#anyway jokes aside k really do love stop motion

[dilfsisko]

Man I LOVE stop motion films

[nashibirne]

Intellectual Stimulation

This is a follow-up to my first Mike fic (My Best Mistake), which was a huge flop 🙈 but I hope you like the second part better...if so, please leave me a comment, reblog or like 💜 You can read this without knowing part 1 though!

Pairing: Mike x y/n

Summary: Mike wants to impress his girlfriend by being a little more sophisticated

Words: ~ 1.8 k

Warnings: NSFW, 18+, smut, unprotected sex, dry humping, vaginal sex, creampie, creampie eating

NO BETA! English is not my mother tongue, so expect bad grammar, wrong spelling, chaotic punctuation and clumsy language. All mistakes are mine…

Credits: I don’t own anything related to Hellraiser: Hellworld! A huge thank you to @nix-akimbo for the edit of Mike with glasses. I loved using it for the moodboard, the other pics are from pinterest. I don't know who invented Professor Cavill, but credits to you too because I briefly mention him in this story. I quote parts of "The Picture Of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.

You can find my other fics on my masterlist.

Taglist (please let me know if you want to be added or removed)

@lunedelorient @inlovewithhisblueeyes @willkatfanfromasia @hell1129-blog @mis-lil-red @agniavateira @kebabgirl67 @omgkatinka @legendarywizarddetective @summersong69 @taebfada @xxxkatxo @artandotherdelights @notabronte @littlefreya @luclittlepond @eldarwen333 @meowpurrbooks @marantha @liliumdream @enchantedbytomandhenry @greensleeves888 @witcherfan @margauxmargaux07 @radaofrivia @m07belzen @a-little-counter-esperanto @starstruckkittyangel @mary-ann84 @sillyrabbit81 @emelinelovesjc @wheretheriversrunintothesea @lam0ureuxq

Off we go...

*********

Premise: Mike and his girlfriend have been together for a few months now and everything could be perfect if there wasn't that one little problem called Professor Cavill. He's y/n's lecturer in English literature and she talks about that boomer with the good looks and the tweed jackets and the dad jeans way too often. Plus Mike has seen the way the old debaucher looks at y/n when they meet him on campus. So in short, Mike is annoyed with the guy who seems to be some kind of intellectual superman, especially because he can't keep up with him. Not a bit. When he met y/n for the first time he impressed her by reciting a poem but unfortunately it is the only poem he knows. He isn't sophisticated and although y/n keeps telling him she doesn't care he feels bad and decides to do something about it.

I take a look around the room one last time and yes, everything looks perfect. It's clean and tidy, I made the beds with fresh sheets, I placed some very pretty flowers on my desk and most importantly, I bought a huge box of vintage books plus a special item at a rummage sale. The books are strategically placed in the room in little piles - beside the bed, on the shelf, on the little table beside my sofa and on the floor in the corner of the room. The special item is sitting on my nose and I really hope y/n is not going to burst laughing when she sees me.

Where is she anyway? Late of course, as usual. I take one of the books and open it to read the first pages again. I want to be prepared in the best way possible. The book is old and the cover looks strange but cool. Antiquated of course but still somehow modern with the half-rotten scull and the snobby looking guy printed in black and gold on it. Very avant-garde, Professor Dickhead would say I guess, artsy-fartsy I say.

When I hear the key in the front door I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and turn around with a big smile.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm late. I missed my bus." She returns my smile, hardly looking at me because she has problems with removing her key from the lock. "You really have to change the lock, baby. One day my key will break off."

"Sure. First thing tomorrow, sweet cheeks."

She looks at me, surprised by the enthusiasm in my voice and now, on second sight, she sees it.

"Mike! Oh my god…", she says, covering her mouth with her hands, "what the fuck? You look great!"

"You like it?" I give her a smirk and step closer to greet her with a soft kiss on her pretty lips.

"I love it! But why? I mean...you don't need glasses. I'm confused." She laughs light-heartedly and I grin. "It's just clear glass. I thought you might like me looking a little more sophisticated." I wiggle my head with a grin and she smiles, cupping my face with her hands. "I love you just the way you are, but I have to admit the glasses are damn sexy on you." She gets on her toes to kiss me and I hug her tightly.

"So what are we up to tonight? You said you have special plans for us?"

"Just take a look around, I'm sure you can figure it out." I plop down on the sofa and look at her expectantly.

"Umm...well. You tidied up your mess…"

"Yep. But there's more."

"Fresh sheets...wait...the books. You don't have so many books," she giggles before taking a closer look at one of the piles. "Out of Africa?" She raises her eyebrows and I grin.

"Some are for the heart, some are for the brain." I grab the artsy book and show it to her.

"Ooh...I adore Oscar Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Gray is my favorite!"

"I know, you mentioned it when you were talking about Professor Know-it-all's class the other day."

She rolls her eyes and it looks fucking cute. No, wait, it looks absolutely enchanting! I should adapt my vocabulary to my new look.

"Is this about Professor Cavill? Are you still jealous?"

"I'm not a bit jealous but I thought it wouldn't hurt to broaden my horizon by reading some classics and if you want to, we could read some stuff to each other and talk about it? Like our own private book club. What do you think, babe?"

"That's a great idea. Count me in." She kisses me again before cocking her head, looking at me with a smirk. "Fuck, these glasses really suit you, baby. You look so hot..."

"Please, Miss. Show me a little respect. I want to be desired for my keen intellect, not for my extraordinary good looks", I joke with an exaggerated frown.

"Idiot!" Y/n laughs out loud and nudges me playfully, "so you're all brains today, huh? Then bring it on. Read to me like one of your french girls." She plops down beside me and I snicker at her Titanic reference. I love the movie -don't you dare tell anyone-, and she hates it because she finds it boring but she still watches it with me whenever I'm in the mood for it. Okay….she usually falls asleep with her head in my lap after 15 minutes but it's the thought that counts and in return I do some cultural stuff with her, exhibitions and such. We went to a vernissage last week and to a reading in a bookstore the other day. So, you see... it's high time for some intellectual stimulation.

"Of course. Let's see what we've got here", I splay my fingers in an affected manner and grab the frame of my glasses with my thumb and middle finger to adjust them before I clear my throat and start to read, putting an extra dark timbre into my voice.

"The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn."

I look up from the book to see that y/n obviously likes my reading voice. She seems captivated and I like the way she gazes at me so adoringly. "Go on", she says softly and I continue.

"From the corner of the divan of Persian saddle-bags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigarettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-coloured blossoms of a laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flamelike as theirs;"

I read the first few pages and I start to like both, the book and the growing erotic tension between me and y/n. She moves closer to me with every paragraph. After I turn the pages for the first time I feel her hand on my thigh, after I do it for the second time she starts to stroke me through my jeans and I sigh before I concentrate on the poetic words again. While Lord Henry and Basil Hallward talk about bane and boon of extraordinary talent, brains and beauty, I get hard under her touch. I stop reading to kiss her but she shakes her head and nods at the book. "No. Go on, Mike. Read." Her voice is thick with desire now and it turns me on even more but I give her what she wants.

"“Harry,”said Basil Hallward, looking him straight in the face, “every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter. The sitter is merely the accident, the occasion. It is not he who is revealed by the painter; it is rather the painter who, on the coloured canvas, reveals himself."

I moan when y/n decides to straddle my lap. She hitches up her boho style maxi skirt before she sits down and all that's between my hard-on and her sweet pussy now is the delicate lace of her panties and the thick fabric of my jeans. The sexy crochet bralette top she wears is not really helpful. Just Oscar Wilde separates me from her spectacular breasts right now. I'm about to put the book aside but she stops me again. "Keep reading." She rubs herself over my boner and looks me in the eyes with a teasing smile. I think this is a promising start to whatever is going to follow and so I go on and on. She's dry humping me now with slow motions, rolling her hips, riding me with closed eyes. I moan again, I'm so turned on I can hardly speak anymore but I try my very best to keep my girl entertained.

"I turned half-way round and saw Dorian Gray for the first time. When our eyes met, I felt that I was growing pale. A curious sensation of terror came over me. I knew that I had come face to face with someone whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself."

And that's it. That's the moment of escalation. We are no longer able to control ourselves and y/n takes the book from my hands and throws it away carelessly before she starts to kiss me with a passion I've never tasted on her tongue before. While we make out like love-crazed predators she opens my belt and my fly and she lifts her butt to allow me to get rid of my pants and boxers. She takes off her top and I push her panties aside, feeling how wet she already is. Wet and eager to take my cock. She sinks down onto my dick slowly and the feeling of stretching her tight pussy is as sensational as ever. I grab her ass and knead her juicy cheeks while kissing and sucking her boobs and her hard nipples. I know how much it turns her on when I bite those little rosy buds and caress her breasts, one time she even came when I took real good care of her tits while she was jerking me off.

But today she rides me and I thrust into her hot core with strong movements, rocking my pelvis rhythmically, and we kiss passionately while my hands roam all over her body. I can tell she's about to come by her breath that's going fast and by the naughty little things she whispers hoarsely into my ear. "Yes, babe...fuck me hard, fuck me rough," and "deeper, Mike, I need your dick deeper" or "I'm so close. Can you feel how close I am?" When she stops moving because she cums with a long, drawn sigh, her body trembling, her cunt clenching around my dick, I hug her tightly, pressing her down, forcing her to take even more of me and after a few fast thrusts I cum too, filling her up with my seed and I can't wait to see it drip from her pussy.

I know it sounds a bit pervy but I love to see the mess I've made and to taste our mixed juices on my tongue. She climbs down from my lap and lays down beside me with spread legs and I bend down to lick her dripping cunt clean, lapping everything up with slow, sensual licks while y/n plays with my dark curls, enjoying the sensation of my tongue between her legs.

When we are lying in my bed cuddled up at each other a few minutes later y/n kisses me tenderly. "I'll need you to read to me like this every day now." I smirk and wink at her. "With the glasses?"

"With the glasses", she giggles and her soft laughter sounds the bell for the next chapter of our intellectual stimulation.

[jokerfan99]

My Top 10 Favorite Anime Villains (Updated) by DarkChild316

In a different time and a different world, I did a list of “My 10 Favorite Anime Villains”. I am older now, and hopefully much wiser and now thanks to the global pandemic and my new subscriptions to Hulu and Funimation I’ve had the opportunity to go back and revisit so many classic anime that I feel like I should re-do it. Plus I’ve gone back and looked at my previous list and shook my head thinking to myself: “My God man, what in the f**k were you thinking with some of these choices!” So, I’ve gone back and redone the list, now this list is strictly for the men only. If you want to see a list dedicated to my favorite female villains, check out my list of “My Top 10 Favorite Anime Villainesses.” But for this list, here is my updated list of My Top 10 Favorite Anime Villains:

#10. Shishiho Makoto (Rurouni Kenshin): Growing up as a kid, Ruroni Kenshin was one of the first anime I had ever watched, and this guy was someone who I hated with a passion. Looking back at it years later, I realize now what an amazing villain and foil to Kenshin that Makoto was. Unlike a lot of villains on this list, Makoto wasn’t just evil for the sake of being evil, Makoto’s evil came from the worst type of trauma: betrayal! In this case the betrayal came from Makoto’s own government, where Makoto survived not only multiple gunshots, but being doused in oil and burned alive, leaving him in complete and utter agony. What puts Shishio on my list is what he manages to do after surviving death. He compiles an army of the best fighters Japan has to offer and plots to overthrow the entire Meiji Government. While in complete agony. Who else can claim that? Did I also mention he’s topping the list of the best fighters in the show? His swordsmanship is second only to Kenshin himself as he proves in their absolutely epic fight.

#9. Hisoka Morrow (Hunter x Hunter): Hunter x Hunter is a show with several great villains that truly stand out, and while Meruem was memorable, pardon me for believing that Hisoka was the standout villain from that show. A devious killer and master Nen user, Hisoka is driven by little more than his desire to find and kill strong opponents. Be they young children or master criminals, he’ll pursue them to the ends of the Earth with a bloodlust on par with that of a wild predator. Likewise, he doesn’t care what happens to himself or others in this pursuit. Mass civilian casualties, the loss of his own villainous allies or even the loss of his own limbs barely phases him, so long as he gets to fight with someone that tests his limits. As a result, he more often than not embodies chaos incarnate, wreaking havoc in his pursuit of battle and leaving a mountain of corpses behind him. Needless to say, this puts him at odds with the series’ protagonists at regular intervals. Not only do Gon and his friends fit the bill for what he seeks, but they often take on enemies that prove to be exactly what Hisoka is looking for. And yet, this also serves to make him all the more interesting. Where other villains might strike out at the protagonists and heroes immediately, Hisoka schemes, allies himself with and double-crosses people regularly, always finding the best angle to work in order to reach his goals. He may not be a world-ending anime villain on the level of a Meruem with seismic ambitions, but he’s undeniably the most interesting and brilliant villain in Hunter x Hunter to see at work.

#8. Izaya Orihara (Durarara!!): If you think of a list of top anime villains and this guy isn’t one of the first people who comes to mind, please raise your hands so I can have a few words with you in private with no cameras or eyewitnesses. The crazy thing about Izaya is that he doesn’t even realize he’s evil, and that’s what makes him great. He loves humanity; from the depths of his bones he loves us all. This is why he makes it onto my list; he does progressively more cruel acts against humans, putting people in situations that generally lead to their deaths. He is also a master of parkour and highly skilled with a switchblade in his hand (as evident in the above picture), which he generally only uses in dire situations or fights against Shizuo. In short, I absoulutely love this guy. I thoroughly enjoyed the way he manages to manipulate an entire populous, and that’s why he’s more than earned a spot on my list.

#7. Dio Brando (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure): You might have thought it was someone else, but it was me, Dio! All meme-worthy jokes aside, Dio Brando is unquestionably one of the most iconic anime villains of all time and, thanks to his series’ late-blooming popularity outside of Japan thanks largely to the 2012 anime adaptation, one that still feels modern in our minds. Dio is a tenacious bastard that takes advantage of the generosity of the Joestar family to further his own power, being intolerably dickish to Jonathan by constantly tearing him down, trying to make him look bad in front of his dad, spreading rumors to sully his reputation, and sabotaging his relationships. This escalates into killing his dog (his f***ikg dog of all things!), poisoning and later stabbing his adoptive father (I mean WTF!), and becoming a freakin vampire. Even after decapitation, Dio gets his revenge and sets in motion many of the events of the series, making a formal return in Stardust Crusaders as the main villain once again. With raw ambition taken to the extreme, iconic lines, poses, and outfits, incredible abilities from Aztec mask-induced vampirism and the time-stopping power of The World, Dio’s menacing presence towers over his series and over anime as a whole, which makes him MORE than deserving of a spot on my list.

#6. Light Yagami (Death Note): Yes, he’s a VILLAIN, get over yourselves Light Yagami fanboys! Anyway, there are a number of different adjectives and superlatives that could be used to described the lead character of Death Note: Diabolical, calculating, and determined to make the world in his own image all describe Light who was easily the most clever man in  Death Note, as evidenced by the layers upon layers that composed his elaborate plans.  Light started out as a good kid, doing well in school and heading to a bright career in police work like his father. But when he gets possession of the death note, he begins a remarkable descent into a disturbing mastermind who becomes judge, jury, and executioner for the entire world. But what truly makes Light's character stand out remains complicated throughout the story. His ultimate goal is to make the world a happier, safer place; a noble but perhaps misguided goal. His idealism and nobility still shine through when he doesn’t have the Death Note. When he temporarily relinquishes ownership of the death note to throw L off his trail, Light loses all memory of the death note and he reverts to his normal personality. His sense of morality returns and he shows more compassion for those around him. He even refuses to use Misa Amane to get information out of her when L asks him to. These qualities help to create a complex character who ends up being a detestable villain, yet you still kind of root for him to come out of this story as a winner. Light’s progression through the series is marked by his sheer brilliance. He's got a calculated and strategic mind that would make the great philosopher Machiavelli jealous, and the power of the death note adds a callousness that makes him free to use people in whatever way necessary to accomplish his goals. It’s highly entertaining to see his intricate plans play out. But Light’s messiah-like ego is just as big as his brain, and that arrogance ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.

#5. The Major (Hellsing): An evil Nazi Scientist, I know everyone is just rolling their eyes right now thinking I’m reaching for the low-hanging fruit for this one, but just hear me out here. While he may seem like an obvious pick for a list like this, The Major’s goals, however, are somehow far more unhinged than what may first appear. Despite being an impassioned orator and uncompromising strategist willing to sacrifice countless soldiers, the Major himself had no especial loyalty or passion for the cause of Millennium. His sole obsession is to plunge the world into an unending conflict to the point of endangering not only the lives of others but also his own. The Major’s leadership of Millennium, his decades espousing the genocidal ideology of fascists, and subsequent war against the Hellsing organization, the Vatican, and the entire world serve only as a pretext to satiate his insatiable bloodlust. The Major is one of anime’s most insidious villains, a charismatic, nihilistic sociopath driven purely by his sadomasochistic death wish.

#4. Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist): Now, you may be recalling that in my previous version of this list, I had Envy listed as my choice as my favorite villain from this show. Well after careful reconsideration, I’ve had to reevaluate my decision and give that spot to this creep, because while Envy’s actions were despicable to a point, they PALE in comparison to this guy! He only really appears in one episode if I remember correctly, yet in that one single episode, he made more of an impact then most villains make in a lifetime, which really says a lot about this guy’s character. What was it that made him so memorable you ask? Well, it could have something to do with the fact that this man transmutaed his own dog and daughter to create a talking chimera, which hadn’t been done before, and for what other reason…all in the name of recognition in the world of alchemy! That mere fact alone made this guy the most hated man in all of anime, the fact that he sacrificed his own family for the sake of fame, with absolutely no hint of remorse, made this guy the definition of an absolute living piece of shit and the only thing worse is how the episode ended, but I won’t spoil that one for you if you haven’t seen it.

#3. Gendo Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion) Up next is a man competing with the likes of Medusa Gorgon for the title of “Anime’s Worst Parent”, Gendo Ikari, please step up to the front of the congregation. Now Gendo is a man who’s list of atrocities throughout Evangelion is far too many to name, but I’m going to try my best to list them here: You have being actively complicit in the premature instigation of a biblical apocalypse, resulting in a near extinction-level event that caused the death of nearly two-thirds of the human population. Emotionally neglecting his own son Shinji estranging himself from him for over twelve years, only to offer him up as a sacrificial pawn in his bid to artificially bootstrap humanity’s ascent into evolutionary godhood so that he could be reunited with his dead wife. Cloning said wife’s DNA into a harem of emotionally dependent albino ingenues who share a dogged infatuation for their creator. And that’s not even mentioning the horrific emotional abuse and mental manipulation he inflicts on Dr. Ritsuko Akagi and her mother Naoko. All-in-all Gendo is proof positive that love not only has the capacity to overcome any obstacle, but sometimes it can truly make monsters out of us all.

#2. Griffith (Berserk): Griffith did nothing wrong; at least, not by his own drives and ambitions. A peasant who grew to become the leader of his own mercenary band, Griffith was a self-driven man who pursued his desires with unparalleled efficiency. No matter the situation or obstacle, he found a way to overcome them, whether that meant facing down an army of thousands or assassinating a country’s leaders. All the while, he amassed a legion of friends and followers who would follow him to hell and back, caring for him as much or more than he cared for them. As a result, they were dragged down with him when his ambitions saw him imprisoned, tortured and maimed. They cared little though, risking life and limb to save him and help him salvage a life with what he had left. That wasn’t enough for Griffith though. When given the option to become a demon and continue the pursuit of his dreams, he whole-heartedly accepted it; even though it came at the cost of sacrificing the lives of each and every one of his friends and allies. But that wasn’t the worst of it, to further spite the early desertion of Guts, Griffith proceeds to rape Casca, Guts’ love interest, in front of him as Guts is held down by demons. So yes, Griffith did nothing wrong by himself. By everyone else though, he did them the worst of injustices, and continues to do so with each breath he takes, all of which makes him a compelling and infuriating villain.

#1. Johan Liebert (Monster): I’ve covered a wide variety of monsters (pun fully intended) on this list, but THIS monster (again, pun FULLY intended) truly takes the cake when it comes to anime villains. A serial killer who would fit in well in any blockbuster film, Monster told the story of a man who had truly become monstrous; a charismatic, intelligent sociopath with no other goal than to kill everyone else in the world. Johan didn't just kill people, he made other people into monsters just like him. This skill of his corruption is first displayed in his youth, when he used stories to convince the other boys in his orphanage to kill all the staff, and each other. Johan is often compared to Light Yagami of Death Note, but the two couldn’t be any more different. Light's fatal (and genius) flaw is his own ego, which leads him to put his own life above all else, even his goal of changing the world. But Johan has never been afraid of death. Quite the opposite, he welcomes and embraces it, being more than willing to put his own life at risk, and one of his signature traits is how he challenges people to shoot him. Another of Jonah’s signature traits is his skills as a masterful manipulator. Where Light and other on this list had to resort to supernatural means to get what they wanted, Johan just used his own wits and knowledge of human nature. He's easily the most frightening villain on this list because he’s the truest to life villain on this list and he exposes the base human nature of his victims and of human society. Monster's remarkable story was almost entirely due to Johan alone, and it’s why he’s #1 on my list.

So that's my updated list, what did you guys think about it? Love it, hated it? Go on and tell me what you think and let me know who your favorite anime villains are. See you soon!!!

Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/darkchild316

[whynotwinnie]

Tímida: Roger Taylor x OC series

sorry guys i’ve been m.i.a. with second semester starting i’ve been stressing with class and all that but i had this chapter for awhile now and i decided to finish it. also i’m trying to work on “wounded” the kylo ren series but i fell into a bit of a writers block for that one. .-. i’ll work on it soon. but here is this roger taylor fic you can use ben hardy’s version of roger if you would like. :) thanks for reading.

 MICKEY

Waking up groggy you checked your alarm clock, 12:00 in the afternoon you have definitely seen worse you groaned as you got up from your bed. 

You had always followed a very specific routine in all honestly it just made sense living on your own had definitely impacted you and your mental health so sticking to a routine made it feel like your life was always on track, when it certainly was not. 

The first thing on your non-existent schedule was coffee, no matter the time you always needed some sort of caffeine when you are tight on cash it was tea at home, but when you were able and that was most of the time you went to a small coffee shop that was about a fifteen-minute walk from your studio apartment. 

After doing the basic self-hygiene you grabbed your tote bag filled with your work stuff and started walking to the directions to Beachwood Cafe.

The walk is always quiet and calm, but it always gave you little bits and pieces into other people’s lives. Like the old lady watering her plants or the way, the housewife takes her toddler for a walk in his stroller. The sense of familiarity comforted you. 

“Hello there.” 

You whipped your head toward the direction of the voice, this was not part of the routine you had never seen this man before, his shoulder-length blonde hair and ridiculously blue eyes were unfamiliar yet comforting. He was confident yet nonchalant with his greeting.

“Hello,” you said with a small smile he looked down at you smiling.

You continued to walk seeing Beachwood in the distance.

“Were you going to get a cuppa?” you nodded your head “That is so crazy because so was I.” he picked up his pace so he can open the door for you. 

You muttered a small thank you and walked in, Beachwood was a small but very popular coffeeshop the owner Dayla has became a very good friend of yours and always brightened up your day with a joke or two.

“Mimi, how are you love?” she asked from behind the counter.

“I’m good Day how are you?”

“Can’t complain if I say so myself.” she said grinning “Let me guess Caffe Latte and a pastry?”

“Yes ma’am, it’s late in the day you didn’t run out of the pastries yet?”

“I just took out a fresh batch right now, I knew you were going to have a late start today.”  God, you loved this woman.

You stepped aside to get your wallet from your bag 

“What would you like young man?” Dayla asked the man who walked in with you.

“I’ll just get a cup of tea please, Oh! I’ll get her order as well” he said as he saw you handing money to Dayla.

“That’s okay!” you said feeling the heat rise to your cheeks.

“Please I insist.” He said practically throwing the money to pay for your order at Dayla.

“Please let me-”

“Mimi! he said he insists go sit down,” Dayla said looking at you wide-eyed.

You looked at both of them and walked to the seat you usually sat at and what a surprise the man came with you.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” he said motioning to the seat across from you.

“Go ahead,” you said

He sat down looking out the window and then back at you. “I’m sorry I realized I never introduced myself I’m Roger Taylor.” he said extending his hand out to you, you grabbed it.

“I’m Mickey… well it’s not really Mickey but it’s just easier to pronounce.” Stupid you should’ve just said Mickey.

“May I ask what your real name is?” Roger said still holding your hand

“It’s Mikaela but Mickey is fine.”

“Can you say it one more time, I want to make sure I got it right.” he rubbed his thumb across your knuckles.

“Umm… yeah it’s pronounced Me as in me and you, Ki like eye but with a K in front of it and Yella like yell with an A after… That sounded really complicated actually you don’t have to-”

“Mikaela?” he said slowly looking up at you for confirmation. 

“Yeah!” your heart skipped a beat it is so nice hearing your name.

“Nice to meet you Mikaela” he said as he brought your hand up to his mouth and pressed a soft kiss on your knuckles.

Fuck.

Of course, at the exact same time as that happened, Dayla came with your drinks. She set your drink down smirking and left without saying another word.

“Is it safe to assume that you are not from here?” He asked while blowing on his tea before taking a small sip.

“Yeah, you can say that. What gave it away.” You said smiling from your coffee cup

“You’re just different from everyone not in a bad way either I like it. Where are you from.”

Oh god, I can die happy right now.

“Well, it's a bit of a long story.”

“I don't have anywhere to be.” He said his blues eyes burning into yours

Oh wow, he's so hot

“Oh in that case. I was born in a small town in Spain. Spanish was my first language so that’s why I talk funny.”

“I like the way you talk.”

He did not. Your face was definitely red.

“How does a girl from Spain come to London?”

“Ummm sheer luck I suppose.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure”

“Was it hard learning another language?”

“Learning English was super difficult sometimes I feel like I dont know what I’m saying, but English is my third language my second was Italian.”

“Italian? Where do you find the time to learn two extra languages?” He was genuinely in disbelief

“Well my mom was from Spain and my dad was from Italy so I just needed to know both and they’re pretty similar to each other so it wasn’t that hard.

“What do you do for fun?”

“What do I do for fun?” I repeated thinking hard

“Yes, you obviously must have loads of friends.”

“Well… I do have friends, I just can’t think of one at this second.”

This is embarrassing now he thinks I’m a loser

“Don’t worry I don’t have many friends either but consider me as your friend Mickey.”

“What about you? What do you do for fun?” I need to change the subject oh my god.

“Well, I’m in a rock band.”

“A rock band?!” You said a little too loudly

“What about me isn’t rock and roll Mickey?” he said laughing

“Not in a bad way of course you don’t seem like the type to be singing in front of a crowd,” I said shaking my head 

“Well, I suppose you got that right I’m on the drums in the back so the audience can’t really see me anyways.”

“I’m sorry I’m not trying to make fun of you I just got caught off guard, does your band have a name?”

“Sm- Queen,” he said shaking his head.

“I like the name Queen, are you playing soon I would like to see what I’m missing out on.”

“We’re actually recording our first album right now, the recording place is not too far from here about a block or two further down. So we’re going on a small break until we’re done with the album but I believe the next one is in three weeks.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for it then.” You said sipping your coffee

“Actually I was hoping to see you earlier than that.”

You immediately choked on your coffee, making a scene by coughing into your napkin.

“That wasn’t the response I had hoped for,” he said passing you his napkin so you can wipe your tears with.

“Oh, I’m so sorry I wasn’t trying to be mean I just- well I would like to see you again as well.”

“Really?,” He said smiling, and you swear you could melt from his smile alone.

“Yes, of course.” You smiled back.

He then prompted to drink his cup of tea until it was finished and left money on the table.

“Great then I’m going to leave before I can mess up this perfect first moment. By any chance do you have a pen on you?”

You shook your head yes and looked through your bag handing it to him.

“This is my number, we’re recording until 6 today so anytime after that call me and I’d love to talk to you more.”

You felt your head spinning with how fast he was talking and moving.

He plucked your hand up and gave you a small kiss on it again, he then walked to the door before saying.

“Promise me you’ll call me,” he told you while he grabbed the door handle.

“I promise I’ll call you,” you said softly

“Perfect,” he said while he winked at you and then left.

He gave you one last look through the window and then left, once he was out of view Dayla came to the table.

“Who was that?” she said, collecting her tip that Roger left her.

“His name is Roger. I met him today.”

“Today! You’re joking.”

“I swear Dayla I met him minutes before coming here?”

“He can be a psychopath! And here you are chatting with him after knowing him for 30 minutes.”

That stopped you.

“He is not a psycho he was so nice and funny, and did you see how hot he is Day?”

“Yeah well murderers can be funny and hot.”

“Do you really think he’s a murderer?” you asked in a exsperated way.

“No, I was just kidding he is really hot and besides who would want to murder you?” Dayla said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Wow that doesn’t really make me feel better.”

She stood up grabbing Roger’s empty cup “Girl you know I was just playing I say go for it and have fun, anyone would be lucky to have you.” she bumped your shoulder with her hip and left.

Your mind felt overwhelmed with all the excitement from today you even almost forgot that you had some work orders to do you tried to push Roger from your mind as you grabbed your journal and sketchbook from your bag. You looked back at your notes reading on what your client wanted: a floor-length gown but not something too flashy something to show off their arms and their cleavage. Perfect. You spent your time designing the gown having fun with it since you probably wouldn’t have another gown piece for months. After finishing you went on to your smaller orders feeling yourself getting into the groove of things.

Looking up from your sketch you noticed how dark it got outside and how empty it now was in the cafe. You decided to call it a day, well that was until you go home, and then you would start making the gown. You noticed the clock when you were telling Dayla good night. 6:58 Damn time really flew by and then you remembered the number you had in your bag.

The walk home went by to fast your thoughts about what you would say to Roger once you called made you nervous to the point that your keys kept slipping from your hands as you were trying to open the door to your apartment. 

You purposely threw your jacket on the phone hook so you didn’t have to see it and went to the bathroom you looked at your appearance baggy jeans, an oversize t-shirt that you also slept in, hair a mess, and no makeup. You shook your head, no way Roger was being serious about you calling him he was so much more put together and out of your league completely. You could just imagine all the beautiful women that he has been with, no way you could compare. You sighed walking out the bathroom ready to get started on your order. You grabbed the different fabrics you needed for making the gown and when you went to grab your sketchbook Roger’s number fell and slowly fluttered down to the floor like it was taunting you. You stared at the paper hard groaning when you opened it reading that he wrote “Roger <3” following his number. You did promise him you would call…

Your heartbeat picked up when you approached the phone dialing each number slowly wishing a catastrophic event would happen and end the world so you didn’t have to finish dialing. It didn’t happen. You put the phone to your ear and hear the first ring, and then the second. This was stupid calling him in the first place you removed the phone from your ear and were half a second away from hanging up when you heard “Hello?”

Shit.

You couldn’t just hang up now. 

“Hello, is this Roger?”

“It took you long enough.”

[miraculousandbts]

BTS | AMAs

P.S. The story is in y/n's perspective. Just because I wanted to.

Summary: You get your first big nomination, but you just had to stumble into a very handsome stranger.

Pairing: OT7 X Reader (Platonic)

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 2.2k

Warning: Reader’s train of thought goes crazy every once in a while. I feel like this should be a warning.

I was hugging my manager and jumping in circles with her, as a way of expressing my happiness. Ashley was not only my manager, but also one of my closest friends, always supporting me and believing in me since the start. Both of us were ecstatic with the news, and this was our way of showing it. Aside from jumping, we both were also screaming very loudly. I had never been so thankful for having a house near the forest area without neighbours.

Oh, wait! I never introduced myself; how rude of me. (Yes, I was thinking about the Thea Stilton books...) I'm y/n, a singer and songwriter. I live in LA. Me and Ash were just watching the American Music Awards nominations, and we just couldn't control our excitement when they took my name. This was my first nomination for an award. It wouldn't be that big of a deal for an experienced artist or someone who has been in the industry for long, but I'm still a rookie, debuting only two years ago.

Me and Ashley finally calmed down when a very startled guard came in and told us that we screamed so loud that he saw bats fly away from deep inside the forest. We sheepishly apologised, and decided to go to sleep. I had been recording a song the whole day, while she had been busy with manager duties, so we both were exhausted. I had actually known her for the last four years, and she often stayed over. So often, in fact, that my guest room had become 'Ashley's Room' very quickly.

After bidding each other happy good nights, we both went to bed in our respective rooms, falling asleep speedily.

*****

Taylor was applying my makeup, while I sat in the stiff makeup chair. This had been going on for the past hour, despite me telling her that I wanted light makeup and a simple dress. Instead, she and my stylist Ben decided to go against my wishes for once. Ben had prepared an extravagant dress too fancy even for a royal ball, and I was thankful it wasn't pink or blue or yellow; I absolutely did not want to look like a princess, that just wouldn't be me. Taylor kept on applying a little too much makeup on my face for my liking. She was very talented, so at least I was sure I wouldn't look bad.

Right now, she was working on my eye makeup, expertly putting on eyeliner and...something. I'm not good with this stuff. Taylor's assistant, whose name I always forgot, was painting my nails. I looked at her working. She was a pro at this. She smoothly glided the brush over my nails, effortlessly painting them purple, and then decorating them. She used as less materials as possible, knowing I hated it when even my nails felt heavy; my face was enough.

After two more hours of torture, I was finally ready. I looked breathtaking, but if I had an option, I would still go with something lighter. After another hour of sitting in the limo, we were finally there.

I got out, and there were cameras in my face. All I saw were purple blotches, because the camera men couldn't use their brains enough to shut off the flash. Or maybe those cameras didn't have an option to shut off the flash.

Anyway, I struck a few poses, blew some kisses, and walked ahead. And then I saw Dan. He was a reporter for such gigs, and I often did short interviews with him. He wasn't like the others; he didn't ask about rumours or made new ones, he didn't ask controversial questions to increase their channel's TRP.

I gave him a grin and walked towards him.

"Hey, Dan."

"Y/n! Looking beautiful as always."

"Oh, you flatter me." I kept a hand on my chest.

"Okay, stop with the over dramatics, girlie." You grinned.

He motioned his cameraman to start recording. I tuned out the whole introduction, and focused when he asked me a question, the said question being how was I feeling about being here even though it hadn't been long since my debut. "It's all thanks to my fans. I love making music, and I believe that if you do something with true passion, you will be successful. I guess this is destiny's way of showing me that what I'm doing is right. And not gonna lie, it feels like I've been feeling like I'm on a sugar rush since the nominees were announced, because of the adrenaline."

After some more questions and smiles, I finally went in.

I was too focused on not tripping on my own feet because of the long dress, so the first thing I did after entering was bump into someone. Great! I wasn't even surprised anymore, knowing how I was. "I am so sorry!" I looked up with wide eyes, only to meet kind brown ones. It took me a second to register that he wasn't alone, six other men behind him. They seemed familiar. I could tell they were from east Asia. I glanced at all of them, and then looked at him, apologising again.

"It is okay." He had a cute accent to his English, and I internally smiled, not only because of his accent, but also because he wasn't mad. I must've smiled in relief, because he looked amused. Now that I was looking at him properly, he was handsome, with a capital H. Little round face, pretty eyes, cute boop-able nose. And then he smiled. And then I died. It was the cutest smile I had ever seen!

Thankfully, I wasn't the kind of gal who would stand there checking him out. All of this took me a second, and I excused myself after thanking him.

*****

"Oh, hey!" I heard a smooth deep voice as soon as I sat down. I looked to my side and found one of the friends of the man I had bumped into earlier. I was right, my brain didn't forget. I smiled a small smile. "Hey."

Extending my hand towards him the old fashioned way, introduced myself. "Y/n."

He shook my hand, seemingly unfazed by my apparent childish behaviour. "Kim Namjoon, more commonly known as RM."

That's when it clicked. RM. K-Pop. BTS. My eyes must've widened; I was always terrible at hiding my emotions. "Everything okay?" He brought me out of my stupor. "Uh, yeah. Just, when I stumbled into one of you guys before, you all seemed familiar, I just couldn't place your faces anywhere." I replied honestly. "Oh." He simply leaned back into his chair and nodded.

"So, in which category are you nominated?" He continued.

"Top social artist. You?"

"Same. It'll be a four year streak for us if we win again."

"Ooh, really. Well then, I hope you win."

"Don't you want to win?"

"Coming here already feels like a dream. I don't think I can handle the adrenaline if I do win."

"So basically you want us to win for completely selfish purposes, huh?"

You both laughed at that remark, and continued making small talk for a while. Then he said he had to use the washroom. I hummed in his direction, and as soon as he got up, I saw the guy I had ran into in the chair next to his.

He had noticed Namjoon getting up too, so he was looking on my direction. He grinned at me, and sat in Namjoon's chair. "Hello."

"Hey."

"I am sorry. My English is not that good. Only Namjoon speaks English." He sheepishly rubbed his neck. "Why are you apologising for that?" I was genuinely curious. It was okay to not know perfect English. Even though I was a native English speaker, I still made mistakes. Everyone did. And the said language wasn't even his first language. "At the entrance, I wanted to talk."

"Oh. Well, You should have, I don't judge because of stuff like this." He smiled at that. "I will introduce you to them." He gestured to his band mates who were very engrossed in the show. Before he could do that, I interrupted him. "Hey, sorry. I haven't been in the industry for long, and I've only ever heard your guys' name, so...I only know RM and V? Is that right? So, yeah, I don't know your name."

I cursed at myself internally. Way, to go y/n! So damn awkward. He must've sensed my hesitation, because all he did was offer me his hand. Ooh, the old fashioned way. Good to know I wasn't the only one.

"Suga."

"Y/n." I shook his hand. Namjoon came back at that moment and him and Suga said something to each other in Korean. Wait, Suga? That does not sound right. Oh, right! It must be his stage name.

And then I facepalmed. Literally. I didn't think before my hand met my forehead. I must've made a pretty loud smack, because both of them were now looking at me like I was some weirdo. I sighed and slowly hid my face in my hands. "These kind of things always happen to me..." I mumbled.

I looked up when I heard them chuckling. I pouted, but I knew they could see the relief on my face that they didn't think of me like I was demented. "Don't worry, we've been living with these guys for the past eight years, these kind of things don't faze us anymore." Namjoon gestured to the other guys, who were still oblivious to their surroundings, absorbed in the performances.

I let out a breathy chuckle at the fact that they were so openly dissing their own friends. Namjoon, by now, was seated in the chair in which Suga was previously sitting in.

"So, I refuse to believe that Suga is your real name. And I would rather be literal friends with you guys, rather than two artists who just know each other."

"Yoongi. Min Yoongi." The way he said it reminded me of how Geronimo Stilton introduced himself. 'Why my brain has to go down completely random memory lanes is beyond me...and why am I thinking about a kid's book series?'

Within the next hour, I had been introduced to the other guys, and all of us were conversing about anything and everything. Seokjin was very happy that I was loving his dad jokes, Hoseok was a little too excited about my proposal of shooting a dance cover on one of mine or their songs, Jimin, Taehyung and me got along very well, as we were all the same age, and Jungkook had offered to teach me boxing, after I expressed my wish to learn it.

All in all, I was getting along very well with them. They were fun to be with, and it was absolutely adorable how they sometimes got flustered over their mistakes while talking. After the fun night ended, I congratulated them on their win, and went home, completely exhausted.

*****

"Noona!" Jungkook was the first to notice me. With wide eyes and a happy grin, he came to hug me. I had decided to surprise the boys by coming to Korea. Right now, I was standing in their dance studio. Even after four years, we were still going strong. It felt like now I had four elder brothers, two twins, and a kid. '...that was a terrible reference...god, please tell me what is wrong with me.'

Soon, all the boys came to hug me, though I tried running away to avoid their sweaty hugs, but Jungkook held me at one place, while I tried to squirm away. I should've just waited in their dorm.

"Kookie!" All I got in reply was a mischievous giggle. He really was a baby. Later that day, a collaboration between us was confirmed, and I couldn't have been happier.

Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton might be kids’ books, but they’re still the best!! Change my mind, I dare you.

[bunnyywritings]

awkward introductions

tsukishima kei x fem!reader

𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤 - 𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 - 𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕥

[a/n: he’s so pretty (つ◉益◉)つ since I’ve gotten new followers since then, just a quick psa, this is not part of the ‘maybe it’s fate’ (or the ‘uncle kei’) series, this is part of my first Tsukishima series ‘hollow words and misunderstandings’...anyways, here’s part 4 of the series! sorry for the wait, oh and I made his super soft here so uh enjoy! -yours truly, bunnyy -`ღ´-] 

Things were finally dying down, the boys getting some well needed time off after the Spring-High playoffs which meant more time for you to bother a certain blonde middle blocker.

“So since we’ve got no practice today...do you maybe wanna hang out?” You asked as you trailed behind his tall figure, weaving through the students in the hallways.

“Hmm sure.” He mumbled as he stopped at his shoe locker.

“Wait...really?” You almost did a double take. He looked at you with a raised eyebrow and a small smirk.

“Fine, I take it back.”

“No, no. I-uh I was just surprised that you agreed...that’s all.” You blushed as he chuckled and pulled his sneakers back on.

“Mhmm whatever you say. Now go put on your shoes before I leave without you.” Even if it was an empty threat, you wouldn’t put it passed him to actually leave so you hurried over to your locker and switched out your shoes. 

As the two of you walked side by side, you could feel his pinkie brush against yours before he gently hooked it around yours. This little action made your heart soar because Kei isn’t one for PDA, so even if it didn’t seem like much this was a big step out of his comfort zone. 

“So where should we go?” You swung your joined arms a bit as you guys made your way down the sidewalk. 

“Would you m-maybe want to come over?” 

You looked at his slightly blushed cheeks as he avoided eye contact with you, deciding to let him be, you nodded eagerly. 

“I’d love to, Kei.” 

So that’s what you did. The butterflies in your stomach were going wild at the thought of going to his home. As you arrived, he fished his key out of his bag and unlocked the front door. He let you in first and closed the door behind the both of you. The both of you sat down to take off your shoes. The butterflies did nothing but continue to flutter around because, from the looks of it, no one was home. 

“Here. You can use these.” He slid a pair of house slippers towards you. You thanked him and put them on before getting up and following him into the house. It was definitely what you had expected, neat and tidy. What you hadn’t expected was the volleyball net in the back courtyard.  “What’s this? I thought you didn’t care that much about volleyball?” You teased as you slid open the door and walked out onto the small ledge.  “It’s not mine. It’s my brother’s.” he leaned against the doorframe.  “oh. I didn’t know you had one.” He sighed and made his way over to a stray volleyball. 

“Yeah, I don’t talk about him much.” It sounded like a sensitive subject so you just let him be. “Come on.” He motioned to the other side of the net.  “Wow, even on your day off, you still want to practice.” You chuckled as you mad your way to the side opposite from him.  “Well I do remember this one annoying girl who yelled at me during our training camp and told me to start trying my hardest because I’d be screwed if I didn’t.” He tossed the volleyball in the air and served it. He chuckled at the deep scarlet that painted your cheeks as you bumped the ball over the net.

“I didn’t say it like that...” you pouted as the ball came over the net once more. “So what? You’re trying to woo me with your hard work to prove me wrong.” 

“I thought I already wooed you?” He caught the ball in his hands.

“Meh...” you shrugged, playfully crossing your arms. “I wouldn’t go as far to say that.”  “Oh yeah?”

Back inside, Akiteru had finally come home. He was kicking off his shoes when he noticed there were already two pairs at the door. Opening his mouth to call out to his brother, he was cut off by-

“Kei!” He was confused to hear that Kei had brought a girl over.

He quietly made his way over to the opened courtyard door and peeked out, eyes widening as he saw Kei grab the girl by the waist and hoist her over his shoulder. 

“Kei! Kei put me down!” She giggled. “I’m sorry! I take it back!”

“Hmm that wasn’t very convincing...” he chuckled as he continued to tickle her sides.  “No! No ple-” she choked out a laugh. “Please! I take it back! I was wooed by you, you won me over!” 

Satisfied with your answer, Tsukishima put you down. Once your feet were back on the ground, you slumped against him. Breath heavy as you recovered from his tickling. 

“You’re a jerk. You know that?” You playfully shoved his shoulder as you stood up straight.  “Hmm so I’ve been told...” he muttered as he leaned down, tilting your chin upwards. “But it doesn’t seem like you care much.” Your noses brushed.  “I don’t.” You tugged at his shirt collar and tugged him down so your lips finally met. Smiling into the kiss as he pulled you closer.  Then someone cleared their throat, causing the both of you to pull away. Both of you turned to the door and there stood a tall, blonde guy in volleyball shorts and a school t-shirt. 

“Sorry to interrupt.” He chuckled. “I thought I’d introduce myself.” Your cheeks suddenly grew very warm and you could just tell that they were red. “I’m Akiteru. Kei’s older brother.”  “N-nice to meet you. I’m (y/n). K-Kei’s uhm girlfriend.” You bowed formally, wishing that the earth would open up and just swallow you whole. 

“So you’re the reason why Kei’s been so different lately.” He had a teasing grin on his face as he watched his little brother try to hold back a blush.  “Oh...well it’s a good different I hope.” You awkwardly smiled back. You honestly had no idea what to do at this point, that was such a horrible way to meet for the first time. Just before anyone else could say anything, as a soft calling of ‘I’m home!’ echoed through the empty house. 

“Oooh mom’s home, wait till she hears about this. Mom!” Akiteru giggled childishly before running back into the house.  “Your mom doesn’t know you have girlfriend?!” You hissed quietly as Kei rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance. 

“...no. I hadn’t really gotten around to it.” The both of you stood in a stale silence for a bit. “Well, there’s no avoiding it now. Come on.”  “What?! We can definitely avoid it. I can uhm I can c-climb the f-fence or I can-” the look of disapproval on his face is what stopped your panicked ranting.  “Do you really not want to meet my mom?” He wasn’t upset or anything, just slightly concerned with how much you were panicking.  “Well no, that’s not it. I- I’m just not ready...what if she hates me?” He thought it was endearing that you wanted his mom to like you.

“That’s impossible.” he grabbed your hand and tugged you along. “Come on, she’ll love you.” your heart started to pound in your chest as he pulled you into the living room.  “What’s this about a guest Kei? You should’ve warned me, I would’ve had dinner ready.” You hid behind Kei as she spoke, peeking out just a bit.  “Sorry.” He turned and guided you in front of him, taking a deep breath. “Mom, this is my g-girlfriend, (y/n).” 

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry for the sudden intrusion.” 

“Oh it’s no problem dear, it’s very nice to meet you. You’re staying for dinner, I hope.” Her kind smile was enough to calm your nerves. 

“If it’s not too much trouble but I’d like to help out, if you don’t mind. Not to sound too conceited but I’m not too bad in the kitchen.” You smiled hopefully.

“Well how could I turn down an offer like that.” She grinned, putting an arm around your shoulder and guiding you to the kitchen. “I hope you’re good with pork. I was hoping to try and make some tonkatsu.” 

“Not to brag or anything, but I’ve been told I make a pretty killer tonkatsu.”

He watched as you and his mother laughed together, cooking and whispering to each other. Akiteru could see the heart eyes that his little brother had for you.

Later on, all throughout dinner, you were doing great. It was like you were never nervous in the first place. You were charming, funny, and loveable. You talked to Akiteru about volleyball, to his mom about your dream university and your passion for baking things. Promising to share some recipies with her. But alas, it was getting late and you had to head home.

“It was great meeting you, thank you for the hospitality.” You bowed.

“Oh! No need to be so formal sweetie.” She tugged you into a hug. “Come by anytime.”

“Hopefully we’ll see you around more often.” You giggled at the not so subtle wink that Akiteru sent you before he also pulled you into a hug.

“Yes, yes, we’ll see her more often, she’s great, blah blah. Okay, bye.” And with that, Kei pulled you out to the porch.

“You know, that was so much-mmph!” He sealed your lips in a rather passionate kiss, hands cupping your jaw. The kiss was dizzying before a thumping on the window and a muffled voice reached our ears.

“I-see-you!” It was Akiteru before he was yoinked away from the window and the curtains were shut once more. Your giggles interrupted the kiss and Kei sighed, resting his forehead against yours.

“My mom really likes you...”

“So does Akiteru apparently.” You teased. “But all jokes aside, I really enjoyed my time with them. They’re pretty great.”

“Yeah...I guess they are.” He looked away, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes widening when you gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“Good night Kei.” And you ran off.

“Text me when you get home idiot!” He called after you, a smile on his lips as you turned around mid run. He watched as you seemed to contemplate something. He squinted, seeing your lips move but not hearing anything. He frowned, shrugging and pointing to his ears.

“I said!” You shouted, “I LOVE YOU!”

He jogged over to you, “Are you crazy?! You’re gonna wake half the neighborhood!” He hissed.

There was a small silence before he pulled you into a hug, holding back a smile when he felt you snuggle into his chest. “I love you too, shrimp.”

His mother and older brother had been watching from the window, huge smiles on their faces as they witnessed the heart warming scene in front of them.

I guess it wasn’t a bad first impression after all.

[jadekitty777]

Umbrella

@chiherah drew the cutest Fair Game sketch of Clover and Qrow sharing an umbrella at my request. And thus, I got inspired.

Rating: K+

Pairing: Qrow/Clover

Word Count: 1900

Ao3 Link: Umbrella

Summary: It’s pouring out and Qrow has no umbrella. Luckily, the cute, new guy at the apartment complex is willing to share his. [Modern AU]

~

Qrow liked to think of his mornings as chaotically organized.

That is to say that he got up at 6:40 sharp every morning, spent 5 minutes on downing a burning cup of instant coffee, 12 minutes on his bathroom routine, and was out the lobby doors of the apartment complex by 7:02 to catch the 7:10 bus that was two blocks away. He had it down to an art, always was on time without failure every day; and though he’d probably benefit from turning his clock back even five minutes to avoid rush, why change something that wasn’t broken?

Problem was, being so precise with his schedule didn’t leave for any opportunity to make last minute adjustments. Like, for example, grabbing an umbrella. Or a coat.

Qrow stood in the foyer that acted as a go-between to the lobby and the outside world, sourly staring at the sheets of rain coming down in thick torrents from the sky. As he pulled out his phone, hoping by some miracle he had three minutes to spare, he stepped aside as he heard the door open behind him to get out of the way of whomever it was.

7:02 AM laughed back at him.

“Shit.” He grumbled.

“Everything alright?”

He jumped, looking over to the person who’d joined him in the foyer. Brunette hair, teal eyes, and an easy-going smile greeted him in return. He instantly recognized him as the new guy who’d taken Maria Calavera’s old apartment when she’d moved out into assisted living earlier on this month (A fact he was a bit salty about – he liked that old codger). Qrow also happened to already know his name because, by habit one day, he went to go get Maria’s mail for her and found a new name etched on the box: Clover Ebi.

He’d caught a few glances of him in passing, but this was his first up-close contact and the realization hit him hard over how unforgivably handsome he was.

“Uh, yeah.” He avoided his gaze when he realized he was staring. “Just, forgot it was going to rain, is all.”

“Oh. That’s unfortunate.”

Qrow snorted. “Buddy, that’s my middle name. Anyways, see ya.” He offered him a wave before walking into the storm. He ducked his head as the rain instantly assaulted him, feeling cold spikes hit along the back of his neck and exposed arms. He sighed, crossing his arms and hunching over as he started his miserable walk to the bus stop, knowing he was going to be drenched by the time he got there.

Or so he thought, until a shadow fell over him, the rain blocked from above.

“You know, I had thought you were going to go back up and grab a coat at least. You’ll catch your death of cold going out like that.”

He tilted his head up, spotting the turquoise umbrella with little, happy aquatic creatures patterned along it, then to the one who had offered it. “Don’t have time. I’ll miss the bus.”

Clover’s smile hadn’t faltered, even as he was pelted by the rain. “Where ya headed? I’ll walk you there.”

Despite the chill in the air, he could feel heat creeping up his neck. “Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”

Wow, real grateful. Good job Qrow. A+ social skills.

But if it offended the other, he didn’t show it, stepping closer so he could hide under the umbrella as well. “Actually, I’m running early. I don’t mind, really.”

“I uh, well, sure, thanks.” He said articulately, his sociability surely continuing to impress.

“Lead the way.” As they started down the street, shoulders nearly touching, he offered. “I’m Clover, by the way.”

“Qrow.” He replied. With his profile now in his sight-line, it made him realize his left ear was pierced, a little silver shamrock twinkling there. Huh, cute. “Soo,” He drawled, feigning obliviousness, “You just moved in, didn’t you?”

“Yep, all the way from Montana.” Clover replied.

“Montana?” He felt his eyebrows shoot towards his hairline, easily picturing lush forests and grand mountain ranges and snow fall ten feet deep. He had to wonder if the guy also had a deer head mounted on the wall and a bearskin rug in his living room. “That’s quite a move. Why’d you come out all this way? It not like Wilmington is the Los Angeles of North Carolina.”

Clover laughed. It was a very nice sound that had Qrow’s heart pattering harder than the rain along their nylon shelter. “That’s an interesting way of putting it. Honestly though? The beach.”

“Okay, fair.” He conceded. Wrightsville Beach was less than an hour away from here, and was the one of the east coast’s most beautiful tourist attractions for a reason. The stunning, deep blue water and wide sandy banks were easy attractions to an appreciative eye and had a calming effect on the soul.  Back during his more insomniac years in Uni, Qrow would oftentimes head down there just to capture the sunrises on his easel.

“I’ve always loved the sea, so when my job offered a relocation opportunity out here, I knew I’d be stupid not to take it.” Clover continued. “Kind of hoping for some time off to rent a boat, maybe do some fishing.”

Well, now the aquatic creatures above them made more sense.

Qrow stuffed his hands into his pockets, trying to keep them warm. “You fish?”

“I know, it’s about the most boring thing you’ve ever heard, right?” He joked.

He rolled his shoulders in a shrug, focusing more on the cracks in the concrete as he hesitantly admitted, “Actually, I uh, I bird watch.”

Immediately as the words flew out of his mouth, he regretted them. Of all the things he could have said! What was he thinking, telling this cute guy about his dumb, weird hobby? Now, he probably thought he was about as drab as a broken lamp.

“Really?”

…So then why did he sound so awestruck?

Qrow swallowed his nerves. “Yeah, my parents were ornithologists and they were a little obsessed with their work. It’s why they named me and my sis after birds. Raven hated it.” He did another shoulder roll, feeling that blush creeping up on him again. “But my parents were always so fascinated and one day I decided I wanted to try and see what was so special about ‘em and well, I didn’t care for all the science and stuff, but I liked watching them fly and build nests. I even learned how to do a few calls.”

“Really?” Clover’s eyes widened. “Can I hear one?”

“What? No!” Now he was positive the blush was on his face.

“I won’t laugh, I promise.”

He just shook his head even more vehemently.

“Alright, then I guess I’ll just have to improvise.”

What?

Clover cupped a hand over his mouth, took a deep breath, and then let out a series of loud squawks. “Caw-caw! Caw-caw!”

Qrow watched him a moment, briefly flabbergasted, and then just started to laugh. “What in the hell are you doing?”

“Bird-calling.” He replied innocently.

“That is not bird calling.”

“Well then,” He lent forward in the small space the umbrella offered, his smile coy. “Guess I got to learn from the master.”

Yep. He was red a tomato, for sure. “Alright, jeez, you swindler. I’ll do one.” Ignoring the way Clover’s face lit up like a damn Christmas tree, Qrow regretfully unearthed his hands from their temporary warmth. He thought over which one to do that was both easy for him but also impressive. “Okay, this’ll be a canary.”

He’d learned how to do that one in high school, and it taken him months to get it just right. The moment he did though, he belted it out randomly in the halls, enjoying the slight chaos it caused the other kids as they tried to find the source of the noise. Just like he used to back then, he pressed the pinkies of both hands to his lips, curled back his tongue a bit, and whistled through them, vibrating his vocal chords just enough to make the sharp trill of the bright yellow bird, the sound easily piercing over the falling rain.

Unlike his classmates though, Clover wasn’t fooled by who had made the noise. “Wow.” He breathed. “That was spectacular.”

“Ehehe, not really.” Qrow rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yes really.” He knocked his arm gently with the umbrella stem. “Don’t cut yourself so short. I bet that was hard to learn how to do.”

How was this guy so nice? Helplessly, he scrambled to respond, “I mean, not as hard as the seagull.” At the other’s sudden, eager grin, he gave a firm, “No.”

“Aah, alright.” Clover surrendered, “We’re almost at the stop anyways.”

Qrow glanced forward, spotting the familiar black structure just a few feet away. As the approached it, he ducked under the curved roof that functioned as a blissful shelter form the rain, and turned back to the man who had gotten him here, realizing this was probably goodbye.

He was surprised by how disappointed he suddenly felt.

“Uh, thanks, for, you know.” He said, gesturing around himself as words again failed him. There was a reason he never took public speaking in school.

“It was no trouble, really.” Clover replied, that easygoing smile back on his face.

He crossed his arms, rubbing the exposed skin idly. “Guess I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah – oh, wait.” Suddenly, the other stepped into the shelter with him, flipping his umbrella upside down and leaning it up against the bench. Then in one smooth motion, he yanked the green hoodie up and over his back, running a hand through his hair to fix the little quiff at the front.

Qrow’s brain short-circuited because whoa, muscles.

Clover held it out to him. “Here, you can borrow this.”

“Huh?” He looked from those nicely toned arms to the offering to his eyes, suddenly catching up to the situation. “No, I couldn’t.”

“I have time to go back and get another. Besides,” He winked, short circuiting Qrow’s brain again, “It’s not like you don’t know where I live.”

Oh. Oooh.

Qrow was experienced enough to recognize the gesture for what it really was: a surefire guarantee that they’d run into each other again.

Now how could he ever refuse that?

“Suppose I do.” He quipped back as suave as he could. He took the hoodie, pulling it on. It smelt like pine, heady and rich and despite their similar heights, it still dwarfed his leaner frame. Some of the other’s body heat still lingered in the fabric and he couldn’t help but melt into the much-needed warmth. He fingered one of the strings, trying to remain casual as he subtly offered, “I’ll return it tonight. Around…?”

“6:30.” Clover rested the umbrella back on his shoulder, expression just as sly. “Maybe we could catch some dinner too?”

Qrow felt his stomach flutter, face easing into a grin. “I’d like that.”

“Then it’s a date.” As he stepped back out into the rain, he winked at him again. “See you soon pretty bird.”

“See you.” He returned, watching the other leave, eyes scanning along his backside and appreciating the view.

Despite the dreary beginnings, it was shaping up to be a great morning after all.

[homogrimoire]

Fun, Family, and Fishing

Fair Game Week 2020: Day 3 - Family / Weapons

Read it on AO3 here.

After months of planning, they were finally going on their camping trip, and boy did it take planning. It was a hard time to find a time where five adults were all free for a vacation. Eventually, they all decided to embark on their trip during the summer when Tai was free from his teaching job, and when fishing was in season. Qrow, Clover, Summer, and Raven just decided to use their sick days to get the time off. At first, it was just going to be them and Ruby and Yang, but then they begged their parents to let their friends Weiss and Blake tag along. They gave in quickly. They knew they could handle two more kids, and quickly met with the other kid’s parents to get the okay from them. To all the kids’ delight, they agreed. But then, all four of them ganged up on the adults to convince them to let their other friends, Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren, join in on the trip. The kids were around so much they practically were family, but eight kids seemed like too much, so at first, they said no. Then they saw the children’s puppy eyes. Then they fell for the puppy eyes and pleas. Then they went to get permission from all the kids’ guardians. And then they modified their plans to include eight kids instead of four kids, which had first only planned for two kids. It was hectic, to say the least, but it all worked out. They ended up renting two RVs and getting more supplies than they could carry. After a day of driving and trying to keep middle school kids entertained, they reached their reserved campsite nightfall, exhausted and tired. They decided to begin their activities the next day. Tai and Clover were the first to wake, used to an early schedule. 

“Morning Tai.”

“Morning Clover.” They both began unloading the supplies for breakfast, though most of the cooking would be done by Tai. Clover wasn’t allowed to cook after the time he burned soup, which no one ever let him forget. The only thing he could cook well was fish.

“So, how was your night?” 

“Pretty good, all things considered. Team JNPR fell asleep pretty quickly, and Qrow too. He is pretty good with kids after all.”

“Team JNPR?” Tai questioned.

“It’s what Qrow calls Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren’s group.” Clover clarified. “He calls the girls Team RWBY.”

“Hmm, I’m gonna steal that from him. If anyone asks, I thought of it on my own.” 

“My lips are sealed.” Clover said as he motioned his lips shut.

“Anyways, my night was terrible. Try falling asleep while teenage girls giggle until midnight, AND, while Raven snores. I don’t know how Summer even fell asleep in the first place.”

“Damn. Well, at least we’ll have tents to sleep in tonight while the kids sleep in the RV.”

“Yeah, but I can only imagine what that’s going to do to my back.” 

“Oh Tai, you say that like we're old men. We’re only barely fourty.” Clover shook his head at the silly notion.

“I do crossword puzzles on my lunch breaks and you collect vintage fishing tackles.” He deadpanned, looking Clover straight into his eyes. Clover opened his mouth to refute the statement, but realized Tai was right.

“Okay. I see your point.” Clover conceded. There was also the fact that he was starting to gray on his sides. He liked how it looked though, and so did Qrow, whose hair was already colored salt and pepper. As Tai started breakfast, Clover took out the tent equipment. The next to awake were Ren, Nora, and Qrow. 

“Good morning Uncle Clover and Mr. Xiao-Long.” Nora greeted cheerfully. She and the other kids had started calling Qrow Uncle Qrow in elementary school when they started hanging out with Ruby and Yang and their cool uncle. He didn’t particularly like it at first, but soon grew accustomed to it. And when he married Clover, it was only natural that they would call Clover Uncle Clover. Needless to say, Clover felt honored and readily accepted the title, especially since he was an only child and therefore couldn’t have nieces or nephews. Ren, still waking up, had also given a respectful “Good morning as well.”

“Morning, and please tell me someone made coffee.” Qrow asked, his drowsiness evident. The drowsiness certainly wasn’t going to stop him from giving his husband a good morning kiss on the cheek though.

“Lucky for you, Tai did. I’ll get you some.” Clover went and poured him a cup of pure black coffee. 

“Thanks Cloves.” He said as he eyed the cup as if it held the secrets of life. Graciously, he took a sip. “Ahh, that's the stuff.” He smiled as he began to feel the drowsiness fade away. 

“Uncle Clover! Can I have some?” Nora asked with bright eyed innocence. 

“Uhh,” he responded at first. He didn’t really know if he should give her any, but got his answer from Ren who seemed wide awake now. Behind her, he mouthed “no” and fearfully shook his head.  “No.”

“Aww, why not?” she asked, deflated. 

“Because …” she stared at him as he tried to think of a reason.

“It’ll stunt your growth. You want to grow big and strong like your uncles, don’t you? Of course you do.” He quickly said before she could answer. “Here, have some juice.” He tossed her a box of some juice, which she caught.

“Thanks Uncle Qrow!”

“No problem kiddo.” She then moved over to Tai to see what he was cooking. Clover let out a sigh of relief.

“Thanks you two.” 

“No need to thank us. We just don’t want Nora to run off in the wilderness and come back with a bear slung over her back.” Qrow told his husband as he took another sip.

“If you think she’s hyper now, you should have seen what happened in fifth grade when she drank an energy drink.” Ren, nursing a box of juice as well, said as he looked into the distance as if reliving a war memory. 

“I’m pretty sure it left poor old Tai traumatized. But hey, he’s still an elementary school teacher, so it obviously wasn’t that bad.” 

“I do not envy Tai’s work.” Clover replied as he sat down next to Qrow to take a break from unpacking. Next to wake up was Raven and Summer.

“Good morning. my wonderful wives.” Tai greeted them each with a kiss as he held a pan of cooking food.

“Too. Energetic.” Summer was obviously not a morning person “Need. Coffee.” She still had her eyes closed Raven guided her to a seat. She poured herself and her wife a cup.

“Morning Raven. You look great.” Qrow teased. She had a serious case of bedhead, which Qrow could not help but make fun of. 

“I will throw you into the river, and I will laugh when your eyeliner gets ruined, little brother.” She glared at him as she took a long sip.

“Jokes on you, I didn't bring any.” He laughed at her, as she could only scowl at him. “Besides, I’d just have my knight in shining armor rescue me.” He gave Clover another kiss, which caused him to blush.

“Aww, look at that. Qrow and Clover sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” teased Summer, who had turned back to her usual self thanks to the coffee. Now Qrow and Clover were both blushing. 

“Ha! Look at them! Nice one!” Raven exclaimed as she high fived her wife. Before anymore could be said or done, Tai announced that breakfast was done, and asked them to wake the rest of the kids. 

“This isn’t over, Summer.” Clover mocked as he motioned that he would be keeping his eyes on her, his cheeks still flushed. 

“Oh, I know.” she said as she smiled, excited for the antics that would follow, and went to wake up Team RWBY. While Clover went to wake up Jaune and Pyrrah, Raven and Qrow only glared at each other, occasionally taking a sip of their coffee. 

With all the kids now up, the real party would begin. After eating and mingling with one another, they changed into their outfits for the main event of the day: a fishing contest. Tai had decided that he would stay behind to watch the stuff. Ren, Nora, Ruby, and Weiss had decided to stay with him, since Nora and Weiss didn’t like getting wet, and Ren and Ruby didn't want to leave their best friend behind. When Tai told them they could help with the tents, Ruby screamed “Yay! Child labor!” which had caused all the adults to laugh, except for Tai, who looked sad and tired already. 

The last ones to change into their fishing outfits were Qrow and Clover. Everyone expected him to look the most prepared because the man had been fishing most of his life, and he did look the most prepared. A fishing vest, with his signature pin tacked on, cargo shorts, and shoes with good grip were all immaculate, despite years of use, save for the shoes that were recently bought. He looked like he was about to enter a fishing contest, save for one particular part of his clothing: his hat. It was a gift from his fathers on his twentieth birthday, much like his prized fishing pole that he lovingly monikered after his favorite bird, “aside from Qrow” he would often clarify, the Kingfisher. Naturally he carried the fishing pole and wore the hat with pride. What made the hat so unaligned with his outfit was the fact that it said “Men want me Fish fear me” on it. Stepping out of the RV with Qrow, Clover saw Raven do a double take. Once she was able to make out the words on the hat, she began to die of laughter, which caused Summer to turn to look at what had made her wife laugh so hard. As a result, she began to laugh as well, calling her husband over in between laughs. Soon, he was dying of laughter as well. Qrow took in a deep breath and exhaled.

“You’re lucky I love you.”

“I know, and it’s all thanks to my good luck charm.” Clover sing-songed as he kissed Qrow on the cheek. He tried to hide a smile, but failed miserably. “Come on Qrow, let's go win our fishing contest.” Raven And Summer began to laugh even harder. 

“You hear that Rav! They think- They think they’re gonna win!” They continued laughing. 

“Laugh all you want now, we’ll see if you’ll be laughing later when you’re eating the fish we caught.” Clover taunted.

“I hope you like the taste of defeat, ladies.” Qrow said cooly, as if he and Clover already won.

“I’m sure they will. Now, let's get going. It’s already noon.” With that, Clover led the way to the river, Qrow by his side, the kids in tow playing around, and Summer and Raven behind the kids, recovering from their laughing fit. Soon, they arrived at a place where the deep river forked, one path remaining deep, the other turning shallow. As the kids played in the shallow area, the adults set up their fishing rods and chairs, one of them periodically going to the nearby shallow area to check in on the kids.

“All set!” exclaimed, the first to finish setting up. He stood back and admired his handiwork, everything neat and orderly. With that, he cast out his line, and waited. Next to finish setting up was Qrow, but only because he had Clover help him. Immediately after was Summer. While she wasn’t nowhere as talented in fishing as Clover, she was still a force to be reckoned with. Lastly was Raven, who was decent at fishing with a pole. And so, they waited, chatting about current events, their jobs, and the kids.

“So thats where Ruby learned about child labor, huh?” asked Qrow.

“Yup.” Confirmed Summer. “Speaking of Ruby, she recently asked when she’s going to have some cousins, and frankly, I wanna know too.” The two men began stumbling over each other’s words, explaining that they talked about it here and there, but never really seriously. 

“Now’s as good a time as any.” Raven spoke. “You’re both about middle aged, have stable jobs with a good retirement plan, and you have us to help you out if you ever need it. After this trip, think about it maybe.”

“Wow Raven, that’s ... actually some good advice. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Clover. I dragged it out from the kindness I keep in my heart.” Raven joked, putting a hand over her heart.

“You have a heart? I wouldn’t have ever known.” said a smug Qrow.

“Fine then, fuck you. I just wanted to have another person to tell all the embarrassing stories I have about you.” She angrily, almost comically, cast a line back into the water.

“Hey, watch you’re fucking language, there’s kids nearby.” Clover reprimanded, pretending to be serious. They all just laughed. The loud children were too far away to be able to discern their words.

“Eh, but seriously, thanks Rae, we’ll think about it.”

“If it helps, just know that I would make a great auntie.” 

“I’m sure you would, Summer.” Qrow replied, mostly focusing on the fishing rod.

“You know, there is one thing we talked about.” Clover teased, immediately grabbing the attention of the two women. 

“Oh, yeah! Names. We were thinking either Basil, or Bluebird.”

“Those are nice.” Raven replied. 

“They are. I get Bluebird,” Summer stated, “but how did you decide on Basil?”

“Like my namesake, it’s another plant that can bring good luck.” Clover clarified.

“Ahh, I see. Oh! Clover! Look!”  Summer shouted. His pole had hooked onto something, and after a bit of fighting, Clover reeled in a decently sized fish. 

“Think you could top this?” Clover asked Qrow specifically, with a wink and a smirk on his face as he put the fish in a bucket of water. 

“I mean, I have before.” He replied, unphased. It took a moment for the women to catch on to what he said. Once they realized, they made sounds of disgust and made sure it was known.

“Ugh! Gods have mercy on me!” Summer screeched in desperation, covering her ears.

“I wouldn’t waste my breath if I were you. Trust me, I know. You know how many times they didn't show me any mercy in college.” Qrow shuddered at the memories of him accidentally walking in on Raven, Summer, and Tai. They resumed their normal conversations and soon slipped into comfortable silence, each of them catching a fish now and then, except for Qrow. By the time lunch rolled around and the kids had eaten and resumed their playing, Qrow had still caught nothing. Currently in the lead was Raven, though Clover had wondered why the fish weren’t as big as they usually were. He just chalked it up to luck. 

“Fuck it.” Qrow said. He rolled up his pants and waded into the river. Clover watched in curiosity as his husband stood still with laser focus in knee deep water. Soon, his curiosity was replaced with awe as the man shot into the water and resurfaced with a fish that put him in the lead. Clover wouldn’t have said it out loud, but seeing Qrow glistening in the river with a big fish in his hands was kind of hot.

“Qrow where the hell did you learn that!? That was amazing!” After Qrow placed his catch in his bucket, he was met with a kiss on the lips.

“Looks like I better catch more fish if this is my reward, huh?” Qrow asked, knowing the answer to his question. Clover whispered his answer into Qrow’s ear. Apparently, he did not know the answer. His face got visibly redder, and he quickly went back into the river. 

“Don’t think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it.” Summer repeated to herself. 

“I think I know how to help with that.” Raven walked over to Summer, gave her a kiss, then walked into the water. Needless to say, it worked. Soon, after Clover and Summer caught another fish, too small to dethrone Qrow, Raven striked, and reemerged with two fish in hand, one big enough to take the lead. “We learned lots of things back when we were a part of that traveling tribe. Some of us learned better than others.” Suavely, she tossed the smaller fish back into the water and replaced the fish in her bucket with the bigger one as Summer cheered her on.

Sibling rivalry mode was in full swing among the pair. Mostly in silence, they continued their contest. Qrow managed to catch a bigger one, but was dethroned by Clover, which he didn't mind. Meanwhile, poor Summer remained in last place. She was starting to lose hope, until something that seemed particularly big got hooked onto her pole. By then, Raven and Summer had left the water and had packed up most of the stuff. She fought with it, slowly but surely making progress. However, as she was fighting the fish standing up, she slipped, sending her into the center of the river, where it was deepest. Summer had lost her rod, but had fortunately felt someone tug her back to the surface. As she broke the surface, she gasped for air.

“Oh Raven, my love, you saved me. That’s what a real knight in shining armor is like Qrow!” Her eyes still closed and cradled in a set of arms, she moved to give her savior a kiss, but felt something that something was off, and stopped. “Wait a minute…” she reached for the chest area and gave a light squeeze. They were thick,  nowhere as  plump as Raven’s, but thicker than Qrow’s. She knew that it could only mean one thing. She rubbed her eyes and opened them to face Clover.

“A real knight in shining armor huh?” he asked smugly. She gave a small scream and squirmed about, falling back into the water.

“None of you saw or heard any of that!” she yelled, pointing a finger at all of them. Her heart dropped when she saw Qrow on shore, holding his phone, the camera light on. “Oh gods no.”

“I did say it wasn’t over, remember? This’ll make for a great video to show everyone.” 

“You monster!” she yelled as she pretended to try to drown the man, though that would be difficult, considering he practically grew up in water. Meanwhile, Clover was laughing and Qrow was laughing as he ran from Raven who was trying to steal his phone so she could protect her wife’s honor by deleting the video. However, their antics were interrupted.

“Mom! Uncle Qrow! Look what Blake caught!” Yang shouted from down the river. In the distance, they could make out what looked to be a large fish.

“Holy fuck...” Qrow stated in awe.

“Don’t tell me...” said Raven, also awestruck. “Hey!” she shouted at Clover and Summer. “Meet us down the river with the kids. You’ll want to see this!” 

“Oh boy...” Clover knew that with this family, it was bound to be something interesting, to say the least. He and Summer swam over, seeing the figure Blake had dragged in becoming clearer and clearer. They could also see Raven checking Blake to make sure she was alright as Qrow untangled the line from the caught fish.

“No. Way. “They both said in unison. Once they reached shallow enough water, They ran to confirm that Blake was alright, and that she had indeed caught the fish that threw Summer into the water. Blake’s shyness was evident as her friends showered her with praise.

“Blake! Where did you learn to do that!? That was amazing!” asked Yang, proud of her best friend. 

“That, its nothing.” she shied away, pushing her wet hair out of her face and turning her head to hide a blush. “I’ve been doing it with my mom since I was young. Really, it’s nothing spectacular.”

“Hey, don’t sell yourself short kid, that thing’s half your size. That’s nothing to sneeze at.” said Qrow. He had had low self esteem for a long time, and wasn’t about to let any of the kids put themselves down.

“That is very incredible Blake, but try not to do that again without letting us know. We just don’t want anything bad to happen.” clover explained.

“Yes, of course, I’ll be sure to let one of you know next time.” she stated.

“You do know what this means, right Blake?” asked Summer.

“Uhh, no?”

“It means you won our fishing contests silly! You caught the biggest fish! You Win!” Blake was confused at first when she was picked up by Raven and placed on her shoulder.

“That also means you get to lead the victory parade, little champion.”

“Ooh, mom, pick me up too!” Yang exclaimed. She wasn’t going to refuse. She had seen how close the little champion and her daughter were getting. It brought her comfort to know her daughter would be with such a strong person. Once the equipment and dinner packed and ready for transport, they marched back to their campsite, the children shouting Blake’s name as she was carried in front.

“Damn, what are the Belladonnas feeding her?” Clover wondered. 

“Pure protein, by the looks of it.” Summer replied.

“Well, at least she’s alright.” Qrow said.

“Yeah.” agreed Summer and Clover.

The sun was beginning to set by the time they returned. By then, they were all beginning to feel tired and hungry once more. Tai and Clover made sure to make the fish mouth watering delicious. The served the first piece to Blake, whose mouth was watering at the sight. While the kids ate and Yang retold the story of how her bff caught the beat, the adults chatted some more. After dinner, they all roasted marshmallows and told scary stories. If anyone had asked Clover if he had yelped and grabbed onto his husband’s arm when an ominous howl coincided with the climax of Tai’s scary story, he would say it didn’t happen. Everyone else would beg to differ, especially Qrow. As it got later, the fire died and the kids who wanted to sleep outside retired to a tent, while the kids who wanted to sleep inside retired to the RVs. While there was room for the adults in the RV, they wanted to appreciate the cool air and beautiful night sky. 

“Hey, Clover?”

“Yes, my Lucky Charm?”

“It’s been a nice day with you, and them.” Clover hummed in agreement.

“It has. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” They laid together in comfortable silence for a moment more, taking in the starry sky through their clear-topped tent. 

“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” Qrow asked. Clover turned to face him. His deep crimson eyes shone a unique brilliance that was incomparable to anything else. Qrow had just looked so serene in the light of the moon and stars and the darkness of the night. Clover found himself enamored. 

“Most beautiful sight in the world, if I must say.”

“Clover, I swear, if you’re─” he stopped mid sentence as he turned his head to see Clover staring right at him, obviously caught up in admiring his dark-haired husband. Qrow softly smiled back. Together, they silently admired each other. 

“You know, I do think of you and your family as the best thing to ever happen to me. Never had a big family, and I’m pretty much all I have from my side of the family now. I guess I just appreciate you and your family a lot.”

“Our family, Lucky Charm.”

“Hmm?” Clover said, surprised.

“Our family. You’re as much a part of it as anyone else here, and we all love you just the same too.” Bewildered. Clover couldn’t think of a response. He was so used to the loneliness that he hadn’t really considered he could be a part of a family again. He moved closer to hug Qrow, who readily accepted him. He buried his head into the crook of his shoulders. And Clover wasn’t going to lie. He was crying a little. However, Qrow’s scent helped comfort him, as well as Qrow stroking his hair and the knowledge that he had a family.

“I love you Qrow.” Clover’s voice came out a tad strained, though it was almost undetectable.

“I love you too Clover.” With Qrow humming a song, Clover fell into a peaceful sleep. Soon after, Qrow fell asleep to the calm rise and fall of his husband’s chest. In this sleep, Clover had a dream, though he only remembered an image from it. Tai, Summer, and Raven were in it, as well as all the kids, albeit slightly older. Qrow was standing right beside him, their hands intertwined. In between them were two children who he could not discern. Yet, he felt happy, he felt like he was where he belonged, he felt love.

[ritacaroline]

Starshine                            Ch.16      Jimmy Page           Fan Fiction

Sequel to In The Light

Jimmy had left the house early for some recording work at the studio in town. Jill was in the kitchen, waiting for Clare to arrive, chatting with Mrs. K. Jill sat at the breakfast table with her coffee and noticed a business card at her spot at the table. Hmm. It said on it, “Julian Lewis, Trust in Security Inc., London England.”

“Rebecca ? Did you leave this here for me ? This card ?” asked Jill.

“No, hun, it was there when I got here this morning.” she answered.

“Oh. Jimmy must’ve left it. Ok.” said Jill.

Just then, Clare appeared at the back sliding glass doors, in front of her. Rebecca was standing right there and opened the doors. Greetings took place, and Jill told Clare to have a seat. Mrs. K. brought over their two steaming hot breakfast plates and a coffee for Clare.  “Oh, how lovely, Mrs. K. ! Thank you ! ” said Clare. Jill also thanked her, and the two really enjoyed their hot food. Jill pushed the business card she’d found over to Clare. 

Clare read the card : Where did this come from ?

Jill :  I assume that Jimmy left it here on the table for me, this morning. Rebecca knows nothing about it.

Clare : Well, did Julian give you his card at some point ?

Jill : No ! That’s what’s confusing about it. I remember him offering it to me, when we had that discussion that day…but, I don’t remember taking it. And you and I discussed it yesterday afternoon, but Jimmy was in the home studio, couldn’t have heard us.  So where ever it came from, how would he know we might be looking for his number ? 

Clare : No idea. But since it’s here, let’s put it to good use. Let’s call Julian first, see if there’s any interest, if so, we then speak with Linda about it. Not the other way around. So ? 

Jill : Yeah. I see. But, you’re gonna need to be the one who does the calling. It would be awkward if it were me, talking with him about a potential set up. 

Clare : Uh huh. I see why. No problem. He was always very sweet. I have no reservations about giving him a call. 

After their swim and getting redressed, the two of them drove off in the white Vette, off to some stores and shops in town. Clare wanted to look for some maternity clothes and baby related items. Jill just wanted to get out into town and be with her friend. 

Several hours later, the women had gotten quite a bit accomplished during their outing. Clare had several packages in the trunk, or the boot, as they say there, of the car. And they found themselves in town, just a block away from the studio. They thought about calling the studio, before they dropped in on the men. But decided it wasn’t necessary. So, Jill pulled into the open spot in front and they both came walking in quietly. They could hear the drums pounding away in the recording area, then stopping. Then restarting and some talking. It was obvious that it wasn’t a formal take, and there was no red light on at the engineers booth. So they both gently stepped in. Bonz looked up from his kit, and said, “Hey !  There’s my girl !” in a thrilled kind of way, and opened his arms to Clare. She walked directly into his arms and he warmly embraced her, with his arms all around her and a tender smile on his sweet face. They started kissing and stayed like that a minute. One of the sound technicians put his hand on Jill’s shoulder, saying, “ Hi Jilly. Jim’s in the back room, he’ll be glad to see you.” She thanked him and strode over to the back. When she got to the room, she peeked in and knocked softly on the frame of the open door, saying “Candy-gram. Uhh, I mean, Strip-o-gram !”   Jim was sitting hunched over a notebook, writing in it with a pen, sipping on coffee. When he looked up, his face lit up with surprise and happiness. He stood right up and stepped immediately to her, and opened his arms. He hugged Jill tightly and kissed her on the mouth numerous times, in joy. “Babe, what a great surprise ! This is so awesome.” he gushed. He gently guided her backwards to the wall and leaned her against it, with his arms around her waist and back and kissed her with enthusiasm.

Jill said,  “Oh my goodness, what a reception ! And to think, I was a little worried about dropping in without calling first. After all that drama last week, you never know what you could be walking in on !“ she joked. He totally understood and knew she was kidding, and replied, “Oh right, like every day here is a day of non stop sex at the music studio. I mean, sex lounge. Good thing you weren’t here 20 minutes ago, I was busy in the break room under 2 brunettes. Let me make sure I’m zipped up after that.” he teased her. And simultaneously looked down at his pants and put both hands on his zipper to check for closure.  She just shook her head and laughed and rolled her eyes at him. Jim continued, “No, sweetheart, of course I’m kidding. You can drop in on me, any time of any day and I will be ecstatic to see your beautiful face. And I’ll squeeze you and love you. And anything else you’ d like. We’ll just lock the door. There’s no one I’d rather see than you, any time, any day, my darling.“ 

She embraced him and squeezed him really tight and kissed him all over his face and neck. He adored her attention and rubbed her back and hips as she did. Just then, there was a knock at the open door and a voice began, “I’m not looking. I’m covering my eyes.” said Robert, with one hand over his eyes.  As he peeked through and saw Jimmy and Jill kissing and against the wall in a tight embrace. They disengaged and stepped away from each other, to be polite. 

Rob said, “Oh wow, I was really just trying to be funny. I didn’t realize that you two might actually require privacy, after all.  So, please excuse me !!” he joked. He approached Jill and gave her a little kiss, just next to her mouth. She was glad to see him, and put her hand under his chin and held his jaw in affection for a moment, smiling. 

“Glad to see that there’s some molten hot love happening here, for at least someone in our group. Not for me though. I’m starved for affection and have been rejected. Because I can’t behave. Maybe I’ll learn my lesson.” said Rob, with a more serious vibe. Jill looked right at him and made the overdone sad face toward him, in sympathy. Rob put his hand out to her and she held it for a minute, and she squeezed it. She pulled him in against herself and hugged him, with a little right to left rocking motion. He lavished in her comfort, then said, “Oh my God Jimmy, you’re right bloke, you did find a real angel here, when you found Jill !  Not only is she out of the park stunning, but how loving and kind she is, how she cares. And a warm body and heaven sent figure. A real doll. You are fucking lucky as it gets, man.” he exclaimed. Jimmy nodded in agreement.

Jill spoke, “Well, Robert, thank you very very much. And I know you’re trying to compliment me, which I take to heart. And it’s quite appreciated. But- just one thing. As far as Jimmy being lucky to have me. That’s not correct at all. No luck involved at all. When I met him, I didn’t fall for him because he just happened to be sitting there looking pretty. No. There’s plenty of guys who could do that. And I don’t want them. There’s quite a few things about him that won my heart. And I’m not even talking about his talent and creativity. Though that alone is a real reason he deserves admiration. But honestly, what attracted me so much to him was his sensitivity and sincerity. How he spoke to me. Made me feel like I could be myself and not be judged. The kindness in him. His honesty to me. He told me so many things about himself that he didn’t even have to tell me, but he did anyway. Even though he knew they would shine a poor light on him. He still told me. And he treated me with respect and was patient with me, every time we met. Those are some really hard to find qualities and I was astonished to find them in such a gorgeous, sexy man. And also, from what I see, he’s loyal to me, which is a big one. So add it all up and that’s why I’m with him. No luck involved, zero. I know a good guy when I see one. And it’s been a long time since I saw one, other than Jim.” 

Jimmy was overwhelmed with Jill’s words and turned a little bit red in the face. He really had never heard Jill speak about him like that before. He actually didn’t even realize that he had behaved so beautifully, in regard to her. He had his hand rubbing across his forehead, back and forth, in a state of light embarrassment and self consciousness.  He said, “Wow, I didn’t expect that. Thank you my love, you’re completely amazing to say those things. And truthfully, if I ever heard someone saying that about their lover, I certainly would never believe that it could be about me. Because before I met you, I was the worst thing to happen to any woman I met. Didn’t respect them, treated them like objects for my entertainment. Lied, cheated, tossed them aside when I was no longer interested, cared zero about their feelings. I deserved to be dumped. Yep. I did all that. It was not till I met you that I didn’t care to act that way any longer. I remember exactly when that realization came over me, too. It was within the first couple days that we met. At the NY Hospital. We were standing in the hallway in front of the elevator. And I was observing how many guys were agape at the sight of you and how they were trying for your attention. And I realized how special you were and wondered how I was gonna change my stupid behavior. And the fact that I was willing to, was even new for me. I had to, if I was going to get a chance to be with you. So, basically I’m saying, that all those awesome things you said about me, I never acted like that before with any other woman.” 

Rob interrupted, “True. He never has. I’m a witness.”

Jimmy smirked at Rob. Then continued, “ I thought really hard on how I would change myself for the better, to try for you, Jill. Because that’s what you deserve. A gentleman. And it was new for me, but God, it was so worth it. My love.” And he pulled her against himself and kissed her with passion. Appreciating the fact that she had many other choices, yet she chose him. It was a really hot emotional embrace,

 one you don‘t see every day.  The fact that Rob was standing right there, made no fucking difference. Not at this revealing instant.  An honest look at why they fell in love. Rob just stood there in awe. Then he said, “Wow. Love. This is really it. Right here in front of me, real true love. Ahhh, well. I don’t think it’s ever going to happen for me, not anytime soon. I realized too late what I had with Linda. Too fuckin late.”

He stepped out of the room and outdoors for a cigarette. Jimmy and Jill, just looked in each other’s eyes for a few seconds and the feelings were thick between them. There was tingling happening like electric voltage between them. They just touched each others’ hands and felt it. Jill said, she needed to be going. He kissed her and said, “I’ll see you at home, darling. Please be careful driving, I need you in one piece.”

__________________________________________________________

Next Ch. (17)  https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/post/185623215256/starshine-ch-17-jimmy

Chapter Index for “Starshine” is located at bottom section of Ch.1 , click here : https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/post/184383708541/starshine-ch-1-jimmy-page-fan

Link to “In The Light” - original fan fic - https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/Fan%20Fiction

JimJam Mistresses @tremble-and-shake @ledoftherings @gimmeeshelter @adonna1964 @justanotherzosofangirl @starchild0985 @girlofthemoon75 @bonscottintheimpala @12909168 @jullz @cherryfloyd @tenementcrazylittlefruitcake @save-me-from-the-gallows-pole @soy-laprincessa @marauderofworlds @ultrabitchystudentperfectionus @satanspizzadeliveryguy @misspenylane @zi-zidane @catherine0627 @pagingpage-the-original @amythesticon @strangerspassinginthestreet @ thezeppelinbeatles @pour-some-sugar-on-mee  @carryfire18  @j-james-thlk @70shoney @strange-broo @page-daddy @nadianad1337 @yerawizardjimmeh @jimmyypagey @magnetacuddles84 @rock6880 @ledxzeppelin @kinkyspice  @thelandofnevermore  @my-golden-lion  @itsblackbetty  @magnetacuddles84   @luvejimmy  @palenickelsaladparty @jennmarieetn @honeydewgroupie  @how-many-more-times-blog   @loveinher-eyess @rocknrollababes-blog   @princesssofpeace @frauweide @dontyouhearmecallingyou @zozjaa @miniaturewinnerwonderland @http-jinx @chennington @venicebeachx @wanna-be-groupie @where-the-hot-springs-blow @basementmermaid @crying-over-rock-legends

*Please indicate if you would like to be added or removed from the tagged area.

[theboyswithasparebitofparchment]

Something different

Haven’t posted in a solid minute but that’s because I’ve honestly...been very lazy.

I ain’t going to lie.

But, I have been ‘pimp my ride- ing some of my old posts because since I last wrote them , over a year ago , I’ve realised that they’re really shite.

So I give you a refurbished short reel of one of my older posts, that I give a lil comedy TV spin on (inspired by a Brooklyn 99 opening)

Annnnddd I really hope you like it! Which may not be likely arghhh im so tired hahahha

How the Marauders got their name.

*2am in the Gryffindor Tower*

James: *concentrating hard, beads of sweat rolling down his face* Slowly just position my quill in a swift motion...

Remus: Prongs, its just your signature, why has it taken you a full 20 minutes?

James: art takes time Moony, you’d rather i slop on my name like some maniac, i think not.

Sirius: c’mon James, I’m starving

Peter: yeah, when are we having lunch?

Remus: Guy’s it’s like 2AM

Peter: well, its lunch somewhere. I maybe dining with a lovely Puerto Rican family, get some respect Moony

*Remus sighs in annoyance whilst Sirius gives a ‘he has a point you know’ expression’

James: Wait.Just. A. Minute.... YESSS the Map is finished!

All hail the magic parchment. Now let’s officiate it... with our mouths!

*James plants a kiss on the map, wet ink staining his lips*

Remus: *in a stern tome* yeah, we’re not doing that.

*sirius and peter simultaneously shake their heads awkwardly*

James: okay, well now i look like an idiot for making out with a piece of parchment, thanks a lot guys

Peter: but no one asked you to do th-

James: *interrupts* -Okay, that aside, now onto important matters...

what to name it? So when we make millions, obviously, we have our trademark on lockdown.

Remus: That’s a pretty good idea, ink lips

James: *shyly* aw, thanks Moons

*Remus looks at him with a ‘that was supposed to be a joke’ look’*

Sirius: well, it has to be something catchy. Maybe a pseudonym but still,like, cool and stuff

Peter: erm...ooo!

how about The Marauders! Huh, sexy right?

*James groans, Remus makes a disgusted face*

Sirius: Wormtail... no. And stop describing things as sexy. It’s weird and definitely not sexy.

Peter: what’s not sexy about The Marauders

Sirius: okay thats it, go stand in the corner

*Peter hangs heads in shame and turns to the wall, turning around to face the group, smiling shyly*

Sirius:(without facing Peter) turn around and face the wall dude

Peter: * turns slowly* You sick bastard

Remus: *looks straight at the wall, awkwardly, the Office style*

James:Right okay ... sorry, what were we talking about again?

Peter: nicknames

Sirius: Pettigrew, shut up or so help me Merlin, i will make you clean my bed... without magic

*peter mimicks zipping his mouth closed*

Remus: what about... a hybrid of all our names? Or maybe our nicknames?

James: huh. Okay, so what about...Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and ...

Sirius: *interrupts* DEER!!!

James: *stares with confusion*

Dude no. And STOP saying deer when you know my animagi is clearly a DAMN STAG, there’s a clear difference.

Sirius: *shrugs* potahto, avacado...

James: *sighs frustratedly* that’s not the bloody saying and you know i-

Remus: -okay, can the married couple please calm down and save their domestic for later, before Merlin forbid they have make-up sex in front of us.

*james and sirius jokingly wink and throw flirtaious gestures at one another*

Remus: okay so, moony, wormtail, padfoot and prongs comes to....

MWPP *writes it down onto parchment* hmm, doesn’t sound too bad?

James: MW-APP, sounds like a muggle washing detergent, scoff!

*remus gives a ‘you’re not supposed to say the word’ expression*

- anyway it’s a lame name, ooh I made a rhyme. Back to the topic. How about.....Ooh! How about... the tail turds? Because we all have tails?

Remus: *deadpan tone* you are aware you just called yourself a turd, right?

James: Oh wait, yeah...

but that means that you’re all turds too so,

check and mate Lupin *smiles smugly*

Remus: *inhales sharply and pinches bridge of nose, whispering under his breath* why are you like this?

Sirius: I’ve got a great one, how about the Dangerous Incredible Cool Krew, crew with a K because its how the kids say it today.

*everyone shares stares of disgust*

Remus:so... you want to name our group DICK?

Sirius: no, i said Dangerous Incredible Cool Krew.... WITH A K!

James: *stiffles laughter* wow, at-least we know you thought about that, Long and Hard Sirius *snorts*

*all aside from Sirius laugh*

Sirius: dude...

Remus: c’mon prongs. He was clearly Packing in a lot of ideas before he Came out with that, right Pads?

*more laughter erupts from the trio whilst Sirius looks around sheepishly*

Peter: *from the wall* we’re talking about your penis

Sirius: No one asked for your input Wormy, now you have to do my bed, now who looks like an idiot?

*the group chimes in with a mumble of ‘its still you pads’ *

Sirius: *in a assured tone* okay...well no-one’s going to take it that way.

In a matter of fact, I for one love the name.

yeah, thats right.....

I love D I C K and only immature peop- oh wait......

OH S*it, I see it.

*awkward silence lingers in the room*

Remus: All in favour to go with Peter’s idea, say I

James: I

Sirius: I

Peter: *still facing wall, raises first in air, triumphantly* i am victorIOUSSSS

END

[mad-madam-m]

A Fruit-ful Day

I said months ago that I had a hankering to write a fluffy fic with Keith and Shiro picking fruit and making jam, and then @aredblush doodled bribery. Then season 7 happened and other Things and anyway I finally got around to writing it just in time to celebrate fall.

And yes, this is based on my not!fic from this ask.

"Here." Keith picked the apple out of the tree and tossed it into Shiro's waiting bucket. "I think that's the last one for today."

Shiro eyed the tree, and then shifted his bucket to his left arm so he could send his right one up to grab two more apples just above Keith's head.

Keith made a face and hopped off the ladder to land lightly on the ground. "Show off."

Shiro grinned. "Takes one to know one, huh?"

Keith gave him a cocky smile and picked up the basket of strawberries and blackberries sitting beside the ladder. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Shiro laughed and bumped Keith's shoulder, then started back toward the house. It was a warm day, but the morning had held just enough chill to remind him that fall was on the way. This was probably the last harvest he'd get from the strawberries and blackberries for the year, but he'd have a few more weeks of apples.

After everything—after they'd broken the Galra's hold on the universe and started with the slow, agonizing process of building a peaceful coalition—Shiro had bought this house with its land on a whim, after both Sam Holt and Dr. Edwards, the therapist Sam, Keith, and Krolia had badgered him into seeing for his PTSD, had suggested he find a hobby outside of work. Gardening had sounded about as far from flying and space travel as he could get. Not that he didn't still love his job; he did, but Shiro desperately needed something in his life with lower stakes. Nobody died if his strawberries didn't bloom.

It had turned out to be exactly what he needed. Gardening steadied him, calmed him, helped him reconnect with the world. The cycle of planting and growing things didn't deviate much throughout the year, and Shiro had found he could easily spend an entire weekend with his hands in the dirt, pulling out weeds and pruning his plants. It was good to help things grow, coaxing them out of the ground, after spending so much time dealing death.

His second year with the garden, Keith had asked if he could use some of Shiro's fruit to make jam. Of course Shiro had said yes; he'd chosen to plant fruits and vegetables with the intention of sharing them with his friends. That mostly meant putting strawberries and blackberries into little pint boxes and shoving them off on an absolutely delighted Hunk, who returned the favor by making Shiro all the blackberry cobbler he could eat.

But with Keith, that meant him showing up first thing in the morning to help Shiro in the garden, weeding and harvesting whatever was ready to be harvested. Shiro had tried telling him he didn't have to, but Keith insisted; if he was going to be using the fruit for jam, he should help take care of it.

Shiro didn't mind. It meant they spent a lot of time together where they were both sweaty and tired and covered in dirt, but happy and relaxed, and sometimes Shiro thought this was even more steadying than gardening.

He and Keith hauled their buckets and baskets into the kitchen and then went to wash up, then returned to the kitchen to prep the fruit. Some Keith would take home, some would go to Hunk and Shay, and a good amount would be frozen for later.

Shiro sat down with the strawberries and blackberries to weigh them out, and Keith started peeling the apples they were going to freeze.

"I'm going to try apple butter this year," Keith said.

Shiro raised his eyebrows. "Yeah? Your peach butter was really good."

Keith blushed faintly and smiled. "Thanks. I think I like it a little better than jam."

"Making it or eating it?"

Keith tossed a few apple slices into the bowl in front of him. "Eating it. Making it..." He shrugged. "It's the same."

Keith used jam-making the same way Shiro used gardening. They hadn't ever discussed what it did for him, but from what Shiro could see, it helped.

Shiro gave him a blackberry, and Keith popped it into his mouth.

"Are you going to expand the garden again next year?" Keith asked.

Shiro nodded. "I'm planning on it. I haven't really decided what else to plant, though. What would you like?"

"Raspberries. So I can try the triple berry jam Pidge has been pestering me for."

"All right. I'll look into it."

Keith's eyes widened. "Really? You don't have to. I was joking."

"I wasn't." Shiro rolled his shoulders; they were a little sore from working in the garden all morning. "I like growing things, but I don't use them much. If there's something I can grow that you'll use, I'm happy to do it."

Keith's face softened. "Thank you, Shiro."

It was that face that made Shiro's heart do stupid, acrobatic-related things, and he cleared his throat and went back to separating the strawberries and blackberries. "Of course. No problem."

He had no idea when his feelings for Keith had evolved from friendship to love. Parts of his memory remained muddled, where he wasn't sure what had been him and what had been his clone and what was both of them, or even if any of it mattered. It had taken him ages to understand that regardless of where and when it had started, these feelings were his now and they were true.

Of course, he still hadn't had the courage to talk to Keith about it.

But sitting here, working in companionable silence while Keith frowned over his pile of apples with his long hair tied back and his tongue peeking out of the corner of his mouth, made Shiro's heart ache with how much he wanted this to be his life. How much he wanted to reach over and take Keith's hand and rub his thumb over it and know that Keith would be coming upstairs to go to bed with him tonight, instead of going back home once they'd finished with the fruit.

Just tell him had been Hunk's advice. You're a pining idiot had been Matt's. Pidge had just sung, "Keith and Shiro sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G" until Shiro had physically covered her mouth to keep Keith from overhearing.

There was a reason Hunk got the most fruit every year.

Shiro put aside the pints he was delivering to Hunk and started hulling the strawberries to freeze.

"I'll probably try making the apple butter today," Keith said.

Shiro tossed aside the tops of the strawberries he'd cut off. "Yeah? Need a guinea pig?"

Keith's eyes lit up. "I'd love one. Want to come over tomorrow and taste-test? I've got some of Hunk's bread."

"That sounds amazing," Shiro said with feeling. "I'll bring lunch. Or dinner?"

"Dinner would be great."

Shiro's heart did a little flip, and he had to consciously remind himself to calm down. "Great," he echoed. "I'll be there with bells on. Or, you know, with pizza."

"I'd prefer the pizza," Keith said, "but as long as you're there, I'll be happy."

"Same. Even though you'll...obviously be there. Since it's your house."

Keith threw back his head and laughed, and he was so damned beautiful that Shiro stood up from his chair just enough to lean over the table and kiss him.

Which, he realized most of the way through the motion, was a very bad idea.

Of course, by the time he realized it to stop himself, his lips were already on Keith's.

Shiro pulled back, his face as hot as the surface of the sun. "Uh..."

He searched for an explanation, even though he wasn't sure what that would be. However, half his brain was too busy cataloging the exact shade of purple of Keith's eyes and how long his eyelashes were to give him anything articulate, and the other half was too busy panicking.

"Oh thank God," Keith said, and cupped the back of Shiro's neck to pull him in.

This wasn't a brush of the lips; this was a kiss, the kind that took Shiro's breath away and made him feel like he was flying once again, breaking free of the atmosphere to touch the stars. But it wasn't the stars; it was Keith, who tasted like blackberries and who pulled Shiro closer like he wanted to know all of him, like he'd been starving for this the same way Shiro had.

The only reason Shiro pulled back was because he needed to breathe. Even so, it took a few dazed, shaky breaths before he was even close to steady again.

"Was that...okay?" Keith asked uncertainly.

Shiro nodded. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

A long, long time, if he was being honest, but they could discuss that later.

The uncertainty faded from Keith's face, replaced with a brilliant smile. "You have?"

Shiro touched his face, resting his hand over the scar that arced down to Keith's jaw. "Yeah."

Keith covered Shiro's hand with his, his violet eyes luminous. "Me, too."

"So," Shiro stroked his thumb over Keith's cheek, "does that make tomorrow a date?" 

"If you want it to be," Keith whispered.

Shiro's heart tripped over itself trying to find its rhythm again. "Or...I could come over tonight? Help you make apple butter and jam?"

Keith pressed his lips together like he was smothering a laugh. "We'll probably burn it."

"Hey, I'm not that bad of a cook."

Keith shook his head. "I meant I'll be paying more attention to you than the jam."

"Oh," Shiro said. "So—"

"Be there at six tonight," Keith cut in. "And don't forget the pizza."

Shiro's smile threatened to crack his face. "I'll see you then."

(They did not burn the apple butter. They did, however, burn the first batch of blackberry jam. Shiro was only a little sorry, and even less sorry when Keith gave him a jar of the burned jam with the label "First Date.")

[formeandmyfics]

RECONCILIATION

JUGENEA FAN FICTION

Beverly Hills, CA 1956

Gene took the last drag of his cigarette as he pulled onto his street. Up ahead, as expected, Cadillacs and Chevy Bel Air’s , lined the street. And all the patrons of those cars headed into his next door neighbors house - Chateau Bogart.

As he pulled up to his house, he noticed Van Johnson’s car parked in his driveway behind Judy’s car. Van had just gotten out and was helping his wife Evie with bags. Gene rolled his window down, expecting to park there himself. It was *his* driveway.

“Hey!”

Van turned around and waved cheerfully, “Oh, hey!”

“Whataya, doin?!” Gene flung his arm out the window, “Get outta my spot!”

“You weren’t here. There’s no other place to park, man,” Van replied knowing his buddy was half-joking his annoyance.

“Well, where the hell am I supposed to park?”

Van linked his thumb in his cheek and popped it out making a loud bubble sound - a known gesture of Van’s that meant ‘Not my problem’. Gene sighed and parallel parked, blocking his driveway. He got out and head up the driveway.

“Hey! What if I gotta get out?” Van yelled for fun.

Gene mirrored Van’s popping gesture and smiled. He proceeded up the driveway heading for the front door. As he reached for the door knob,, he heard his name being called from the sidewalk. Turning around, he saw Frank with estranged wife Ave Gardner on his arm.

“You comin’ over?”

Gene nodded and put his finger up as if saying ‘one minute.’

Their older nanny Mary walking towards him with a cup of tea in her hand as he entered the foyer.

“Good evening, Mary.”

“Hello, Mr. Kelly. Uh, Mrs. Kelly isn’t here. She’s next door.”

“I figured that. I’m headed there myself. I just popped in to see the children for a sec.”

“The little one’s are asleep. Put them to bed an hour ago,” She warned in her British accent.

“Don’t worry, I won’t wake them. I know what a pain it is to get the children back to sleep.”

Mary smiled at his sincerity and headed to the den. When he got up the stairs, he made a right towards the kids wing. He passed 10-year-old Liza’s room. The door was open as she laid on her stomach kicking her legs back and forth listening to music.

Gene leaned against the door frame, “Hey you.”

“Hi, Papa Gene!”

“I haven’t seen you in almost a month. How are you, kiddo?”

“Good.”

“Did you have fun in New York?”

“Ah huh. Daddy took me to see the Joffrey Ballet and Auntie Kay took me to Fred Astaire’s studio to dance.” “Oh, wow. That sounds swell!”

“I came back yesterday and you weren’t here. Mama said you were staying at a hotel for work.”

Gene forced a gentle smile, “Yeah. I still am.”

“When do you get to come home?”

“I’m not sure. But I visit the kids. Now that you’re back, I’ll make sure to see you, too.

“And Mama. She misses you.”

“I’m sure she does,” he replied trying not to sound too sarcastic.

“She does. She told me.”

Gene looked at her genuinely surprised, “She did?”

“Yeah,” Liza giggled, “Why wouldn’t she?”

“Well, I miss her, too. Maybe I’ll be back sooner than expected. Have a good night, Princess.”

Gene felt a little spark of relief as he made his way to his son and daughter’s connecting nursery. He went into the baby’s room first. The one-year-old was peacefully sleeping,, sucking on his pacifier, his lashes as long as Judy’s resting on his cheek. Gene studied him a moment, with such affection, before heading over to the double sliding doors into his daughter’s bedroom.

The touch light on the bedside table was on, illuminating the pink room, and he saw the nearly four-year-old quickly shut her eyes. Walking over to the bed, Gene placed his hand on her head brushing her sandy curls aside.

“I know you’re awake, silly.”

She opened her eyes and smiled, scrunching her nose in the process - just like Judy did. She reached up wrapping her arms around her father’s neck.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Hi, baby. Mmm,” He satisfyingly replied hugging her body closer, “Why aren’t you asleep? Nana Mary said she put you to bed an hour ago.”

“She tucked me in wrong.”

Gene chuckled at her wit inherited from both her parents, “Obviously, you got out.”

“Nuh uh. I’ve been in bed. Just not asleep.”

“Then why is your dollhouse open and scattered around? I know Nana Mary wouldn’t put you to bed with your room untidy.”

She shyly played with his collar dropping her eyes.

“Ah huh,” He said sitting down beside her, “How are you?”

“Good. Mama took me to work today,” She said excited.

“Oh, she did? To the recording studio?”

“Yeah. She let me watch her sing.”

“Were you a good girl there?”

“Yup.”

“Somehow I doubt that.”

“I was. Ask Mama.”

“I will.”

“She took me for ice cream, too.” “Just you and her?”

“Yeah.”

“I bet you loved that.”

He knew she got jealous of Judy’s time with the baby.

“You wanna build a fort with me?”

“Not now. I’m going to Aunt Betty’s.”

“Mama there?”

“Yes, she is,” he replied as he tucked her in right.

“Give her a kiss for me.”

He smiled and gave her a peck on the lips, “Now go to sleep. Not a peep.”

“K.”

“I love you.”

He shut her light off and headed out. He was going to head down the stairs when he stopped himself and headed towards the master bedroom. Gene started looking in all the strangest places as if searching for something small. When he didn’t see anything, he furrowed his brow and headed into the bathroom. He reached for the cabinet when something in the trash caught his eye.

It was her medication.

“No shit,” he mumbled in disbelief.

She threw her meds away, literally.

He and Judy decided to separate for a little while. It had already been three weeks since he temporarily moved into the Beverly Hills Hotel. The ‘break’ was agreed upon mutually after the both just couldn’t deal with the stress. They were fighting constantly and most of the time they didn’t even want to be around each other. That was a major red flag and something they never experienced or even fathomed happening in their relationship - but it did. When the children began to notice the tension, they knew they needed to change things for the time being…no matter how hard it might be. Most of the fighting were the result of his neglect because of work, and his drinking, as well as her tumultuous mood swings. From her mixed medications.

Even though their break was mutual, the day he left wasn’t pleasant. Another fight ensued, probably because of their scared inner emotions of reality of him actually leaving. She told him to sober up, he said the same to her. He really didn’t expect her to just quit cold turkey. Well, it sure looked that way anyways.

When he went next door, he said hello to Bogie and Bacall before scanning the crowded living room for his wife.

Frank walked up placing a hand on his friend’s back, “There you are.”

“I wanted to check on the kids.”

“What’s your poison tonight?”

“Uh, I’ll have a…” Gene trailed off in second thought, “You know, what? Nothing for me tonight, Frances.”

“You sick or somethin’?”

“Where’s Judy?”

“I don’t know. She’s around here somewhere. Last time I saw her she was in the back smoking with Jack.”

“Jack who?”

“That production manager at Metro.”

“Jack Weaver,” Gene questioned almost disgusted. “Yeah, that’s him.”

“Christ,” Gene said as he walked away from Frank headed towards the back of the house.

Jack Weaver had worked on many of their movies, and according to Judy, he asked her to have dinner with him numerous times, always flirting. He was an okay guy, but each time he made a move, she was serious about someone else, Gene included obviously. One time Weaver even asked Judy on a date in front of him, and that was in New York during her Palace run when every one knew they were a couple. And he didn’t let up either until Gene escorted Judy away. They were both appalled. Last he heard, Weaver was porking Ginger Rogers whom had just came out about her recent separation from Jacques Bergerac. He tended to do that. ‘Rebound Weaver’ he should be called. Though news of his and Judy’s break wasn’t publicly known, he wondered if Weaver heard about it.

There were a few people outside, but no Judy. Lucille Ball caught his eye and she smiled waving. He smiled and waved back then mouthed, ‘Where’s Judy?’ also lowering his hand down as if placing it at Judy’s 4’11 height since Lucy could not hear him from her distance.

With her cigarette between her fingers, she motioned back and forth towards the darker corner of the yard. Squinting his eyes, he looked and saw a few people by the telescope.

When he walked up, Judy was looking through the telescope while Weaver stood next to her chatting about different star names. June Allyson and Dick Powell stood by as well.

“And you see that bright star there at eleven o’clock, to the right of the moon? It looks like it’s twinkling.”

“Yes, I do,” Judy said interested.

“That’s actually not a star. It’s a planet. That’s Venus.”

“Oh, wow,” Judy breathed transfixed.

“Hey, Judes, if you look closer, you can see the varicose veins in my arm.”

June laughed and smacked her husband on the chest.

“And here, Judy…” Weaver placed his hand on her waist turning her a bit, “You can see a star cluster.”

All of a sudden the telescope went dark as Gene stepped in front of it and they looked up.

“Hey.”

“Oh, hello, Gene.”

Gene nodded towards Weaver with a fake, tight smile and looked over at Judy who looked surprised, “Can I borrow you a second?”

“Only if you give her back,” Weaver said jokingly as Gene took Judy’s hand. Gene faked a laugh purposely for Weaver but mumbled, “Dick,” under his breath to which Judy heard.

“You said you weren’t coming.”

“I wasn’t, but decided to take your advice and got away from work.”

Judy nodded pleased.

“I went to see the kids, too.”

She smiled, “Good.”

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your star gazing party but our daughter wanted me to give you something.”

“Oh?”

He leaned in and gave her a peck on the lips, lingering a little more for his own benefit. She didn’t wear a smile but didn’t look unpleased either.

“Oh, she gave you that, huh?” she said slyly.

“She did, “He replied matter-of-factly, “As I was tucking her in.”

“I so very much doubt that our daughter was up and about at this hour. If that’s the case, I need to have a chat with Mary.”

“Mary knew nothing of it. She was awake when I went in there. She asked me to build a fort.”

They both chuckled.

“I would with you, though.”

Gene’s remark was full of suggestion and tease, making Judy blush as he placed his hand on her lower back bringing her up against his side. She cleared her throat and backed away.

“Just got here and you’re already toasty, huh?”

“I’m sober as a judge.”

Judy raised her eyebrow not believing him and she went to head back out when Gene spoke up.

“Has Jack asked you out again?”

“No,” Judy said casually, “I’m sure he might, but I’m a big girl, Darling. I’m just looking at the sky.”

“While he’s looking at your ass.”

“At least someone is,” he heard her mumble before she went out the double doors.

A little later Judy was by the fireplace while Lauren and Debbie engaged in some girl talk. Judy wasn’t participating as she kept her eyes on her husband while sipping her red wine. He was across the room, kiddie corner from her, leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets - alone. When Bogie called for all the guys to take his infamous shot, Gene declined. She was surprised. Being a wallflower and not drinking at a party, especially his best friend’s party, was very unusual.

She was still angry with him. They hadn’t shared more than a ‘hello’ in the past two weeks when he came over to see the kids; yet, tonight he was flirty. He could barely stand to be around her last time they were together, and instead of joining in on the festivities, he was keeping to himself. Her curiosity was peaked.

Judy walked over to him concerned, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re not yourself.”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t seem fine.”

Gene laughed, “I’m just standing here.”

“Why aren’t you drinking?” She flat out asked, wondering if he was sick or getting sober.

“Why’d you throw out your medication?” He mirrored.

Judy looked around making sure no one heard, but he could see it, she really did stop taking them.

“How was the detox?” he asked knowing how brutal they could be to her.

“Not the worst, but not the best. Only lasted a few days.”

Gene looked at her concerned, placing his hand around her waist, “Why didn’t you call me?”

She removed his hand, “I didn’t think you’d want to come over.” Gene didn’t hesitate as he took her arm and brought her out of the room into the empty hallway. She snatched her arm away annoyed but he backed her to the wall, gently, placing his hand on the wall beside her head.

“Are you fucking serious? You really think I wouldn’t be there for you where your health was concerned?”

“I didn’t not call out of spite, Gene. I didn’t call because of fear that you’d decline. I know you care about my health, but considering the circumstances I was afraid of that possibility.”

“Hell, yes I care. Why do you think I told you to quit in the first place?”

“Well, it’s done, alright? I feel good.”

“Good.”

“And how long have you not had a drink?”

“Started tonight. When I saw your meds in the trash, I realized you were serious about quitting, and now I am, too.”

“Well, that’s all fine and dandy, but it’s going to take more than us being sober to get back to the way we were.”

“Us being sober IS the way back to being together. I spent time away at work because of your moods. And it caused me to drink more than the normal social activity. Now that you’re clean and I’m done drinking, I think we’ll be okay.”

“Just like that?”

He nodded and leaned into her, “Just like that. Liza said you miss me.”

“Of course I do. I miss you when you’re not being an asshole like you’ve been the past few months.”

“Just the same, sweetheart.”

Judy laughed surprised and amused pointing to her chest, “I’m an asshole?”

He chuckled himself. Gene saw his Judy again. That black gaze in her eyes were sparkles again. And even though his normal male libido never went away, after all their fighting, for a time his sexual feeling for her sure had. And she was just as uninterested once telling him to go fuck himself instead.

But now, he wanted nothing more than to make love with his wife, seeing that they were talking more civil, sober, than they had for months. If she felt the same, he for sure knew it would most likely be the main stitch to healing. One thing that they always agreed upon was their connection during sex. For them it was more than just physical; however, right now he was feeling very physical.

“What else did you miss with me away?”

Judy saw that familiar look in his eyes, and although her body responded to it, she kept level headed. She wanted to take things slow.

Judy leaned into Gene’s ear, “It’s going to take a lot more than calling me an asshole to get into my pants,” she teased.

“You’re not wearing pants,” he whispered teasing back.

Judy whole-heartedly giggled into his ear hugging him pleasing him immensely. That was her hubby.

“Let me be with you,” he whispered.

“No,” she replied casually.

“Why?”

“I want to reconcile first.”

“We kind of already are - and us being together that way will be our reconciliation, believe me. It’s been months since we even remotely wanted to have sex and now we both want to, and you’re playing hard-to-get.”

”How do you know I want to?”

“Because you wouldn’t be teasing me or look at me they way you are. You’d tell me to go fuck myself again.”

��Shh,” Judy warned him as his voice raised.

“Oh, screw everyone. I’m talking to you, no one else.”

Judy sighed getting aggravated, “And what will happen after I let you fuck me, Gene? Hm? It’ll be all peachy keen then?”

Gene stepped back from her disgusted, “I wanted to make love with my wife, not get her permission to fuck her. I hoped you wanted the same.”

Judy lowered her eyes but showed no remorse expression.

“Go to hell,” he mumbled as he walked past her.

Judy watched her husband walk to the mini bar nearby but instead of pouring himself a drink, he just stood there fighting it. Pushing himself off the bar with a frustrated groan and headed to the kitchen. Once there, he opened the fridge and grabbed a can of Coca Cola. He needed some kind of kick, even if that was sugar. Taking a drink at the sink, he looked out the window there and glanced up at his and Judy’s bedroom window on the side of their house.

“No rum with that?”

Gene rolled his eyes to himself when he heard Jack’s voice come from the outside patio, “No.”

Jack leaned against the counter, “How you doin’?”

“Fine.”

Jack nodded, biting his bottom lip, before speaking up enthusiastically, “Listen, if you need help finding a place around town, I got a real a state buddy. He’s expensive but top notch. He can find you bargains.”

Gene looked at Weaver confused as he handed him the business card, “Judy and I aren’t planning on moving.”

He handed the card back to him.

“Oh? I was under the impression you have moved out?”

Gene took another gulp of his soda trying to remain calm, “I don’t know what you heard, but it’s only for a few weeks. I haven’t moved out.”

The man nodded unimpressed, “But you’re still separated for the time being.”

“It’s only temporary. I don’t know why it’s any of your business. Where are you hearing this from anyways?”

Jack stood in front of Gene, his back to the door, and crossed his arms as if this conversation was the most normal thing in the world.

“Judy told me when we went out the other day. I mean, she said you were staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel for work, but c’mon the hotel is right around the corner. Why pay for a hotel when you can stay for free at your own home? It just isn’t a good cover up, bud. Being an actress, I would’ve thought she would do better than that,” he chuckled.

Gene clenched his jaw and breathed through his nostrils. Jack leaned into Gene’s ear just as Judy walked in. She froze as Gene’s eyes glued to her. It was only a second, but his look scared her.

“I’m going to fuck your wife tonight.”

Without a flinch, Gene punched the guy right square in the jaw.

“Oh!” Judy squealed in shock.

Jack rubbed his jaw chuckling, obviously drunk, “Damn, I didn’t think you had it in ya.”

Gene looked like he was going to hit him again and Jack wiggled his fingers, now snarky, “Come on, come on dancing boy.”

“Gene, don’t!”

Jack turned his head, not realizing Judy was there, and Gene bent down charging at him with a tackle. Jack’s back hit the fridge hard, contents on top falling off. Jack retaliated, punching Gene hard in the back.

“Gene! Jack! STOP IT!”

Jack pushed Gene off and threw a punch but Gene ducked and punched the guy again.

“STOP!”

Judy went to go in between the two but when she got into reach of Gene, he pushed her away for protection, “Get out of here!”

She stumbled back and Jack threw another punch but missed Gene’s face and landed on his shoulder so forcefully Gene fell against the counter knocking over a wine bottle shattering on the floor. The two men tackled each other again just as Van, Lauren and Lawford rushed in to see what all the commotion was about. The second the men saw the two fighting, they rushed and forcefully pulled each off one another.

Gene backed Van off of him upset, “Get off me, I’m fine!”

Lauren saw Jack’s bloody mouth, “Jesus.”

Jack backed Lawford away and straightened his composure before he walked out.

“I’m gonna make sure he gets a cab,” Peter said following.

Gene walked out the patio doors and walked across the backyard to his backyard gate. Judy stayed and helped Lauren clean the mess before heading home herself.

He was sitting shirtless at their breakfast nook, a frozen bag of peas on his bare shoulder when Judy came in. When he heard her familiar click of heels on the kitchen floor behind him, he closed his eyes.

“What the hell were you thinking? I know you weren’t drunk, so you can’t blame your childish behaviour on that.”

“If I was drunk, I probably wouldn’t have hit him.”

Judy walked up and gasped seeing the large swelling bruise on his back, “For fuck’s sake, Gene,” she lightly touched it, “Does it hurt?”

“You have someone ‘Sugar Ray Leonard’ you in the back and see if it hurts.”

“Probably not as bad as his face right about now.”

“He didn’t get my face,” Gene said proud.

She took the frozen bag of peas from him and wrapped it in a towel before placing it back on his shoulder, “If your shoulder is numb, you’re going to get frost bite that way.”

Gene looked at her in awe as she sat down calm as a cucumber.

“You embarrassed me over there.”

“I didn’t start it.”

“You threw the first punch.”

Gene leaned to look at his shoulder. It was still red but the swelling went down. He tossed the towel wrapped peas on the table, “You don’t know what he said.”

“It doesn’t matter what he said. You should have walked away.”

“Not when it involves you, no way. And you embarrassed me.”

“Me?” her voice raised, “How the hell did I embarrass you?!”

She placed a smoke between her lips and he continued, “You went on a date with that piece of shit.”

Judy looked flabbergasted, “I didn’t go on a date with him, “ her cigarette dangled between her lips as she talked, “I went out for lunch and he came into the restaurant and saw me.”

He reached over and lit the cigarette for her, “You sat and ate with him, yeah?”

“I sit and eat with a lot of people. You really trying to win this argument, huh?” She pointed her cigarette towards him, “Not gonna happen buster.”

He snatched that cigarette and took a long drag. They were quiet a moment when he spoke up sincerely, “I’m sorry what I said earlier.”

“What?”

“The ‘go to hell’ comment.”

Judy smiled, “Please. I’ve been said to worse.”

“I know,” she said softly seeing his genuine guilt, “Listen, if we apologized for all the nutty stuff we’ve said to each other the past few months, we’d be here all night.”

That made Gene smirk.

They were comfortably silent a moment when he stood up, “I’m gonna go up and get some fresh clothes to bring back with me to the hotel, that okay?”

Judy bit her bottom lip and nodded.

Upstairs, in the master bedroom, Gene was putting some freshly folded shirts in a small bag on the bed when Judy walked in. She headed into the wardrobe to grab a nightgown but she stopped herself with curiosity.

“Gene.”

“Yeah?”

She walked out of the closet and stood in front of him as he sat on the end of the bed arranging his bag.

“What did Jack say?”

“You really wanna know?”

“Yes.”

Gene looked up, his face level with her chest. He looked at her very familiar, full, milky breasts pushed above the bodice of her dress and he flt his arousal stir along with anger.

“He said…he said he was going to fuck my wife tonight.”

The comment didn’t faze her one bit.

“That’s impossible. My husband is going to fuck me tonight.”

Gene looked at her serious as a heart attack, “Only if she’s fucking me back just the same.”

Judy placed her hands on his shoulders straddling his lap. He was so transfixed he barely felt the sting on his left shoulder.

“That won’t be a problem, darling.”

Gene’s hand slid under her poofy skirt and up her thighs, passing over garters, until they reached her hips.

He grabbed her hips pulling her closer to his arousal, “Are you serious about this?”

“It’s been a long time. I need you.”

He smiled as her lips touched his in a feathery kiss, “You just wanna get laid.”

“Ah huh,” she smiled back, “And you can go back to the hotel after if you want, but tomorrow you’re taking me on a date and then we’re going to make love and close out that hotel bill.”

Gene felt his shaft get harder as she gently rocked her hips.

“Baby, I ain’t goin’ no where tonight. You aren’t getting rid of me.”

Judy ran her hands behind head, snapping his head back to look up at her as she gently bit his bottom lip, “I’d like my husband to fuck me now.”

Falling onto the bed, his bag rolled onto the floor, his shirts spilling out onto the carpet.

* IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE ALTERNATIVE ENDING….FEATURING SOME SMUT…SEND ME A MESSAGE :)

[lyssala]

Sunset

Pairing: Cindy/Prompto, Final Fantasy XV

Rating: K

Words: 3179

Setting: Post Series, Hammerhead

Notes: This was inspired a song that played on the radio when I was at a 4th of July party. I just saw them dancing to an old song on an old radio in the garage and it gave birth to this. I also really love writing from Cindy’s perspective because we all know how he feels about her haha but we only ever get that she’s a workaholic. While yeah, true, I don’t for a second believe that wouldn’t mean they’ve wouldn’t have grown in to best friends as they lived on Hammerhead together and that she wouldn’t fall right back in love with him. It just might’ve taken her a little while to realize what she always had. 

AO3

Cindy never cared too much for having the radio on while she worked. Cid liked to listen to music, but save for the occasional song popping on she enjoyed, she could’ve done without it. She didn’t even know his ancient radio still worked till Prompto flipped it on one day when he was snooping around her garage. Cindy decided to let him leave it on, the music reminding her of when she was younger watching Cid and trying to learn everything she could. After a few days of melodies filling the garage though she didn’t have the heart to tell Prompto to turn it off; not when he started to tap his feet to the beat against  her work bench where he was usually perched, fiddling with something or other. Not when he’d move around in small dancing motions as he’d walk around the room, and especially not when she’d catch him singing under his breath cause he didn’t think she could hear him.

Cindy found she started to like having the radio on. Maybe having the sound started to grow on her as opposed to just the sounds of her working or whatever was going on outside. Maybe she started to like the actual music that played; it was similar to the songs Cid used to listen to as well. It was a nice change and even she found herself nodding along to the music as it played. Prompto flipped the radio on just about every day he came to hang out in the garage with her, bringing the bright energy with him as he kept her company. Some days he was quiet as he read or tinkered with a weapon of sorts, other days he chatted with her about anything and everything that came into his head. The one thing she found she recognized the most was on the days the garage were quiet again were usually the days Prompto wasn’t there. While it was exactly how it used to be, she found it harder to work but she also found she couldn’t turn the music on when it was just her and no smile to greet her.

It was one of those days, and it had been for most of the week. She couldn’t remember exactly where he said his job was but it was a bit out of the way. It was quiet since he left. Not terribly quiet, there was still commotion outside at all hours, with hunters coming and going, taking a break or restocking and refueling. It was nowhere near as much as before the sun came back but people still had to make a living and for a lot of them it was all they knew.

Cindy had taken to working underneath one of her client’s cars, trying to get it back running before he wanted to leave tomorrow. At least there she could focus on her work and not how empty her garage seemed to be. It never used to be an issue really. She never had a difficulty being able to focus. Cindy could always tune everything out just go but somewhere over the years that seemed to be getting harder.

She wasn’t sure what it was, it wasn’t like she loved her work any less than she used to. Well, she knew what the problem was today. Maybe she could just call him, make sure he was okay and not coming home in pieces. The thought made her stomach clench strangely, though whether it was because she was worried about him when she knew he could take care of himself or the thought of him coming back and turning on that stupid radio, she really didn’t know.

She reached her hand down for a tool but the spot she thought she left it was empty. Cindy moved her hand around but none of the tools there were was she was looking for. With a groan she realized she probably left it out in the garage somewhere. She glanced out on the cement floor and sure enough there it was sitting way out of reach. She huffed to herself and was about to push herself out to get it when black boots came into her view. They stopped near the tool before kicking it gently and letting it slid under the car.

The person kneeled down, blonde hair and blue eyes bright in the afternoon sun and that warm smile on his face popping into her sight. “Hey, Cind, forget something?”

She couldn’t even think of a good response, there was something nearly overwhelming that washed over her instead. She was much happier than before. She pushed herself out from under the car as he moved out of the way, standing to her feet as he stood up too. “Hey, sunshine,” she said, pulling her probably oil smeared gloved off to toss them on the chair nearby. “Did ya just get back?”

He looked like he did when he left, well, there was a bandage on his arm but nothing that looked very serious. Knowing him he probably tripped and scraped his arm on a rock.

“A few hours ago,” he said, absent mindedly running his hand along a nearby bench.

Now that she looked at him he did look cleaner than he usually did after a hunt, most of the time covered in dirt and who knows what else, and his hair was a little wet still probably from a shower, fresh clothes too she’d assume.

“Oh.” She leaned up against the bench, leaning her hands back against the old wood. It was stupid, he had every right to take a shower and change when he was away from a while, but she couldn’t stop her stomach from sinking a little. He usually would always come see her first, regardless of what he was caked in. “Welcome back then.”

“Thanks, good to be back.” He stretched his arms over his head. “Don’t let me keep you from your work. I just wanted to say hi.”

It was an odd sort of tension. While most of the time they fell into an easy and familiar pattern every so often it was like neither of them knew what to say despite seeing each other almost every day for ten years. Gods, had it really been that long? No wonder she was starting to feel lonely when he was gone, they had lived on Hammerhead together for a decade. That’s it. She just missed him, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Cindy let a smile on her lips. “It wouldn’t be a day if you weren’t tryin’ to keep me from my work.”

It was almost like a sigh of relief when he grinned. There it was, the easy relationship they had. “Oh c’mon, you make it seem like you actually listen to me when I talk instead of just working through my presence anyways.”

“I do too,” she said, reaching over on the bench to find the first nonmetal thing on the bench to toss at him; it was a rag that he quickly batted away. “You’re always welcome here, ya know that.”

He didn’t say anything which was a little strange, Prompto usually had a quip for everything, but he didn’t leave. In fact he reached over to flip the radio on and hopped up onto her work bench.

Suddenly, things felt a little more right. The music started to crackle through, and Prompto was there tapping his feet against the wood as he reached to pull something out of his pocket. She didn’t see what it was; she turned back to the car so she could get back to work but this time with a lighter heart.

“How was the hunt?” she asked as she sat back on the ground so she could slide back underneath the car.

“Not terribly exciting,” he said, though his voice was a little distant. She couldn’t tell if it was because she was working under the car or he got up to walk about. “Not terribly hard. Just a lot of walking.”

She made some sort of acknowledging noise but she already felt her concentration fading to the parts above her. If it bothered him at all, he didn’t say anything. It usually didn’t, well, she at least hoped so; she assumed he knew her well enough by now that, jokes aside, she wasn’t ignoring him, just working.

Cindy wasn’t even sure how long she worked on the parts that needed fixing under the car. She just did it until they were done. She heard the music playing and Prompto moving around occasionally but when she pushed herself out from under the car, grease covering her hands and probably all over the rest of her body too, the sun was already starting to go down.

She grabbed a rag off the table to start to wipe her hands. The beginning of the sunset was pretty tonight, some purple mixed with a deep orange; it reflected against the distant mountains making them seem dark in comparison. The automatic lights outside hadn’t come on quite yet meaning it wasn’t too late yet but it was much later than she thought. Sometimes she’d look out and realize it was the middle of the night already or sometimes Prompto would have to come and get her just to make sure she actually went to bed.

With a jolt she realized how quiet the garage was. The radio was still crackling along but Prompto wasn’t sitting where he had been before she went under the car. Her chest felt clenched, like it was a little hard to breathe. He usually didn’t leave without saying something first. Was he upset about something? Did she do something to make him upset? She really wasn’t sure why she was suddenly afraid she did something wrong when she was pretty sure she hadn’t done anything out of the normal. Did she do something wrong?

“Well, look who’s still alive.”

She tried not to turn her head too fast but she followed his voice to the side of the garage where her corkboard hung on the wall. It used to be notices, notes to remember, various things she didn’t wanna lose but over the years it became filled with pictures as Prompto slowly hung up pictures he took he thought she’d like.  He was pushing a pin into one now, though from the distance she couldn’t tell what it was.

“Yeah,” she breathed with a small laugh that was more to hide her rush of the relief that was almost embarrassing. “Owner wants to leave tomorrow.”

“Always something,” Prompto said as he stepped back to apparently look over his handy work. There were so many pictures from over the years she could barely tell which was the new one. Most of them were just random pictures of a variety of people they knew, some were silly pictures Prompto took of himself, a few of them together, and some of her that she didn’t even know he was taking until they showed up on the board. She never really minded after the fact because they were always pretty pictures. Her favorite was at the top though, the four boys with the Regalia, of days long past. They were so small back then.

Prompto was still looking over the pictures, a smile on his face. He didn’t look as young as he used to but he still had that same air about him.

He was special. Lots of guys hung around her garage in the past, wanting whatever they may from it, but they always lost interest when the glamour of her looks washed away into the fact they’d never come first. Cindy never really cared all that much, she wasn’t interested in them to begin with. Prompto was different though. He hung around for years and years even when he had no reason to anymore. He still stayed with her and never once complained. He was just happy to listen to music in her garage, talk to her even if she wasn’t always as responsive as he was, get her lunch when he knew she hadn’t eaten anything, surprise her with a new picture on her wall, and never ask for anything in exchange.

Her heart was in her throat as she watched him, though why she wasn’t completely sure. She just…what would she do if he was ever the one to leave?

He turned her head to him and she felt the need to quickly look away, tossing her rag on the nearby bench. “Is it done then?”

“Almost,” she said, ignoring the tight feeling in her stomach. Cindy reached over to run her fingers over the front of the car. “Needs a little more work, but not much. It’ll be done tonight.”

He opened his mouth to say something but the song changed on the radio and he instead started to grin, his blue eyes lighting up like they did when he got excited. “Man, I haven’t heard this song in ages.” He reached over to the dial and turned up the volume even though the reception wasn’t that great to begin with but it didn’t matter cause she started to laugh when he danced a little in place.

Prompto looked up, that same silly grin on his lips. “C’mon,” he said, gesturing to her. “Dance with me.”

Now she really couldn’t stop laughing. “Stop it, ya can’t dance, sugar.”

“Yes, I can,” he said, a look of mock outrage on his face as he walked over to her. “Best man, remember? You really thing Ignis wouldn’t force me to learn?”

Prompto had a point but she couldn’t actually tell him that because he was already standing in front of her. Before she had a chance to do anything he had one arm around her back, pushing her arm up so she could rest her hand on his shoulder, his other hand grabbing hers, not seeming to care much if she got grease all over him or his clothes. It was more him goofing around than actually dancing she assumed since he was just kinda rocking his body to the upbeat tempo and in turning making hers move with him.

She still could barely focus from laughter, especially when he started to sing along to the song, low and just slightly off pitch just like he always did. His arms were strong as he held her, shoulders broad under her fingers. His hand held onto hers, callouses under the own ones on her hands. He smelt like the shampoo he usually used, mixed with the smoky smell of a campfire and the familiar smell of her garage. Blond hair fell in his face some as he moved, soft cheeks leading to his firm jaw, scruff covering some of his baby face he still had even despite the scars and the way the world bore down on him. When her eyes met his they were still the same, the ones she always knew, the ones she could find anywhere. She was having a hard time remembering to breathe.

Before Cindy could catch her breath, he spun her out and tugged her back to him. She wasn’t very graceful though and he used a little too much force because she ended up nearly falling into him. Prompto reached his hands out to grab her by the waist, so they both didn’t fall over though he was laughing now too. She went to reach up to hit him in the chest for nearly making them both fall but she found when she looked up at him again; her hand lost any force and just rested on him instead, his heartbeat under her fingers. He took her breath away.

Prompto was still laughing lightly, eyes bright and a sweet smile on his lips as he watched her. Even though she knew he had demons that plagued him, that he buried deep down where he didn’t think she could see, he still was so full of life that it made her forget everything they had lost and made the world a brighter place, with or without the sun.

He was so beautiful.

If Prompto thought it was strange that she didn’t say anything or move away, he didn’t say anything. He just stayed where he was, watching her with this almost adoring look on his face. Her heart was up in her throat again, a sort of fluttering warmth in the pit of her stomach. Did he always look at her like that? Did she never notice before?

Cindy didn’t know. She didn’t really know anything in that moment expect for this desire to reach her hands up to his face, the one she cared for more than she even knew how to say, and just kiss him. He was so close. He was always close to her, but he was here just under her hands. Aside from joking they were never very physically affectionate with each other and yet, nothing felt out of place. It felt normal, comfortable, easy. She didn’t want it to-

The song on the radio changed and almost just as fast as it came, the air changed. Prompto seemed to realize first and quickly took his hands off her waist, stepping back just slightly as he reached both his hands up behind his head.

He looked a little nervous, cheeks slightly red but he still smiled at her. “It’s getting pretty late, you hungry? I can go get us some food if you want.”

She was still trying to get her head to catch up to heart which was pounding in her chest. “Ah yeah, that sounds great,” she said even though she wasn’t feeling very hungry herself.

“Okay,” he said, walking backwards out of the garage before giving her a wave. “I’ll be right back.” He turned and she just watched his back retreating out into the compound. The auto lights had come on, shining on him as he walked away. The radio played on, echoing in the garage.

Her chest clenched as she watched him leave and there it was. Cindy didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He used to have a crush on her when he was younger, probably part of the reason he came back after the darkness fell but he stayed. He stayed when no one else did. Even now he was leaving with a promise to come right back and that’s what she wanted. She always wanted him to come back here, to the garage, to his home, to her.

Cindy reached over to tap at the bench, biting down on her lip as she tried to hold back a smile. The radio was no longer an annoyance to her, but comforting, it meant he wasn’t far away from her even if he was out of her sight now but she knew.

Somewhere along the way, she fell in love with the sweet boy and his big heart, gentle hands, and kind eyes.  

[rurounidrift]

June 28 Blurr’s HOrror Stream - Life

A Hot Rod showed up. Drift fell all over himself.

Apparently he’s tired of the type of movie endings this one has, because he ranted a bit about it.

Welcome to the 'speedxstealer' room. The chat room has been cleared by the moderator. B l u r r: [[ fair warning, comcast is sucking asss today, so i may possibly lose the stream )) B l u r r: [[ im not even showing anythingand it's dropping frames ]] Hot Rod: ( iM HERE ) B l u r r: ( A SMOL! ) B l u r r: / skids in on fast pedes and vents. Hiss steam from pauldrons. He is here! / Soundwave: *Rumble stumbles in after him, slightly off-balance.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Somebody catch th' plate on that fragger?// Hot Rod: *so conFUSED as he comes in* B l u r r: / snickers and flicks claws in his direction / B l u r r: Hnn? /a new face. He doesn't recognize it / Hot Rod: *squinty-eyed look at the others* "...Bonjour...?" Sunstreaker: -and he's here in place of Blaster tonight- B l u r r: ... /sharp tooth grin/ Bonjour. K-Kyeheheh. Hot Rod: *nervousness intensifies, as he plants his servos on his hips* "Alright, merci beaucoup, strange one." B l u r r: Blurr. /motions around with claws/ This is my ship. Sunstreaker: -glances around at the crowd. Only recognizes a few. Gets ready for a long night of not knowing what is going on- Hot Rod: *nods and looks around* It's a very... /nice/ ship. B l u r r: How sweet... B l u r r: You haven't even seen the best part of it yet. B l u r r: But, that's off limits for now. Hot Rod: "It's /quite/ alright. Im content on standing RIGHT HERE.." Bevel: *trundles in* B l u r r: Kyeheheh, if you want to. Whirl: *slinks in and makes his way for his hammock* Sunstreaker: -snorts, and goes to sit, somewhere out of the way- B l u r r: Snacks are set up. We just got new supplies, so they're all fresh. B l u r r: So, feel free to pick and choose. /vents/ Or what have you. Drift: *look who finally showed up!* B l u r r: / wiggles claws at / Drift: ((which continuity hot rod is here? 0v0)) Whirl: *sticks out the legy to rock his hammock* Anything liquid? And strong enough to strip the paint off ya? B l u r r: (( hes tyran, i think )) B l u r r: (( he new friend! )) B l u r r: Yes, we made liquid treats this time. Bevel: *waves to Blurr as she gets some of said liquid treats* B l u r r: / waves at Bevel / Drift: *wiggles fingers at blurr, and flops next to* B l u r r: / smirks at / B l u r r: D: where hot rod go? I was excite to see! )) Bevel: *now to find someplace to sit* Hot Rod: ( omg sorry IM HERE ) Whirl: And the "strong enough to strip your paint" bit? B l u r r: ( yay! ) B l u r r: ... Hell, I don't know. I have a different flavor pallette. B l u r r: But, I know one of them smells extremely sweet. Whirl: Hmm. *hauls himself up and stalks over to inspect them* Hot Rod: *claps his servos together* alright, i need names. Who are you all??? Bevel: *looks up from the drink she's grabbed* My name is Bevel. B l u r r: You already know me. /eyeing him/ And I think I know you. Hot Rod: ( eyes him back ) "Monsieur, I do not think you do." B l u r r: No, but... I could know you real fast. /licks sharp denta/ You look like you taste good. Whirl: *holds a glass under his helm, huffing in the scent* I... am Ultra Magnus. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble squawks. That's HIS joke!* Drift: I'm Drift. *nods at Whirl* Ultra Magnus over here is my second-in-command. Hot Rod: ( FROWNS ) "You touch me, I'm punching you, mon ami. I suggest you do not." Sunstreaker: Sunstreaker. B l u r r: K-KYAHAHAHA!! /kicks pedes. He's wheezing. He's joking/ Whirl: *you snooze you lose, pipsqueak* Drift: S'okay, Blurr doesn't eat guests unless they're causing trouble. Sunstreaker: -and just going to sigh at the joke. Really?- Bevel: *laughs* Hot Rod: ( nods at everyone else, offering a charming smile ) "Bonjour, quite a pleasure to meet you all. && I do not think you are Ultra Magnus?" Whirl: *sets the glass down, having apparently decided not to drink it* And why would that be? Hot Rod: "It eez... a gut feeling." B l u r r: / nudges Drift and snickers / He thought I was gonna actually eat him. Drift: Oh, that's just because he's not in his suit. Bulks him up a lot. Whirl: Well, you're wrong. As you can see, my fellows will vouch for me. Whirl: *retreats to his hammock* Sunstreaker: -No he won't- Hot Rod: "Alright, I stand by my beliefs." ( huffs ) "I have no idea who you are and I literally just came here. Can you blame me?" Bevel: *realized she clearly missed a chance to say she was Shockwave or Astrotrain or something* Whirl: Yes? I can? Whirl: You don't know a damn thing about me or where I come from. Why would I LIE? B l u r r: Stop picking on him, guys. What if I get in troubl-... / trails off/ Ah... Optimus Prime of Tyran breaking in to kill me. B l u r r: /SIIIIIGH / Whirl: He might very well step on you. Whirl: Slowly. B l u r r: He might... Hot Rod: ( confused french noises ) Hot Rod: ( perks up ) Hot Rod: "Man, Optimus is like my sire. He's rather cool!" ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave trudges in and looks over at Whirl.* B l u r r: ... you know him closely , then? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Ultra Magnus, Blurr, Bevel, Drift. Greetings.]] B l u r r: / waves at Soundwave / Whirl: *it's a good thing he's so dam good at poker faces* Soundwave. *nods gravely* Sunstreaker: ((SNEK! Primus-mun says hi ItsyBitsySpyers: *Parks himself on his seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: ((hi!)) Whirl: ((YOOO)) Hot Rod: "Kinda close?" Hot Rod: "I'm pretty sure that even if we weren't close, he would still step on you." B l u r r: .... That's fantastic. B l u r r: Come sit with me and Drift. Sunstreaker: ((she's not having a good day, like at all B l u r r: (( hi Primus - mun! )) Drift: ((hullooo!)) Whirl: Yo. Pipsqueak. *clicks his vocalizer*

Missed a little. Hot Rod gave his name and Drift immediately, enthusiastically, and repeatedly welcomed him to their couch. Blurr called him out on it.

Drift: *swats at blurr* Life's too short for subtlety. I'm NOT scaring him away, I'm welcoming him. This is his first night here, right? It's polite. Hot Rod: [ looks very awkward and squints ] That would be a stupid law. B l u r r: / rolls optic/ Great, now you're gonna spend the whole time with him. /joking / Hot Rod: [ THEN looks at the other and hesitantly slides over ] "Zhen it would alright if I sit here?" B l u r r: Sure, I won't bite you. B l u r r: I'm under strict orders not to hurt your... kind. Drift: Yeah, absolutely! 0v0 Drift: *pokes blurr* Hey. I can spend time with BOTH of you, you know. B l u r r: Now where have I heard THAT before? Hot Rod: [ curious look ] You can't hurt MY kind? I do not understand? B l u r r: ...We're different. But, I know hurting you might back fire on me. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble manages to hoist himself up the leg, also with great dignity, and settles in.* B l u r r: [[ oh, does anyone need captions? I can turn it off. ]] Bevel: [[i do please B l u r r: [[ okie we leave them on! ]] Hot Rod: [ sits all prim and proper, jesus, rELAX HOT ROD ] "Hurting bots in general would backfire, irregardless." Whirl: *counter-settles and, content that his Clever Ruse is well underway, looks to the screen. And, staring fixedly at the screen, he veeery subtly nudges Rumble* Whirl: @R: Thanks, by the way. B l u r r: / rolls optic/ Oh, relax, Hot Rod. You're fine. I'm not gonna bite. B l u r r: Besides, Drift here would have a panic attack if I tried /snort/ ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //Huh? What for? I mean, like, yer welcome 'n all, but I dunno why.// Drift: He's right. I'd panic, and then I'd attack. Whirl: @R: Basically all of Monday. Sunstreaker: -Can they not? Sunstreaker is off-duty now- Sunstreaker: -He'd like to remain off-duty- Hot Rod: ( HUFFS ) "I can handle myself in a fight. I am no damsel in distress." B l u r r: / snerk / Drift: Oh no no, of course not! B l u r r: Anyway, baguette, you're perfectly safe on my ship. So long as you don't cause damage. Whirl: *SNK* Whirl: *he approves of the nickname* ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //Oh. Oh, yeah! No problem, mech. Got your back, swear.// Drift: ... "baguette"? B l u r r: It's a french thing. Hot Rod: ( HISSES LOUDLY ) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave eyes the new mech curiously* Whirl: *nudges again, in silent acknowledgement* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Just listening to that. And Rumble nudges back.* B l u r r: K-Kyeheheheh. Drift: *he /hisses/. wow.* Hot Rod: "Baguette is a STUPID nickname." Hot Rod: *he can make many other noises* Sunstreaker: -settles to watch humans being stupid on screen- B l u r r: Oh, is it? Well, I suppose I could come up with something later. B l u r r: [[ also, btw, some gore shyte is comin' up ]] Drift: I'll just call you Hot Rod. 0u0 Hot Rod: "It eez Hot Rod && ONLY HOT ROD" Hot Rod: "Merci beaucoup!" B l u r r: Aut ' 'Od? B l u r r: / smirking more / Whirl: *squints* what is it, like, an amoeba? Whirl: A very tiny barnacle...? Drift: *paps blurr's head* Don't make fun of him. B l u r r: / scoffs/ Sunstreaker: ...... Hot Rod: "HOT. ROD. You imbecile!" B l u r r: I'm just playing with hi- ItsyBitsySpyers: //Looks kinda like a... whatcha call it. Lich. Lichen... Leech!// B l u r r: .... /optic flare / Whirl: A leech. *blank stare. Pertraxia flashbacks* B l u r r: / engine growl / I am NOT an imbecile. Whirl: Not sure it's a leech... but it IS leech-like. Whirl: *he can understand the one scientist's pride. Who wouldn't love a horrid little blob baby.* Hot Rod: ( tips his helm up ) "Then call me by my proper designation." ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Heh. Node.]] B l u r r: That's what it SOUNDED like to me. B l u r r: Though, I admit. It's nice to meet an Autobot with some taste. Drift: ... How about both of you be nice to each other. Whirl: ExCUSE you. Whirl: I'M an Autobot and I have EXCELLENT taste. B l u r r: I meant from Tyran, you bolt. B l u r r: Aside from Roadbuster, I haven't met a mech who wanted to take control of an accent. B l u r r: I was COMPLIMENTING him. Hot Rod: ( clears throat and pronounces slowly ) "Hot. Rod. And of course, I know that I have excellent tastes." Hot Rod: ( ok you made him happy because his lil dorrwings are fluttering ) Bevel: Is Calvin gonna eat everyone? *knows what kinda movies Blurr shows by now* B l u r r: / smirks/ Hot Rod it is. Whirl: I hope it gorws into some kind of monster. I mean. That's what I EXPECT, of course. Hot Rod: ( pleased purr and settles to watch the movie ) B l u r r: I hope it's a monster. I love monsters. Bevel: *giggles* Whirl: *side-eyes Hot Rod; interesting noise. After a moment, he mimics the purr* Drift: I like the accent! *belatedly and uselessly* Whirl: *not quite purrfectly but very close* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Hey! Hey! We got accents. Just they don't sound like that one.// Jazz: *drops down from the ceiling and drapes over Soundwave's couch* BUDDY! Hot Rod: ( embarrassed smile now ) "Merci beaucoup, Drift." ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave is up off that couch, turned around, and waving wary feelers in a FLASH.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Primus.]] Jazz: *grins* Did I scare yah? Drift: *he got a smile!! smiles back brilliantly* Hot Rod: ( laughs at Whirl trying to mimic him. Does a little purring noise again ) Whirl: *mimics again--it's much better this time* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You nearly lost your helm.]] Jazz: Whoa... new mech! ItsyBitsySpyers: *Pauses his irritation to look at the screen. Neural network?* Jazz: *looks at soundwave* Awww, you sound like you'd be sorry if I did. Whirl: Aww, look at it! Already growing. Most likely into something bloodthirsty. <3 B l u r r: Hopefully. Crosscut: Hello? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes, well. He does have an oath to keep. He would be loathe to break it.]] Crosscut: -enters- Jazz: *shrugs and struts across the room for some snacks* Sunstreaker: -Yep, crowd watching is more intersting right now- Whirl: *quick glance to Crosscut, but is not obvious about it* Jazz: Well, the all spark an' I thank yah, Sounders. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yo!// Wave to Crosscut. He tries to make it not look as excited as it is. //Ain't seen you in a long time. How ya doin'?// ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You should.]] Whirl: *Look at the thing!* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Sits himself down and watches the creature with interest, now that Jazz is moved* Crosscut: Why helllo, I suppose it has been some time hasn't it? Whirl: *zoops towards the screen* B l u r r: [[ lmao poor whirl. ]] Whirl: ((IT'S CUTE THO)) B l u r r: [[ good luck. ]] B l u r r: [ DONT BLAME ME ]] Whirl: ((BY HIS STANDARDS)) Crosscut: I'm well, busy but well. Hot Rod: "Ewwwww... it's WIGGLING" Whirl: It's precious. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...How is it progressing so quickly...?]] ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah? Whatcha been up to?// Hot Rod: ( covers his face ) Crosscut: -is there room to sit by the tiny writer?- Whirl: *he's in the Hammock, but Whirl nudges him--if he wants to go to CC, he can* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Tiny writer is by Whirl, so that depends on Whirl* B l u r r: .. Are you scared of it? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh! He's being nudged. Well, he'll scamper over, then.* Jazz: *flashes visor and waves at the peeps he knows * Hot Rod: "It's gross and yes, its kinda scary" Whirl: *glances after him, looking briefly very satisfied with himself* B l u r r: K-Kyeheheh. Don't worry, it's just a movie. B l u r r: For now. Hot Rod: "But not as scary as the dinobots." Whirl: *JUST AS KEIKAKU* B l u r r: ... /makes a face/ Dinobots are... rather intimidating. Crosscut: -takes a seat- Well, looking into moving preperations mostly. Hot Rod: "If you saw MY dinobots, you would be terrified. The first time I saw them, i fainted" ItsyBitsySpyers: *Bounces up onto the seat just enough nearby to be friendly without going full fanboy.* B l u r r: I HAVE seen your dinobots. B l u r r: I don't want to see them ever again ItsyBitsySpyers: //Movin'? You leavin' the ship?// Hot Rod: "And when I woke up, i was in their nest for a few days." Crosscut: -Pfft, no mini bots in lap- Drift: Saw them. Watched a documentary. Crosscut: Yes, planning on it. B l u r r: /nudges thumb at Jazz/ He's more accustomed to them, honestly. Jazz: *sipping cube* they're snugglers. Whirl: The little tyke got loose. Sunstreaker: -wow, alarms from the lab. Surprise.- Hot Rod: *nods slightly* Hot Rod: "They like to... cuddle a lot." Hot Rod: "Normally im up for it, but its real scary" Jazz: Aw, they're just lonely sometimes. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Where ya gonna go? You gonna go politics again?// Jazz: *flashes visor* Jazz: I don't know you, do I? You're new. *grins* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[The Tyran Dinobots, snuggling?]] Crosscut: Just Cybertron. Hot Rod: ( thinks back to all the times he's been chased ) Crosscut: What? Oh no no, no politics anymore. B l u r r: / nudges Drift / Hey. Maybe he can get Optimus to kill me and you can go celebrate with him. Hot Rod: "I don't... think I've met you either?" Drift: Shut up. Optimus can maim you, but killing is off-limits. Jazz: Probably not. Been gone for a while. *holds out claw* Name's Jazz. First Lieutenant, mech. B l u r r: Okay, but that doesn't mean you can't hang out with him. /pokes Drift's helm/ Crosscut: I have enough savings, I'm going to focus on my writing mostly, or that's the plan at least. B l u r r: You giant flirt. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Crosscut's gonna write again?* Hot Rod: ( takes his hands and shakes it ) Hot Rod, soldier and World War 2 veteran. Pleasure to met you Jazz: *grins and magnets to his servo. Shake shake* Sunstreaker: -watching screen again. What are the humans doing this time?- ItsyBitsySpyers: //Awesome. Got enough politics mechs around.// Sunstreaker: ... Sunstreaker: ............ Drift: Oh, you've been on Earth that long? Hot Rod: ( confused looks to their servos ) Hot Rod: ( goodness, are they sTUCK ) Hot Rod: ( nods happily ) "Oui! I have been there for that long." Whirl: *recoils a bit. mmmmmm* Drift: *... he's going to lose a hand* Whirl: *VERY QUICKLY LOOKS AT HIS HAMMOCK* Sunstreaker: -well slag- ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble pings Whirl.* Drift: *distraction time* Hey! Whirl! Hot Rod: "whats happening" Jazz: *shake shake and releases servo* Sunstreaker: -That's not good- Jazz: I don't remember you...  but you feel familiar. Hot Rod: ( tERRIFIED SQUEAKING ) Drift: Whirl, have you put more thought into the whole—ship—thing? The little ship. B l u r r: / uh. Awkward. Uhm. Pats Hot Rod's uh... arm...? / Drift: *was drift too late* Whirl: *antenna twitches; he's still looking down* Sunstreaker: -stares and doesn't like where this is going- Sunstreaker: And it is out Crosscut: -watching the film- Drift: *was clearly too late* Crosscut: ((NO! Not that cute fat boy!)) ItsyBitsySpyers: //...Is it gonna go Alien on it?//

Missed some, idk how much. Crosscut got scurred.

ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble nudges Crosscut.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //You holdin' up, mech?// Crosscut: W-what? Oh..no, I mena yes. Crosscut: I'm fine.. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Note to self. Crosscut probably isn't ever going to write scary stories.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[They should never have shocked it.]] Crosscut: -He's fine with scary stuff!  just not...parasites or things similar to it.- Drift: ... Listen, Whirl. I know that you're... Sunstreaker: That was...a very bad idea Drift: *mm. no. don't say that.* You can stay on the Lost Light, if you want. It's just...it's not a ship anymore—it's more like an apartment complex. Drift: Nobody HAS to leave. Whirl: And stay there. On Cybertron. Hot Rod: ok, this isnt that scary anymore B l u r r: [[ so i missed all of that 8') ]] Drift: ... I take it that's a no. B l u r r: [[ had to be the convenient "yell at speedy" time ]] Whirl: With Starscream, and the NAILs. *his voice is getting flatter and flatter; when Whirl's not actively trying to emote, his voice sounds very dronelike* Whirl: No. Whirl: It's definitely a no. Drift: *nods* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Humans really gotta stop goin' to space.// Crosscut: ((My sassy sassy rat, so big and cute and fat~)) ItsyBitsySpyers: //They don't do nothin' but get killed.// Crosscut: Hah ha. Bevel: [[this is too much for me, i'm gonna step out,  night everyone Drift: ((gnight)) Sunstreaker: ((g'night! B l u r r: Humans should stay away from space in general. Sunstreaker: .........so, two down already? Whirl: ((gnight!)) Hot Rod: "Humans are so cute, i love them" Hot Rod: ( night! hope you feel better soon, sweetpea~ <3 ) Crosscut: Who si that actor? Crosscut: He's so familar.. B l u r r: Humans disgust me... but I digress ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Which one?]] Jazz: I used to like 'em... *huffs* Now I'm just picky. Crosscut: I enjoy them. Hot Rod: ( excited look ) "I especially like the French people!" Jazz: Yo, French people are great. Jazz: They got the best style! Crosscut: They value entertainment more than most planets, they're very creative....It may hold them back quite a bit but they're very rich in culture. Whirl: *glances over, briefly* How d'you feel about French cinema? Crosscut: I quite enoy it, one of the first Earth languages I learned actually. Crosscut: *enjoy Whirl: ...well, I was talking to Hot Rod, but no reason not to poll the room. Crosscut: (omg im sorry i can't type tonight, i am juggling a rat in my hands- Crosscut: __ Crosscut: )) Whirl: ((A GOOD RAT)) Crosscut: ((He is good)) Drift: ((you notice how they kinda sway/bob back and forth while they're talking, since they're floating and all?)) Hot Rod: "I really do like French Cinema, especially their animations! They are very good." Drift: ((imagine the actors standing on solid ground and slowly leaning back and forth to pretend they're floating)) Crosscut: ((cut)) Crosscut: *cute Sunstreaker: ((hah! Jazz: (( pffft)) Whirl: If you've not checked out Jean-Luc Godar's work, you should. Whirl: ...y'know, it's been a while since we had Cukture Club. Whirl: *Culture ItsyBitsySpyers: //Lil while, yeah.// Whirl: .....*Godard ((GDI)) Drift: Whose turn is it? Whirl: Prowl's, I think. B l u r r: What is a culture club? Hot Rod: "Oh! Thank you, ill keep that in mind!" B l u r r: Humans are so hard to restart. Crosscut: ((-imaging all the typos tonight as drunken slurring- )) Drift: /Ugh/. Whirl: It's a thing I host every now and then. We all pick movies, and watch them. Whirl: You're welcome to come, as always. B l u r r: ... Ah. B l u r r: / frowns/ Cultural things? Whirl: Though I... guess I don't. Know where we're gonna do 'em, now. B l u r r: I'm afraid I've been stunted on culture thanks to the Decepticons. B l u r r: ... It's beautiful. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Stop attacking it.]] Whirl: Precious! ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It reminds him a little of octopuses.]] B l u r r: It's smart... very smart. B l u r r: It's learning... /smirks/ Crosscut: That's terrifying. B l u r r: I want one. Sunstreaker: Humans have a...very /very/ active imagnation ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Fascinating.]] Whirl: Strong little guy. B l u r r: ... Oh, you're an idiot. B l u r r: That's not how you survive. Crosscut: No, stay in there. B l u r r: well, if they didn't attack it, it wouldn't be defending itself. B l u r r: It saw them as the enemy the instant one of them attacked it B l u r r: so, if one is hurting it, to Calvin, they all will. Drift: I think hating somethinig that just killed three of your friends is pretty rational, actually. B l u r r: Hating something is easy. Whirl: I mean, if it were me, I'd try and find a way to kill it regardless of whose fault it was. Sunstreaker: -watching in mild fascination again- B l u r r: Survival calls for killing it, yes. Hot Rod: "Oh gosh, this is-- an oh gosh moment" Hot Rod: OH MON DIEU Hot Rod: MERDEEEE Drift: *looks at Hot Rod* You all right? B l u r r: He's having a moment. Hot Rod: "I would say oui, but non Sunstreaker: Yikes Hot Rod: I am not ok B l u r r: It's just a movie. It won't hurt you. B l u r r: They don't have escape pods? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[And if it got in one with them?]] Jazz: ... Yah blow up the one it's in. Jazz: Or yah push it out into space. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[With what?]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Motions to the screen.* Jazz: Shouldn't escape pods have navigation? Jazz: I mean, ours did. Sorta. Sunstreaker: ........ B l u r r: It's eating the other crew, too? Whirl: Looks like it. B l u r r: Well It's hungry. B l u r r: Well, he had a newborn. By horror logic, he was slated to die. Hot Rod: "oh no, sho.i loved u" Sunstreaker: I...have no more words left for this movie Whirl: Look at the little guy crawling. Whirl: ...well, that looks bad. ItsyBitsySpyers: //New rule: take swords to space.// B l u r r: If they're worried about their planet... B l u r r: why don't they just use what they can to get themselves further from Earth? B l u r r: Instead of struggling to go back Whirl: Best to keep a sword on you at all times. Just in case. Drift: They don't HAVE anything to get themselves further from Earth. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Where's yours?// Sunstreaker: Because they are being idiotic Drift: They're out of fuel, the little mini-rocket thing broke off... They're out of stuff. B l u r r: But they're still struggling to find a way back. Whirl: *shifts a bit, flopping back on the hammock, and whips his sword out of subspace. He points it straight up at the ceiling* Drift: Were they? I thought they were just kinda, being resigned here to not going back. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Holy frag. I didn't think ya actually had one.// B l u r r: Maybe. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Boss. Boss, I want a sword.// ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We will ask Bevel.]] Crosscut: Goodness, whirl put that away. Whirl: Yep. *still holding it aloft* Picked it up on the batle for Luna-1. B l u r r: .I have swords built into my frame. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah?// Whirl: Dunno who you're talking to, Crosscut. I'm Ultra Magnus. B l u r r: Yep. Crosscut: BT B l u r r: / snort / B l u r r: / He's finding this character slightly endearing / Whirl: *he feels you, pilot guy* Jazz: *sad face* Whirl: *at last, puts his sword away, but doesn't un-flop* Crosscut: ((I know it's the end but I'm falling asleep)) Whirl: ((if you're headin out, GNIGHT MY DUDE)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((gently blankets you)) B l u r r: /nudges Drift / Drift: Hm? Drift: ... Isn't HER turning on the candle gonna mess up the plan? B l u r r: I would lure some alien creature away for you. Crosscut: ((I'm gonna try to stick it out.)) Sunstreaker: ((g'night! Sunstreaker: ((or not Whirl: ((HANG IN THERE)) Drift: Aww. I'd lure one away for you. Drift: ... But we should fight it together. B l u r r: But if it came down to saving your planet, I'd rather lure it away. Drift: Don't need to lure it if we kick its aft together. B l u r r: Mm true. Whirl: ((its loving embrace)) Drift: ... Where's she going? She's going to mess up the plan. B l u r r: oh she's in it. Crosscut: -nodding off, starting to tilt over to the side- Drift: *scoots to edge of seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave stretches a feeler out and tips Crosscut upright* Drift: ... I swear, if they decide to pull some "it falls to Earth and the last thing we see is it surviving and heading to civilization" slag... Whirl: *is presently a limp pile of elbows on his hammock, with a head zooping lazily out* B l u r r: What do you expect?Humans can only think so far. Drift: That's got nothing to do with humans. That's gonna be on the movie makers. Crosscut: -is pushed back up into a sitting position, but optics still dim- Drift: If the movie makers decide do that, I'll be torqued. B l u r r: ... Drift, those are humans. Drift: ... I thought you were talking about the characters. B l u r r: No, I meant the people who make the movies. Sunstreaker: And here comes the mess Whirl: At least it's happening for a reason--Calvin's doing it. Drift: Oh. Then no, I'm not talking about their ability to think so far, either. I'm talking about their decision to have a HAPPY ENDING. B l u r r: Happy endings don't exist. Whirl: *mmm TIME TO LOOK AWAY AGAIN PERHAPS* Drift: And a happy ending is an ending that doesn't finish with humans being endangered. Drift: They do in movies. B l u r r: Then it's more realistic for it not to end happily. Drift: I don't want a realistic ending. I want a happy ending where they save their planet. B l u r r: ... /shrugs / B l u r r: It's so CUTE. Whirl: *peeks back* Crosscut: ((smooch)) B l u r r: Maybe I'm just cynical. /completely is / Drift: ... Yeah, I think they made it to deep space. We're good. Crosscut: -flops forward, laying over own lap- Sunstreaker: -sits back to watch- ItsyBitsySpyers: *Tips up again and taps with feeler claws.* B l u r r: / flexes claws/ I'm not even allowed back on my planet. So maybe my attachment is a little strained. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yo. Yo, you're missin' the end, mech.// Crosscut: Wha-...huh? Crosscut: Oh! Oh i'm -yawns- sorry. Drift: ... Yeah, fair. ItsyBitsySpyers: //'S cool.// Drift: ((it froze, what's happening???)) Sunstreaker: .............. B l u r r: [[ oh, she mcfuckled and went into deep space. ]] Crosscut: ((It froze what happened? B l u r r: he brought calvin to earth ]] Crosscut: I'm gonna guess his ship landed and hers got flipped into space? Drift: DAMMIT! Sunstreaker: There goes Earth B l u r r: [[ she tried to pilot ]] B l u r r: [[ and fuckked it up ]] B l u r r: [ SO THATS HER FAULT TBH ] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((the hit to the solar panel *** up her system and piloting so she went into deep space)) Whirl: Interesting, that Calvin kept him alive. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((and calvin stopped him finishing the manual override)) B l u r r: For a reason, I'm sure. Drift: I asked for ONE THING! B l u r r: It's a movie. Whirl: *blinks, and then gives a little snort* Whirl: Spirit in the Sky, eh? ItsyBitsySpyers: //Well, he's smart, ain't he?// B l u r r: / shrugs/ Besides, Earth is a disgusting planet. Crosscut: That was, well...a rather predictable ending. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Horror films often have them.]] Crosscut: This is true. B l u r r: I have no idea why anyone is surprised. Crosscut: Do like this song though. Sunstreaker: You mean there are other endings besides 'everyone dies?' Drift: Yeah, there's sometimes "the enemy is defeated and a single female survives." Crosscut: -rubs helm- Sorry for dozzing like that. B l u r r: Well. Sunstreaker: -snorts- Close enough B l u r r: I like that the monster didn't die. Crosscut: I'm more tired than I though I guess. Drift: No! It's different! Because this ending is an apocalypse. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Hey, you oughta recharge.// Jazz: Earth IS an apocalypse... Jazz: in most situations. Drift: I'm sick of implied apocalypses. I /lived/ through one. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Then perhaps you should watch happier movies.]] Drift: Multiple! Multiple apocalypses! Crosscut: Yes, I suppose I should. Sunstreaker: Mech, most of us here have Crosscut: I will. I'm going. -stands on tired, stumbly legs- B l u r r: Horror movies are horror for a reason. The outcome isn't a success. most of the time. B l u r r: That's the "horror" Drift: I know! Why aren't more of you annoyed that it's gotta end with an implied apocalypse? ItsyBitsySpyers: //Don't fall asleep drivin' or - however ya move. Seeya, mech.// Whirl: C'mon, Drift, surely we could go through a few more apocalypses before we're done. Sunstreaker: Because it is /fiction/ B l u r r: / looks at Drift / My Master /wanted/ an apocalypse. Drift: No, the horror is the stuff that happens DURING the movie. I want it—I'd like it all wrapped up and OKAY again at the end. Drift: Yeah but that doesn't count, because I'd be rooting for you guys. Sunstreaker: We just watched a horror movie ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble bounces back to the hammock, thrilled that he spent most of the movie with a secret idol, and attempts to scramble in* B l u r r: I would be angry if they killed the monster. B l u r r: It was defensive the entire movie. Crosscut: Goodnight. Jazz: I dunno... I'm kinda leanin' on Drift's side. I mean, if it's fiction, then I guess a better endin' would make more sense. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Night!// Crosscut: -waves before turning to take his leave- It was nice seeing you again, Rumble. A shame we don't get to do so more often. Drift: I /just/—I want more movie endings that don't imply that humanity is going to go extinct. Sunstreaker: Yes, a happier end would have been nice Whirl: *un-flops and shifts to make room* Jazz: Humans sure don't give two scraps about any other species goin' extinct... Sunstreaker: But apparently the writers thought differently Jazz: *scratches helm* But, I don't wanna see their race run out, either. Drift: Oh NOW you're agreeing that a happier ending would have been nice? After snarking at me for the past five minutes? Drift: I'd just—I'd like a FEW more that are terrifying for two hours, and then after the two hours the humans are, presumably, going to be okay. Not ALL humans. The main cast can die, I don't care. Drift: But humanity, in general. Sunstreaker: You are taking a work of fiction too seriously Drift: Shut up. Let me have my damn opinion. Whirl: *nudges Rumble* You should ring him up sometime. He's not a hard mech to get a hold of. Sunstreaker: You have your opinion, I have mine Sunstreaker: And if I have to respect yours, then kindly /do the same/ Drift: Yeah, and I didn't ask you what you think of mine. B l u r r: Ohfor pit sake... B l u r r: / rubbing temples / You liked the ending. You hated it. There. B l u r r: We're done Drift: I never said you can't have my opinion. I'm just sitting over here talking about mine while you're— Drift: one—implying that there ARE no other endings—two—implying I'm an idiot for having an opinion based on living through apocalypses because oh wow, so have other people— Sunstreaker: You got upset over the fact that not everyone in the room shared yours ItsyBitsySpyers: //No fraggin' way.// Nudges back, following with a private comm because everyone doesn't need to know his fanboying. B l u r r: / scrubs claws over faceplate / Drift: —three—implying I'm an idiot for having an opinion over FICTION—and four—acting like having a damn opinion is "taking things too seriously." ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //What'm I gonna do, ask him to sign a datapad? C'mon. Probably looked dumb runnin' over there anyway.// Whirl: *prudently also switches over* R: He's not standoffish. You can just TALK. Drift: No, I got upset at your fragging attitude. A care a lot less about the movie now than I do about you apparently having a problem with the fact that I was annoyed over it. Drift: So shut up. You're not cool for acting apathetic about the end of a movie. B l u r r: / twitches finials/ ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //But I -don't- talk. Not, like. Not where all everybody sees. I'm gonna go to the rebuildin' site. They hear I'm talkin' to old senators 'n writers 'n I'm gonna get a girder to the faceplates.// Drift: *huffs. turns back to blurr.* Anyway. B l u r r: Mm? B l u r r: / now velocity wants to argue. / Drift: Sad 'bout the humans, but at least the monster DID live. So that's a plus. Sunstreaker: -sorry, he zoned out for a moment, he had to answer a call- B l u r r: I liked the monster. Sunstreaker: ((because mun wandered off, my bad Drift: ... I mean /I'm/ sad 'bout the humans. I know you aren't. S'fine. Whirl: @R: So, kick their as s. B l u r r: I just... have a hard time. B l u r r: Finding sympathy for them. Whirl: @R: Since when do THEY get to tell you what you can and can't do? *snorts* Drift: Yeah, I know. That's okay. Drift: My experiences with Earth were... nice. The only bad parts were the parts caused by Decepticons. B l u r r: .. /huffs/ Drift: Your experiences... weren't good. I don't blame you for not caring about them. B l u r r: I care about a few, I guess. B l u r r: But it's not because of me. B l u r r: It's because of someone else. Sunstreaker: -stands up, shaking his helm- Thank you for the movie, but I just got called into the med-bay Sunstreaker: Good night. Drift: Yeah? The ones you know now? B l u r r: Mm... B l u r r: / vents and sinks down/ And I went out the other night with Rodimus, against better judgment. B l u r r: / scratches helm/ Stupid idea. My bounty on Cybertron is incredibly high- higher than Magnus. Drift: ... Well, YOU'RE not dead. So is he? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble makes frustrated motions with his hands. How does he put this without looking weak?* B l u r r: No. Drift: Damn. B l u r r: / looks at the ceiling/ We drank for a while. /flickers optic/ He said he was sorry. Drift: You're still alive though. That's good. Drift: HA! B l u r r: But, I don't believe he's sorry for everything. Drift: Why, what's he want? B l u r r: He just.. wanted to talk. B l u r r: It felt weird. Drift: No no, I mean what's he REALLY want? B l u r r: I don't know. B l u r r: I drank too much. My processor glitched out and I shut down. B l u r r: I'm not supposed to ... Drift: Pfeh. Drift: ... Blurr, why in the world did you let him talk you into drinking? Drift: He was probably trying to fry your processor and kill you. B l u r r: Maybe. ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //I ain't afraid of kickin' aft. But listen, I'm five times smaller'n you 'n don't nobody respect minicons right. I probably already gotta fight like 20 mechs jus' so won't nobody try nothin'.-- ItsyBitsySpyers: The frag I wanna make it 40 for?// ItsyBitsySpyers: *Hi, he doesn't have very good opinions of most huge bots.* B l u r r: He didn't seem like he was trying. B l u r r: Even so... he erased my bounty. Drift: That's /acting/, Blurr. Drift: ... He definitely wants something out of you, then. He wants you to do something. B l u r r: I have nothing I can do. Drift: If he asks you for ANYTHING in the future, don't agree until you know EXACTLY what he's going to get out of it—including the stuff he isn't telling you. B l u r r: I won't be doing him favors. Drift: Like slag. You have a pirate crew. He could try to manipulate you into attacking his enemies for him. B l u r r: My slate is full right now. B l u r r: Speaking of which. I need you to do me a favor soon. Drift: Like—what if he said "hey, this planet has a treasure I've heard, here's a map as an apology for what a slagger I've been," and really the planet is just one of his enemies. Drift: Oh—yeah? What? B l u r r: Hnh... I can just steal the treasure and leave the planet. Drift: There's no treasure. It's a lie he told you to get you to attack it. B l u r r: In a few weeks, I need you to at least come onto The Emperor once every few days to check on the crew. Whirl: *tilts his head, considering; he can sort of see this position, though not in the exact way Rumble does. He has, after all, dealt with people trying to stop him from doing what he wants* Drift: Yeah, sure. No problem. *he's been spending a lot more time over here anyway* Whirl: @R: If THAT'S the case... then see to it that they don't find out. I won't rat you out to 'em, if you talk here. B l u r r: Cool. Thanks. B l u r r: They're gonna need some watching. B l u r r: They tend to get roudy without me on the ship. Whirl: @R: And, luckily for you, you happen to know a spymaster. Drift: Yeah? Where are you going? B l u r r: As for the planet and treasure, well. I guess I would just bounce and not do anything- what? B l u r r: Oh. /shrugs shoulders/ Roadbuster needs help. B l u r r: Scrap's going sour in his universe. Drift: What's up? Need another warrior down there? ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //...You better swear. Cause I ain't afraid of kickin -your- aft neither.// B l u r r: No. / said that way too fast/ B l u r r: I mean.. I can ask him. But I don't know if it's strictly Wrecker stuff or not. B l u r r: I bet he'd like you... Jazz: *flips over to sit next to Soundwave. Sliiides up next to* Whirl: *he's gonna swivel his helm to fix Rumble with his optic* @R: You think I WOULD? Drift: ... If you're sure. B l u r r: / vents/ It might be more dangerous than I think. B l u r r: I don't want to drag you down there. Drift: You think I can't handle danger? B l u r r: No, I know you can. B l u r r: It's not that I think you're incapable. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave casually lifts a hand and puts it on Jazz's head so he can't come any closer than he already is.* Jazz: *grins* 'Ey, did you hear that rumor about us? Jazz: * B) * Drift: *crooked, not-really-happy smile* It's not like I've got anybody at home waiting for me. I might as well be out watching your back. B l u r r: ... /shifts a little. Turns behind him and hisses/ Shut UP. B l u r r: / looks back at Drift/ I'll ask... Drift: Anyway. I'd like to meet Roadbuster. And whoever else you've got over there. B l u r r: Roadbuster. Topspin. B l u r r: Crosshairs is a useless fragger. Drift: Whatever Velocity just siad, it was a lie. B l u r r: Drift is all right... B l u r r: He's not as cool as you. Drift: Oh! The triplechanger me? B l u r r: Mmhm. B l u r r: You already know Jazz. Drift: Hey, I wanna meet my alternate. B l u r r: Well, I'll see if he wants to meet up sometime. ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //...No. It's--// And there's the frustrated hands again. //Ex-Decepticon. Y'know how that scrap is sometimes.// B l u r r: The problem is... they just... /fiddling with claws / They're acting different. They used to be this ring. And I was a dot on the far left ItsyBitsySpyers: [[What rumor about us? And what do you mean, 'us'?]] B l u r r: But, when I come over, they just... open the ring. B l u r r: I don't know what they want from me. Jazz: Yah know. Somethin' about you likin' my claws. Drift: ... Maybe they want you to join the ring. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He does NOT like your claws. He HATES your claws.]] B l u r r: Impossible. Drift: ((SO ATTRACTIVE)) Jazz: I dunno, man. Jazz: They said you thought they were attractive. Drift: ((IT'S AS THOUGH THEY PULL HIM IN)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((LOOK YOU)) Drift: ((HE'S DRAWN TO THEM)) Whirl: *the top shutter of his optic comes down and he regards Rumble with wry amusement* @R: I'm sure I don't, actually. Drift: ((cmon now, i know that soundwave and jazz are very different, but you know what they say)) Drift: ((opposites attract)) B l u r r: [[ omfg ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i'm going to find you and pour chicken grease on everything you love)) Drift: ((gasp)) Drift: ((what if i say i love all my friends, including you)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble grunts.* @W: //I'm shuttin' up before I get my leg in my mouth too.// ItsyBitsySpyers: ((then i'll nibble a drumstick while i do it)) B l u r r: / vents / Anyway. I'll let you know as things come up. /pats Drift / B l u r r: Sometimes I don't come back for a while. Dart is used to those moments. Whirl: *snorts and nudges him* @R: You're good. No harm, no foul. But yeah. I won't blab. If you get obvious about it, I'll tell you. B l u r r: / Dart panicks / Whirl: @R: Got your back. *this choice of words is, ofc, intentional* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You are as attractive as a bucket of rust. He would not proposition you if you tied Autobot command's worst secrets to your frame and rested on a bed of silver.]] Drift: ((... undress him.)) Jazz: ... Whoa. *lifts claws* Bro, slow down. I got me a mech. Drift: ((then leave with his clothes.)) Jazz: You need to sloooow the frag down. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble is quiet for a second, then nudges back with a grin. Thanks.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Oh, for Pit's sake.]] Jazz: I just think it's funny some mech out there wants to see us together, ya know? Jazz: Gotta run that by m'space wife. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It's probably YOU trying to bother him.]] Jazz: Nah, it was NOT me. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Are you sure? You're the one constantly trying to hold his hand.]] B l u r r: / flops on Drift/ You wanna go explore this abandoned temple I found? Drift: DO I?? B l u r r: ... Do you? B l u r r: That's what I asked you. Jazz: 'Ey, you HELD it for as long as yah could, so  that's on you, too. Drift: ... That was a yes. Hell yes. B l u r r: Ah... well. Good. Because our maps are indicating we're getting close. B l u r r: By the way. Skychaser misses you. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You magnetized yourself to him!]] Drift: Does it have treasure, or just the next step in the treasure? Drift: *brightens* Yeah? I haven't seen him in a while, we should hang out. Drift: Hey, how's he been liking space travel? Whirl: *he simple nods, and streeetches* All right. Up, you rust-bucket. Time for me to go. B l u r r: It has a treasure, it says. B l u r r: /twitches finials/ Oh, he's enjoying it... a lot more than I thought. B l u r r: He pilots the ship when I don't Drift: Heh. I'm not surprised. B l u r r: He's gotten a little more outspoken. ItsyBitsySpyers: //I'm scootin'. Seeya, Ultra Magnus. Have fun polishin' your hammer.// Snicker. Whirl: *SNRK* Whirl: *tosses Rumble a salute before he clambers out* Seeya, losers. ItsyBitsySpyers: *A nod from the other seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We should be going.]] Soundwave looks at Jazz and pulls his hand away. [[-Without you,- whatever your rumors say.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble flips himself out of the hammock and jogs over to the Boss. Up on the arm he goes.* Jazz: *snickers and looks at Drift * He digs me, don't he? Drift: ... WHAT rumors? Whirl: *bobs his head at everyone else and trots off; it has been A Night* Whirl: *and not necessarily a great one* Jazz: So, this gray dude contacts me and says Sounders is sweet on me. Drift: Uh huh? Jazz: So I bring it up and now Sounders is all in denial. Jazz: All he's gotta do is says he digs me. I ain't gonna get mad. Hell, I'm a good lookin' mech. Drift: ... Okay, let's get something straight. Drift: If somebody said that about Soundwave, and it WASN'T true—he wouldn't ever even let the message get through. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[--WHAT.]] Drift: So he's definit— Oh, you're still here. Jazz: *LAUGHS* Drift: *gonna. bite his lips shut.* B l u r r: / snickering against Drift / ItsyBitsySpyers: *You're in trouble, Drift. He doesn't know what kind, yet. But you are.* Drift: *is it balanced out by the fact that he implied you're such a master of communications you can even control your own gossip* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...Somewhat. 10% of his ire chipped off.* Drift: Ssso I should probablyyy go check on my crew... B l u r r: ... Oh, right. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes. Unless you have any other incredibly unwise things to say in his presence.]] Jazz: Aw, come on, Sounders. Jazz: We're just kiddin' Drift: Ha ha... ha... That was a... it was... you know I don't really... ahhh... ItsyBitsySpyers: *Leeeeeans closer to Drift.* B l u r r: / HISSES / Drift: Gonna... just... *he's gonna try to figure out how best to get to theDISJDLFJS GOING FASTER heads to the door while taking the WIDEST route away from Soundwave* Drift: *if that includes climbing over couches, so be it* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Straightens up and watches Drift flee, pleased.* Drift: *he is out the door* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Turns to Blurr.* [[And you. Don't think he didn't hear you laughing.]] B l u r r: I laugh at everything. Drift: *and ducks his head back in* The war is over! You shouldn't be afraid of your feelings! B l u r r: You shouldn't be surprised. Drift: **** DASHES* ItsyBitsySpyers: *FEELER SHOOTS OUT AT DRIFT* Jazz: *LAUGHING HARDER* Drift: *TOP SPEED* ItsyBitsySpyers: [][][]One of these days, you're gonna die laughing.[][][] B l u r r: Probably. Drift: *IF HE DIES FOR THE CAUSE OF LOVE IT WILL NOT BE IN VAIN* B l u r r: I mean, it's almost happened. B l u r r: / smirks and stares at Soundwave / ItsyBitsySpyers: *IT'S NOT LOVE, FOR PRIMUS' SAKE. HE LIKES THE -OTHER- SOMETIMES SIC.* B l u r r: / welcome to the voices laughing and snickering / Drift: *LMAO SOUNDS FAKE* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He'll be sure to attend your smelting when it does.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Trudges out. Enough of this nonsense.* B l u r r: Good. Jazz: *grins and waves* Bye bye~

[gregwhite]

YOUR DAILY ROBOT

EXT. NED’S HOUSE - MORNING A SECURITY CAMERA hidden inside a LAWN GNOME’S EYE swivels silently, focusing on a MAILMAN at the base of the driveway. INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS A MONITOR shows the live feed from the camera. Widen to reveal NED (40s; paranoid, not as charming as he thinks) peeking through his kitchen blinds, staring hard at the mailman. NED A mailman? This early? Yeah, right. You must think I was born yesterday. Ned pulls a sniper rifle out, cocks it, and takes aim... NED (CONT’D) I’ll see you in hell, you Russian son of a bitch. Just as he’s about to shoot: DALE (O.S.) Morning, dad! Ned pulls back on the shot and we WIDEN as Ned’s biological son DALE enters (14, sleeps in his jeans). We notice for the first time that we are in a suburban kitchen (if you ignore all the high-end surveillance equipment). NED Morning, Dale! Ned tosses the rifle aside, cavalier. Dale sits and Ned scrapes horrifically burned eggs into his plate.   NED (CONT’D) I made a big breakfast for my big man! So: what do you think? Am I then next Iron Chef or what? Dale takes a bite of his black eggs and gags. Then, politely: DALE Mmm! NED You know, I think I’m really starting to get a handle on this whole fake dad act. DALE But you’re not a fake dad.   Dale holds up a photo of Ned and YOUNG DALE fishing. NED Ooh, that’s very convincing! We’ll need the neighbors to believe that if we don’t want to be murdered in our sleep! Ned laughs a little too hard and claps Dale on the back. Just then Robbie enters (”16” and psyched to be alive). ROBBIE Good morning, family! She assaults Ned with hugs and high-fives Dale. NED How’d you sleep, Robbie? Kidding! You don’t sleep. That’s how we joke. Robbie begins LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY. Then she stops suddenly. ROBBIE Hey, dad, wanna see something cool? NED You know it! Dale picks up a baseball bat and WHACKS Robbie in the face with a metallic clank. Robbie doesn’t even blink. DALE Isn’t that hilarious? I don’t know how it took me so long to realize this was a thing. ROBBIE This is how we joke! Robbie laughs hysterically as Dale continues to WHACK Robbie in the face. Ned watches, gazing at them proudly. NED Your mother would be so proud of the way you two get along if she were still alive. Ned inhales, on the brink of a flashback-- NED (CONT’D) Actually, dad, we should probably get to school so-- But it’s too late. Ned leaps onto the table. NED (CONT’D) There we were, two young scientists in love... INT. RUSSIAN BUNKER - 10 YEARS AGO Ned (now 80s action movie RIPPED) and his wife RHONDA (80s action movie busty) work in a makeshift lab, chained to a bench. TWO RUSSIAN GUARDS point rifles at them as they work. NED (O.S.) Your mother had just given birth to Dale when Russian paramilitary forces kidnapped your mother and I, forcing us to create the ultimate killing machine! INT. PRISON CELL - NIGHT Ned and Rhonda go at it on their cot. Talking deep fucking. NED (O.S.) By day we would push scientific boundaries. And by night, we pushed sexual boundaries. Hard. ROBBIE (O.S.) Aww! DALE (O.S.) Jesus Christ. INT. BUNKER - DAY Exhausted, Ned and Rhonda step back from their lab table, revealing a METAL CYBORG (Robbie). NED (O.S.) It took nine months, but we finally did it. You were our Sistine Chapel. ROBBIE (O.S.) Hey, that’s me! INT. RUSSIAN GENERAL’S OFFICE - NIGHT Ned and Rhonda present the cyborg to a RUSSIAN GENERAL. NED (O.S.) But when the time came to hand our greatest creation over to those bastards, we just couldn’t do it. So we ran for it! Ned SNAPS a Guard’s neck, grabs his rifle and BLOWS THE GENERAL’S HEAD OFF as Rhonda pulls a KNIFE out of her boot and STABS another guard repeatedly in the eye. EXT. RUSSIAN AIRFIELD - NIGHT Ned (shirtless and oiled up for no reason) pilots a chopper off the ground as the Cyborg and Rhonda hang onto it from outside. NED (O.S.) We were almost home free. Almost. Suddenly A BULLET hits Rhonda and as Ned turns in horror, he watches his wife fall in SLOW-MOTION. INT. NED’S MINIVAN - PRESENT We come out of the flashback to find Ned parked in the school’s parking lot with Robbie and Dale. NED Your mother died that night and I’ve never forgiven myself. Dale rolls his eyes at Ned’s melodrama as they exit the car into-- EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Ned turns to his kids, serious. NED If the Russians ever find us, they will murder me and, given his delicate features, very likely sell Dale into sex slavery-- DALE What? NED And reclaim you, Robbie, unleashing your terror into the world. ROBBIE Not my terror! NED Don’t worry, sweetie! We’ll be fine as long as you just fit in with the rest of the kids. Understood? ROBBIE Fit in. Got it! BRIAN KRESSLER, the handsome, wheelchair-bound QB1, rolls by and purposely bumps into Dale. BRIAN Dude, watch it! I’m handicapped over here! (to Ned, cheery) Oh, hey, Mr. K! Looking forward to class! NED (flattered) Well! Me too, Brian! Robbie stares at him, completely smitten. From her POV we see him scanning him and determining that he is a BROKEN ROBOT. ROBBIE (in love) Hi, Brian. BRIAN Oh, hey, Robin or whatever. Later! Robbie sighs as Brian slaps Dale in the dick and rolls away. NED What a nice young man. (moving on) Anyway, Robbie, remember: just fit in! Or everyone dies. No pressure! Ned cocks a gun, shoves it into his ankle holster, and walks off whistling.