk to her.
-Ms. Lee!
-"Yes"
-So yesterday...
You realize you still don't know much about Ms. Lee and even if Kun trusts her, you don't. Also you can't help but think that serving tea was much better than your life at the concubine's house, so you try quickly to think of something else to say.
-Well, yesterday… Before I met you… this man helped me at the harbor, he was wearing black clothes and had a samurai sword.
-"Stay away from him!" She turns at you. "They are dangerous, they will kill everything and everyone on their way, people you don't want to mess up with."
By Yuta's facial expression when you mentioned Ms. Lee's name you weren't surprised she said those words, you wonder why but she wasn't gonna be the one to give you the answers. Otherwise, you still weren't afraid of him, he was gonna be the last of your problems here.
-"Now let's get in there, first you bow and then you serve them the way I showed you, don't look at them in the eye and don't say anything." She says.
In silence, you enter the dining room along with the other servants behind you bringing the food plates and you stop in front of the tables on the floor where all the princes are. There are two on each side, the two oldest and the youngest, all of them are sitting on cushions, they all have long hair and are wearing beautiful hanboks.
-"Your highness, may I introduce you to your new servant 'y/n', she is my niece and she is gonna work with me in the kitchen from now on." Ms. Lee said while you bowed, you were still too nervous to look up and look at them. "Now, may we start with the tea." Ms. Lee turns to you and signs that you can go and serve them.
Holding the teapot you go to the first prince, the oldest, Taeil, he is very handsome, with his light brown hair, face delicate and mature at the same time. Slowly you pour the tea into the cup by his left, he doesn't do anything, just stays still looking down and you wonder if you did something wrong. On his right it's Doyoung, after you pour the tea he gives you a small nod which makes you feel calmer. He is also very handsome, shiny black long hair, perfect posture, he sure looks like a prince. On the other side, Johnny, you can feel he is looking at you, the first to say "thank you" after you pour the tea. His face is gorgeous, even if he is sitting down you can feel how tall and strong he is. And then, Jaehyun, the man from the bath. You freeze when he looks directly at your eyes, you try to stay calm and pour the tea but can't help but shake a little bit. He is the definition of perfection, he had perfect skin, perfect face, everything about him.
Jaehyun keeps staring at you even when you stand up and comes back to Ms. Lee side.
-"Seems like someone likes our new servant!" Johnny says laughing. The other boys look at him but Jaehyun remains silent and serious, still looking at you.
They give the first sip to their tea. Taeil stops and smells the cup.
-"Did someone… put ginger on the tea?" He asks.
Ms. Lee turns at you with her eyes wide open.
-"Did you put ginger when you were making the tea?" She says in a low voice. - Yes, that's how we usually drink it in China, I'm so sorry.
-"Don't..." Taeil says taking another sip "- From now on keep in that way". You see Jaehyun smirking with the corner of your eyes.
Your whole body relaxed, you felt like you were going to faint. Ms. Lee bows and tells them to excuse both of you. As soon as you enter the kitchen's door she grabs your arm.
-"You have no idea how lucky you were this time young lady, Taeil is the most picky to all the food we make, when he started speaking I thought I was gonna have a heart attack"
-Me too! But I'm so sorry, I swear I'm not doing anything again without asking you first.
-"Good! Now get back to work"
-
Later after you finish your schedule you come back to the bath area to look for Kun's necklace. You look everywhere but it's nowhere to be found.
-"Looking for this?" Jaehyun stops behind you holding your necklace.
You turn around and he comes closer to you.
-"I asked if you're looking for this?" Now he is inches from you.
-Ye- yes!
Jaehyun walks behind you and gently moves your hair to the side, putting the necklace on you.
-"Does that belong to your boyfriend?" He is so close it's almost he's whispering in your ears. You get goosebumps.
-Excuse me?
He smirks and comes back to look you in the eyes.
-"I fought in the war 2 years ago, I remember those from the chinese soldiers." He tilts his head to the side and looks at you from head to toe. "Or you did?"
-A prince fighting at the war?
-"And a very bloody one but yes... it would be a shame being a prince and let your people alone bring victory to your country"
-It does… belong to my boyfriend.
You hold your necklace in your chest.
-"And where is your precious boyfriend when a pretty face like you is talking to the enemy in another country?"
-It's complicated!
-"I have time!"
-Why? Do you want the full story to snitch on me?
-"Sweetie if I wanted to snitch you out I would have already!"
He was right.
-You wouldn't believe if I told you anyway!
-"Try me, I've seen it all"
You both sit on a stone beside the water.
-Well, when I was 9 my family was struggling, we didn't have food, money, anything… so my father sold me and my sister to a concubine's house. She went to a different house than mine so I never saw her again actually. But anyway after years of being a slave in all forms to that house I fell in love, to someone from the thai mafia, of course things got out of control, I was so dumb. When I tried to run away he found out and did this tattoo on me, I was in so much pain because I fell off the roof trying to run away that I didn't even felt the pain of the needle, I just stayed there, still. Then I met Kun, I fell in love again, he helped me to escape, and it worked.
-"And I assume that story of being Ms. Lee's niece is all lies."
-Yes! She helped to raise Kun and met his mother so it's the only reason she's doing this until he arrives.
-"Oh so he's coming."
-He works for the Emperor and he said they would kill both of us if he ran away, so he is gonna wait a little bit and ask to retire, he wants to do it the right way, then he'll join me.
-"If you allow me to say this but… I would never have let you to come alone, sometimes you don't have to do it the right way" He gets up and walks to the exit of the bath. "But I'm glad he did and we could meet"
You give a small smile with the corner of your lips.
-"Oh and by the way..." He turns at you. "The staff's bath area is on that way." He points to his left.
-I know now. Thanks.
He smiles and leaves.
-
Weeks passed and you were getting used to your new life. You were doing your job right, even making some different dishes from your hometown to the princes. Meanwhile you unexpectedly started spending time with Jaehyun. Since your conversation at the bath, you both got closer in a natural way. On every free time you had you spent time together, you mostly liked to walk on the garden because it was more private, he told you about his childhood, how he had to give up on so many things to be who the kings expected him to be, how he felt like he was on a prison his whole life and how he found joy on learning how to fight because it was the only way he had to express himself and not follow the rules. You were surprised at how wholesome he was, he made questions about your life in a way that you know he wasn't being just pity, he was interested in how other realities exist outside the Palace.
One afternoon Ms. Lee asked you to go to the flea market to buy fruit for the dinner's banquet. You went alone since now you were familiar with that.
Because of the summer there were a lot of different kinds of fruits on sale. You bought peaches because you knew Jaehyun likes it. After buying everything you needed you see some crowd gathering between the market, you approached them and notice some weird men you've never seen before. They were thieves. They were on their horses, destroying the sellers' stands, pushing everyone in their way, they even tried to put a food stand on fire. You saw a little kid who got lost from their parents and was crying right in the middle of the path where the thieves were. You run in his direction and catch him, putting him safely to the side of the road, when one of the men slaps your face "Get out of the way slut!"
The slap was hard so you fell on the ground when suddenly you see another group of men coming that way, they all had black clothes and katanas. The samurais. They were so fast, they fought the thieves in a blink of an eye. There are people running and dust everywhere, you feel a hand on you. "Let's get you out of here" you recognize the voice, Yuta holds you and takes you to a safe place.
-"Why every time I see you, you're in trouble? Didn't I tell you to not walk around alone?"
-I was just buying stuff at the market when they came out of nowhere.
-"You're bleeding, let me see your lips" Yuta takes the fabric that was covering his mouth and carefully wipes the blood on your lips.
-"You're gonna need ice if you don't want to get bruises..."
-Don't worry, I've had worse wounds! - You laugh.
-"You didn't tell me where you came from"
-You didn't either, and why are you doing this? Helping me when you told me to stay away?
-"Well you should!"
-I'm not afraid of you.
Yuta looks at you, his mysterious gaze turns into vulnerability.
-So, I will tell you my story if you tell me yours! - You say.
-"Years ago the king had a deal with Osaka’s emperor, since he traveled there and they proposed to do an alliance and protect each nation together, but when the war happened and the emperor asked for the samurais to fight on their side here in Korea. We came and it was all a trap, a lot of us died, the emperor stole our ships and made all his people be afraid of us spreading lies, that we were dangerous. Since we couldn’t come back home we settled ourselves here, but the funny thing is every time the small villages are in danger, like what you saw today, it’s us who come first to help them. You asked me why I saved you, where I came from, we take care of everyone, no matter what."
-I'm sorry!
-"Now your turn, what’s your dark pass?"
-Apparently like you I was also a victim of the war in my country, but other than having a sword and fighting I was just a concubine trapped in a house for so many years, let’s say I just involved myself with the wrong people and ran away.
-"It’s called a katana… the sword. And maybe I can teach you how to fight." He smiles.
-Me?
He gives you the sword.
-It's much lighter than I thought.
-"Careful, it's lighter but the blade is gonna be the sharpest of all swords. Here... You must hold like this!" He took your hands and taught you how to hold the sword, carefully he showed you some self defense moves.
-"Now if someone ever tries to slap your face again, you do this..." Yuta grabs your wrists and pins you agains't a tree, you can't move obviously, he is so close to you and you feel the sexual tension building.
-"Get away from her!" You hear a familiar voice screaming. It's Jaehyun.
Jaehyun gets off his horse, he was mad, you never saw him like that. You jump in front of Yuta.
-No wait! He saved my life! - You scream.
-"What? Y/n do you know who he is? He is a murderer." Jaehyun looks at you.
-"If you arrived 10 minutes earlier you could have joined us but the little prince was busy at his Palace right?" Yuta provokes him.
-"That's enough!" Jaehyun comes closer but Yuta doesn't even flinch.
-Please Jaehyun, let's go!
You grab his arm and take him away from Yuta.
- "This doesn't end here bastard!" - Jaehyun spits at Yuta's direction.
-
You come back to the Palace with Jaehyun and he takes you to the bath area.
He is sweating, you could see his veins popping because of how mad he was.
- Jaehyun please, everything is alright, you need to calm down!
- "No it's not, look at you, you're hurt" he grabs your face and touches your lip with his thumb.
- It's ok now, I was at the market when some thieves arrived, I was protecting a little kid who was gonna get hit by their horses, they got mad because I was in the way but I swear it was nothing and Yuta helped me and everyone in there!
- "What? How do you know his name?"
- When I arrived from China he saw me at the harbor, I was so weak from the trip he helped me and even took me to Ms. Lee! I don't care about your old family issues, he helped me and that's all.
- "I'm sorry I'm just… the Palace guards heard the thieves were at the market and when I knew you were there I got my horse and went after you, I just couldn't let anything bad happen to you y/n!"
He grabs your face with both of his hands and kisses you. You try to push him but still can't open your eyes and break the kiss completely "Jaehyun we shouldn't..."
- "If you don't want it then tell me to stop" your heart is beating so fast, you swallow hard and look up at Jaehyun, "I know I'm not the only one feeling this" He says kissing you hard again.
He is right. "Touch me" you say, grabbing his hands and placing them on your breasts. When he is caressing his hands on your breast he removes your necklace, dropping it on the ground. He unties your dress and slides the fabric until your lower body, he is on his knees in front of you and he passes his hands on the back of your thighs until your butt and kisses your thighs slowly. He keeps eye contact with you and licks your clit, you moan and grabs his hair in response to his tongue going faster.
In your head it felt so wrong because you were in love with Kun, but Jaehyun made you feel so needy, mind and body.
Jaehyun gives a hard lick on your clit and makes his way up to your stomach leaving a tray of kisses until your breasts, he sucks one nipple while his other hand and flicks the other one. He gets up and kisses you, the kiss was so wet, for a moment you forget that anything else exists while he kisses you hard, licking and sucking your bottom lip. He takes off his clothes, his hard dick slaps on his toned abs, pre cum leaking over his tip. Jaehyun lifts you up "Let's go inside" taking you to one of the hot tubs.
When you felt the heat of the water on your body, the feeling of pleasure and lust took over you, Jaehyun pulled you down onto his lap and gave you another kiss, you wrapped your arms around his neck when you feel his tip on your core. "Oh my god" you scream while his hands holding your waist puts you down until his whole length was inside of you. The feeling was so different, you got a harder friction because of the water and you start moving up and down to get used to his size. Jaehyun's shoulders and biceps tense while his cock is stretching you out. You bounce on him screaming in pleasure, body trembling as he helps you to move faster.
He was pushing all the way into you, hitting your g-spot. You arch your back and moan his name, clenching every time he enters you. You're almost out of breath when he sucks your neck and presses his thumb against your clit. "Jae, I'm gonna..." you can see he is close as well as he sucks your neck even harder and moves his finger faster. You scream when you feel your orgasm, your arching pussy made his cock tighter while he couldn't hold it anymore and released into you as well.
You both stay in the water for a bit recovering from the climax, he pulls you to his chest and you close your eyes.
-Am I dreaming?
-"I think the reality right now is better than your dreams."
"Reality" you thought, back at your own senses you couldn't help but be disappointed at yourself. Because of you Kun was risking his own life to help you to run away and now you're with the prince of the place he arranged you to work for. Maybe you were just a filthy concubine, maybe you deserved everything they did to you, even your tattoo. You roll your body and rest your head at the border of the hot tub, a tear coming out of your eye.
-
Part 3 coming soon
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babymetaldoll · 3 years
Text
DIWK - Chapter eight: "There is no I in Team"
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Word count: 8,4K
Summary: It's Spencer's birthday, and the team meets Mikey, Lu, and Frank. Reader is no longer in denial, but she has no idea what she is doing. Also, Rossi is here.
Warnings: Cursing, frustration, please don't hate me.
A/N: Hi! I hope you enjoy this fluffy chapter 'cos... well... things are a few chapters away from getting a little messed up. Thank you for all the support! your likes and comments keep me writing! Love you all!
Masterlist
Chapter one | Chapter two | Chapter three | Chapter four | Chapter five | Chapter six | Chapter seven | Chapter eight | Chapter nine | Chapter ten | Chapter eleven | Chapter twelve | Chapter thirteen | Chapter fourteen | Chapter fifteen |
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(Y/N)'s point of view
Suddenly, working at the BAU wasn't just catching serial killers. After almost two years at the FBI, I was dealing with some serious issues that were starting to get in the middle of me and work: Spencer Walter Reid.
I didn't want to face it, and I knew I was trying to deny it as much as I could, but even when I kept telling everybody no, deep down, I knew the answer was yes.
I was falling for my best friend.
But I refused to deal with my feelings. There were more important things to do, like catching killers and celebrating Spencer's 26 birthday. So yes, I was screwed.
Penelope organized a breakfast celebration at the BAU with the whole team on his birthday, and I was in charge of the cake. I baked it myself the day before, and Lu decided to help me. And by "help me," apparently, she actually meant "drive me crazy."
- "So, when is Spencer's birthday?"- she sat and sipped her tea at the kitchen island as I continued mixing ingredients.
- "Sunday, October 28th, why?"
- "Just asking. And what's the plan?"
- "Tomorrow Friday, we'll throw an early birthday breakfast at the BAU. Then, I was planning to have a huge surprise party for Spencer here Saturday night. If we are called on a case, then we are doomed. But if we are home, we should definitely celebrate Batsy's day."
- "Aha"- I cut her a questioning gaze, and she just smiled- "I was just trying to make conversation."
- "Ok..."
- "And waiting patiently for you to face the fact you are in love with Spencer."
I nearly dropped the mixer bowl as soon as I heard those words.
- "Lu, what the fuck?!"- I knew I was all kinds of shades of pink, but I did my best to keep my cool and pretend to be stony.
- "I'm just saying it's about time you drop the act and deal with your feelings."
I hated the fact she was right. I was in love with Reid. But I didn't want to talk about it. Honestly, I wasn't ready to acknowledge those feelings out loud 'cause it would make them real. And all I wanted at that minute was to pretend those feelings didn't exist.
- "The only feeling I am dealing with right now is with how pissed I am with your innuendo."
I turned my back at Lu and started looking for the right pan for the batter. I had bought three sizes just to make sure I'd get it right. I also made a mental note not to tell her that.
- "There's no innuendo. I'm telling you upfront. I know you are in love with Spencer."
- "What?!"- Lu laughed and walked to the kettle to pour herself another cup of tea.
- "You do remember I've known you since we were six years old, right?"
- "Yes, I remember that. But that doesn't mean you know how I feel about Spencer."
- "No, of course not. It means you can stop acting. I see through you! you are baking the man a cake."
- "So?"- I looked at her and raised an eyebrow, trying my best to look serious and not busted at all.
- "So you've never baked a cake for me, or Mikey, or Frank!"
- "Well, if you are all jealous, I'll bake one for your birthday then!"
- "(Y/N), please. The cake is just an example. You and I both know you are in love with him."
- "I am not"- I sighed and turned off the mixer, 'cos the batter was ready.
- "(Y/N)"- my friend whispered a few seconds later in a softer voice.
- "Lu?"
- "You are in love with Spencer Reid."
I took a deep breath and crossed my arms on my chest as I looked at her. She was smiling, pleased. It made me think of Frank's request a few months earlier when he asked me he and the guys wanted me to date Reid. I thought it had been cute. Now I was wondering if they all suspected I had feelings for my best friend.
- "Lucy, why are you so obsessed with this?"
- "'Cause he is in love with you too, and I want you to be happy"- and her answer kind of broke my heart.
- "Reid is not in love with me,"- I whispered and returned to the cake to pour the batter into the pans.
- "Why are you so sure?"
- "'Cos I know him! And I know he is in love with someone else"- Lu frowned and shook her head, in disagreement with my words. Like she knew him better.
- "Spencer Reid is in love with you, (Y/N). I've known it since the day I met him."
- "Spencer Reid is in love with JJ. I've known it since the day I met him 'cos he actually asked her out."
- "Oh, come on! You told me that story! Nothing happened!"
- "'Cos she doesn't like him, but you should see him when he is around her! and now that she is dating, it's so obviously killing him!"
I let my arms fall at my sides, defeated, and Lu tapped on the seat next to her. So I sat by her side and held the cup of tea I had left forgotten earlier when I had started baking.
- "So, tell me why you think Reid likes JJ"- Lu demanded, and I somehow managed to tell her what I felt without looking desperate. Or that's what I thought.
- "He worships the floor she walks upon. And I get it, she is cute, she is fun, blond, and friendly. I bet every guy she meets loves her. And it's awful 'cos I love her too, she is my friend. She's the sweetest."
- "But?"
- "But what?"
- "Sounded like you were going to tell me something like "But I hate her 'cos I am in love with Reid."
- "I don't hate JJ! I'm happy she has Will, though she hasn't told us about it. And I love working with her! she is sweet and amazing!"
- "But you are sure Reid loves her"- I just nodded- "Well, you are wrong."
- "Trust me, I'm not."
- "Well, then I'll have to meet that JJ girl and see if Reid looks in love with her."
- "How are you planning to do that?"
- "I don't know"- Lu simply shrugged and smiled- "Something will come up."
And something did come up. Spencer's birthday party. October 28th, 2007.
We threw him a surprise party at my apartment, and everybody came. Derek, Garcia, Prentiss, JJ, Hotch, Lu, Mikey, and Frank. It wasn't just Spencer's 26th birthday party. It was me not hiding anymore. I couldn't hide myself from the team if everybody were invited to my house and about to meet my friends. But I didn't care. I didn't actually think about it much at the moment, 'cos all I cared about was giving Spencer the best surprise birthday party on earth.
And I think I nailed it, 'cos he had no idea what was going on when he knocked on my door at eight. He was innocently holding a bag with some snacks I had asked him to bring for the movie marathon I told him we would have. And he believed me. He was adorable.
As soon as I opened the door and saw him there, my heart skipped a beat. Maybe that's why I didn't say much; I just smiled and invited him in.
- "Is your electricity out? Why are all your lights off, (Y/N)?"- he innocently asked, right before turning on the light and hearing everybody yelling "Surprise!!"
- "What the..."- Reid looked around in shock, not getting what was going on. Frank jumped over and nearly tackled him with a hug, making me laugh. Garcia turned to me in shock, but I just shook my head. That's Frank.
- "Happy barf day, doc!"
- "Thank you so much! Hey!"- Spencer looked around and looked at me. I smiled and watched how everybody got closer to him and hugged him. I don't know if he was ok with it, but he didn't seem to complain. The birthday boy hugged everybody that night.
Spencer's point of view
I don't think anyone had ever thrown me a surprise party before. I never suspected it. Not even a little. I was so glad they had done it, though. I was so happy to have friends and family to share that day with.
It was my fourth birthday at the BAU, the second (Y/N) had organized, and somehow I didn't feel alone anymore. People weren't friendly to me for being condescending. They actually liked me.
- "Doc! You are gonna love these!"- Frank nearly tackled me with his present- "It's from Mikey and me. We thought you might appreciate some new addition to your collection."
I chuckled and held the vinyl records he had given me: Elton John, The Clash, and Arctic Monkeys.
- "Collection?"- Morgan asked and looked at me, surprised- "You collect vinyl records, Reid?"
- "Yeah, I do actually,"- I smiled and kept my eyes on the records- "I think it's a unique classic format. It sounds better than digital, and it includes warmth, richness, and depth to the music you don't find in a cd or mp3."
- "And not just classical music?"- Derek was somehow surprised- "You actually listen to any other musical genre?"
- "What are you talking about?"- I argued, almost insulted- "Just because you think I'm a nerd doesn't mean I only listen to classical music. Last year I got a Johnny Cash record. You were there!"
Morgan raised his hands and smiled, defeated. I chuckled and looked at Frank and Mikey.
- "Thank you, guys."
- "Don't worry about it, come here"- Mikey opened his arms and pulled me into a hug. I tapped on his back and smiled.
I noticed JJ's look at Penelope and wondered if she was surprised I had friends out of the BAU. (Y/N) and I were always together, and we usually talked about what we do with her friends during the weekend. Our friends. They were our friends.
- "We already gave him his presents this morning,"- Garcia explained to Frank. I don't know why maybe she thought it was necessary to make sure he understood and let them know they weren't the only ones who had given me presents.
- "Ok, kids, we've got pizza, beer, and a Halloween cupcake for the birthday boy"- (Y/N) walked over and put on a party hat on my head. I smiled and also received the bottle of beer she handed me.
- "Thank you, chipmunk"- I whispered and felt her arm around my waistline, wrapping me sweetly as she rested her body against my side.
- "You are welcome, honey. Happy birthday."
The way she looked at me made me feel I was the most important person in the world for her for a solid minute. And I wondered how I could make her feel the same.
- "So, doc. How was the cake?"- Lu stood by my side and smiled at JJ, who was just talking to me about nothing important.
- "Good! It was delicious! Did you help (Y/N) bake it?"
- "No!"- she shook her head and chuckled- "I just came for moral support yesterday."
- "It was good! Real good! you can't go wrong with chocolate and raspberries."
- "I'm glad"- she smiled and looked at JJ. I shook my head, embarrassed, and made the proper introductions, though (Y/N) had already done it.
- "You have been (Y/N)'s friend since you were kids, right?"- JJ asked, and Lu smiled again, nodding.
- "We were all neighbors growing up. And... you and doc, how long have you been working together?"
- "For the last... three years, I'm the communication liaison of the team"- Lu nodded and sipped her cup of tea.
- "He has been an incredible addition to the Three Stooges' lives"- Lucy joked and turned to me for a moment. Then, she scanned my face carefully, keeping a big, warm smile on her face.
- "Mikey and Frank were so excited to hang out with you. They keep hoping to find Lila Archer each time they go to your house."
I heard JJ laughing and looking at me, surprised. Lu just kept her eyes on her tea for a moment and then stuck out her tongue to me playfully.
- "Lila Archer?"- JJ asked, shocked- "Are you two still talking? Is there something I don't know about?"
- "No! no!"- I quickly tried to explain- "The guys are obsessed with her. Frank, mostly, and they love to bug me with her."
I turned and looked at them. Frank was hugging (Y/N), and Mikey kept trying to steal her beer from her hands as she just chuckled. I stared at them for a second, and I know I smiled. Somehow I felt slightly jealous of Frank and Mikey for always being so physical with her, not overthinking everything they did around her. I always wished I could be like that. But then again, they weren't in love with her.
- "So you and (Y/N)'s friends get along pretty well"- JJ's voice was curious. I kept thinking she was shocked I had other friends.
- "Actually, we consider Spencer our friend,"- Lu answered and chuckled- "Please, don't tell them I told you this, but they always get excited to see you."
- "Me?"- I was shocked- "Why me?"
- "'Cos they admire you a lot. Frank keeps saying you are the coolest guy he has ever known."
I didn't know what to answer. I had never been one of the popular guys, so having Lu telling me those guys thought I was cool was pretty shocking and heartwarming.
- "Hey, doc! I heard you met Mrs. (Y/L/N),"- Frank said from the other side of the room, causing everybody to look at me. I nodded awkwardly and took a sip of my beer- "She's hot, isn't she?"
- "Frank!!"- (Y/N) yelled and hit his arm- "You are talking about my mom!!"
- "I am not ashamed, Nugget! You know what I think about her!"
- "Wait, princess!"- Morgan was still laughing when he started talking- "Your mom is Mrs. Robinson?"
- "I don't know! Frank is just a perv!"- my best friend argued, looking disgusted.
- "Your mom is a hottie. Deal with it!! Mikey thinks so too!!"- Frank threw his friend under the bus trying to save his own ass. Everybody kept laughing as (Y/N) gasped and turned to see him.
- "You are a sick bastard too!!"
- "I haven't said anything!!"- Mikey tried to explain, but it was useless. Everybody kept chuckling.
- "You are thinking about my mom!!"
- "Well, I'm pretty sure Reid thought about her too!"
- "What?! Why me?!"- I shrieked, and I know I blushed.
- "You saw Mrs. (Y/L/N)! Didn't you think she was hot?"- Mikey looked at me and snickered.
- "She was very welcoming and cordial with me"- I tried to say the most neutral things possible.
- "Dude! come on! she is hot!"- Frank argued and looked at me in shock
- "She is my friend's mother!"
- "Yes! please stop talking about my mother!!"- (Y/N) kind of shouted but chuckled a little at the end.- "Instead, can we talk about how hot Morgan looks tonight?"
- "What?"- Derek raised an eyebrow- "Where is that coming from, princess?"
- "Pure honestly"- (Y/N) replied with a warm smile- "Doesn't he, Garcia?"
- "My chocolate thunder is always the center of my attention,"- Penelope answered and winked at Morgan- "And it's not just tonight. He is always delicious."
I shook my head and took a look around. All my friends were together in the same room. For the first time ever. Only Ethan was missing.
- "(Y/N), where do you have more dishes?"- Prentiss asked her as (Y/N) walked back from the kitchen, carrying a tray with drinks.
- "I'll help you"- I quickly ran to the kitchen and grabbed a few more dishes, plus napkins and a few coasters.
- "Thank you, honey bunny"- (Y/N) whispered and smiled at me when I walked back with everything.
- "You surely know your way around this house."- JJ pointed out, with a somehow suspicious tone of voice.
- "We hang out here a lot."- I explained and looked around, trying to find my beer.
- "Here you have, doc"- Mikey handed me a cold one, and I nodded- "The band has a gig Halloween night. If you are in town, you have to go."
- "Sure! I'd love to!"
- "You have a band?"- Garcia asked awed, and Mikey nodded- "You two? together?"
- "Yeah"- Mikey confirmed and looked at Frank, who talked with Morgan and (Y/N)- "Nugget and the doc are our biggest fans. They never miss a show when they are in town."
- "You go to rock shows?!"- Garcia was now in shock and hit my arm- "Does he go to the shows wearing band's t-shirts and jeans?! or in his usual wardrobe??"
Mikey chuckled and looked at me with a confused stare.
- "They don't hang out with you outside work a lot, do they?"
- "Yes! We do!"- and Penelope nearly jumped, insulted by those words- "We are just surprised 'cos there's a whole lot of our resident genius we haven't seen yet! like... going to rock shows!"
- "So you haven't seen him drunk? 'cos drunk doc is a beast!"
- "I am not a beast!"
- "I haven't seen him drunk! Boy wonder!! Why are you wilder with (Y/N)'s friends and not with us?"
- "We are his friends too,"- Mikey corrected her and smiled- "And we might push doc a little further, like the day we bet we couldn't drink a box of milk in 30 seconds."
I laughed, thinking about that moment, embarrassed and amused at the same time. It was true; the guys and I had a completely different dynamic than the one I had with my work team. Probably because from day one, neither Lu, Mikey, nor Frank labeled me as a dork. Well, sure, I was one, but so were them. They made me part of the group instead of being the "weird one" of the group. Somehow with Mikey, Lu, and Frank, I could be just plain Spencer and not Doctor Reid and allow myself to do silly, weird, dorky things, not afraid to be judged.
- "When did that happen?!"- JJ was in shock, overhearing that conversation and walking over with Lu.
- "A few weeks ago,"- Mikey answered and chuckled. I wasn't drunk that night; we just had a few beers. And it had been Frank who was incredibly persuasive about trying the milk challenge.
- "I made an equation, and we tried to beat it,"- I explained JJ, and Mikey laughed right away- "According to it, a regular human being might drink a whole box of milk in 33,3 seconds, and Frank argue he could do it in 30."
- "Spoiler, he couldn't"- Mikey added- "But he gave it a good fight, nearly died, choking."
- "Technically, he would have drowned"- I corrected- "It's called "dry drowning." It happens when water is in the mouth or nose and the vocal cords spasm, trapping the water, causing the person to asphyxiated."
- "That's a real thing?"- Garcia questioned in shock.
- "Yes, you drown, but you don't get any water in your lungs. Instead, it goes through your nose and your mouth, and the muscles close off and spasm."
- "Wow"- Mikey tapped on my back a few times and smiled- "I love that you know so much weird shit, doc. Happy birthday!"
- "Thank you..."
My birthday celebration was a blast. Mikey, Lu, and Frank were the hit of the party, and the BAU loved them. Penelope had a rocky start with Mikey, I think 'cos she was a little jealous I had done more weird things with them than with her, but everything was smooth after they shared their third beer.
I laughed so much my face hurt. Morgan and Frank told the weirdest and most incredible stories. Prentiss came up with a few fun games to play, and everybody was on board with them. Even Hotch. Lu and JJ talked a lot, and the two of them seemed to get along just fine.
(Y/N) was incredible. She made sure everything was perfect. The fact my birthday party had Halloween decorations melted my heart. She had all my favorite snacks, pizza toppings, and drinks. Even a Halloween cupcake. What else could I ask for in life? I had everything I always dreamt of: a family. And a best friend who loved me. Not in the same way I did love her, but you can't always have everything in life, right?
- "Thank you for everything, Munchkin!!"- one drunk Garcia hugged (Y/N) for the hundredth time, standing by the door. At two in the morning, she was the only one left, along with Morgan, who was her drive back home.
- "See you Monday at work, batgirl"- (Y/N) hugged her and giggled as Garcia nearly choked her with her tight embrace.
- "And you come here!!"- Penelope hugged me too and kissed my cheek- "I love you so much, boy wonder!! I'm so happy you are happy, 'cos you deserve to be the happiest you can be!"
- "Thank you, Garcia,"- I giggled and looked at Morgan- "Are you going to be ok?"
- "Hey!"- Penelope hit my arm (for the hundredth time that night) and frowned- "What do you mean if he is going to be ok? I can behave!"
- "I know you can! I'm sure you can! I'm asking Morgan 'cos it's late and he has to drive!"
- "I'm gonna be ok, kid."- Derek answered and smiled at me- "Do you need a ride?"- I shook my head and heard the words I was secretly waiting to listen to all night long.
- "You can crush the couch if you want to,"- (Y/N) suggested and turned to me, shrugging.
- "I can help you clean,"- I added right away, and she smiled. Morgan stayed still, staring at me, and I swear he was trying to read every single facial movement I could do. So I just looked at him and smiled.
- "Ok then, we'll leave you two alone. See you Monday at work"- Derek tapped on my back and gave (Y/N) a small hug. Garcia winked and walked out.
Just like that, it was finally just the two of us.
- "Did you have fun?"- (Y/N) whispered after she closed the door and rested her back against the wood. I nodded and smiled, staring at her eyes shine.
- "Very much. This was actually my first surprise party."
- "Ever?"- (Y/N) questioned and frowned- "Really? then I am glad I didn't know that before, 'cos I don't think I could have managed the pressure of having to make you the best surprise party on earth."
- "You raised to the occasion"- she smiled and walked to the kitchen. And I followed her.
- "Are you hungry?"- I heard her asking as she opened the fridge. I grabbed a bunch of dishes and glasses on my way to the kitchen and piled them on the sink.
- "Not really. I think it was really too much pizza."
- "Spencer Walter Reid, there is never enough pizza,"- she argued, trying to stay serious.
- "My stomach is telling me otherwise."
- "So there's no room left for a slice of chocolate raspberry cake?"- I turned around and found her smiling from the fridge. She held a cake and giggled playfully.
- "You baked another?"
- "I had some free time this morning, and I had the feeling this is how the evening was going to end."
I don't think there are enough words in the vocabulary to express how those words made me feel. And most of all, I don't think my brain functioned correctly each time (Y/N) looked at me how she was going that moment.
- "So honey. You, me, your new blu ray of the 7th season of Doctor Who."
- "Which blu ray?"
- "The one I just got you, dork."
When I thought I couldn't love her more. There it was. My doom.
- "You are just making this incredibly impossible for your birthday,"- I joked, and she burst out laughing.
- "You can see through me, doctor. I hate it."
- "I'm the best profiler in the BAU, (Y/N)."
- "Really? then why didn't you discover I was planning this party?"- I made a pause and bit my inner cheek. (Y/N) turned to me again and crossed her arms on her chest, waiting for an answer.
- "I'm guessing 'cos you are the best liar in the BAU."
- "You are god damn right."
We cleaned the living room, left most of the dirty dishes piled on the sink to take care of them in the morning. Then we cuddled on the couch with a cup of tea and some cake each.
- "Are you comfortable?"- I asked her wrapping my arm around her neck as she rested her head on my shoulder.
- "Perfect, you?"
- "Me too"
- "Hit it, then. It's time travel time, doc."
(Y/N)'s point of view
I woke up in Spencer's arms. He was taking me bridal style to my room. My face was pressed against his chest, and I swear I felt butterflies in my stomach just feeling his smell.
- "What is going on?"- I mumbled and saw him smiling at me.
- "You were snoring on the couch, so I'm taking you to bed."- he whispered, placing me carefully on my bed. Then, he took out my shoes and covered me with the blanket.
- "Stay,"- I pleaded and held his hand- "Don't sleep on the couch tonight. Stay with me."
I kept my eyes closed, 'cos it was embarrassing to see him as I asked him to sleep with me on the same bed.
- "Are you sure?"
- "It's your birthday. You can't sleep on a couch. And it's not like it hadn't happened before."
I knew I was right. We had slept together in the same room many times while we were out of town during cases. We had also slept together in the same bed before when Reid was detoxing in my house; though we never actually talked about it, it just happened. Those times we literally just passed out due to exhaustion. But this time was different. That was me asking him to stay with me. And he didn't refuse.
I heard him take off his shoes and then walked around the room until he reached the other side of the bed and got under the covers with me.
- "Good night, batsy,"- I whispered and snuggled closer to him. He didn't even hesitate and hugged me tight, leaving a sweet kiss on the top of my head.
- "Good night, chipmunk"- his voice was soft and careful, just as his hands were caressing my back. I sighed and snuggled even closer, craving more of his touch.
- "Happy birthday, honey bunny."
- "Thank you, ma chère"- those words gave me shivers, and the way he murmured them made me feel things I shouldn't have felt for him, especially if he was in that bed with me.
I didn't want to be in love with Spencer. But I couldn't stop those feelings. I had to remind myself he didn't see me the same way. It was hard to deal with those feelings when I was cuddled with him in my bed. And I knew I had gotten under that situation willingly. But I just couldn't help myself. For once, I wanted to know what it felt like to sleep in Spencer's arms. I could pretend to be cool the following day, but right there under those blankets, all I wanted was to pretend he loved me the way I loved him.
Is that too sad? Maybe pathetic? Holding your best friend close in the middle of the night, pretending he is your boyfriend. Feeling how you fall deeper and deeper in love with him, knowing you will never actually kiss him or even romantically hold his hand. But it doesn't matter, 'cos what he gives you every day is way more important than that.
I snuggled closer to Spencer, feeling how he locked his arms around me. I inhaled deeply, trying to burn in my memory how everything felt like. I looked at him for a second and decided to force myself to sleep. I knew it would be hard, 'cos though I was weary, I wanted to enjoy that moment for as long as possible.
There I was, The Ice Princess like Paul had called me once, melted in Spencer's arms, wishing there was a way to stay there forever.
- "Are you ok?"- I heard Reid whisper suddenly, slightly moving to put an eye on me.
- "Yeah, why?"
- "Because you can't sleep."
- "Am I keeping you up?"
- "No... I was worried you weren't comfortable."
- "I am"- I murmured and sighed- "I was just going over the day again. But I'll fall asleep in a minute."
- "Ok..."
- "Are you comfortable?"- he hummed in response and caressed my back sweetly until I started zoning out slowly.
I didn't want to fall asleep, 'cos being awake for once was better than dreaming.
Yes. As cheesy as that.
I woke up to the smell of coffee the next morning. Spencer had made breakfast, and he had also done pretty much all the dishes. As a result, my house was cleaner than it was before the party.
- "You didn't have to clean the whole place on your own,"- I argued as I sat at the kitchen island and sipped my cup of coffee.
- "I know, but I wanted to thank you for throwing an amazing party- Spencer smiled and held his cup of coffee with both hands for a moment- I wanted to make you breakfast, but all I managed to do was the Spencer Reid Special
- "You know I love it!"- I chuckled and watched him turn around to get me a bowl of cereal and milk.
- "Breakfast of champs!"- I teased and grabbed my spoon- "Did you sleep well?"
- "Yes, very much. You?"
- "I don't think I sleep. I fell unconscious. I didn't even hear you get out of bed. I was too tired. It's been a long couple of weeks."- I chewed my cereal as Spencer sat across from me.
- "Yes. But we've managed well without Gideon"- Spencer brought him up, and that surprised me. He hadn't talked about him or even said Gideon's name for the last few weeks.
- "Yeah, we did a fantastic job"- I reassured his words, and he nodded in silence- "Are you excited to meet David Rossi?"
- "Yeah! I mean, that man is a legend. I can't believe he wants to leave retirement and join the BAU again after all these years."
- "I heard he is freaking loaded"- I finished my cereal and sipped my coffee- "Garcia told me that he shouldn't even work anymore with all the money he has made from his book."
- "Why do you think he wants to come back to the BAU?"- Spencer asked and looked into my eyes with a childish expression.
- "I have no idea. Maybe being a millionaire is not as exciting as catching serial killers."
I stood up as I spoke and opened the fridge. There was still some cake left, and I knew Spencer would love to have his sugary coffee with even more sugar.
- "Or perhaps he has unfinished business,"- he said and smiled as soon as he saw the pastry.
- "I just hope he is nice. I don't want to deal with an asshole with a gigantic ego who can't handle working as a team."
- "I heard Hotch saying he is very nice."
- "Assholes are usually nice with Hotch."
- "Are you implying Hotch is an asshole?"- I set to dishes and frowned at Reid as I cut a slice of cake.
- "No! I am saying assholes respect him. And they are colleagues. I don't know if Rossi will work well with younger people, though."
- "We'll have to see tomorrow."
Reid was right. And I didn't want to create a false idea of David Rossi in my head before I met him. I had already read all of his books, and when Hotch told us he might join the team, I hyperventilated for a bit of bit. I mean it when I say David Rossi is a legend. Working along with him would be the most incredible experience ever. But only if he was nice.
I had worked hard for almost two years to get where I was in the BAU. And I didn't want to go through the whole process again, proving to Rossi I deserved to be where I was.
- "So, do you have any plans for today?"- Spencer asked me suddenly, and I just shook my head- "Mikey said they had a show on October 31st."
- "Yes! And that happens to be also Frank's birthday! So be prepared, 'cos if we are in town, we are gonna party hard that night!!"- Spencer smiled and nodded.
- "Then maybe we could go get him a present later,"- he suggested.
- "Deal. And perhaps some new Halloween decorations."
Oh! His excited face was priceless. That boy loves Halloween as much as I do, and each year we got all the best decor to keep our houses festive all year long. 'Cos we are Halloween dorks.
- "You know, Garcia and JJ were pretty shocked last night when they found out I go out and party with you and the guys."
- "Why?"- I cut him a second slice of cake and put it on his dish. He shrugged and sipped his coffee.
- "I guess they didn't know I am human."
- "Don't say that, honey."
- "It was a little upsetting too."
- "Why?"
- "'Cos they kept calling them "your friends," referring to you, and they kept telling them they are my friends too. What? So now I can't party or have friends?"
Spencer was honestly upset with those facts, and I could totally understand why. Everybody treated him like a kid and a nerd. They now knew he did things that weren't expected from someone like him, like going to rock shows and partying. So, of course, they were going to be shocked.
- "Have I ever told you meeting you is the best thing that the BAU has given me?"- I answered, in a rush of honesty that came out of nowhere.
- "No"- he mumbled and pouted like a kid- "Why are you telling me this?"
- "'Cos I wanted you to know."- I smiled and stared at him for a second- "Never let anyone make you feel you are less than awesome, Spencer Walter Reid. 'Cause you are the most amazing person I've ever met."
The way he looked at me, in a weird mix between shock and gratitude, melted me. After that, he didn't say anything; he just blushed. And I guess I was too scared to continue talking, 'cause all I managed to do next was excuse myself and lock in the bathroom to shower.
Spencer's point of view
I walked into the bullpen the following Monday, ready to spread my Halloween love. After spending Sunday with (Y/N), I was in a fully Halloween mood. We had gotten Frank a birthday present, also did some Halloween shopping, and even got pumpkins to carve that day after work. October is my favorite month, and Halloween is hands down my favorite season.
- "I'm going to eat you!!"- I groaned on Morgan's neck and made him jump in frighten as Prentiss laughed, staring at the scene. I was wearing a Frankenstein mask, carrying bags of candies and a bunch of decorations for my desk and the office.
- "Reid!"- Derek complained, but I just smiled and took off my mask.
- "Happy all hallows eve, folk!!"- I waved and walked to my desk- "To paraphrase from Celtic mythology, tomorrow night, all order is suspended, and the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed!!"- I joked and threw Emily a plastic vudú head. But Morgan wasn't in the mood, I guess.
- "See, that right there is why Halloween creeps me out."
- "You are scared of Halloween??"- I narrowed my eyes and looked at him, not getting what he was talking about.
- "I didn't say I was scared. I said I was creeped out. There's a difference there, youngster. You should look it out."
- "What creeps you out about it?"- Emily asked what I was about to.
- "I don't know, people wearing masks"- he pointed at me and added- "I don't like folks in disguises."
- "That's the best thing about Halloween. You can be anyone you want to be"- I argued and threw some candies to him to cheer up his morning.
- "Nah, I'm pretty good just being me."
- "Yeah, why is it that neither of those points of view surprises me?"
Emily joked and shook her head. I was about to discuss Morgan's point when I saw (Y/N) walk into the bullpen. She was carrying a gigantic plastic Jacko lantern while wearing a zombie mask we had just gotten together the day before.
- "I want brain!!"- she moaned, and Emily laughed as soon as she saw her.
- "Not you too, princess!!"- Morgan whined as soon as he saw her- "We were just talking about this."
- "What? You are not a Halloween fan?"
- "Not as much as you two nerds"- he answered and shook his head- "You know what, though? On the flip side, it does provide a pretty good reason to cozy up with a scary flick and a little Halloween honey."
And as soon as Derek said those words, (Y/N) and Emily frowned, disgusted.
- "Halloween honey, now I am creeped out,"- Emily argued, and (Y/N) shook her head, leaving the Jacko lantern on her desk carefully.
- "Guys, he's here,"- I warned them, trying to be as discreet as possible, but I don't think it worked. David Rossi walked over, along with section chief Erin Strauss. (Y/N) made a gesture and reminded me to take off my mask, as I quickly did my best to look presentable. Rossi just smiled at us and walked straight to Hotch's office.
- "So, do you guys think he is going to stay here for good?"- (Y/N) asked, standing by my side. She reached out and handed me a bag filled with my favorite candies for no reason and just smiled.
- "I don't know. Maybe they asked him to fill in while they find a replacement for Gideon,"- Emily said, her eyes glued at Hotch's office, though none of us could see a thing of what was going on in there. We just saw Strauss walking out and JJ walking over, most likely to announce Hotch we had a case.
- "So, what did you guys do Saturday after we left?"- Morgan asked (Y/N) and me and smiled pleased, probably ready to tease us over anything we might tell him.
- "Nothing really, we got naked and did the dirty on every spot you sat on in my apartment."
(Y/N) answered as casually as possible, not even paying attention to his face. Emily burst out laughing, and I know I blushed, looking down at the files on my desk.
- "There's no need to get all defensive, princess,"- Morgan answered and shook his head, smiling at her.
- "Well, it's not the first time you ask about what we've done with that teasing tone of voice, so excuse me for giving you the answer you wanted to hear."
- "Guys,"- I whispered and looked over. Emily and Derek stood up as soon as they noticed Hotch and Rossi were walking towards us.
- "SSA David Rossi, this is SSA Emily Prentiss"
- "Sir!"- she smiled and shook his hand as he nodded.
- "SSA Derek Morgan,"- Hotch announced, and my friend shook Rossi's hand.
- "It's an honor, agent Rossi."
- "Please, just Dave."
- "SSA (Y/L/N)"- he said, and (Y/N) shook his hand too.
- "Nice to meet you, sir."
- "And Doctor Spencer Reid"
- "Sir, if I could talk to you later about your work with the Scarsdale skinner. Psycho-linguistics is an incredibly dynamic field, and the fact that your profile for his reading habit ultimately led to his capture is something I find so incredibly intriguing."
- "Reid"- I know I was carried away when Hotch interrupted me- "Reid, slow down. He'll be here for a while. You can catch up with him later."
Rossi was a little overwhelmed. I'm guessing it was because he was meeting many new people, which can be pretty intimidating at any age. So I smiled and nodded.
- "Sorry,"- I whispered and looked at Hotch to see if he was mad at me, but no. If anything, he was amused.
- "No problem, doctor,"- Rossi added and smiled.
- "Maybe you guys can talk on the jet,"- Hotch suggested, surprising Rossi.
- "The jet?"
- "We've got a jet now"- and Hotch even smiled at Rossi, who was honestly shocked.
- "Are you serious?"
- "Yeah, it comes pretty handily. Come on, JJ is waiting."
Hotch and Rossi walked away to the conference room. Emily followed them, along with Morgan, who also teased me and smiled. I stood still and waited for (Y/N) for a second and felt her hand on mine as we walked to catch with the team. She just smiled, and I did the same. Moments like those were the ones that made me keep going, kept me sane, and made me feel honestly happy. I didn't want it to end.
But it did. Eventually.
The case took us to Carrollton, Texas. It was the first one we had with David Rossi as a part of the team, and it was weird. Rossi didn't really know how to work as a team, and if there was something the BAU had in its DNA was working together, no matter what.
The first time on the field with him, he barely talked to (Y/N) or me. As a matter of fact, she then pointed out she felt we were on his way. In fact, he collected his thoughts and wrote everything he might come up with but never spoke it out loud. So we had to take the words from him.
- "The man is a legend, (Y/N)"- I sipped his coffee and looked at how my best friend shook her head. We were sitting at the Carrollton police office, waiting for Hotch to finish talking with the police chief so we could deliver the profile to all the officials.
- "So? The fact he is a famous profiler means he can't fucking talk to us? give me a break! he is acting like a diva!"
- "He and Gideon created the BAU"- I tried to make a point, but I knew I didn't have any good point to save Rossi from my best friend's.
- "We are ready to deliver the profile,"- JJ announced, and the two of us stood up quickly- "Hey, I'm sorry you missed your concert,"- she whispered as we walked to meet the rest of the team.
- "Yeah, I was looking forward to seeing Frank and Mikey's band live,"- I said and smiled at her, surprised she remembered it.
- "Were your friends too upset?"
- "No, they are already used to it, which is actually pretty upsetting too. That means we've lost a lot of shows. But they know it's because we are working, and not because we don't want to go"- JJ smiled at me and chuckled slightly.
- "What? You still can't believe I go to rock shows?"- I asked her and raised an eyebrow, trying to understand her reaction.
- "No, it's just that you keep saying "we," and it makes you sound like you are an old married couple who does everything together,"- she answered and shook her head as she pointed at (Y/N) and me. I didn't know what to say at that, and I don't think (Y/N) heard her, or she would have said something (anything) to JJ. I just stared at her confused, and she cut me one more smile before we heard Emily speak.
- "There's a sophistication and patience in what this unsub does that suggests a level of maturity. We believe this puts his age in the mid-30s to 40s range."- Prentiss started describing the serial killer we were hunting. I turned to her and nodded, ready to continue giving the profile.
- "Michelle Colucci was taken from the primary crime scene and disposed of at the tertiary crime scene four days later. That means she was held somewhere for at least three days. You can't really just hold a victim anywhere for days on end, so he most likely has access to a house of some kind."
- "And he's also fairly tech-savvy"- Morgan continued- "The fliers were made on a computer, and it's probable that he used a device to intercept the last victim's phone call."
- "Witnesses in the victim's neighborhood say they might have seen a white man putting up fliers, but none of them could describe him. Even with all the media this case has received"- Hotch added. One of the detectives sighed, annoyed we couldn't give him anything better.
- "Great"
- "Actually, what that tells us is that there is absolutely nothing remarkable about this man,"- (Y/N) said and looked straight into the detective's eyes- "He is exceedingly average. Average height, average build."
- "It extends to his professional life as well,"- I added and nodded at her- "He most likely works in a field where he doesn't stand out. Doesn't really make a mark."
- "His lack of distinction is part of his psychopathy,"- (Y/N) said and took a look around the room- "We have hundreds of interactions with people every day. Most of those involve someone overlooking someone else. Most of us don't pay attention to being ignored, but to this kind of unsub, each oversight is intentional, especially when it comes from this object of sexual desire. He begins to obsess over her until she is all he can think about, and the rage builds until he has to attack that person."
- "So he is pissed off that nobody noticed him?"- the sheriff asked and narrowed his eyes. Most people get upset when they find out serial killers do what they do for such pointless reasons.
Hotch was starting to explain his plan to the sheriff and how we would make him contact the police when his attention focused on the tv. The news showed the exact same mask the killer was using on his victims, something we had explicitly asked everybody not to share with the press.
- "JJ, how'd they get that?"- Hotchner's voice was shocked and upset. JJ looked at him, confused, shaking her head.
- "Not from me! Hotch, I called the local police departments, and I stressed withholding the mask!"
- "I called them"- Rossi pointed to the tv as soon as he walked into the room and didn't give it much thought to what was going on. We all looked at each other, confused, and waited for Aaron's reaction.
- "What?"
- "I said the FBI think the mask means he's impotent,"- Rossi explained, and none of us moved or even said a word. All we could notice was how Hotch's face was trying to hide his anger.
- "Can I speak to you for a second?"- he asked David, and the two of them walked away.
- "So, assholes were usually nice with Hotch, right?"- I whispered into (Y/N)'s ear and heard her chuckle. Morgan looked at us and frowned. I guess it wasn't the time for humor after all.
- "So the legend likes to fly solo,"- Prentis whispered as she stood by our side.
- "Are you surprised?"- (Y/N) crossed her arms on her chest and sighed. All of us kept an eye on the door that separated us from Hotch and Rossi.
- "I don't know. I wasn't expecting this today, but I can't say I'm shocked either"- Emily murmured and shook her head- "I just thought maybe he'd know how to work with a team."
- "Now I'm scared,"- (Y/N) said and looked around- "Do you think he knows how to work with females on the team? Or will he keep asking us to bring him coffee?"- Prentiss chuckled at (Y/N)'s words, and Morgan placed a hand on her shoulder.
- "Come on, princess, he is old but not that old."
- "I already went through a lot to validate myself in front of Aaron and Gideon the last two years"- (Y/N) confessed- "I am not planning to do the same with him. He has to know, everybody in this team is here for a reason."
- "We are not letting him do that,"- Derek assured her and cut him a warm smile- "Personally, I won't let him do that."
We caught the killer later that very same day. Well, Rossi killed him, to be completely honest. The team reached his house and saved the last victim. She was hurt, but she was going to be ok soon. The neighborhood was filled with kids trick or treating, and the fact the area was surrounded by police cars and ambulances alerted everybody.
- "Honey..."- (Y/N) whispered and held my hand as she walked me down the street- "Those kids are watching the police procedure, and I don't wanna ruin their Halloween."- she said and pouted.
- "Do you wanna give them some candies?"- I asked her and opened my satchel- "I still got some of the ones you gave me."
- "I love you so much"- she kissed my cheek and grabbed some of the candies. I stayed still for a second and just stared at her walking to the kids and how their faces lit up when they saw the candies. I guessed that's how I looked whenever she walked to me.
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Next update: June 2nd, 2021
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