#and star casually picking her up occasionally

[rafemotherfuckingcameron]

CAMPING TRIP

Word Count: 4.6K

Pairing(s): Rafe x Reader, Sarah & Kiara x Reader

Warnings: Fluff, Comforting, SMUT 18+

Summary: Your world changes when you are made to sleep in Rafe’s tent.

As we arrived at the lake and began setting up camp for the Cameron's annual trip, the excitement in the air was palpable. You felt incredibly excited because it was the first time Rafe had shown interest in joining a camping trip, and you couldn't shake the feeling that you might be the reason for his newfound enthusiasm.

Riding up in the car you occupied the seat beside Rafe in the back, and amidst occasional side glances, Rafe's touch on your thigh in the backseat, accompanied by a gentle squeeze on the inside, left you feeling a rush of passion that made your panties damp.

---

Everyone eagerly pitched in, unpacking gear and preparing for an evening under the stars. Amidst the bustle, you couldn't help but notice that your luggage was conspicuously absent from the pile.

"Hey, Sarah, did you happen to pack my bags?" You called out, hoping for reassurance.

Sarah's face fell as she approached, a sheepish expression replacing her usual bubbly demeanour. "Oh, Y/n, I'm so sorry," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "I mistook your bags for Rafe's and left them behind. I thought it would be a harmless prank, but I realise now it was thoughtless of me."

Though you felt a pang of frustration, you could see genuine remorse in Sarah's eyes. Taking a deep breath, you made an effort to stay calm. "It's okay, Sarah," you replied, offering her a small smile. "Mistakes happen. Let's just figure out a solution."

Kiara, always quick to lend a hand, stepped in with a reassuring gesture. "Don't worry, Y/n. We'll make do until we can sort things out," she said, her voice steady and supportive.

"Ok, well can we at least set up the beds then?" you question, casting a glance at the girls. "Sure," they both agree.

You head to the car to grab the air blower and start inflating the mattresses. After finishing Sarah and Wheezie’s mattress, you move on to yours and Kiara’s. As it starts to inflate, you notice that it's significantly smaller than the others.

"Sarah, why is this one smaller?" you inquire, puzzled by the discrepancy.

Sarah pauses, a look of realisation crossing her face. "Oh, wait. I think I might have grabbed the wrong mattress from the storage," she admits sheepishly. "I must have picked up the smaller one by mistake." She said placing her heads over her face. “You packed the wrong mattress size, didn’t you?" you ask, feeling a bit angrier than before.

"I thought it was the double, it says S2 on it," she exclaims, pointing to the bag.

"What do you think S2 means?" you ask her, hands on your hips.

"Sleeps two!" she says confidently.

"Sarah, S2 means the type of mattress. A double would say D or DB," Kiara interjects, flicking her hair out of her face.

"Only one of us gets to sleep in there now, where’s the other going to sleep?" Kiara questions, looking between all of you. "One of you can sleep in Rafe’s tent," Ward suggests, pointing towards Rafe, who’s finished setting up his tent.

“I'm not sleeping in there,” Kiara exclaims, her determination evident.

"Fine, I’ll sleep in Rafe’s tent," you say, walking over to Rafe. You felt excitement surge within you, but you made an effort to conceal it.

"Hey roomie," he says, opening his tent door with a welcoming smile.

As you step inside, you're greeted by the cozy interior of the tent. However, your heart skips a beat when you realise there's only one large bed laid out on the ground. You furrow your brow, a hint of confusion in your voice. "Um, Rafe, where's the other bed?”

Rafe chuckles softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, we are sharing, I Don’t sleep in single beds” he says, his tone casual but suggestive. Your cheeks flush with realisation, caught off guard by the unexpected proposition.

"Oh, I didn't realise... um, sure," you stammer, trying to hide your enthusiasm state. Fuck yes. Rafe's smile widens, sensing your unease but also enjoying the playful banter.

“You can put your stuff in that corner,” he says, pointing to where there's room by the bed. "Oh, I don’t have any. Sarah didn’t bring them because she thought they were your bags," you explain, watching his face smirk back at you.

Rafe chuckles, his smirk widening into a playful grin. "Looks like Sarah's prank backfired," he remarks, amusement dancing in his eyes.

You can't help but smile back, relieved by his easygoing response. "Yeah, it seems that way," you reply, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders. "Okay, well, you can borrow any of my stuff then," he offers generously.

"Thank you," you say, gratitude evident in your voice.

-----

After dinner, Ward, Rose, and Wheezie all went to bed, while the rest of us stayed up by the fire, enjoying the warmth of the flames and the company of each other. Surprisingly, Rafe stayed out with us, though he didn't contribute much to the conversation. Instead, he sat quietly, occasionally sipping on his whiskey as he listened to our stories and laughter.

Despite his subdued demeanour, there was a sense of comfort in his presence, his silent companionship adding to the camaraderie of the night.

As the fire crackled and the night air grew cooler, you found yourself stealing multiple glances at Rafe, intrigued by the way his throat would bob every time he took a sip of his drink, the way his hand gripped his glass, they would feel so good touching your body, his toned biceps holding himself up while he fucks you. 

"Earth to Y/n, are you coming?" Sarah asks, standing across from you.

"What?" You ask absentmindedly, your mind still lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, the images of her brother flashing through your mind.

"Are you coming for a swim?" she repeats, a hint of amusement in her voice.

You nod, snapping back to reality and quickly masking your distraction. "Yeah, sure," you reply, following them down to the jetty.

As we approach the water, you try to push aside the lingering thoughts and focus on the present moment. Jumping into the water, you didn’t think it was going to be that cold, but it definitely was. Sarah and Kiara got out as fast as they got in, their shrieks of surprise echoing over the lake.

You surface, gasping for air, the exhilaration of the plunge mixing with the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

As you tread water, trying to acclimate to the temperature, you catch sight of Rafe watching you from the jetty. There's a playful glint in his eyes, a silent challenge that urges you to embrace the adventure of the moment. With a mischievous smile, you swim towards him, relishing in the thrill of the chase.

"Brave move," Rafe comments, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as you reach the side of the jetty.

You shrug, trying to appear nonchalant despite the lingering chill in your bones. "Just felt like cooling off," you reply, attempting to brush off the intensity of the moment.

Rafe chuckles softly, his laughter echoing over the water. "Well, you certainly know how to make a splash," he quips, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Feeling the chill of the water seep into your bones, you decide it's time to get out. You swim around to the front of jetty where Rafe stands, his silhouette outlined against the moonlight. "Need a hand?" He asks reaching out his hand, you nod and he uses his strong muscles effortlessly pulling you out of the water with a gentle yet firm grip.

Surprised by his display of strength, you find yourself momentarily stunned as he helps you onto the jetty. His touch lingers on your hips for a moment, the warmth of his hand seeping into your skin, sending a shiver down your spine for an entirely different reason.

With a charming smile, Rafe offers you your towel, his eyes twinkling with amusement at your reaction. "Thanks," you manage to say, accepting the towel gratefully, your heart still racing from the unexpected moment.

---

Arriving back at the campsite, you're greeted by the comforting sight of the flickering campfire and the welcoming glow of the fairy lights. Feeling the cool night air against your skin, you move closer to the crackling campfire, its warmth inviting and comforting. As you stand before the flames, soaking in the heat, you watch as Sarah and Kiara make their way to their tent, their laughter fading into the night.

After a while, you notice Rafe getting up from his spot by the fire and heading towards his own tent. With a sense of curiosity and perhaps a hint of excitement, you decide to follow suit, feeling drawn to the prospect of spending more time with him in the intimate confines of the tent.

As you step inside, Rafe looks up as you enter, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Hey," he says softly, his voice warm and inviting.

Sensing your discomfort, Rafe reaches into his bag and pulls out a soft oversized shirt.

"Here," he says with a warm smile, holding out the shirt towards you. "You can borrow this to keep warm." You're touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you," you reply, accepting the shirt gratefully.

He returns your smile warmly before turning around and settling onto his bed, giving you the privacy to change. You quickly strip off your wet swimsuit and slide into Rafe's shirt, the fabric is soft against your skin, carrying the faint scent of his cologne. 

Once you're dressed in his shirt, you take a seat beside him on the bed, feeling the warmth of his presence beside you. The shirt hangs loosely on your frame, as you settle onto the bed beside Rafe, the hem of his oversized shirt skimming just above your knees, you quickly tuck your legs under the covers, ensuring he couldn't see that you weren't wearing any panties.

Despite the alcohol you had ingested tonight, you couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence being basically naked with Rafe, especially after the thoughts you had earlier.

As you lean back against the bedding, you can't help but steal glances at Rafe, your heart skipping a beat as he begins to pull his shirt off. Mesmerised by the fluid motion of his movements, you admire the way his shoulder blades contort and then relax as the shirt slips off his frame, revealing the sculpted contours of his torso beneath.

Your breath catches in your throat as he then removes his shorts underneath the blanket, the gesture executed with a casual ease that belies the intensity of your reaction. Watching him discard the clothing, your pulse quickens, and a flush spreads across your cheeks as desire courses through you. With each garment he sheds, the tension between your thighs grows palpable, the air thick with anticipation.

As he tosses the shorts to the other side of the tent, you can't help but feel a surge of heat pooling in the pit of your stomach, a silent invitation lingering in the space between you.

As Rafe slides into a pair of sweatpants, you watch him with a mixture of fascination and anticipation, the fabric clinging to his form in all the right places. Finally, he rolls over to face you, his gaze meeting yours with an intensity that leaves you breathless.

In the dim light of the lantern, his features are illuminated, casting shadows that dance across his face, accentuating the rugged contours of his jawline and the soft curve of his lips. As he settles beside you, the warmth of his proximity sends a shiver down your spine. You can feel the weight of his gaze on you, his eyes tracing the contours of your face with a hunger that ignites a fire deep within your soul.

"Are you still cold?" he asks, concern evident in his voice. You nod slightly, grateful for his attentiveness. "Yeah, a little," you admit, feeling a rush of warmth flood your cheeks. Without hesitation, Rafe shifts closer to you, his arm wrapping around your waist as he pulls you into a gentle spooning embrace.

The heat of his body envelops you, sending jolts of electricity to your core. As you nestle into Rafe's embrace, feeling the comforting warmth of his body against yours, you're surprised when his hand snakes under your arm and comes to rest just between your breasts. 

A shiver runs down your spine at the unexpected touch, but instead of pulling away, you find yourself leaning into his touch, welcoming the intimacy of the moment.

With a gentle sigh, you shift closer to him, allowing his hand to rest against your chest. It feels strangely intimate, yet undeniably comforting, and you can't help but feel a flutter of excitement in the pit of your stomach. Without hesitation, you reach down and place your hand on top of his, intertwining your fingers with his. 

As the tension between you and Rafe grows, you feel his lips grazing against your neck in a tender, exploratory kiss. A shiver runs down your spine at the sensation, sending a rush of heat pooling in the pit of your stomach.

His touch is gentle yet possessive, his lips leaving a trail of soft kisses along your skin that ignites a fire within you. You tilt your head back slightly, giving him better access as you surrender to the delicious sensation of his lips against your neck.

With each kiss, the desire between you grows stronger, building to a crescendo that threatens to consume you both. Your breath catches in your throat as Rafe's lips linger against your skin, his touch sending waves of pleasure coursing through your veins.

And then, with a sudden surge of longing, you find yourselves drawn together in a passionate kiss, the slow burn of desire finally erupting into a blazing inferno of passion. 

Unable to resist any longer, you lean into him, your fingers tangling in his hair as you pull him closer. His warm breath against your skin sends electric through your body, heightening the intensity of the moment. The intensity of the moment grows, Rafe's movements become more deliberate, more purposeful.

With a gentle yet commanding touch, he shifts his position, hovering over you, his gaze locking with yours in an intimate exchange that leaves you breathless.

His eyes, dark with desire, search yours for any hint of hesitation, but all he finds is a mirrored longing, a shared yearning that draws you both closer together. With a slow, deliberate motion, he lowers himself, his body pressing against yours in a sensual embrace that sends a surge of heat coursing through you. 

As Rafe's hands trail up your thighs and under your shirt, a shiver of anticipation runs down your spine at his touch. His words send a rush of heat coursing through you, your cheeks flushing with arousal as his lips meet yours in another passionate kiss.

Feeling his fingers slip between your folds, you gasp at the sensation of his touch against your bare skin. The wetness pooling at your entrance betrays your arousal, a physical manifestation of the desire that courses through your veins.

"So wet already," Rafe observes, his voice husky with desire as he begins to rub over your clit, eliciting a soft moan from your lips. The sensation is overwhelming, sending waves of pleasure cascading through your body as he teases you with his touch.

"Mmmm, need more, Rafey," you murmur, your grip tightening on his bicep as he continues to stimulate you, his fingers moving faster over your clit.

"Tell me what you want," he whispers, his breath hot against your ear as he waits for your response, his eyes dark with desire and anticipation. And as you look into his eyes, lost in the intensity of the moment, you know exactly what you want – him, all of him, in every way possible.

"I want you," you confess, your voice filled with need and longing. "I want your mouth, your cock.”

As your words wash over Rafe's, a surge of arousal courses through your veins, your body responding eagerly to his dominance and desire. The anticipation builds within you, a knot of need and longing that tightens with every passing moment.

As he lowers himself to your core, his words only fuelling the fire of desire that burns within you. When his eyes widen in amazement at the sight before him, you can't help but feel a surge of pride and arousal at his admiration.

His lips attach to your clit, sending bolts of pleasure shooting through you as he sucks and laps up your juices with an expert touch. His words, his touch, his presence all conspire to push you closer and closer to the edge of ecstasy.

Your legs start to shake as your orgasm approaches, but Rafe holds them in place, his command adding an extra layer of intensity to the pleasure coursing through you. With a whisper-yell, you confess that you're about to cum, your grip on his hair tightening as you ride out your high.

"Cum on my tongue, baby," he commands, and you follow suit, releasing yourself completely as you squirt all over his face. He eagerly licks up every last bit of your release, his own arousal evident as he removes his boxers and starts pumping his cock.

Feeling emboldened by his desire, you remove your shirt, letting your breasts spill out as you bask in his admiration. His words of praise send a surge of warmth through you, and as he leans down to press a soft kiss to your lips.

Your mouth waters at the sight of Rafe's massive cock, the anticipation of its size and girth sending a thrill of excitement coursing through you. With wide eyes, you look up at Rafe, a mixture of apprehension and desire evident in your gaze.

"Don't worry, I'll go slow," he reassures you, his voice filled with tenderness and understanding. You watch as he continues to pump himself, preparing himself for what's to come, before he lines himself up with your entrance.

Your hips instinctively buck as his pink swollen tip presses against your puffy clit, the sensation sending a jolt of pleasure coursing through you. Before you can even form another word, his cock is pushing past your walls, stretching you to the furthest point.

A sharp gasp escapes your lips as you feel him fill you completely, the sensation both overwhelming and exhilarating. "Fuck, you feel so good," he groans against your ear, his hips pulling out before thrusting back in, each movement slow and deliberate.

His thrusts are deep, each one sending waves of pleasure rippling through you as you feel every line of his veiny cock sliding against your walls. "You're squeezing me so good," he moans, his voice thick with arousal as he continues to move inside you.

As he grabs one of your breasts, sucking on your nipple with a hunger that ignites a fire deep within you, you can't help but moan louder, the pleasure becoming almost unbearable.

With a desperate need for more, you wrap a leg around his back, deepening the sensation of him inside you as you surrender completely to the pleasure of being filled by him.

As the intensity of your connection deepens, your heart races with emotion, your body responding to the overwhelming desire coursing through you. With each movement, each touch, you feel yourself drawing closer to Rafe, lost in the heat of the moment and the depth of your feelings for him. With a surge of courage, you find yourself whispering those three little words that have been weighing heavily on your heart. 

"I love you," you murmur, your voice barely above a whisper, but filled with an intensity that resonates through the tent. As your words hang in the air, a moment of vulnerability and truth, Rafe's eyes soften, reflecting the depth of his emotions. His gaze meets yours, filled with a tenderness that takes your breath away.

As the weight of your confession settles between you, Rafe's expression softens, his eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and tenderness. He reaches out to gently cup your face in his hands, his touch grounding you in the moment. "I want you to know that I'm in love with you too," he says, his voice filled with sincerity and warmth. "And I have been since the moment I first saw you.”

As Rafe's words sink in, a flood of emotion washes over you, you lean in closer, your lips meeting in a tender kiss as he continues to thrust into you. With a soft smile playing on your lips, you gaze into Rafe's eyes, feeling a newfound sense of confidence and certainty in your heart.

"Well, now that I finally told you how I feel, I need you to do something for me as my boyfriend," you say, a playful twinkle in your eye.

"Boyfriend, huh?" Rafe questions, a teasing smile playing on his lips as he leans in closer, his eyes sparkling with warmth and affection.

You nod, unable to suppress the smile that spreads across your face at the word. "Yes, boyfriend," you confirm, your voice filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

With a soft chuckle, Rafe pulls you closer, his arms wrapping around you in a warm embrace. "I like the sound of that," he murmurs, his breath tickling your ear as he presses a gentle kiss to your cheek.

“What do you need?” He asks, “I need you to cum inside me.” You say desperate to feel him. As Rafe's movements become more urgent in response to your request, you feel a surge of anticipation coursing through you, your body responding eagerly to his touch. With each thrust, each caress, the pleasure intensifies, building to a crescendo that threatens to consume you entirely.

As he quickens his pace, delivering firm but gentle thrusts, you feel yourself teetering on the edge of ecstasy, your senses heightened by the intoxicating sensation of his cock sliding effortlessly inside you.

His fingers find your clit, rubbing in circles that sends waves of pleasure rippling through your body, pushing you closer and closer to the edge. With a soft moan escaping your lips, you pull him closer to you, desperate for more of him, more of the pleasure he's giving you. And then, with a final, powerful thrust, you feel the pressure building inside you, your climax imminent.

"Fuuuck," you cry out, your nails digging into his back as you reach the peak of pleasure, your body convulsing with the force of your release and as you gush all over Rafe's cock, you feel him follow suit, his own release mixing with yours in a symphony of ecstasy.

The sensation of his hot cum filling you up, combined with the overwhelming pleasure coursing through your veins, leaves you breathless and sated. With a contented sigh, he collapse against you, your bodies entwined in the aftermath of passion. "That felt amazing," you murmur, your eyes heavy with satisfaction as you bask in the afterglow of your lovemaking.

His warmth envelops you, his breath mingling with yours in a symphony of desire and longing. Sensing his movement to pull away, you reach out to stop him, your fingers grazing his skin in a silent plea. "No," you whisper, your voice barely above a breath, but filled with an urgency that leaves no room for doubt.

Surprised by your request, Rafe hesitates for a moment, his gaze meeting yours in a silent exchange of understanding and desire. And then, with a soft sigh, he relaxes against you, his cock still buried deep inside.

--- The Next Morning ---

As Rafe stirs from his slumber, he becomes aware of the soft light filtering through the tent, casting a gentle glow over your entwined bodies. With a tender smile, he reaches out to pull the bed cover back over you, ensuring you're both cocooned in warmth and comfort.

As you slowly awaken, you become aware of Rafe's presence, his body still nestled intimately against yours. His warmth envelops you, a comforting embrace that fills you with a sense of security and contentment.

As you shift slightly, the movement causes a subtle shift in Rafe's body too. With a soft sigh escaping your lips, you feel his cock slipping out of you, as you gaze into Rafe's eyes you reach out to caress his cheek, your fingers tracing the lines of his face with a gentle touch. 

“Breakfast Everyone” Rose yells.

"Looks like we better get going," he says with a grin, rising from the makeshift bed with a stretch. You chuckle softly, nodding in agreement. "Wouldn't want to miss out on Rose's cooking," you reply, a hint of eagerness in your voice.

As you sit up in bed the sheets wrapped around you, Rafe's hand finds yours, his touch gentle yet possessive. "You look even more beautiful in the morning light," he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity and affection.

Your heart flutters at his words, a warm flush spreading across your cheeks as you meet his gaze. "Thank you," you murmur softly, your heart swelling with love for this man.

Before leaving the tent, Rafe reaches into his bag and pulls out a soft, oversized shirt, offering it to you with a smile. "Thought you might want something comfortable to wear," he says, his eyes sparkling with tenderness.

Grateful for his thoughtfulness, you accept the shirt with a smile, slipping it on over your head. As the fabric envelops you in its warmth, you can't help but feel a sense of closeness to Rafe, with a final glance and a shared smile, you and Rafe make your way to join the others for breakfast. 

As you and Rafe join the others for breakfast, Ward's playful grin widens as he looks in your direction. "Heard you two were having quite the party last night," he teases, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

A chorus of laughter erupts from the group as they nod and exchange knowing glances, their amusement evident. "Yeah, we could hear you all the way from our tent," Wheezie adds with a grin, her tone teasing yet affectionate.

Blushing furiously, you exchange a sheepish glance with Rafe, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and amusement at the lighthearted teasing. "Sorry about that," you mutter, trying to hide your smile.

Feeling Rafe's arm wrap around you, you lean into his embrace, grateful for his comforting presence amidst the playful teasing.

“So what does this mean for you guys”? Sarah asks genuinely, taking a deep breath, you turn to face Sarah, your expression thoughtful.

“We are together, but we still have a lot to talk about." you explain, your voice filled with sincerity. "We're taking things one step at a time."

Rafe nods in agreement, his gaze warm as he adds, “I have wanted this for so long, so we are just going to take our time.”

Sarah listens attentively, her expression reflecting her genuine curiosity and concern.

"That sounds like a healthy approach," she replies, her tone supportive. "I'm happy for you both."

“Just no more sex when we around please” Sarah's remark elicits a round of chuckles from the group, lightening the mood after the serious discussion.

You share a sheepish grin with Rafe, feeling a blush creeping into your cheeks.

"Of course, Sarah," you reply with a good-natured laugh, nodding in agreement. "We'll be sure to keep things PG around here." Rafe leans in to your ear with a mischievous glint in his eye, his lips curving into a suggestive smile. 

"It's going to be anything but PG, with the way I make you squirt," he quips playfully, his tone laced with innuendo.

🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️💦❤️🏕️🏞️

Tags:

@anonymouscameron, @ilovethekookprince

[tar-maitime]

bring myself to hold you

Rating: G Characters: Maedhros | Maitimo, Maglor | Makalaure, Elrond, Elros Relationships: Maedhros & Maglor, Maedhros & Elrond & Elros Additional: post-Sirion, questionable adoption, slowly becoming a family WC: 1k

“What’s the Quenya word for ‘mother’?” Elrond asks.

The question is a little out of nowhere, but ever since Maglor started with his insistence on teaching the twins Quenya, one or another of them will pipe up with a random vocabulary question at odd times. Maedhros shrugs, and tries to not let the mental image of Elwing falling with the Silmaril clutched to her heart take over.

“There are several,” she says, not looking up from the maintenance she’s doing on a pair of daggers. “Ontaril is perhaps the most technical of them - it only means ‘she who begets’. The most commonly used is amil, although there are several variations on that, as well as a couple of...warmer diminutives - ammë and amya.”

Elrond nods, looking serious, thanks her, and goes his way. 

Maedhros doesn’t really think about it afterward. Even if it’s been pretty much assumed that they’re keeping the twins indefinitely ever since the new star rose, she doesn’t like to let them occupy too much of her thoughts. She helps Maglor with them as needed - probably everyone who’s left has at some time or another - but she won’t play along with his fantasies of parenthood, won’t get too comfortable. If Maglor can fool himself into thinking he’s unmonstrous enough to raise children, good for him, but she can’t.

“Really, Nelyë? I know you weren’t like this with Gil-galad,” he’d said to her once, early on.

She’d stiffened at the mention of her no-longer-son. “That was entirely different,” she’d said shortly. “I was not responsible for his first home’s destruction. And even he wants nothing to do with me now.”

And there is, after all, plenty to concern herself with besides the idle questions of children, if they want to keep on surviving here in this poorly-manned fortress in the midst of the wild, so she’s almost entirely forgotten the conversation a few days later, when Elrond says casually over supper, “Ammë, would you pass the bread?”

At first, Maedhros ignores him entirely - it’s been decades since ammë meant her. When he nudges her and repeats, “Ammë?”, it finally dawns on her who he’s talking to.

She continues to not look directly at him. “I don’t know who you mean,” she says evenly. “No one’s mother is here. Yours is...in the West.”

“Naneth is in the West,” Elrond agrees. “You’re here, though. Do...do you not want us to call you that?”

“I told you she wouldn’t,” Elros mutters from the other side of the table. 

“It was worth a try!” Elrond retorts, with a brief glance at Maglor, whom Maedhros has been trying not to notice gaining the title of Atya occasionally from the twins. Maglor, for his part, is a study in neutrality, although she knows him well enough to see the hope seeping through the cracks.

“If you insist on giving me some kind of familial title,” she manages, “I would have thought you would try atarnésa.” ‘Aunt’ is still not something she thinks anyone ought to call a kinslaying kidnapper, but it would make more sense if they insisted on calling Maglor a father.

Elros shrugs. “We’ve never had an aunt, so we don’t know what it’s like,” he says. “And you - you’re like Naneth.”

Aside from them both being female, Maedhros cannot think of anyone else she would be less likely to be compared to.

Elrond seems to sense his brother’s floundering and picks up the thread. “You’re busy a lot, and you’re always working to make sure everyone stays safe and has enough. You don’t like to stop and rest in case somebody thinks you’re broken, but you will if it’s to spend time with us. That’s how it was with Naneth, too.”

Maedhros is unable to speak for a moment, and when the ability returns, she rasps, “I drove your mother off a cliff. I was part of the reason she was hurt like she was.” She doesn’t usually lay it out that baldly for them, but there doesn’t seem to be anything else for it.

“We know,” Elros says, not casually, but calmly. He shouldn’t know how to sound like that at his age. Just one more thing she’s broken. “It’s...marred. So is everything. But we’re all here now, and it would only make things worse to hate each other, so we might as well try the other thing.”

“We don’t have to call you Ammë if you don’t want it,” Elrond says quietly. “I just thought it might be nice to try.”

Maedhros is silent for a few long seconds. She’s not sure how to explain that Ammë isn’t supposed to mean her, Ammë is supposed to mean strong, gentle, chisel-callused hands and a warm smile and the smell of clay and dust and someone who can comfort and fix things. The name had only barely started to sit right with her when she had to send Gil-galad away, and now it chafes against the sticky new blood on her hands.

But the twins seem to think it would make them happy, to call her this, and doesn’t she owe them that, after everything? She took away their real mother; she can deal with them using her as a substitute, wrong as it is, if they consider it some kind of restitution.

“It’s all right,” she finally says. “You can call me that if you want to. Whatever you like.” 

The children’s eyes go wide with delight, and a hopeful smile slips onto Maglor’s face.

[ghouly-boiiiii]

A Light in the Dark 🕯️

Chapter 1: Throwing Stones

Lucy x Cooper Howard / The Ghoul

Summary: Takes place directly after the end of Season 1. As they begin their journey, Lucy is understandably very angry and fearful towards the Ghoul. She hates him, and is only joining him because she wants answers. He, however, is harboring secret feelings for Lucy ever since she saved his life. Having not been with anyone since Barb, and believing she would never feel the same, the bounty hunter has to deal with these feelings on his own. Little does he know, Lucy finds herself having inexplicable feelings for him as well, and struggling to make sense of them.

Tags: Slow Burn, Romance, Angst, Enemies to Lovers, Casual Sex Lucy and No Wait Let Me Court You Cooper, Cooper is touch-starved and rusty in bed, He's also self-conscious about his body, Ghoul channels old romantic Cooper, Lucy is confused by strange surface dweller mating customs, She helps him discover his old self, He helps her discover her true self, Did I mention there would be angst

Rating: Mature - Word Count: 1,742

SPOILER WARNING: Contains all the spoilers. No trigger warnings except eventual sexy time with a zombie man and lots of angst.

In this chapter...

To her horror, the rock shot straight forward and bounced off the back of The Ghoul’s head.

She threw her hands up in front of her. “I’m sorry! I-I didn’t mean to hit you! Please, don’t…”

“Don’t worry…” To her surprise, his voice was gentle and unthreatening. “I ain’t gonna do nothin’ to hurt cha’… But…” The Ghoul kneeled down and picked up a rock, then looked up at her and threw it in her direction.

She watched as fell to the ground at her feet.

“Huh… I missed.” He shrugged with an odd smile, then turned back around and kept walking.

Authors Note: This fic starts out somewhat similar to my other fic, My Name Is Cooper, because it starts directly after the end of the season. They have similar conversations at first, but the tone is much different and the story goes in a completely different direction. This one is more serious (still with some humor though, of course), and is probably going to be longer. I really wanted to do a more realistic, slow burn romance. I know there's a ton out there already, but I wanted to do my own version because idk, reasons I guess lol. But I really wanted to dive deep into how these two navigate their relationship and the very complicated feelings they might have for each other. This is what you might call another free-writing project, so I don't know *exactly* where it's gonna go, but I will do my best to make sure it has a decent ending when the time comes! Inspired by the cool peeps on Discord and touch-starved Cooper headcanons lol.

Lucy felt the cool night air fill her lungs as she took a deep breath and tried to still her mind. It was silent. Nothing but the soft crunch of leaves and dirt under their feet, and perhaps the occasional frog or cricket.

The vault dweller looked out at the distance before them. A fog rose up from the earth, illuminated by the faint glow of a thousand lights that mirrored the stars above. She was in awe, even thinking that it was beautiful. But it was only a distraction from all the pain and confusion she felt.

Her whole world had turned upside down. Nothing was as she believed it was. Nothing was as it seemed. Everything she thought she knew had crumbled into dust within a matter of minutes. She was numb. Overwhelmed. Everything felt surreal. And now she found herself once again alone… with him. 

As Lucy stared ahead at his silhouette in the darkness, she felt nothing but disdain. The young vault dweller was taught to forgive and forget. But she was fairly certain the people who taught her that were never fed to a giant salamander or tied up by their neck and dragged around a desert or sold for organs. How could she possibly forgive, let alone forget, such horrible things that were done to her?

She couldn’t. But she had to stuff down her feelings and let it go… for now. 

“So… where are we going?” Lucy finally asked. They must have been walking for at least thirty minutes at this point. And he hadn’t looked back even once, only reacting to the dog when she came up to him, and even then with barely more than a glance. Lucy wasn’t even sure if he knew she was still following him anymore.

The Ghoul didn’t answer right away. He waited a moment, before he took a breath and said, “Can’t say for sure yet… but looks like yo’ daddy might be headed for New Vegas.”

“...That’s a town?” 

“Big town.” 

“Okay…” Lucy took a deep breath. The conversation seemed to be going… okay so far. “So…  what’s in this town? Why do you think he’d want to go there?”

The Ghoul didn’t answer.

The vault dweller swallowed hard. She wanted to push, but she knew she had to be cautious. “How do you know my father? Are you going to tell me?”

The bounty hunter seemed to be ignoring her.

She huffed. He was so rude. So rude and inconsiderate and unaccommodating, it sickened her. Maybe if she started with something simpler… “Okay, so… do you got like a… name or something?”

Again, nothing.

Lucy frowned, her tone getting exasperated. “I’m just… wondering what I should call you… You really not gonna answer that either?”

“I don’t give a good goddamn what you call me.” He snapped, sounding a bit angry.

Lucy fell silent and her throat got tight, a bit of fear rising in her. She truly didn’t know what kind of madness compelled her to follow this man, after everything he did to her. She was hypervigilant about his every movement. Knowing that at any moment, he could turn around and try to do... something to her. 

With her hand on her pistol, she kept her distance. This one, armed with actual bullets. She wasn’t sure if it would do much, but it was something. 

Truly, every fiber of her being told her to get as far away from this… creature as she humanly could, but…

He had answers. And so did whoever they were going to find. She needed those answers. There was no question about it. Sure, she could just turn around and go home. Go back to her life in the Vault with Norm and Chet and Stephanie and everyone else. But she would never be able to live with herself. Those questions would never stop haunting her. She would never stop feeling compelled to seek the truth. Lucy knew this about herself, and her body acted almost automatically as she took one step in front of the other behind those of this two-hundred year old cowboy. 

“Look… you don’t have to talk to me if you don’t want to. Obviously, we’re not friends. But if we’re going to be working together… we need to at least communicate effectively...”

The Ghoul was silent for a moment, then finally responded, “Well, then… I got a question for you , Vaulty.”

“...Okay?”

“What happened to the doctor?”

“...The doctor?”

“Yeah. How’d he end up with no head?” This time, he did turn his head slightly, although not enough to see her. “...Who cut it off?”

"Uhh... Well, uh... I-I did..." Lucy's eyes fell to the ground.

"You did?" The bounty hunter said in surprise.

“Uhh… well…” She swallowed hard, as she remembered the task. She’ll never forget having to cut off someone’s head for the first time… and, well… hopefully, the last. “He asked me to.”

“He asked you to cut off his head?” This time, he did look back at her, peering over his shoulder questioningly with a raised brow.

“Yes… he… he took cyanide and told me… He told me it would be easier… if I just… brought his head…” 

The Ghoul turned to face ahead of him, then just said, “Huh…”

There was silence for a moment, before he asked another question. “What about the Super Duper Mart? What'd you do in'ere?”

Lucy blinked, then narrowed her eyes at him, flustered by the fact that he would ask that, considering he put her in that situation. “...Why do you wanna know?”

“Curious, I guess.” The Ghoul said simply. "It's just kinda funny... what with all that 'Golden Rule' talk, how many people seem ta' end up dead 'round you."

“It was an accident!" The vault dweller quickly retorted. “I didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt... I just…" She paused and looked down at the ground somberly, remembering Martha. "They... they were holding all those people captive… I... I couldn’t just leave them there…”

“You mean those ghouls?”

“They’re people. Maybe they have a condition, but they’re still people..." She snapped, then added under her breath. "Unlike you...” 

Dangit. That was not a good thing to say. Lucy bit her tongue, hoping he didn't hear.

She swallowed hard and tried to play it off. “But I did have to kill some of them. So, you know…” She said, trying to sound confident in her ghoul-killing skills. "I'd, uh... watch out... if I were you."

"Heh. Well, good for you, Vaulty." He snickered. “…Anyways, how did you get the–”

“Now! Now, hold on!” Lucy said, holding up a bluish-grey finger. “If you get to ask me things, I get to ask you things.” She lifted her head a bit higher. “A question for a question. That’s only fair.”

The Ghoul peered over his shoulder at her again for a moment as he continued to walk, then turned back. “Alright.”

“Yeah… so…” She looked down at the ground and exhaled, then back up with determination in her eyes. “So I get to ask you—”

“Two questions.”

“Five.” 

“Five?” 

“That’s right. You technically asked me five questions. Actually, six.”

“Well, that don’t sound quite fair to me, Vaulty.” He said with a smirk. “I asked you two questions. The rest were for clarification. They don’t count.” 

She huffed in dismay. It was worth a try, she thought.

He chuckled. “Tell you what. You can ask me however many questions you want. But I get to pick which ones I answer.”

“No! That’s not fair! I answered the questions you asked me, now you’re gonna answer mine.”

“Well, you didn’t have to answer my questions. That was your choice.”

“What!? I–” She huffed, unsure how to counter that.

“Alright… question for a question.” The bounty hunter said, raising his voice, and two fingers.  "You got two. Have at it, sweetheart.”

The vault dweller jumped, then quickly ran up closer, but still stayed a few feet behind him. Out of arms reach. “...Name?”

“Pass.”

“How do you know my dad?”

“Hard pass.”

She huffed. “This isn’t fair.”

“And what is, darlin'?” He scoffed, holding his arm out beside him. “What in God’s Green Earth made you think that anything in the wasteland is ever fucking fair? It’s every man for himself out here, sweetheart. Thought you might’ve figured that out by now.”

Lucy growled, and as she momentarily lost her cool, she kicked a rock in front of her. To her horror, it shot straight forward and bounced off the back of The Ghoul’s head.

He froze, and she took a sharp gasp. Oh, no… now she’d done it.

As she watched The Ghoul slowly turn around to face her, she threw her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry!” She said in a panic. “I-I didn’t mean to hit you! Please, don’t…”

The old bounty hunter stood there and just stared at her a moment. “Don’t worry…” His face was in shadow, but she could see the gleam in his eyes. To her surprise, his voice was gentle and unthreatening. “I ain’t gonna do nothin’ to hurt cha’…” 

Lucy rose her head and lowered her arms a little, relaxing somewhat.

“But…” The Ghoul kneeled down and picked up a rock from the ground. He tossed it in his hand once, then stood, looked up at her, and threw it in her direction.

She watched as it weakly flew towards her, then fell to the ground at her feet.

“Huh… I missed.” He shrugged with an odd smile, then turned back around and kept walking. 

She looked up at The Ghoul and raised an eyebrow before she continued to follow, wondering what the hell that was all about.

“One thang you gotta learn, Vaulty…” He said, raising his voice commandingly. “Caps ain’t the only form of money up here. Everything you have is potential currency. That includes information.” He said. “You see, that Golden Rule a yer’s only works if other people agree with it. Now that might be all peachy down in your vault, but up here, you don’t wanna be givin’ nothin’ away unless you know you gettin’ somethin’ in return. If you don’t do that, you’ll be eaten alive out here.”

“So… You’re giving me survival lessons now?”

“Yeah… I guess I am.” He said as he turned to smile at her, then tipped his hat up with a single finger. “...But those you can have for free.”

To be continued...

[cellythefloshie]

;; Tainted Love 500 Follower Celebration

Summary: The stars seem to align for the first time when you and Ross Colton meet up for drinks while the Colorado Avalanche are in town. But it's a dangerous game you're playing because the spark is still there and is hard to ignore even with the both of you being spoken for. Kinks & Tropes: CHEATING (putting this in all caps because I want to make sure it's clear. It is a very prominent theme in this fic), alcohol consumption, car sex, unprotected sex, no forms of contraception used, pull-out method, dirty talk Word Count: 4.5k+

I've got to get away from the pain you drive into the heart of me.

The cold, caught somewhere between a fall and winter wind, reddened your cheeks more than blush ever could. It stung as you walked through the quiet streets; you head down and the collar of your jacket popped in a desperate attempt to stay home. It was late, the only life seen in the bars and restaurants on either side of you as you passed. The streets were empty, the bustle of traffic long forgotten. The only vehicle was a single cab picking up patrons or dropping them off. There were still four hours until closing time. 

This, usually, was late enough for you to crawl into bed. You'd throw on a Netflix show, or listen to an audio book until you fell asleep. But you made plans. With your boyfriend out of town, you shouldn't have, but you did. 

You felt like you had to, because this might have been the only opportunity you had to see Ross. 

In town for one night only, and with his curfew broadened just because they had granted him more time to spend with his family, you couldn't say no. You never had said no to him either. The two of you shared a connection like you couldn't describe. Ever since you had first met on a dating app after one casual swipe in the right direction, you had clicked.

And even after the first date didn't work out, the encounter lasted no more than 5 minutes. You still kept in touch. You would get the occasional check in text. But beyond that, the two of you had gone your separate ways. 

You had your boyfriend, and months later he had his girl. And your respective relationships remained unbroken, fully committed. But in time, even after months of not speaking to one another, you always ended up in each other's messages. Just to catch up, nothing more, always innocent - or at least, that was what you told yourselves. 

And that's what meeting up in a bar you'd never been to would be. Just catching up over a drink. Nothing more. 

That was what you told yourself when you stopped at the front door, her head tipping back to look up at the dimly lit sign. Your body quivered with a shaky breath. 

Nerves? No. Ross never made you nervous. 

You knew what you were feeling, but you couldn't admit it to yourself. It was wrong. Yet, you did it anyway. 

You were greeted with a gust of warmth, a smile spreading over your face as you entered the busy bar. Bodies crowded around the bar top, music blared, and each television was broadcasting one sports event or another. 

Finding a table near the back, the broadcast talking about tomorrow's Devil's game was a welcome distraction. You watched it as you draped your jacket over the back of your chair, and as you glanced over the menu, you had pulled up on your phone with the help of the QR code stuck on the tabletop. It was a distraction more than anything. You almost always ordered the same drink, no matter where you went. You just wanted to look busy until Ross arrived. 

He announced his arrival discretely to not draw the attention of the surrounding people. He did it simply by speaking your name as his hand caressed over the small of your back in a featherlight touch. 

Your smile was too wide as you answered him, “Ross.”

Without thought, you stood up from your seat and threw your arms around him in a brief embrace. And he returned it, the strength of his arms wrapping around you and pulling you close. And for a moment, the two of you just stood there - just long enough to enjoy his embrace, but not long enough for it to be awkward. Then, your limbs fell away from him so naturally as you perched yourself back up on your chair. 

From there, you admired him as he rounded the table to sit across from you. Ross was over dressed in every sense of the word. He wore a white button down, your eyes drawn to the black buttons that trailed down his chest, and he shrugged off his sports coat, the color one you couldn't quite make out under the dim multi-color lights of what you deemed a dive bar. 

He draped the coat over the back of his chair, and his eyes that were bright with his smile found you. 

“I'm a bit over dressed, huh?” His question laced with a chuckle as he sat. 

You nodded. “Just a bit.” 

“Just came from dinner with the family,” he explained, as if you needed one. You weren't going to complain. He looked good in a suit. There were worse things you could get stuck looking at. 

“How was it? They must have been excited to see you.” 

And that was how the conversation began. So effortlessly, so naturally, as you moved from one topic to the next. His family, yours, how he had settled into Colorado, his girlfriend, your boyfriend. You talked about it all over a drink that quickly led to two. 

Once you finished sucking back nothing more than melted ice cubes from the bottom of your glass, you were cursing yourself for being such a lightweight. You could feel the buzz of alcohol coursing through you. The jitters in your hands, and the racing of your heart in your chest. One drink more and your brain would have fogged, but there wouldn't be another. 

It was late, and Ross was already asking for the bill. 

He paid it in full. 

“Thank you, you didn't have to do that,” you said as you stood up from your seat. Thankfully, you didn't waver on your feet. 

“You can cover it next time,” he said in such a way you believed him. 

But you knew there wouldn't be a next time. He would be flying back to Colorado after the game, and he had a girlfriend. You had a boyfriend. It couldn't happen again. It shouldn't. 

Together, you shrugged on your coats in the first awkward silence of the evening. Was this where you should say goodbye? Should you let him go on ahead and order yourself some water?

“Let me walk you to your car?” Ross’ voice cut through the silence. He had made up your mind for you. 

You nodded. “Yeah, sure. That'd be great.”

Keeping your head down, you left the bar together. Ross’ frame leading the way through the crowd that was now dwindling. It would be closing time soon. 

Stepping out into the cold air, you took in a sharp exhale. Its harshness almost left you light headed - or maybe that was the alcohol. 

You should have drunk some water. 

“I'm parked just up this way,” you told him and began the walk along the sidewalk with a casual stride. 

You walked together, your arms bumping up against one another with each casual stride. The contact left a soft smile on your lips, your gaze rising to look at him out of the corner of your eye. His hands had dipped into his pockets, and his collar popped to keep himself from the cold. And you stared for a moment, admiring how the city light reflected off his features. And how it ignited his too-perfect smile when he caught you staring. 

“You look amazing tonight,” his voice cut through the silent street, sending goosebumps to rise on your skin. 

Your smile tugged a little tighter at your cheeks. 

He shouldn't be giving you a compliment like that. You shouldn't have liked hearing them. But you didn't stop them. 

“Thanks, but I feel a little underdressed.”

Ross’ smile split wider, and a laugh erupted from his lips as he threw his head back. It was a laugh so comforting, so familiar, that it warmed your entire body as you came to stand in the empty parking lot where your vehicle sat alone. 

“This is me,” you gestured to the mid size SUV with the lazy sway of your arm. 

“Well,” he sighed out almost hesitantly, “it was really nice seeing you-”

You nodded slowly. “Yeah. Yeah it was.”

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, smiles on your faces and your eyes fixated on one another. Unmoving. Not quite wanting to leave. 

Then, he was stepping forward, his arms encasing you in his embraces, and your arms winding around him in return. Your cheek rested against his chest, his warmth radiating to you as he held you. You stood there, your eyes shutting for a moment as you relished in the feeling of him. The feeling of his arms wrapped around your body. The feeling of his hands on your back, and one dipping down. Down to where your ass peeked out from the edge of your jacket. There he gave it a gentle squeeze, and you could feel his gentle exhale as your own was trapped in your own chest. 

He shouldn't have touched you like that. 

You shouldn't have let him. 

And you shouldn't have liked it. 

Drawing back slowly, you tilted your head back to look up at him. And Ross was looking back down at you. His bright eyes were half closed in a dreamy gaze and the corners of his smile had gone soft, leaving his lips slightly parted as he let out each exhale. 

It washed over your face in a blossom of heat, and smelt of the sweet alcohol on his tongue. Ross’ face was so close to yours you could practically taste it–no, you just wanted to. 

“Good luck tomorrow,” you muttered out a quiet goodbye, your limbs not ready to recoil away from his body yet. 

“You should come, I can get you a ticket,” he offered, his words a breath into your hair that ignited your skin as he spoke. 

“I might take you up on it,” you told him, but you wouldn't. 

“I'll see you soon,” Ross sighed, his words igniting your skin as he spoke. 

Yeah, sure you will. Was what you wanted to say. To mock him with those words and a hint of a laugh. Because you knew how this would go. You would go home tonight, and Ross would go back to the hotel room. He would ask if you made it home safe, and you would answer. But then you wouldn't hear from him for days, weeks, maybe months until you crossed his mind again, or he was left with the lonely opportunity to message you. 

Instead, you said nothing, and you smiled a soft, tired smile. 

It was then his hands fell away from you, his touch trailed down your curves, ghosting over the peaks of your hips before you were void of his touch, his warmth, and left numb by his absence. 

So suddenly you felt cold, empty as you stood there in the parking lot. Your head spun, your eyes shutting tight as you tried to process a single thought. But there, as you sought for reason, for logic, there was only action. 

Your arm lurched out before you could stop it, and your hand found what it was looking for as fingers wrapped around Ross’ wrist and dragged down to coast over his palm. Your fingers traced over each crease slowly until you could feel his fingers so close to slipping away, but then his hand captured your hand in return. 

The sudden grasp of your hands together had his body recoiling into your own. There was a moment of tension in your arms before Ross stepped back into his place in front of you. Then, he took another step, forcing you to step back again and again until you were trapped between his body and your car door. He didn’t say a word, and neither did you. You didn’t have to. You could see all of what he wanted to say in the look of his eyes and how they searched yours so desperately for what you wanted from him. 

But what was it that you wanted? 

You said your goodbyes, yet it didn’t feel like enough. It never did, and that was probably why you so desperately clung to any kind of relationship with him. To fill and satisfy a void your boyfriend left in you, but also in hope that one day have the satisfaction of being with him the way you always thought you might but never could be. 

You had always run to Ross in a sense, especially during hardships. He knew you better than most, and he knew more of your secrets than anyone - and you were the same for him. Through tears and through laughter, the love you shared was unique. Unlike any other. Tainted. So close to friendship, but there would always be more. 

And for the first time, it truly felt like you could finally cross those lines together. With his girlfriend back in Colorado, and your boyfriend away on business, it almost felt like fate that the two of you were left alone in New Jersey together. 

His girlfriend didn’t know you existed, but you knew about her. 

Your boyfriend didn’t know he existed, but Ross knew about him. 

The two of you knew every little detail of each other's lives with your partners and helped each other through problems in your relationships that no one else seemed to understand. And it all seemed to be for nothing as you stood there in the night just waiting, hoping that he would kiss you. 

You held your breath as Ross’ hand came up to stroke over your cheek. His touch was so warm, so gentle, that it left your every thought melting from your brain. You held no worry, only anticipation that coiled in the depths of your stomach and left your limbs to tremble. All you could focus on was his fingertips and how they traced every angle of your cheek, down over your jaw, and finally to your lips that quivered with an uneven breath. 

It left your chest aching as you held the softened gaze of his eyes as they moved in as he closed the distance between you. You managed a single jagged breath before it was stolen from you, the warmth of his mouth all consuming as the kiss started in what was the careful brush of his lips against your own. 

Then, it was like a dam broke. 

There was no innocence in how Ross kissed you. His teeth moved hungrily against you, mouth open, and tongues gliding along one another before teeth clashed and desperate inhales were taken before you both dove further into self indulgence. It left you dizzy, your body pressed firmly back into the dirty door of your car. There, Ross knocked your legs just a single step apart and wedged a single leg between yours. You could feel him against the inside of each of your thighs, and so close to their apex. With just the single tilt of your hips, you could have ground yourself against him. Instead, you fumbled in your coat pockets for your keys. 

Your fingers moved over the buttons blindly in your pocket, moving over one button and then the other until the lights flickered and you heard the locks disengage. The loud thud was like the gunshot at the beginning of a race. You couldn’t move your hands fast enough, and neither could he as you both reached for the same door handle, his hand gripped your, gripping it and pulling open. It sent you stumbling away from the door and into his body that helped you into the backseat of your car. 

It was a spacious SUV. One you had slept in the back seat of on a road trip years ago. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was what you had, so it would do. You crawled up the length of the bench seats, giving Ross room to climb in behind you - but there was no space left between you when you heard the door shut firmly behind him. 

His hands were quick to find your body, his grasp so firm on your hips to draw you back into him. Your bodies were a knotted mess as you tried to get situated in the back, the driver’s side seat digging into your front, then your side, and finally your back as you threw your leg over his to straddle him. With his warmth back between your thighs, you stripped off your coat to try to ignore just how hot he made you. Tossing it aside, your hands were freed to explore. Your hands found his body, your touch stroking over the angles of his own face as you kissed him, tasted him. 

You were sure you had kissed him once before, but it had been so long you had forgotten the taste he left on your tongue. It was intoxicating, coaxing a moan up your lips as your hands found their place to rest knotted in the dark wisps of his hair. You toyed with the locks that would threaten to curl if they were only a little longer, as his hands trailed down the curves of your body. Ross caressed just under your breast, his thumb curiously reaching up and grazed just shy of your pert nipple that was pressing into the inside of your bra with the desperation of wanting to be touched. Then, his hands dipped lower over the circle of your waist, the rushed movement wrinkling the fabric, leaving the small of your back exposed. 

Touching your skin was like adding gasoline to an already raging fire. It sent Ross’ lips wandering from yours as his fingers stroked your soft, exposed flesh. His kiss traveled down over your chin, tickled your neck, and found your collarbone with a playful nip. It sent your heart racing. 

He knew you would like that. 

But you had to be careful. 

“No marks,” you breathed out, your eyes shutting as you tried to ignore why that had to be. 

“Yeah,” he breathed out quickly, “yeah, got it.”

With your exchange, it brought you both to a pause. Your chests heaved for breath, and your eyes seemed to look at everything except at each other. A decision needed to be made. You could stop before things could get any more complicated, or Ross could take off your shirt as he so desperately seemed to want to as his hand dragged along its delicate hem. 

You bit your lower lip firmly as you tried to look out the already fogged window. You could see the rainbow of colors that were the city lights shining through each drip of condensation. Focusing on a single droplet, you followed it down to the edge of the window and took a breath that escaped you with a sigh.

You knew what you wanted to do, but before you could say anything, Ross’ voice filled the air, “We don’t have to-”

Your head snapped to look in his direction. “You don’t want to?”

“That’s not what I'm saying,” he answered slowly, his teeth biting his own lip as his eyes fixated on yours. 

You knew what he was getting at. You were nervous, hesitant, but you knew you wanted this. You just needed the assurance that he wanted you as badly as you wanted him. 

“Ross…” you breathed out his name. It was the very beginning of the thought that threatened the very tip of your tongue, and that was left strangled in your throat as you felt Ross grip the swells of your hips. 

He held you firm in each hand, and with that hold, he guided you back and forth over his lap. Your hips angled instantly, grinding your needy core over the expense of his lap. You moved to and fro with his moments, and quivered at the feeling of his stiff cock beneath the thick seam of your jeans. 

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked you, his words slow and clear. He knew what he wanted, but he needed to hear it from you, too. Ross needed you to make the decision on your own, and to hear it from your own lips, even if he had already made up his mind for himself. 

“I-” you gasped out, your heart beating up into your ears like drums. It pulsed through your body, right through to your core that throbbed against the stiff outline of his cock. 

You should have told him to stop. 

You should have pulled your coat back on and sent him on his way. 

But you didn’t. 

“Don’t you dare,” you answered him after a moment, your voice stern, “just,” you took in a long inhale, “let’s be quick - unbutton your pants.”

Your bodies strained in the tight place as you both fought close quarters to undo your pants. You leaned back against the driver's seat to try to get the angle just right to work your jeans down, while Ross pressed down onto his heels and lifted his hips up high to work his hands just low enough for his cock to spring free. 

And while his pants rested around his knees, and that’s all he needed to do to be ready for you, you struggled. You let out a frustrated huff as the head of the driver’s seat dug into your back, and your arms fought the tight denim down your hips. The awkwardness left you slipping. Ross’ hand was quick to catch you before you could fall awkwardly onto him and his stiff cock that was so exposed, hard and ready for you to take him. 

“I got it,” Ross’ words were a rushed promise, his hands gripping the fabric and pulling them down your legs until they rested on the floor of the car with your shoes - but your panties they remained. You watched as Ross admired them for a moment. The simple pale colored lace that looked gray in the darkness. 

Your core clenched as his finger toyed with them, pushing and tugging at the fabric as he lured you back in close to him. And when you were a mere breath away, his finger dipped beneath the fabric and dragged along your slick core, if only just to tease you as he pulled the damned fabric to the side. 

“I wish I could enjoy you, the way you deserve to be enjoyed,” Ross hummed out, his hand guiding you forward to hover above the very tip of his cock. 

You nearly quivered at his words. Many times, he had told you how he would fuck you. How he would enjoy tasting your sweet cunt on his tongue before leaving you moaning as you took his cock like the slut girl you were. But there was no time for those luxuries. 

Angling yourself over his cock, you took hold of it in your cold hand carefully. The hiss that left his lips left your grinning, but it was him that was left with the last laugh as he thrust up into your wet cunt, leaving you overtaken by a pathetic whimper that came with the feeling of taking his cock inside you for the very first time. 

“You like that?” Ross asked you in a whisper, his hands remaining firm on your hips to guide him along his cock with the slow roll of your hips. 

You nodded feebly, your mouth opening to tell him just how good his cock felt, only to unleash a moan instead. 

“Look at you,” his grin grew, “so pretty as you take my cock, and taking it so well you don’t even have the words to tell me - and you’ve always been so good with your words,” he purred, “such a shame really.” 

Ross reached up with his hand, his fingers stroking over your lips as you were left on the verge of another moan. One you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of having just yet. 

“I like when you tell me what a dirty slut you are,” his thumb tugged at your lower lip playfully as he thrust up hard into your cunt, coaxing that moan you had choked back into the depth of your throat, “but you sure do have a pretty moan.”

Your core clenched around his cock at the compliment, your hands lurching forward to grip at the leather head rest behind him. 

“Shut up,” you spoke through grit teeth. 

“Oh?” he raised a brow up, his heels digging into the floor again and thrusting so deep your body couldn’t physically take him any further. “You don’t like when I talk dirty to you?”

Your core clenched again, then you gasped, “no, I-”

You moaned again, your entire body reverberating with the sound. 

“You’re so close, I can fucking feel how desperate you are on my cock.” Ross didn’t bite his tongue. He liked to see you so close to the verge of pleasure, practically melting in front of him, and your cunt flexing around him. 

With weak legs, you met every single thrust, but it wasn’t enough. Not for him and not for you, either. 

Ross gripped the fleas of your ass firm in both hands and used it as leverage as he lifted you up and guided you to lay out on the leather seats all without leaving the warm wet embrace of your cunt. With you sprawled out, Ross gripped your hips and guided your legs to wrap around his hips just right. Every thrust made you tingle, made you moan, and soon your toes were curling, your body near recoiling with pleasure. Yet, he thrust through each wave, through every flex of your core, sending his eyes rolling back in his own pleasure. 

“I’m close,” he choked out, your heart suddenly racing with panic. 

“Pull out,” you told him, voice stern, “I’m not, fuck I’m not on the pill. Pull out.”

“What?” he seemed shocked, his cock still buried deep inside you for a thrust, then another before he pulled out and found the warm embrace of his own hand. 

You lay there, panting, legs still quivering, as he worked himself through his climax. His face softened, his body arching over you as he painted the inside of your thighs and the leather seats with his cum. 

“Should have given me a heads up,” he panted out after a moment. 

“Would it have changed anything?” You countered. 

His head shook, “no, but I would have gotten you to suck me off or something-”

“You wish,” you shoved him playfully, “now, get your pants back on.”

Ross settled back into the seat the two of you had started in, but you remained laying there for a moment. You were seeing stars as you stared up at the ceiling, your one hand dipping between your legs and swiping over your cunt to make sure there had been no accidents before you put your panties back into place. Then, each of your moments had to be deliberate. The cum on the inside of your thighs had already begun to dry, but the cum on the seats was still hot and sticky. You couldn’t risk getting it on any of your clothes. It would have to be something you had to clean up before you got home, but first, you had to say your goodbyes. 

You pulled your pants up slowly in silence, then your shoes before you heard the door open and the cold night air infiltrated the car. It sent a shiver coursing through you, your hands desperately reaching for your coat as you slipped out of the car behind him. 

“Are you good to drive home?” Ross asked slowly, his hands in his pocket. 

You nodded. “Yeah, I’m good.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

“Message me when you get in?”

You looked to your empty driver seat, “yeah, just-” you sighed gently knowing you would be going back to the apartment you shared with your boyfriend even if it was empty for the next week, “don’t be surprised if you’re blocked in the morning when you try to message me.”

Ross’ feature faltered into a frown. “Regretting me already?”

Your heart sank. You didn’t know how to feel, or how you would feel in the morning when you had the night to fully comprehend the choices you had made. 

“Regret you? Nah, never.” You gave him a reassuring smile as you stepped in, your hands on his chest as you pressed up to give him a goodnight kiss. It was a soft, gentle kiss, one that had you pulling back like the gentle rise and fall of waves until he pulled you back in with both hands and kissed you deeply, making sure that you left with the taste of him on your lips. 

Then, you got into the driver's seat of your car, and brought the engine to life with the turn of your key. It reeked of sex, of cum, but it was nothing a good wash and a new air freshener couldn’t mask - but even then as you sat there, your eyes fixed on Ross as he stood there in the parking lot, watching you leave, you barely noticed the smell. No, the heavy feeling in your chest was too distracting. This time really felt like a goodbye. And not just a goodbye for now, but a goodbye forever. 

[vermilionsun]

Time to yee the haw

Boothill

aka Pom-Pom

➢ Braids Boothill is surprisingly good at it. Since he decided on growing his hair, he had to find ways to keep it out of his face, and braiding was one of them—well, not something he thought of himself, but friends and family liked to do it for him and it just stuck. Now, he occasionally braids his own hair, though his metallic hands make it increasingly difficult.

➢ Hair His hair in general is a topic of its own and it needs to be talked about. Originally, his hair was raven black, but when he was undergoing the lab tests and maintenance, due to different factors, most of his hair turned white. He once looked at a mirror and aside from the dysphoria caused by the metal, the thought that he kinda resembled his dads flashed in his mind. He never looked in a mirror again.

➢ Kids He’s so good with kids. They just love him and no one knows why. Boothill, as the type of guy he is, will try to pretend to be annoyed, yet failing miserably as small hands would cling onto him. (If he could shed tears he would.)

➢ Swearing He actually doesn’t like to swear, thus the weird alternatives he uses. It’s a habit he picked up from having many younger siblings and friends—not wanting to swear in front of them—and one that he kept, no matter how ridiculous it might seem to others. When he adopted his little girl, he would barely not kill anyone who would swear in front of her, despite her being too young to understand.

➢ Nicknames If he happens to form any kind of bond with anyone, he will give them a nickname. They range from random words, a characteristic of the person, to inside jokes, to sweet pet names. And every person has multiple different ones. The only one who remembers them all is the one responsible for them.

➢ Flirting He isn’t the type of guy who will hit on anything that moves under the sun, but he does enjoy some casual flirting and bantering. It’s also his weak spot. If he gets back a more–than–equally flirty response he’s gone. In improbable cases he might even actually faint—if all his remaining blood leaves his brain to reside in his cheeks (a good smack will bring him back) (if you dare).

➢ Stars He and his family used to stargaze together, pointing out constellations and sharing stories. Now, he finds solace in the familiar twinkling lights above, feeling a sense of connection to his loved ones despite them being gone—a bittersweet comfort nestling in his lonely heart.

➢ Zoning out Sometimes his mind is just… elsewhere. He gets lost in thought easily, often planning stuff. Other times, he's simply reminiscing about days lost. It's like he's constantly searching for something that he can't quite grasp, leaving him feeling disconnected from the present moment.

➢ God He had always believed in justice and righteousness and that a higher being was watching over him and his loved ones, yet the destruction of his home shattered his faith in the universe's inherent goodness. He struggled to make sense of the chaos and devastation surrounding him, questioning how such tragedy could be part of a greater plan. Now, he finds himself grappling with the concept of fate and whether his life was truly guided by a divine force or simply subject to random chance. He sometimes prays, not for himself, but for the ones he lost, hoping that somehow his prayers may reach them in the afterlife, and the ones he still has.

➢ Skills Despite popular belief, Boothill is quite skilled in many areas. He is particularly adept at problem-solving and has a keen eye for detail. He can recognize disease and illness in animals with just a quick glance. As a cowboy, his experience working with livestock has honed his resourcefulness. Plus, he's a talented craftsman. The bullet earring of his? That's a real bullet casing that he fashioned into jewelry himself.

➢ Touch Boothill always adored physical touch. He thrived on hugs, cuddles, and any form of affectionate contact. Even a simple pat on the back could make his day brighter. With the only thing remaining of his original body now being his face, he craves the sensation of touch more than ever. The memories of warm embraces and gentle caresses are all he has left to hold onto.

➢ Songs If he hears anywhere a song that reminds him of home, he will subconsciously murmur it, maybe tap along to the beat. If he hears someone he knows singing it, then KABOOM! It’s karaoke night and some bring him a fudging guitar already—

➢ Wheat He likes to munch on it like gum. It's a strange habit, but it seems to satisfy his cravings for something chewy and subtly sweet. Sometimes he even chews on it while…ehm, working to help him concentrate.

➢ Hat When Boothill was young, Nick had promised to give him his hat one day. The day he did was the day Boothill found his girl. The hat was destroyed in the explosion, but Boothill made a replica, going as far as damaging it to have the same tears and bumps as the original.

➢ Survivor's guilt. Wishes he was with his family.

[snail-squasher]

Stars-Aligning

'boys suck, and girls I've never tried' - chappell roan

word ct. - 1113

warnings - a small panic attack(?), mostly fluff, fem!reader is implied but anyone can read :)

You've never been one to have crushes. Sleepover gossip times would always make you pick at your skin for 5 minutes trying to remember all the boys in your grade so you can blurt a name out when asked who you like. But when you got into college something changed. Something that goes by the name of Kiyoko Shimizu. You first heard about her when in a group project with Yachi, she had suggested that Kiyoko tag along to the cafe meet up that you guys had planned - a simple 3rd person to keep conversation flowing so there’s no random awkward silence. 

Wrong; you were incredibly wrong. In the entire 2 hours you guys were there, you got 2 things done: writing your name and finding out Kiyoko was the prettiest girl you’ve ever seen and that the way her lips move when she talks is mesmerizing; maybe that’s why everything she said you completely agreed with - is this what your friends talk about at sleepovers? Is this what movie scenes are made from? Is this normal? 

Obviously you know what being gay meant, you’ve seen gay couples in movies and even around campus, so why was this the worst whiplash you’ve ever experienced? And why are you getting so nervous and sweating when she asks for your number? Why do you only let out a shaky - mousy - ‘yeah’ 

The only information you absorbed is that the prettiest girl you've ever seen is in your contacts and that she likes peaches and ice cream. There’s only one reasonable response to this information - type out 4 draft messages asking her to the local ice cream parlor. Who would know better how to ask her out on a completely platonic and friendly ice cream date? Yachi. 

You’ve never felt more awkward in your entire life; you could smell the tension before the conversion even started. “Well… I say just ask in the friendliest way possible… this one right there,” she points to the 2nd message, “seems like you're rambling a lot, and the one below that sounds like you're demanding she go.” Yachi explains - a little concerned by how concentrated you are after explaining how this is a ‘totally friendly and chill meet up because she seems cool’ for about 10 minutes. “Okay…so like… the last one? Or are the emojis too much?” “The last one is perfect, she actually texts with a lot of emojis too.” “Okay perfect…” both of you sit in silence for 20 seconds before you blurt “can you please send the message for me.” 

It was set, you're very casual friend hangout, was the next day at 2pm. Although the state of your room said that you were evacuating by 2pm tomorrow; clothes thrown from your closet had basically made it out of your room, forgotten t-shirts now seeing the light of day, even pants that you’ve been meaning to return to a friend had found its way onto the outfit roster. But after what felt like the zombie apocalypse, you put together an outfit that had one inspiration - Kiyoko Shimizu. 

It was just to seem cool right? To hope that she'll want to be good friends right? And maybe kiss? Do good friends do that? 

This was a bad idea. This was a bad idea. This was the worst idea you’ve ever had. Gripping the steering wheel so hard you make a mental reminder to call a mechanic and breathing so hard you reach for a non-existent inhaler. You’ve never had a worse timed star- aligning ever. You can see her in the window, occasionally glancing out the window waiting for any sign of you, but you’re too busy having second doubts because your gay awakening is waiting for a obviously, for sure, ‘no wonder Yachi was awkward’ date. You try to quickly regain yourself after seeing Kiyoko start to look down at her watch every 6 seconds. Checking your face in the mirror and fixing your hair in the shop’s window reflection, you finally open the doors and come face-to-face with the most attractive cause for your midlife crisis. You're not even 25.

“Hey, sorry I’m a little late, I was picking up my room a little and lost track of time,” well that's not a complete lie, you had folded about 4 shirts and then rethought your entire outfit and started from scratch. And then she did the smile, the little lift up that makes her beauty mark move 3 cm from its resting place, “It’s really no problem, just glad I wasn’t stood up.” Oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god. Being stood up means a date. This is for sure a date. You're glad you didn’t over analyze but also panicking because you just processed what a lesbian is in the car you’ve had since 17.

“Yeah, sorry again, I didn’t mean to leave someone like you waiting,” are you actually stupid. ‘Someone like you?’ You’ve been homosexual for 5 minutes and already messed up. “Hope that’s a good thing,” she says sarcastically before walking up to order. “I’ll get the peach please, and what would you want?” She looks at you. She focuses on you. “I’ll just get the same thing” a smile. She smiles at you. “Sounds good, do you want to find a table while I pay?” “Oh you don’t have to pay f-” “No no, it’s okay.” You're starting to understand why your friends freak out when a guy offers to pay. 

“Okay- so- wait. He asked you to marry him after only seeing you?” you ask holding back a laugh, “Yes! I still give him a hard time for it too,” Kiyo - she insisted you call her that - was laughing telling you about her time in high school, while checking her watch, “Oh! It’s already late! Sorry for non-stop talking, I feel like that’s all I did.” You quickly try to recover as you both stand up and throw your trash away, “oh no it’s okay, I loved hearing about you.” After making it through the front doors, she turns to you and smiles before leaning in and giving a small kiss, “Well maybe you can tell me about you next time.” “Yeah! Of course,” you reply too quickly for you not to cringe when thinking about it later. She does the smile again, the same smile, “Make sure you text me when you get home… I’ll see you soon.” “Yeah of course, have a goodnight…” You watch as she walks away to her car before slowly sitting getting into your own. You're surprised the shop owners didn’t come running out after the excited scream you let out.

I hope you guys like it!!! the divider(s) is from @cafekitsune

STREAM CHAPPELL ROAN!!!!

[drarrily-we-row-along]

(I Won't) Run Away

Draco was really nervous. He had a thousand tells for nervous gestures and his anxiety really got to Harry; it made Harry's heart beat a little too fast, made his palms sweat just a little. He couldn't really manage it.

"Hey," Harry said, tapping his forefinger against Draco's, "you still with me?"

Draco turned to look at him, "Yeah. Sorry," he said, "just a little preoccupied."

"With what?" Harry asked, trying to keep his voice level as he took another sip of his drink, watching Draco and trying to read into his very soul.

He opened his mouth and said, "Marry me?" And the words seemed to surprise Draco as much as they surprised Harry, if the shocked raise of his eyebrows and open mouth were anything to go by.

Harry froze, his drink part of the way back to the bar, and stared uncomprehendingly at Draco. "What?"

Draco swallowed before seeming to work himself up again, "I love you," he said softly. "I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?"

How had this gotten this far? This relationship was supposed to have been easy, no strings attached. And they'd started going out together for food, and occasionally slept in the same bed, but it wasn't supposed to have come to this. "No," Harry said sharply, too sharply, as he staggered off of the bar stool. "You can't mean that."

And before Draco could get even another word out of his mouth, Harry was fleeing the bar, leaving his drink half drunk, and Draco sitting there staring at him like he'd crucio'd him.

They'd picked a bar close to Draco's house and Harry found himself pacing on the sidewalk outside of the house. He couldn't just leave. Not without some sort of explanation. He owed Draco that much, owed him the words he should have said in the beginning. This was never meant to last. Harry wasn't allowed to have people to keep.

He collapsed on the front steps and put his head in his hands, giving himself permission to feel all of the grief and fear raging through his chest.

He could feel Draco's magic before he could see or hear him, his magical signature always tasted like honey on Harry's tongue and smelled like flowers covered in morning dew in the summer. He ached with it.

Draco stopped a few feet away and Harry looked up at him. "Sorry," Harry croaked. "Godric, Draco, I'm so sorry that I left," he said as honestly as he could.

"I'm just surprised that you're here, to be honest," he replied uncertainly.

Harry nodded miserably, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Draco sat down next to him on the step, "Do you want to tell me why you're here?"

"Because I love you," he whispered helplessly.

He frowned, "That was a terribly strange response to give to someone you love for asking you to continue loving them."

He shook his head, "Don't you see?" he asked him, because he had to know the truth, he had to see the way that Harry poisoned everything he touched. "Everyone I love ends up dead," he whispered. "You're so much safer if I don't love you, if you don't love me."

"Harry-"

"I'm serious, Draco!" he protested. "Everyone who loves me is forced to die to protect me. And I should have known better," he continued. "Once this was more than just a casual fling, I should have ended it." He shook his head, burying his face in his hands, "In the end everyone either leaves or gets taken from me."

He was quiet for a minute and Harry wondered if Draco was trying to figure out how to tell him to leave. But he surprised him when he started, "My mum and dad weren't an arranged marriage," he said apropos to nothing. "Which is pretty uncommon in pureblood circles."

"Okay?" Harry said, confused by the left hand turn Draco was taking.

He gazed up at the stars as he continued, "they were on the cusp of a war, as well you know," he said, "and in the retelling of their story, my mother always quoted what he said to her the night that he proposed."

Harry gazed at him quizzically, tilting his head as he listened and trying to figure out how this was related.

"He told her, 'I'm not the wisest man that you'll meet. And I'm not a hero; I won't be the one saving the day.'"

"Very romantic," Harry said.

Draco shook his head, "Listen," he chastised gently. "'But,' he told her, 'if you say yes to marrying me, I promise to always stay. No matter what comes, I won't run away.'"

He hummed, uncertain what he was supposed to say about this story, but wanting Draco to continue.

"I was, as you can probably imagine, a strange child. I had a wild imagination and it made for some pretty awful nightmares and thus some very difficult bedtimes," he said.

Harry hummed sympathetically, on the rare occasion that one of them slept over at the other's house, they had witnessed what some of the nightmares looked like.

"My mum used to climb into bed with me," he said, smiling a little at the memory, "and she'd always promise the same thing, that she wasn't going to leave me, that no matter what she had to do, nothing was going to happen to me."

"That's sweet," Harry murmured, allowing the familiar melancholic ache of wishing his parents had been alive while he was small to fill his chest.

He nodded and continued, "When I got older, when Voldemort came back, my parents were terrified. But it was still the thing that they promised me; they might not always be the smartest person in the room, they might not be the bravest, and they probably weren't going to play the hero. But no matter what, we always stay together; none of us run away. We protect ourselves and we protect each other. That's what a family does."

Harry nodded slowly, "I'm glad that you had that."

"Me too," Draco agreed, "for all that not running was difficult, I was glad to have their love and support." He took Harry's hand in his and moved so that he was kneeling in front of the other man, looking up at him.

"Draco," Harry whispered, eyes filling with tears, "Don't."

He squeezed his hands, "This is either the bravest or stupidest thing I've ever done," he said, laughing nervously, his hands trembling where they held Harry's. "Maybe both."

"Draco," he said, voice catching on his tears.

"I may not be the wisest man you'll ever meet," he started. "And I probably won't be a hero that swoops in at the last moment and saves the day. But Harry," he said softly, bringing the other man's hand to his mouth and pressing kisses to his knuckles, "I promise to always stay. I promise that no matter what happens, I won't run away."

"I-"

"I know," he continued, "that you think you're better off alone. I know that you are afraid, and rightly so, of the pain and suffering that love has caused you. But I don't want to live my life without you by my side, and," he took a deep breath and braced himself, "I don't think that you want to live without me either."

"Of course I don't," Harry whispered. "I love you."

"Marry me?" he asked again. "It's okay to be afraid," he added, "But I can only prove that I'm not going anywhere if you let me."

And really, he couldn't even imagine his life without the other man at this point. When he thought of his future, the one constant was Draco Malfoy. He wanted a future with him so badly that he felt like it took up all of the space in his chest when he allowed himself to think about it. "Are you sure you want me?" he asked softly.

Draco laughed and Harry watched as two tears slipped down his cheeks, "Harry," he said, "don't be ridiculous. Of course I want you."

"You're in for a lifetime of reassuring me," he said. "I'm a lot-"

"I want you," Draco said. "You're not hard to love."

His eyes filled again with tears that spilled over as he choked on a sob, his heart cracking open.

Draco leaned up and pulled Harry into his arms, "Oh, darling," he whispered, kissing his temple as he held him and rocked him like he was small. "You're not hard to love," he repeated, "Loving you doesn't cost me a lot; it costs me nothing compared to what loving you gives me," he added. “I fall more in love with you every day, every piece of yourself that you give me. I love all of you.”

"Draco," Harry cried, his fingers curling in the other man's jumper. "I love you," he managed. "Yes," he whispered. "Yes, if you'll still have me."

With a little laugh that sounded like part of a sob, Draco nodded, "yes," he murmured. "Yes, of course I'll have you."

"You're going to have to tell me that a lot," he said, pulling back so that he could search Draco's eyes, "that you aren't going anywhere, that nothing will take you from me."

Nodding, Draco said, "Malfoys are remarkably like cockroaches, we're very good at surviving things that we aren't supposed to. I'm not going anywhere, love," he promised.

"Okay," he whispered, not really sure he believed him but willing to let him prove it.

"Come inside," Draco offered softly. "Let me be with you, let me hold you," he murmured, kissing Harry's cheek. "Let me love you."

He nodded and let Draco lead him inside, let him whisper his promises into his skin. Harry allowed him to see all of him, his fears and his vulnerability. And he let Draco stay.

He continued to let Draco stay, let Draco have all of him, until the day that they both died.

------------------

Read more of my fics inspired by songs, if you'd like.

[manicplank]

The Color Pink (Part 10)

Uhhh this one took me a while to get to bc my brain went on vacation.

Hazel had been on cloud nine since her last date with The Noise. Even though it had been days, it felt like it all happened yesterday. For some strange reason, life felt completely different. She found herself smiling a lot, especially when she thought of him. She was itching to see him again, but she didn't want to seem clingy. However, she couldn't seem to contain herself. It had been so long since she felt a love like this, and she wanted to cherish every moment. She paced back and forth as she waited for their usual 7 o'clock phone call. The phone rang, and she picked it up without hesitation; "Hi, Theo!"

"Hey! How-"

"We should go on another date!"

He chuckled. "Eager, aren't we?"

"Yeah, I am. Sorry," she laughed nervously.

"I mean, I don't disagree."

"Great!"

"What were you thinking we do?"

"Um... I didn't think about that."

"I don't have any ideas."

"Hmmm..."

They went silent for a minute.

"Oh!" Hazel said, "I got it! Why don't we go stargazing? There's an opening in Picnic Park where you can see the stars!"

"How... How does that work?"

"What?"

"How can we see the stars when we're in a tower?"

"I don't know. I try not to think about it too much, it gives me a headache."

"That's fair."

"Do you maybe want to do it tonight?"

"That's a little short notice. I'm also kind of tired."

"Right, right, right. Sorry. I'm just excited to see you."

He chuckled again. "It's okay. If you want, we can do it tomorrow night, though."

Hazel hummed in thought for a minute. "Oh, yeah, that actually works out better. I'm not opening the cafe tomorrow."

"How come?"

"I want a three day weekend. I need some time off."

"That's understandable. I do that every now and again. I can set my own hours sometimes. It has to be approved occasionally. There was one time I took a week off because I just didn't feel like going to work."

"Really? That sounds... nice."

"It is, but I got so behind. It was bad. So yeah, that's why some of my extra days off need to be pre-approved."

"I try not to take too many days off. I guess it really doesn't matter much since I don't get a lot of customers."

"Hey, what did I say about that mindset?"

"I know, I know. I'm just saying. As much as I enjoy The Vigilante's company, it gets a little tiring hearing him rambling on and on about justice and this and that."

"Ugh, you deserve an award for dealing with him so often. I can't stand that guy."

"He's uh... He's an acquired taste."

"He suuuuucks!"

"Oh, be nice."

"That's not really my thing."

"Mhm, okay. I call bullshit."

"Yeah? How come?"

"You're nice to me."

"Only to you."

She let out a small giggle. "I believe that."

"I hate to cut it short, but I'm feeling really tired. I'm probably gonna make some food and head to bed."

"Okay. What time do you want to meet up tomorrow?"

"How about 8 or 9?"

"Why so late?"

"I thought you wanted to go stargazing."

"Oh! Right!" She laughed.

"Okay, well... Goodnight, Hazel."

"Goodnight, Theodore."

-

Hazel had suffered through the anticipation of the whole day waiting for their date. The day went by so slowly. She felt as if she was stuck in waiting mode. She got ready in something casual. She left her hair as was. She put on a cute pink Hello Kitty t-shirt with some straight leg blue jeans and white sneakers. She felt that she had been overeager to see him, so she wanted to dress to impressive. Play it cool, she thought.

She called a cab and headed down to the Gnome Forest. She walked over to Picnic Park. She saw some goblins that looked unusually like The Noise. She actually thought one of them was him, but when she called to it, it didn't respond. When she got to the park, she saw The Noise waiting for her. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a yellow bomber jacket and blue jeans with black Vans. He ran up to her and picked her up with a spin. She laughed as she held on to his shoulder.

"Hey," she spoke through laughter.

"Hi," he chuckled. "I was waiting for you." He put her down softly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be late."

"No, no, I got here kind of early. We didn't specify whether we were meeting at 8 or 9 so I got here at 8."

"Sorry."

"Stop apologizing! It's not your fault."

"Okay, okay." She giggled. "Here," she grabbed his hand. "I'll show you where the opening is."

"Heh heh..."

"What?"

He snickered. "Nothing, it's just the way you said that."

She smiled and shook her head. "You have a dirty mind."

He cackled as she tugged his arm. They came to a small area of grass. Above them was an opening in the trees that showed the night sky. Amazingly, the stars were bright and abundant. There were so many of them, which was funny considering they were inside a tower. Hazel looked at him and smiled when she saw him looking upward. "This is the spot I was telling you about."

"Yeah," he looked at her. "You weren't kidding."

"I mean, I haven't been here in a while. I really don't have to. If I want to go stargazing, all I would have to do is look at you."

He blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Stop... I'm not that famous..."

"Are you kidding? You're like the most famous person in the tower. I think more people know you than Pizzaface."

"Whatever," he poked her, and she giggled.

Hazel sat down and so did Theo. They laid down slowly and looked up. The sky was pitch black, decorated with sparkling stars of white, red, green, and blue. The stars in the tower were so different from the stars outside. They had all sorts of different patterns and shapes.

"I remember," Theo spoke, "when I was a kid, we went to a planetarium as a school field trip. It was really cool."

"I went to one, too," Hazel responded, "my school did the same thing!"

"We got to see space ship equipment, pieces of space suits and meteorites. Then they took us to this dome room where they had all the stars. They showed us the constellations and told us their backstories."

"Really? I didn't get that experience as a kid."

"Yeah. The only constellation I can still spot is Orion. You can only see it during the winter. Well, it starts in the fall, and that's how I know winter's coming."

"That's really cool! I don't know where the constellations are. I only really know what they're called."

"I'm surprised no one's made up constellations for the stars in here."

"We could make some."

"Yeah, we could, but I'm not the most creative."

She looked at him. "Really? You, not the creative type?" She was very sarcastic.

He looked at her and laughed. "I guess I am, but not when it comes to constellations."

"Let's test it out." She pointed at a few stars in the shape of two squares. "How about that one?"

"Uhhh... A book, maybe?"

"Or nerdy glasses."

He chuckled. "That one kind of sucked."

She slapped his forearm. "Be nice!"

"I am!" He laughed.

She sighed, "I guess you're right. Two squares isn't the most impressive thing in the world."

"Hmmm..." He pointed at some stars in the shape of an asterisk. "How about that one?"

"Mmm... I don't really see anything."

"It's a flower." He grabbed her hand and traced the pattern with her finger.

"Oh! I see it now!"

He snickered. As she continued to stare at the stars, he turned his head to her. He observed her and how pretty she was. He scanned her from her head to her toes with a smile on his face. He was completely enamored by her. This beautiful girl lay beside him. He thought about how he was originally flirting with her out of lust, but quickly, he fell for her. He had never met anyone quite like her. She was so kind, upbeat, and outgoing. She brought out a side of him that he didn't even know existed. She turned her head to him and noticed him staring.

"Hi," she spoke.

"Hey," he replied.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"I don't know."

"You sure?"

"I... Heh, I don't know that either." He chuckled nervously.

"I have to ask you about something you said."

"Oh?"

"It was, uh... something you said when you were drunk."

His eyes widened, and his heart sank. "Oh..." He didn't remember what he had said to her.

"You told me... Well, you told me that you liked me."

"..." He stared at her in bewilderment.

"What did you mean by that?"

"Oh, well, um..." He looked up at the sky and gulped. "I, uh..." He took a deep breath and sighed. "Hazel... I like you. I like your eyes. I like your smile. I like the way you talk. I like the way your voice sounds. I like how you get excited over the smallest of things. I like how you squeak and hop around when you're happy. I like that you're resilient and don't give up when things get challenging. I like that you're authentically yourself no matter what. I like it when you come around, and I like it when you're there. I like that you treat me like a normal person. I like that you worry about me, like when it was raining and you were worried I'd get sick. I like that you're a bit assertive with me. I like that we call and talk on the phone every day. I like how soft your hands are, and I like when you let me hold them. I like it when we hug. A-a-and I liked it when we kissed. I like that you make me nervous but you also make me calm.

I like you, Hazel. I really, really do."

Hazel was smiling with tears in her eyes. "Wow, Theodore... That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

He sat up. "I just," he sighed, "I don't want to rush things. I don't want to get my heart broken, and I surely don't want to break yours. I guess, in a way, I'm afraid. I already feel like I don't deserve you, like you're too good for me. You're such a genuinely sweet and good person, and well... To be honest, when I first met you, I was only flirting with you to get lucky. And before I met you, I was basically an alcoholic. I drank before work, after work, in the morning, and before bed. I stopped drinking as much once we started talking. I'm still working on getting my drinking under control. I'm short-tempered and nasty. There's so many horrible, horrible things about me that you haven't seen yet. So many things that make me feel like I shouldn't be doing this with you." Theo sniffled and wiped a tear from his eye.

"Theodore, look," Hazel sat up, scooted next to him, and gently grabbed the side of his face to make him look at her. "I like you, too. I like how nervous you get. I like that you're pushing through that nervousness for me. I like that you care about me. I like that you try to help me out with my business. I like that you make time for me when you're so busy. I like your smile. I like your laugh. I like that you're so silly and goofy. I like that you're truthful with me. I like that you told me about all that.

But you know what I don't like? I don't like how hard you are on yourself. I don't like that you seem to think that you're such a horrible person. I don't like that you see all the good things in me but none of the good things about yourself. There are bad things about me, too. Things you haven't seen yet. Things that you're probably not going to like, things that I don't even like.

I think you're good enough for me. Matter of fact, I think you're even better than that. Come here."

She pulled him in for a hug. He sniffled again and shed a few silent tears into her shoulder. She pulled back to see that he was crying. She put her hands on his cheeks. "No tears," she said ever so softly. "I like you, too. Okay?"

He nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay."

She hugged him again and rubbed his back. She felt his whole body relax in her arms. He felt her shiver slightly and pulled back.

"Are you okay," he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, I'm just a little cold." She smiled and shrugged.

He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Here."

"Oh, no, no," she tried to stop him.

"No, you're cold."

"But you'll-"

"Hazel." He looked her in the eye. "You need this more than I do."

She smiled and blushed as she put her arms through the sleeves of the jacket. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"I have a pretty good cold tolerance. I'll be fine."

They laid down side by side with their hands clasped together, their fingers intertwined. Hazel felt incredibly warm and safe with his jacket around her. She leaned her head on Theodore's shoulder as they continued to stargaze. They continued to point out silly shapes they noticed in the stars and gave them even sillier names. As the night continued on, things got quiet. Theo got a little concerned. He looked over to see that Hazel had dozed off on his shoulder. He smiled and snickered. He nudged her gently with his elbow to wake her up. She slowly picked her head up. Her eyes were squinted with confusion.

"Hey," he spoke under his breath.

"What happened," she muttered.

"You fell asleep."

She shot up. "Oh, my gosh! I'm so sorry!"

He sat up and laughed. "It's okay."

She covered her face in embarrassment. "I'm not usually up this late." She huffed. "I'm usually in bed super early so I can wake up early for the cafe."

"Do you wanna go home?"

"No! I mean, yeah, but..."

"Want me to take you home?"

"No, I'll call a cab this time. Thanks, though."

"Come on," he stood up and held his hand out. "I'll walk you to the street."

She grabbed his hand, and he helped her up. They walked slowly through the park with their hands held. Hazel was so flustered, she couldn't believe she fell asleep on him during their date! Theodore thought it was absolutely adorable that she felt safe enough with him to fall asleep on his shoulder. He wasn't at all mad. As they strolled towards the street, Theodore stopped her and leaned on a tree. He grabbed her other hand and held both of them.

"Why are we stopping?" She was incredibly confused.

Theodore's heart was racing. His legs were weak and felt like they could give out at any moment. With a nervous smile, he asked,

"Hazel... Will you be my girlfriend?"

Hazel's eyes grew wide and she gasped.

"Oh... My... Gosh!!!" She jumped up and down with her hands still in his. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! YESSS!!!" She let out a small squeal before she yanked him into hug, still hopping around and giggling in joy. When they pulled away from the hug, she grabbed the back of his head and kissed him deeply. She started to giggle and hop around again, her hands on his shoulders, his hands on hers. Her cab pulled up, and she looked at it before kissing him again.

"I have to go," she said with a giant smile.

"Yeah. I'll see you."

"Bye!" She pecked him on the lips one more time. "I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Go home, go to bed." He pat her on the shoulder as she ran towards the cab.

He watched her run off with a giant smile on his face. She couldn't see it, but his face was beet red. He was so happy she said yes. He couldn't believe he finally worked up the courage to ask her. After the conversation they had before, he finally felt secure enough. He was a bit anxious, but he had to take the chance. And he was so glad he did.

That night, Hazel had trouble sleeping. She was suddenly struck with energy and excitement after he asked her out. She paced around her bedroom for a good hour before she settled down to sleep. She realized she forgot to give him back his jacket in her fit of exhilaration. But it was so soft and warm, and it smelled like him, too. She finally laid down, falling asleep while wearing his jacket.

[gethoce]

The third Meta Knight reference I did in one year somehow. It's some sort of bad habit by now!

Anyway, random headcanons about the guy below.

Not only is he shorter than the average Dark Matterborn, since he refused to use Dark Magic for most of his life, it also took him unusually long to grow horns for the same reason.

Having been raised by a Halcandran he knows a lot more about this rare species than most. Upon meeting Magolor he occasionally would make casual comments using his unique knowledge which originally caused the mage to be very suspicious of him.

His secretive nature is at least partially something he picked up from his adoptive father, who created the Master Crown and didn't even drop a single hint about his past until after the events of RTDL, when Meta Knight told him about the crown.

The Galaxia has always been in his possession, as far as he can tell, yet his father didn't allow him to wield her properly until he was certain that his swordsman skills were high enough as to not risk another disaster related to the blade.

He gets along with Marx surprisingly well and the two appear to have a lot of mutual respect for one another. The jester will still dunk on the knight whenever an opportunity reveals itself, yet Meta Knight doesn't turn hostile whenever this happens since they are friends.

The events of Revenge of Meta Knight were partially triggered by Marx asking Meta Knight for help, after the King of Dreamland had repeatedly failed to keep Popstar safe.

It took Meta Knight a while to warm up to Dedede. He didn't take him seriously until he realised that they have a lot in common. For instance they both didn't know where they originally came from and were raised by adoptive parents.

Meta Knight has a brotherly relationship to Kirby more than a fatherly one, though doesn't really put labels on their relationship at all. If asked he'd call them a close friend.

He first saw the Dimensional Mirror when his father acquired it in exchange for a sword from the mirror's deceased creator's brother-in-law. It was broken and painstakingly repaired by him and Meta Knight soon after got to meet his reflection for the first time. They were close friends until the events of KATAM.

Meta Knight was asked to join the GSA at one point but refused not wishing to serve under anyone but himself.

Galaxia often speaks to him and offers him advice and comfort, yet is very secretive about their shared past which greatly frustrates him.

He idolised Galacta Knight for the longest time, much to the frustration of his father. Upon meeting Galacta Knight for the first time and witnessing his sealing he attempted to break him free, yet failed. He spent a long time trying to find out how to undo the seal.

It was Marx who told him how to summon the Clockwork Star Galactic Nova and he and Magolor joined him on his quest to do so.

His original name was Metachiroptera, shortened to Chiro. He'll turn hostile upon being called by that name.

He knew Captain Vul since he was a child. The then pirate attempted to steal the Galaxia and failed miserably. They've been friends ever since.

He's terrible at piloting space ships and most other vehicles and overall doesn't have a vast knowledge of technology. He got his crew for that. Instead he knows quite a lot about magic. The opposite applies to King Dedede, who knows little of magic but a lot about creating and piloting machines.

He knew Daroach since before he made a name for himself as Meta Knight.

His primary ability is his weapon ability, sword, yet he as an adult he began to learn the magical abilities ESP and Tornado.

His Dimensional Cape was created and enchanted by his father when his wings began to grow in.

Meta Knight was raised on a planet called Silverstar, which is known for its thick fog.

[starcatcher-gvf]

Back and Forth - Chapter 3

Pairing: Jake Kiszka x Danny Wagner

Word Count: 3.6k

Slight trigger warning for this chapter! Jake gets nauseous and there are slight mentions of throwing up (not in a sexual way!), so do with that what you will. This one is a bit longer, but the next one will probably be longer (and definitely smuttier). It might take me a couple days to write, but I'll do it!

Warnings: Language, eventual smut, drinking, nausea/throwing up, awkward flirting, talking in a bar, just guys being dudes

______________________________________________________________

Jake stepped out of the white four-door onto the bustling sidewalk. Though the sun set hours ago, he still donned his sunglasses to shield his eyes from the bright lights emanating from the neon signs in the dive bar. He also wanted to cover his face somewhat, just in case some fans were here after the show. He doubted it, though. This bar, Rusty No. 4, was located about fifteen minutes away from the venue by car.

Jake turned on his heels and thanked the Uber driver as they drove off through the nighttime urban traffic. Jake’s eyes glanced upward at the moonlit sky. Even through his sunglasses, he could see stars peeking through the inky, almost-twilight sky. The moon, almost a sliver in the sky, was peeking over the skyscrapers in the distant bustling city. Jake has always had an affinity towards the moon: her silver rays reflecting those of the sun, always paired together but different in their celestial details.

Jake realized where he was again and leveled his head back to look at the street in front of him. His infatuation with the sky regularly became a cause for distraction: when they were younger, Josh would have to coax his twin back to the bunk beds they shared to get him away from the window some nights. He would stare for hours at the everchanging night sky, the moon, stars, meteors burning up in the atmosphere just miles away. He still watched, but checked himself every now and then so he would actually go to sleep a reasonable amount.

He ran his fingers through his hair and leaned his back against the jagged bricks of Rusty No. 4, being sure to tuck his hair over his shoulder so it wouldn’t get snagged. His phone’s clock read 12:09 am, but the city was still alive and awake like it was 5 o’clock. Cars, trucks, and taxis sped past, occasionally stopping to pick up or drop off myriads of people. Jesus, where do all these people come from? Jake thought to himself. These crowds made Jake want to sink into the brick and mortar and disappear.

Though he loved performing on stage in front of thousands or on video for millions, Jake still felt self-conscious about interacting with others outside the band, even fans. He didn’t mind all the eyes on him; he just couldn’t stand having to talk to others without one of his brothers there. Or Danny. Shit, where is he?

Jake realized he had been waiting for about ten minutes now. Danny should be here soon, since they did Uber from the same place, after all. Maybe he took a little longer getting ready. Maybe he took a longer shower than Jake. Jake rubbed his eyes with one hand, trying not to imagine that visual. He didn’t want another incident like what happened on stage, with no guitar to hide behind.

After Jake walked to his dressing room, he took another shower, but this one was quicker than the first. After a quick rinse and lather later, Jake stepped out of the shower and picked a casual outfit fitting for a dive bar: a denim button-down shirt, halfway buttoned to expose some of his chest; black jeans; the pair of black shoes he wore earlier; and his numerous Atocha necklaces he accumulated over the years. Jake looked down at his shoes and wiped off the remnants of gray ash Danny left and felt a blush creep over his face.

As Jake was looking down at his shoes and wiping it on his opposite pant leg, another set of shoes came into view directly in front of his. Those same dirty Converse. Jake looked up over his sunglasses and looked directly at Danny’s face. He noticed the corner of Danny’s mouth slightly hitch upwards as he caught Jake by surprise. “Hey, again.”

“Hey. Funny we keep running into each other like this.” Jake gave a small smile and looked at the car Danny presumably stepped out of. “How was the ride here?”

“Good, I guess. I tried to ask the guy where the nearest bar was with ‘Rusty’ in the name and it took him forever to find it. But I’m here.” Danny gave a toothy grin and looked at the sign above the bar. “Rusty No. 4. I wonder where the other three are.”

Jake gave a chuckle through his nose. “C’mon. Let’s go in before all the seats are taken.” Jake stepped up off the wall and walked through the doors, Danny following close behind.

Danny shuffled through the sea of people, trying to follow Jake on his heels. His heart was beating out of his fucking chest like a jackhammer, adrenaline coursing through his entire body like an electric current. His mind was racing with what was to come of this meeting. What kind of… relationship they would have. Would it still be brotherly? Of course it wouldn’t, how could they still be brothers after what happened? Danny was getting dizzy with his thoughts, but he kept trying to catch up to the guitarist.

They eventually found a booth in the far corner of the bar. Jake slid in first, taking a seat to the left of the table. Danny followed after and took a seat opposite of Jake. He noticed how sticky the table was and how ripped the seats were in some places. The lighting in the bar was dim, but the various neon signs above the actual bar accommodated just fine. Danny looked around at the various people in the building: women holding various drinks and dancing to the music resounding off the walls, men seated at the bar drowning themselves in drink, couples seated at booths and tables chatting away about some monotonous, mindless topic. Why did he have to pick a booth? This is not subtle at all.

Jake noticed this as well and lifted his sunglasses onto his head. “We can leave if you want. I didn’t know it would be this crowded,” Jake suggested.

“No, it’s alright! All this noise will drown out whatever we say, anyways.” Danny looked back at Jake, guilty for making him second-guess his choice of location. He nervously started to pick at a string coming loose on his thin sweater. “So…what’s up?”

Jake’s face froze, not expecting to just dive right in. “Why don’t we get some drinks first? What’re you having tonight?” Jake started to get out of his seat to walk over to the bar.

“Oh. Um, just a Modelo is fine.”

“Alright.” Jake walked away, fishing some money from his pocket.

Danny felt awkward just sitting by himself at the booth, feeling the seconds tick by agonizingly. After his shower, which included a thorough wash of his hair and sweaty skin, Danny tried to take special care of how he looked. He put on his dark-green sweater, adorned with white striped and diamond patterns, along with a pair of black jeans and his worn sneakers. Though casual, he looked put together, unlike how he felt inside: confused, nervous, and somewhere deep inside himself…expectant.

Jake walked back to the booth with drinks in both hands. He handed Danny a bottle of Modelo, wet with condensation, and sat back down with his drink of choice: a tall glass of some sort of ale, an IPA as far as Danny could tell by the smell. Jake tipped the glass back and took a long, smooth sip, sighing as the liquid traveled through his throat.

Danny, in turn, took a sip of his sweet drink and wiped the condensation from his hand onto his jeans. “So, now what’s up?”

Jake cleared his throat and looked up at the ceiling. “Well…what happened back there, is what’s up.”

Danny fiddled with his hands and cracked his knuckles, trying to find an outlet to let some of his jitters out. “Yeah.”

A long pause. Agonizing for both parties.

“You didn’t push me away, though. Not at first,” Jake broke the silence. “You seemed to…I don’t know, like it?”

“I mean…it definitely wasn’t expected. I didn’t even really know what I was doing. It was probably the smoke.” Danny was trying to grab at something, anything, to explain this away, just in case Jake was trying to disengage his own actions.

“Yeah, totally,” Jake trailed off, wiping his mouth in the same way he always does when he’s nervous. Danny seems to notice this little tic of his all the time during interviews and videos they do for promotion, but he never did this while talking to Danny. He’s probably never felt the need to be nervous when talking to him, but here they were. Two beings wracked with anxiety, wondering who would make the next move. Like a game of chess, they were pondering what to do next.

“It was nice, though.”

Danny’s heart stuttered at this. Jake was taking another sip of his IPA and looking towards the jukebox in the other corner, currently blaring “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles on high volume. His sunglasses were still pushed up, keeping his hair from falling over his face, though he should probably keep them on, just in case. Danny figured that’s why he wore those things so late in the night, but he was probably too nervous and forgot about them entirely.

It was nice, though. That sentence rang through his head. Danny also found it nice, more than nice, even. Intoxicating. Leaving him wanting more. He let out a shaky breath through his mouth and took another swig of Modelo to clear his throat.

“Yeah, it was,” Danny replied, looking toward Jake again to see what his face would give away that his mouth wouldn’t.

Jake started at this and looked back at Danny. He set his drink back down on the table and just…stared. Stared at his clean-shaven, eyeshadow-free face. Stared at his perfect curls, still damp from shower water and leave-in conditioner. Stared at his bare throat, that perfect expanse of skin that Jake could bury his face in, wanted to bury his face in. Jake bit the inside of his cheek to snap himself back into reality. Surely, Danny didn’t just say that. He might’ve been ogling Jake from behind when on stage, but that could have definitely been his imagination tricking him into actually thinking he was looking at him, not the audience.

“What?”

“I said it was. It was nice.” Danny leaned forward and spoke a little quieter as people were passing the table.

Jake ran his fingers through his hair again but accidentally knocked the sunglasses on the table. The song playing on the jukebox ended, leaving the chattering of people and the clatter of Jake’s sunglasses to be the only sounds in the bar. Feeling embarrassed, Jake snatched the sunglasses off the table and put them back over his eyes to hide. “You really liked it?”

“Yeah. I did. I didn’t wanna admit it but…yeah.” Danny was at a loss for words at his own revelation, and so was Jake. The tension was thick in the air, as thick as that cigar smoke between them earlier.

“Sorry, I’m not sure what to say now.” Jake chuckled at himself now, feeling a slight bit of pressure lift off his chest at that. He liked it.

“Me neither, you’re good.” Danny smiled at Jake again. A glowing smile, with flashing teeth and red cheeks, presumably from the alcohol already hitting his system. Danny could hold his drink, sure, but the effects of it were probably heightened by this conversation. Jake could already feel another buzz forming between his ears, but he didn’t want to be detached from this moment too much. He wiped his face with the palm of his hand and pushed his drink slightly away from him.

“What now?” Jake put the question in the air between them.

“When do we get on the road again?”

Jake thought for a second. “The 16th. So…tomorrow now, I guess.” He let out a small laugh and peered at Danny over his glasses again. He noticed Danny’s breath hitch from the eye contact, not by much, but just enough to hear.

“Okay…okay. You wanna leave soon? Go back to the hotel? It’s getting a little crowded here.” Danny looked around as more and more people kept filing into the doors than they were filing out. “And I’m almost out of–”

“Oh my god, you’re Jake, right? And Danny?” A voice, presumably female, blurted from the crowd that just walked in. Her outfit screamed “Starcatcher” with its rhinestone embellishments and white layered fabrics shined and dazzled in the faces of the two band members.

Shit. Jake knew this would happen. Of course someone would notice them. Internally he was dying softly at the girl’s expectant face. She would most likely ask for a picture, a signature, some sort of token of this chance meeting. Jake cleared his throat and tried to find some words but couldn’t find any.

“Yeah! How’re you? What’s your name?” Danny chimed in in the wake of Jake’s silence. Thank god for Danny; Jake was absolutely mortified about being recognized here, but Danny saved him from total embarrassment.

Her name was Sarah, apparently, and she came to the show with her boyfriend, who was hanging on her arm. Her outfit and makeup were inspired by Josh’s stage outfits, as far as Jake could tell. She talked with Danny for a couple minutes, all the while the boyfriend kept glancing over at the bar, eager for a drink. No doubt she dragged him here, Jake thought bemusingly. She asked for a picture from the two men, and Danny looked over at Jake for approval. He nodded over his glass, emptying it in his mouth before standing up for a picture.

Danny followed suit and posed on one side of her, with Jake on the other. Feeling a bit loose, Jake shifted his stance and held his hand out to the camera in his signature pose. The other hand located behind Sarah, however, found its way to Danny’s hand and was placed strategically over it.

The light of the camera flash blinded Jake for a second, leaving a purple-green splotch in his vision for a couple minutes after the encounter. They said their goodbyes and wished the drummer and guitarist luck on their next shows in the tour before making their way to the bar. Danny looked to Jake, and Jake looked to Danny.

A tether pulled taut between them. They both could feel it. Jake’s chest tightened, and he felt instantly sober at that moment. Danny felt his heart beat louder in his ears as he met Jake’s dark brown eyes with his own hazel ones. The synapses were firing in his brain, and Danny instantly knew that Jake wanted out of here. His demeanor completely changed once that couple walked up; Danny was privy to Jake’s antisocial nature and knew when his social battery ran dry, and this time was no different.

Danny picked up his drink and chugged down the rest of it, which consisted of half the bottle left. A small stream of beer trickled down his chin and left a couple droplets on the floor. He placed the bottle down on the table again, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and took Jake’s hand in his. Jake wasn’t even thinking straight at this point; he just let Danny take his hand.

Danny pulled Jake through the crowd to get to the door. His heart was still pounding through his ears, a loud badump badump keeping time with the internal music of his entire being. He needed Jake. Alone. He needed him like water.

“Danny.” Jake called to no avail.

Danny just kept pushing through the crowd. The door was almost there. He pushed on the handle, feeling the cool air pouring in through the crack.

“Danny, wait!”

They stumbled their way out onto the sidewalk before Jake doubled over and retched, emptying the contents of his stomach in the dirt next to the building. Danny’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, Jake! Are you okay?”

“I think.” Jake’s voice sounded shaky, and his face had gone pale behind his glasses. “Drinking on an empty stomach. Not good.” He coughed again, prepping for another retch.

“Fuck, dude.” Danny guided him to the side of the building away from prying eyes and held Jake’s hair away from his face as another wave of nausea passed over. Jake spat on the ground and groaned, but Danny also heard a sniffle.

“Hey, hey.” He pulled Jake upright again, slowly, to see Jake’s face. His eyes were filled with tears not yet shed, and his mouth broke into a grimace.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. This just…” Jake sniffed again. “This just isn’t how I thought it was gonna go.”

“What do you mean, Jake?”

“I didn’t want anyone to see. I didn’t wanna just…spill my guts like that. In conversation and… literally.” Jake’s voice shook like a leaf and was strained, letting Danny know he might burst into tears at any moment.

Danny sighed and pulled his phone out. “Let me call an Uber for us, okay?”

“Okay.”

Jake sat on the side of the building, waiting for Danny to come back with bottled water from the bar as promised. His head was in one of his hands, propped up on his forehead to alleviate the headache forming behind his right eye.

This can’t be fucking real. Jake was horrified. One minute, he was feeling like he was walking on clouds. The next, he’s upchucking right near Danny’s shoes. Looking back, he probably should have ordered some food with their drinks, but Jake didn’t think he would’ve eaten anyways with how nervous he was. He could feel his heart beating in his fingertips now, an indication of just how shaken up he was.

Danny turned the corner with two bottles of water in his hands. He held one out to Jake, which he gratefully took. He tested a sip to see if his nausea fully surpassed, and when he didn’t gag on the liquid, he gingerly drank more until half the bottle was gone down his throat.

Danny, still standing, looked at Jake with visible worry painted on his face. Their positions against the wall reminded Jake of earlier that day: Danny standing next to Jake seated near the window. Now, instead of sharing a cigar, they’re sharing their thoughts.

“Did she see you walk back in?” Jake asked.

“No, I don’t think so. Why?”

“I don’t know. It just seemed like she was gawking at you or something.”

“Really? I didn’t notice,” Danny confessed. He truthfully didn’t realize that, it seemed.

“Yeah. And her boyfriend didn’t look too thrilled to be there either.”

“Gotta make her happy somehow, I guess.” Danny snickered before taking a sip of his water. “You alright now? The Uber should be here in about five minutes.”

“Yeah, I’m good now. I hadn’t eaten since lunch.”

“Lunch?! Dude, I would’ve taken you out to dinner or something if I knew that.” Danny turned to face Jake, looking him straight in the face again.

“I know, I know. I was just stressed from earlier today.”

“That seems like so long ago now,” Danny said as he sorted through his mind about the day before today’s show. He couldn’t put the memories together quite right, but everything after walking through Jake’s dressing room door was crystal clear.

“Yeah.” Jake drank the rest of his water and set the bottle on the ground. “I felt you, you know.”

Danny started and coughed the water he had in his mouth out, creating a spray that drifted onto the ground like a sprinkler. “Huh?”

“I said I…felt you. When we kissed. I felt your, um…against mine.” Jake felt heat against his face and neck at this confession. He had to say it. He couldn’t keep it in, it seems. He had to know that he knows.

“...oh.” That was all Danny said as he wiped his mouth, again, with his sleeve.

“‘Oh’?”

Danny just sat there staring at the sky above them. The stars were shining brighter, now that the city lights were farther away from them. Jake followed his lead and looked up.

Jake’s eyes filled with wonder as he saw the moon directly positioned above them, her rays barely peeking through the night sky as the sliver of white light had grown smaller. A new moon soon, maybe even later tonight. A phase representing new beginnings, cleansing, dark magic, and unlimited potential. Jake sighed as he stared up at her and smiled slightly. It was like a sign from some god, telling him that this new phase was a good one. To let it happen. To take this opportunity. Don’t let this go to waste, the moon said to him. Don’t let him go.

“Uber’s here. C’mon.” Danny blurted into the silence. Jake snapped out of his moon-induced trance and looked up at Danny’s hand held out, offering to help him stand to his feet.

Jake took it and hoisted himself up and brushed the dirt off his jeans. “Hold on, gotta wipe this off my ass.” He brushed the dirt off of the butt of his jeans with a laugh.

Danny laughed, too. A genuine belly laugh. Jake smiled at himself, too, feeling silly but not caring. He felt lighter, now that they have gotten past this barrier. Words could not describe how Jake felt. He felt like he could kiss Danny right now, but would wait until he washed his mouth at least.

Danny, still chuckling, held his hand out again for Jake to take. He grasped his hand, and they made their way to the car idling outside the bar.

[jus-let-me-read]

I can imagine like Ronance and Steddie on a double date (they're only out to each other), and the kids find out because they follow them on said date with a different idea in mind. But this definitely takes place when the kids are younger and not like 16. Like for example, it's around the holidays and Steve makes up an excuse on why he can't babysit the kids or drive them anywhere. He tells Dustin he has to buy presents which then prompts Dustin to tell the rest of the gang. Obviously, that then leads to the kids wanting to know what Steve will get them for the holidays. They don't finalize that they'll follow them around until Mike finds out his sister is also going out to the same mall at the same time.

Obviously there's some protests of like "are we actually about to spend a part of our break following a couple of teenagers around the mall, just to find out our present?" But eventually, somehow, they all end up roped up into it with some believing Steve and Nancy will actually just be buying presents, whilst the latter half believes the two are on a date and are trying to light an old spark. Then they see that Eddie and Robin joined them and then they actually just believe it's presents shopping.

They follow them around for a while so confused on why they don't immeaditely start shopping. Some of the gang leave whilst the fruity four are at a local cafe just eating and talking. Mike doesn't leave because he's so sure his sister won't get him a present this year for whatever reason. Will is staying because he tends to just flock to whatever group has the most people he's comfortable with. Dustin refuses to leave because he's confident in finding out what Steve will get him for Christmas. It's a bit of a slow start and the three aren't really catching onto the fact it's a date. In fact, Will is the least interested over the whole thing until a little later on for obvious reasons.

Nancy is sitting next to Robin and she occasionally just whispers in Robin's ear, or the other way around, and the latter will always have this cute, but giddy reaction. They're extra happy around each other because it's their first proper date out in the open. Since the kids aren't close enough to hear they have to go based off of actions alone, and sometimes that isn't much when they aren't acting extremely obvious. Like none of them are full on cuddling, leaning on each other 24/7. The most telling thing ends up being Nancy casually tucking a strand of hair behind Robin's ear, or Robin rambling so much as Nancy just looks at her absolutely lovesick. Where even though they are trying to hide the fact they're dating to the general public they can't exactly hide how much they care for the other.

I imagine that Mike after witnessing his elder sister's two relationships, he kinda picks up on how she acts in that situation, or atleast how she acts around people she likes. Then he sees her acting all flirty or playful in a sense with Robin and he's like "what the fuck??" At first, like momentarily, he assumes it's some friendship thing, or possibly a one-sided crush, but then Robin just stares at Nancy like she put the stars in the sky. Then all the puzzle pieces click for Mike and it's just so many emotions and thoughts. One thought is wondering why his own sister didn't tell him something that's like obviously important to her. Whereas the latter thought is busy processing the fact he essentially stalked his sister as she went on a date.

Steve and Eddie are a lot less obvious than Robin and Nancy during this whole exchange. Yet, despite that, it's obvious they do have some chemistry. And the way they bounce off each other or complement each other's mannerisms is palpable. Steve will say something sarcastic and Eddie would be able to respond with, almost immeaditely, something witty to keep the banter going. Everytime they latch onto a random subject, Robin and Nancy go quiet and let them have their moment. Sometimes Steve will act like he doesn't care that much about what Eddie has to say, but his facial expression and how he acts around him shows different.

Obviously, the first person to notice the very possibility of Steve and Eddie is Dustin. Dustin knows, to some extent, how Steve acts when he's dating somebody, since Steve had given him dating advice. As soon as Dustin notices this, he's the first one to take the risk, and run to a different hiding spot just to find out more. The only reason why he doesn't get found out is because of Mike and Will making sure he doesn't make them get caught. They're now able to hear some of the conversation if the background noise of the mall isn't loud enough, which isn't often but it's still something.

Most of the stuff they talk about is random stuff happening at school, with the occasional mention of some random classmates that the kids don't know exist. What does key the rest of them into the conversation is Robin mentioning the word date, and saying how she's glad they finally had the chance to go out and enjoy life like any other couple. To this Robin discreetly and briefly holds Nancy's hand, whilst Steve and Eddie glance at each other. As if on cue, with perfect timing, the three kids all looked at each other each with varying facial expressions. Mike looked slightly shocked, Dustin was happy, and Will looked like as soon as he was left by himself he'd start crying.

Will is the most affected by this since he was so used to bubbling it up inside. There was also a significant lack of being proud of this aspect about himself. He had gotten bullied by people who pinned point him as gay, simply because he wasn't exactly 'normal' or 'acted normal.' The sudden realization and confirmation of sorts that Eddie and Steve were a couple, as well as Nancy and Robin filled him with so much hope. He felt validated and truly felt like it was okay for feeling the way he does. It gave him hope that someday, somehow, he could have something like that. Just the knowledge that he is not the only gay kid in Hawkins was enough to make him push back tears.

Nancy and Robin knew they were being tailed rather later into the double date. What clued Steve in, was Nancy and Robin both whispering about it and tilting their head to what's behind them. Steve ends up spotting a bit of Dustin's hair behind a plant, and elbows Eddie who follows what he's getting at. The four end up talking in a lower voice about what they should do and how the three even found out. It didn't take them long to connect some dots and the four made the willing choice to act naturally. A couple of minutes later from this, the three kids leave, definitely not wanting to fifth wheel a double date. None of them noticed that they were caught but it did make for a heck of a conversation between Steve and Dustin as well as, Mike and Nancy.

[theamityelf]

What two Danganronpa characters would make the best Doctor Who companions?

Like most of my DR posts, this just popped into my head at random at 1 am, but just off the dome, some possible answers might be:

Kaede and Ryoma. They have a pretty good rapport, Kaede is enough of a loose canon that she can get into situations and generate plot for episodes, Ryoma can have a series-long arc about seeing the value of his own life through experiencing the wonders of the universe and having to fight to survive them. Kaede rallies people who are in rough situations, Ryoma befriends small animals. (Series-long story arc of them falling in love? I'm ambivalent and prefer them as friends, but it's an option.)

Makoto and Byakuya. Makoto provides the necessary "everyman excited and confused by things" energy and his luck gets him into situations, Byakuya creates problems by trying to assert independence/control and casually bickers with the Doctor. Makoto befriends people everywhere he goes and embodies something the Doctor really loves about humanity, Byakuya occasionally manages to perform hostile takeovers in space. Sometimes the classic damsel scenario plays out where one of them gets kidnapped; when Byakuya and the Doctor find Makoto, he's friends with all his captors; when Makoto and the Doctor find Byakuya, he's...king? Of something? Now? (I kid. But also, series-long story arc of them falling in love, or they're just already dating at the start.)

Sonia and Akane. Two sides of the fish-out-of-water coin. In episodes where the setting is of the "trapped on a space ship with a crew running out of rations as they careen toward a dying star" variety, Sonia plays the role of "out-of-her-depth companion who mostly reacts to stuff" while Akane thrives in keeping everyone from starving too quickly, identifying when someone's temper is about to flare up and redirecting the energy to something productive or playfully competitive, and any running or climbing or physical exertion the situation deems necessary. In episodes where the setting is of the "alien royalty throwing a gala" variety, Akane plays the role of "out-of-her-depth companion who mostly reacts to stuff" while Sonia picks up on the cultural norms of this unfamiliar society, does her best to learn the language and courtesies, etc. And of course, each gets opportunities to shine in environments that aren't their usual fare, until both are really good at both, but that's the barebones model. (Also, series-long romance arc.)

Honestly, too many possibilities for one post; I might need to just make a tag for this.

[jasminegazer]

Chapter 4 Part 2

Leo walked through the school.

Taking deep breaths and rethinking how he was going to break the news to April. She should understand right? And if anything she should be able to help. The two had recently been tracking the new streams of crimes as a side hobby from trying to find TCRI. Maybe that has something to do with this.

‘Or maybe I’m just being hopelessly optimistic again.’

Leo slumped a little as he stood right by the doorway to his homeroom. His back was figuratively and literally against the wall.

‘Man I could really use you right now Mikey.’

He felt a tear trying to protrude the wall he set up so perfectly to block his emotions. Nope. none of that.

He used his shoulder to wipe his eye readjusting his backpack and walked to the back of class. That where they usually sat and discussed things with April and helped each other with school at the beginning of the day. But mainly for April to have her annual info dump.

‘She was probably waiting their for us for a whi- WHOS THAT!’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After 3 days of hanging out April had become great friends with Karai. Once you broke through the sarcastic teenagers gruff exterior she can become quite the fun friend. Turns out it also helps when the casual jerk tries to mess with you.

Just the other day Karai helped April out of a bit of a situation. The two friends were walking to class when they were confronted by everyone’s favorite loser Sid Goto. Him and his friends Tsoi and Fong came to together to create the purple dragons. Though they sound threatening it’s all just a front. They don’t usually do anything other than cause the occasional hallway fight only to get their buts wupped and sent to detention. When they tried to pick on the two girls, Karai sent their backs flying into the lockers and Sid’s face into the ground.

“Mark my words you two bitches are gonna pay for that.” He said spitting the blood that dripped from his nose and mouth. “Stand up.” Karai growled as she kicked him square in the face. “And make us.” She continued down the hall before turning her head around and continuing. “And by the way. Call my friend and I a bitch again and I’ll shove your foot up your own ass.”

So that was when April decided that she was a keeper. While she let the boys take a break from listening to her rants she spent time with Karai.

“Hi April.”

Leo spooked her when she heard his voice.“Oh sorry I didn’t know you were there.” She said embarrassed by her reaction. “Oh I guess I haven’t introduced you two. Leo this is Karai. She’s new here. Karai this is Leo. As you probably guessed he is a turtle mutant and a friend of mine.”

Much to April and Leo’s surprise, Karai kept the same dulled face and voice she must have been born wearing. “New York. What a town.” She replied.

Leo gawked at the strange new girl in surprise to her reaction. Usually in this scenario it was the other way around. But no this girl was different. And Leo didn’t know if he was making this up but something felt familiar about her. About her voice.

‘Remember you have a job to do and it’s not to try and intimidate April’s new friend.’

“Hey April. We kinda need to talk.” He said trying not to let his emotions take hold. But this time it wasn’t feelings of sadness or grief but rather embarrassment and shyness. Leo had always been interested in April ever since the night Raph threw a ninja star at her.

“Ok? Let’s talk.” April said confused. Her and the boys talked all the time. Speaking of where are the rest of Leo’s brothers?

“Privately.” Leo couldn’t blame her for not knowing but he was really antsy to get this over with. He was now squeezing her wrist hoping it would bring on a sense of urgency.

“Ok. Sorry Karai. But this is kinda personal I guess.” Though she was nervous and now realizing how quickly Leo needed her, she had to make sure she wasn’t ditching her other friend. April always held her friends and family first. Trying to help keep them together.

“No problem just make sure you help me in English. I do NOT need to hear about Ms Gord’s cats without you again.” Karai said.

April gave her a thumbs up and then let Leo rush her to the extra gym lockers. That was where they went for serious private talks. Stuff only April and Leo could talk about. Though it smelled like sweat and the death of a hundred high schoolers it was deemed private and sacred for the duo.

“All right. What’s going on? And while I’m asking questions where are your brothers?” April asked this with caution she could feel the turtles trembling as she gripped his shoulder knowing that was when she had to prepare for emotional support.

Leo knew this is what would have to happen. But for some twisted reason he still wasn’t prepared for this.

‘C’mon this is just like a needle. A small prick and then done. Just a small short sentence.’

“Last night we were on the rooftops and-” he could feel his voice turn to croaks as April squeezed harder. “It’s Mikey. He um- he’s- well-”

Leo couldn’t do this. He held this up inside for to long. No matter how much he wants to keep it all in his sobs escaped with ease. Tears streamed down his face. How could he act like this was fine. Everyone is scared and hurt and he can’t do anything. He’s so scared and alone.

“Hey it’s ok. Whatever happened he’s got you guys to take care of him.” April saw this coming from a mile away.

“But we CAN’T help him.” Leo sobbed

“Wait what do y-”

“April they took him!”

That may have been one of the longest things I had to write on tumblr. Hope you like it. 👍

Previous Masterpost Next

[hjmorgan]

&. AN INTRODUCTION TO :

— HARPER MORGAN.

'if i told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?'

BIO.

INTRODUCTION

BIRTH NAME: HARPER JANE MORGAN

CHOSEN NAME: HARPER

NICKNAME(S): MORGAN, HARPS, BLOSSOM ( HER GRANDMOTHER )

TITLE(S): N/A

AGE: 29

DATE OF BIRTH: 25/11

STAR SIGN: SAGITTARIUS

GENDER: CIS WOMAN

PREFERRED PRONOUNS: SHE/THEY

SEXUALITY: SHE ISN’T FOND OF LABELS, BUT WOULD SAY BISEXUAL IF SHE HAS TO

HOMETOWN: SOMERSET, ENGLAND

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: ENGLISH, GAELIC

RESIDENCE IN FENRIR'S WOOD: IN A STANDARD HOTEL DOWN AT SUNE'S HARBOUR

OCCUPATION: BARTENDER AT STARSTRUCK

SPECIES: WITCH

APPEARANCE

FACECLAIM: LUCA HOLLESTELLE

GENERAL APPEARANCE: USUALLY PRETTY CASUAL AND SIMPLE. DOESN'T SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ON MAKE-UP AND HER HAIR IS LEFT TO DO AS IT PLEASES UNLESS SHE TIES IT UP. HAS A SCRUNCHY ON HER WRIST AT ALL TIMES

HAIRSTYLE/COLOUR(S): SHOULDER LENGTH, WAVY, NATURAL REDHEAD

EYE COLOUR: WARM BROWN

HEIGHT: 5'5"

BODYSHAPE/BUILD: SLIM ATHLETIC

IDENTIFYING MARKS: A SCAR ACROSS HER NOSE SHE GAINED AS A CHILD DURING HER GRANDMOTHER'S RITUAL ( THOUGH SHE HAS NO MEMORY OF THE HOW ), FRECKLES ACROSS HIS NOSE, A SMATTERING OF SCARS ON HER KNEES FROM PLAYING IN THE WOODS GROWING UP

DEEPER DIVE

ALIGNMENT: CHAOTIC GOOD

POSITIVE TRAITS: CREATIVE, COURAGEOUS, COMPASSIONATE, OPEN-MINDED, ACCEPTING, LOYAL, STEADFAST, PROTECTIVE

NEGATIVE TRAITS: STUBBORN, DISMISSIVE, IMPULSIVE, EASILY DISINTERESTED

LIKES: BEING OUT IN THE WOODS, NATURE, SKETCHING, PHOTOGRAPHY, SINGING, PLAYING HER OLD AND BEAT UP GUITAR, SWEET FOODS, EXERCISING, BEING OUTDOORS, FLUFFY SOCKS, ROCK AND INDIE MUSIC, FRUITY SHAMPOOS, DOGS, HER PICK UP TRUCK

DISLIKES: BEING COLD, SOUR FOOD, BEING STUCK INSIDE ALL DAY, WHEN HER THROAT GETS SORE FROM SINGING, EGOTISTICAL PEOPLE, BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO OR BELIEVE, CATS

SKILLS AND STRENGTHS: CAN PICK A LOCK WITHOUT TOO MUCH OF A PROBLEM, MISDIRECTION, PICK-POCKETING, HAS GREAT ENDURANCE AND STAMINA, CAN BE CALM IN EMERGENCIES

WEAKNESSES: LEADING, TAKING CHARGE, FOLLOWING ORDERS, IS CLAUSTROPHOBIC, HAS A TENDENCY TO RUN AWAY

FEARS: MAGIC, SPIRITS, BEING STUCK IN THE SAME PLACE FOR TOO LONG, BEING ALONE FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE, NEVER FITTING IN ANYWHERE

DISABILITIES/ILLNESSES: N/A

ALLERGIES: CATS

ADDICTIONS: N/A

DRUGS/ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: SMOKES WEED, DOESN'T DRINK

SMELLS LIKE: LAVENDER AND GOOSEBERRIES, OCCASIONALLY SMELLS LIKE WEED IF SHE'S BEEN SMOKING IT

PRIZED POSSESSIONS: HER OLD GUITAR

PET(S): N/A

VOICE CLAIM FOR SINGING: LIZA ANNE

FAVOURITES

MUSIC: INDIE/ROCK, ALTERNATIVE

FILMS: ACTION AND ROMCOMS

COLOUR: DARK GREENS

FOOD: A BURGER WITH A SIDE OF CHEESY FRIES AND A CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE

SMELLS: EARTHY SMELLS, SWEET FLORAL SCENTS, CITRUS

FAMILY AND RELATIONS

FAMILY:

GRANDMOTHER ( DECEASED, DIED WHEN HARPER WAS A TEENAGER. HARPER USED TO VISIT HER IN TOWN WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD UP UNTIL THE AGE OF SIX WHEN HER GRANDMOTHER CAST A RITUAL UPON HER TO ALLOW HER TO SEE GHOSTS, WHICH FRIGHTENED HARPER SO BADLY SHE REFUSED TO GO BACK )

FATHER ( DECEASED, DIED WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG )

MOTHER ( ESTRANGED, NO CONTACT )

RELATIONS:

HASAN JACKSON / her baby sitter as a kid. used to spend a lot of time with him when her grandmother was busy during her visits to town. most memorable moments were running away from him 90% of the time to go hide in the woods

NISHANT DOSHI / another friend she made as a child. would come to the park just to hang out with him and his friends

AFFILIATIONS:

SAGA COVEN / tba.

GENERAL BACKSTORY

WAS BORN IN SOMERSET, ENGLAND TO AN ENGLISH FATHER AND AN IRISH MOTHER

MOVED TO IRELAND WHEN SHE WAS AROUND 2 YEARS OLD AFTER HER FATHER DIED

WOULD COME BACK TO ENGLAND TO VISIT HER GRANDMOTHER AT FENRIRS WOOD REGULARLY AT HER GRANDMOTHER'S REQUEST. HER MOTHER COULD NEVER SAY NO AS SHE FEARED WHAT HER GRANDMOTHER WOULD DO

HARPER'S MOTHER SPENT HER CHILDHOOD TELLING HER MAGIC WASN'T REAL, THAT IT WAS ALL A JOKE HER GRANDMOTHER BELIEVED IN, THAT ANYTHING TO DO WITH HER WOULD BE DANGEROUS, BUT HARPER DIDN'T CARE. HARPER LOVED HER GRANDMOTHER AND WISHED TO SEE HER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

SHE LOVED MAGIC, SHE LOVED THE SPIRITS, SHE LOVED THE FREEDOM SHE FELT INSIDE WHENEVER SHE CONNECTED WITH THEM

SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN TOWN AS A KID, USUALLY RUNNING OFF SOMEWHERE THE MOMENT ANYONE TOOK THEIR EYES OFF HER

HAD AN AFFINITY FOR THE WOODS AND NATURE, HER FAVOURITE PLACE BEING HER GRANDMOTHER' GARDEN AS IT USUALLY WOULD BE FILLED WITH MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF PLANTS AND MAGICAL ELEMENTS

AT THE AGE OF SIX, SHE DEMANDED TO MEET HER GRANDMOTHER'S FRIENDS WHO ONLY SHE COULD SEE. HER GRANDMOTHER OBLIGED

THE RITUAL TO ALLOW HARPER TO BECOME A GHOST WHISPERER WAS CAST ON SAMHAIN, TO WHICH HARPER DIDN'T RESPOND TO AS WELL AS HER GRANDMOTHER HAD HOPED

HARPER BECAME TERRIFIED OF EVERYTHING SHE SAW. OF THE GHOSTS, OF THE MAGIC SHE'D GROWN UP ADORING. SHE SPENT THE REST OF HER STAY WITH HER GRANDMOTHER CONFINED TO HER ROOM, REFUSING TO OPEN HER EYES OR ACKNOWLEDGE ANYTHING AROUND HER

AFTER HARPER RETURNED TO IRELAND, SHE NEVER WENT BACK TO FENRIRS WOOD, AND NEVER SAW HER GRANDMOTHER AGAIN

HARPER DIDN'T ATTEND HER GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL

AT THE AGE OF 18, HARPER LEFT HOME. HER RELATIONSHIP WITH HER MOTHER HAD FALLEN APART OVER THE YEARS AS HARPER'S GIFT TO SEE GHOSTS AND CONNECTION TO MAGIC GREW STRONGER. HARPER HAD CONFIDED IN HER MOTHER HER FEARS, TO WHICH HER MOTHER DISMISSED HER

HARPER THEN SPENT MUCH OF HER TIME TRAVELLING IN AN OLD PICK UP TRUCK THAT SHE STILL DRIVES TODAY, TRAVELLING ALL OVER IRELAND, AND THEN EVENTUALLY MOVING TO ENGLAND WHEN SHE TURNED 25 AND HAD SAVED ENOUGH MONEY TO GET AWAY

HARPER SPENT 4 YEARS MOVING AROUND ENGLAND, TAKING UP ODD JOBS TO GET BUY, BUSKING ON THE STREETS AND MOSTLY SLEEPING IN HER TRUCK. SHE LOVED THE WAY OF LIFE BUT COULDN'T SHAKE THE FEELING OF BEING PULLED TOWARDS FENRIRS WOOD

HARPER ARRIVED IN TOWN AROUND TWO WEEKS BEFORE EASTER

IMPORTANT DETAILS

HARPER DOESN'T USE MAGIC. SHE DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT. SHE DENIES ITS EXISTENCE DESPITE BEING VERY AWARE OF IT

HARPER DOESN'T MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH ANYONE AND WILL CHOOSE TO KEEP HER GAZE ON THE GROUND MOST OF THE TIME. SHE'S AFRAID OF WHAT SHE'LL SEE, OR IF SHE'LL REALISE THE PERSON STANDING BEFORE HER IS A GHOST

CURRENTLY, SHE HAS NO CONNECTION TO THE SAGA COVEN. YET

ESTABLISHED CONNECTIONS

TBA

WANTED CONNECTIONS

HARPER CURRENTLY LIVES IN A HOTEL. EVENTUALLY, IT'D BE NICE IF SHE FOUND A ROOMMATE OR TWO SHE COULD TAKE UP A RESIDENCE WITH. I'D LOVE TO GIVE HER A REAL HOME ( 0/? )

A BEST FRIEND. SOMEONE SHE CAN RELY ON. HARPER HASN'T HAD FRIENDS SINCE SHE WAS A KID. I'D LOVE FOR HER TO FIND HER PERSON, OR PEOPLE ( 0/? )

A MAGICAL MENTOR. SOMEONE WHO CAN TEACH HER MAGIC ISN'T EVERYTHING SHE FEARS. SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP HER RE-ESTABLISH HER CONNECTION TO HER HERITAGE AND THE LONG LINE OF WITCHES THAT CAME BEFORE HER ( 0/1 )

NOTES

HARPER IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PLOTS THAT INVOLVES PREGNANCY OR PREGNANCY SCARES. I'M NOT COMFORTABLE WITH WRITING THOSE PLOTLINES, SORRY!

I DON'T PUSH FOR ROMANTIC INTERESTS OR CRUSHES FROM THE GET GO. I PREFER RELATIONSHIPS ( WHETHER FRIENDLY, PLATONIC OR ROMANTIC ) TO DEVELOP ORGANICALLY

LINKS/TAGS/PAGES

TBA

[wild-karrde]

Congrats on the follower milestone!

I’m not sure if this falls under Director’s Cut or OC Asks, but I’d love to know some headcanons (both SFW and NSFW (if you’re up for it)) for both Chuckles and Crater!

ALLI I AM SO SORRY I MISSED THIS ASK. It got buried in FF asks, and I just now found it, but I WILL ANSWER IT NOW AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SENDING IT IN. Some of these may be redundant from posts I've put out in the past, but maybe they'll be neat for any new kids. I'll put the SFW HCs above a divider:

SFW Chuckles HCs: 1. Loves chocolate, but especially dark chocolate. Often makes bets for chocolate bars. 2. Is all about physical comedy. The man will throw himself down any flight of stairs if it will garner a laugh from his brothers. Chuck's not the best pilot in his squadron, but he feels that making his brothers smile is one way he can contribute. 3. He lets his brothers pick what color his mohawk gets dyed. 4. He and Howzer are good friends. He met Howzer right after he got the scars on his face, and joked with him about it. Eventually accused him of stealing his idea to attract women by having facial scars. Howzer acts like he barely can tolerate him, but really likes him. 5. Chuckles wasn't always supposed to be a pilot; he proved he had an aptitude for flying when he and his batchmate Two-Pint (who belongs to @teletraan-meets-jarvis) got drunk on TP's homebrew. He wound up stealing a fighter out of the hangar and actually flying it well enough to get moved into the pilot training program (he couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with the DC-15S the trainers originally issued him).

SFW Crater HCs: 1. Is quiet and observant, picking up on how people function. This is how he leads - by figuring out the personalities of his men and adjusting to them. During training, he quickly decided he didn't want to be like some of the trainers that just shouted their subordinates into submission. 2. Crater's not afraid of much, but one thing he is afraid of is leaving people behind that he cares about. That's one reason he doesn't actively seek out romantic relationships. 3. Drink of choice is good whiskey (do they have scotch in Star Wars? If so, it's that) 4. The tattoos on his arms are meant to look like air streams like the ones he sees curling over the wings of his fighter when he's entering/exiting atmo. 5. He chose the colors for the 28th - magenta for the occasional sunsets on Kamino, and grey for the rain clouds that normally covered their home.

And now for the NSFW HCs...

NSFW Chuckles HCs: 1. Chuckles doesn't mind being the dominant personality, but he gets VERY aroused by a partner that takes the dominant role. He wants to be told exactly what his lover wants and how to please them. 2. There's absolutely a slut AU where Ry pegs him. 3. He's a talker. LOOOOVES to praise his partner and tell them everything he's feeling and thinking. In fact, it's almost like he can't stop talking. 4. Bed are fine and all, but Chuckles would rather fuck just about anywhere else. There's something thrilling for him about not doing things the conventional way, so he'd much rather bend you over a crate in a supply closet. But his favorite place is the cockpit of his fighter. 5. Additionally, he loves the kind of sex where it's so hurried and needed that clothes don't even get all the way off. Guaranteed Bolts knows what plastoid feels like pressed against her skin.

NSFW Crater HCs: 1. Trust is honestly the number one thing for Crater when it comes to sex. He's not really much into casual hook-ups. He wants to know and understand the person he's sleeping with. 2. And with that, someone putting their trust in him probably arouses him more than anything else. Bolts putting that trust in him in The Pillar is his favorite moment, not because of the anal, but because he knows she trusts him more than she's trusted anyone else, and that's why she's asking for that to happen. 3. He of course prefers the dominant role (as we see in the Blitz series), but he's open to trying other dynamics out if his partner wants it. 4. He loves hearing the noises his partner makes, but his favorite is honestly the way they pant in his ear when they're pressed close, the quiet whines and whispered pleas. He doesn't need a lot of screaming and moaning, just enough to let him know he's doing exactly what his partner needs. 5. There aren't many things that'll make his knees buckle, but a good blowjob will make him lose his composure. Part of it is how much trust is involved, but also, just something about his partner wanting to do that to him, get on their knees and focus on his pleasure? Gets him every time.

[m0tel6mxzzy]

♡ cassie howard s3 outfit predictions ༄

(i organized these into a list of 3 phases. basically from 1-3, 1 being closest to her old color scheme and 3 being the furthest.)

1. “pretty in pink cowgirl” — i feel like cassie’s style in s2 often wasn’t that cohesive, whereas in s1 she was shaped by maddy and the opinions of those around her in terms of how she dressed but still had her own distinct style heavily influenced by both modern trends and 90s films such as true romance. therefore it was a lot less stress picking a bunch of outfits in her color scheme. i think in s3, cassie is going to be a bit of a loner and all she’ll really have to cope w/ being on her own through fashion and other creative avenues. so she is going back slightly to that “country music star” style but it’s a little more refined and she dresses almost as if she’s performing for everyone, including herself. she’s still in a costume of herself—but is trying to find more ease in maturing her look. i think in some ways she’d still be a little lost, having gone back home and trying to win back lexi’s good graces by dressing more like her and mirroring her behaviors.

2. “refined light academia golden girl” don’t even ask me how i came up w the name. i see babydoll dresses, mesh maxis, gray sweaters/knit tops, and brownish golds. i think this is the best way for cassie to “blend in” while still standing out, so to speak. in some ways, she’s letting go of the heavy pinks and blues of her color scheme besides the occasional jeans and overcoat. i could see her wearing some of these in school settings, and others as home casual wear.

3. “peaches and honey” — ok so basically the faded gold kinda elevates to a more bold yellow during later party sequences. i could see her wearing the pinkish-orange dress whenever she reunites with maddy and finding it within herself to reconcile—actually acknowledging maddy’s feeling if maddy will let her and giving them both closure and moving on past nate. any other time, i could mostly see her in dark browns, maroons, and vibrant orange-reds because in some way she’s evolved as a character and her theory of mind is much stronger than it once was.