#and the worst part is that i'm really proud of what i have so far??

[hlvrai-stuck-together]

((OOC))

Sorry I keep updating at like. midnight. I honestly dont have an excuse besides i go to work and i get home and i'm tired fghsdajk

Gonna take me a little while to get into the swing of this. I've never done an askblog like this before (though I have hosted... technically 3 in the past? (EDIT: no, 4 actually.) But never like this, and none of them went anywhere), so trying to get into the swing of it has been weird.

Glad people seem to be enjoying it, though! I had no idea it'd take off like this, aha. Hopefully I can get a bit more consistent and stop uploading at 2 AM, lol.

That said, I don't know what my schedule's gonna be (if I even start one). So if there's a couple days where I don't upload, it's not because I abandoned the AU or anything, it's probably just because I'm busy IRL.

Feel free to keep sending in asks even if I'm not online! I've already got a lot of really good ones sitting there that I'm gonna hold onto for a bit (for. reasons).

This has been really fun so far, and I hope everyone's having fun, too! Just bear with me while I figure this out. I'm hoping to get out a ref of [ERROR] soon, and also stop calling him that soon, but getting into character is proving to be a challenge when you do it on and off like this. But that's never stopped me before and it won't now. Like I said, this has been fun so far!

That said, if anyone has any suggestions on a meta level, I'm all ears. I realize now that I've run into this basically blind, so even though I did a couple week's worth of preparation in advance for this blog, I'm also still floundering a bit. Learning more every day, though! And I'm hoping I can pick up the pace soon as well. After Day 1's rapidfire replies, going at a more leisurely pace feels really slow, and I both wanna fix that but also don't know how because, like I said, I keep uploading at midnight gfdshjk

TL;DR I'm working on it dw lol

-Mod Dimonds

[landograndprix]

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 ♧ 𝐥𝐧⁴ - ii

❥ your peaceful life gets disturbed by your little brothers teammates in the worst and possibly best ways possible

❥ lando isn't one to give up and neither is your friend.

❥ a good ol' he fell first, she fell harder fic with piastri!reader // thanks for the love for this fic so far <3

part i - part iii

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y/npiastri

liked by evaharris, oscarpiastri and 1,003 others

y/npiastri friyay. 🍹

tagged: nessieness, evaharris

view all 98 comments

oscarpiastri not the cringe caption

oscarpiastri you drink too much coffee

↳ y/npiastri and you put your nose in my businesses too much

landonorris you tell him

oscarpiastri mate...

oscarmemes 😍

landonorris love the picture of you and oscar in slide 3

↳ oscarpiastri ???

nessieness what's with all these little boys in your comments?

↳ y/npiastri 🤷‍♀️

evaharris stalker behaviour

oscarpastry what's lando doing here 😭

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y/nusername

liked by oscarpiastri, landonorris and 1,211 others

y/nusername alexa, play miami by will smith.

tagged: oscarpiastri, nessieness

view all 93 comments

evaharris have fun babies 😘

oscarmemes you're going to be at the Miami GP? 😭

↳ y/npiastri I am! :)

landonorris aww cute dinner date with the little brother

↳ nessieness someone's gotta do it...

nessieness your game is weak

landonorris teach me your ways

oscarpastry what is going on here?! 😭

oscarpiastri lovely dinner, vibes were immaculate

↳ y/npiastri do you even know what that word mean?

oscarpiastri did you know you could be nice to your brother?

y/npiastri that's not fun :(

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y/nusername posted to their story

landonorris replied to your story

landonorris

i can delete your number

do you want me to delete your number?

I swear I didn't ask for it

y/npiastri

nah it's alright, you can keep it

landonorris

really didn't ask for it

y/npiastri

I know :)

feeling sorry you met vaness while she's piss drunk.

she's cuter when she's sober :')

landonorris

yeah she really is something 😂

is that why you didn't go out with her tonight?

y/npiastri

one of the reason plus I'm a very boring person, didn't feel like going out.

landonorris

I don't think you're boring

y/npiastri

And I don't think you know me well enough 😂

landonorris

Then I'll have to get to know you better 😉

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y/nusername

liked by nessienes, landonorris and 1,000 others

y/npiastri miami ii

tagged: nessieness, oscarpiastri

view all 99 comments

evaharris ossie ❤️

↳ y/npiastri ossie 💕

nessieness ossie 💖

oscarpiastri I've been summoned

evaharris love you lil bro, proud of you <3

landonorris ossie ❤️

oscarmemes LANDO 😭

oscarpastry love how you're joining oscar to races more this year!

mcpiastri had to double check who posted this only to realize y/n accepted my request?!?! 😭

↳ oscarpastry one of the lucky ones!

oscarmemes vanessa wrong team :(

↳ nessieness no one beats sir lewis hamilton

sarahf hope you're having fun over there, your team is killing it this week! My perm is looking amazing again!

landonorris need to get you a hat with the number 4

↳ nessieness can you get me a lewis hat?

landonorris no

nessieness rude

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Everything taglist; @thomaslefteyebrow @hopefulinlove @smoothopz @softboystarkey @honethatty12 @cixrosie @parkersmjs @ireadthensuetheauthors @celestialams @be-your-coffee-pot @heli991113 @kodzuvk @reality-is-a-con @80sloverry @bibissparkles @myescapefromthislife @lanando4 @elliegrey2803 @ravisinghs-wife @harrysdimple05 @minkyungseokie @pretty-little-bunny382728 @thatgirlthatreadswattpad @severewobblerlightdragon @cherry-piee @namgification @mycenterfold @devineendevers @celestialend @jsjcue @d3kstar @themislovesf1 @geehsf @mehrmonga @gentlemonsterworld

Lando taglist: @beatricemiruna @simp-for-fictional-people @landossainz @christianpulisic10 @bored-brunette2 @i83andrew @mcmuppet @justdreamersdream

head over feet taglist: @loloekie @charlesgirl16 @lilipiggytails @teenwolf01 @zucchinimalfoy @pumpkiinpasties @2bormaybenot @carpediem241108 @emyladia @lauralarsen @evie-119 @creamsteam3 @itsjustfranzi @ririyulife @tinyhrry @the-untamed-soul @jasminesacademia

[lovely-peace]

After last night...

Summary: After meeting and talking with a certain brown haired boy with those lovely scars in the hospital wing, well let's just say you think about giving people a chance.

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Gryffindor!reader

Part 1 Part 2

I think this is the last part tbh but tell me if you want more. 2.1k wc.

"And he really said that??" Amy looked at me as if he proposed.

"Yeah, I guess." This was so confusing, I couldn't make anything out of it.

"You guess?!!" I shushed Amy, since other people at the table were looking at us. And we shouldn't be so loud on a monday morning at the breakfast table.

"I mean, I don't really know what he means with that and-"

"You don't know what he means? Bi- I mean- Stupid, he means what he says! He wants to know you!"

Her eyebrow raised a bit.

"But-" I searched for the words in my head but there was only blank. "Why?"

Amy facepalmed hard and sighned. "You are hopless. Really hopless."

"Kinda harsh." I whispered.

Amy smirked as she looked behind me. And as if to throw me in a cave of waiting lions, she said: "James, Sirius! So good to see you."

I felt myself tensing at the exclamation of their names and at the fact they were standing not so far behind me.

Amy's smirk widened. "You know my friend and I were just talking about your friend Remus. How is he? We were kinda worried. Is he still in the hospital wing?"

Oh sweet death. Sometimes I wonder, when will you release me fron this torture? This torture which is also called embarrassment or humiliation.

I heard James' laughter.

"Oh, are you now? I will tell him that." I turned around to see him smirking at me. "He is out of the hospital wing, no worries. He got something else that's keeping him in his bed."

Sirius cleared his throat. "And before you think anything not so good of him, he got something we call cowardritis. He's a scaredy-cat."

Amy leaned forward. "And why does he has this sickness?" I could hear her smirk.

"Well…" James raised his hand towards his hair and tried to tame it, which would never succeed. "He may has said something he's embarrassed about."

"To someone, he doesn't know what to expect from." Sirius coughed and quickly looked away from me. But his smirk said more than any word could.

What should I do? I didn't even know him. Like, at all? And I didn't know if he was even serious about anything he said.

"Well.." I started. And I almost just stopped at that. Like always I almost just ignored everything around me. But this time-

"Tell him to get well soon from me."

. . .

James and Sirius stared at me as if I said I wanted to marry a Werwolf. Both of them slowly looked at each other. And then there it was. The smirks of them slowly grew.

"But oh! look at the time!" I grabbed my things and stood up. "We have DADA next, Amy! Can't be late!" I hurried down the hall as I heard Amy say:

"Don't mind her guys. She's just shy."

~~

"Soooooooo…" Amy slowly catched up to me. "You and Remus, huh?"

"Amy." I tried to stop her, but who in this world could ever stop Amy?

"Well, you wouldn't look bad together, I must say that." I could hear her devious smirk. "And he is even tall! And has those brown curls…"

"AMY!" I hid my face between my hands. "Please."

"What? I'm just saying, I can understand you. He IS handsome. And even though the bookish silent guy is not my type, I can understand it."

She sounded so proud of herself. Somehow it made me laugh.

"And those scars? They do make him mysterious and cool."

I couldn't stop my laughter escape my hands. "Amy, Stop."

"Who are you talking about?"

…

Never in my life. Did I turn so fast. Did my laughter die so fast. Never.

Marlene grinned at us. "Perhaps Remus Lupin?"

Amy looked at me and laughed. I bet I had the most horrified expression of the century. This scene could be out of my worst nightmares.

"What did you hear?" My voice was shaking as I looked at her.

Her grin widened even more. "Well that answers my question."

And with that she just turned and walked away.

~~

"Please get a hold of yourself! This is really pathetic." Amy shook her head as I hid myself under my blanket in our dorm.

"She heard us."

I could practically hear her rolling her eyes. "Yeah she did."

"And she thinks I would date Remus."

"I mean is she wrong?"

I threw my blanket to the other side of ny bed and looked up at Amy.

"What?"

"What?" She looked at me clueless and I sighed. I grabbed my blanket again and hid my face again.

Amy almost groaned, like one of those alpha males in these fanfictions- and that was ridiculous, I mean we aren't in a fanfiction.

"Would dating him be so bad?"

I looked up at her again. "What? No, of course not. That's not my point."

She tilted her head. "Then what is it?"

I don't want anyone making fun of me. I don't want to be hurt. I don't want that.

But I do want to know him.

"I don't know."

Amy raised an eyebrow. "Come on, let's go to the common room."

"Why?" My blanket felt so warm.

"Maybe they are there."

And as if that was convincing me to go there. As if the option of seeing his beautiful deep eyes again would make me leave my bed and go the stairs down to the common roo-

~~

"Oh look who the cat dragged in!" Sirius' voice startled me a bit as we came into the room. But he smiled nicely at us and waved us towards their group. James, Lily, Marlene, Sirius and, well he was there.

I tried not to look at him too much, but his eyes were like magnets for my eyes. But somehow I managed to look away.

"Wanna join us? We planned a little get together. And we even managed to get food from the kitchen."

I'm really pathetic.

And my mind was constantly screaming at me. This would never end well, at some point I would be only a joke for them. My mind was going crazy.

But something somehow changed. I don't know what it was. But my mind wasn't the loudest in my body.

No my heartbeat was going crazy.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Amy smiled and looked at me like a mother trying to get her kid to say something. And this kid was struggling. I didn't want to sound mean, but also not to desperate. How do you even talk normal with new people???

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, that wouldn't be so bad I guess."

OH MY GOD I WAS SOUNDING LIKE ONE OF THESE TRY HARDS

But somehow no one looked at me weird. Lily even smiled at me and nodded next to her towards an empty spot on the couch.

And on this side of the couch was next to it the chair Remus was sitting in, but that was obviously beside the point.

Amy sat down next to lily and I sat next to her.

"Sooooo…" James looked at me and Amy. "Why were you two coming down at this late hour?"

"Oh we just wanted a little bit of fresh air, you know?" Amy smiled as she said this lie. And we all ignored that in the common room wasn't even fresh air.

"Well we were just talking about our favorite foods!" Marlene started and looked at me mischievously.

"But didn't we just talk about Re-" James started but Marlene cut him off while looking at him with a look that could kill.

"What's your favorite food?" she looked at me expecting.

"My favorite food?" I blinked two times, somehow suprised that I was already asked something.

"Yeah, or maybe like favorite sweet or something you just really like to have as a snack."

"Well…" That wasn't a so easy question to be honest. But the first thing that came to mind,when I was sitting here… I even smelled it… "Chocolate. I really like Chocolate. Like chocolate cookies or cake."

I laughed. "I love chocolate since I first ate one of these chocolate frogs. Blew my mind."

Now everyone was looking at me like I said something really really mind blowing. Like chocolate was a extraordinary answer, what it really wasn't.

And even those brown eyes, which color reminded me of light chocolate, widened a bit as I looked at him after I said that.

I cleared my throat again. "Well, I dont eat only chocolate obviously. It's one of my favorite sweets, like who doesn't like chocolate?"

I looked around searching for a reason they were being so weird, but I only saw knowing smirks.

"Me." Amy said and smiled at me knowingly. I rolled my eyes.

"How could I forget, your highness?" I remarked at her and she laughed quietly.

"Well…" Marlene looked at me again and I just knew she was not finished with her Cross-examination. "Do you like Valentine's Day? I mean it is next week."

…

Oh. The conversation was going in this direction.

"It's.. I don't know, I mean… It's not bad, I guess?" I couldn't keep the nervous laughter inside of me.

"What do you mean with not bad?" Marlene really seemed like one of these Aurors trying to get information out of me.

"I mean I don't really know how it really feels like… Well no, that sounds dumb, that's not how I meant it! I mean I… Just never, like... had a date on Valentine's Day, so it's not really a special day for me."

Oh my god was I a rambling mess. Why was I even talking that much??? AMY SAVE MEE

"You never were taken out, on Valentine's Day?" James asked bluntly and Lily shot him a scolding look.

"Yeah, I guess." I mumbled.

This was going horribly. I was only making a fool out of me. After my embarrassing monolog I couldn't look into Remus direction, because this was almost humiliating.

I tried to subtly sink more into the couch and more into invisibility.

"I mean, of course we both spend time together in hogsmeade on Valentine's Day."

Amy slid into the conversation like the lord's savior himself. "Then we drink while looking at all these happy couples. And sometimes there is even Drama! It's very amusing."

"Would you like to-" Marlene started and I tensed. But then…

"Marlene stop it, you are making her uncomfortable."

Was Remus' voice always this beautiful? It was so soothing and still steady.

What was I even thinking?

Marlene looked at me now a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. You can just say if I'm being to much."

"But then you could never say anything?" Sirius looked at her teasingly.

"Hey!"

I felt myself smiling now and I couldn't believe it. I was beginning to enjoy myself here. I was sitting next to the marauders and I was laughing. What has gotten into me?

"Well if we are talking about Valentine's Day, I find it very unpleasant." Lily stated while yawning.

"The overpriced chocolate with someone -" a glare shot at James. "Making always a big deal over a day on which we still have school."

"The so called 'big deal' is called being romantic." James looked at her with a hand on his chest. "But you wouldn't know anything about it, wouldn't you Evans?"

"Oh please, the stuff you do isn't romantic, just embarrassing." She shot back unimpressed.

James gasped loudly, while Sirius loudly laughed. And I couldn't help myself and chuckle.

And then I felt it.

His look.

I knew he was looking at me I could feel it. But it didn't bother me. No it just made my heartrate go up and I felt lightheaded.

Crazy, right?

It felt so cosy here, next to Remus the fire. The presence made it so warm here.

"Do you want a bit chocolate?"

I looked to my left and almost drowned in those eyes. WHAT WAS HAPPENING, WHY WAS I SO…??

"Me?" I dumbly asked. He looked down and I almost regretted.

"Well you did just say you liked it? And I have more than enough." He held chocolate towards me but still didn't meet my eyes again.

I softly took it while my mind was silent for the first time as I brushed his hands.

"Thank you."

He didn't react at first but then just nodded.

For someone who said he wanted to know me last night, he was really not so social now. But somehow that didn't bother me. It was a start.

"What's your favorite food?"

I was not a fast person. In fact I would always take things very slow. I mean in what reality are you dating someone after two conversations?

For me? Unthinkable.

He doesn't have to tell me if he likes Valentine's Day or not. He doesn't need to tell me what he likes in girls. Not in our second conversation.

But with food you can really start to know a person, you know?

That's what I searched. A start.

"Chocolate."

[mcflymemes]

PORTAL 2 PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the 2011 video game, adjust as necessary

when life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade! make life take the lemons back! get mad! i don't want your damn lemons!

best case scenario, you might get some superpowers. worst case, some tumors.

science isn't about why. it's about why not.

the next test is very dangerous.

before the wright brothers invented the airplane, anyone wanting to fly everywhere was required to eat 200 pounds of helium.

to help you remain tranquil in the face of almost certain death, smooth jazz will be deployed in three... two... one.

please disregard any undeserved compliments.

all right, i've been thinking.

what am i supposed to do with these?

do you know who i am?

oh, i like this guy.

he says what we're all thinking.

you can head on back to your desk.

well, this is the part where he kills us.

hello. this is the part where i kill you.

i know you.

no! i'm not listening! i'm not listening!

you're lying!

you're not just a regular moron. you were designed to be a moron.

i am not! a moron!

now who's a moron?

could a moron do that?

i can't see it though. maybe it fell off.

do you want to go and have a quick look?

are you alive? that's important. should have asked that first.

i'm going to work on the assumption that you're still alive.

i'm just going to wait for you up ahead.

i'll wait one hour.

brilliant! go team!

i think we can put our differences behind us.

hi. so. how are you holding up?

good, that's still working.

here are the test results.

you are a horrible person.

i'm serious. that's what it says.

we weren't even testing for that.

don't be alarmed, all right?

good work getting this far.

i wish i could take it all back. i honestly do.

i'm in space.

if i were ever to see her again, do you know what i'd say? i'd say "i'm sorry." sincerely.

i am sorry. i was bossy and monstrous... and i'm genuinely sorry.

you made it through! well done!

okay, follow me. we've still got work to do.

what's happening?

okay... don't move.

so i've got an idea, but it is bloody dangerous. here we go.

they told me that if i ever turned this flashlight on, i would die.

they told me that about everything.

i don't even know why they bother giving me this stuff if they didn't want me to use it.

look at you, soaring through the air like an eagle.

i'm different!

prometheus was punished by the gods for giving the gift of knowledge to man. he was cast to the bowels of the earth and pecked by birds.

it won't be enough. the answer lies beneath us.

oh, it's dark down here, isn't it?

i'm proud of you.

now we are a family again.

that last test was seriously disappointing.

just work with me.

some of my best friends are actually orphans.

you look ugly in that jumpsuit.

that's not my opinion.

i'll be honest. we're throwing science at the wall here to see what sticks.

no idea what it'll do.

i knew someone was alive in here!

you'll know when the test starts.

oh thank god you're all right.

i thought you were my greatest enemy, when all along you were my best friend.

the best solution to a problem is usually the easiest one.

i'll be honest. killing you? is hard.

i had a pretty good life. and then you showed up.

you know what? you win. just go.

it's been fun. don't come back.

this sentence is false.

to be honest, i might have heard that one before.

you know, i'm not stupid.

i realize you don't want to put me back in charge.

i'm being serious. i think there's something really wrong with me.

we should get our stories straight.

no, we're not stopping!

don't make eye contact, whatever you do.

i feel awful about that surprise.

oh, that's sad. but impressive.

we're running out of time.

you've probably figured it out by now, but i don't need you anymore.

i'm afraid you're about to become the immediate past president of the being alive club.

the square root of rope is string.

okay, what you're doing there is jumping.

you know what? that's close enough.

you saved my bacon.

is this a jailbreak?

the next test is very dangerous.

it's been a long time. how have you been?

i've been really busy being dead. you know, after you murdered me.

you out having yourself a little adventure?

no, don't get up. i'll be right back.

you're unqualified!

what if this hurts? what if it really hurts? oh, i didn't think about that.

get your hands off me!

i can't see a thing! what just happened?

i don't have any bullets.

did you feel that?

you were busy back there.

that's funny. i don't feel corrupt.

i've got an idea! do what it says!

look how small you are down there!

do you have any idea how good this feels?

sorry, fellas. she's married. to science.

let me answer those questions with a question. who wants to make sixty dollars?

yes, all right, okay, this is getting tiresome.

well done. good. aren't you little miss clever. little miss smashy smash.

does it actually make you feel good when you do that?

it's not impressive.

what is this, like a hobby for you now?

i'm beginning to actually take it personally.

it's like an insult to me.

oh, there goes another one.

it's vandalism! it's pure vandalism!

it's just us talking like regular people.

are you going to open this door?

where'd you go? come back!

[apomaro-mellow]

King&Prince 8

Steve was glad for the boots, but he wasn't about to extend any gratitude to the king for the bare minimum. He was still essentially a prisoner. It begged the question of why he wasn't in a cell anymore, but Steve wouldn't complain. His current situation was a lot better. But the boots came with a price and the cost of having them was apparently following the king around.

"How's your foot?"

"What?"

"Your foot from the-the cut didn't look too bad and you're walking now so...?"

Steve's eyes narrowed. He didn't understand why the king sounded so nervous. "My foot's fine. I can walk. I was able to walk yesterday, but you wouldn't hear of it. Do I look made of glass?"

King Edward paused in the hallway. "....No, you don't."

"Good. Because I'm not. I'm not going to break from some little cut or anything you've got planned for me."

"What do you think I have planned?"

"I haven't the clearest idea", Steve said. "But I'm not fragile. You can do your worst-"

"My worst?", he chuckled. "Little prince, you haven't seen my worst. You haven't seen my bad side at all. But maybe it's about time you've witnessed the worst of your father."

Steve was given a coat and he was led outside. The skies were cloudy and the air was crisp, but the frigid atmosphere was beginning to melt away. It made Steve realize how long he'd been locked away. The frost was melting and spring would be here soon.

Wait...

"You people have warm weather here? You have spring and..." He almost said 'sun' but to do so seemed ridiculous now.

"We get all four seasons here, you know, when the royal budget allows it."

That almost sounded like a joke. Steve frowned. He didn't like when his ignorance was thrown back at him like that. But really, how could he know otherwise? This was supposed to be the land of darkness. Where the wrong shadow could be filled with teeth. Everything was out to kill you here.

The king led him to the stables and for a moment, Steve saw hope. If he got a horse, he could get away. Even if the king gave chase, he could get pretty far with a horse. And Steve was justly proud of his riding skills. His hopes were dashed when the king only asked for a single horse.

"Am I to walk beside your horse wherever we go?", he asked, arms crossed. He imagined being paraded around, perhaps led on a leash like a trophy of war.

"No, Harrington. I expect you to ride with me."

Steve was so stunned, the horse was saddled and the king had already mounted by the time he came back to himself.

"You...you can't be serious! I can't-you can't expect me to-"

"Oh, I do. Now hop to it. We have a lot to see before it gets dark."

The thought of being outside the castle walls when night fell was what prompted Steve to mount the horse. But even so, he refused to touch the king. He instead, dug his fingers into the part of the saddle he could find purchase and held tight with his legs.

"You're going to need to touch me eventually."

"Over one of our dead bodies."

It occurred to Steve how easy it would have been to kill him like this. He'd kept a utensil with the idea of using it to threaten someone before. Why hadn't he done it again? Even just a fork could be deadly if placed in the right area. And here, the king who had terrorized his family was riding with his back to him. If he had just the right thing, he could have ended it all now. But he was without a weapon. And Steve wasn't so stupid that he thought he could choke out a monarch right here in the courtyard and get away with it.

It wasn't easy to ride with barely a grip on anything, but Steve's legs were nothing if not strong, and they helped keep him upright as they left through the castle gates.

"Is that Eddie?", Robin noted, watching from a window.

"Sure looks like it", Gareth replied.

"But he's riding so slow?"

Gareth took a closer look and his eyes bugged out of his head. "Is he riding with the prince?!"

Robin's eyes narrowed. "I mean, I did tell him to be gentle with the guy. It's nice having some actual muscle that I can boss around. I didn't think he'd take me seriously."

Back outside, Eddie was steering the horse carefully and cautiously. He wasn't trying to give the prince special treatment, but he didn't want him flying off the back of the horse either. The road from the castle led right to the capital city, but Eddie didn't want to go there. Even looking like he was now, Steve would attract attention simply because he was riding with the king. He wasn't in the mood to prevent a stoning.

Instead, he took them off the path, to the forests that spread out over his land. Steve was blessedly quiet during most of the trip, probably taking it all in. From his question about the weather, Eddie surmised a unhealthy dose of propaganda was fighting against being a first hand witness. Eddie had heard all the scary stories that people told to explain his existence, his connection with his creatures, and his kingdom in general. He could probably count on one hand the things people got right.

"I've been fighting with your family for a long time. Do you know why?"

Steve blinked, surprised by the question when they had been riding in silence. "Because we've always been enemies."

"But do you know why?"

Steve's brow furrowed. "Your kingdom sprung from the darkest depths to challenge ours. If we left you alone, we'd be consumed. All you want is destruction. To turn everything into a desolate wasteland."

The king chuckled. They got deeper into the forest. With how cloudy it was, the thick of the woods began to get darker. Eddie didn't need to ask if Steve's mind had been changed. The evidence was already presented. If he was too stubborn to see it, he'd be a lost cause. All Eddie needed to see was how he'd react to the actual monsters used to scare and frighten.

There was a cave ahead, pitch black on the inside. The horse stopped before even Eddie ordered it, sensing what was within.

"Your people have always been afraid of my kind. And I can't fault them for being afraid of what they don't know." He dismounted and held a hand out for Steve. Steve ignored his hand and got down himself, doing his best not to stumble. Between his bandaged foot and slightly numb legs, he somehow managed.

"We know enough."

"Do you? So you've seen and can identify all the different creatures under my command?"

"I don't need to identify a monster. I just need to know how to kill it."

"And there it is! Knowledge in the name of decimation, instead of knowledge itself. Or, if you can imagine, progress." The king cackled and Steve felt like he was being made fun of again.

"Why did you bring me here? What's in the cave?"

"I think you already know, Harrington. You're smarter than you look." Eddied took the horses reins and tied it to a tree off to the side so it wouldn't run off.

For a split second, Steve thought about the numerous rocks on the ground and how he could just grab one and-

Why did he always have these thoughts? How often had he stopped himself from being more violent. Every moment that went by without Steve physically assaulting the king, he heard his father's voice calling him useless and weak. If his father and been captured, King Edward would be dead by now. His father would have never been taken at all.

King Edward went to the mouth of the cave and reached a hand out. There was a chittering sound, a creature coming forth. The hairs on Steve's body stood on end and he reached for a sword that wasn't there.

"If you've brought me here to kill me-"

"Shh", the king shushed, but it was unclear who he was speaking to. To Steve? Or to the grey, four legged thing coming out of the black. The king knelt, hand held out, letting whatever it was, get closer to him. Steve had seen drawings, depictions of what lurked in these lands. But nothing prepared him for how the face opened slightly, revealing a hint of the rows of teeth that lied within. It was like a flower made of nightmares.

Steve had been frozen in place as he watched the king pet the creature like it was a dog.

"Tell me, prince. Do you like spiders? Or rats? Or even wasps and flies?"

"Those are all pests", Steve answered, though his voice wasn't as firm as he would like it, guard up and attention all on the two monsters before him.

"And yet, each of them as a specific niche in our world. A role to play in our ecosystem. And it is our ecosystem." The king turned his body slightly to look at Steve, taking in his tense stance. "You can relax. If my intention was to kill you, I wouldn't have wasted my breath talking to you."

"As if anything you do has a rhyme or reason. Nothing about you or this kingdom makes any sense!"

"Or is it that you refuse to see reason?" The king sent the creature back into the cave. "It's about time you take the blinders off and see my kingdom for what it is."

Steve shook his head. "A snake may very well be part of an ecosystem but its venom is still dangerous. Killing those things before they over take us is the only thing that makes any sense. That still makes sense."

"And I could say the same about your people. Kill them all and snuff you out before you can destroy my kingdom and my people."

"Then why don't you!?"

"Because that's not what I want!"

His words echoed between the trees. He stepped towards Steve but the prince stood his ground. If this was where he died, he'd do it with his head held high. The king didn't stop until they were toe to toe.

"I'll say this for your benefit. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it the by now." His eyes glanced at something behind Steve.

Curious and confused, Steve looked around to see a horde of those grayish monsters assembled behind him and in his shock, he nearly jumped into the king's arms, hands clinging to his clothing.

"Didn't take much for you to touch me after all."

Steve's blood went from running cold to being startling hot. So hot his hand moved before his brain. The crack of his hand slapping across the king's face echoed.

Part 10

Tag Team

@thesuninyaface @only-evanescent @snakeorsquid @ignoremyworld @theclichefortunecookie @goodolefashionedloverboi @just-a-tiny-void @0body0disphoria0 @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @samsoble @jamieweasley13 @y4r3luv @xtkxkrzrizir @un-knownperson @greekgeek24 @justdrugsformethanks @potato-of-the-lord @notaqueenakhaleesi @swimmingbirdrunningrock @queenie-ofthe-void @nebulainajar @lil-gremlin-things @nicememerino @robininblue @hornedqueenofhell @anne-bennett-cosplayer @moomkin77

[the-badger-mole]

i've scrolled through your blog quite a bit, and one thing i haven't seen you talk about (though maybe i just didn't scroll far enough) was the scene where sokka is wearing the kyoshi warrior uniform.

i've seen so many people say "wow, the show is really taking a stance against toxic masculinity! sokka wore a dress! it humbled him!" but if you actually watch the show . . .

it wants you to laugh at that, actually. it's one of my least favorite lines from aang. sokka is repeating something suki told him about what different parts of the uniform represent or something like that and he's looking pretty proud, but then aang walks by and says "hey sokka, nice dress" and laughs. and that's never walked back and aang's never punished. so the narrative is clearly pushing that . . . what aang said was okay? but if what aang said was okay, then that means that sokka wearing a dress was meant to be laughed at, right?

anyway, i don't understand how people watch that scene and take away "wow, that scene was so progressive! sokka wore a dress!" yeah . . . we as the audience are supposed to laugh at it. it's supposed to be funny. because boy in dress can't be taken seriously! it has to be a joke!

and i don't understand how people watch that scene and like aang. that was his first major red flag for me. like??? it get that he's twelve and a little shitster, but as you've said so many times, his age isn't an excuse to not hold him accountable. in fact, his immaturity means he should be held extra accountable, so he doesn't end up the same little shitster as an adult. the end of that episode should have had aang apologize to suki (who was also there when aang made that comment iirc). that comment was demeaning and threw away the entire point of that scene (and episode, honestly) in just four words. it demeaned the kyoshi customs and culture, and it completely throws away the point of suki telling sokka "if you want to train with me, you have to follow all our traditions" (paraphrase, not real quote).

anyway aang sucks, and if you've already talked about this, sorry. but if you haven't would love to hear your thoughts.

Of all the things that I think are wrong with Aang, his sexism is pretty low. That's not to say I don't think he's got the potential to be sexist, I just don't think it's occurred to him. He grew up in a gender segregated monastery. I wouldn't be surprised if Katara was the first girl around his own age that he'd spent any time with at all. What were the monks teaching him about girls, and why they were separated? Who knows? Clearly, he knew enough to ridicule Sokka for wearing a dress and to be upset about being played by a woman in EIP. Aang does have some sexist tendencies, but I don't think he's thought through the implications enough to actually be outright sexist. His worst moments have to do with his cultural biases, and an Air Nomad superiority complex. One of his worst moments had to do with him being disrespectful towards Bato about SWT artifacts.

The most obvious potential example of his sexism the way he treats Katara throughout the series, at least on the surface, but while there was absolutely sexism involved in how Katara was treated, I think it was more sexism in the writers room than in Aang himself. With Aang, it was less sexism, and more general entitlement. He wanted Katara. Her feelings didn't matter, not because she was a girl, but because she was an object. I've pointed out before that Nightmares and Daydreams proved that he understood what enthusiastic consent is, but he never even considered her feelings enough to think that she could turn him down. He was very entitled about Katara's affections and even her body, but I don't think the entitlement would've been different if the genders were reversed (look at how entitled Korra felt to Mako), or even if Aang and Katara were both boys.

I'm sure someone else could find more examples of Aang being overtly sexist- in fact, I remember reading a really good meta about Aang's reaction to being played by a woman in EIP, but I can't remember who wrote it. Still, don't think it matters if Aang was sexist or not. He's more toxic than Sokka ever was, even without being overtly sexist. Sokka, at least, was open to learning and growing, and his sexism was never that deep. But Aang? He never gets the opportunity to grow, because his bad traits are never called out like Sokka's are. I'm convinced that Aang benefits from cute privilege within the fandom. If Aang was a year or two older, and looked like Sokka or Zuko, he'd be right up there with Ross Gellar and Ted Mosby in the Nice Guys Who Aren't Actually That Nice pantheon, but because he's got big ears, chubby cheeks, and a big ol' smile, he gets a pass.

[fangswbenefits]

getting this off my chest

I really, really love writing for this fandom.

I think I haven't felt like this in years.

Astarion is such an enticing vessel for my creativity and has rekindled my joy for writing and putting it out there.

Alas, imposter syndrome really gnaws at my nerves more often than I care to admit.

"But Ruby, you have so many people who like your work. Why do you doubt yourself?"

Because I grew up being told I was never enough. That I was the worst at what I did best, which back then was learning English and surrounding myself in the language, hence why I sought comfort in fanfiction.

My sister, whom I love dearly, is an English teacher. She would be so harsh on me, and I know she meant well. She really did. But it was so hard back then. I would come to her with creative writing in English and she would just roll her eyes and tell me I wasn't good enough.

Nowadays, she acknowledges that I am more proficient than her and more at ease with the language, and even tells my nephew to study English with me instead.

But back then, I needed someone to believe I could do better.

So, there is a part of me that is proud that I am able to deal with real-life fatigue by writing and finding enjoyment in this hobby. But a much darker part of me tells me I'm not worthy and that I simply got lucky.

The Arrangement means a lot to me. I tend to dive right into fandoms and start writing for the character that caught my eye.

But I couldn't do that for Astarion... I am still unsure why. For those of you who have been here from my Miguel O'Hara days or when I first started posting about Astarion, you'll know The Arrangement was the first thing I ever posted for him.

Took me 2 weeks to get the first chapter out because I kept thinking I couldn't find a voice for Astarion. One that felt like him. After all, I'm always a step behind because I am not a native speaker. There will always be that looming feeling that I can't convey this story properly.

Even if you now know me for my Astarion smut, that wasn't even the driving force of my love for him.

It took me 2 months to feel comfortable writing smut for him. Why? I don't even know.

But The Arrangement feels different.

I love writing it and I love taking my liberties with the plot.

It's my opportunity to fully showcase my love for him.

I know not everyone likes it. I know some of you have dropped it. Some of you will drop it. But some will walk along this path with me, and I can't stress enough how your feedback and love help keep these negative thoughts at bay.

It's an internal work, though. It is not your job to validate my writing skills. This is not what puts food on my table. I am not looking to be published. I am looking for an escape. And it's so frustrating when my mind tries to rob me of joy even when it comes to a hobby.

"If this is a hobby why does it matter what others think or if they like what you write? Just have fun. Write for yourself."

And I do write for myself, but I share my work because I am hopeful my words can make someone's day. I seek that connection I never had growing up. Perhaps it sounds silly, but it's what makes the most sense in my head.

The Arrangement should be my pride and joy even if not perfect (nothing ever is, I suppose). And I'm exhausted of not feeling proud of it. I'm tired of this vicious cycle of self-doubt.

Don't get me wrong. I love writing smut. I think that's what I'm best at (well, in my opinion). I love exploring Astarion this way, too, but...

I don't know where I'm going with this... if anyone has made it this far, thank you, and sorry for the word vomit...

[jimin-my-sunshine]

~ My letter to you both ~

You are by far, the strongest man that I know, Jimin and every single day- I am so much more proud to call you one of my other halves.

You're incredible, and regardless of what anyone says, I know there are people who see what is going on with you and they don't approve at all over how you are treated.

I believe that they will speak out when the time is right, because I have faith in the people who are your real fans.

They came through for you when you really needed it- back in November 2023, after it got announced you were leaving with Jungkook and they did more for you than HYBE.

They fought for you and spoke up for you in ways I have never seen.

There was so much hate surrounding you and it was quite easily the worst you have ever been through from a public standpoint- but they pushed through for you and it was so beautiful to see their support for you.

They are the people that hold you close and cherish you Jimin and I know they will come through for you again when the time comes.

That being said, Jungkook and Taehyung aren't terrible people, because you wouldn't care so much for them if they were- but they need to be more aware of themselves and take accountability for the things they do.

Loving them, doesn't mean you need to put up with their cruelty when the three of you are together, but you forgive them so easily- because this is the kind of man you are and they are so lucky to have you in their lives.

I know that they cherish you, because they are the one's you are the closest to, but at the end of the day- we need to forgive them for being only human and you do that so well.

I continue to learn from you even after all of these years, Jimin and I am honored to call myself one of your other halves.

You and Jungkook mean the world to me and I'm so glad that I have been blessed enough to be a part of your wonderful twin flame union.

I will wait for the day when you find me and we can begin again, where we left off back in that time.

I am here and I am waiting for you, because hiding in the shadows is no longer where I belong.

"You are me, and I am you..."

[sunfyresrider]

𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒕

Aegon II Targaryen x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: The story of how you accidentally became fuck buddies with your best friend... who is a werewolf. Tags: Omegaverse, slick, ruts, knots all that stuff. VV minor manipulation, stressed out best friend, begging, cursing, short story mainly smut Author’s Note: This is my first time writing like this so pls be gentle w me. Inspired by a post my queen made a while ago @lovelykhaleesiii Not my best work but it's a filler while I update some other wips and series.

8:30 pm 

Aegon was going to be late as usual. In the long years of friendship, you had with him he was never on-time to anything, although neither were you. You sunk into the couch and scrolled through your phone, searching for something to pass the time. At the very worst he would be an hour late, at the best he would be here soon. 

9:30 pm

Tiktok was quickly becoming uninteresting and so was any discourse on Twitter you tried to read. The clock ticked on, and Aegon was nowhere to be seen. Your patience was wearing thin, and you couldn't help but wonder what could have possibly caused such a delay. Did something happen to him? Should you reach out to check if he was okay? 

10:30 pm

The minutes turned into hours, and fatigue began to set in. Sitting on the couch, your mind drifted to various scenarios, from Aegon getting caught up in an unexpected event to simply forgetting about your plans. Regardless, his disappearance was unusual, even for him. Normally, he would have texted you with an excuse or promised to hang another there. 

11:00 pm 

As the night grew darker, your concern transformed into frustration. You considered calling or texting Aegon, but a part of you hesitated, not wanting to appear too eager or needy. You were proud, far too proud to let him know he was stressing you the fuck out. Still, you couldn't shake off the worry that something might have gone wrong. You stalked all of his socials, inactive. You tried to check his location, but he turned it off, bastard. You messaged Aemond who politely left you on read, as always. 

By now you should accept the fact he’s ghosting you… After years of friendship, it ends like this. What a load of fucking bullshit, a game only Aegon would play. You’re overthinking, maybe he really was hurt or drunk or lost. Too many possibilities raced through your head as you were getting dressed. 

12:00 pm

Your anxious nature took over as you stepped into his ancient apartment building made of old brick. In the past he’d been known for going on all types of benders. Even though he had been sober for quite some time it did not quell the thought he may have relapsed. Your worst fears grew more prominent each step you took towards his door. What if he was dead? What if he was missing? What if he really was just ghosting you to fuck another female? All of the above were causing your heart to race and stomach churn.

Bang bang bang

“Aegon! Are you in here?!” you shouted from outside the door, digging into your purse for the spare key. “Aeg! If you don’t answer i'm coming in!” From outside you could hear the sounds of… something inside. You weren’t sure if it was a groan or a moan but neither boded well for you. ‘Fuck it,’ you thought to yourself as you jammed your key into the door. The inside was the same, plain and simple. The black couch still sat in front of the flat screen and the kitchen by the door was completely untouched. As you stalked further inside the small whimpers from his bedroom became more and more clear. He was alive, but he must be with someone else. That almost hurt worse. Even if you were just friends, it was painfully obvious how much you fancied him. You were practically fuming, who the fuck was he with now? Your steps turned into long strides as you neared his door, slamming it open with one hand. 

“What the fu-” The scene before you sucked all of the air out of your body. He was alive and… “This isn’t what it looks like!” He jumped, falling off the bed with only a sheet covering him. You were stunned, shocked, confused, and utterly dumbfounded. There he was humping a pillow wi- with a tail? “What the fuck—” you drawled out your words trying to comprehend the situation at hand. There Aegon was, as bare as a baby, with a fluffy tail and ears… 

“I can explain, just- just-” Aegon paused to sniff the air, for the first time he noticed your scent. The pheromones you were releasing immediately threatened to drive him crazy. His rut was horrible this year, reaching the worst today. He took to fucking a pillow and was crying trying to ease the pain… You had no idea how much worse you had made it for him by walking inside. Had you been in heat this entire time and it took a transformation for him to notice your sweet smell? It was intoxicating, mind dumbing and exhilarating all at once. His thoughts became a flurry of all the things he wanted with you. Aegon wanted to ravage you, devour you whole and claim you as his mate. Did you even know you were in heat? 

He stood up, with the sheet poorly covering his erection. His eyes were blurry with tears and his lips formed into a permanent pout. “I need you- I need your help, just please don’t run.” Your eyes drifted down to his bulge; it isn't wrong you were only human after all! “H-how can I help?” There are no words in any language to describe what you were feeling. You were shocked, scared, turned on, and in awe of the tail wagging behind him. Never in any lifetime did you expect the term “human golden retriever” to become a reality. “It hurts- so so bad.” He whined making slow moves towards you so as to not startle you. 

This was odd, he was odd, you were having a fucking fever dream or something. You pointed a finger at his crotch, eyeing him up and down. He nodded his head vigorously and you swore his ears perked up. I can’t fix it without your help.” Was he drooling or was that the tears still falling from his eyes… “w-why?” His voice cracked, “Its- Its a wolf thing.” Ah, he was a werewolf not a dog. He took a step forward and you circled around him, back facing the bed. You weren’t scared, just overwhelmingly confused. Of course, you always wanted him, always thought of him begging but not like this… 

Your breath was sucked out of you once more as he fell to his knees, hand gripping at your sides. He stared up at you with the worst case of puppy dog eyes you’ve ever seen. “I’ve always wanted you- I’ve always needed you, but I-I was so scared. P-please! Let me prove it to you.” A bit manipulative, but what else could he do? His cock was throbbing, and you were the most beautiful prey he had ever laid eyes upon. “I… ok, I’ll help.” 

His eyes turned primal, making you automatically realize there was an error in your decision. Aegon, acting purely on instinct, pounced on you. His weight pushing you fully onto the bed, squirming beneath him as his lips devoured yours. A guttural growl escaping his throat as he grinded himself against your clothed cunt. 

Aegon's fingers dug into your thighs as he pulled them apart. His tongue lapped hungrily at your neck, making you shudder as goosebumps erupted across your skin. A moan escaped your lips as his hands moved to rip off your clothes. Of course, he couldn’t just remove them normally. With two quick tears they were gone along with your bra and panties leaving you completely naked under his gaze. Superhuman strength, that’ll take some getting used to.

The feel of his hot breath sent shivers through your body as he moved downwards. He was panting, inhaling the sweet scent of your slick. Aegon needed to taste it, to feel it cover his tongue. His fingers trailed over your cunt before pressing firmly into your slit, causing you to arch upwards. Oh god, were you this wet from him crying? 

You felt the tip of his tongue press against your clit. At first it was just a taste, to test if you were as sweet as you smelled. It was better, so much better than anyone could imagine. His mouth pressed firmly against you, Aegon’s tongue mercilessly lapping at your pussy. The way he devouring you drove you insane, sending shocks shooting throughout your entire being. 

He began to lap faster at your sensitive flesh, desperate to swallow you whole. He behaved like a man starved and this was his last steak. He didn’t care about anything else; all he cared for was satisfying his hunger. His claws pricked your ass cheeks as he knelt between your legs, forcing you open wider. His tongue dipped into your hole causing your legs to shiver. 

"Ahh!" You cried out, buckling as waves of pleasure shot through your core. Your cunt began tightening around nothing as his tongue moved to do circles around your clit. The vibrations of his low growls sending a new pleasure throughout you. 

He pulled back, his face glistening with your slick. Aegon licked his lips lazily, as he stared down at you. "Baby," he purred, baring his fangs you did not know existed. "I’m gonna claim you." His words made you blush, wait how was he gonna? 

He quickly shoved his lips onto your own, sucking every word out of your mouth. His teeth nipping at your bottom lip as he thrusted his hips forwards, grinding against your slick. A sharp gasp escaped your lips as he prodded at your entrance. 

Aegon let go of your face snaking his hands down to your waist… Without notice, he flipped you onto your stomach causing you to yelp. Before you knew it, he was straddling you, one knee on either side of your body. His erection rubbed against the crease between your ass cheeks as he held himself above you.

You looked up at him, watching his chest rise and fall rapidly. He stared at you for confirmation, even in wolf form consent mattered. You nodded, unable to speak. Aegon gave you a feral grin before shoving himself inside you. 

"Oh fuck!" You moaned loudly as he pushed deeper, stretching you wide. This wasn't going to be easy. But then again, neither were any of the things Aegon did. He began thrusting harshly, giving you no time to adjust. Each deep push forced another scream to escape your lips until he dropped his full weight on you, pulling your face up by your hair. 

Aegon’s head dipped into the crook of your neck, near your collarbone and he fucking bit you. From this point on, you were claimed, forever and always his omega. His movements became rougher as he neared his finish. It felt as if his cock was growing inside you. 

Your hands gripped the sheets tightly, as you whimpered and moaned different curses. Your body acting without you as it tightened around him. As if your very essence wanted to give him what he desired most. Allowing him to fill you up and make you his.

"A-A-Aegon!" You screamed out as you came. Your muscles clenching around his shaft. He growled, a real growl this time as his cock began to form a knot, securing himself deep inside you. His arms wrapped unbearably tight around you, squeezing your breasts roughly while he slammed hard into you, burying his cock fully within your womb. Your cunt tightened around his knot as his seed spilled out inside of you. 

You landed in unison, slowly he eased his grip on you so you could sink into the bed. “A-Aegon are you going to move?” You were absolutely clueless as to why you were still stuffed to the brim. His cock must have grown which goes against human biology but apparently so did his very existence. 

He peppered kisses along your shoulder as he moved to pull you into a spooning position. “We’re gonna be stuck like this for a while.”

[boggywitchin]

Nesting

Arthur stood there, hands on hips and lips pursed, "What happened to my room?"

The look thrown his way spoke elegantly of what Merlin thought of his mental prowess, "I'm cleaning it."

He raised an eyebrow, "Cleaning?"

"Yes, cleaning. And a bit of rearranging."

"Mm. I see that." Arthur did some quick math as he carefully walked around the piles of clothes, stacks of books, and pieces of armor. "And the bed?"

Merlin straightened from his task, a puzzled frown on his face, "I made it. Are you feeling alright?"

"Not sure.” He responded thoughtfully, “I think I'll be indisposed for the next couple of days. From a fever, perhaps."

Arthur climbed into the circular mound gracing the royal mattress. Quills, parchment, bits of chainmail, and even the hilt of a sword could be seen filling the gaps between soft, downy blankets, rich furs that'd be ruined by week’s end, and enough pillows to furnish at least five rooms. It really was a nice nest. His inner alpha rumbled contentedly, proud of the hard work his mate put into making this. 

He'd have to do something about that sword though. It was a rather nasty accident waiting to happen, especially given how much they utilized the space.

Merlin moved to Arthur's side of the bed and placed a hand against the King's forehead. "You don't feel warm. Are you sure you're getting sick?"

Arthur noted the glassy gleam in the omega’s eyes and the heat emanating from his palm."I can say with complete certainty I won't be leaving this room anytime soon."

Merlin's scent spiked with worry, "Should I get Gaius?"

He caught Merlin's fingers and pressed them to his lips in a light kiss, "All I need is you."

Merlin rolled his eyes, "You just want me here to wait on you hand and foot."

Arthur scoffed even as he snuggled further into the inviting softness, "You are, by far, the worst servant it was ever my misfortune to have, so no, I don't. I want you here because I love you. Because you bring out the best in me and my nature. Because you give my life joy and meaning. Because without you by my side, I would feel a hole where my heart should be- oof!" His pompous speech was cut off by the sudden appearance of a pillow thrown at him by his now laughing mate. Arthur smiled and tossed it aside. Pulling Merlin to his chest, he began kissing him soundly, breathing in the intoxicating mix of dried herbs and smoke, each note enhanced by the sharp overtone of sun-warm metal.

Even after their lips parted, they stayed like that; Arthur holding his other half, stroking back dark hair as the omega pressed a nose to his neck. It was the ever increasing warmth against his skin that reminded him of all the things that needed doing before they could lose themselves completely. "I have one or two tasks for you-"

With a huff, Merlin pushed himself upright, and unconsciously began mending the tumbled walls of his nest, "I see, never mind what I was doing before you interrupted. What is your command, Sire? I'm obviously at your beck and call, truly willing to drop everything to fulfill your every whim. In fact- oof!" It was Arthur’s turn to throw the pillow, which Merlin fumbled briefly before tucking it back into place. 

"As I was saying,” Arthur growled, calling his omega to attention, “I need you to find Leon and tell him to be ready to take over training. Also, inform the council we will not reconvene until next week, regardless of how important they think their petition is.”

Merlin crossed his arms, a raised eyebrow the only acknowledgment of the orders he'd been given. 

Arthur sighed, ignoring the prick of annoyance from his inner alpha, and wisely decided to change tactics. Giving his most charming smile, he added sweetly, "Please?" 

Merlin smirked, "That's better." And after bestowing a very thorough departing kiss, he asked, "Are you sure you don't want me to fetch Gaius? You do seem to be acting a little strange."

"No need to bother him. I'm confident the two of us will manage quite nicely.”

Merlin just shrugged, and maneuvering around the messes strewn across the floor, left to do as he'd been bidden. 

Sitting up, Arthur shook his head at the oblivious omega, happy Merlin felt so safe that he hadn't even noticed he was entering heat. He'd fought hard as King to guarantee that safety, and his alpha gloried in providing such lasting security for his mate. 

Trying not to disturb the neat layers around him, Arthur worked carefully to pull out the sword while making a mental list of final preparations. He'd need to go to the kitchens to arrange their meals and then he'd need to tell George to bring up the tub and enough water to last a few days. Hm, what else? Flowers! His mate deserved fresh flowers. He'd go pick them himself- Merlin would like that.

A quick search of the rest of the nest produced yet another sword and a crossbow that, if Merlin had managed to load it properly, would've caused quite a bit of damage. 

Maybe Merlin's subconscious wasn't quite on the same page as his omega when it came to safety... 

Arthur put the now harmless crossbow back in place and the arrow where it was least likely to cause injury. They'd need to discuss this when the heat was over. In the meantime, if having the weapon nearby eased Merlin’s mind, he wasn't going to argue. 

Let's see, he'd need to stop by the armory to drop off the swords, then kitchens, George, flowers.. Maybe he'd have an errand boy run into the market and see if there were any quilts for sale.

Stepping into the hall, his nose immediately began to twitch at Merlin’s lingering scent. The new blanket would have to wait. Merlin, his mouthy, stubborn, adorable, and utterly clueless omega was much closer to heat than he originally thought. Picking up his pace, he determinedly went about completing his mission. His alpha already purring at the thought of getting Merlin back to their room and into that wonderful nest. 

[rochazbinstuff]

Duck, Duck, Goose (Lucifer x Reader)

🐑 ♡ Just a short fluffy one for you! And as always, I hope you enjoy the story ♡🐑

Lucifer has brought you a new duck for your collection, but this one seems a little different.

Teen and Up Audiences, No Warnings, F/M, M/M, Other/M, Tag(s): Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Insecurity, Gift giving, Body Dysmorphia, Awkwardness, he's trying, Ambiguous Gender Reader, POV Second Person

Find it on ao3 ♡ WC: 1,210

A gift requested by and for @silva-daemonium! I hope you like it, darling! All the warmest hugs for you!

Taglist: @idonia-dovahkiin

“This is for you!” Lucifer held out the misshapen duck with all the enthusiasm of a proud craftsman seconds away from having the realisation that sharing meant being judged.

“I hope you like it - I know that you've got two already, but this one is special-” the words stopped as you took the duck between your wings. It had a longer neck and white down like you with a pointed orange beak. The curious thing even wore a scarf like yours.

Then it dawned on you: it wasn't a duck.

A honk escaped your throat before you could put it on your shelf. Heat coursed through your face unbeknownst to anyone else except you. You could feel it burn beneath the feathers which added another layer of stuffy discomfort to the situation.

“It's me!” you exclaimed, and Lucifer nodded from where he stood still awkwardly loitering in the middle of your room.

“Geese aren't something I'm used to, but they're a little similar - well, mostly. In some ways. Same shape, bigger-” he motioned to you then stopped in horror at what he’d done.

It seemed both of your hearts had dropped in that moment.

You loved his enthusiasm - you really did. It warmed your heart that Lucifer took the time to make things for you. But you were just as unfamiliar with geese as he was.

Transitioning to Hell had been difficult. The changes to your body had made things infinitely worse. You hadn't even felt comfortable in your human form, so coming to terms with what you were in Hell was like dying all over again. Except you died everytime you looked in a mirror.

A thick, feathered tail protruded from your body. Smooth down coated every inch of skin. Nothing seemed to belong to you anymore. Eating wasn’t the same with a beak, and when you forgot about the inhuman form you’d taken, you would honk. It added insult to injury.

The worst part had always been the wings though. It had been almost a full year since you crash landed in Hell, and the harpy like protrusions made finding a shirt impossible.

Then Lucifer strode into your house and handed you a tiny, makeshift version of yourself.

A version of you by someone who adored you and your ‘shape’.

That someone must have caught something in your expression because all awkwardness left him in a flash. Your feathers were ruffled rather than soothed as he swooped the goose from your grasp. Face to face with your own likeness, Lucifer pressed it to his cheek like he didn't want you to offend it. He was demonstrating how it should have been treated.

“It's my favourite one so far because it's you,” he said.

Lucifer pointed the duck towards himself with a pout, and he considered the tiny version of you in his hands. You watched at the way the crows lines besides his eyes became defined in a warm smile. You'd seen that smile directed at you many times, yet regarding him as he regarded your likeness didn't quite capture your anxieties imagination.

While he placed the goose on your shelf with tender care, he spoke: “I want you to love yourself too - I just… I know I can't force you to, but I want you to feel good about yourself.”

He turned with a brisk flurry of his coat tails. A hand had found his chin, and he focused on something unknown to you before panic animated him. Firm hands gripped at your arms then softened into a gentle stroke. His eye contact faltered and dipped like his brow, but soon found stability.

“Don't feel bad though. About me that is. I'm okay. I worry about you, but you don't have to worry about me. Please please please let me know if you ever need anything ever, although…” he trailed off. “I went ahead and booked you in for a few hours with my old tailor. It’s been a while, but I thought it wouldn't hurt. Sleeves, am I right?”

Lucifer waved his arm in a careless motion up and down to draw attention to his own attire.

“They're a pain! Maybe they're a bit easier to tailor on me - ah, but hopefully we'll be able to-”

You cut him off in an all too sudden gesture that almost left him coughing on feathers when you smothered him with your wings. The second his name fell from your lips, you had his full attention, and he covered his own mouth over your feathers.

Silence.

It was always a marvel at how he could enter a room and command it in such a chaotic fashion, but the floor was yours.

“Thank you Lucifer.” You spoke in a hushed tone to quell any accidental honking. A deep breath allowed you to consider your next words.

You adored that he put so much time into crafting you a little ‘you’, and the fact that he sorted out a personal tailor for you after he heard you talk about your sleeves once was amazing. There was nobody better in all of Hell that you could have asked for. There was nobody else you would have wanted.

But he needed to calm down as much as you did.

While the thought of an appointment filled you with terror, you weren't going to turn down the offer. It had already been booked, and even if you weren't afraid to cancel despite that, you wanted to go.

You appreciated the way he looked at you the way you wanted to look at yourself.

So your self worth came from within, but you were willing to learn to love yourself the way he loved you. At the very least, you would let him show you. One day, maybe, it would take ahold of you the way he did.

“When are we going to the tailors?”

“Today. In-” he checked his watch. “An hour?”

You blinked at him as he questioned himself. He never gave you any clarification about whether it was truly in an hour. The best you got was a muttered statement along the lines of agreement with himself that tripped into uncertainty with a ‘maybe’.

Somehow, you’d stumble into the appointment together on time, so you weren’t too bothered. You were just grateful you got the chance to prepare yourself mentally. And a personal tailor sounded cool. There was a myriad of ideas that popped into your mind at the thought of being able to have anything made for you.

Knowing Lucifer, however, he would try to get something matching for you both.

You could get behind that.

Another deep breath pulled you through the wave of emotion that boiled up inside of you did little to cool the waters. Instead, tears began to well in your eyes. The moment he saw this, Lucifer exclaimed that he could cancel the appointment if you didn’t want to go, but you shook your head.

You listened to his rambling and reassurance that you could always leave if you wanted to. He promised you anything to make you happy despite having already done so.

All that was left for you to do was take him in your arms and love him the way he loved you.

[stargazer-sims]

TLC (2)

previous

Mishka: I'm sorry.

Nikolai: For what? You haven't done anything wrong.

Mishka: I was trying so hard.

Nikolai: To do what?

Mishka: To... to be brave. To be strong for you and Sasha, and to take care of everything around here while you're working. I don't want to be clingy and needy and... and a whole mess that you have to deal with.

Nikolai: You know I don't see you that way.

Mishka: It's how I feel.

Nikolai: I love you, Mikhail. No matter what, I will never see you as a burden or a mess that I have to deal with. I need you to understand that, okay? When I promised in front of all our family and friends that I'd take care of you, I meant that. In sickness and in health, for better or for worse, remember?

Mishka: Yeah.

Nikolai: You don't need to hide stuff to try and prove how brave and strong you are. It doesn't matter if we're talking about your mental illness or just a summer cold, or anything. If you're not feeling good for whatever reason, I want to know so I can help you.

Mishka: Okay.

Nikolai: So, do you think you can tell me what you need?

Mishka: *tearful* I just... I need you to not be mad. Please.

Nikolai: Sweetheart, don't cry. I'm not mad. It's not your fault, and I'm not upset about it. Things like this happen.

Mishka: But it's happening at the worst time.

Nikolai: No, it isn't. It's not like I'm getting the kids ready for a competition or I need to travel or something. I'm here, and I'll take care of you. Everything'll be fine, I promise.

Mishka: What about the ice show? You have to get ready for that.

Nikolai: I think they can get along without me for one day so I can stay home with my husband. We'll have a nice quiet day, just the two of us, and if you're not feeling better after tomorrow, we'll figure out a new plan.

Mishka: Do we really have to send Sasha to stay with your parents?

Nikolai: We don't have to, but I think that'd be best, don't you? If you are coming down with a cold or the flu, we don't want him to catch it.

Mishka: He's never been away from us overnight before. What if he gets scared? What if... what if he thinks we're leaving him there forever and he'll never see us again?

Nikolai: Look at me for a second. Do you really believe Sasha is going to be worried about that, or is it something you'd worry about?

Mishka: *weeping* I'm sorry.

Nikolai: Shh... It's all right. I've got you.

Mishka: I don't want to leave him. I remember how scary that was for me, and how I'd scream when Mama left the house because I thought she was never coming back, like my biological mother did. I... I remember I couldn't stop crying, and I'd always feel sick after.

Nikolai: How far back can you remember that happening?

Mishka: I don't know. Forever. All I know is that I can't do that to Sasha. Please, Kolya? Can't we just keep him here with us? I know I won't be able to cuddle him and kiss him like I usually do, but I want him to know I'm still with him because... because... *crying*

Nikolai: *softly* Deep breaths, sweetheart.

Mishka: *gasping*

Nikolai: Slowly, Mishka. Breathe slowly. You can do it. Just like we practiced. We’re not going to panic. We’re going to…

Mishka: Find our inner calm.

Nikolai: Good. You’re doing good. Keep breathing like that.

Mishka: Don’t let go.

Nikolai: I won't. Not until you tell me you're ready.

Nikolai: Better?

Mishka: A little. You probably think I'm ridiculous.

Nikolai: No, I don't. I think you're scared, and knowing what I know about you, that seems like a pretty logical reaction. But, you know what else I know?

Mishka: What?

Nikolai: I know that despite what you think, you are brave and strong. You've been through a lot, and you've survived all of it, and you never let it take away the best parts of who you are. You should be proud of that.

Mishka: I'm trying, but it's hard.

Nikolai: You'll get there. Some day, you'll see yourself the way I see you. You'll trust yourself and you won't be as scared any more.

Mishka: What am I supposed to do until then?

Nikolai: Take baby steps. Make one little bit of progress at a time, just like you've been doing all along.

Mishka: But, how?

Nikolai: You know how. Push your boundaries a tiny bit at a time. I've seen you do that so many times already, so I know you can.

Mishka: This feels bigger than a baby step.

Nikolai: Maybe, but it's okay to take a bigger step once in a while. What do I always tell you?

Mishka: Taking risks is one of the ways we succeed?

Nikolai: Right. You know, you've taken some super huge steps this year. I don't think you even realize how much progress you've made.

Mishka: Do you think so?

Nikolai: This time last year, you wouldn't even leave the house without me. Now you're going grocery shopping by yourself, and going to your English class and volunteering and taking Sasha to his baby socialization group. You're trying new things and making friends. That's a lot.

Mishka: But I'm still scared. I still worry about... everything.

Nikolai: That's not stopping you from doing things now, though, is it?

Mishka: Not all the time, but... I don't know. I feel like it might stop me from being away from Sasha. I trust your parents, but it's still terrifying, wondering whether he'll understand that it's just for tonight and tomorrow.

Nikolai: Tell me something. When I leave the house, do you ever think I'm not coming back?

Mishka: No.

Nikolai: Why not?

Mishka: Because I know you love me and you'd never leave me, and I trust you.

Nikolai: Do you think Sasha knows you love him?

Mishka: Yes. I tell him every day.

Nikolai: And do you think he trusts you?

Mishka: *nodding*

Nikolai: Then, don't you think he knows you'd never leave him? He can be with his grandma and grandpa without you, just like you're here at home during the day without me, and he'll be waiting for you to come back just like you wait for me.

Mishka: Do you really think he'd be better off with your parents overnight?

Nikolai: I do, but I'll leave the decision up to you. I want you to have a chance to rest and to let me take care of you without either of us having to be concerned about how we're going to manage looking after the baby too, but if you'd rather keep him here, then I'm willing to do my best for both of you.

Mishka: If we let your mother take him, do you think she'd mind if I called her on FaceTime a few times? You know... just so I could see him.

Nikolai: You can ask her, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind that at all. If you're feeling up to it, you could even talk to him and sing the song you always sing to him when you put him down for his naps.

Mishka: She'd know everything she's supposed to do for him, right?

Nikolai: Well, if Natascha and I making it past our childhood is any indication, I'd say yes.

Mishka: All right. I think... I think I'm okay with him going there.

Nikolai: Okay, if you're sure.

Mishka: Call her before I change my mind, please, and can you get me a pencil and some paper so I can make her a list of things to do? Just in case.

Nikolai: I can do that. I'm going to get you a bottle of water and some fever reducers too. You're really hot, and not in a good way.

Mishka: Can you open a window?

Nikolai: It's raining, but I think that'll still be fine.

Mishka: Thanks.

Nikolai: Try to rest. I'm going to call my mother, and then I'll be right back.

[take-everything-you-can]

REQUESTING AS A FLEETWOOD MAC FAN

Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac

PLS

I Want To Be With You Everywhere 🖤

18+ MDNI LIKE FRFR GO SOMEWHERE ELSE PLEASE !!!

A/N : I'm so incredibly sorry this took so long but I hope it's worth the wait my love 💕 (1k celebration) also a special thanks to everyone along the way that helped me through the worst writer's block ! I love each of you so much 🖤🖤

TW: pet names, self doubt, sexual tension,mentions of food, oral(F), marking partners, unprotected PIV, anal , double penetration, multiple orgasms...

( not really edited all that much 😅 I'm so sorry if y'all see typos ... no you didn't)

WC: 4.3k

Pairing: Steddie x Fem Reader

A year you had all been together and Steve was starting to feel like he finally found peace. It was as if the second he caught sight of you and Eddie, he felt like he was coming home. A home that would welcome him with questions about his day and small chaste kisses to his cheeks. One on either side as he would stroll in from work. A home where he could lay his head across your lap and you would run your fingers through his hair. Eddie could be found sitting on the floor beside him. Close enough to where Steve could place small pecks against the skin beneath Eddie's ear. A home where he felt loved. One you had built together.

July was the hottest it had been in decades, according to the radio ads that came across the station, playing from that little box radio Eddie had bought Steve for Chritsmas. So hot that Steve was barely able to even make it to one of the chairs that sat next to his parents pool without being completely drenched in sweat, at least not the good kind. He hoped for nothing but a lazy day by the water, but he knew that the beach was too far out for just a day trip. So he opted for inviting you and Eddie over to his parents instead.

God what a mistake that was. The heat was making him deliriously frustrated.

He watched as Eddie let you apply the thick sunscreen, layer upon layer, to his pale skin.

“I’m not going to listen to you whine because you got burnt Eddie. Fear the sun Eds. Please?" A small chuckle was earned from the boy beneath your hands.

“Me ? Fear the Sun? I could never baby.” It sent blood rushing from his brain straight south for Steve. A slight pinch to the fabric of his swimming trunks to adjust himself. He could tell that just your touch affected Eddie. How It Made him shiver with every glide of your hands across his shoulder blades. Steve wanted so desperately to be the one under that grip. Hell he wanted to be the one doing the application, if he was being completely honest with himself. A curse under his breath was directed to himself for already putting his own on. A nervous knot in his stomach only grew as the day went on.

The sun had reached its peak and you decided to go inside and make some lunch for you all to enjoy by the poolside. A few sandwiches cut into small triangles for Steve and squares for Eddie. Humming along to one of the hits that had snuck its way into your brain that had played on and off throughout the day. You had started to put back all of the different ingredients you had used in making lunch, but as you shut the fridge door you stop for a minute. You were looking at an array of photos you'd seen many times in your visit to The Harrington's place.

You found one of Steve not much older than maybe seven, holding a trophy for winning a soccer game. The same trophy that sat in his room at the top of the stairs. You see another of Steve and Eddie from a few months before you had met either boy, one where Eddie's eyes shine as Steve shows all teeth. A green robe and diploma in hand, something he looked so proud of. A moment you wish you could have been a part of. The picture that holds you the longest is the one of the three of you and Robin at a party they had all thrown you for your birthday. One where you sat facing the candles of your cake as each boy on either side of you looked at you in full adoration and no one else. The moment you knew you loved them both captured in real time.

A glance up and you could see Eddie lapping his way around the pool as Steve laid out skin to the rays to soak up some color and make those freckles more bronze and prominent. Eddie Loved when Steve was kissed by heat. He loved that radiant afterglow that his skin held and the warmth that he could feel late at night under covers.

For a man who loves the cold Winter season, for Eddie, Summer days like this held a close second. Days where he could catch you watching Steve from afar. Days where he could wiggle his way between the two of you once the sun finally set. Days like this where he could just soak in the love that poured from both of you. The days that came with nights so peaceful he swears he could hear how all of your heartbeats were in sync.

Steve raises a hand to shield the sun from his eyes as he watches Eddie round the pool for the hundredth time in the span of a few hours. It amazes him just how much energy Eddie can muster even when the temperature is almost boiling. A slight twinge of jealousy is cut short by basking in all the glory that is his lover pushing past the surface of the water. Taking one of the hair ties he keeps around his wrist, Eddie slicks back his long locks into a sloppy wet bundle. He lets a few tendrils frame the outline of his jaw, and it leaves Steve yearning, straining even.

You make your way back outside with the food and a few drinks. Cold cuts and ice tea, an offering of relief from the heat. Eddie uses his forearms to lift himself off the side of the in-ground and out of the water. Steve already knows to throw a towel over the bottom of his chair where his legs once laid, as Eddie plops down ready and waiting.

Eddie's skin begins to dry as the sun heats his shoulders and Steve lets out a small hum from beside him, nudging him with his shoulder a bit. Swallowing the last bit of his sandwich. You and Eddie had grown to accept that Steve ate fast. Within the first few minutes, if food was placed in front of him, it was gone. While Eddie would take his time savoring every last bite, and you would graze. Always had a snack in hand whether it be a bag of chips, or a peanut butter cup. The perfect it couple you thought. One who eats too slow , one who eats too fast , and the other who keeps the peace, always in between. A twist to a Goldilocks story of your own.

A few drinks deep, from the wine the Harrington's kept on tap or for the boys beer Eddie had brought long ago and kept there on a bottom shelf. It was giving you a dizzy warmth from within, it had you gulping the ice cold tea down in minutes, and unfortunately your mind began to wander. It had you deep in your thoughts, a look out on the past year.

What were you bringing to this relationship?

How did an invite to a show get you to where you are now? An instant replay of the night you met your boys started a reel behind your eyes.

Your cousin Gareth had invited you to a show that was kind of a big deal, in his words. The band he was in had played for a few years and their hard work had paid off. A bigger venue had asked them to come play, and a bigger venue meant a bigger crowd. You were so proud of him for not giving up on himself, so of course you were going to make the drive up.

The second you walked through the door you were met with a smoky haze and a packed house. You hear your name being called from afar but as you turn you're pulled into a crushing hug.

Gareth was beaming from ear to ear.

"You made it !"

"I.. I can't breathe gare." He lets you go but his arm still holds you close.

"I'm so sorry. It's just been awhile… I missed you." You could have cried right there, because it had been awhile. It had been months. Months of nothing but going to work, coming home, and doing the whole thing over again. You had stopped making time for your friends, your family. You had even stopped making time for yourself, but you couldn't let those thoughts cloud this moment for him.

"I missed you too garebear. I'm so proud of you, this crowd is insane." There had to have been well over two hundred people in the place. Seats full and still not much room to stand.

"Isn't it though. I never thought we'd make it this far but Eddie knew, from day one he knew, lucky bastard. Anything out of his mouth comes true I swear to God" You laughed, if he was the one responsible for that shine in Gareth's eyes then you'd just have to buy this guy Eddie a drink.

"Come with me backstage real quick. I want you to meet the guys." You follow Gareth down a little hallway with a bathroom on the opposite wall of the door you were walking through. Glares from the woman in waiting as they saw you getting an escort towards the private area behind a security guy guarding the entry. A roar of laughter shoots your nerves out of whack. Why were you so anxious? It's not as if Gareth was leading you to slaughter. So why did it feel like the walls were closing in?

The second you turn the corner your eyes meet the two faces you're sure are the reason for your downfall. They have their bodies turned away from you but hearing footsteps enter the room they had both turned to look at who had come in. Breathtaking, these men were most definitely sent from the gods above, sculpted to entice the most prudent of Eves. They were as if one held the apple and the other tempted you to take a bite.

Both tall, broad shoulders. One with a glow of grace and the other swallowed in hellfire. One dressed in a complimenting sweater and the other in a divinely fitted tee. Pretty, simply put these men were pretty and you couldn't help but stare. Your heart had skipped a beat and your brain could barely seek refuge in the prying eyes of the other people in the room.

"This is Jeff, he plays guitar. There we have Grant, he is our bassist. That is-"

"I'm Eddie." He steps forward, the one with the long curls and amber eyes. "I sing" he practically yells as if the words he was saying were being pulled from him with a struggle."an- and guitar."

"And I'm Steve." You hear it come from the man with the soft looking lips and even softer looking hair. "I guess you could call me a groupee." You let out a giggle that nearly makes Eddie's knees give out and Steve's stomach flutters.

How do I get her to do that again ?

From that day on you knew you were gonna have these boys in your life whether you wanted them there or not. It was instantaneous, as if you had all found the missing puzzle pieces that would make you whole.

A call of your name and a grip to your thigh brought you back to reality.

"Huh? I'm sorry, what?"

"You okay babe?" Steve was starting to worry about how quiet you had gotten.

"Yeah , I'm okay. Are you ok?"

" I'm good. You just look lost in thought, that's all honey." You give him the best smile you can as you sit, letting the sun work its way into your skin.

"You might need some more sunscreen." You say to Eddie, there was no way he hadn't washed it all off doing laps. You lean to the side your bag is sitting next to and grab a bottle of spf, handing it to Steve. He raised his brow in question but you just smirked back.

"Don't think I didn't catch you ogling us earlier when I gave Eddie the rub down. Go ahead baby he needs it unless you want to be the one rubbing aloe on him every few hours?"

"You say that like it's a bad thing." A small smirk to his grin and a flush to Eddie's cheeks.

No protest, Eddie turns his back towards Steve and he waits patiently. Like a good boy, one that deserves praise for listening so well. Most days the brat in you and Eddie would send Steve up a wall, but today Eddie seemed content. You just chalk it up to the sun draining his energy but you are far off. Eddie is content because you and Steve catering to his well being fuels his fire. One he's been raking the coals of all day.

Eddie was waiting for that harsh coolness of the lotion but it never came. Unlike you Steve put some of it in his hands and warmed it with a small lather before bringing it to Eddie's skin. Steve first left a massive handprint and in turn you said the words that neither boy expected.

"It looks just like the one on your ass Eddie." A blush had made its way to Steve's chest and Eddie's ears were on fire as a choked sound came from the back of his throat.

Did it really? Eddie had noticed the large handprint that was left behind, as it had started to purple and was outlined in that grayish yellow, In the mirror a few days before as he was stepping out of the shower. The first glimpse had sent his stomach into summer-saults. A rush to the kitchen to find you and Steve, y'all had been trying to figure out what you were having for dinner.

"Did you see this?" Eddie turned to show you both as you let your jaw snap shut and Steve let out a small wolf whistle.

"Someone got you good hunny." Eddie turned clutching his towel to the front of his body as his hair flew and eyes widened. Giggles left the both of you as he stomped backwards out of the kitchen.

" oh you both just wait, you think this is soooooo funny. You know I have a shoot tomorrow! I'm gonna get you both back so good. Just wait and see." As he left the room you turned to Steve who was already waiting for the high-five coming his way.

A swipe over the lotioned handprint made Eddie shiver as he retreated back from the memory.

"I don't know when and I don't know how but trust me, revenge is most definitely on the way."

"Eddie, I bet it made the pictures for the magazine amazing." A slide of his tongue across his teeth and you knew you were right.

He and the boys of Corroded Coffin had made a small name for themselves, and they were ever growing, and had scored a small interview for Rolling Stone. Jeff had suggested a partially nude, face turned, asses out while holding their instruments picture. You and Steve knew what needed to be done. Eddie was never mad in fact it turned him on even more knowing the world was going to see just how hard you both loved him. Proof not only to the world but something simple he could cut out and hold onto.

"You think we should put it in the Christmas card collage." A loud laugh from Steve as Eddie turned to face you with his jaw dropped.

"Absolutely not. Wayne would keel over, no way." You lift off your chair leaning forward to grasp his jaw in your hand a small squish as your lips meet his.

"Whatever you say baby."

"Alright now I'm starting to feel left out." A little huff from Steve, but Eddie stands and offers his hand.

"C'mon, come swim with me before the firefly's start coming out."

You watch as the boys start an all out splash war. Giant toddlers you swore. A small laugh escaping you every time Steve played dirty and fully dunked Eddie under. A smile to the way Eddie's dimples caught like his tongue between his teeth. You made your way to the shallow end of the pool. Where a few steps led you into the water deeper and deeper the farther you got.

Sitting on the first step your lower half makes contact with the water. From where you were sitting the view of the sky was the perfect shade of ombre pinks and purples. A cotton candy swirl to end an almost perfect day, but you were still in your head.

What do I bring to the table? It's not like I'm doing anything important with my life.

Am I doing enough? It's like I'm taking far more from them than I give back.

Do they know I love them with my whole being? I think I'd cease to function without them. Ever since that day I have set eyes on them. I knew right then I was a goner.

Do they know that I'm nothing special? What's so special about an average looking woman, in her late twenties , doing god knows with her life. Why me? It echoes through once more, really delivering that final blow.

Why me?

Humming, you hear it. You had closed your eyes when you started to tear up. You throw your head back hoping the tears will dissipate before the boys notice, but the humming. It's far too close.

"Hunny, what's got you upset?" Steve watches as the tears you so desperately try to hold back find their way out the scrunched corner of your eyes as you roll your head to your shoulder. Eddie had stopped humming the second he saw your body tense in the way he knew far too well.

Steve had gathered you onto his lap as Eddie had found your hands in yours, taking a seat on the lower step beside you. They waited for you, so patient and kind. Two more reasons to tag onto the longest list in history. The reasons you loved them.

"It's ok baby, whenever you're ready." A small hum from your throat as you lifted one of your hands out of Eddie's grasp and found its home on his cheek. One he gladly always sought out, leaning into your touch. Your other hand found its way around Steve's arm, gripping as the tears became adoration for your men. The ones who stopped their own worlds from turning just to fix your own tilt.

"I love you." A statement, loud and proud. Something you often said to each other as a single statement. What was loving one without the other?

You didn't know. It was as if it had always been both, for each of you. A silent knowledge.

"Which big feelings?" Steve asks, hoping he can sway the answers you've already given yourself.

" A little sad, mostly questions about myself, about us. Confused, and honestly just a little bit meh."

"Meh is a good start. We can work with meh, even kSad , and hell I'm Confused ninety-five percent of the time. What's got you feeling these big three?" Eddie, sweet Eddie said, searching for comfort in you.

"I don't know , nothing specific happened. It's almost like I love you so much that my brain can't handle what my heart already knows. Does that make any sense?" Looking for understanding from both men, but you find certainty. You find amber eyes and dark curls. You find irises colored like chocolate melting in the summer heat with beauty marks you've lost count of. You find that none of your doubts in yourself have ever even crossed their minds , not for a second.

You find a devil's smirk, and a devious smile. You find that they are sharing a secret conversation to have you end in ruins.

"What?" Your eyes dart back and forth as you feel Steve's grip slip around your rib cage as he holds you hostage. A deep giggle from him has your spine tingling from the breathing he huffs out below your ear.

"Ed's I think we need to show our girl how much we understand. What do you think ?"

"I think we definitely should." A lunge forward to capture the thickness of your thigh has you trying to squirm out of Steve's hold.

"No! Eddieeee No! Please." But Steve's grip never faults, even with all your twists and turns in protest. That slight hint of anticipation in your voice has Steve hard, letting all the friction of your body sliding across his lap in delicious momentum. His release mounting far too quickly, a long time coming , being edged all day by just looking at you and Eddie.

Eddie has been dying to hear you all day. Knowing the sun would weaken your defense so he could handle you just the way you liked him to. To have that overpowering strength to hold your legs open and keep them that way until he got his fill of you. To have you moaning at the slight pain in overstimulation as his tongue attacked your clit until tears formed and slid from the corners of your eyes. Tears of bliss instead of confusion.

He looked up at you through dark lashes meeting your half hidden lids as your high took over , unable to move while Steve held you in place. Your body lifts in an arch as your eyes find their way back into your skull as your vision blossoms of white static and red vessels.

"Isn't she beautiful Stevie?"

"She's god damn gorgeous." His grip on you is no longer a stronghold but he keeps you seated against him, straining against the fabric of his swim trunks.

Small huffs begin to leave your mouth and your chest begins to rise and fall easier as you crack one eye open into a squint.

" There she is ."

"Hi." Steve starts to leave small kisses up and down your jaw.

"Hello , is this heaven?" Eddie burst into full laughter, loud and giddy.

"No but it feels that way sometimes doesn't it ?"

"All the time." Steve answers and you feel it , him.

A shift of your hips back against Steve has him groaning in the crook of your neck.

"I need it."

"You need what? Say it baby."

"I need you to fuck me." He nibbles at your shoulder as he glances at Eddie, who is biting his lip in anticipation for all the ways Steve could turn this.

"You think you can handle us both right now?" He leans up whispering the words into your neck as you shiver and nods as the goosebumps travel down your spine and mingle with the ache in your core.

"Words."

" I can handle both of you. I promise. Please ?"

"Well baby since you asked so nicely I don't see why we can't give our good girl what she wants . Right ed? "

" You are correct sir." A twinge in his eyes as he finally releases himself from his swim trunks and you feel his massive cock stroking the rim of your ass. You let out a deep moan as his thumb prods against you letting you feel the slight stretch. One you had grown familiar with and started salivating at the thought of the stretch that was still yet to come.

Eddie watched as your eyes fluttered close as Steve messaged his fingers within you letting the other hand play with your breast. Eddie found his dick in his hand as he watched the two of you getting off on just the sight alone.

"Please Stevie , more" a sound came from the back of Eddie's throat as he heard Steve grunt at the tightness of your hole. A strangled moan from Steve as he slides himself in completely. A grip on your shoulder that will ease when you can move.

"Fuck you guys are hot." Eddie can't take his eyes off of you and Steve. Entranced by the look in his eyes you barely register that Steve's grip lets up. You slightly move yourself off of him and slam back creating a rhythm that becomes a bounce. But it's not enough.

"I need more."

"Fuccck mee" Steve holds your hips slowing the pace as you open your legs a bit wider so Eddie can fit just as snug as Steve is.

Sliding his cock through your folds Eddie tells you to take a deep breath and he slides in easily and it feels like he knocks the breath right out of you.

Both boys have you feeling full and both find a rhythm soon that works together sending you straight into your second orgasm.

Overstimulated Steve can't hold it any longer as he spent all afternoon building this frustration he is finally letting go and as he shoots his ropes of thick cum into you , your cunt begins to clench around Eddie who is not far behind as your grip tightens in his hair.

"Your body was just made for us wasn't it love?" Just made to take cum huh?" His praise of you makes you tighten around his cock he comes undone in a thrust not far behind Harrington.

"God damn babygirl, you look so good all cock drunk and dumb." You can only nod in agreement to whatever he says and Steve kisses you on your temple as he motions for Eddie to come close so he can do the same for him.

You start humming. It's something you do sometimes after you've cum so hard your brain stops. Like a second nature your body responds instead. You start humming.

Eddie begins to hum along knowing the song since it's played over and over again as the day draws on. Neither of you expected it but Steve began to sing the lyrics a perfect end to a perfect day . " I wanna be with you everywhere…."

[lady-rose-moon]

Wildest Dreams || Loki x Reader || 18+

Hellooooo everybody this is the insight into the fic that I shall be hopefully really proud to post! I'm going to post the prologue for you to read in this, let me know your theories in the comments and reblogs about what might be going on <3 I'll be setting up a taglist for this as well so please do tell me if you want to be tagged!!!

PROLOGUE

A golden castle always came to you in a dream, surrounded by beautiful gardens and bluer skies than you’d ever seen on Earth before. There were so many colours in the sky, so many beautiful reflections in your paradise that you could never find in your dull life on Earth. The greenest grass beneath your feet felt softer than any of the grass you’d ever felt before. The gentle breeze seemed to have a faint sense of magic if anyone would believe it as it brushed your hair away. This dream was your paradise, your little getaway from the boring, grey reality you lived in.

Waking up was the worst part of your day, leaving your little slice of paradise hidden away in a dream to return to the Real World. Sitting up in bed, you savoured those extra moments of drowsiness before swinging your legs over the side of the bed and rising to meet the day. After a shower and your hair and skin routine, you started to feel more like yourself but your mind lingered on the beauty of your dream as you counted the coins that would buy you your morning coffee down at your favourite shop a few blocks away.

You grabbed your keys from the dish by your apartment door and headed out into the world, turning the key in the lock before walking away. Stepping out onto the street, you were met with the usual bustle of London and quickly joined the crowd, head low and avoiding any kind of interaction with any other human being. It wasn’t far to the coffee shop but it was far away enough that your mind drew back to your dream, your walk becoming autopilot.

As you thought about the golden palace walls from your dreams, you heard a horn and felt a strong arm grab you around your waist, pulling you close and away from danger. Shocked, you froze as the car zoomed past, a faint ‘watch where you’re going, numpty’ being thrown out of the window with no care for stopping.

“Are you alright?” came a voice from beside you, startling you away from your thoughts and you stared up in shock at the man holding you, the man that had just saved your life. His eyes were a beautiful emerald green, his ebony hair reached his shoulders in beautiful curls and his suit. His suit. A simple one yet the green and gold accents all about it complimented him so well that you couldn’t imagine anyone else wearing such an expensive suit. “Hello?” the man asked, gaining your attention yet again and you startled when you saw a smirk form on his lips as your cheeks heated up with embarrassment.

“Sorry,” you replied instantly, pushing away from the man in a hurry, brushing your clothes off then offering him a polite smile, “thank you, for saving my life. Nobody else would’ve done it.”

The man chuckled, bowing his head as his shoulders shook with his amusement. You grimaced, not appreciating this man laughing before you as you assumed he was laughing at how pathetic you sounded. Yet, when he replied, it only shocked you more. “Darling, anyone who would not stand up to the Goddess of Death to save your life is no worthy man. Adieu.”

With that, the man turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd. Immediately, you sobered and called out to him, “you can’t say something straight out of a fantasy novel then leave me on my own!”

But the man was gone.

Your day continued as usual after that experience. You grabbed your coffee, headed to your job and worked the 9-5 then proceeded on your way home. It wasn’t exactly an easy day. Angry customers calling up every few seconds, shouting abuse down the phone and you pretending to care as you sipped your long cold coffee and assisted them in the best way possible without hurling abuse right back at the disrespectful pricks.

With a sigh, you began your journey home. The trees were blowing in the breeze, cars filled the streets as was usual for London during rush hour – any hour really. That’s why you secured a job pretty close to home, so you could easily walk there and back in at the most around 45 minutes. You’d almost forgotten the man from this morning until you collided with a hard chest and long fingers reached out to hold you steady.

Looking up, your face paled with embarrassment as you realised that it was the same man that had saved you this morning. His hair was now tied up in a half up-half down man bun but even that suited the man. His suit was replaced with a nice dress shirt, waistcoat and black trousers but damn did he suit them anyway.

“Ah, so you’re the clumsy type, is that it?” the man joked with a grin as your cheeks tinted red and you avoided looking at him. Amused by your behaviour, the man cooed and continued, “don’t be embarrassed, darling, happens to the best of us.”

Scoffing, you pushed away from him and passed him, grabbing your keys from your pocket as you saw your apartment building not that far off. “I’m not clumsy, you just caught me at a vulnerable moment. Twice,” you shrugged and saluted him sarcastically, “adieu.”

As you walked off, the man simply stood watching you, his grin turning to a sad smile as he whispered, “adieu, darling.”

tagging my friendos!! @holdmytesseract @anukulee @lokisgoodgirl @asgards-princess-of-mischief @fictive-sl0th @coldnique @stupidthoughtsinwriting @muddyorbsblr

[munchmemes]

florence + the machine lyrics, high as hope edition

A SIDE

❛ i'm so high, i can see an angel. ❜ ❛ i hear your heart beating in your chest. ❜ ❛ the world slows 'till there's nothing left. ❜ ❛ in those heavy days in june when love became an act of defiance. ❜ ❛ hold onto each other. ❜ ❛ you were broken-hearted and the world was, too. ❜ ❛ i was beginning to lose my grip. i always held it loosely but this time i admit, i felt it really start to slip. ❜ ❛ at seventeen, i started to starve myself. ❜ ❛ i thought that love was a kind of emptiness. ❜ ❛ at least, i understood then the hunger i felt & i didn't have to call it loneliness. ❜ ❛ we all have a hunger. ❜ ❛ don't let it get you down, you're the best thing i've seen. ❜ ❛ we never found the answer but we knew one thing. ❜ ❛ in that pink dress, they're gonna crucify me. ❜ ❛ how could anything bad ever happen to you? ❜ ❛ you make a fool of death with your beauty. ❜ ❛ i thought that love was in the drugs. ❜ ❛ the more i took, the more it took away and i could never get enough. ❜ ❛ for a moment, i forgot to worry. ❜ ❛ i thought it doesn't get better than this. ❜ ❛ there can be nothing better than this. ❜ ❛ the world is at your fingertips. ❜ ❛ everything i ever did was just another way to scream your name. over and over and over again. ❜ ❛ i want a space to watch things grow. ❜ ❛ did i dream too big? do i have to let it go? ❜ ❛ what if one day there is no such thing as snow? ❜ ❛ i don't know anything. except that green is so green. ❜ ❛ there's a special kind of sadness that seems to come with spring. ❜ ❛ you need a big god. big enough to hold your love. ❜ ❛ you keep me up at night but to my messages, you do not reply. ❜ ❛ you know i still like you the most. ❜ ❛ you'll always be my favourite ghost. ❜ ❛ sometimes i think it's getting better and then it gets much worse. ❜ ❛ is it just part of the process? jesus christ, it hurts. ❜ ❛ though i know i should know better, i can make this work. ❜ ❛ shower your affection, let it rain on me. ❜ ❛ are you deeply sleeping or are you still awake? ❜ ❛ a good friend told me you've been staying out so late. ❜ ❛ be careful, my darling. be careful what it takes. ❜ ❛ from what i've seen so far, the good ones always seem to break. ❜ ❛ i can feel your anger from way across the sea. ❜ ❛ i was kissing strangers, i was causing such a scene. ❜ ❛ oh, the heart, it hides such unimaginable things. ❜ ❛ i want you so badly but you could be anyone. ❜ ❛ hold me down, i'm so tired now. ❜ ❛ leave me where i lie. ❜ ❛ i feel like i'm about to fall, the room begins to sway. ❜ ❛ i can hear the sirens but i cannot walk away. ❜ ❛ i thought i was flying but maybe i'm dying tonight. ❜

B SIDE

❛ i'm sorry i ruined your birthday. ❜ ❛ i guess i could go back, try and make my parents proud. ❜ ❛ i don't think it would be too long before i'm drunk again. ❜ ❛ this is the only thing i've ever had any faith in. ❜ ❛ [NAME], i don't say it enough. you are so loved. ❜ ❛ all the walls were melting and there were mermaids everywhere. hearts flew from my hands and i could see people's feelings. ❜ ❛ and you, you were the one i treated the worst. only because you loved me the most. ❜ ❛ we haven't spoken in a long time. i think about it sometimes. ❜ ❛ i don't know who i was back then and i hope and hope i would never treat anyone like that again. ❜ ❛ oh [NAME], you've always been my north star. ❜ ❛ i have to tell you something, i'm still afraid of the dark. ❜ ❛ do you understand that with every seed you sow you make this cold world beautiful? ❜ ❛ you told me all doors are open to the believer. ❜ ❛ i believe her. ❜ ❛ how's that working out for you, honey? do you feel loved? ❜ ❛ i drink too much coffee and i think of you often. ❜ ❛ are you afraid? 'cause i'm terrified. ❜ ❛ you remind me that it's such a wonderful thing to love. ❜ ❛ i believe in you and in our hearts we know the truth. ❜ ❛ i believe in love and the darker it gets, the more i do. ❜ ❛ it's just too much, i cannot get you close enough. ❜ ❛ a hundred arms, a hundred years, you can always find me here. ❜ ❛ lord, don't let me break this, let me hold it lightly. ❜ ❛ we have no need to fight. we raise our voices and let our hearts take flight. ❜ ❛ my held breath fills the room with love. ❜ ❛ it hurts in ways i can't describe. ❜ ❛ my heart bends and breaks so many, many times and is born again with each sunrise. ❜ ❛ we're sorry, we thought you didn't care. ❜ ❛ how does it feel now you've scratched that itch? ❜ ❛ hubris is a bitch. ❜ ❛ i feel nervous in a way that can't be named. ❜ ❛ we're a family pulled from a flood. ❜ ❛ it was so far to fall but it didn't hurt at all. ❜ ❛ i've always been in love with you. could you tell it from the moment that i met you? ❜ ❛ they told me that they loved me then ghosted me again. ❜ ❛ the older i get i find that happiness is an extremely uneventful subject. ❜ ❛ i must confess, i did it all for myself. ❜ ❛ the loneliness never left me. i always took it with me. ❜ ❛ the loneliness never left me. i always took it with me but i can put it down in the pleasure of your company. ❜ ❛ no chorus will come in. no ballad will be written. it will be entirely forgotten. ❜ ❛ and if tomorrow it's all over, at least we had it for a moment. ❜ ❛ things seem so unstable but for a moment we were able to be still. ❜ ❛ this will be entirely forgotten. ❜

[stormyweaver]

First Time For Everything || Part 1/??)

Alright, so never let it be said I'm not a hypocrite. I'm a huge one. But this has been sitting in my drafts for over two months and I need to post it since it's not going anywhere else lmao. PLUS I'm still reeling from my gnawing obsession with V/ox resurfacing after... y'know idk exactly what triggered it but it happened regardless.

Anyway I'm proud of my dialogue for this one bc that's always something I struggle with when writing, so yeah! Plus the idea of V/ox's first cold in Hell has always just been rattling around in my head. Also it's short, but sweet. So yeah! Enjoy!

Summary: V/ox finds out there are worse things than just being in Hell; like being sick in Hell. Alas/tor has a laugh at his expense every step of the way. ~~~

It had started as nothing but a minor annoyance. A dryness of the throat, which was typical for an early morning in Hell. Moisture wasn’t really a thing, even if you considered the fucking acid rain. Which Vox didn’t; that shit was genuinely the worst. But he’d at least had access to clean(ish) water, and cleared his throat a couple of times… the sensation still lingered. Well, it wasn’t anything for him to be overly concerned with. Besides, he had a meeting this morning with Alastor where they were going to discuss more hot-topic talking points for his radio show. 

The cloying, scratchy feeling in his throat still hadn’t gone away, even though it had been at least a couple hours since he first woke up. He made himself breakfast, something simple - eggs and toast, which… the fact that he was even able to scrounge up the materials to have a decent meal still startled him. It was Hell after all - everything was still jarring. 

He barely managed to choke down the slightly burnt edges of bread and too runny eggs (jeez, the food didn’t usually taste five star, but today was bad) before getting washed and dressed. The turtleneck he normally wore felt scratchier than normal, and he tugged at the collar in irritation. Even his antenna weren’t properly fitting into his hat… Gah - today had barely started and it was already a wash.

Well, he could at least look forward to seeing Alastor. Despite how every denizen in Hell he’d met so far had told him to steer clear of The Radio Demon, Vox hadn’t been able to say ‘no’ to him yet. Not once. Even when he’d suggested the damn hat giving him so much trouble now - silly, ridiculous even he’d thought when he first put it on. But one look at Alastor’s approving grin had dashed his worries easily. He’d do just about anything to have that look directed towards him again… Oof, was the heater on the fritz again? It was suddenly so warm.

Sniffing idly, Vox descended the steps of his apartment and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Ugh, it was warm out here too. Well… that wasn’t so much surprising as it was an inconvenience. Hell always seemed to be too warm, but today the pentagram striped sun seemed to beat down on his head with a particularly harsh intensity.

He rolled his neck with a soft grunt, fingers gripping the taught muscle with a grimace. You’d think after however many years (1, 3, more?) of living with a fucking television set for a cranium he’d have gotten used to the aches and pains that came along with it. Vox once again had to remind himself that it was Hell - there were worse things than stiff joints.

“Quite the lovely day we have upon us, isn’t it?”

“JESUS SHIT–!” Vox staggered to the side, his screen glitching slightly from the shock of Alastor’s voice directly beside him. “Wh– You have got to stop doing that, Al! One day I’m gonna get a fucking heart attack.”

Alastor’s grin seemed to widen, eerily. “Oh, I would highly advise against that, old pal! We’re dreadfully short on paramedics here in Pentagram City.” His shoulders shook lightly, obviously amused at his own joke. Vox simple deadpanned, though he fought against his mouth instinct to inch upwards at the corners. Despite being fucking sadistic, Alastor could also be pretty funny - when he wasn’t unsettling or downright terrifying. 

“Anyhow~! You look a bit… disheveled this morning!” Vox tilted his head; he’d said it as if it were the most delightful observation he’d made in ages, “Sleep on the wrong side of the bed, hm?”

“No? I… Well, I looked fine in the mirror.” He argued, smoothing down his shirt a bit self-consciously. Alastor hummed thoughtfully, reached a hand out to gently tug on the tag sticking out of Vox’s inside-out jacket. “I suppose that’s the cons of not having eyes in the back of one’s head, haha!” 

Vox snorted as he began to shrug out of the denim. “Right, like you do?...” He trailed off, giving Alastor a once over. “You- you don’t, right?” 

“Oh, heavens no! But I do have my ways of seeing things others might easily miss.” His ears twitched slightly when Vox sniffed, and his head craned to one side unnaturally. Curious. 

Vox had barely gotten his jacket smoothed out, gaze flicking back to Alastor - only to find the other’s face mere inches from his own. He flinched, feeling heat creep up along his neck as he rose a brow, tentatively inching back. “Is… something else wrong?”

After far too long of a beat, the pinstriped demon snapped back into his place on the sidewalk, giving another curious hum. “Nothing at all, dear. Now! Enough dawdling - shall we get a move on? Rolling stones and such!” Without waiting for an answer, Alastor began walking down the pavement, and Vox blinked before following after him.

'He’s being extra weird today. Wonder why?' Although Vox had long since given up on making sense of Alastor’s every behavior. He’d go absolutely insane to even try. The guy… sinner… demon was nothing short of a fucking enigma, someone most insisted was to be feared and meant to stay FAR FUCKING AWAY from. Maybe Vox was foolish to still consider him good company, but it wasn’t as though he had other sinners breaking down his door to befriend him, let alone ones he actually found himself sharing common interests with. 

Plus… the guy was charming, when he wasn’t being wholly off-putting. And even then, Vox didn’t really mind that side of him. He was just quirky. 

As they walked and made conversation, Vox found his throat going from scratchy to genuinely sore and aching. He was clearing it more often, and trying not to be off-put by the odd, static distorted quality it would get every now and again. Alastor for his part seemed to be indifferent - thank goodness - but Vox felt a small mound of worry forming in his gut. Not for his throat, but something else was… well, no other way to describe it but itching in the back of his head. Like a clothes tag itching at the back of your neck, except it was directly behind his eyes, insistent and growing steadily as they walked.

Eventually, Vox’s steps slowed, and he began to blink rapidly. 

Alastor matched his pace until they were both standing still, the radio demon looking both curious and… oddly expectant. 

Vox gave his head a trembling shake, the feeling seeming to pulse before climbing higher.

“Hahh…?” The inhale swept through his lungs, causing them to seize up as his chest rose and fell unsteadily. His screen flickered as he continued to pant unevenly, a hand raising to mid-chest. Wait, this was all oddly familiar: the gasping, the build up, this itch... was he going to…? He hadn’t even noticed Alastor taking a precautionary step back before–

“heh’AAKKTTSCHHUE!!”

His head snapped forward, and Vox barely - just barely stopped the rest of his body from joining it in tumbling down. The raised hand held onto the top of his head in an attempt at steadying it, and he managed to right himself with a huge gasp. 

“Fucking shit–!!” He exclaimed, chest muscles heaving from the absolute workout straightening back up. He blinked again, before wincing and gripping the side of his head with a groan. “Fuck, fuck my head...” 

“Well, well!” Alastor tittered, clapping his hands together a few times, “Quite the performance, my good man! Quite the show!” Giddiness radiated from him, a stark contrast to the pained misery staining Vox’s features. 

“Nghh… did I just… sneeze?” It felt far more arduous than Vox recalled it *ever* being when he was alive. Then again, he’d never had to sneeze while trying to keep himself from falling on his ass. This really was Hell, wasn’t it?

“That’s the the term most would use, yes! Not quite used to it with your new hardware, eh?” Vox winced at the tap of Alastor’s staff against his head. 

“No, I’m not. Fuck, that was awful… snf!” He raised a finger to scrub against the middle of his face, and Alastor laughed gleefully when his companion realized he didn’t have a nose to actually rub. “... you’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Oh, most assuredly, my dear!” His smile didn’t falter once when Vox began to pout, “Now don’t give me that look, it’s all in good fun!” 

Despite his insistence, Vox rolled his eyes. “I don’t see what’s so ‘fun’ about feeling like absolute shit.” Maybe if it was some other sucker sure, but it wasn’t.

“So you are feeling unwell!” Alastor interrupted his thoughts, then clasped his hands together in delight, “Oh, I’d hoped that was the case!” 

“Wait, what?”

Now it was Alastor’s turn to roll his eyes. He stepped closer to Vox, lifting the bottom of his head with his staff. “Tell me, dear - does your throat ache? Do you feel a bit warmer than usual? Perhaps a little… fuzzy in the head?” 

Vox made a slight face. “How… did you know all of that?” He hated when Alastor would do this - toy with him instead of just getting right to the point. He was already feeling like garbage, what was the point of making him think when– wait…

“Ah, the cogs seeme to be turning now, yes?” Alastor’s grin was almost too eager. Vox shuffled back a bit, rubbing the side of his head as he tried to process the conclusion he’d come to. 

“Wait, I… I can get sick? In Hell? That’s a thing?!” 

“Oh, you just make this better and better, truly!” Alastor grinned gleefully, completely ignoring the panic radiating off of Vox. “But yes, you can fall ill in Hell, of all places. I assumed you knew that–”

“HOW would I have ever known that? it’s fucking news to me!”

“Well obviously,” The way Alastor rolled his eyes was enough to potentially give Vox an ulcer. Was he capable of having those, too? Why didn’t he put the pieces of still being biologically able to fall ill together sooner?! Or better yet - why hadn’t Alastor told him, since he seemed to be so fucking knowledgeable on the subject! However it seemed that his flaring irritation would have to take a momentary backseat - that awful sensation was back, almost worse than before, and a shudder rippled along Vox’s spine before it grew uncomfortably stiff. “Hahh… hhh…?” His screen flickered with static as his breathing continued to waver, a hand rising in more impulse than actual desire to cover his mouth. Even through his fluttering lids, he could feel Alastor watching him, eager and yet patient. As if this entire situation wasn’t confounding enough, embarrassing enough, the person he least wanted to be present now had a front row seat. Take a picture, it’ll last longer nestled just on the tip of his tongue, but another sharp inhale reminded him that talking likely wasn’t the smartest option. Not while his head still felt like it was full of fuzzy, restless static–

“ehh-hahH! EA’KTTSCHHHUE!” 

Though not as large as his initial sneeze, it still sent him staggering forward harshly. His screen was almost parallel with his hips in the process, and when he righted, it felt as if rising from being submerged in water for too long. His head, his neck, his core - everything ached, all from a sneeze. He didn’t bother masking a groan. 

“Fuck…” Although his discomfort might as well have meant jack-shit when countered with Alastor’s reaction. The bastard was laughing, as if seeing Vox nearly topple over from a sneeze was just about the funniest damned thing he’d seen in decades. Vox’s temple throbbed painfully as he glared at the Radio Demon, who was dabbing at the edges of his eyes with one corner of a handkerchief. 

“Oh goodness me - you certainly don’t do anything by halves, do you?” 

“You act like I did that on purpose.” Vox countered with a roll of his eyes, sniffling which… if he didn’t have a nose or sinuses, shouldn’t have been an action he could carry out. But there were multiple facets of Hell that technically didn’t make sense. Apparently this was just one among the hundreds of others. 

Alastor didn’t offer much in the way of a response. If anything, he was eerily silent, but his gaze penetrated Vox straight through to his damned soul. Vox felt warmth creep up along his neck. 

“If you’re waiting for it to happen again, you’re shit outta luck.”

Though he said it with confidence, he was internally dreading the moment another sneeze would grab hold of him. Alastor simply shrugged, but his gaze still held that air of anticipation. 

“Suit yourself. It’s certainly no skin off my nose.” His smile widened a fraction when Vox growled under his breath. 

Cyan-tipped fingers scrubbed along the surface of his screen, a bit harsher than was necessary. The irritation wasn’t as strong as before, but it lingered just out of his reach; strong enough to make it’s presence known, but not enough to trigger another sneeze. 

By the time he’d grown tired of uselessly assaulting his own face, Alastor was already a good couple of steps ahead of him. Apparently he’d grown tired of waiting for the ‘show’ to continue.

Shoulders sagging with another liquid-tinged sniffle, Vox reluctantly broke into a jog in order to catch up with him. 

Yeah. Today was definitely going to be… entertaining.