#but it’s in the only decent sized closet in this place so it’s not like we can just Not Use The Space

[softdedue]

Mmmmmmmmmm moved some stuff in the closet by the hot water heater and it was all damp and covered in mold!!! Brothers sisters and siblings, we have a leak!!!!

[barcaatthemoon]

sex with my ex || claudia pina x reader ||

You hook up with your ex-girlfriend after playing a game against her.

MINORS DNI, 18+, Smut.

You rushed your way through your post-match routine. Claudia was waiting for you in the player parking lot. You wondered what excuses she gave her teammates about why she was skipping out on the winning celebrations. For the most part, they all liked you, even if they didn't approve of you and Claudia constantly going back to each other.

Your own teammates weren't nearly as fond of Claudia, but they had only ever known her as a opponent. You couldn't really blame them. A few of them were terrified that you'd eventually go back to playing for Barcelona just to be closer to Claudia again. Despite being broken up, you were very into her.

"Took you long enough," Claudia teased. You paused at the sight of her leaning against the hood of her car. She looked amazing. You hadn't seen her pre-game outfit, but it was definitely picked specifically for you. Claudia knew how much you loved seeing her arms on display, and there wasn't a doubt in your mind that she was flexing even as she pulled you in for a kiss.

"Oh please, like you weren't hoping I'd take a long time so you could plan your pose," you shot back. Claudia put her hands up in surrender and made no attempt to argue. "Take me back to your place?"

"Of course. I've got a couple new toys for us to try out," Claudia told you. She watched your reaction closely, noting when your eyes lit up at the mention of something new. Claudia knew all of the things you liked, and despite how casual she liked to play things with you, she hated the very idea of disappointing you.

"And why are we still here then?" Claudia opened up the passenger's side door for you. It was pretty hard to keep your hands off of each other as you made your way back to her apartment from the stadium. Claudia kept one hand on your thigh as she drove, occasionally letting her fingers trace little patterns on your skin. At first it seemed random, but then you realized that she was spelling out some of the things she wanted to do to you.

Your heart rate spiked with excitement at the prospect of such a long night with Claudia. You'd be gone in the morning back to your own city hours away. The two of you had to make the most of your night together, and you didn't doubt that Claudia would be more than capable of doing so. Even after playing for almost an entire game, the smaller woman always seemed to have an endless supply of energy when it came to the bedroom.

You and Claudia couldn't keep your hands off of each other once you were outside of the car. There was absoutely no shame as the two of you made out in the elevator. Claudia's hands roamed all over your body, touching every bit of you that she could. The two of you were so engrossed in each other that you nearly didn't make it out of the elevator on Claudia's floor.

"Take it all off, everything," Claudia ordered. You loved it whenever she took charge with you. She had been a lot more passive during your relationship, but now she was a force to be reckoned with. You could see how taking on more leadership in the team bled over into her everyday confidence, and you were lucky that you only saw Claudia on occasion because now you found her irresistable.

Claudia watched you like a hawk as you undressed yourself. Claudia shed a few pieces of clothing as she pushed you towards the bedroom, both of you leaving a trail in your wake. Claudia didn't seem to care at all about any sort of mess, only wanting you naked and in her arms as she crossed the into the threshold of her bedroom.

"On the bed, before I do anything for you, I want you to do something for me," Claudia said. You knew what she wanted as soon as she went towards her closet. Claudia returned with a decently sized box. You recognized the strap around her waist, but there was no toy attached to it. Claudia rummaged around in the box and pulled out a pair of handcuffs, a vibrating wand, and a new dildo that you hadn't seen before.

"All for me? You shouldn't have," you teased. Claudia didn't react to your comment at all, instead leaning down and pressing a kiss to your forehead. There was something about the act that made your spine feel a bit tingly. She grabbed your hands and cuffed them together, before she tossed the vibrator to the side. "I'm not sure that will fit in my mouth."

"It's not for your mouth," Claudia said as she attached the dildo to the harness. It was thicker than what you were used to, but not necessarily longer. Claudia had obviously spent a lot of time searching for this. She knew that you would much rather been stretched to your limits than endure a game of seeing how far into you Claudia could fuck. You had learned the hard way that your insides bruised much easier than you did on the outside.

You let out a little yelp as Claudia pulled you closer. With the way that she stood over you, you could see just how wet she was. Claudia glanced down as you licked your lips, and both of you seemed to act on the same wavelength. Claudia moved forward to kneel on the bed as you craned your neck up to meet her.

More of Claudia's weight shifted onto the bed as she fell forward. You had expected her to begin eating you out as well, but Claudia seemed to have other ideas. You felt the wand between your legs at the same moment she flicked it on. The vibrations were intense, and you squirmed beneath her trying to ease away from it.

"No, stay still. I'll let this first one be fast, but you'll have to earn the others," Claudia told you. You felt your stomach drop at her words. You knew that you had until Claudia had cum, and despite the intensity of the vibrations against your cunt, you weren't sure that you could get off that quickly.

Above you, Claudia was close. You could tell by the way she rocked her hips back and forth against your togue. She couldn't stand for any bit of that contact to let up, not until she was finished. You could feel a subtle ache in your jaw, but you persisted, moving your mouth and tongue until Claudia's cum coated the lower part of your face.

"You're so fucking good at that. I love the way you eat me out," Claudia complimented. Your cheeks were practically burning from her words. Any sort of praise from Claudia always seemed to go straight between your legs, and this was no exception. Claudia bit her lip as she watched your cunt clench around nothing. "Do you want a reward?"

"Please," you whined. You were past the point of caring how desperate you sounded. The moment Claudia had withdrawn from you, so did the vibrations. She knew how to work you up to the brink, and despite you doing everything you could for her, she hadn't given you the first easy orgasm you had been hoping for.

Claudia's fingers stayed practically glued to your entrance as she teased you. You knew that she liked the feeling of your arousal coating her fingers. She'd play with you a little more until you were dripping onto the sheets beneath your bodies. The subtle stretch of two fingers wasn't going to be enough, so Claudia eased you into three and then four.

"Fuck, this is gonna be a tight fit," Claudia swore. You felt her fingers pull out, and you whimpered at the sudden feeling of emptiness before you felt the tip glide through your folds. Claudia was careful in easing her way in, watching your face for any signs of genuine pain. Claudia knew that you liked the hurt that came with using bigger toys, but that didn't stop her from worrying about crossing some invisble line with your pain tolerance.

"Clau, please. I need more," you told her. Claudia eased herself the rest of the way in and leaned forward to press her forehead against yours. The starting thrusts were slow and shallow, but soon, Claudia found her rhythm. You wanted to reach out for her, but you couldn't. The best you could do with your hands bound was grabbing onto one of the loose straps on the harness. You weren't sure which it was, but you could feel the dildo inside of you move with each little tug on it you gave.

Claudia could without a doubt feel what you were doing, but she let it continue. Your eyes were practically rolling back in your head as Claudia fucked you through your first orgasm. You kept a hold on the strap, moving it for her whenever Claudia had decided to give you a little rest. You kept the toy moving inside of yourself until Claudia pried your hands away and pulled out of you.

"Shh," Claudia shushed you as you began to protest and whine. You tried to sit up the best you could, but with your hands bound, it was a bit difficult. Claudia placed her hands on your chest and held you down as her thigh slotted between your legs. "Lay back, relax, and let me finish. I won't leave you like this, you know that baby."

"Sorry," you apologized. Claudia gave you a quick kiss before she settled back in between your legs. This time, you were rewarded greatly with her tongue. You didn't need anything other than her tongue flicking gently against your clit, coaxing your second orgasm out of you. The build up for this one was greater than your first, and you came hard on Claudia's mouth. Her sheets were a mess, but Claudia simply moved you to lay in a different spot as she started the shower up.

"How are your legs?" Claudia asked as she sat down on the bed next to you. The strap had been discarded completely, and her toys were all set aside to be washed. "Can you make it to the shower on your own?"

"They feel like they've just played a full 90 and then some, but yeah, I can make it to the shower. Will you be joining me?" you asked her. Claudia shook her head as she motioned towards the sheets and toys. "Will you be here when I get out of the shower?"

"I'll be here long enough to take you back to your hotel. I've got a team dinner to get ready for," Claudia told you. It definitely wasn't what you wanted to hear, but if it wasn't for the clear cut lines you had drawn when you broke up, you'd be dating again. Things weren't bad between the two of you, but with all of the outside influences on your relationship, it wasn't good. You wished that things could be different, but you doubted that Claudia would give you another real chance in a long time.

[tkaulitzlvr]

hii, hope you’re doing well :) love your stories <3

ofc you absolutely don’t have to write this one if you don’t want to!

just had a lil thought of some form of enemies to lovers with tom (2009-11) where reader travels with the band on tour & etc & one night while they stay at a hotel somewhere reader is in the pool at night (in like a bikini or some form of swimwear) for like a midnight swim but at some point tom gets in as-well & it’s just them (they can have some bickering or whatever) but it would eventually result in them doing it in the pool 🤭

again you don’t have to do this one if you don’t want to buy i just thought i would ask :)

ty for reading!!

LATE NIGHT - T. KAULITZ

synopsis: you and tom had never got on well, some unresolved tension meaning the two of you always clashed. so, when you decide to go for a late night swim alone, what will happen when tom has the exact same idea?

content: angst & smut

a/n: omggg this might be my fav request i’ve ever gotten so thank u sm anon, literally screamed when it came thru this whole scenario is so perfect, as u can imagine i enjoyed every second of writing this, hope u enjoy!!

the night is warm, this totally expected for august in southern spain, where tokio hotel were for this part of their world tour. adjusting to the different climates that i experience around the world is something i am yet to get used to, even after coming with the band since they had started accumulating the fans to warrant travelling from country to country to perform. one day, i would be in somewhere in russia, completely submerged in blankets and still cold, then the next, i would be met with the sweltering warmth of southern europe, overheating despite my clear lack of clothing, only my bra and panties covering me. but tonight, the heat was unbearable, my body sweating no matter what position i tried to fall asleep in.

the rhythmic ticking of the small clock situated on the wall in front of me didn’t help - the sound seeming to get louder each time, the time that it displays reminding me that i should be sleeping. but, i know that it isn’t going to happen anytime soon, sitting up frustratedly with a loud sigh.

i stand up, walking toward the large glass doors leading to my balcony, pushing one open slightly so that i can squeeze through. it is even hotter outside, my body being hit by an intense surge of heat as i step onto the balcony, nearing the edge. my arms rest on the railing, eyes taking in the view in front of me - thousands of lights in each direction from the city ahead. however this doesn’t catch my attention as my eyes fall to the large pool below, a decent sized jacuzzi built into it. it is empty, the body of water completely still, small lights around it’s exterior giving away its tranquility. it could cool me down - there’s no way i’m falling asleep with my body this hot.

my feet turn on their heels, stepping back inside my room, closing the glass door behind me as i head to the small walk in closet in the corner. my hands fumble around, fingers finally touching the small bikini that i am looking for. i take it out, stripping from my clothes, before slipping on the skimpy red bikini, tying my hair in a loose bun. i take a towel from the bathroom, sliding on the first pair of sandals i see, before quietly exiting my hotel room and walking to the elevator, entering it as it is expectedly empty.

the elevator doors slide open as i am met with the empty lobby, the receptionist being the only person in sight. i give her a small nod, walking outside to the pool area. as i near closer, i sigh in relief, seeing that it is still empty, placing my towel on a random lounger. i slide my shoes off beside it, walking towards the pool. testing the temperature, i dip my toes in, shivering slightly at the coldness, the feeling relieving me as i already feel myself cool down. deciding that it is fine to get in, i allow my whole body to slip into the water, my head staying above as i begin to swim over to the shallow end, finally stopping once i reach the edge.

my eyes glance over to the jacuzzi just a few metres away, contemplating whether it would be a better option than the pool. it would certainly make me sleepier, and, reminding myself of how late it is, i decide to get in, quickly stepping out of the pool and climbing into the jacuzzi. the water is much warmer, bubbles emerging from beneath as i take a seat, my entire body relaxing. i feel myself becoming tired as i spread out, laying my head backwards and resting it on the edge. my eyes gaze aimlessly at the stars above, feeling completely content, the water removing any tension in my body as i continue to watch the sky.

but, it only takes a few minutes for my head to whip upwards, becoming quickly alert as i hear footsteps nearing the pool, wondering who else would want to be here this late into the night.

i squint a little, trying to make out the silhouette , an audible groan escaping my lips once it enters the light, letting me work out who it is. broad shoulders, slim yet muscular frame, lips adorned with a single metal piercing - i could recognise him from anywhere. the familiar jet black braids move toward me, a confused expression taking over his face once he spots me.

“the fuck are you doing here?” he asks, setting his towel down and pulling his t-shirt off, revealing his perfectly formed abs, muscles in his biceps flexing as he does so. he was hot, but i hated him, his attractiveness only making me despise him more. after my gaze lingers on his torso for a couple seconds, i look upwards, seeing that he is still focused on me, waiting for a response as he walks towards the jacuzzi.

i roll my eyes, beginning to get up, not willing to engage in any conversation with him right now, especially one in which no one else is involved, the atmosphere already tense.

“doesn’t matter. i’ll go.” i say, standing up, water dripping from my body. his eyes scan my figure, tongue poking from his lips slightly as he messes with his lip piercing, drinking in every curve, my boobs admittedly almost spilling out of my bikini top. yet i didn’t care when i had put it on, not expecting to see anyone else at the pool, let alone tom. his eyes still glued to my cleavage, i scoff, putting one foot out of the jacuzzi.

“my eyes are up here, perv.” i remark as he finally removes his gaze from my chest, a small laugh leaving his lips.

“don’t flatter yourself sweetheart.” he states, stepping into the jacuzzi, sitting down as the water covers most of his body, the top of his chest still on show. he stretches his arms out to the side of him, resting them on the edge, tilting his head to the side before continuing. “why are you leaving?”

“cause i know you’ll piss me off. you already are.” i respond, standing beside the water, preparing to walk away.

“really? don’t be so dramatic. get in.” he says, lifting one hand up and motioning to the empty space in the jacuzzi opposite him, his eyes not leaving mine.

“i’ll pass. have fun tom.” i say sarcastically, finding my towel on the lounger, wrapping it around my small frame, now shivering from the lack of warmth the water had brought me.

“you know, to say you’re the most stubborn person i know.” he starts, his tongue running across his bottom lip. “you’re leaving pretty fast. how come you’re letting me win so easily?”

i stop in my tracks, turning around to face him, wondering why he is so eager for me to stay.

“why do you care?” i question, my expression turning sour.

“i don’t.” he shrugs. “just don’t understand why you’re in a rush to leave. you’re not scared of me, are you?”

i scoff at his question, noting the way he is trying to get under my skin, and, much to my frustration, it is working. i know that if i leave, that means i have let him win. and, he is right. i am stubborn. it is this fact that prompts me to turn around, throwing the towel off of my body as i walk towards the jacuzzi, hesitantly getting back into it as a satisfied grin spreads across tom’s face.

“scared my ass.” i mutter, shaking my head as i fold my arms, irritated by his ability to anger me from the smallest of words.

“hm? sorry, didn’t catch that. you gotta speak up.” he taunts, tilting his head as he raises his eyebrows, a knowing smirk tugging on his lips. he stretches his arms out further as they rest against the stone decorating the edge of the water, adjusting his position and getting comfy, awaiting my response.

“just shut up. jesus fucking christ.” i scold, facing away from him, tempted to get up and leave once again. but i can’t give him that satisfaction, so i stay put, a tense silence between us as he surprisingly listens to me.

my body jolts upwards in shock, feeling his foot brush against mine from underneath the water as he sinks further into it. i make eye contact, scowling at him as he holds his hands up in defense.

“sorry.” he mumbles, his body slowly drifting closer towards mine. i ignore it, letting my head fall backwards, attempting to relax, figuring that if i am stuck here with him, i may as well try to make the experience as comfortable as it can be.

but the second his leg brushes against mine, with too much force to be unintentional, it is clear that his previous movement was definitely not an accident. i look at him, seeing that he has moved much closer, now to the left of me, instead of directly opposite me as he previously was. i stay quiet, trying to pay no attention to his presence despite the noticeable feeling of his eyes burning into my figure.

“red looks good on you.” he says into the silence, my eyebrows furrowing in disbelief, unable to fall for his attempt at complimenting me.

“what?” i ask, now turning to face him, his eyes dark.

“you know what i said.” he states confidently, gaze never leaving mine as his teeth momentarily sink into his bottom lip.

his body inches closer to mine as my own is frozen in place, unable to move or even comprehend what is happening. his finger grazes the knot of my costume from beneath the water, slipping underneath the material briefly before playing with the hem of my bikini bottoms, my hips jolting a little at his touch. he smirks at my reaction, removing his fingers and watching the way my face drops, partly in disappointment.

he sees the desperation in my eyes, dipping his head downwards so that his lips are just below my ear.

“you know you don’t hate me at much as you let out.” he whispers, his breath tickling my neck as i feel him smile against it, goosebumps beginning to form over the skin.

my mouth parts open, no sound escaping from it as my chest rises and falls at a faster pace, completely flustered by his words. he can clearly see this, humming lowly as his face remains inches away from my neck, his slow breathing fanning over it.

“in fact…” he begins, his lips brushing over the skin as he dips his head further downwards. “i don’t think you hate me at all, do you?”

i say nothing, breath hitching once his lips finally make contact with my neck, planting slow, open-mouthed kisses over it. my hands find the back of his head, fingers playing with his dreads as i push him further into me, his kisses become sloppy, his teeth grazing over the skin.

“knew you always had something for me, sweetheart.” he teases, hands grabbing the flesh of my thighs as he uses them to guide my body, placing me on his lap. my chest is now out of the water, lower half completely submerged as it sits on top of him, faces inches apart.

he takes my lack of response as an invitation to continue, attaching his lips to mine in a rough and sloppy kiss. i waste no time in kissing back, overcome with an unforeseen desperation, my hatred for him fuelling desire from within me that had never been ignited - not like this. but i used my anger towards him, keeping it as a motive to kiss him harder, pressing my lips harsher into his. he groans into my mouth, his hands finding my ass as he kneads the flesh, using it to push my hips against his, my lips faltering against him.

the heat around me from the warmth of the night is now nothing compared to the one spreading between my legs, my need for tom only growing as i begin to create my own slow rhythm on his lap, grinding so that his clothed dick, which i can feel hardening beneath me, hits my clit perfectly.

my head falls backwards, unable to kiss back as my hips continue to work against his. his lips find my chest, biting and sucking on the parts of my breasts exposed, my nipples hardening under the fabric of my bikini. he sees this, his fingers running over them as i shudder. his hands reach to undo the knot holding my bikini in place, about to tug on it before i protest.

“you can’t…” i breathe out, not slowing my movements. “someone could see.”

“but they won’t.” he states, keeping his head against my chest, hands staying on my back. “you just have to stay close to me, yeah?”

he tugs on the material, watching as the top half of my bikini falls off, revealing my chest to him. a smirk spreads across his face as he takes it all in, hands cupping my boobs as he squeezes them a little, a low whine falling from my lips in response.

“so fucking hot.” he breathes out, detaching his hands from my breasts, moving them to my back and pulling my chest so it is flush against his. “see? no one but me gets to see. exactly how it should be.”

he whispers the last part as i roll my eyes, becoming visibly impatient. he picks up on this, bucking his hips as i rest my hands on his chest, lifting myself off of him as he takes off his trunks, letting them rest at his knees, not bothering to remove them fully. he moves my panties to the side, the water rushing to my heat as i shudder a little.

he strokes himself a few times, positioning himself at my entrance. “you sure?”

his hands rest on my lower back, looking upwards at me, his expression strangely concerned, my consent mattering to him way more than i had first anticipated. i nod my head, letting out a confident ‘yes’.

that is enough for him as he slowly pushes inside of me, the water giving a foreign feeling as my thighs clench. he lets out a long groan, watching the way my mouth falls open, eyes screwing shut. i feel his tip bottom out inside of me, my walls stretched out further than they ever had been, none of the guys that i had been with being as big as tom. though the discomfort soon subsides, my face twisting in pressure as i nod slowly, giving him the green light as he begins to thrust upwards into me at a steady pace.

“where did the stubbornness go, hm?” he teases, knowing that my entire body is there for him to ruin, long past the point when i would argue with him. “thought i pissed you off, doesn’t look like it right now.”

i let out a loud moan, that the only sound i am able to make as he is hitting angles that have never been felt before, no one ever able to make me feel like this. hell, if i had known his dick was this good, i would’ve stopped hating him years ago. his tip brushes against my sensitive spot, my walls clenching around him as i squeeze my lips shut, trying to stay quiet as i silently remind myself of where we are - anyone able to catch us right now.

“you like that, huh?” he asks, repeatedly hitting the spot over and over as i bury my face into his shoulder, biting it roughly to keep the moans at bay, feeling them dangerously close in the back of my throat. “don’t hide those pretty moans, wanna hear them baby.”

his hands push me away from his shoulder, my head now upright as i can no longer contain my moans, letting them pour from my lips, tom nodding his head slowly.

desperate to reach my climax, i meet his thrusts, hips rotating in an attempt to increase the friction. this clearly has as much of an effect on tom as it does me, his head tilting backwards as he lets out a low groan.

“just like that baby. fuck- yeah, keep going.” he praises, this only fuelling my stamina, his thrusts becoming slow and weak as he lets me do most of the work.

the knot in my stomach tightens, so much that i know i cannot hold on any longer. tom’s hands squeeze my waist, fingers and nails digging in, the slight pain mixed with pleasure turning me on even more.

“getting close.” i manage to say, bringing my lips to messily collide with his, my movements sloppy and uneven. he kisses back, groaning into my mouth as he slips his tongue in. he starts thrusting upwards at a rapid pace, my ability to kiss back faltering as i feel him twitch inside of me.

“me too. cum with me, yeah?” he says against my lips, one harsh thrust into me all it takes for me to come undone, feeling him shoot his load into me. he moves in and out slowly, fucking it into me, his teeth firmly sinking into his lip as his eyebrows knit together. i collapse into his chest, breathing fast and shallow as my entire body shakes, his thrusts coming to a stop, yet he remains inside of me. his lips lazily kiss my shoulder, hands rubbing my back.

“why didn’t we do that sooner, hm?”

requests are open! keep sending them in!!

[gretagerwigsmuse]

but i kinda hope they catch us - anyway...

Summary: well, you both survived the gala. if only you can survive what bradley has in store for the post-game

OR five times

Pairing: Rooster x Fem!Reader (15.8k)

Warnings: 18+, explicit language, explicit sexual content (oral (f receiving), vaginal fingering, p in v, dom/sub influence, discussions of subspace, and praise, rank, and degradation kink). listen she really internally rambles like...a lot about him and how much she loves him, so like idk. part of 'and even when we're wrong in every way, we come out the other side okay' part 1, part 1.5, part 2.1, part 2.2.1, part 2.2.2

You took a deep breath as you stared at your reflection in the bathroom mirror and tried to hype yourself up. Was it too much? Would he like it? Why were you so nervous?

Because, to be honest, it wasn’t something you’d typically wear - especially not in this color. But it matched your dress and your underwear - and Bradley had liked that just fine. Would he like this though? You fiddled with the bow securing the halter styler chemise behind your neck. 

He’d like it, he’d like it, he’d like - you liked it. 

You liked it and you thought you looked pretty and beautiful and sexy in it and because of that, you knew Bradley would like it, too. He would. He would. 

With a final fluff of your hair and check of your makeup, you adjusted your breasts in the white lace cups - you really could’ve done with the next size up, but it was too late now - and left the quiet sanctuary of the bathroom. You peeked your head around the hallway corner to see that Bradley was still on the patio, the sliding glass door just barely cracked open. 

Perfect.  

Darting around the room to dim the lights was only made slightly difficult by your heels, but they were part of the whole thing, the whole bit. You tapped your index finger against your chin, looking for anything amiss as you ran through your mental checklist. The extra set of sheets in the closet were ready to go - you hated having to sleep in messy sheets - there were water bottles within reach, and the lights were dimmed. 

Suddenly, you wished you had listened to Bradley and brought something stronger to drink from home. His scotch wasn’t exactly to your tastes, but you wanted something to give you a little liquid courage after the buzz from the champagne you’d drunk at the gala had mostly worn off about thirty minutes ago. You glanced outside - he was still sitting out there, his back to you, aimlessly scrolling through his phone. There was still time…

You turned back to the desk spanning almost half the wall of the room, flipped over one of the tumblers next to the ice bucket, and poured yourself two fingers of scotch. The face you made upon swallowing was probably the least attractive thing you’d done that night, but no one else had seen it, so it didn’t count. A smudge of your lipstick lined the rim of the glass, reminding you that you hadn’t blotted it when you reapplied. 

The tumbler made a solid thunk when you set it back down on the desk. Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Bradley’s suit jacket discarded on the couch and an idea struck. The jacket didn’t exactly dwarf your frame even with two buttons fastened to hide what was underneath, but it did provide decent coverage and you figured he’d like it. 

He always liked stuff like that. 

The jacket smelled like his cologne and the cigar he had with Pete and weighed heavily on your chest with all the assorted medals and ribbons that Bradley had explained the significance of at one time or another with the one from earlier that evening the most prominent of them all. With a final deep breath, you crossed the small distance towards the sliding door. 

You slid it open further, so that your whole body would fit, and placed your hands on either side of the frame at shoulder height. With one leg relaxed and bent slightly at the knee, you simply said:

“Are you coming to bed, handsome?”

Bradley huffed out a laugh and glanced up from his phone. “That’s a new one - oh…”

You slinked over towards him and his legs instinctively widened so you could stand between them, while his hands slid up to rest on your hips over the jacket. 

“Was a little cold, had to throw this on for a bit.”

“Hmmm.” He looked up at you, a teasing smile on his face. “You decide to throw out all those ironclad morals of yours and join up?”

You tapped your chin twice with your index finger. “Maybe? Still waiting on the verdict for those war crimes trials…”

Bradley chuckled. “Don’t tell anyone, but you might be waiting a while…” His hands slipped underneath the jacket and brushed against the silk chiffon of your chemise. “Now what do we have here?”

He retracted his hands only to unfasten the two buttons previously keeping the jacket closed. 

“Do you like it?” Please like it.

“Maybe if I could see all of it I might have a better idea…” There was the slightest hint of teasing in his voice and his eyes were alight with mischief. 

You bit your lip and then sat down on his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Be patient.”

The jacket slipped a little as you got situated, which gave Bradley a glimpse at the thick bow tied at the back of your neck and the top of the lace cups. 

He hummed and shifted in his seat, jostling you slightly. “Like I said earlier, I’ve been patient all night. Don’t think I can wait another second, kid…”

Slowly, Bradley’s hands crept up your sides, getting closer and closer to your breasts. He rubbed the silk between his thumb and index finger, not quite yet meeting your eye as he explored. 

Prior to your relationship, you hadn’t really worn lingerie outside of a cute bra and panty set for yourself. Granted, you had bought something more daring once for your ex-boyfriend, Jack, when the two of you had first started dating. But even though he had said all the right things, he had still practically torn the Fleur du Mal matching set off you, not taking any time to savor how the lace had looked against your skin or how prettily you had tied the bows. 

But Bradley? Bradley savored it. Every glimpse of your nipples peeking out through the lace cups, every brush of his hand against the silk, every pretty little bow he had to untie. He savored it - sometimes a little too much, leaving you whiny and panting and desperate for his teasing to stop. 

“Think this one’s my favorite so far.”

You smiled and eventually met his eyes. “You said that last time…”

“And last time it was, but - fuck. You look so gorgeous.”

He pushed his jacket off your left shoulder, then the right, causing it to land on the ground with a solid thud due to all the assorted military paraphernalia. You peered over your shoulder at the pathetic lump of fabric on the patio. 

“I should pick that up. It’s gonna get -”

Bradley grabbed your chin to focus your attention back on him. “- Shhh, it’ll be fine.” He leaned in and sucked on your pulse point for a moment. “Just relax.” 

While he kissed up and down your neck, telling you to just relax after each one, you found yourself doing just that, slowly sagging your body against his and getting into a comfortable position. 

For a moment, you were cold without the jacket. There was a slight breeze coming off the ocean some two hundred yards away and you felt your nipples harden and goosebumps break out up and down your arms. But slowly, you felt warm - buzzed. And that was all due to Bradley and how safe and warm and happy and good he made you feel. And tonight, you had a feeling he was going to make you feel very good.

You turned your head, angling for a proper kiss - your first one since you had gotten back to the room that evening - which Bradley gladly reciprocated.

“You taste like scotch,” he said and then kissed you again. “You hate scotch.” Another kiss. And again and again and again until he was kissing up and down your neck and tickling your sides. 

Your giggles echoed across the patio. “I was nervous,” you admitted, “needed some liquid courage.”

Bradley properly paused and cocked his head. “Nervous?”

You tittered, not thinking he would actually call you out on it. “I don’t know? I don’t normally wear stuff like this? Was just nervous if you’d like it and just everything about tonight - which I know is silly considering what you  -”

“- I was nervous earlier, too,” he confessed like you hadn’t known, “Like I knew I was getting the award and everything, but I had this fear that I didn’t deserve it and they were just gonna take it away - which like I don’t know, it just brought everything back from that day. And how fucking scared I was and just - it was a lot.”

Oh, sweet boy. You cupped his cheek. “It’s okay to have been nervous. You did something really brave and important, Bradley. And that’s something you and Pete will have between you for the rest of your lives. So now, whenever you look at that medal, just think of Pete and everything you guys have gone through, okay?”

Bradley smiled and placed his hand over yours before bringing them both down between the two of you. “I like that, actually. Beats the alternative.” He didn’t let you linger on that last part and kept talking. “You know, whenever it would get to be too much, I’d glance over at you and see you smiling and talking with someone or dancing and I’d be fine - because you were there.”

If possible, you had never felt more love for someone than you did at that moment. Because that’s the way you always felt around Bradley, too. Just seeing his face, knowing he was nearby was enough. It would always be enough. 

Your eyes started to get misty. “Bubs, my nervousness tonight is in no way comparable to what you were going through earlier - let me finish - but I feel the exact same way every single time I look over and see you, just knowing you’re there is always enough for me.”

A huge smile lit up Bradley’s entire face and he squeezed his hands around your hips. God, he was so handsome. “I love you.” 

“I love you, too.” You brushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. “Now kiss me again.”

He didn’t waste another moment and captured your lips with his own, while your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling you even closer to him. As you sat in his lap, biting lips, brushing tongues, roving hands, you repositioned yourself and got comfortable straddling Bradley’s left leg, though you didn’t quite put all of your weight on it. For the first time all evening, your heels hurt your feet. But you knew Bradley would want to take them off himself, so you bore the momentary pain graciously. 

Clearly liking the new position, he grabbed your hips and brought you closer towards him, causing the fabric of his dress pants to create the most exciting ripple against your lace underwear. You couldn’t help the gasp that escaped. 

“You like that?” You nodded and he did it again, this time your underwear brushed perfectly against your clit and you whimpered. 

“You gonna let me be in charge tonight?” he asked like he wasn’t in charge every time you had sex. But you knew what he meant. Bradley needed to be in charge and be dominant and take control tonight. After everything during the gala and all the memories it had brought up, he needed to be in charge. 

And you were always eager and willing to let him. 

“Remember earlier when I asked you for a number between one and five?” You hummed. “And you picked five…” You hummed again, though less sure this time. “Well, that’s how many times you’re gonna come for me tonight.”

Your throat went dry and your pulse quickened. Oh god - oh wow. Five times. Had you known what Bradley had been asking earlier when he coaxed the number out of you, you would have gone for a much more manageable three - maybe four. 

Maybe. 

But five? 

With five it was a foregone conclusion that you would go into subspace during and drop after. Because the last time - really the only time - you’d done either of those, it had taken Bradley doing something you’d never done before to finally get you there. And that was only after he’d already made you come three times. 

“Do you - do you think you could spank me…”

Bradley looked slightly confused and rightly so. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to slap your ass while you were having sex. It actually wasn’t something you’d ever asked him to do before. It had long been established between the two of you that it was something you both liked and were free to do. Hell, he had already done it a couple times that evening. 

But you didn’t mean on your ass. 

“Yeah,” it wasn’t quite phrased as a question, but Bradley didn’t sound as sure as he had earlier in the evening when he’d fucked your throat and came on your tits. 

Because he had sounded very sure when he had called you a ‘dumb fucking slut’ whose mouth was ‘only good for one thing.’ Naturally, you’d come and he hadn’t even properly touched you yet. 

“Onmypussy,” you rushed out, your mortification growing slightly when all you got out of Bradley was his eyes widening and his cock twitching. 

He glanced down at your glistening core and smiled wolfishly. “Beg me.”

You whined. “Bradley…”

“You beg me or I don’t touch you the rest of the night…”

No. No, no no. You wanted him - you needed him. You were beyond horny and needy at this point, you were desperate to be fucked, to be filled. You’d beg. You’d beg and beg and beg for him to slap you if that was what it took for his cock to be inside you later.

“Please, Bradley. Please, slap my pussy,” you whined, “Need to come, need you. So desperate and needy for you. Please, please, please - oh!”

The first slap hit your exposed clit and you cried out. From above you, you could tell Bradley was hesitant to proceed. 

But all it took was you saying “Green” for his hands to be on you again. The next slap hit the sensitive skin of your upper thighs and lips. But the third one? The third one hit perfectly. And it was loud and wet and filthy. So fucking filthy. His big hands hit your tender flesh and you let out a desperate moan. Fucking finally. 

After that, you’d tried to keep count of how many times he’d struck you, but were eventually rendered unable to do anything more than mindlessly whimper and babble. 

“- F-five? Five times?”

He mistook your response as hesitance. “Hey - no, we don’t have to if you don’t want to, plain and simple. It was just a game I made up to distract myself before the ceremony -”

Your throat went dry and your cheeks warmed. It was impossible to stop yourself from rolling your hips against his thigh. “You were thinking - that’s what you were thinking about earlier? At dinner? In front of everyone?” He blushed and nodded. “Fuck,” you whined. 

Bradley bent his head down to rest on your chest, right in the valley of your breasts. 

“Fuck, sweetheart, I need you everywhere. Anyway I can have you if you let me.”

And without thinking it over for another moment, you said “yes.” Yes, to five. Yes, to anything he asked you. Yes, to Bradley. 

Bradley. Bradley. Bradley. 

“I wanna try for you.”

A proud smile lit up his face and he pecked you on the lips. “Good girl.” 

You wound your arms around his neck, bringing the two of you closer together before ultimately capturing his lips with your own. 

For how needy you both were, neither of you had any problem just kissing each other. Making out like two horny teenagers who were left unsupervised in someone’s parents’ converted basement. Except now you were very much two adults making out on the patio of your cabana suite after a night spent toasting one of you for their heroics. And no, you did not mean how you survived talking to Emily Simpson and meeting Bradley’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend. 

Not now.

Your hands moved from where they were raking through Bradley’s hair - making it tousled and fluffy - to his shoulders and eventually to his bowtie. The silk slipped through your fingers as you untied the knot, pulling it through the collar of his shirt, which you unbuttoned to expose that pretty neck of his. 

Now you could kiss him. Mark him. Bite that scar on his shoulder. Inhale the scent of his cologne. 

While you had been kissing him, Bradley’s right hand snuck underneath the gauzy fabric of your chemise and started teasing the pretty little bow tied at the back of your thong. All the while, his hand left gripped your hip, anchoring you to his thigh, but still allowing you the ability to grind. 

You were whimpering in between kisses, desperate for the big, strong hand digging into your hip to slip underneath your thong and brush your aching clit. 

The lace. The pants. Bradley. 

It felt so good. All of it. Grinding on his big, strong thigh. Brushing your breasts against his big, strong chest. 

Big. Strong. Bradley. 

It was all consuming. Feeling his mustache brush against your lips and his tongue stroke yours expertly. The way one of his hands snuck up your side to fondle your breasts through the delicate lace. 

It felt so good. And you were already getting so wet. So unbelievably wet that there was definitely going to be a sticky mess on Bradley’s Navy issued slacks if you didn’t let up. 

God, wasn’t that a thought? You had wanted to mark him, sure. But on his chest or neck. A bite on his shoulder. Not your cum on his pants. Could he tell? He had to be able to tell. Shit. You needed to move. 

You shifted and hid a whimper at the unintentional stimulation. 

“…Wait, where’re you going?” Bradley stilled you on his thigh, clearly oblivious to your embarrassment.

You squirmed, but all that did was send another wave of arousal crashing through you. “I don’t want to ruin your pants,” the words came out in a rush.

He cocked his head. “My pants?”

God, you had thought you were beyond getting embarrassed about stuff like this, but apparently grinding on your boyfriend’s thigh with only a thin barrier of white, Italian lace was doing you in that evening. He just looked so handsome and you were already so keyed up and just needed him in any way you could have him.

Bradley. Bradley. Bradley.

“I’m sorry, it just feels like I - I need more and it feels so good, but I don’t want to ruin your pants - I can stop -”

Bradley squeezed your hips and dragged you higher up on his thigh, closer to his crotch. The ripple of the fabric on his pants felt absolutely sinful against your core and you bit your lip to hold back a moan, momentarily forgetting your embarrassment.

“- I don’t mind.” And clearly he didn’t if the prominent bulge in his slacks was any indication.

You ducked your head and he tipped your chin up so you were looking into his beautiful brown eyes. He kissed you and you desperately wanted to get lost in the feeling until you had another thought. 

“- They’ll probably have to get dry cleaned now - the pants, I mean -”

But Bradley just smiled. “- And I will happily expense it - hey, you know you’re currently defacing government property? I know that’s right up your alley.” You smiled. “Now, are you gonna be a good girl and ride my thigh or not?” You nodded twice before he could say another word. “Shhh, shhh, it’s okay sweetheart. Take what you need, it’s alright.”

Given the explicit permission to continue, you resumed grinding on Bradley’s thigh. The combination of the soft lace of your underwear coupled with the coarse fabric of his dress pants was doing wonders against your clit. You dug your hands into his shoulders as you tried to keep your balance, but that was only made harder when Bradley teasingly bounced his leg a couple times. You whimpered. It echoed pitifully across the patio and he chuckled.

“That feel good against you, huh, kid?” You nodded. “Yeah, I bet. I could feel you dripping on me since you sat down. I know you’ve been like this all night.” You nodded again and he clicked his tongue.

You leaned forward to kiss his neck, right along that little white scar. He smelled so pretty and his hands were so big and strong as they dug into your hips.

He was all you could focus on - all you wanted to focus on. Bradley. Bradley. Bradley.

“Awww, look at you trying so hard to come. Such a good girl for me.”

Goosebumps ran up and down your entire body and you felt yourself get even wetter at the praise. You pulled away from his neck - his beautiful, beautiful neck - and kissed him. 

“Fuck,” Bradley gasped against your mouth after a few moments of continued grinding and kisses, “why haven’t we done this before?”

You shook your head quickly. “I don’t know, ‘feels so good though.”

“I like you using me like this.”

His words made you pause, slightly self conscious again. He liked this? “Really?”

“Could be kinda fun for you to take control every once in a while - ‘know you like me to take care of you, but maybe one day?”

It was an interesting idea, one you hadn’t considered too much on your own, at least not seriously. Bradley was so naturally dominant, it just made sense that it would translate in that way to your sex life. But now that you thought about it, he did like when you were a little condescending towards him - and when you called him a good boy. You felt your neck getting warm at the thought. 

“One day, but for now…” 

Bradley pressed hot, sloppy kisses across your chest, occasionally stopping to suck on your pert nipples through the lace of your chemise. You let out a strangled cry as he tweaked your nipple in a way that had your seeing stars. God, it felt so delicious, so good. 

Touch me. Touch me. Touch me. 

His fingers slid underneath the thin straps of your thong and he splayed his hands across your ass cheeks. You let out a pitiful whimper and kept moving, kept rubbing yourself against him. It felt so good and pleasant - an electric hum running through your body - and you had the passing thought that you could actually come from this. You could actually come on your boyfriend’s thigh. 

You wondered what his pants looked like right now and wanted to check, but Bradley tipped your chin up so you were staring into his eyes. 

“Almost there?” You just nodded. “Lemme try one more thing…”

You barely uttered a simple yes when he yanked your thong up so it was digging into your clit. The sudden movement had you crying out, which Bradley smothered with a sloppy kiss. 

Holy fuck. 

Your body tensed and then relaxed again as you rode out your high, before you eventually sagged against his chest. 

Fuck. You can’t believe that just happened. You came riding his thigh. His big, brawny, strong thigh. The fact that what finally pushed you over the edge was the borderline crude or base act of yanking your panties didn’t even embarrass you, it just made you want to come again. 

“Now that wasn’t so hard, huh?”

Bradley kissed your neck, but didn’t move or even signal for you to get up. He just held you there against him as you caught your breath. Eventually, his right hand moved from your lower back to the front of your drenched thong. His fingers slipped underneath the lace and brushed against your wet folds. You gasped as he sunk one then another finger inside you, but you didn’t pick your head up from his shoulder. 

“Bradley,” you whined, the word suddenly too loud for your little patio. Your hips rolled against his hand. “Need your fingers.”

“Shhh hold on, sweetheart.” He leaned back. “Let’s go inside -”

You picked your head up and laid a hand on his arm, stopping him in his tracks. “What if we stayed out here for a bit…”

“If we stay out here someone -”

Your eyes never left his own. “- might hear us…”

You were in the corner room. There was only one room next to yours. One room that shared a wall with your room. One room whose patio was only delineated by a thin cabana awning. One room whose occupants you had both found out earlier in the evening were Jake Seresin - and Sarah fucking Costigan. 

Goosebumps ran up and down your arms. You leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “What if I want someone to hear us? To hear how good you make me feel -”

He said your name; it came out like a warning. 

“ - Have them hear your little civvy girlfriend cry out for her handsome, award winning boyfriend?”

Bradley’s eyes darkened and you knew you had him. The only other thing that could possibly push him over the edge even further was you calling him Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw. 

And there was still plenty of time for that.

“Fuck,” he sounded completely and utterly wrecked. “You sure, kid?”

“I want them to know how good you are.”

It was like a switch had gone off inside his head. From then on, it became all about you. His hands - his big, strong hands - were everywhere, roving over your hips, your ass, your thighs, your breasts. His lips latched onto your neck, while his left hand tweaked your nipple and you sighed and sighed and sighed, each one breathier and louder than the last. 

You wanted him to leave bruises and marks all over your body. You wanted proof. 

“Bradley…” You sounded wanton, but it didn’t stop you from saying his name again - and louder still. 

Hear me. Hear how good my boyfriend makes me feel. Hear how he makes love to me. Hear how much he loves me. 

“Oh god, that feels so good.” You let out a gasp as he scissored his fingers inside you. You could feel your clit throbbing against your underwear, desperate to be touched there again - to come again. 

Noticing your increased neediness, Bradley scoffed. 

“You’re making such a mess. Am I gonna have to clean you up, too - bury my face in that soaking wet pussy? Might have to go back for seconds with the way you’re dripping on me like you didn’t just come on my thigh.”

That sounded heavenly right now. The thought of his mustache tickling the sensitive skin of your thighs and his lips sucking your clit, lapping up all the slick you had just accumulated. You could come right now from the thought alone, but why make do with the thought when you had the man, himself, so willing. 

“Need you to -” you whined, “need your mouth on me, please, please - oof.”

The words barely had a moment to settle when Bradley rolled you both over so he was lying on top of you on the outdoor loveseat. His eyes were blown out as he looked down at you and you shifted under his heady stare. 

He leaned back on his haunches and ran his hands - his big, strong hands - up and down your thighs. “So pretty,” he muttered under his breath, almost like he hadn’t wanted you to hear. And then, louder, he said: “You want my mouth on you?”

“Mmmm, please.” 

Bradley tutted. “Try again.” 

You didn’t know what he wanted. You said please, you used your words, you - oh. His big, strong hand slapped your pussy and you let out a cry as your hips chased after his hand. 

“Please, Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw. Please put your mouth on me.”

“Much better….” He leaned down to blow on your aching cunt. You squirmed - already unbelievably sensitive and wet from the amount of slick on you that hadn’t made its way onto Bradley’s pants.

Bradley. Bradley. Bradley.

“Come on, be a good girl and spread those legs for me - wanna see all of you.” 

He laid your legs over his shoulders and pulled you closer to his face. Before you could even get out a word or a sigh or a plea, he started kissing your thighs. Slowly, painfully, languidly, making his way closer to where you were aching the most. With a final bite on your right thigh, he mouthed at your core through the wet lace of your white panties. 

“Mmm can I take these off now? Unwrap my present?” His plush lips wrapped around your clit through the lace and sucked. 

You threw your arm over your face. It was so hard not to buck up against his mouth - you didn’t want to show him how desperate you were so quickly. It was bad enough you already felt hot and could feel the sweat beading behind your neck right where the pretty white bow was holding up your chemise. 

“Please, please,” you whined. 

Bradley had you briefly roll over so he could get the full experience of untying the bow on the back of your panties before slowly rolling the lace down your legs. Of course, he stashed them in his pants pocket. 

Before you could roll back over, he slapped your ass and you smiled. “Good girl.” Your cheeks warmed and you laid on your back again. 

Now, completely bare and open to the elements and your boyfriend’s heady stare, it was even more apparent that your cunt was positively dripping. He placed your legs back over his shoulders and licked a long stripe across your folds. 

You could feel his pleased hum against your skin. “You taste so fucking good.” 

His voice came out muffled and he continued at a steady pace, alternating between slipping his tongue inside you and probing at your clit. You tried and failed to fist at the couch cushions - anything to center you - and instead grabbed a hold of Bradley’s hair with one hand and played with your breasts through the lace with the other. 

“Bradley…” You let out a whine; it was only slightly exaggerated. “More, more. Please.”

The idea that you sounded pathetic didn’t even cross your mind; you just wanted to come on Bradley’s tongue.

“Shhh, there’s people in the other room…” he mocked, echoing your words from earlier. “You want everyone to hear how much of a slut you are begging me to make you come?” 

He stopped talking - no, he stopped degrading you and went back to work. It was getting harder and harder to stay relatively still the closer you got to completion and you kept shifting your legs on Bradley’s shoulders. The hand with its fingers not shoved up your cunt, moved from where it was leaving marks on your hip to press on your stomach, right below your belly button. 

Then, you whined as his lips wrapped around your clit and squeezed your thighs around his head, pulling at his curls to shift his focus to that special spot. 

“Bradley…Bradley…Bradley…”

There was a pull in your stomach, a deep swooping sensation and you knew you wouldn’t last much longer. The moan that he let out send you spiraling even further.

Five, five, five. 

But you had to try for Bradley. You wanted to be good for him. Be his good girl. Even though he’d call you a slut for it. 

“Fuck, ‘m sorry,” he said, suddenly. 

You somehow managed to lift your head up, dazed, and watched as Bradley took away his hand pressing on your stomach and slipped it down between his own legs. He let up for a moment as he touched himself over his slacks, before diving right back in with such renewed vigor that you bucked up into his face. His stupid (wonderful) mustache dragged across your clit just so. It was euphoric. You could feel your walls tightening around his fingers and tongue and arched your back of the couch as you came.

“Ah! Fuck, fuck, Bradley! Right there, right there - oh - fuck, yes!”

Oh, oh, oh. It felt so good. So good. 

And knowing that he was touching himself because of how good you were being? How receptive you were? Fuck. Something about Bradley’s mouth was extra sinful tonight. Or maybe you were just particularly sensitive. You were basking in the afterglow and you tried to settle your breathing. 

Two. Two. Two down. 

“Your legs are shaking.” Were they? You could hardly tell. “Bet I can get another one out of you like this. You wanna ride my face?”

You moaned. “Don’t think I - don’t have the strength to.” The thought didn’t even cross your mind to say that doing that normally made you nervous. You were always worried you’d break Bradley’s stupidly pretty face or something. 

He clicked his tongue and then started nipping at your upper thighs. “Shame,” he said between kisses, “bet you can’t even fucking walking either. Don’t worry, I’ll take you on your back for the next one, let you rest up.”

All you could do was whimper. The thought of just laying there as he used you was so delicious. Fuck. You loved Bradley’s fingers and tongue, but you really wanted his cock inside you. Have him fill you up. Over and over again. 

Five. Five. Five. 

Bradley. Bradley. Bradley. 

“Gonna have to carry you to bed.” 

He peered his head up from between your thighs and shot you a look, silently asking if that was okay. You didn’t like to be carried despite Bradley’s numerous efforts to prove that it was no big deal. 

You just couldn’t help but think that maybe it wouldn't be as much of a deal if you were a size two instead of a size - no, no, no. Not now. 

Let him. Just let him. Let him love you. Let him love you more. 

“Please.”

He stood up to his full height, towering over you as you still were relaxed against the couch cushions. God, he was so pretty and so wrecked. His starch, white tuxedo shirt was rumpled, half tucked into his pants that he had unbuttoned at one point - and his cock was rock hard and straining against them. 

You had done that. You had done that to him. Made him so desperate with want and need that he had had to touch himself. Would he let you touch him? Would he let you suck his cock? A whimper escaped your lips just thinking about it and Bradley ran his fingers over them. You could smell yourself. 

“Come on. Lemme take you inside.”

Feeling like a lush, you let Bradley pick you up and thanked him by burrowing your face in his neck and pressing sloppy kisses to the exposed skin there. He smelled so good and his neck was so bite-able. You started pawing at the collar of his shirt, trying to push it as far away from his warm body as possible and more access. 

As you nipped at his broad shoulder, he kneaded your ass with the hand not doing the majority of the work holding you up. It was a quick journey to the bedroom, but you didn’t want him to let go of you. You wanted him to be everywhere. His arms wrapped around you, his lips on yours, his cock inside you. 

Bradley. Bradley. Bradley. 

Loathe as you were to let him go, you let Bradley untwine your arms from around his neck and sit you on the edge of the bed, only propped up by your elbows. The sheets felt scratchy against your bare ass and thighs, just how you liked them. You peered up to see Bradley already staring at you, a knowing smile on his face, before he shifted his attention to toeing off his shoes and socks. 

In turn, you realized that you still had your heels on - the ones with the dainty little strap you were scared Bradley would break. (You weren’t really scared, but knew he’d get frustrated with the clasp and didn’t want to be out eleven-hundred dollars.) Once he laid his crisp white tuxedo shirt down on the bed - though not without giving you a cheeky smile and a show - did Bradley give you his full attention once again. 

“God, you look so gorgeous like that.”

You could feel your cheeks warming at his unabashed staring. But he was one to talk! There was the slightest touch of pink on his shoulders from too much time spent out in the sun earlier in the day, but god if Bradley wasn’t absolutely stunning with his dress pants snug on his slutty little waist, while his tan chest had the slightest sheen of sweat on it. You wanted to lick him - everywhere. 

He held out his hand and you cocked your head. “Shoes, kid.”

Oh. You raised your left leg up for him to take off your heel. The way you were sprawled out on the bed - with one leg up, no panties on, and Bradley’s eyes darting between your ankle and your wet pussy - made you feel powerful and desirable. 

And god - did the stretch on your leg feel heavenly. 

As predicted, Bradley did fumble with the clasp (as one would only expect with his big, strong hands), but he more than made up for it with the way he peppered kisses up and down your left leg, before switching and doing the same with the right. 

“I’ve been thinking about this all night,” you sighed and closed your eyes, utterly blissed out.  

Bradley chuckled. You could hear your Jimmy Cho hit the floor somewhere nearby. “What? Me taking your shoes off?”

“Mmmhmm, amongst other things…”

Once he let go of your right foot, you opened your eyes and scampered up on the bed - the fastest you’d moved all night - and watched, dazed, as Bradley fumbled with his belt and pulled his pants down, leaving him in just his boxer briefs. You let out a whine at the sight of the wet patch on them, the proof of his arousal and need for you. And oh god, his cock was so big. 

So big and pretty and perfect and you desperately wanted it in your mouth. To have him fuck your throat until you had to tap out. You felt the slick still dripping down your thighs and made grabby hands at the waistband of his Calvin’s. 

“Can I suck your cock? Please, please, Bradley?”

He swallowed thickly and glanced at the ceiling - the first sign all evening that he was just as fucking gone for you as you were for him. 

Please say ‘yes.’ Please say ‘yes.’ Please. Please. Plea-

“And why should you get rewarded? Pretty sure you told me you’d give me five, not two. Not even halfway there yet…”

Reaching out for his hand, you threaded your fingers together and you pulled Bradley down for a kiss. “Please? Please?” you said between kisses as you pulled him closer and wrapped your legs around his hips, but he just grumbled. 

He sat up and straddled your lap, but didn’t put his full weight on you. “How ‘bout we take this off before we get any further?” His hands fingered the hem of your chemise. 

Reminded of its presence, you could admit that the pretty bow at the back of your neck suddenly felt too tight and confining. You scooched up on the bed to give Bradley better access to take it off, but not before he gave your nipples one final tweak through the lace. Being free of the white chemise meant that you were now totally bare before him. And now, it was like neither of you could get enough of each other, both your hands were everywhere, grabbing at your breasts, running over Bradley’s abs, cupping him through his boxer briefs, kissing and biting and sucking on each other’s lips and neck and shoulders.

Bradley pulled away for a second to get better access to your breasts and you took it as an opportunity to try and roll him over so he was on his back. However, your efforts were all for naught as he wrapped a strong hand around your wrist and held you in place.

“Uh uh, I told you that you’d be on your back for this next one. Got to let you rest up a bit, sweetheart.”

He took the opportunity to lay you back on the bed and drape his body over yours, relishing in the feeling of his muscular legs, his toned chest, his strong arms, and most importantly his throbbing cock. In your current position, there was just enough space between the two of you for you to snake your hand down between your legs and palm at his cock through his boxer briefs. Bradley sucked in a breath and guided your hand in his up and down his shaft.

“Need more of you…”

“Need to make sure you’re ready for me first.” 

As if you weren’t ready for him the second you had walked out onto that patio earlier. 

With an expert touch, Bradley started working you over, getting ready and soon you were squirming, desperate for more of him - for more of Bradley. It was intoxicating almost. This insatiable need to prove you could do it. That no matter how tired you got, you could come five times for him. Let him wring each one out of you like it was the only thing he was put on this Earth to do. 

And right now, his fingers felt heavenly pumping in and out of your pussy while you thrust your hips up to meet his hand. But you knew you needed more. And you knew that Bradley knew that you needed more.

You wrenched your lips away from him and took pleasure in seeing how hard he was breathing. The two of you were a hot and sweaty mess and you desperately needed to remove any final barriers between the two of you. 

“Fuck, I want your cock, Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw. Please.”

There was a brief pause - like time had stood still. Neither of you could deny how absolutely sinful and wanton and desperate his title had just sounded as it slipped from your lips. 

Bradley moaned, deep and guttural. He said your name. “Didn’t we just talk about this? You think you deserve it?” You nodded in quick succession. It was all you wanted right now. It was all you could think about right now. Cuming on Bradley’s cock and letting the entire hotel hear you. “I know you can come without it - how about you clean my fingers off first, you got them all dirty again -”

He shoved his cum soaked fingers in your mouth. You moaned at the taste of yourself and started sucking. Your tongue swirled around his fingertips, making sure you didn’t miss a drop. Fuck, he had such big hands, such big fingers. Strong too. You would do anything he wanted. You gagged as he shoved his fingers further into your mouth and drool pooled at the corners.

“Don’t sound so smart anymore, huh? Were so perfect at dinner. Imagine if everyone saw you now? Such a fucking slut…”

Bradley took his fingers out of your mouth and wiped them on your chest, right in the valley of your breasts. It was sticky and wet, but you’d let him mark you all over a thousand times just so everyone would know you were his. You whimpered at the thought.

“Now be a good girl and lie back for me.”

You shifted to lie back on the bed - just as he had asked. Your head was cradled by the fluffy, white pillows at the top of the bed and your legs were stretched out in front of you. But you wanted Bradley on top of you. You wanted him inside you. You wanted him, you wanted him, you wanted -

“Knees up.” 

Not waiting for you to obey, he held your legs wide open, leaving you completely exposed. You tried to roll your hips up for some sort of friction - anything, really - but Bradley let out a grunt of reproach and you immediately stilled. His pupils were blown wide and his hair was so messy - so unlike Bradley. Did you look that wrecked? Did you look that desperate? You hoped you did.

“Gonna tear you in half, kid.” 

His words sent a wave of arousal over your entire body. Your face felt hot, your pulse quickened, your nipples hardened, and your felt your pussy clench on air. It was like you hadn’t already come twice that evening - you were that desperate and that horny for him. 

And by the looks of the impressive tent in Bradley’s boxer briefs, he was just as desperate for you. Probably even more so since you hadn’t even taken care of him yet. Selfish, selfish bitch. Under your watchful stare, Bradley slipped off his boxer briefs, discarding them somewhere behind him. And god, did he look beautiful. 

You made grabby hands at his cock and he chuckled. “Alright, alright.”

His cock pulsed in your gasp and you swiped your thumb over the slit to rub his pre-cum over the head. Such a pretty cock, wasn’t it? Seven and a half glorious inches with the prettiest veins and head to top it off. Your hand could barely fit around it. You’d become intimately familiar with it over the last six months and you still never got tired of how divine it felt in your mouth or thrusting in and out of your cunt. It was just as pretty as Bradley. The Pride of the Navy, you’d once called it. You could write sonnets about it. (You wouldn’t, but you could.)

Pulling back from your hands with a hiss, Bradley leaned his body over you and pressed a lingering kiss to your lips, which then turned to one on your neck, your breasts, and then your tummy.

“Ready?” You nodded. Together, Bradley lifted your hips up slightly and you lined up his cock head with your entrance. And then there was the one thing you could never get used to: the stretch. Your back arched and you let out a breathy gasp. 

The two of you fell into a perfect rhythm, knowing the exact way to bring the other to release. Once you got comfortable, Bradley grabbed both your wrists with one hand and held them up over your head. 

“Ohhhh, Bradley,” you whimpered. It didn’t sound like you. Your heart was pounding like crazy and your chest was heaving with each breath. 

It was addicting. The knowledge that you had to push through to five. Normally, you got sleepy and sluggish and slow after two or three, but pushing yourself to five - for Bradley - was addicting. 

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley, you kept repeating his name like a mantra. 

Because nothing else was enough. Nothing else would convey how much he meant to you, how good he was making you feel as he drove into you again and again. You’d never felt closer to someone before in your entire life - never felt closer to God or the almighty or whatever you wanted to call them than you did right in that moment with Bradley. 

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. Again and again and again you cried out his name. 

I love you, I want you, I need you. 

Take me, love me, have me. 

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

“God, you’re such a good girl for me…”

That was all you wanted - all you ever wanted - to be Bradley’s good girl and have him lavish praise oupn you. To take care of him and be good for him. 

Please let me be good for you. 

God, you weren’t going to last for him. Your breathing was coming faster, the way his cock was thrusting into you was coming faster - it was all coming faster. 

“How’d I get so lucky to have the most perfect girl in the entire world? Can’t believe I wanted to keep you to myself.”

“Bubs…” 

His hands tightened on your wrists. Big, strong. “Because everyone thinks you’re the one in charge, sweetheart - everywhere. In every aspect of our relationship. But you’re not when we’re like this, are you?”

“No, no - you are. ‘Like when you tell me what to do.” 

Whenever Bradley wanted to take control of something and let you get lost in the pleasure of him and get lost in him, you did. It didn’t happen all the time - not like this, at least. But he made you feel safe and protected. He was brawny and broad and big and strong and in his arms you never felt like anything bad was going to happen. 

And it might be vanilla or boring or whatever, but you loved missionary sex. You loved being that close to Bradley. You loved feeling the weight of his body all over you. You loved being able to look into his eyes as he pounded into you and told you things he would otherwise never say about you. You loved how he would hold your hands above your head and thread your fingers together. You loved how good it all made you feel. 

“You’re so strong, make me feel so safe,” you were rambling at this point, unknowingly debunking every insecurity Bradley had earlier in the evening. 

Tell me I’m bad if only to patch me up later and tell me I’m good. 

You cried out - loudly - as Bradley drove into you deeper and more than ever before. 

“Bet you want everyone to hear you now, don’t you.” He paused to collect himself. “Hear how good you’re getting fucked?”

Your words came out slow, just like every thought running through your head. “Want ‘em to hear how well you take care of me. Hear how well you stretch me out.”

“Color?”

“Green,” you whined. You sounded beyond pathetic. He changed the angle, pulled your leg up higher around his hip.

You glanced down to see where the two of you were connected and let out a whimper. At the borderline obscene sight, your arms broke out into goosebumps and you felt your nipples harden. Fuck, he felt so good. You felt so good. And loved and cherished and full. So fucking full. And it was all you could think of - how full you were and Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

“Wanna be - good,” you slurred. The words felt heavy on your tongue, like you were underwater, sinking lower and lower. You arched your back, bringing yourself closer to Bradley. 

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

“You are. But right now I wanna take care of you, kid.”

“‘Do - you do. Always.”

You wondered what you looked like right now? Fucked out. Mouth open. Hair rumpled. Makeup smudged. A whiny, desperate mess. What did you look like? What did Bradley see? 

You could hear him talking to you, telling you how you were such a good girl for him. Please keep talking. He needed to keep telling you how good you were. 

How good your cunt felt around him. How sweet you smelled as he nibbled at your neck. How he couldn’t wait till his cum was dripping out of you. How he couldn’t believe that a whiny whore like you had been wearing white lingerie like some innocent little debutante. 

“I could get you to do anything if I promised you my cock, couldn’t I?”

You whined. You still wanted to suck his cock. Would he let you? It always looked so pretty and felt so good in your mouth. As Bradley repositioned your leg, you let out a particularly pathetic cry. 

(That one’s got quite the mouth on her.) 

Rationally, you knew you could respond with words and say all kinds of things like yes and more and of course, Bradley, anything or just Bradley Bradley Bradley and even that one word you dared not even think. But it was so much easier to just whine and keen and whimper. Your back arched and you stared at the white and gold patterned headboard and then at the mirror above it. Could Bradley - no. He wouldn’t be able to see himself in the mirror. 

But you wanted to - you wanted to see yourself in the mirror. See Bradley pounding into you over and over again, your back arched, your breasts pushed out, nipples hard as you played with them. Even your legs over his shoulders. 

You imagined you looked pretty, seeing yourself how Bradley saw you. It caused a particularly loud whimper to escape your mouth. Because that was all you could do - whimper, whine, and keen. It was so much. All of it. But you liked it. You really liked it. 

“God, sweetheart. You’re fucking milking my cock.” You whined. “Haven’t I taken care of you enough tonight?”

Yes. Yes. Yes. Bradley had taken such good care of you! He always did. Like you were the most precious thing on earth. Please, please, please. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

“S’ good to - me.” Was that your voice? It didn’t even sound like you. 

“I know, kid.”

You could feel yourself tighten around his cock and slightly canted your hips up to meet his pelvis. A sudden sense of urgency coursed through your veins and your senses became even more heightened. With your hands pinned above your head, the only way for you to pull him closer was to dig your ankle into the back of his thighs, right near his perfectly tight ass. 

It was wet and loud as your bodies collided and you knew if he moved just slightly you’d come: you were that keyed up and overstimulated. 

Three. Three. Three. 

But somehow, Bradley bet you to completion. “I’m so close,” he finished with your name like a plea. “Can’t wait for you…”

“Take it.” Take it. Take whatever you want. Take me.

His thrusts got sloppy and less precise, but he managed to pound into your g-spot a few more times before he let out a moan and spent himself inside you. You could tell it took a lot out of him, but he deserved it. Bradley deserved everything. Bradley was so perfect and strong and kind and - he was saying your name, trying to get you to finish with him still inside you. You loved the feeling of his cock and cum inside you. It made you feel absolutely divine. You were close. Would he be proud of you if you came just now?

“I got you, I got you,” he muttered. 

He kept himself propped up on his left forearm, but brought his right hand - which had previously been holding your wrists above your head - down between your bodies, teasing you until he reached your clit. And just like you thought, it only took a little more for you to come in his arms. 

“Gonna - ahhh! Come - please, please, Bradley. Bradley, Bra - ahhhhh,” your last cry was stolen from you as you got lost in the haze of your orgasm. 

You felt weightless and floaty after you reached your high. Your legs relaxed from their tight hold on Bradley’s thighs. He pressed what felt like hundreds of kisses to your face, telling you time and time again that he loved you. 

“There you go, good girl. Such a good girl. Listen to how pretty you sound.”

Eventually, he rolled off you and settled himself further down the bed so that his head was positioned near your left hip. As you caught your breath, you mindlessly ran your fingers through his hair. He has the softest, prettiest hair. It always got blonder in the sun, like he was kissed by the gods or something. You didn’t know how long you did it, it could’ve been five minutes or fifteen, but eventually Bradley let out a pleased hum and glanced over at your spread legs. 

He clicked his tongue. “Can’t believe you’re just wasting all that. All that hard work…”

Your cheeks warmed. He was looking at the cum dripping out of you, staining your thighs. A perfect mix of the two of you - of your want and need and love for each other. Just like a child would be the perfect mix of the two of you. 

And you were wasting it. It was dripping out of you right onto the sheets. Selfish, selfish bitch.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, ashamed to have disappointed him. 

Bradley rolled over onto his stomach and slotted himself between your spread legs. “So, what’re we gonna do about this, huh?”

Whatever you want. All you could do was shimmy your hips, inviting him to take charge. His eyes were alight with mischief and he sprang up from his position on his stomach to grab your waist and throw you back down on the bed, except this time on your stomach. You let him manhandle you into some sort of child’s pose - ass up, face down into the down pillows. It made you feel vulnerable in the best kind of way.

“How about we try this?” Bradley ran his big, strong hands over your hips.  “That’s my girl. Bet you like this, both of your holes completely exposed to me.” He slapped your ass lightly. You moaned when he did it again, except harder. “Color?”

Despite being a little muffled, you still spoke loud enough for him to hear you. “Green.”

Bradley’s hand slipped down to brush against your sensitive clit and then he slid his fingers into your pussy with ease and groaned your name. “So good, look at how much you came.” Your back arched and you burrowed your face even further into the fluffy white pillow. “Such a greedy fucking pussy we have here…”

In and out. In and out went his fingers - fucking his cum back inside you. You were whining. You were crying. You were floating. 

“It’s all mine, belongs right back inside you.”

“Yours.”

Bradley chuckled. “Yeah, all mine. Mine to take.” His fingers dragged down your walls before sliding back in. 

It felt divine. 

“Oh - fuck. So much, Bradley.” It wasn’t too much; it wasn’t enough. You were floating. There were no thoughts in your head besides Bradley and coming. 

Four. Four. Four.

“Can’t waste any.” Of course not.

You never wanted to waste any of Bradley’s cum. It felt so good inside you. You loved when he filled you up like this. Maybe he’d let you warm his cock later? He deserved it. And more. Anything he wanted.

Anything.

Bradley had done such a good job tonight. He was so perfect, so impressive. So beautiful. Everyone loved him. Bradley. His friends, his colleagues - you. You loved him. You loved him. You loved -

Your tongue felt heavy in your mouth, but you wanted to tell him. “Perf-ect,” was all you could manage. Love me, love me, love me more. “‘M close.” Again.

“Fuck, I know. Da - I’ll take care of you. Always take care of you.”

You let out a cry. Bradley always took care of you. Such good care of you. Always.

“Bradley, Bradley, Bradley,” you realized you were saying his name out loud and had been for some time. It was pathetic how far gone you were. “F-four. Four.”

But to your horror, when you took a breath to center yourself, you couldn’t. You couldn’t get back to yourself. You were still overwhelmed, almost like your body was taking too long to catch up to what was happening. It felt like you were on fire. Like you had run a marathon. Your breaths came in pants and you wanted more, you needed more. But how? If you already felt this overstimulated, how could you need more? Maybe it was the position? Ass up, face down? The throbbing and thrumming of your clit was driving you insane. And Bradley’s big, strong hands and fingers were overstimulating you in a way you’d never felt before. 

Tell him. Tell him to stop. Tell him. He’ll do it. Tell him. Tell - 

“- Bra-adley,” your voice sounded small, like it wasn’t connected to you, but it was still insistent, “I - I can’t do it anymore - please, I - yellow.”

His fingers stopped slowly - not so abruptly that you’d be in even more discomfort - and carefully turned you over so you were on your back with your legs laid out on the bed. Bradley propped himself up on his side and looked you over intently. Your heart was beating so fast, it felt like it was going to burst out of your chest. Your eyes fluttered closed.

It was quiet in the room except for both of your labored breathing. But even in your haze, you could tell it was too quiet. 

Yellow. 

You had never had to say it before. But you felt too overwhelmed. Like you were going to burst and cry and that Bradley would be disappointed in you that you couldn’t last. You felt your eyes fill with tears. You’d only gotten to four - if what you just felt could even be classified as four. You’d promised. You said you would try - and you failed. 

Four. Four. Four. 

You glanced up to see Bradley’s eyes were wide with concern. “Hey, hey, it’s alright, what is it?”

“Slower. ‘S too much. ” It had been. But you still wanted him beside you. Holding you, reassuring you, loving you. 

“Want me to hold you?” He read your mind. He was so sweet and kind and you loved him. You loved him so much. You started to nod, but then remembered your words. “Please?”

Take care of me, hold me, love me. 

Fuck. Even shuffling closer to Bradley made you cry out. You were so sensitive. And so overstimulated. But you still wanted to come again. You just needed to go slower.

Bradley’s hands grabbed your hips, pulling your ass against his crotch, and he wrapped his arms around your stomach. Oh, you felt so warm - warm and safe and loved. You grabbed one of his hands and brought it to your lips, pressing a light kiss across each of his knuckles. At the same time, Bradley peppered kisses up and down your neck and across your left shoulder. 

Had he marked you? You wanted him to mark you. All over your thighs, your neck, your breasts. Show everyone you were his. His good girl. Your cunt was still throbbing and needed to be filled again by him - by Bradley. 

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley.

It seemed like no time and so much time had passed since you’d been chanting his name, since he’d held your wrists in his big hands, since he’d kissed your breasts, since he’d filled you up with his cum. You whimpered, lost in the thought. 

“‘Still need to come again - one more time for you.”

He made shushing noises. “‘s okay, kid. Like doing this too.”

It was hard to tell how long you laid there wrapped in each other’s arms. Safe and warm and loved. Bradley even started humming at one point. The song was pretty even if you didn’t know it. But everything Bradley did was pretty to you right now. 

Eventually, you got a little too desperate again and started squirming against him. The rumble from his amused chuckles made you relax again, but you could tell he was more than ready whenever you were. 

“Feel too empty…”

“Want me back inside you?” You nodded and twisted your head to press kisses to Bradley’s neck. “Front? Or behind?”

“Behind,” you whispered. It would make you feel smaller, more precious, to have his arms wrapped around you. 

“Why don’t I let you set the pace this time, huh?” 

His fingers ghosted over your sensitive clit and you whimpered. “Okay…”

Something about the way you were positioned this time made everything more intimate. You felt more dear. Not that you didn’t love missionary and whenever Bradley’s eyes were on you as you fell apart. But having his arms wrapped around you and being cocooned in his warmth and essence was absolutely divine after how wrecked you were. 

It was overwhelming, but in the best kind of way this time. You were crying. There were tears streaming down your cheeks. And you felt so good. So good. Like you could stay like this forever. Like you would do anything to feel this good again. To make Bradley feel this good again. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

Did he feel good? Were you making him happy? Oh, you hoped you were. That’s all you wanted. To make him feel good and be good for him. You wanted to be good for him. Always. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

You should tell him that. Tell him how you wanted to be good for him. He had to know. He had to know because what if he didn’t and he thought you were selfish? He had made you feel good so many times tonight. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

Because no. You couldn’t come again until he did. Until he spent himself inside you and filled you up. You liked when he did that. When he made you feel full. With his cock nestled inside you. You wanted him inside you forever if it meant you’d feel that good.

Five. Five. Five. 

You were so close. So close to doing what he had asked. What he had thought about all evening at dinner. Did he imagine this as he was getting his award? Did he imagine fucking you like this as you danced? Did he imagine he’d have fallen in love with the girl from the bar all those months ago?

Five. Five. Five. 

It went on like that for a little longer, both of you letting out gasps and moans and whimpers as you neared closer and closer to completion. Bradley thumbed over your clit with his right hand, playing with the nub. Combined with the way he was kneading your breasts and sucking on your neck, you knew you were close.

You gasped as your pussy fluttered around his cock, except this time it felt different. Deeper. Harder. More intense. The pull behind your belly button crashed through you and you felt like you jumped out of your body for a moment. You clenched down on him, moaning as he plunged deeper inside you.

“Sweetheart, you keep doing that, I’m not gonna last much longer.”

Then don’t, the words were on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t get them out. Instead, all Bradley got from you was another slow and deep roll of your hips, followed by a strangled cry. He kept murmuring your name in your ear, saying how good you felt around his cock, how warm you were, how sweet you tasted as he licked your neck. Again, you could tell he was close as his thrusts got sloppier.

Five. Five. Five. Almost there. Almost there - oh!

“Bradley,” you cried out, gripping his hand on your breasts to try and anchor yourself to something because you felt like you were about to jump out of your skin. His dick was so big and stretched you just so.   

“Five,” Bradley said. He bit your shoulder and you spasmed around him, before he followed suit, shooting his cum inside you. You whimpered at the sensation, feeling so full and dirty and beautiful, and shook in Bradley’s arms. 

After both of you caught your breath, Bradley slipped out of you and the two of you laid on the bed, heads on the pillows, bodies tucked under the sheets, chests rising heavily as you stared at the ceiling in awe. 

You had never felt like this before. Five. Five. Five. Bradley. Bradley. Bradley. 

“Fuck,” Bradley stretched the word out. He crossed his forearms over his forehead and took another deep breath. “That - that was -” he broke off.

You arched your back one final time and stretched out on the bed before rolling back over towards him. You nuzzled his neck, trying to get as close to him as possible. But it wasn’t enough - you needed to be closer. You wanted to have his arms wrapped around you. You wanted to lick where the sweat was beading on his neck. You wanted him to consume you. Tell you that you were good. That you had done a good job. 

“Hey.”

“Hi,” you whispered back. 

He tucked your hair behind your ear. “You alright, kid?” You smiled and nodded. “You did such a good job - always do such a good job.”

You preened under the praise and started peppering kisses across Bradley’s shoulder and neck. He was so pretty and warm and smelled so good. So pretty, so warm. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. 

After a moment, he tipped your chin up so you could meet his eyes and then pressed his lips to yours. Without breaking the kiss, you sprawled out on top of him with your legs on either side of his hips. Some of the cum still inside you even made its way onto his stomach with the new position - you weren’t supposed to waste any of it. You promised you wouldn’t -

It took Bradley saying your name twice for you to pull back for a moment. “Why don’t we get you cleaned up?”

You laid your cheek down on his chest and started tracing the freckles on his biceps with your finger. “Wanna sleep right here.”

“You can,” he gave you a quick peck on the lips, “we just gotta do a couple things first, alright?”

Bradley rolled over so now he was leaning over you and pressed a kiss to your lips before he climbed out of bed. He pulled you over towards the edge of the bed and let your feet dangle off the side. “Now where’s my - aha.”

He grabbed his white tuxedo shirt that had been discarded on the floor earlier and brought it over to you. 

“Arms out, kid.” Slowly, like you were wading through water, you held your arms up and Bradley slipped the shirt on you before fastening a couple buttons. “Alright, sit tight.”

He gave the wall lamp to your right another click and you squeezed your eyes shut at the slightly increased brightness. 

“Sorry,” he muttered, before picking up the phone hidden in the bedside nook and dialing for room service. “Yeah, hi. Can I get a large order of fries and two ginger ales - wait, do you have Gatorade? Oh - no, she only likes the blue - yeah, then just the ginger ales and fries? Uhhh room 4114, I think? Yeah, under Bradshaw. Okay, thanks - yeah, have a good night.” He hung up the phone.

Food. He ordered food. And a soda. You were hungry. And tired. Really tired. Your thighs ached. 

“Here.” Bradley grabbed a water bottle off the nightstand and gave it to you, cap off. You took a few greedy sips and then handed it back to him and he finished off the bottle. 

You were still sitting on the edge of the bed. You hadn’t moved. It was like you were still waiting for Bradley to tell you what to do next. Was Bradley happy with you? Did he still want you so close to him? Would he hold you? You wanted him to hold you. 

“Hey.” He was suddenly sitting next to you. Or maybe not - you felt like you were floating and had just gotten back on solid ground. Bradley grasped your chin. “Ahh, there she is. I’m gonna rinse off, you wanna come with me or stay in bed?” 

You cleared your throat. “Wanna go with you.”

He smiled and kissed you on your forehead. “Then let’s clean you up first - I’ll be right back.”

And true to his word - and more importantly before you could muster up a reply to tell him not to go - Bradley came right back holding a slightly wet hand towel. 

“Alright, kid, lay back.” 

You flopped back on the duvet, but your legs remained hanging off the edge of the bed. At first, you squirmed at the sudden warmth from the towel, but as Bradley ran it across your upper thighs and towards your still wet core, you couldn’t help but find it soothing. 

It felt nice - comforting - as he cared for you. You sighed and stretched, feeling like a cat. Languid and warm. Bradley chuckled and eventually stopped, but not before pressing a kiss to the inside of your knee. 

“All set, come on.”

He stood up from his spot between your legs and held his hands out for you to grab so you could sit up. Then you followed him into the bathroom. He got you situated on the counter before he hopped into the glass shower without even turning it on or allowing it to heat up. 

“You wanna come in with me?” You shook your head. No. The water was cold. You were warm - or at least you had been when you were in bed. And sure, you could have stayed there. But you wanted to be with Bradley.

So, after quickly going to the toilet while he got situated, you sat on the marble countertop, legs crossed at your ankles, and watched him. Watched the soap run down his body - down his tan chest and thick thighs - as he cleaned his body and scrubbed his face. 

Without a doubt, Bradley was the prettiest boy you’d ever seen. And he was yours. He was your boyfriend. He loved you. He wanted to spend time with you. And be with you. You you you you you. 

“You sure you don’t wanna come in with me?” Bradley teased you. “Or are you just gonna stare at me?”

Had you been more coherent, you probably would have made a quip about how he was the one with the soapy titties this time, but you just shook your head and said:

“You’re so beautiful.”

You could see the blush creep up his neck at your sudden honesty. The water shut off a moment later and then Bradley grabbed a fluffy white towel off the rack and dried off in the shower. He dried his hair first, making it all messy and fluffy, before he wrapped the towel around his waist and approached you. 

You swung your legs back and forth. “I look too pretty to go to bed.”

“Mmmhmm, way too pretty.” He kissed your forehead and then your lips. “But you’re gonna be mad at me if I let you go to bed with your makeup on…” 

He had a point, loathe as you were to admit it. But instead of doing your skincare routine yourself, Bradley was the one who got out your makeup remover and serum and night cream. Granted, he snuck a little for himself and rubbed at your eyes a little too hard to get your mascara off, but he did a good job. 

You had to draw the line at letting him brush your teeth for you, though, and did it yourself. 

And then finally, Bradley held his hand out for you to hop off the counter and the two of you went back to the bedroom where he threw on a pair of sleep shorts. You were still a little slow to the chase, so while he made the bed with the fresh sheets in the closet, you held two of the pillows close to your chest and watched from the foot of the bed. 

Luckily, Bradley shared your appreciation for hospital corners and tight sheets on a bed and once it was made to both your tastes, you slipped back in between the sheets. 

They felt just as scratchy as they had earlier in the evening, but were just how you liked them. Bradley made sure you were settled before he walked around to his side of the bed and let you snuggle up beside him. His body was so warm and he smelled so good and you felt your eyelids getting heavy. It was a miracle you hadn’t truly fallen asleep yet. You always got a little sleepy after you orgasmed once - let alone five times. 

Fuck - that had really happened. Bradley really loved you that much. More to the point, you really loved Bradley that much. 

“Bradley?” He hummed and looked down at you. “I don’t ever want to let you go.”

“Come here.” You scooched up and kissed him sloppily. Eventually, he let you go and you let out a sigh as your shirt rubbed against your sensitive breasts. “Rest. I’ll wake you up when the food’s here.”

That sounded really nice. “Mmm, okay.” You yawned. “Love you, bubs.”

“Love you too, kid.” And then he pressed a kiss to your forehead and you were asleep before you knew it. 

Some time later, a soft knock echoed throughout the room, but it didn’t seem loud enough to be coming from your door. You let out a soft grunt as you felt Bradley sit up in bed and begrudgingly opened your eyes. 

The knock repeated - again, sounding a bit far off still and couldn’t be at your door with room service - and Bradley glanced at you and you shrugged before he eventually got up to investigate. Shuffling across the room and down the short hallway, Bradley threw on a grey crewneck sweatshirt and swung open the door.

 A cacophony of voices soon hit your ears and that was when you realized that the bellhop wasn’t at your door delivering your french fries and ginger ales - he was at Jake and Sarah’s. 

“ - I’m telling you I didn’t order this and I don’t want to be charged for it -” 

You took that as your queue to join Bradley at the door and scampered out of bed. Mindful of the fact that Bradley’s shirt just barely covered your ass, you hid behind him. You were nosy - sue you.

Once you fell into Jake’s line of sight, you saw the eating grin on the blond’s face. He was clad in a pair of shorts and a ratty t-shirt. He didn’t look as handsome as Bradley did. 

“Well, now, look who it is? Rooster, this order of fries for you? Or Miss Chatty fucking Cathy?”

Bradley puffed out his chest, but largely ignored Jake and instead turned towards the bellhop, who was apologizing profusely about the mix up. 

Miss Chatty fucking Cathy who did he think he was?

“- This for Bradshaw?” 

The bellhop nodded and handed Bradley the slip to sign before he took off. He even left the cart there, which he probably wasn’t supposed to do. Taking a page out of Bradley’s book, you also patently ignored Jake and glanced at the french fries and ginger ales and glasses of pellet ice on the cart. You turned your focus back onto Bradley, completely ignoring what he was saying to Jake. It was like the blond man didn’t even exist to you at the moment.

God, Bradley was so smart, so kind, so thoughtful. He took such good care of you. The way he kissed that stretch mark you hated on your stomach or the way he knew to lift your hips up the first time he slipped inside you. He treated you like you were the most precious thing in the world - except when he didn’t and even then you still melted and keened in his arms. 

Oh, he was so perfect and handsome and beautiful. It was unreal how much you loved him - sometimes you wondered how he was yours? Just yours? He was so pretty and handsome. Pretty boy. 

His hair was still wet from his shower and the perfect amount of messy. Maybe he’d play with your hair later? Would he let you wear his sweatshirt? It was probably warm and soft and smelled like him. Like his fancy cologne and something so Bradley. You just wanted him to -

“- Jesus, Bradshaw, what’d you do to the poor girl?”

You blinked, realizing you had been staring at Bradley’s face - his beautiful, pretty face - for god knows how long and tucked yourself behind him. Luckily, you were too far out of it to be too embarrassed (that would come tomorrow). 

“I mean I heard what you were doing to her, but didn’t realize you also mauled her - Jesus, look at her thi -”

“- Don’t you dare fucking finish that sentence.” You felt yourself heat up at the timbre of Bradley’s voice. His entire body was tense and you squeezed his hand.

He was so protective, so strong. He loved to take care of you. He always wanted to take care of you. 

Take care of you. Take you. Take you. Take you. 

“Apologize.” His voice was like steel. “Now.”

Jake looked like he wanted to scoff or even laugh, but something in Bradley’s face must have scared him. “Fine, fine,” he turned to look at you, “my sincere apologies, darlin.’” You didn’t appreciate the nickname and neither did Bradley judging on the growl he let out. “Alright, Jesus, fuck. I’m sorry for any inappropriate comments I may have directed towards you, okay?” You glanced up at Bradley and then fleetingly back at Jake before nodding. 

“Alright, good - just promise you’ll knock twice on the wall if there’s going to be an encore, so I can know if I need to change rooms or not - enjoy the -” Bradley slammed the door shut in his face “- fries!”

“Fuck off,” he muttered and took your hand. It might have been a bit overkill for the short trip back to bed, but you couldn’t help but smile. “Sorry about that, you good?” You nodded. 

The room service cart rattled as it made the trip further in the room and your mouth watered at the smell of the fries. You failed to stifle a giggle once you heard Bradley’s stomach growl. 

“Hey,” he exclaimed, “you’re the one that made me work up an appetite!”

Both of you sat on the bed and got situated with your sodas on each nightstand and laid the fries between the two of you. For the first time, you noticed Bradley had turned the TV on low and watched as the closed captioning ran across the bottom of the screen. 

“Moonstruck?” He turned towards you and nodded. “I didn’t even hear it.”

He blushed. “You were pretty knocked out.”

You wrapped your legs around Bradley’s under the covers. “Well, no one’s ever made me feel like that before…”

“Oh, really?” He looked too cocky - though you supposed it may have had some merit that night. You threw a fry at him. “Hey, these are eighteen dollar fries, champ.” You threw another one, which in turn made Bradley take the plate onto his side of the king-sized bed. “Miss Moneybags thinks we can just waste these…” he muttered.

You giggled. You spent the next few minutes wordlessly holding out your hand, waiting for Bradley to give you a couple fries until he got tired of it and just gave you back the plate. It was amazing how half a plate of fries and some ginger ale could have you feeling like your normal self again. You still couldn’t get over how spacey and out of it you had been. The two of you needed to talk about it, do a debrief of sorts.

Trying to get his full attention, you pressed your foot against Bradley’s thigh under the covers. “Owww, Jesus fuck - your feet are cold.”

“Sorry,” you giggled, but continued rubbing them up and down Bradley’s shins. He made a funny face, but kept his eyes on the movie, trying to play it cool. 

You then handed him the plate of french fries balancing precariously on your side of the bed. Once the plate was placed on the nightstand, Bradley wrapped his arm around your shoulder, pulling you close. A huge rush of affection surged through you for the man beside you. 

He just made you happy. Every little thing about him. He made you happy. He made you better. 

“I like when you take care of me.” Your face was buried so deeply in his chest, you didn’t think he had heard you until he pressed a kiss to your forehead. You tilted your head up to look at him. “You’re always so good to me. Make me feel so safe. Never trusted anyone else enough to do that.”

Bradley blushed. “Well, I - I was worried it was too much sometimes and I liked when you told me to slow down - well, liked is the wrong word, but I’m -” he cleared his throat, “we’ve never had to do that, but I’m glad you said something.”

“I am too. Like I said, you always make me feel safe.”

The two of you turned your focus back to the movie. It was your favorite part - Loretta was waiting for Ronny at Lincoln Center. It was all so romantic: La Boheme and Christmas lights -

Bradley cleared his throat, but kept watching the TV. “I know we don’t do that a lot…” That was putting things mildly. “But I really liked it - making you feel good - because it makes me feel go -”

“- You can say it turned you on, Bradley. It was rather obvious.” He finally turned to look at you. His cheeks were red - something you wouldn’t have found possible after all you had done together that evening. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“Well…I’m pretty sure everyone in our hallway could hear how much it turned you on, so don’t think that’ll matter too much...” 

Your mouth gaped open in shock and then you both dissolved into giggles. Your hands snuck under the covers and tickled Bradley’s sides, getting even more giggles out of him and he quickly followed suit. 

“And can I - Bradley!” He stopped tickling you, but you had to take a breath to control your giggling. “Can I tell you something else?” He hummed. “I liked imagining you were watching us in the mirror above the bed.”

A smile slowly crept across his face. “Really?”

“Mmmhhmm. ‘Kept thinking about what I looked like, what you looked like - all of it.” You felt your cheeks heating up at the thought. You had a full length mirror in your walk-in closet that could definitely provide a different point of view. 

It was like Bradley had read your thoughts when he said: “Maybe we can figure out something for our anniversary…”

“Six months.”

He kissed you. “Six months.”

“Are you gonna give me six orgasms then?” You wouldn't make it to seven months in your relationship if Bradley tried to give you six orgasms. 

“I don’t know if you’re ready for that, kid.”

You giggled. “Probably not.” 

The two of you went back to mindlessly snacking on your fries and watching the movie. The fries were absolutely delicious and you were tickled that they remembered to give you mayo, something Bradley always made fun of you for liking. 

By now, Loretta had found her father at intermission and both of them agreed not to have seen each other. Your favorite part was coming up soon, but seeing the awkward scene in the movie, you couldn’t help, but think of your own similar moment from earlier. 

“I’m sorry if I made things awkward with Jake...”

Bradley’s jaw twitched and he took a long sip of his ginger ale before replying. “‘s not your fault Hangman’s an ass.” 

“Still, I feel bad.” Your voice came out small. 

“You,” he kissed your cheek, “are absolutely perfect and,” he kissed your nose, “I will gladly take any teasing Hangman sends my way if it means I get to think of you like that again.” He kissed your lips. “Got it?”

You ducked your head. “Got it.”

“Alright, good. Now there’s something really important I need to talk to you about…”

The impish smile on Bradley’s face prevented you from truly spiraling and instead you couldn’t help but giggle. “Go on.”

“How can I get you to wear that dress for me again? Because - not that I’m complaining - but I didn’t even get to take it off y - hey!” 

You slid your hands underneath the duvet and started tickling Bradley’s sides in earnest. He soon joined in, attacking you instead.

The sound of your collective laughter and giggles and shrieks would surely keep your neighbors up for a little longer still. 

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

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast delivered to your room - thankfully not by the same busboy - you supervised the bellhops as they put your various garment bags and assorted weekenders into the Bronco while Bradley checked out.

It had been a hell of a weekend. You had fucking ran Bradley ragged last night, to say nothing about the sloppy blow job he’d finally let you give him that morning. He had gotten an award, gotten to dance with you, gotten a slightly better handle on his nerves, and even gotten to one-up Hangman. 

So, in Bradley’s books it was a win and he was more than happy to sign for the hundred and fifty dollars worth of room charges you’d both racked up over the last two days. He even got three times the points for it on his card. 

From beside him at the checkout counter, Maverick cleared his throat. “So, I heard you kids had a good time last night.” Bradley froze, but Maverick just continued looking over his bill. 

Fuck. Bradley had never had parents around to catch him sneaking around or having sex, but this very much felt like he had. He was going to get so much shit now. Because Hangman he could handle, but Mav? 

Mav would probably go off on him about respecting girls and not calling them degrading names while having sex - nevermind that the girl in question liked to be called a pathetic slut or a whiny little whore in bed.  

Plus, Bradley hadn’t thought he had been that loud, right? He didn’t know where Maverick and Penny had been staying last night, but there wasn’t a room on the other side of yours and there was no way it traveled further down the hallway, right? 

(Though to be fair, you had elected to have room service for breakfast due to the smattering of marks Bradley had left on your neck and upper thighs. Because Jake hadn’t necessarily been wrong when he said it looked like Bradley had mauled you. It was another reason you had elected to supervise the luggage - outside. Alone.)

It felt like there were a handful of cotton balls in his mouth. “Wha - where’d you hear that?” 

“Penny?” Maverick said as he looked at Bradley like he had seven heads. “She mentioned dancing with you and how nice of a time you were having considering all the - well, all the stress and pageantry.” 

“Oh.” His cheeks were burning. “Yeah, yeah. Great time last night. Good time.” 

“Yeah…” He then said how nice it had been to spend time with you, too. “Where is she by the way? We missed you guys at breakfast.”

The two men finished up with the desk clerk and then made their way across the lobby to where Penny was standing. You were still outside. 

“Oh, we uhh got room service. Had a bit of a lie-in.”

Penny chuckled. “Bet you did - hey, you know Hangman was complaining about some noise last night to everyone at breakfast earlier. You hear anything about -”

“- Oh shit, I gotta go. The car’s ready.” He had no idea if the car was ready. “But I’ll talk to you guys later, nice to see you both. Have a good weekend.”

And before either of them could protest to the kiss Bradley laid on both their foreheads, he was already halfway across the lobby and hellbent on getting to the safety of you and his car. 

Yup. His parents had heard him having sex. Monday morning was sure to be fun. 

Outside, Bradley searched the valet stand for the Bronco and saw it - and you - further down the line behind a navy Lexus. You weren’t in the car yet and looked to be reading over something on your phone. 

“All set,” Bradley called out and you glanced up at him and slipped your phone into your pocket, watching him as he made his way towards you. 

You were dressed casually in your same denim shorts and another button down, which was sticking out from underneath his crew neck sweatshirt. The sunglasses perched on the top of your head only added to your artfully disheveled appearance. Though, tragically, the marks on your neck and chest were covered. 

“What was the damage?” you asked, referring to the room charges. 

Bradley pecked you on the lips. “One fifty.”

“Not awful.”

“Blame the eggs benedict for breakfast.” They had been worth every penny for the record. “All set with the bags?”

“Yup,” you popped the p. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”

You leaned back against the passenger door and Bradley crowded into your space before pressing a sweet kiss to your lips. He couldn’t resist you. Everything about you made him so happy. Who else wanted to spend the day together after being attached at the hip all weekend?

“Can we go back to yours? Take a nap?” Bradley liked how the sun hit your living room in the  late afternoon. There was nothing like snuggling up with you on your couch and watching football on a Sunday afternoon. You had the prettiest candles and softest throw blankets at your place, too. He’d have to get some for the house eventually, but was more than happy to hunker down at your place today. 

You nodded and looked exceptionally pleased he had even brought it up. “And I can finally take care of you, bubs.”

There was enough innuendo in that sentence to stop him cold. “You’ve taken care of me plenty this weekend, I need to rest up.”

A gasp of faux indignation slipped past your lips. “And here I was talking about the new sheet masks I got, all while you’re planning to debauch me again!”

Bradley chuckled and pressed a quick kiss to your forehead before opening your door and waiting for you to get situated in the car. He wheeled around the front of the car to his own side and got in. 

“Debauch is a strong word, no?” He started the car and turned up the radio. “Been reading too many romance novels lately?”

“I’m never letting you use my Kindle again…” 

He laughed. “Fine, fine. Lemme just take you home, kid, and we can discuss the semantics behind debauched and defiled all you want.”

an: thanks to everyone for reading and all the positive comments and feedback about the teaser the last few days! i'd be remiss if i didn't thank @sometimesanalice, @heartsofminds, @howdysebby, @notroosterbradshaw, @dissonannce, @cherrycola27, and @ofstoriesandstardust for liking and giving me all caps feedback on all the very random screenshots i've sent you guys over the last couple weeks! the next thing i'm going to post for these two is an epistolary while bradley's deployed! x jordan

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Found another decent choice for only $209,900. It's a nice stone mid-century modern ranch, build in 1973 in Broken Arrow, OK. The interior has 3bds, 2ba, and has a pristine, untouched, original 1970s groove.

Entrance hall with large mirrored closet for coats, etc.

The hall leads directly to a spacious living/dining combo.

Vaulted beamed ceiling with a large stone fireplace.

Cute little bar in a nook.

The dining area is right next to the kitchen and has a door that opens to the yard.

The kitchen is a perfectly preserved time capsule with new appliances. The only leftovers from the original harvest gold appliances are a sink and stove hood.

The spacious primary bedroom has a bed platform and a canopy suspended from the ceiling. Also, check out the strategically placed mirror. Hello.

There's an en-suite shower. En-suites are usually hard to find in an MCM.

And, so are walk-in closets.

Here's a nicely sized, light bedroom.

And, this one has beautiful built-in shelving with a window seat, paneling and wainscoting on the walls.

The 2nd bath is nice. I like the counter top.

The laundry room has an accordion door.

Lovely yard with a shed.

.25 acre lot.

Nice park nearby, too.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1008-W-Boston-Pl-S-Broken-Arrow-OK-74012/22255541_zpid/

[la-petite-lapin]

Double the Love | Part Eleven*

Double the Love masterlist

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Johnny "Soap" MacTavish x female civilian!OC Word Count: 2.6k Series warnings (may change between chapters): 18+ Minors DNI, angst, mentions of death, mentions of violence, explicit sexual content, polyamory, M/M/F, unprotected PinV, fingering, praise, size difference, biting, marking, Tali being a tease, Johnny's dirty talk

Johnny passes his fitness test

"So, how's the apartment hunting going?" Winnie asks, her upper body in the frame of our FaceTime call. She looks even tanner than usual, practically glowing as she beams at me.

She hasn't got long left to go on her work trip now and - after a particularly promising flat viewing last week - me and the boys might not be living in our apartment for much longer. We've finally found a place that works for all of us - the perfect mix of homey and industrial, with two bathrooms, a huge master bedroom with a walk-in closet, and a decent-sized spare room. And - as an added bonus - it's only a twenty-minute walk from here.

I gush to her about the place; about the giant, warehouse-style windows in the open-plan living room, and my interior design ideas. She listens eagerly, her smile only growing brighter and brighter until I stop and ask, "What?"

There's a pause as she shifts, getting comfortable on her hotel bed in Paris. Braids falling over one shoulder, her dark, wise eyes find mine through the screen, twinkling with an amused light. "You seem genuinely happy, Tali. It suits you." She tilts her head slightly, adding, "When I get home, we all need to go out for dinner and drinks. I get the feeling I should start getting used to these guys being around."

I laugh at that. "I think you should too. They aren't going anywhere any time soon."

We talk a bit more - exchanging I miss you's and stories about some of the other things that we've been up to in the past week - before I hear the sound of the front door opening and closing with a soft thud. The "honey, I'm home!" that follows is enough to tell me that Johnny is back in the building.

"I'll call you in the morning, yeah?" I say, heat flooding the tips of my ears as I flash Winnie a bashful smile.

She grins back. "Sure thing. Goodnight, babe."

The call is barely over before Johnny comes crashing into the bedroom, a huge smile on his face. "Simon called. He's gonnae pick up take-out from that little Italian place you like on his way home."

I switch my phone screen off and let it fall on top of the sheets beside me. Twisting so that I'm laying on my back, propped up on my elbows as my legs dangle off the edge of the bed, I catch onto what he hasn't mentioned.

Simon had to go into one of the offices today for a meeting with John, Gaz, and their colleague Kate, something that he couldn't avoid no matter how much he wanted to. It's looking more and more likely that they're going to have to go on another mission soon. And Johnny - well, Johnny had a doctor's appointment to assess his recovery.

To assess whether or not he was deemed fit enough to go along with them.

I him, feigning nonchalance for a second before slowly asking, "How did your appointment go?"

Just like that, the care-free smile on Johnny's face fades. He clears his throat, shifting his weight between his feet like a worried child. There's no hint of his injured ribs in his stance now - not like there was when he first moved in. He doesn't favour one side anymore; doesn't have any trouble standing up, or laying down, or reaching for things.

He's better. He's healed.

And it's good news.

Or at least it should be.

"I, er- well, Doc reckons 'm good to go back to active duty," he says with a grimace. One hand goes to the back of his neck, tugging at the longer strands of his mohawk. He's self-soothing, and there's nothing I want more than to help him, but I let him finish. "Was gonnae tell you and Si tonight over dinner. Didn't wanna ruin a good day."

An invisible hand reaches through my ribs, fingers curling around my heart and squeezing like a vice. Panic, fear, worry; the emotions whirl through me like a storm gale, threatening to sweep me away with their intensity.

Instead of letting myself feel it, I swallow it down.

Pursing my lips, I meet Johnny's baby blue eyes. "It's okay. It'll all be okay."

He sits down beside me with a heavy thump, gaze trained on the wall in front of us. Refusing to hold my gaze, he sighs deeply. "Tali, nothin' about this is okay. This wasn't meant t' happen until we got the new place sorted out. Now... 'ah could be called away at a moment's notice. Wouldn't have a say in the matter. Ye would be along for God knows how long, waitin' for us without word. Worried sick.

"Ye don't know what it's like. I've been though this with Si before - it's not fun, lassie. It's gonnae hurt."

I sit upright, shuffling closer to the edge of the bed until I'm sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Slowly, I wrap an arm around his side, leaning into him.

His body is tense to the touch, but his soft t-shirt smells like his aftershave - clean and familiar.

I press a gentle kiss to his shoulder blade, my words muffled against the fabric and muscle as I speak. "We'll get through this, Johnny. It'll be okay."

Some of the tension leaves his muscles, the frame of him sagging against me. With a shaky exhale, I almost miss the whispered, "'ah don't wanna leave ye, Tali," that follows.

My heart breaks for him.

The only thing that I can think to say is, "I know."

Neither of us speak for a while after that. I just hold him while he stares off into space, gaze trained simultaneously on the wall and some far-away place neither of us can see. And it's all I can do not to burst into tears myself.

Before long, Johnny pulls me into his lap, burying his face into my hair and nuzzling his nose against the side of my neck. It takes me a second to register the soft, lazy kisses that he's pressing there - trailing up my jaw and behind my ear.

"Johnny," I mumble, tilting my head to give him access to the delicate skin there.

He grunts in acknowledgment.

I repeat his name, firmer this time. It takes him a moment, but he draws back enough for me to look at his face. With one hand on his broad chest, I say, "Are you sure you want to do this right now?"

Johnny grins lazily, the picture of care-free ease despite the tense line of his jaw. "Lassie, there's nothin' else ah'd rather be doing right now."

I lift a hand to cradle his cheek, relishing the warmth of him as he melts into my touch. The trust and affection lurking in his ocean-blue gaze is enough to choke me up; to bring a rush of answering emotion inside of me. Pressing my forehead to his, I stare into his eyes, palm trailing down the side of his throat to rest against his broad shoulder.

"Johnny... I know it's soon but-"

He cuts me off by tangling a hand in my hair, pulling my lips down to meet his. I sink my teeth into the bottom one, pulling a deep, throaty chuckle from him.

"Ay, vicious little thing!" Johnny's hand comes down against my arse in a playful smack, the flat of his hand immediately soothing the sting with gentle caresses of his calloused palm. "Tha's my lassie."

I bite back a whine, determined not to give him the satisfaction.

Instead, I shift myself until I'm straddling Johnny's lap, my thighs bracketing his. His eyes darken as I get comfortable, purposefully rubbing against him as much as possible. I can feel the considerable length of him straining against the fabric of his gym shorts, the short skirt of my sundress doing little to shield me from the fact.

"Johnny?" I gasp, wide-eyed with feigned innocence.

Through gritted teeth, he growls, "Aye."

Leaning close, I press an open-mouthed kiss to his temple. "I'm not wearing any underwear."

If I wasn't turned on before, the look of pure, raw heat on his face takes me the rest of the way. With a sound verging on animalistic, Johnny flips us so that I'm on my back, his weight resting on the mattress between my spread thighs as he towers over me, caging me under him. It's far from menacing though; sending a thrill of anticipation through me.

Those blue eyes of his glitter with the thrill of the chase, gaze never leaving mine as one hand shifts to paw at the hem of my dress. With a slight dip of my head, his eyes drift south, fingers tugging the skirt up until its bunched up around my waist. His fingers trail back down the bare skin, goosebumps rising in their wake.

Pressing a trail of open-mouthed kisses to my neck, he licks over the hollow at the base of my throat. His mouth distracts me while his index finger circles my clit. He does it once, then twice, before finally skimming down to where I really need them. A rumbling chuckle leaves his throat when he finds just how wet I am for him.

He eases his fingers out of me with a mumbled praise.

"Don't be mean," I whine, arching my hips up towards him. "Just make me feel good."

Johnny scoffs something that sounds remarkably like "pillow princess" before pulling away. My gaze follows him as he frantically tugs down his shorts and boxers, his thick cock springing up - ready and waiting.

I don't laugh at the tattoo this time, instead running my thumb over it.

Practically purring, Johnny's hand wraps around my wrist, guiding his hand down to touch him. My fingers close around his length, relishing in the hiss that leaves his lips. His eyes find mine once again as he whimpers, "See, Tali. All of this is for you. Feel how fuckin' hard you make me."

He thrusts into my hand to punctuate his point.

A breathy moan wrestles free from my throat. "Johnny- Johnny, I need you."

The strong column of his throat works as he swallows, seemingly nodding to himself before easing himself back down on top of me. Lining up, he places his free hand beside my head, balancing his weight as he notches himself at my entrance.

I savour the slow, delicious drag as he pushes into me, muttering soft praises under his breath as his face drops down beside mine. His hair tickles my cheek as he flexes his hips, slowly easing out before pushing himself in to the base. The movement punches the air out of my lungs in a sharp gasp.

"'ah loved watching Si eat you out," Johnny growls, low and guttural as he eases out again before slamming home. "Loved watching you watch us." He twists his hips without warning, hitting a spot deep inside of me that sends me reeling - seeing stars as my eyes roll. "But nothin' compares to being right here."

I cling to him like he's a lifeline, clawing at the tanned skin of his broad back and lifting my legs to wrap them around his waist. I pull him close, gathering him to me as he picks up the pace like it's a challenge, burying my face into the crook of his neck. As I barrel towards my release, I bury my nose in his skin - inhaling the scent of his aftershave mixed with a hint of sweat - and bite down. Hard.

As I come, vaguely aware of the coppery taste now coating my tongue, Johnny roars. His hips stutter, a flood of warmth filling me as he finds his own high.

Basking in the afterglow, he collapses on top of me, neither of us willing or able to move for a few long moments.

"That was... wow," Johnny says eventually, breathless and sweating.

"Intense?" I supply, still clinging to him like a koala bear. Banding his arms around me, he rolls us so that he's on his back, my weight settled on top of him. He still hasn't pulled out yet - letting me enjoy the moment just a little while longer.

I have to remind myself that Simon will be home any minute now with dinner; stopping myself from getting amped up for round two.

Nuzzling into his warmth, I run my fingertips over the top of his shoulder, provoking the shiver that I was looking for with ease. But the smile on my face cracks as soon as my fingertips come away smudged with blood.

I jerk upright, Johnny's softening cock slipping out with a wince from him. The post-orgasm haze leaves me just as abruptly as I lean over him, inspecting the damage. Sure enough, there are two rows of shallow teeth indents in the tanned skin of his shoulder, deep enough to draw a steady trickle of blood.

I pull back, pouting.

"Ay, none of that!" Johnny declares, eyes glittering once again. "Did something for me, tha' did." Heat floods my cheeks as a roguish grin forms on his full lips. "Think we might need to tell Si about that little trick."

My eyes trail down, focusing on the tattoo along his V-line as I straddle his tapered hips. He returns the favour, stroking a bare sliver of skin along my own hip. With a contemplative hum, he suggests, "Ye should get a tattoo there. Ours."

It takes all my strength not to grind down against the bare length of him here and now. The primal urge to take and claim ghosts over me; the urge to have their handwriting marked permanently on such an intimate part of my body.

"Now that's an idea." I lean down to press a kiss on his lips. "In your handwriting?"

A devilish glint sparks up in his eyes, but he bites back on it, tapping me once on the thigh. "We should get cleaned up before Si gets home. Come on, little menace: shower."

An hour later, the three of us are lounging in the living room, eating Italian out of the cardboard box-trays that it was packed in. The results of Johnny's fitness test and doctor's exam were the first thing Simon asked about upon his return - his reaction something between disappointment and bitter acceptance - followed shortly by quizzing Johnny about the fresh bite mark on his shoulder. He'd only had to glance at me - guilty, dishevelled, and shifting my thighs in an attempt to ease the hollow ache between my legs - before his eyes darkened with lustful understanding.

I let myself fade into the background, listening to the low hum of the TV and the boys chatting about work gossip - mentioning people I've never met and names I've never heard before.

Until something snags my attention.

"Kate said we have to go, Si," Johnny says sullenly. "'s not like it's waterboarding or anything. It's a fuckin' military ball for Christ's sake!"

Simon grumbles something under his breath, a string of curses punctuated by the odd coherent word. It ends in, "being paraded about like a fuckin' show pony."

"Surely it's not that bad," I say incredulously. A catered party with booze, decent food, and dancing - it sounds quite fun.

Johnny beams. "See! Tali gets it. We should all go. Price and Gaz are going - we could make a night out of it."

Something sours in Simon's expression. "Hm, and how would that work out exactly? Who gets to go with Tali?"

I can't help but frown. He's right; I can only formally attend with one of them, especially around their colleagues and higher-ups. How else would we explain what's going on between the three of us? Hell, Johnny and Si aren't even out at work.

"We'll think of something," Johnny says, ever the optimist. "Besides, 's not for a few weeks yet. Think that new op 'll happen first."

Simon grunts, finishing off the last few bites of his pasta. "Speaking of, I'm gonna reach out to that guy about the new flat tomorrow. See if we can close on it as soon as possible." Hazel eyes meet mine. "Provided that's still what you want, love?"

I flash him a sweet grin. "Of course it is."

a/n: it took time, but we did it! hope you liked part 11. what do you want next, part 12 of this, part 2 of Unlikely Friendships or... something new? :) - lapetitelapin <3

[1nthedarknessofthenight]

﴾ i drink your blood and i eat your skin, part three.

pairing: hwang hyunjin x f!reader

genre: vampire au

word count: 4,2k

warnings: body insecurities ⋆ alcohol ⋆ smoking ⋆ mention of weed and that’s it?

masterlist

playlist

──────────────────────

The thing was you never truly felt beautiful. You always felt like there was nothing really unique about you. Though you think that everyone had their own unique feature, something that made them stand out from others but for yourself? You felt and looked average. Having a slightly chubbier figure made you feel sometimes insecure. There were days when you liked how you looked then there were days you just wanted to rip your skin off. Seeing that even after multiple types of diets, you still end up looking the same, you gave up. You tried so hard to expect the truth. And in some way you expect that you just were bigger a long time ago but sometimes looking into a mirror made you feel like you should’ve not expect your body.

Buying clothes was horrible. Everything was too small and when you went to pick a bigger size, it was suddenly too big for you. The funny part was that you actually loved shopping and fashion, it was your quilty pleasure since childhood. Watching America’s Next Top Model, not knowing how much problematic the show was at your young age, made probably 90% of your personality back then. It was quite laughable how much your younger self dreamed about having that model figure. Still being small, you didn’t understand that it would be impossible to achieve it because of your body proportion but a girl can dream.

These thoughts only came to you when you were looking into a full length mirror or when you were trying on some purposeful thighter clothes. And right now? You were doing both of those things.

Your hands smoothen the soft fabric on your stomach, looking at yourself in the mirror carefully so there wasn’t any angle that can be missed. You were wearing thight black dress with long sleeves and a V-neck line. Actually the first reason why you pick this dress was for its long sleeves and decent length. The dress was a bit thighter than you remember but it’s also a long time since you pick it up from your closet.

Grimacing at the view, you then glanced at the thick piece of the ribbon on your neck. It hide your scratches perfectly. ‘At least something was good about this outfit’ you thought playing with the decorative rose on the side of your neck.

“Can I look now?”

Turning to the closed door a defated sigh lefts your lips. “Yes.” Watching your blonde friend come in to your room, you quickly admired how the blue dress complimented her figure and skin tone nicely, making you a little bit more self conscious about your own outfit. You didn’t want to compare yourself to her, there wasn’t any jealousy in your friendship but still…

As Mia scanned you from head to toe, her green eyes stopped trailing your figure to meet yours, seeing the emotions you tried so desperately to hide. “What’s wrong?”

For a moment you went quiet, turning back to look at yourself. Even wearing shape wear underneath, it really didn’t do anything to thighten your figure. You hated how jiggly it was, like a loose skin. “I don’t feel good.” Was your answer, you actually wanted to say much more than that.

“And why’s that?”

The lack of emotion in Mia’s voice made you feel stupid about this whole situation. Christ you were a grown woman and this is the biggest of your worries…

“It doesn’t look good on me…I don’t look good in it.”

The blonde shakes her head, sending you a small glare. “Why would you say that? You look amazing, girl.”

Pursing your lips, you watched yourself and your friend through the mirror. “I feel like a ugly girl trying to dress as a pretty one. I just don’t like this on me but I can’t do anything about it, this is only party dress I have! Maybe if I didn’t have hip dips…” Saying that you place her hands on your hips to fill them up, imagining.

“You know I think hip dips look cute.” Shrugs Mia coming to stand directly behind you. “They are like perfect holders for your hands.” Smiling, she than pressed her own hands over yours. “Even Bella Hadid has them!”

“Yeah.” You say, not sure in your answer before looking at your friend though the mirror. “But my name…my name’s not Bella Hadid.”

Mia laughed at your words, watching as you turn around to pose a little for her. “Do I at least look okay? If you would see me out on the streets, like would you think-“

The blonde shushed you softly, making you stop your rambling to look into her green eyes. “You look pretty Y/N, you always do. Yes, you’re bigger and what? Being bigger doesn’t make you any less beautiful, it’s just a stupid beauty standard. I know I’m not the most right person to say this when I’m literally as thin as a spaghetti but even I have insecurities. Everyone does! In the end it doesn’t mater as long as you realize that the only person standing in your way it’s you. Don’t make your insecurities make you.”

Pursing your lips to stop yourself from crying from how much you appreciated her. Seeing and hearing someone say this to you, means a lot when knowing they really meant it. Still there was this feeling that you will ever hear this from her only. God, you can’t even let yourself rest for a moment.

“Trust me when we will do your make-up, it’s gonna fall all together, we’re still not fully done~”

Both smiling softly at each other, you sat down on the bed together where all your makeup was spread out. You watched your friend pick up her sponge and your own foundation which she firstly swatches onto her hand. “Thank you, Mia…” You didn’t even know for what exactly – maybe for everything.

“I know I can’t change your mind~” Dabbing the make up sponge on your face, you pull your curled hair away to give her a better access. “Just remember it, okay?” Whispers the blonde know slightly too caught up in perfecting yours foundation.

You only hummed in a small agreement looking through the lipsticks. You won’t. “I think we should do a red lip.” You think out loud holding a tube of dark red lipstick, rolling it out to see the color in the light.

The blonde gasps in delight. “Oh, yes just the pop of color you need.”

You smiled at her softly. “Love you, Mia.”

“Love you too Y/N.” Laughs softly your friend before looking into your eyes. “This is gonna be our night.”

────

A shiver runs down your spine, making you press your crossed arms closer to your chest. You grumble under your breath as your friend also shivers slightly. Mia just wouldn’t let you wear a jacket and you wished, you were more demanding for yourself and even her. The only reason you weren’t wearing one was just because it would ‘ruin’ your outfit. Maybe? But it definitely would made you feel warmer and safer. The last time you were wearing a dress didn’t end up well for you. Atleast you were on a busy street where all the clubs were located. Creeps would definitely be a better choice right now rather than some undead creature but right now you don’t want to think about that. You want to make yourself believe you weren’t actually in any danger that what happened that night will never happen again…well that’s what you hope for.

As you two turn around the left corner, you were meet with a long line of people that almost seemed unreal but after all it was the most popular club in this small city. “I already feel overstimulated and we’re just standing outside. You say to Mia as you make your way through the line, making people’s heads turn. It made you shrink into yourself.

Laughing before smirking, your friend turn to glance back at you. “Overstimulated you say?”

You roll your eyes at her words. “God…”

As the blonde laughed, you finally made it to the end of the line, well more like the beginning. At the main doors stood two bodyguards which one of them was arguing with some man that was probably trying to get inside while the other turned his attention to you. Mia smiled at the man before showing her ID as you pulled out your own, showing it to him. You tried to ignored the angry shouting of the man while the bodyguard moved to let you both in.

“You sure come here often.”

“I don’t actually but I always leave a good impression.” Smirking, the girl follows the sound of music.

Immediately after coming inside, your nose was hit with the smell of alcohol and the sudden warm, humid air made you take a deep breath. The loud bass of Just a Little Bit by 50 cent made your whole body vibrate and you for a moment admired the choice of a song and also that it wasn’t any garbage remix. Some clubs really didn’t know a way around music but you should’ve known better because your friend picked this place. You as for your friend watched how the dim place lightened up in hues of red. This place from where you stood looked huge. On the left side there was a bar and all around the room were tables with quite comfortable-looking sofas and the big dance floor in the middle couldn’t be overlooked. You were impressed.

Turning to Mia, you leaned your head closer to hers. “And who got a taste of that good impression?” Raising an eyebrow the blonde laughed, quickly scanning the crowd.

“That guy over there!” Mia pointed to the bar right where a middle aged man popped up.

You gasp in shock, watching as your friend now went to the same direction she just pointed. “Nooo Mia!”

“He’s actually a sweetheart.” Says your friend, looking over her shoulder at you. “I knew you wouldn’t get it, you always had a thing for pretty boys.” Rolling you eyes, you stayed silent after her remark, knowing that there was no way to talk yourself out of this nonsense or perhaps you agreed with her.

It’s really been a while since you had fun like this. Your constant worrying about the future almost made you forget about the present. There really was more to life than love and you knew that actually better than anyone, your constant chasing after the thing you have always wanted made you blind to see the other joyful things you can have in life. What more could you possibly want when having a friend like Mia. Sometimes you wondered if by having more friends would make you feel less lonely but then you remember that no one could possibly top your one true friend. But you were only human after all and there was nothing to do about the feeling of being unlovable.

Yes, there were people like Mia and her parents than maybe the Johnson’s family you grew to love but would there ever be a person that would be absolutely devoted to you?

Maybe?

You won’t quit fighting for this but maybe it was time for a small break. To be quite frank you don’t know if you even want someone to love you. It became a such fantasy to you that you wouldn’t know what to do if it ever happens. You don’t know if there will ever be person to love you how you wished to be loved. Your whole life was about feeling this unbearable loneliness and it became such a part of you that you were afraid to loose it and even more if it was for the wrong person.

You maybe had too much of red wine, already forgetting how many glasses you actually had. If there was red wine that’s all you would be drinking, completely opposite of your friend who know swallows down another shot of tequila and at that winning another round in the drinking contest she was playing. That girl for sure has livers made of steel. The man at the other side of the table surely didn’t expect this type of stamina from her and you from those ten shots surely would be laying on the floor by now.

Drinking down the last bit of your wine a sudden crave for some nicotine came over you. Stumbling slightly, you lean to whisper into Mia’s ear, well more like shout.

“Hey, I’m going out to get some fresh air, you coming with me?”

“Not know, I’m winning another glass of wine for you that okay?” The blonde didn’t even look up, watching the man on the opposite side of the table now having trouble swallowing his last shot. This calls for alcohol poisoning.

Humming loudly so your friend could hear, you smirked slightly. “Be right back.” Sometimes it surprised you how well you knew her friend. It was a bit hectic and difficult to get through the crowd of people but as you began pushing yourself out rather than asking for permission to make a room for to go through, it was quite easy.

Finally making it outside, you take a big breath of the cold, fresh air. It was more soothing than uncomfortable by the sudden change in temperature but you knew if you would spend enough time outside, you would definitely catch a cold.

Pulling out a cigarette and lighter from between your breasts, you maneuver your way around the few people standing there to stop at the corner of the building. When you took the fist hit from the cigarette, every muscle in your body loosens up. ‘Shit, maybe I’m an addicted little’, you laughed to yourself, leaning onto the brick wall. Maybe it was the alcohol but you actually started to feel that you looked quite good in this dress. Still no one came up to you or anything but that wasn’t really not that important because you are here with your best friend after all. The one person who made you feel good and the one person who actually loved the way you are.

You ran a hand through your hair, cringing when you felt how much your hair was stuck to your neck, the sweat damping and loosening those curls you had put so much time and effort in.

“I’m not gonna let him do that!”

The sudden loudness made you jump. Yes, people around you weren’t really quiet, laughing and chatting loudly and you could still hear the beat of the music from the inside but it was almost like someone had shouted right into your ear. It came right from behind the corner where you were standing. In annoyance from being spooked so easily, you lean over to look and maybe give them a quick nasty look back but as you do that every expression on your face immediately melts away, the smoke from your cigarette getting stuck in your throat.

You were in shock…It couldn’t be…you really must be drunk. But your vision was barely even blurry, so you didn’t have any choice but to believe what you were now seeing.

Your eyes were fixed on two figures standing under the street lamp that give them a spot light, making them perfectly be seen in the darkness. There, right there, just a few feet away from you, stood the sandy haired man, the same man that ripped someone’s heart out from their chest like it was nothing. The one of many reasons, you couldn’t get any good sleep and the man who wanted you dead. Even by seeing him once before now and in almost complete darkness, you knew that it was him and not just a fragment of your imagination. By being so in shock, your almost didn’t see the other man who was talking to him.

That man also had this – alluring aura around him that was luring you to come closer and take a closer look at his perfect pale skin, pink pouty lips and puffy cheeks. If you didn’t know better that he was most definitely also a vampire, you would’ve find him cute. The effect this creatures had over you were frightening but already having a taste of their true nature, you would like to say that it truly wasn’t effecting you that much as it seem to be.

You realized after moments of watching what this meant for you. He was here. ‘God, he must be here somewhere’. You had mixed feelings about this but you most definitely would say that you were scared. How unlucky can you be to get yourself in the situation, you so desperately prayed about not to come true? You shook off those thoughts just as you heard the men’s conversation get louder. You hope that the curiosity won’t kill the cat.

You leaned just a little back behind the brick wall, realizing how much you could be seen from your spot. Frown appeared on your face, watching the blonde man whisper something angrily to the other who seemed to try to keep a calm and collected expression. You got curious even more, thinking why this man was so angry…From the night it seemed that this emotion wasn’t quite uncommon from him but from the other man’s features, you could see that the thing they were talking about was something urgent and even important but you still weren’t close enough to them to hear.

Almost hissing in pain out loud, you felt your forgotten cigarette starting to burn your fingers, seeing that it was at it’s end, you without a second thought, throw it away but just as quickly as it lefts your hand, you wanted to scream at yourself for your idiocy. You threw it right next to you rather than the opposite direction you meant to.

Their conversation stopped the moment the cigarette hit the pavement, the sound like a gunshot because of their better hearing. Without thinking twice you quickly pressed yourself back onto the brick wall, hoping it would swallow you whole. At the exact same moment someone jumps at you.

Gasping out, you wrapped yourself in your arms in a way to protect yourself for what’s probably about to come. Looking up, you expect the worst but you were only met with the face of your best friend and you didn’t know if you should be thankful for her or punch her for her horrible timing. “Y/N, there you are!” Mia said loudly, shaking your shoulders, making you look around, scanning your surroundings. Your friend didn’t seem to catch your uneasiness and you didn’t wonder much why because you could smell the alcohol on her words miles away. ‘How is she even standing?’ “I have surprise for you!”

You frown slightly at her words. “What surprise?”

The blonde rolled her eyes at your unimpressed tone, grabbing your hand to drag you back inside. You felt little bit unsure about this, now knowing who was here with you but you didn’t know how or even what to say to your friend. Maybe you are just exaggerating, looking around yourself as you stepped back inside, the humid air hits you right across your face. There were so many people and also it was getting quite late. Your friend was basically a party animal till the clock hit a certain hour and it was now way past that. Only few more drinks and you will go back home…

Mia stopped suddenly at the middle of the dance floor, getting you both squished between the crowd of people in the process. You glance at her in confusion when you were suddenly released from her tight grip. “Wait….” Your friend said, pointing a finger at you while looking around. “Wait here!” The blonde said, giving you a small look before running away from you through the crowd before you could even think to say anything.

You stood there awkwardly around the moving bodies, little anxious from the situation you were put in. Sometimes you forgot how much you hated big crowds, the bodies squishing you and making you want to curl up into a ball. Also you didn’t want to be left alone right now and your prayers must have been heard because you could see Mia finally getting back to you. Thanks to the high heels and her light hair she shined in the darkness of the room, almost like an angel coming to your rescue.

Just as your friend stops right in front of you, you wanted to ask her what the surprise was but than you hear it…

You laughed in disbelief. “Are you for real?” You said over the music. In answer the blonde grabbed your hand, swinging it side to side as if to make you finally move in the sea of dancing people. You weren’t the only one happy as almost everyone around you started to sing the lyrics of one of your favorite songs. “What, you know the DJ too?” You asked, slowly starting to move into the beat of the music.

“He’s my cousin!”

“What?!” You spit out, laughing.

….That boy is a monster (Mo-mo-mo-monster)

The two of you twirled around each other, laughing in joy. “That boy is a monster~” You sung and finnally you seemed to get the taste of peacefulness you searched for.

“Mo-mo-mo-monster!” Shouted the blonde a little bit unnecessarily as it was almost as loud as the music but it only made you laugh more.

────

A smile danced across your lips, the smudged lipstick at the corners of your mouth made your smile even more pronounced, watching your light haired friend skipping just few feet before you. It still was dark, even in the early hours and looking upon the sky, you were a little saddened that the stars weren’t visible. ‘It was probably because of the city’s lights’ It was also a little colder than before and it made your warmer hands pressed more onto your exposed chest. You could feel the sore throat coming.

You and Mia decided to go home after few more drinks, seeing it was enough alcohol and social interactions for the week on. Your fingers spread out across your chest, trying to cover up as much skin as possible, slightly grazing over the ribbon of your necklace. The other reason to go so ‘early’ was because of this uneasy feeling you got after the occurrence on your short smoke break. You really wanted to cry in frustration, feeling yourself thinking about that again. You just can’t be left alone or you would just overthink…

‘Or was this even overthinking?’ You were scared for your literal life and that seems like a good enough excuse. You were so close to him and he…, if you weren’t fast enough he would’ve seen you. The blonde man would look at you with his dark colored eyes and only just by a small glimpse, he would know the truth. Maybe he did see you…and if it wasn’t for your friend, maybe something would’ve happened. You weren’t so sure about being seen inside the club. You are certain that you haven’t seen even one of them inside because they would surely stand out in the crowd, they were too beautiful to not to be seen. As your fingers grazed over your small scars underneath your necklace, you wondered if he was there with them but you quickly tried to shake off that thought.

Maybe your mind was only playing tricks on you. If he really wasn’t there then why are getting this feeling of being followed right now, it was like two pairs of eyes were drilling holes into your head. It was just paranoia or maybe the alcohol but you really started to hate how your friend was getting quite far from you…

“Mia?” You called out, not seeing the need to be any louder than the soft breeze as you two were the only ones on the streets. Well…you hope so.

Your friend stops at the sound of your voice, looking over her shoulder. “Yeah?” The sudden movement made her stumble on her heels and it made you realize how much your own feet were hurting.

“Can I stay the night?” You asked slowly, looking at her from beneath your eyelashes, finally catching up with her.

That question made Mia laugh out loud, slapping you softly over your shoulder. “Girl, I thought we already agreed on that!” Relief washed over you, before chuckling softly at your own words. “You almost gave me a heart attack from the face you made!” Exclaimed the blonde.

“What face?” You said in confusion, trying to reminisce the exact same expression before your friend look at you with a grin.

“Like you you have seen a ghost-“ She imitates Ghostface before laughing loudly like a maniac.

“Oh, my god, I haven’t seen that in sooo long!” You gasped in a sudden burst of excitement.

The blonde shrugged, looking down at you. “Then let’s watch the first three movies together…the night is still young!”

That statement makes you shake your head. ”I don’t think-“ You started before hiccuping suddenly, covering your mouth with your hand. “I don’t know how you want to make that work…”

The blonde raised an eyebrow, looking at you like you said the stupidest thing ever. “I think this will help?” Mia trailed off, pursing her lips before showing three blunts that were hidden in her bra. You laughed again in disbelief. Your friend for sure will never cease to amaze you.

Grabbing one from your friend, you punched her arm, making her squeal dramatically from the force. “Ok, miss ‘smoking is bad for your health’…” The only answer you got back was an eyeroll.

Yeah, the night is still young…

[ralvezfanatic]

You're home!?

Luke Alvez x Male!Reader

Luke leaves for a case just as soon as they're getting intimate. A week goes by and Reader had enough, he misses Luke and is horny. Takes care of himself only to be interrupted and then taken care of.

Warnings: First time writing smut, masturbating, getting caught masturbating, rough-ish sex, cursing. || lmk if im missing anything.

First post !!! Kinda embarrassing that its smut. (First time writing smut sorry). Not proofread. Sorry for any mistakes. I was really sick while writing this.

any feedback, comments and/or criticism appreciate <33

Word Count: 2.8k

You were both in bed, stripped down to your boxers under the covers with each other. Luke's hand was on your waist, pulling you close until you were pressed against him. He leaned in close to you, the feeling of his stubble against your jaw as he pressed kisses under your ear causing you to moan out.

"Mm Luke…" you moaned out softly, your hands making their way to his bicep, feeling your arousal grow in your boxers.

He trailed his kisses down your neck, leaving a bunch of red marks to your collarbone, nipping at your soft skin. His grip on your waist became tighter, his kisses harsher as he found your sweet spot and put all the attention on it. You continued to moan out quietly, his lips on your skin driving you crazy with need, and you started rolling your hips forward ever so slightly.

Suddenly, the intimate moment was interrupted by a ringing phone. You groaned out hearing that awful ringtone of his, knowing what that meant. Luke pulled away, his own face equally annoyed as he turned to grab his phone on the nightstand.

"Alvez." He answered, laying on his back, his arm stretched out onto the pillow inviting you to get close. "Yeah, I'll be there in a bit." He spoke into his phone while you shifted to rest on top of his chest. He hung up, placing his phone back on the stand before looking down at your disappointed face

"Case?" You asked, although it sounded more like a statement than a question. He nodded, pressing a kiss on your forehead apologetically before answering.

"Mhm. I'm sorry Y/N, annoys me just as much." He sighed as he rubbed your back softly before sitting up, forcing you to get off him. You frowned as you watched him get ready, hating the timing of the call.

As he finished getting ready, he went back to you, kissing you softly on the lips before leaving. "Bye, my love, I'll be back soon, don't worry"

And with that said, he walked out the bedroom and out the apartment, leaving you in bed all alone, not to mention horny.

"Soon my ass." You thought to yourself, pissed off as you laid in bed while scrolling through your phone. It's been 6 days since he left. You'd texted him daily, called a few times as well and it was mostly fine. The case was tough and it took longer than expected. You put your phone down as you sat up on your shared bed, a sudden unease growing in your pajamas pants.

The phone rang at the worst time, you two were about to get intimate. Then he left, leaving you semi-hard. You were pissed, that horniness hasn't exactly left since then. You'd tried to sext him, but that just wasn't good enough, at all.

You finally had enough, 6 days without Luke and without his touch, it was driving you crazy. You decided to take matters into your own hands, in a different way this time. You got off the bed and walked over to your closet, reaching up to grab a hidden box.

You brought the box over to the bed, placing it down gently before opening it and examining the items inside. You rummaged through it, deciding what to choose from it, and then finally grabbed a toy. It was a decently sized dildo, almost as big as Luke, so you hoped it would satisfy you. "Better than nothing I suppose…" You mumbled out to yourself as you closed the box, placing it under the bed just in case.

You left the toy on the bed, and walked to your bedroom door, making sure to close it so Roxy would interrupt. God that would be awkward, and a complete mood killer too. After you closed the door, you headed back to the bed, slowly undressing yourself until you laid completely naked.

You touched yourself softly, taking a hold of your cock and pumping it a few times, closing your eyes as you imagine Luke there with you. You moaned out as you continued fantasizing about your boyfriend touching you, your grip becoming tighter on yourself.

Finally, you let go of your dick, and then turned to grab a bottle of lube, and moved to have your face on the bed as your ass was displayed in the air. You poured out some lube on your fingers, then made your way to your entrance and teased yourself for a few seconds before pushing your finger in.

"Oh god.." you breathed out, pumping your finger inside yourself, your eyes shut as you imagined Luke fingering your ass. You add another finger in, moaning out his name as you pumped them in and out in a scissoring motion trying to stretch yourself.

You moaned out as you finger fucked yourself, and pulled your fingers out after feeling properly prepped now. You move to sit up, grabbing the dildo, generously covering it in lube. You move up, kneeling on the bed as you move the toy under you, lining it up with your entrance.

You tease yourself, circling the toy around your hole before finally lowering yourself and sinking into it. You quickly shut your eyes, letting out a loud moan as it dug deep inside you. "Oh fuck.. fuck that's so good" You moan out as you finally sit down completely on it. Your eyes were closed as you thought about Luke, imagine he was deep inside you instead of some plastic.

You lifted yourself back up, leaving only the tip of the toy inside and then pushed yourself back down into it, causing another loud moan to erupt out from you, this time moaning out your boyfriend's name. "Oh Luke, you're so good." You moaned out as you continued moving on the toy, copying the same movements, only slightly moving as you tried finding the right angle to hit that spot.

You continued bouncing on the toy, and your free hand made its way to wrap around your neglected cock, starting to stroke it as you rode the toy. You started to get lost in the pleasure, you head was thrown back as you desperately bounced on the toy, moaning out Luke's name with each movement, helplessly pumping your leaking cock as you looked for that release.

Your mind clouded with such pleasure, you never heard the front door click, didn't hear it open or hear Roxy's paw's outside in the living room. As you were so focused on finding that release, that the footsteps outside didn't even register, and neither did the bedroom door handle rattling.

"Oh my god Luke, mmf… so good, please oh god" You moaned out, unable to form real sentences. As you lifted yourself up from the toy, the bedroom door opened, and a voice came from the doorway.

"Did you miss me that much?" Luke teased, his voice laced with amusement as he leaned against the doorframe. His eyes wandered all over your body, admiring the erotic view in front of him.

His voice caught you off guard and you immediately turned to see him, your face flushed with embarrassment at being caught. Being in the middle of a movement, you went back down on the toy as Luke spoke and bit your lip trying to hold back a moan. "Luke..! I-.. I didn't think you were coming back home today" You stammered out, looking at him dumbfounded and embarrassed.

"It was supposed to be a surprise." He chuckled, slowly making his way towards the bed, running his fingers along the edge as he walked around it. He sat down on the bed, right next to your knee and placed a hand on your thigh. "But guess I'm not the only one with surprise.. look at you, so pretty while riding that toy, moaning out my name so needily." He said, slowly climbing onto the bed and kneeling in front of you, now placing both his hands on your thighs and rubbing up and down softly.

"God baby, you're making me so hard seeing you like this. You want me to fuck you? Is that what you were fantasizing about when I walked in?" He asked as he started to unbutton his shirt.

You let out a whine, nodding in response to him, too embarrassed to verbally answer. Luke leaned forward, grabbing onto your waist with one hand before cupping your cheek with the other and kissing you passionately. He slipped his tongue inside you as he pushed you back, guiding you to lay down on the bed.

After getting you down, he hovered over you, pressing a trail of hot kisses down your jaw to your collarbone, his hand making its way to your ass. He pulled away from your skin, and grabbed the base of the dildo, pulling it out and carefully disposing of it to the side.

"Don't need these anymore." He said as he started to unzip his jeans, quickly, pulling them off, exposing the tent at the front of his briefs.

"Luke please, need you." You begged quietly, the removal of the toy having left you empty and desperate to be filled by him already. Your eyes looked up at him, slowly trailing down when he took off his jeans.

He hovered over you, his hands trailing up your body, caressing your sides and your chest while leaning in close. His lips brushed against yours as his hand passed your nipple, playing with it as he spoke. "You need me hm? Tell me baby, how do you want it?" He asked, wanting to understand how tonight would go.

"Hard, please Luke. Need you so bad, I've missed you all week." You begged, your voice desperate, holding back moans as he played with your chest. "Need your cock Luke, please."

Luke smirked at your begging, removing his hands off your nipple before kissing you passionately. His tongue quickly forced its way inside, exploring every part of your mouth as his hands roamed your body. He broke the kiss, his voice husky as he spoke. "Wow Y/N, such a naughty boy. Begging for my cock like that?"

He grabbed you, quickly flipping you onto your hands and knees, causing you to let out a small yelp as he positioned himself behind you. He grabbed your ass, massaging it before speaking.

"Spread your legs for me baby, want to see every part of you." He ordered you, pulling his boxers down and throwing them to the side. You quickly did as he asked, even arching your back and pushing your ass closer to him.

"Luke, please! Hurry up, I need you in me already." You whined out, grabbing a pillow nearby and using it for support. Luke let out a quiet moan as you begged, and took a hold of his dick and lined up against your entrance.

Slowly, he pushed himself in, groaning out as he felt your tightness envelope him.

"Fuck Y/N, you feel so good baby." He groaned holding onto your hips and he pushed himself in completely. He waited a second, allowing you to get used to him, his length being bigger than the toy you used.

You rocked your hips, signaling him to move, and with that, he tightened his grips on your hips and started to move. You moaned out, arched your back, burying your face in the pillow underneath you. He thrusted into you, slow and sweet as you got used to his size.

"Harder Luke! M'god, fuck me harder." You moaned out, muffled by the cloth you hide yourself in. He groaned, angling himself trying to find your prostate, each thrust slamming into you harder and rocking your body.

"God, baby, you're so fucking tight" He groaned out as his thrusts become harsher, the room filled with the sound of skin slapping, and both your moans mixing in. In a quick motion, he wrapped his arm around your chest and pulled you up against him, his dick still buried deep inside you. He held you tight, his grip on you possessive as he thrusted up into you.

As he finally hit your spot, you cried out in pleasure and gripped the bedsheets under your hands. Luke's hand wrapped around you, and gripped your neglected dick, stroking you in sync of his thrusts.

You gasped as you felt his hand on you, your length twitching as he gripped it. He bent over you, kissing your neck as he continued to thrust inside you, groaning with each of his movements.

His hand on your dick sped up and became harder as well, precum leaking out of you, and he continued to fuck into you, driving you closer to the edge. You threw your head back onto his shoulders, moaning out loudly as he slammed into you, his tight grip on your cock made you buck your hips into him.

"I-I'm close Luke." You moaned out, your eyes closing as you relished in the pleasure he gave you. He continued his assault behind you, kissing and sucking on your sensitive skin while jerking off your length as you bounced on his dick trying to find that release

"Cum for me Y/N, cum into my hand" He whispered his, his voice husky as he nipped at your neck.

You moaned out at his words, feeling a well known sensation build up at the pit of your stomach. You moved your hips down onto him meeting his thrusts, hastily chasing your orgasm.

"Oh god Luke, I'm.. I'm gonna cu-" You panted out, cutting yourself out with a loud moan as he slammed back inside you, hitting your prostate once more. Your dick spat out thick ropes of cum out, spilling out onto your hand and some shot out onto the bed. You cried out as you rode your high, Luke still jerking you off and thrusting inside of you.

The sight of your orgasm pushed Luke closer to the edge, and his thrusts became quicker each hitting that one spot that helped you ride you your high as he chased his own high.

With a final deep thrust, he buried himself deep inside you, moaning out while he came, his own cum spilling inside you.

He held your hips, moving them to grind you on his length as he rode out his high, his cum filling you up completely. He groaned, and stopped moving your hips, only keeping you sat on his dick, your hole full of his semen. As you both came down from your highs, he wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed small kisses on your neck and up your jawline.

"You were so good, baby boy. " He kissed your cheek, carefully pulling out of you, and bit his lip as he watched his cum spill out your hole. You whined as he pulled out, feeling empty but comforted by his kisses and words.

He turned you around, and held your face softly, smiling at you, pressing a soft kiss on your lips.

You melted as he kissed you, relishing in the pleasure he gave you and how sweet he was afterwards. You closed your eyes as you leaned into him, nuzzling your face into his hands.

"Mm, love you" You mumbled you, growing tired after being fucked thoroughly. He smiled and backed away, admiring how you looked.

"I love you too Y/N" He responded, slowly getting up from the bed. He stood up and headed to the bathroom, getting a small towel and wetting it with warm water to clean you up.

"Let me clean you, baby" He said as he returned, climbing back into bed. He sat in front of you, spreading your legs open carefully and cleaned the cum off your dick. You smiled as he took care of you, humming out lazily as you spoke. He pushed you onto your back gently, and cleaned his own cum from your hole before getting up again, throwing the towel somewhere to be picked up later.

"Thank you, love." You smiled, closing your legs as he got up. He moved over next to you, pulling a blanket with him and covered the both of you when he laid down.

"Of course, anything for you baby boy." He said as he pulled you into his arms, kissing your face all over again. His kisses were loving, just appreciating your warm body against him.

"I love you.. thank you for everything" You yawned out, wrapping your arms around him as you hid in his arms. You nuzzled into the crook of his neck, your eyes growing heavy as tiredness took over.

Luke responded back with something and placed a kiss on your head, but you were unsure what he said as you started to doze off. You just let out a lazy hum, which he chuckled at.

[heartpiratedrabbles]

Distracting Thoughts

Prompt: Usopp loves you so much but can't help but feel embarrassed with how obsessed he is with your chest, the way you dress, the way you move. His eyes always wander.

Requested by Anonymous

Usopp X Fem Reader

Usopp was busy fixing a railing again, much to his and Franky’s disappointment. Nails held between his lip as he hammered away at the splintered wood. Just as he brings the hammer down, he sees you on the lower deck, see how you run to catch up with Chopper. Your laughter and smile are music to his ears, he hums happily a bit continuing his work. That is until you turn around and his eyes wander to the subtle bounce your chest makes with the pep in your step.

         And just like that you are next to him, checking to see if he’s alright, Chopper already looking over the thumb that had been struck and was now red and throbbing. “This is nothing! You should’ve seen the time I fought against an actual demon! He tried to take my soul by ripping it out but he was no match for the Great Captain Usopp!” You laugh at your boyfriends’ story as Chopper claps with admiration.

         “Well, be careful next time babe,” Your sweet words ran through his ears as you leaned down to where he was sitting, his eyes clearly focused on something other than your face, “I don’t like seeing you hurt.” You place a gentle kiss on his forehead before standing back up and smiling down at him. The blush on his face making you happy as you walk to join Nami and Robin in lounging around.

~~~

         The scream could be heard through out the ship, Nami was pissed. You had decided to do a load of laundry, taking some of the other two girls clothes with you to make a decent sized load and had screwed it up. Half the clothes in the was were now a couple sizes smaller, and while Robin was laughing in the corner as you cowered at your mistake, Nami was rummaging through your closet for a top that didn’t reveal everything. Sighing at your mistake, you forked over berries as an apology and a way to repay Nami for not completely going crazy and slipped on one of the tighter shirts.

         All being said it wasn’t too bad, you normally wore shirts a size big so it certainly wasn’t as bad as Nami’s situation, and Robin was smart enough to separate her shirts before you had gotten to them. The fabric clung to your chest, and the hem of the shirt ending just above your naval. Looking in the mirror, it still covered everything, and other than Sanji having a nose bleed you doubt anyone would care.

         The three of you head to the kitchen where breakfast was about to be served, thank God you were in a tropical climate. The only solace you took was your pants still fitting as they should as you sat down. Thinking about if it would be cheaper to buy new shirts at the next island or to buy the fabric and make some yourself you hadn’t realized your sleepy boyfriend sit across from you.

         Usopp, despite being on watch the night prior, was decidedly wide away now. He watched as you poked and prodded at your food, taking a bite every now and then with your head resting on a hand. Your eyes downturned to avoid the world around you. But Usopp was paying more attention to something else. Unlike the other day when he could see the outline of your breasts bouncing, he could see the full thing, shelled in a cover of thin cloth that was stretched perfectly around your round-

         “Stop staring pal, You’re making the ladies uncomfortable,” Sanji swung his leg to hit Usopp on the head, yelping at the dull pain. “Or do I need to teach you a lesson on how to treat a lady?”

         “That’s rich coming from you pervy cook-“ The first fight of the day starting for Zoro and Sanji as Usopp continued to rub his head while looking back up at you. Your daze still intact as you hadn’t noticed anything around you, a good thing to Usopp, he wouldn’t want you to think he’s a pervert or something.

         Still, he couldn’t help but glance down ever so often to, imagine how the plump soft flesh would feel in his hands, kneading them around as he peppers you in kisses. “Stop ogling her chest Usopp!” Another kick from Sanji making him fall to the floor in pain.

         “Like you don’t look at boobs all the time Curly Brow” You seem to finally snap out of your thoughts with the thunk of your boyfriend hitting the floor, not really knowing what was happening but an annoyed sigh from Nami and the chuckle of Robin giving you enough details to not ask questions as you watch the cook and first mate fight.

~~~

         A couple days later Usopp had found himself in another precarious situation. He had been playing with Chopper and Luffy when the dark clouds caught his eye, but that didn’t worry him to much. It wasn’t until the rain started coming down and your gentle laughing caused his attention to turn towards you.

         You and your thin white top, that was thoroughly soaked at this point, revealing everything underneath. The lack of a bra evident as your nipples poked through the thin material once the cool rain hit. Your laughing causing your chest to move ever so slightly.

         Luffy catapulted into the long nosed man, snapping him out of his trance before he looked back up to see you staring back at him, his blush turning a darker shade of red has he kept trying not to glance down.

         “Luffy let me talk to him will ya?” You yelled out while smiling, leaning over the railing as you wave your hand at the Captain. Usopp couldn’t stop himself watch not you but your breasts as they swung over the railing as well, seemingly being propped up on purpose and making the rain catch every detail he loved.

         He didn’t know whether to be ashamed at himself for staring or jealous that you weren’t covering your self up, letting everyone who looked your way see the show that he had hoped was only for him. And as you lead him away inside you can’t help but notice exactly where his eyes are landing.

~~~

         One you’re in the privacy of the galley, where no one else seemed to want to be at the moment you turn towards your boyfriend. “Usopp, I’ve been noticing you not being yourself recently…” Your voice dripping with concern as you turn towards him, “You just stare at me but never really talk to me anymore. Are we alright? Did I do something?” Your doe eyes looking up at him with concern.

         Usopp, his eyes admittedly lower than they should be before processing your words. He jumps back a bit in surprise, “W-what?? No. Of course not, it’s not you at all! It’s just. Um. Its…” Usopp’s nervous stuttering getting the best of him as he tries not to look at the water droplets fall from your hair.

         “Just what Usopp?” You ask taking a step towards him, outreaching a hand to him in hopes that he calms down a bit, “I want us to be honest with each other.” Your voice getting smaller at the thought that maybe your feelings were stronger than his.

         “Wait, baby no it’s not like that!” Usopp immediately starts to reassure you, his hands going to your arms and pulling you close, petting your wet hair, and despite the tense emotional situation he can only focus on how your boobs are squished against him, the soft flesh on your chest only separate by both of your shirts, “I’m just a despicable man.” Usopp’s voice came out with defeat and you look up at him questioning, “I. Uh, babe I’m sorry, it’s just I love you so much.”

         “Why would that be a problem Usopp? I love you too,” You questions making his guilty mind sweat at trying to confess to his transgressions.

         “I may have been avoiding you because I can’t stop staring at your boobs.” His voice getting weaker and quieter as he finally lets the words outs. You stare up at him, blinking as you take in his confession, before you start to laugh, “I know I’m an awful man. I can’t even look at my girlfriend without focusing on something else-“

         You reach up to his face and pull him so you can meet your lips to his, smiling as you pull back to his dumb-founded face. “Usopp, we’re dating. I’m flattered you find my body attractive enough to stare,” Your sweet voice being music to his ears as his shameful look turned into one of confusion and embarrassment. He tries and fails to voice his concerns of not being a gentleman before you lean to his ear, “Perhaps we should meet later tonight to get all these… Pent up feelings out?”

         Usopp once again jumps back at the suggestion while you laugh at his reaction. You go in for another kiss that he accepts before turning around to head back out to the deck, seeing if others needed help with sailing in the storm. But as you reach the door you feel a hand on your shoulder and a smitten face not making eye-contact with you still, “Atleast go change your shirt. It’s quite distracting for a fierce Warrior of the sea.” Usopp’s voice trying to sound strong as you see his face red as a tomato.

         You look down and finally realize your own predicament. Quickly covering up what was not hidden at all through the soaked fabric, “I, See how this could be quite distracting.” You nod your head before ducking into the hallway to go to your own room for a change of clothes.

[elizaditton]

Too Small To Be Afraid (Chapter 15)

Cover / Master Post / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

- - - - - - - - - -

I move my character through the virtual landscape of Flower Forest, interacting with the townsfolk and continuing toward my goal of beautifying the town. This is of course on top of my other goals, like paying off my mortgage to the village's local snooty businessman Mr. Buck, and running my own little flower shop. I'm glad I have free time this weekend to play on my FlexPad, but shouldn't I be doing something a little more productive?

As I lay on my bed, immersed in the wonders of virtual gardening, an open box in the corner of my room catches my eye. It's the only box I haven't completely sorted through from the move, since it's full of things I don't exactly have a place for yet. I heave a sigh. I should at least try to get settled in before the end of Carmen.

I stand up with a stretch, setting down my FlexPad and walking towards the box. I peer inside to see a mess of contents ranging from junk drawer material to family keepsakes. I pull out a long, heavy metal object and examine it. It's a silver bowling trophy I won some time in stage 3. I got second place in an all-girls competition with a score of 116. Not that impressive, but a fun memory. Plus it's probably the only trophy I've ever won. I look around the room for a place to put it and decide the shelf beside my bed will do. I place the silver bowling pin beside a picture of Dad and me.

Returning to the box, I reach in and pull out a small, smooth object. It's a rock with a silly face drawn on in marker. 'Rocky' was his name, I believe. When I was little and wanted a pet, Dad made this thing for me to take care of since pets aren't allowed in the undercity. I was supposed to 'feed' it every day, 'play' with it, and do all the things you're supposed to do to care for an animal. Shockingly, playing with a rock turned out to be a bore, so I stopped taking care of Rocky. I have no use for this thing, but since Dad made it, I can't bring myself to throw it away. Especially not with that goofy expression it's making. Into my desk drawer it goes, I guess.

I continue going through the box like this, pulling out knick-knacks and heirlooms alike, finding places in my room for some things, and throwing out others until I've nearly reached the bottom of the box. One of the few items remaining is a cream-colored journal with blue morning glories adorning its glossy cover. It's bursting at the seams with papers and paper clippings, and is held together by a burgundy ribbon. I sigh. I remember when Dad first showed me this thing.

It was a few days before the move, and we were trying to get rid of as many things as possible so we wouldn't have to move so much. That proved a bit difficult, however, seeing as my dad had lived in that apartment in Maedri since before I was even born. Needless to say, he had a lot of stuff. The day came when we managed to clear out most of his unwanted and unneeded things, and all that remained was an unassuming box in the back of his closet with no label. It was a decent-sized box, but not too heavy. It wasn't closed all the way, and the top was covered in dust. I had asked about the box in the past, but Dad seemed to want to avoid it for whatever reason. That day, I would find out why.

Dad set the box down on the floor and sat down beside me with a sigh. He eyed the box for a moment before flipping open the cover and sending dust everywhere, which resulted in the two of us suffering through a coughing fit. Once we recovered, Dad reached into the box and pulled out a long, blue article of clothing, explaining that it was my mom's favorite cardigan. To my surprise, I still have a few vague memories of her wearing it.

Dad pulled out a few other things, all belonging to my mom. There was a scarf, some old art supplies, a poetry book, an indoor planter I decided I would keep, a few novels, and a flute to name a few. But what really caught my attention was a journal with flowers on it. I've always loved nature, and I know my mom did too, so I wondered what was inside. Upon retrieving the journal from the box, Dad looked it over for a moment. He had a smile on his face, but I could see him getting misty-eyed.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing to the book.

"This was your mom's art journal," Dad said. "This book contains nearly every drawing she made since before we were even together."

Dad flipped through the journal. Mom had doodled little flowers on napkins, and drawn elaborate portraits on scrap paper.

Dad handed me the journal. "I think your Mom would want you to have this," he said.

I took the book and turned the pages in awe. One page in particular was a watercolor piece, depicting a girl I could only assume was my mom with some enormous bluebells dangling above her. She looked up at them with wonder filling her eyes. I looked at the painting with the same wonder. How did she learn to draw flowers with such detail?

I turned a few more pages and was shocked at what I saw next. My mother painted herself, again in watercolor, dancing in the palm of a perthean's hand! One masculine hand held the twirling figure, while another held her hand from above, as if they were dancing together. I slammed the book shut.

I haven't opened the journal since then, although now I'm a bit curious as to what else is inside. I guess I'll leave it on my desk.

That leaves the planter. It's still a bit dusty, but it's nothing a damp cloth can't fix. I gaze at the planter's plug, its cord yellowed and worn with age. Could this thing really still work? I guess there's only one way to find out. I set the planter on my desk, and after a moment's hesitation, fit the plug into an outlet on the wall. There's a spark, which causes me to flinch back and let out a yelp, but to my surprise the light on the planter somehow manages to flicker to life when I press the power button.

I turn my eyes to a shopping tote beside my desk. My hand feels around the inside of the canvas bag until it finds and pulls out a small white envelope with a picture of my mom's favorite flower on it. I give the packet a gentle shake and listen as tiny pansy seeds rattle around inside. Sounds like there's more than enough to fill the planter. I feel around the inside of the tote again, absentmindedly nudging a receipt out of the way, and find a sturdy bag at the bottom. I lift the bag, which is rather heavy for its size, out of the tote and set it down on my desk with a small thud. I've never worked with soil before, and the only gardening I've ever done has been virtual. Since the planter is old, it doesn't have instructions with it anymore, but I'm sure I can figure out what to do. How hard can it be to fill pods with dirt, bury seeds, water them, and turn a light on? And after all, my mom definitely had a green thumb, so hopefully I inherited some gardening skills from her.

Upon tearing open the bag, the earthy scent of potting soil invades my nostrils. It has a note of sweetness to it, which I find strange. I'm reminded of the smell of moist dirt when it rains above ground. I carefully tip the bag over one of the empty pods on the planter until a steady stream of soil spills out. I must have tipped the bag a bit too far, though, since nearly half the contents spill out all over the planter, the desk, and my lap. I let out a sigh. I guess I'll have to vacuum. I try to collect the soil from my lap in my hands, but most of it manages to slip between my legs and onto the floor. Looking down at my last pair of good jeans, they're covered in dirt stains. I should probably wash them, along with the rest of the clothes I've been procrastinating on washing.

I look back at the dusty planter, covered in dirt. This definitely isn't going like I hoped. I wonder what my mom would say about my failed attempt at gardening. Maybe I should leave the gardening to Flower Forest.

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

I sit hunched over on the bench in the apartment's communal laundry room, my head down and my eyes fixed on my FlexPad. Flower Forest makes gardening seem so easy. How did I manage to mess things up so badly on my own?

The sound of another washing machine starting up catches my attention, and I look up to see a boy around my age nervously scanning the room for a free place to sit among everyone else doing their laundry this weekend. His green eyes and short black hair are familiar to me. I could almost swear I've seen him somewhere before. He pushes up his glasses as his gaze lands on me. His eyes widen, and he quickly looks away. I avert my gaze as my cheeks redden. I didn't mean to stare!

The boy finds a seat on the bench a few yards away from me when someone else leaves with their laundry basket. I try to focus on my game, but my mind keeps coming back to this boy. Really, where have I seen him before? Could I know him from school? Or have I just seen him around the apartment complex?

A pleasant melody ringing out alerts me that the dryer I'm using has completed its cycle. I set my FlexPad down beside me on the bench and stand with my basket to gather and fold my laundry.

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

"Back so soon?" Dad asks when I close the door to our apartment behind me, not looking away from his laptop.

"I guess I got in early enough that there was a free washer," I say, adjusting my grip on the basket under my arm so it doesn't slip. "Are you... working? On a Restday?"

"Yeah," Dad sighs, "I told a client I'd have this ad ready by Firsday, and it's still not done."

"Yikes. Well, don't overwork yourself," I say, turning to my room.

Bing-bong!

"Could you get that?" Dad asks.

Anxiety swells in my gut as I set my laundry basket down and turn back to the door. We aren't expecting anyone, and we didn't order anything that I know of, so I'm a little nervous as I peer through the peephole in the door to see who's standing outside of the apartment. To my surprise, it's the boy I saw in the laundry room! Blood rushes to my face. What's he doing here? I take a deep breath and hold it in before opening the door.

"H-hello?" I ask.

"Hi," the boy answers, his voice deeper and sharper in tone than I expected. He looks around the outside of the apartment, avoiding eye contact with me. "Is... this yours?" he asks begrudgingly as he holds out a FlexPad covered in familiar stickers of Catmium from Stranded and Mr. Buck from Flower Forest.

I stand there speechless, taking the FlexPad in my hands. "Yes! How did you—"

"You left it in the laundry room," the boy says before I can finish my sentence. "Just be more careful next time, alright?"

With that, the boy turns and speeds down the hall.

"Wait!" I call out. "Don't we know each other from somewhere? Maybe school?"

The boy flinches, stopping in his tracks. He turns his head back toward me only slightly. "I don't know," he says, his voice softer now, and nearly cracking. He clears his throat. "I don't know, maybe."

"Well, thanks for bringing my FlexPad back, um...?" I trail off, expecting the boy to give me his name.

He looks down and sighs. "Sam," he finally says, his tone a little softer than before.

"Thanks, Sam," I say. "I didn't even notice it had gone missing—"

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Sam bolting down the hall away from me.

"Hey!" I call out again. "Where are you going?!"

As Sam disappears around the corner, I contemplate the bizarre encounter that just took place. Just who is this guy? And what's his problem?

"Was that a friend from school?" Dad asks as I reenter the apartment.

"Honestly?" I chuckle in disbelief. "I have no idea."

[echantedtoon]

Love Is Blind Ch5 It's Not Easy To Fall In Love

(These next few chapters spans over several weeks/months as I don't plan on making this story too long.)

An agreement like this one was not an easy thing to decide on.

Even as you pulled out folded clothes to place into the closet of your temporary home for the rest of the year. You supposed you should've felt excited or even honored to have a big opportunity. After all anyone else in their right mind would see this as nothing but beneficial to them. A chance to court their soulmate. The opportunity to work for a highly rich family and a chance to live in a beautiful area. Being paid so well. There really wasn't any real downsides to this but you still couldn't help but let your stomach twist in nervous knots. 

You still weren't sure if you really wanted this. Wanted Kagaya. You already said you didn't want it but then...Why were you here? Was it out of curiosity? Did you want to actually get to know Kagaya? Was it because of the promised pay? You had no idea at this point but it was only until the rest of this year. It wouldn't really put a hinder on your plans too much and you could earn a decent coin for your work. You just had to wing it and wait it out. Your first day here was uneventful. You just unpacked and a female servant showed you around the mansion before leading you back to your room to allow you to settle in for the day. You tried to mentally make a map of the entire place but it wasn't easy and you were sure you didn't get it down.  However you were surprised when you had gotten a knock on your door and you answered it to a woman a few inches smaller than you. 

"Um.." You blinked  at her. "Hello?"

"You must be the new healer here." Her voice was blunt but surprisingly polite as she offered you a smile. 

"I'm sorry. Who are you?"

You took a moment to look her over. She was a few inches Smaller than you about the size of a teenager although her demeanor obviously shown she was a grown woman. Her mostly black hair was pinned up by a strange hair clip shaped like a butterfly and ..Now that you thought about it. Her entire attire looked strangely similar to a butterfly including the very pretty haori coat over her shoulders. Otherwise the rest of her uniform was entirely black. You definitely didn't see her when being shown around.

"Shinobu." Her voice answered bluntly making you jump out of your stupor. Purple eyes blinked at you. "I've heard all about you from Oyakata-sama. You seem to have already made quite an impression on him."

You blinked yet again not entirely sure how to take this. "Oh..Thank you?" Her face did not change from that blunt smile. "It's um...Nice to meet you." You gave a quick bow of politeness. "I don't think I've seen you around here. Are you one of the maids?"

"I'm a doctor from town,"her blunt voice spoke again. "My sisters and I run a clinic. You share the practice yes?"

"No, I don't. That's a widely known misconception." Her head tilted at you as you held up a hand. "As an herbalist I know which plants are poisonous or which ones can cure fevers or even be made into tea, but I'm not even close to a doctor. I have literally no idea how to perform surgeries or stitch up wounds or diagnose a lot of things properly. A lot of people mix me up for a doctor all the time, but I won't lie and pretend to know medicine on your level."

Shinobu's tilted head stared at you silently and you got a shiver like she was calculating your whole being in her head before her smile got just slightly bigger. "You know your skill limit. I like that."

Again you weren't sure how to take that. Only giving a confused, "Thank you?" Deciding to change the subject you turned it back to her. "So what brings a doctor to my door? I don't think I'm ill."

"I'm here to run you through Oyakata-sama's routine. If you'll be taking care of him then you should at least know what to do."

Ah right. You'd forgotten about a big part of the agreement was to literally take care of the man you'd might be marrying. With a soft sigh you nodded. "Sure. I might as well get used to it if I'm going to be staying here."

Her eyes blinked. "You don't sound very enthusiastic."

"I guess I'm just nervous about this whole thing. I mean I'm entirely new to this process."

"Understandable but you'll be used to it in no time. Come. The Master's waiting for you."

You supposed you had no choice but to follow Shinobu back down through the halls and listen to her listing off the important parts of taking care of him.

"You won't have to be there as he baths or changes because that's already taken cared of early in the morning by someone else. However you need to make sure he eats enough and gets plenty of water. Nutrition and fluids are important for his own condition. Don't let him overexert himself. He needs lots of rest and sometimes he doesn't have enough energy for the things he forces himself to do. Do NOT let him stay up to ungodly hours of the night working-"

You were starting to get more and more anxious as Shinobu went and on and on. There was so much that it sounded like you were taking care of a whole room of people instead of just one person.

"He gets cold easily especially during the winter months so make sure to have extra blankets on hand when he needs it. The coughing is normal and you shouldn't worry about that too much but do be there in case he collapses from losing his breath."

"Collapses?!"

"Yes! But don't worry. He'll only need a few minutes to catch his breath again. What you should worry about is when he gets fevers! I'll leave you some fever medication. Make sure he takes it. He also needs his regular vitamins everyday. Just make sure he takes two of those with some water or tea. Oh! But I should warn you despite his condition he's incredibly stubborn and can talk you into letting him take on more work. Under no circumstances are you to let him take on anything more than he can handle no matter how convincing he might be."

"....Is..there anything else I should know about?"

"Oh yes! His eyes and the area around them are sensitive. Smoke can irritate them greatly so if you light any incense make sure to keep it far away and open a window...I also don't think I need to point it out to you but he obviously can't see. Please don't let him trip and fall."

With each word you felt more and more anxious and nervous about the entire situation. Kagaya sounded...very high maintenance and while that wasn't really his fault or necessarily a deal breaker, it was honestly a lot to take in especially on only your third day here. 

"Don't worry too much. My sister and I stop by once a month to do a full check up on him, so if there's anything you didn't remember we'll be sure to spot it!"

You supposed that was her was of trying to be reassuring but it only had you guys sinking lower and heavier. As if a sinking rock was inside you. Eventually you both had stopped in front of a door and before you knew it Shinobu was already opening it and walking inside with you timidly right behind her but paused when you saw who was already sitting there waiting on the both of you. Kind blind eyes stared in your direction from a cozy futon as Kagaya offered a comforting smile at you.

"Shinobu, I was wondering where you wondered off too. It's unlike you to suddenly leave in the middle of a session." His head tilted behind her towards you. "Miss L/n. I'm happy to see you today." How'd he know it was you? His head tilted at a window next. "...The birds are singing outside so it must be a beautiful day. Tell me what color is the sky?"

Your eyes followed his gaze quietly gazing out the window at the sky. "It's a beautiful blue like a bluebell's petals."

"Ah. Excellent then. That's certainly a good omen for a good day." He turned his smile back on you. "I think I want to visit the garden again and enjoy the beautiful sky."

"Are you sure that's a wise choice?" Despite Shinobu's words, a shaking hand of his was already removing the blanket off of himself. "You were coughing a lot yesterday."

"I feel much better after resting, and fresh air will do me good. You know I dislike sitting in my room all day when I can help it."

"Hm." She hummed watching him already slowly struggling to his knees. "Alright then. If you're sure you won't overexert yourself-"

She blinked as a figure quickly moved around her and before she even blink. Kagaya tilted his head upwards and a moment later soft hands gripped his arm. Shinobu watched silently as she wordlessly knelt down to throw one of the man's arms around her shoulders. Your arms then hugging him around his torso and bracing himself against her body. Practically hugging him she heaved him up to stand up on his own two feet. Both seemed surprised by her actions especially when she grabbed the arm still around her shoulders and looked at him. 

"You alright, Mr. Ubuyashiki?"

His surprised face regarded her words before his melted into a smile. "Yes. I'm feeling better than before. But please don't be so formal with me. Just Kagaya is fine, Miss L/n."

Big shiny f/c eyes blinked up at him. "Well...Then I guess you don't have to be formal either. Y/n is fine with me too. Do you want to go to your garden?"

"Yes. The day is surely too beautiful to be wasted by staying inside. There is a special place in the garden where I like to be by myself."

"Are you talking about the place you were sitting where we first met?" He nodded. "Then I'll take you there." 

Her hands moved him two steps forward before she suddenly stopped making him jostle to a stop and turn his head to her again in question. "You stopped walking all of a sudden. Is there something wrong?"

...Her eyes looked at him once again. "What do you usually do when you're outside by yourself?"

The question was certainly a surprise but not an uncommon one as he smiled. "I listen. To the soft breeze, my lovely pets, and anything more nature decides to gift me that day."

"What about a book? Do you want me to read to you?" Again a look of surprise passed over his features at the offer. "The garden is right near the library if I remember correctly. I can get you a book and we can read it together if you want."

There was a moment of silence that passed on between them both for a long moment. The surprise of the other woman was also present as she couldn't help but stare in shock at the couple in front of her. Gently without a word, she tugged the surprised man into walking again. 

"Have you eaten yet? It's still very early in the morning."

"..No. I have not."

"Then I'll get you something to eat too. You're going to need to eat something for strength. I'll get you some ohagi. It's perfect for a spring day. Is that ok?"

...A smile graced his features and he nodded. "Yes. I'm very fond of the idea."

Shinobu watched wide eyed as the two slowly just walked past her and into the hallway. Nearly bumping into Sanemi walking down the hall stuffing his face with many ohagies but paused mid chew staring wide eyed as the two slowly made their way out of the room and down the hall. The woman wished him a hello but otherwise continued walking past him and down the hall. A moment later Shinobu poked her own head out of the room to watch with him before they disappeared around the corner.

".... Did you just see what the hell I saw?" He almost immediately turned to the smaller woman next to him and Shinobu hesitantly nodded. "What the hell was that?"

"I'm not too sure... That's the same girl who was brought here a few weeks ago. She just helped him stand up on her own accord and offered to take him to the garden."

"Eh?... That's nice of her I guess." He went to eat another ohagi in his hands.

"She also offered to bring him food and read to him."

He paused in a comical position of about to eat..but slowly lowered the food and stared blankly at Shinobu. "She did what? Why?"

"...She went through the trouble of saving a butterfly I was told."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"It has everything to prove about her."

"You're making no sense as usual."

"And that's why I'm the more intelligent one out of both of us."

"WATCH YOUR DAM MOUTH!!"

One month passed. The routine you set yourself in was hard to follow but at least it wasn't as difficult as math. Get up in the morning and go to Kagaya. By the time you got there he was usually already dressed and given food by help of a male servant or his grandfather. Mr. Kotoya was always very pleased to see you there and on a few times referred to you as Kagaya's 'wife' but it always made you uncomfortable not that your unease seemed to matter to the old man. Sometimes you would help Kagaya around and sometimes you found him handling important paperwork related to his businesses  to which his grandfather would have to read out loud to him in order for Kagaya to make a decision on them leaving you awkwardly to sit on the sidelines and listen to them conducting business for hours on end on things you absolutely did not understand. Other times Kagaya would be too weak to get up leaving you to also awkwardly sit next to his bed and either talk to him or read him stories which...was the only things you could really do.

He asked about your interest in herbalism and your studies and your family. You happily answered since ..Well this was all just a part of the deal right? The whole reason you agreed to this was to get to know each other better. And you did find out a lot about him. Aside from his grandfather the only family he had was a distant cousin. His favorite animal was the pet crows he kept in the garden which ironically he also used to deliver messages. His family had been heavily influenced and involved in the nearby town for at least ninety five generations. His favorite author was a man named Kyogai and the Library was full of his books. And quite a few other things.

But by the middle of the second month the repetitive and slightly tiring pattern was starting to make you a bit anxious doing nothing but care for him essentially and a lot of the time awkwardly sit in one place or room listening to him talk and cough and helping him around. ....This did not feel like courting at all. It was more of you taking care of him. 

"Do you maybe want to go somewhere today?", you asked him one day.

Shinobu had just left after checking him over for that month as promised and seemed very satisfied with how Kagaya was. Letting you know before she left how happy she was. "He's doing perfectly fine. You're doing great taking care of him. Keep up the good work but if I can make a suggestion. Add some more fruits and vegetables to his daily diet."

Right...You were doing a good job caring for him. That's what you were being paid to do and a part of the deal. It was what you agreed to but...

"The forest is so pretty with all the wysteria trees!" You gushed clasping your hands together. "We can go on a walk or have a picnic or both! We can also pick wild flowers to decorate your vase in the corner! We might even see some pretty wild animals-"  You paused taking a moment to glance back to his white eyes. "Oh...I guess maybe not that last one but you can listen to the birds singing!"

Despite his face crinkled up in a smile he slowly shook his head no where he laid making you slowly lose your smile. "I would love nothing more than to do so with you. Unfortunately I am not feeling well enough to go anywhere too far today. I am truly sorry."

"Oh." Despite him being blind you forced a smile back onto your face pushing the disappointed feelings in your chest. "No. Don't apologize about it. It's alright. We can go a different day...We can do something else! How about a game of shogi?"

"That would be more able but I am afraid I'd be a terrible person to play against. I would not be able to properly see the pieces to move them."

"Oh. Right." The smile fully went away as you looked down. ".... Would you like to finish the book we started? We're almost done with it anyways."

He smiled wider from his place on the bed- Before suddenly turning his head away to cough into his shoulder again. You offered him some polite comfort by patting his other arm until he was able to catch his breath again and nod to you.

"I would like that very much."

You again forced a smile despite him still being blind before reaching out to a thick book that was left near you. Fantastic Fairytales and Fables is what the book was called and you flipped through until you stopped where you both last left off. A new tale called The Spirit Of Fate. 

Down in the world unknown there laid a kingdom drab and dark. Where darkness and shadows collided and lived in fear and power. One would be mad to even think about stepping in a place like this. Where the dead are gone but still there, the shadows played and roamed and full of terror. A frightful place brace heros dare not venture unless they wish to meet a tragic fate. Yes. This one place was alone ruled by a power hungry spirit, spited by his love in life and now seeks vengeance on any mortal who dared be foolish enough to be beckoned into his awaiting claws.

The creature of vengeance was known as one of promises and dealings. Whether If one were to want something most dear to their heart and was determined and pure, or if their heart was filled with greed, envy, and lust he would grant your reply if you were brave or stupid enough to find him. It was when one day a child from a nearby village heard of this rumor that they were excited to find out if it was true or not. Against their parents and everyone else's wishes and warnings, the small child had snuck out to venture into the forbidden dark woods. The brambles scraped and left cuts on their body, the creatures chased after and threatened to eat them if they didn't turn back now, for darker and more sinister things slept in these woods, but bravely the child went on. On and on on their journey to really see this sinister ghost who granted wishes and promises that the mortal eye would repulse to believe. Until the sinister avenger had been found and the massive shadow beckoned the child closer with a boney rigged hand.

"You have traveled far and withstood the tests my forces forwarded. For that you have earned the right to one miracle granted to you. But a warning you have also earned. Be warned, with a pure and honest heart comes great rewards. With a heart who bleeds nothing but black with greed and jealousy, a foul end you shall meet. Think about the consequences greatly, for the repercussions shall be swift and tight. Think well, dear child."

The small child dared to smile at the creature and simply reply, "I have no need for any treasures or anything of preciousness near me. I solely only wished for to see myself if the avenger of shadows was a true sight. And now that I have seen you for what a true being you are, I will simply be leaving satisfied my wish was fulfilled."

The answer of the child amused the ancient spirit and he chuckled his hollow laugh at the very notion of it all.

"Wise answer to an otherwise difficult mortal choice. For that you shall still be granted a prize for your efforts. Name one and answer wisely."

The small child as said had no need for such items like treasure and fortune, but they knew that the child's hard working mother were in need of some fortune in her life. So with a kind heart, the child looked to the spirit and asked for their miracle. "My mother works oh so hard to take care of me. It would be so nice for her to have just a little more luck on her side. Oh spirit, let me repay her for all her kindness she has shown me."

"Your wish shall be granted. A selfless act is always it's own reward, but be wary of those who wish to use those fortunes to their own will."

The child was permitted a safe leave back to their home and as promised their selfless act of kindness was granted by the spirit of shadows. The child and their mother mysteriously found an old box in their pantry one day that they had never known of before and upon opening it discovered many, many priceless jewels. The likes of which they had never seen before. With this new found fortune, the mother and child were able to gain a plentiful farm with all the necessities they needed to have a plentiful life. Farther down in the years the mother even remarried one of the strongest most handsome men in the small village. But this man was nothing but green with want, and treated the mother and her child terribly.

He was lazy, rude, and had a heart full of greed. Seeping of those who had better and helping him in life. But one fateful day everything changed. For one day he asked the child's mother a question.

"My dear wife. You know I love you dearly, but I must ask you. Where did you receive such wealth and fortune."

"Why, from a old wooden box in the pantry," she replied happily, "And inside the little wooden chest was gems and riches beyond our wildest dreams."

"Yes, yes! But where did it come from?"

"I know not how it got there or where it came from, but my child and I are oh so happy to have received such a delightful fortune. How we may live happily for a long while."

Her husband was displeased with such an answer and once again asked but this time to the child. The child happily told the man his venture into the woods and his encounter with the spirit of shadows, filling the man's heart with more greed. That very night when the family slept, the man snuck out and made his own way into the deep woods of shadows and fears. Brambles cut his clothing, he cursed those who dare chase him and snap at his hinds as he ran, but the greed and lust in his heart was strong. So strong he persisted his heart green with envy. Alas finally he arrived and looking as though some creature had mangled him with their claws. The spirit was beckoning him closer with a bony rigged hand and spoke.

"Oh one who's heart is sewn with greed and plight. You have sought me through danger and fright. Your actions of greed are inexcusable but like many before you have made it through the path of darkness. For that you have earned the right to one miracle, but also a warning. Be warned, with a pure and honest heart comes great rewards. With a heart who bleeds nothing but black with greed and jealousy, a foul end you shall meet. Think about the consequences greatly, for the repercussions shall be swift and tight. Oh one who comes to me with a black heart for his own wishes. I offer this to you so you may choose your wish wisely."

The man paid no attention to the wise words of the ghost nor did he think about any real consequences for his actions as he spoke what he oh so desired.

"Give me more riches than any man shall have!! Make my fortune one who will make me a fortunate man!! A bright castle and beautiful jewels is what I seek and most desire!!"

"A answer I foresaw and one your shall have for not heeding my warnings. Oh man of greed and selfishness, you shall indeed have your wish awaiting you home. But do not be surprised when your unfortunate fate you shall unevitably meet. Now be gone creature of greed. My domain is not fit for one of you."

The man left for his home and once his got there his had his miracle in the form of the purest black horse with a magnificent couch of ebony, inside the couch was boxes and jewels of every imagining. The man cared not for his wife or the young child that he had left behind, away in this marvelous new couch he received and off that horrid man went into the night with his shouts of greedy glee and pleasure as his family long forgotten. The mother and child awoken to no greedy man plaguing their lives and while the mother was quite saddened, she still had the child to watch after. As luck and fortune does benefit those with kind hearts, another man the mother sought and a kinder gentler man she got. With as much kindness to her and her child this man gave to combat the sorrows left behind by the other greed filled one. One day a message they did receive, about a much bigger estate of land and riches. The greedy man who had once left them behind without a second thought, was now no more as the spirits warnings he did not heed. As fate had decided he would be no more, a swift and tight end he did get. Leaving everything he valued behind of jewels and gold, to no man but a woman he did not care for. His wife and next of kin did receive, fame and fortune for kindness indeed. With kindness in their hearts the family did grow, and with it came all luck and fortune soon to glow.

For those with kind hearts and bright minds, often find themselves on the favorite end of fate's hands.

Month two had passed. Month three much the same as the first two with very little changes. Month four looked also to be no  different than the first three other than being hotter as spring transitioned into her sister summer.

"Spring is a season that radiates warmth, new beginnings, and positive energy. It denotes a calm and peaceful atmosphere with a clear blue sky. The days are radiant, lovely, and peaceful with a golden sun. When the land wakes up it becomes a good mother to all, delivering food and giving life to the darkness."

Kagaya sat beside you on the bench. A tranquil look on his gentle features as a gentle hand held up the shining ebony feathers of a crow. The elegant bird cooed and ruffled it's feathers happily as his other hand gently stroked it's head. You sat just beside him focusing your energy into the current poem you were reading out loud to him.

"The days of long cold winters sleep has risen to make way to other corners of the lands for his sisters Spring and Summer to come take his place, and embrace us all in the treasures they bring. The strength. Mental, physical, emotional, and raw. Strength keeps you going when you feel you can go on no more. If you're wondering if you're strong, the answer is always yes. Don't underestimate the silent strength that you don't even know you possess."

"That's a very truthful poem." He brought the crow a little closer to him as he turned his head back to you. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Hm?" You looked at him blinking as his previously smiling face turned to one of slight concern. 

"Are you alright, Y/n?," he inquired, "I've noticed you've been a bit down for a while now. Have you been exhausting yourself?"

"I-..What?"

"I understand that having to be constantly caring for me must be overwhelming and after a while it would take a toll on anyone." You froze in shock at his words. "Perhaps you should take a break for a while. Let yourself take a rest before you continue on."

"Oh. N-No it's alright." You again forced yourself to smile. "I did agree to help take care of you as a part of this arrangement. Besides it's not taking care of you that's been on my mind."

"So something has been on your mind lately." You paused mouth wide open and you wanted to snack yourself. "Would you mind telling me what's bothering you?"

There was a silence as the both of you sat there. Nothing but the stream through the garden gurgling and the crow giving her owner confused little noises as to why he stopped petting her. ... Eventually you only silently looked down before sighing through your nose and closing the book before standing up.

"It's very warm out here." The book was slowly placed down before you just turned. "I'm going to get you some water. Wait here for me."

Kagaya didn't say anything but his brows furrowed in worry and his head followed the sounds of your footsteps as you walked away from him and back into the mansion. Caring for Kagaya wasn't what was weighing on you. You knew what you agreed to when agreeing to this deal. Even if it was tiring, repetitive, and not easy you can manage. After all you helped to plow your parents' fields and do other labor at home. You weren't shy to hard work. It was the ever growing realization of Kagaya's life that had you starting to question everything. 

It was clear as you fell into routine that this was Kagaya's life long before you came here and it would be even after you leave. Constant care. Which you were already feeling anxiety over. If you were married to him would this be your new every day life?  Most likely. And this wasn't what you had planned for yourself at all. But it wasn't just that. 

Mostly it was just why.

Why?

Why weren't you feeling anything? Yes. Kagaya was handsome you supposed in his own way, and on the surface he checked the boxes of everything you prayed to the gods for. He WAS kind. He WAS caring. He WAS responsible and caring and patient and so much more. So...Why didn't it feel like you were attracted to him? At least on a crush level. You're heart had been excited before you first met him face to face and was smacked by everything at once. You had tried hard to try and feel anything! Literally just once! Just one small sign. Your heart fluttering. Your face blushing. That happy feeling you're supposed to get whenever you get flustered. Any urges to hug him or kiss him or at the very least hold his hand. But you felt..

Nothing.

At most all you managed to muster up was admiration for him being able to do so much despite his conditions but other than that nothing. Admiration wasn't live. Admiration didn't mean love. You could admire someone. Anyone. But that didn't mean you loved them in the least. If anything he seemed more of a friend than anything else if you could even call him that. Weren't you supposed to be falling for him? He was your soulmate wasn't he? So why?

Why would the gods assign him as your soulmate if you weren't feeling even a little attraction towards him? Was it possible that they made a mistake? Was it possible that they assigned Kagaya to you with only your surface qualities and your profession in mind? You could see how they might've thought it was the perfect match but.... It's like they didn't even take your other wants into account! You couldn't help but feel disappointed every time you suggested something only for him to politely decline or be unable to do so because of his conditions. You felt disappointed every time it happened! You knew you shouldn't since Kagaya couldn't help it..but it was hard to ignore the obvious lack of attraction you were feeling towards him. 

No one else was helping either. They all complimented you on how well you were taking care of him but was that all they could compliment you on? Was that all there was to say about you? You sighed rubbing your temples. This wasn't getting you anywhere. Your scrambled thoughts would only get you worked up- ?! You blinked bumping fully into someone's back.

"Oh! S-Sorry!" You immediately backpedaled and looked up at the man you bumped into. "I didn't see you there."

A head of wavy black hair and piercing red eyes turned to you. The taller man wore a half scowl half confused face as he stared down at you. "Just who are you?"

You blinked taken aback by his strong annoyed demeanor but decided to not make him more angry than he already was. "My name is Y/n." His face went from annoyed to surprised realization as you shuffled around him awkwardly. "A-Anyways I have to go get something for someone. E-Excuse me." You went to go around him but was shocked when he suddenly grabbed you by the hand stopping you from leaving.

"Well then...You must accept my apologies." You looked on in shock as the man smiled at you. But it was a smile that sent shivers down your spine and not in the good way. He effortlessly pulled you back closer by the hand he still held onto. "If I had known who you were sooner I hadn't been so rude."

"U-Um..." You looked between your hand and his piercing red eyes. "I'm sorry. I think you have the wrong person."

"Oh on the contrary." He mumbled making a point to lift your hand directly to his face. Your face suddenly lit up a pink as he stared half lidded at you. "I do know and may I say you're a very radiant woman.~"

Your eyes went wide as he brought your hand to his mo- You jumped as a third hand quickly slapped down over the first two. You jumped and both of you looked up at a strained smile and white orbs. 

"I'm sorry. I thought we were taking turns. I suppose I win as my hand's on top."

You blinked. "....Kagaya?"

The blind man continued his closed eyed strained smile as he directed it at the first man. "I didn't know you were coming. If I had known I would've prepared you a room by the garden. The compost smell is strong but I think the view matches you perfectly." With surprising strength he pulled your hand out of the stranger's grip in one go.

The man strained on his own face and leaned back up. "Kagaya. Considerate as always." Kagaya's smile twitched. "How did you know I was here? I didn't know you saw me. I would've said hello."

"Oh it was easy. I suddenly had the nauseam feeling that I usually get right before I vomit, so I just knew you were somewhere close by."

Your eyes glanced silently back and forth between the two of the men as they took obvious jabs at one another with strained smiles. "Um...I think I'm missing something. Do you two know each other?"

"Oh. Of course. You both hadn't met yet." Kagaya spoke with another twitch to his brow. "Y/n, this man is none other than Muzan Kibutsuji...My cousin."

"Oh no need to be so formal, Kagaya."

"One of us has to be. That's actually a very nice coat you're wearing."

"Oh. You would know as you can OBVIOUSLY see the well craftsmanship," this 'Muzan' took another jab at his blindness.

"Oh yes. You spoil Rei so much. Do they come in men's sizes? Maybe then you wouldn't have to borrow her coat all the time."

Muzan inhaled deeply straining his smile more but looking as if he'd snap any moment.

"Now you both cut that nonsense out." All three of you turned around and found none other than Mr. Kotoya there frowning. "You both are acting like immature children. Muzan, you know you're supposed to send us a notice before you visit."

Muzan immediately turned his smile onto him. "Well I guess Kagaya just didn't read it."

"Well then next time send it to me! *Sigh* But while you're here, you might as well join us for lunch. Just stop acting like a brat!"

"Who? M-"

"Yes. YOU, Muzan. I'm too old for your childish tantrums."

[dizzzydancin]

Step On Me- A John Dory-centric Fanfic

Life isn't always easy having to care for your younger siblings; John Dory can attest to that.

(to be frank I never post on tumblr and never had a tumblr account before this, so i hope someone enjoys this :3 you can also read this on Ao3 if you prefer)

Are You Satisfied? - Chapter 1

Don't want to be a fool for you

Just another player in your game for two

You may hate me but it ain't no lie

Baby bye bye bye

A heavy hand reaches out from under the several blankets stacked upon one another, searching the nightstand for a yellow and pink, fuzzy, little bug that blares pop music at an ungodly loud volume at eight A.M. every morning. Once the hand feels his hand brush up against the fuzzy little bug, he boops its little nose, making it close its mouth and go quiet.

Yanking one of the blankets from over his face, John Dory (the oldest brother of five at age 25) rolls out of bed and slides his feet into the pink bunny slippers that he received as a joke gift for Christmas the year prior, but saw no reason to throw out perfectly good slippers, so he ultimately kept them.

With a loud yawn and a stretch that caused several pops to sound from his aching joints. Despite only being 25, John felt as if he woke up 80 years old today. Taking care of your younger siblings can do a number on you, believe it or not.

The pod is eerily quiet. It almost makes John feel uneasy; he's so used to the loud and chaotic nature of living with his siblings that the pod feels odd with his brothers all fast asleep in their rooms.

The pod itself wasn't very big in retrospect. Since he was the oldest, John got his own room. The next brothers in line, those being Bruce and Clay, shared a decently sized room just down the hall from John's room. Of course, the youngest two, Floyd and Branch, shared a room as well, but it was quite a bit smaller. It could probably pass off as a closet, and the two boys shared a bunk bed so that there would be no floor space at all.

It's not like John chose to live in such a place. The only reason he's still here is because it was his grandma's old pod before the incident. Though, back then his grandma didn't exactly know she was going to have to raise her daughter’s kids by herself.

That's all in the past though. Every adult figure John had ever looked up to in his life was gone now, and he had to strap in to take care of his siblings who were teenagers now.

Putting all those thoughts aside, JD makes his way into the pod’s kitchen to start throwing together breakfast for his brothers who need to be up by 8:30. They're on a strict schedule and John does his best to not break that schedule for the sake of Clay, who needs that structure in his life. It doesn't bother John most of the time, he just gets so tired of having to get up early in the morning.

With the clock constantly ticking away, JD finally starts getting to work making breakfast.

John pops two pieces of bread into the toaster at a time, and while that's toasting, he gets to work scrambling eggs. Breakfast doesn't take very long at all, it usually never does, and soon enough he's got a plate of warm scrambled eggs sitting on the counter, and a stack of toast on a napkin sitting right beside it.

He peers out from around the kitchen wall and shouts to his still-sleeping brothers.

“Munchkins, let's go! Come get it now or you'll miss it!”

Almost immediately he hears shuffling coming from inside the bedrooms, and as per usual, Clay is the first one to leave his shared room and come into the kitchen. The poor kid is rubbing their eyes and has some serious bedhead going on, but his hair usually looks like that.

“Morning, bro. Looks like you slept well!” John laughs, which earns a deadpan look from Clay.

“Sure, if I didn't have to listen to Bruce’s obnoxious snoring. I swear I saw the lamp shaking!” Clay huffs as he makes his way over to the counter to grab a plate and fill it up for breakfast.

John can't help but laugh some more at their complaining.

The next two to wake up were Bruce and Floyd if the yelling of, “damnit, Floyd!" and some banging on a door was anything to go by.

When John peaks around the corner, he sees Bruce hit the door one more time before groaning and dragging his feet into the kitchen.

“What's got your hair in a knot?" John teases, only to get a nasty look from Bruce. Man, those are popular today.

“Floyd ran into the bathroom before I could. He's going to be in there for like 20 minutes!" Bruce complains, only to get a, "No I'm not!” from Floyd behind the closed bathroom door.

Bruce rolls his eyes as he walks over to the cooler and grabs a jar full of strawberry jam for his toast.

The last one to pull themselves out of bed was Branch, who was wearing his boyfriend's hoodie and yawning so loud the neighbors could probably hear him. He walks straight past all of his brothers and straight to the scrambled eggs, where he helps himself to a sizable portion before taking a seat at the table and digging in.

“Well good morning to you too, sleepyhead.” John jokes, ruffling Branch’s hair which only earns him a sigh through the nose in response. Finally, one of his brothers doesn't give him sass so early in the morning!

While the rest of his brothers are making their plates and sitting down to eat, John manages to snag a piece of toast for himself and bites into it with a satisfying crunch. He usually lets his brothers get their tummies full before he eats anything at all, but most of the time he can get a little breakfast in for himself and not have to worry about leftovers.

Once everyone is sat at the table, besides Floyd, of course, JD slides in his chair and watches everyone enjoy their breakfast for a moment, feeling accomplished as their caretaker. That doesn't last long, however, because he needs to check in on everyone.

John clears his throat to get everyone's attention. “Alright, boys. What are the plans for today?"

As if on cue, Floyd walks into the kitchen in a white robe, a green face mask covering most of his face. It makes everyone stare, and Floyd throws his hands up in defense.

"I got hungry! This face mask is taking forever to dry.” He complains as he grabs two pieces of toast, slathering both of them in butter and peach jelly.

“You look like you're covered in slime." Branch comments.

“Yeah? At least I'll have glowing skin by the time I'm 40!" Floyd argues.

“Okay, okay! I asked a question, I'd appreciate it if everyone answered me." John interrupts.

"Sure, nosey.” Bruce scoffs, making Clay snort beside him.

“Ha ha, very funny." John laughs sarcastically, “I'm being serious though."

“Sounds stalkerish." Bruce rolls his eyes. “Just going out with some friends, that's all. Got invited to play Squish Ball, so I'll be out late.”

John takes note of that. Clay is the next to speak up.

"I'm going with Viva to the library. They just got a new shipment of classics and I wanna check them out.” Clay puts his plate in the sink, before heading off back to his room to get dressed.

“Don't stay out too late, and tell Viva I said hi!" John shouts back. “What about you, Branch? Going to see your boyfriend?" John teases, dragging out the ‘y’, only to get a piece of toast chucked at his head.

"Yeah, and what of it?” Branch sasses before standing up.

"Nothing!” JD laughs. "Stay safe, okay?”

Branch only rolls his eyes in response. That only leaves Floyd, who's quietly eating his toast behind the counter.

As an asshole older brother, John Dory walks over and pokes Floyd in the side as he walks past, starting to put what was left of breakfast on a plate for himself.

“Don't do that!" Floyd laughs, folding in on himself and holding his side.

JD watches as the now-dried face mask cracks a little on Floyd's face, but doesn't mention it to him. “Got anything going on today?"

Floyd's face drops almost immediately, and it worries John. “No, not today." Floyd just shrugs, immediately losing his appetite and sliding his plate over so John can have what's left of his toast.

Before John can ask what's up with him, Floyd slams the bathroom door shut, going back to his skincare routine and leaving JD looking for answers.

“Damnit." He grumbles, looking over at his nearly empty plate and Floyd's half-piece of peach jelly toast.

There's no use in letting it go to waste, he supposes.

One by one, his brothers leave off to their respective plans for the day. He almost doesn't even get a bye in response, having to remind both Clay and Bruce to say it before they leave.

The only one that doesn't leave is Floyd, who curls up on the top bunk of the bed and strums quietly at his guitar.

John is left alone, mostly by himself, with the quiet strumming of muffled guitar from across the house, and his head full of questions.

[infamoussparks]

Chapter 1: Sparklers & Secrets

Approx. 5,300 words; 35 minute read.

Someone below started clapping and another group of students started laughing loudly. The three heroes peered over the ledge in half supervision and half pure glee in the moment. This was so much better, so much bigger, than they could have ever hoped for. It meant so much to all of them.

“Two whole damn years. Can you believe it?” Hazel eyes scan the grounds as the sun casually dipped below the horizon in the distance. Fetch was seated on the top of the concrete border that ran along the rooftop of the warehouse. A half-full bottle of beer was beside her on the ledge and her boots gently tapped against the wall as they dangled over the edge. The soft, warm breeze of the final summer evening played with her hair, toying with her fringe as it fell over her eyes. She was focused on the people below who were laughing and enjoying the summer air as they played and chatted with one another. 

Delsin sat beside Fetch, facing away from the commotion below and gave her a soft smile. He took a long sip of his beer and softly chuckled in response, “Two years… how the hell did that happen so quickly?” 

He brought his free hand to his head and adjusted his beanie in place. It was a staple of his wardrobe despite the warmer air and made him easily identifiable to the group gathered below. The school had done well, pulling in people from all over with powers looking for protection and guidance. Fetch knew that Delsin wasn’t sure he was the best at either of these things on his own, but with Eugene and herself by his side the three “Heroes of Seattle” had somehow managed to provide all that and more. It didn’t get better than this.

Eugene opted not to sit so close to danger and instead was seated in a fabric camping chair that was set up on the roof. He dragged it close to his friends and put himself in charge of beer counting to make sure no one had too many and ended up with several regrets come morning.

“It’s been a great two years, though. This feels like a new beginning.” Eugene raised his bottle and nodded toward Delsin who nodded in agreement. Eugene had really come out of his shell with the school under his belt and he was sitting there in a casual gaming t-shirt, no longer hiding within an oversized hoodie. Fetch figured his confidence shift happened due to how good it felt to be looked up to by everyone here.

The school went unnamed, but it was theirs. The outside was painted with murals of powers and people long since gone but never forgotten. Spray paint and neon intertwined throughout the outside and inside of the main building, adding a personal touch and a reminder that conduits were just normal people with extra abilities. It helped to really keep the students and members of the school at ease and feeling as though they were a part of something amazing, safe and welcomed to be themselves at every turn. It was the small things that mattered most, it seemed.

And those students were so amazing. Ages ranged from teens to adults. It was a very diverse collection of people all pulled together because they had abilities and needed help with accepting them, or using them, or simply needed a place to crash after feeling unsafe for just existing as they were. Some of them didn’t even want anything to do with their powers, but being here was important to them in other ways and so, they stayed. 

Everyone who stayed at the school had a small, dorm-sized room to themselves. The rooms were narrow but not claustrophobic and they were all wiped down to a neutral slate in between students. They included a desk, chair, bed and a decently sized closet, with enough room for a small couch or a few beanbags if the students decided to purchase extra furniture. Students could do anything they wanted to the room–rearrange the furniture, paint the walls, plaster them in posters, hang their powers on display–anything goes. The only rule was no demolition. The rooms were a reflection of the people who lived within and it was always a fun way to get to know someone by simply visiting their domain. Common restrooms and bathing rooms were found within each hall of dorm rooms.

The hallways were named after things that mattered most to Delsin, Fetch and Eugene. They had a wing all to themselves upstairs and tucked away from the main lobby, each with their own room and private bathrooms. They also had a shared space on the second floor that was a meeting room to discuss any upcoming classes or issues with students in private. Occasionally things came up, but mostly the school was a positive and fun place to attend.

As for classes, Fetch mostly taught combat–how to wield and defend yourself with your abilities; Eugene taught technical advancements–how to think beyond your powers and use your environment for a more tactical experience; and Delsin taught acceptance–how to love your powers without getting too cocky about it. Between the three, they had a balanced day of classes that focused on what they wished they had learned growing up with abilities instead of having to run, hide, or fight to be understood. They also made sure to include a little of the average core classes (English, Math, Science, History) into their lessons as well, but they could weave that in as needed and it was never the true focus of any class. The school was more a haven and less a high school.

Access to the rooftop was forbidden to the students, but that didn’t stop them from sneaking up there while testing their abilities. Delsin, Fetch and Eugene controlled the rooftop space and used it now as a place to just relax and quietly celebrate their accomplishments. Fetch smiled softly to herself watching the group below her now. Powers were flared now and then, but never in a way that seemed dangerous or alarming. It was a different experience for her to be in a place where powers could be used freely and in such a safe environment. She felt like Brent would be proud of who she had become afterall.

Suddenly, Delsin stood up, “Shit! I almost forgot. I got you both something.” 

Fetch glanced over her shoulder at him and adjusted herself to now be sitting sideways on the ledge, one boot on the roof while the other still dangled off the edge. She nearly knocked her beer off and onto the rooftop, but luckily Eugene grabbed it seconds before disaster. He handed it to her with a lopsided grin. 

“My hero,” Fetch joked as she took the bottle from him and raised it to his before taking a sip and tossing Delsin an expectant glance. “What you got for us, Smokes?”

“I’m glad you asked, Fetch. First, hold these,” and Delsin tossed a flat, narrow box to her. Fetch snagged it from the air easily enough and then placed her beer on the rooftop beside her foot to better examine the box.

“Sparklers?”

“Yeah. Well, I mean, I figured we could light them as a toast to everything we’ve built. Together.”

“I won’t complain about lighting things on fire.” Fetch winked at Delsin while removing two sparklers for herself and passing the box to Eugene. Eugene fished two out for himself and passed the box back to Delsin with an underhand toss. Delsin caught it without seeming to think about it and grabbed two for himself then he placed the box on the gravel of the rooftop.

The three friends brought the tips of the sparklers closer together and Delsin cleared his throat.

“To everything we’ve built, everything we have and whatever the future holds,” With a snap of his fingers simply for flair, embers of smoke summoned and worked their magic to light the six sparklers in a bright flare of light. Eugene grinned like a child and Fetch laughed out loud at the sight, “Most of all, to us.”

“To us!” Eugene and Fetch chimed in. Fetch traced the letters U-S in the air using her sparklers, sparks leaping and dancing on the slight breeze in the growing dark of twilight. Eugene seemed to be inspecting the process of the soft flame swallowing the ignited fuel for the sparklers.

Someone below started clapping and another group of students started laughing loudly. The three heroes peered over the ledge in half supervision and half pure glee in the moment. This was so much better, so much bigger, than they could have ever hoped for. It meant so much to all of them.

“One more thing… hold out your hands.” Delsin reached into his pocket, both sparklers slowly burning down between the fingers of his other hand. Fetch and Eugene exchanged a curious glance before shifting their sparklers into one hand and holding the empty one out as instructed. Delsin found what he was searching for in his pocket and with a grin dropped something into each of his friends’ hands.

“What… is this an emblem?” Eugene was holding the small gift in his fingers, using the light of the sparklers to get a better look. 

Delsin nodded, that grin still plastered on his face, “Yeah, exactly! I thought we should give something to the students to make them feel like more of a part of this wild idea of ours. And it will help us identify them on and off grounds.”

“I’m impressed, Smokes. This is really cool.” Fetch was holding it up and out over drop to the ground below without fear of dropping it. The emblem was a small, silver piece that had a pin back. The back was engraved with three initials and a year–“D, F, E - EST. 2023”--the year the school opened. The front was engraved and embellished with a design that featured a spray-painted star with a smaller star cut from the middle and two wings on either side–one resembled her neon style and one clearly looked like Eugene’s video wings. It was about the size of a half dollar, around 1.2” or 3.05cm, and it was perfect. Eugene and Delsin attached their new emblems to their shirts and Fetch pocketed hers for the time being.

“The sparklers are almost out.” Fetch sighed softly, slowly waving hers through the air. Delsin sat right beside her, his shoulder bumping into her knee playfully.

“Got plenty more where those came from.”

Eugene joined the two on the ledge, but sat so his back was to the drop below. He scooped the box off the ground and handed it to Delsin, “Are we lighting them all tonight?”

“Sure, why not? This is a celebration, after all. Let’s light it up!”

Fetch laughed again and snatched the box from Delsin, “Okay, but I gotta see if I can light ‘em with neon.”

“Maybe I’ll move the fire extinguisher closer.” Eugene chuckled as Delsin groaned and rolled his eyes jokingly. The night was rung in with good beer, bright sparklers and enough contagious laughter to be caught by the students below.

“Paging Doctor Hutch. Doctor Hutch to Maternity.” The loudspeaker announcement echoed in the silence of the small, dark office which had seemed like as good a place as any to get some breathing room at the moment. That didn’t last long.

“If they keep calling me this often no one is getting any results back today,” the words a hushed chuff below Dr. Rosaline Hutchs’ breath. No one else occupied the space with her and she wasn’t exactly upset at being continuously pulled from her research, it was simply the workflow of the day. She pulled back from looking into the electron microscope long enough to blink her green and gold flecked eyes, pull her reading glasses from her hair and made a recording on a chart that lay in her lap. That was all the time she allowed for herself and her work. Then she was standing, placing her clipboard down on her desk, smoothing any wrinkles from her doctor coat and repositioning her glasses so they hung neatly around her neck from a dainty string of pretty beads.

She didn’t need to lock up behind her as every office, lab and most hallways were only accessible with a badge, so once the door latched with a satisfying click Rosaline was off toward the maternity wing of Seattle Children’s Hospital curious to see what type of situation she’d encounter this time.

She didn’t have to wonder for long as upon swiping her badge and entering the quiet, yet busy maternity ward, a young nurse with excellent taste in scrubs (today they were light blue with doodles of puppies and kittens all over them) immediately met her with a bright smile and a clipboard of her own.

Rosaline returned her smile and gave her a quick nod as she stepped away from the main hallway and more toward the wall, not wanting to hold up the flow of people rushing here and there, “Nurse Smith.”

“Doctor Hutch, please. Call me Meg.” Meg Smith was a newer nurse, full of potential and a passion for her job. She was quickly becoming one of Rosaline’s favorite people to work with within the hospital–her energy was infectious and kids of all ages really loved Meg.

“Alright, Meg. What am I walking into?”

Meg checked the clipboard before passing it over to Rosaline, “Super anxious mother, room 301. Newborn is a preemie in NICU and stable.”

“What about the father?” Rosaline had her glasses back on, peering over the chart and flipping the pages to ensure she had a decent glimpse of everything before her. A strand of auburn red hair fell loose from her tight bun and she absently tucked it behind her ear.

“Out of the picture. Or so I assume from what the mom has said.”

A soft tsk fell from Rosaline’s mouth as she gave a slight frown to Meg and removed her glasses, “We should never assume…”

Meg instantly cringed at the disapproving look, pleading her defense in a rush of breath, “I know! I know, but I just overheard some things and I…”

“Smart girl,” Rosaline smiled softly, hoping Meg understood her stance on this matter. Sometimes it was best to follow your instincts instead of the rules. “Thank you.”

Meg immediately brightened again, her smile giving her dimples and she started walking toward the room at a quick pace, “I’ll introduce you.”

“Please. It makes it a lot easier for everyone.” Rosaline followed closely behind Meg as they wove between staff and patients toward their destination. Meg rapped on the door with her knuckles before opening and entering the room. It was a standard hospital room for new moms and contained everything needed for both mother and baby while both were monitored before being sent home. The mother here was sitting up in bed slightly and seemed relieved to see Meg.

“Ms. Rogers, this is Doctor Hutch. She runs our Discovery Department and I know you had a few questions for her. If everything is okay, I’ll leave you both to chat in privacy.” Meg swept through the room, her eyes darting between machines, charts and Ms. Rogers. It looked like a normal conversation, but Rosaline made a mental note of how astute Meg was and noticed that the young nurse was checking all the vitals with a quick glance. It made Rosaline proud knowing that Meg was doing everything right without so much of a fuss nor prompting.

Ms. Rogers adjusted her position on the bed and looked simply exhausted, “Yes, everything is fine. Thank you. Hello, Doctor Hutch.” 

Meg nodded and left the room and after the door latched Rosaline approached the bed with a soft smile.

“Hello, Ms. Rogers. Congratulations on your new baby boy.” Rosaline reached out one hand to shake Ms. Rogers’ hand. This was how it started, how Rosaline worked her magic. Ms. Rogers extended her hand and it was wrapped in a gentle handshake that then turned into a comforting handhold. Rosaline left the handhold relaxed in case Ms. Rogers pulled away, but she had a feeling that wouldn’t happen. Her internal clock started ticking down.

“Thank you, Dr. Hutch. I’m just so…” Ms. Rogers hesitated and took a calming breath, seeming to steel herself.

“It’s okay. I understand. How can I be of assistance?” Five seconds down. Five to go. Rosaline took her own quiet inhale. This was second nature to her now, but meeting new people this way always made her a bit nervous. It wasn’t the people per say, but their stories that brought them to her.

Ms. Rogers blinked back tears. New mothers were always this way–so much was happening to their bodies, their minds, their souls–it was hard to stay neutral after such an emotional experience from giving birth. Bringing a new life into this world was hard no matter what lens you looked at it through. Rosaline gave an encouraging squeeze to Ms. Rogers’ hand and the mother seemed to find her words.

“My son. I need to know if he’s… one of them. I just… I’m so worried. His father may have been one, but I never knew for sure and I… I don’t know what I’ll do if, if he’s…” Ms. Rogers stumbled over her words, but they were out now and Rosaline didn’t flinch nor react beyond a genuine comforting smile. Enough time had passed and she saw what she needed from this worried mother. Rosaline patted her hand and let go.

“My testing isn’t covered by insurance but I can perform the test immediately if you consent. I’ll take a small sample of blood–no more than a pinprick–from your son’s large toe and then I can have results for you within a few hours. I’m a tad backed up in my lab, I’m afraid.”

“Yes! I mean, please. I’ll pay out of pocket, I just.. I have to know.”

“I’ll have Meg bring you the forms to sign and then I’ll collect the sample. I’ll be as quick and painless as possible.”

“Thank you. I’ll wait for the results.”

Rosaline nodded and said her goodbyes then left the room, signaling to Meg who was already headed over with her clipboard and paperwork, “Thanks, Meg. I’ll wait for the official signature.”

Meg disappeared into room 301 and Rosaline leaned against the wall around the corner from the room, replaying the conversation in her mind. Ms. Rogers was so frightened for her son to be “one of them”, to be a conduit. It broke her heart. This child who was fresh to the world was already being judged and having decisions made based on something he had no control over, based on genes that may never activate in his life. Regardless of whether or not the absent father truly was a conduit, it was clear only to Rosaline that Ms. Rogers was not one. The aura she saw after ten seconds of skin contact was white, and after years of fine tuning her ability she knew without a doubt that Ms. Rogers was not only not a conduit, but that she didn’t carry the gene at all. Maybe her son would be spared as well.

“Doctor Hutch? I have the paperwork,” Meg’s approach pulled Rosaline from her own head and she offered Meg a grateful nod. 

“Which NICU room for her son?” Rosaline took the paperwork and placed her glasses on, peering through the few pages to make sure all the signatures were in place.

“NICU 3-B. He’s a real cutie, you can’t miss him.” Meg was practically swooning. 

Rosaline found herself thinking that Meg would make an amazing mother someday when she was ready, “Thank you. I’ll go now and run my tests. Hopefully, I’ll have time to complete this one before I’m paged again. It’s been a busy day.”

“It has! Good luck with the tests.” Meg waved and then was quickly summoned back to the main desk to assist another patient. Rosaline returned the wave, removed her glasses and headed to the NICU.

The NICU was a quiet space full of machine beeps tracking oxygen, blood pressure, heart rate and emergencies for the smallest of babies who were born too early for a variety of reasons. Nurses sat nearby every block of rooms taking turns with monitoring the babies, changing diapers, feeding, holding them and comforting them in the times that their parents were unable to be with them. 

It was a tense place, but the nurses here were the best of the best. That was partially thanks to Rosaline and the funds she donated to the hospital after her research paper on identifying conduit genes had won a prestigious award that came with more money than she knew what to do with. The award was earned after years of intense research on the topic at hand and years of fine-tuning her own abilities. The Seattle Children’s Hospital was ever so thankful and they restructured the maternity wing, adding a brand new NICU center to the hospital as well. Rosaline’s only request was that they didn’t name it after her. The hospital board agreed but only if Rosaline would join their staff. And that was how she moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington to continue her conduit gene Discovery Department, staffed by only herself. The pay was wonderful and she was able to continue to refine her skills and powers at the same time. As they say, it takes one to know one, and being a conduit identifying other conduits was her secret gift.

Meg was right about the baby. As soon as Rosaline found his space, she could see he was precious. He was swaddled tightly and according to his charts only two weeks premature, so he didn’t have as many red flags to watch for as some of the others in NICU care. The blood sample was absolutely useless to her, but Rosaline had to keep up appearances and she prepped for it regardless. She gently unswaddled the baby enough to free one tiny foot from the warmth of the blanket.

“Sorry little one. Forgive me?” Rosaline quickly pricked the baby’s big toe and squeezed a single drop of blood into a small vial. The little bundled baby hardly stirred in his sleep with the swift prick of pain, then Rosaline was back to adjusting his foot into his blanket, cooing softly to him to relax him further into his deep slumber. After the paperwork was done, the sticker placed on the vial and the vial safely dropped into the pocket of her doctor coat, Rosaline cleaned up her small mess and then returned to the baby in 3-B. His hand was out of the swaddle due to stickers in spots that the machines had to read. Rosaline placed her index finger against the palm of his hand and he instinctively curled his fingers around hers. It was always her favorite moment of this job–it was her sign of comfort and her reassurance that this was what she was meant for.

She silently counted to ten in her head and watched as the aura began to shift and appear around this new, tiny human. It was white at first but within a few milliseconds it shifted to a cream color–a clear indicator that this baby did have the conduit gene. Whether or not it would activate was unclear and Rosaline was still working to try to figure out how exactly to see this future state, but just like illness or cancer sometimes you don’t know until it makes itself present. At least she didn’t see any colors indicating either of those for this newborn. With a soft sigh she retracted her finger and left the NICU, headed back to her office just outside the maternity ward. 

Now she needed time to figure out how to tell Ms. Rogers that her son was a carrier. Inside her office she left the lights off and sat in her chair, glasses pulled back on to look over the charts on her desk, on her clipboard and in her pocket. Sometimes this job was heavier than it had any right to be. She reached out her right hand toward her microscope and felt a familiar pressure in her fingertips, like a magnet being pulled to its polar opposite. A soft glow of yellow shifted from the microscope into her fingertips. It took seconds to drain the small device and seconds more to shake the glow from her fingers and blink it away from her eyes, but it was done and now Rosaline had refueled her abilities. She was thankful she didn’t need much power to do what she did and even more thankful that her eye glow was controlled so she didn’t give herself away while using her powers. But reading cells at a magnified level was still tiring and having to deliver news that she needed to mentally prepare for was often exhausting.

She left her office a few minutes later checking her reflection in her desk mirror before finding her resolve. She bypassed the main desk in the maternity ward and knocked on the door before entering room 301. Ms. Rogers seemed surprised to see her back so soon and Rosaline handed her a formal letter, breaking the news in a comforting tone of voice.

“Your son is a carrier, however, this does not mean that the gene will activate. This letter is a formal record of his results and a list of things you can do to help prevent activation, although that is not guaranteed. I’ve also included a name and extension in case you needed to speak with our Adoption Specialist.” It was all formalities and facts, but Rosaline delivered them with a soft grace that seemed to resonate well with her patients.

Ms. Rogers nodded and a single tear slipped down her cheek, “Thank you. Bless you, Doctor Hutch.”

“It will not be included in his file, as this test is confidential. I know you’ll do the right thing for both of you. He’s a beautiful baby.”

“I… yes, thank you.” Ms. Rogers would have to take it from here, so Rosaline said her goodbyes and offered her contact information. Then she left Ms. Rogers’ room and tried to block out the sound of sobs as the door closed behind her.

Rosaline decided to take a loop through the hospital before returning to her office. It was good for her to get some extra steps in and it always helped to reset and clear her mind. She took a moment to get herself a coffee from the breakroom before stopping by her favorite window beside the maternity ward waiting room. The day was looking warm and sunny for once, the fog from the morning heat had long since lifted and the hope of an overcast autumn day was long over. She sipped her coffee and found herself daydreaming about her weekend hot yoga plans. She deserved it after this week.

After a moment of lingering, she paused at the doorway of the waiting room, watching some home design show playing on the television. As she pulled her focus away from the interior design mess happening on screen she nearly walked into a small child who was standing directly behind her. The little girl looked up at Rosaline with large, gray eyes and immediately raised her arms as though she wanted to be picked up.

Rosaline gave the child a confused look, eyes narrowing as she scanned the waiting room for any distraught parents looking for their missing daughter. Her ears perked to listen for any calls of names that could help better direct her to the parents and return the child. But after a minute of seeing nothing out of the ordinary nor hearing any names being called in worry, Rosaline suddenly felt uneasy.

The small girl tugged at the bottom of the doctor coat that Rosaline was wearing, getting the doctors’ attention again. She repeated the action of asking to be picked up without words or sounds, a pink blanket in one fist while the other one was open and shut, open and shut, trying to signal in her own way. Rosaline glanced around again quickly, then placed her half-empty coffee cup on a nearby table before kneeling before the little girl. She wasn’t wearing any socks or shoes, her platinum hair was up in two lopsided pigtails full of wavy curls and those eyes suddenly looked so scared and sad.

“Hey there. I’m Doctor Hutch. What’s your name?” The little girl just shook her head and pulled her blanket to rest against her cheek. Rosaline sighed quietly and decided to try a different tactic.

“Do you see your parents? Can you show me where they are?” This seemed to work as the child gave an enthusiastic nod before pointing toward the main hospital entrance.

This was very strange and Rosaline stood to get a better look at the main doors. Again, she didn’t see anyone who looked to be in distress over missing their child. She hated to ask more questions, but the little girl was still pointing to the sliding doors, “They’re outside? Are you sure your parents aren’t inside with you?”

Now the child was back to asking to be held and since Rosaline saw no other way to traverse this strange encounter, she obliged. The quiet child rested her hand on Rosaline’s as though to calm and praise the adult for understanding her request. Once she had the little one in her arms, Rosaline noticed a note tucked into the chest pocket of the overalls that the girl was wearing, the outside of the note simply said, “READ ME”. She shifted the child to sit on her left hip and moved her glasses into place. She pulled the note from the pocket to read it, hopeful that the parents’ information was included so she could track them down.

Dear Reader,

Please take care of my baby girl. Her name is Calypso, she is four and she is very special. We are in danger and I don’t have much time left.

Caly, sweetheart, Mommy loves you so much. No one will ever hurt you again. I’ll make sure of that. Be brave, be good, stay safe. I love you.

Rosaline could feel her heart drop into her stomach, unable to believe this was happening. This child, seemingly abandoned at the hospital. What was going on? Where was her mom now? What was the protocol for finding an abandoned child here? Would her mom come back for her? A zillion questions without answers rushed through her head, her coffee forgotten and her mind now cluttered with something new. Maybe she should go visit the Adoption Specialist for advice on who to contact for this sort of thing? She read over the letter again, scoffing at the word ‘special’. We’re all special until we’re not, Rosaline frowned slightly with the thought.

“Oh, dear. Calypso, right? Can I call you Caly?” The girl nodded and seemed suddenly very tired, her eyes fluttering as she rubbed her cheek with her blanket and her other hand idly rubbed the back of Rosaline’s. This was when it struck Rosaline, when the doctor truly saw Caly through her own, special eyes. There was a glow around the girl, her aura bright from the contact of their hands. The color reflected off Caly’s black and white striped shirt and suddenly pulled Rosaline to full attention.

Her aura was yellow. And yellow was the color only reserved for active conduit genes. But this child was four years old… no conduit on written record had ever been so young. Rosaline’s voice was a hushed, worried whisper as Caly rested her head against the doctor’s shoulder, “Oh, Caly… you are a special girl…”

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Either the owners of this 1983 home in Arlington, TX really like green, or they got a deal on some paint. 3bds, 3ba, asking $385K.

Well, if you don't like it, it's only paint. But, there's a lot of it, they even did the ceilings. You can't see the detail, though, b/c it's painted solid green.

It looks like they were into Chinese style, so I wouldn't expect all the green. There's a brick fireplace. Looks like they were dismantling the place, then kind of put some back for the photoshoot. There's a pitched, vaulted ceiling in this room.

Well, the kitchen's a good size, but it's definitely dated. That design on the cabinet doors is a dead giveaway. Plus, the style of lighting - that box hides fluorescent tubes. And, the counters are laminate.

The almond colored sink was all the rage in the 80s, too.

Kitchen dining area with a brick feature wall.

Nice size family room.

Look at that- is it a kitchenette with a wine rack?

The primary bedroom is a good size and has a tray ceiling.

This is nice- a shower and a linen closet.

Bd. #2 is a decent size.

Larger 3pc. bath.

Bd. #3 is also a good size. This is a nice little house for the price.

The rear entrance is a sun room.

It opens to a deck with a pergola.

10,367 sq ft lot, so there's plenty of room.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3601-Pelican-Ct-Arlington-TX-76016/29102436_zpid/

[illarian-rambling]

For the suggestion prompt tag: a MG beach episode scene?

Lol, I'm glad to see this au catching on, I love it so much. I'll put it under the cut, and for spoiler reasons, everyone is just gonna be as they are in book one (or book two in Elsind and Avymere's case)

Hope you enjoy!

"I'm not going," Ivander told himself for the fifth time.

The detective peered out the window of his apartment. It was sunny outside - a rare sight for Unity - but not blazing hot. He could see families strolling about in their summertime best, pigeons bathing in puddles from last night's rain, and even the ferry boats seemed to chug along the canals in a merrier fashion than usual. Everyone was taking advantage of the perfect weather, it seemed.

Including his idiot acquaintances and those two Skysheerian oddities they'd dragged along on their vacation to Unity.

"Going to the beach?" Ivander snorted in disbelief as he limped away from the window and began to scrounge around his kitchen for any leftovers to make into breakfast. "Who the hell comes to Unity for the beaches?"

Yes, there were cleaner areas of the Gray Lake you could swim in, but generally, all Unitian citizens were drilled from a young age not to touch the polluted stuff. Ivander, like most of his city's people, couldn't so much as doggy paddle, despite his primary mode of transport being canal boats.

"And Mashal's even going? Good gods, I thought that man was smarter. ...Oh, nevermind."

What would he wear? Ivander winced as he took a bite of yesterday's pasta. Even that soft texture felt like broken glass on the inside of his half-flayed mouth when his medication hadn't taken full effect. He couldn't wear a suit to a beach. That was preposterous!

The only things in his closet that didn't fit that description was a pair of shorts he hadn't worn since his curse hadn't been so bad and a loose silk shirt he wore to bed when Ceyrel stayed over. That would leave far too much skin exposed. Ivander winced again at the thought of sand getting onto flayed patches of exposed flesh. He might be having a decent day with his pain level, but sand would put an end to such a thing with all possible speed.

"I could wear bandages maybe," he mused. "Oh, but that would be so embarrassing."

His illusion pin might’ve covered up his curse's true extent upon his skin, but it didn't cover anything placed onto his skin. Otherwise, he'd have been walking around in the illusion of being naked and no one wanted that. He usually wore bandages under his clothes to keep the blood off, yes, but it was a different thing entirely to walk around swaddled up like an Araunian mummy.

Ivander glanced outside his window once more. The city practically bloomed with the sun's light. Colors popped more vibrantly. Passersby laughed more loudly. He knew Astra had promised to save him a seat and a drink.

"I'm not going," he muttered.

○○○○

This is idiotic, what was I thinking?

Ivander tightened his grip on his cane as he sized up the stretch of sand between him and a circle of umbrellas several yards off. Even from here, he could pick up the scent of grilling meat.

He just had to make it across the sand wearing rain boots of all things.

Indeed, Ivander’s cheeks burned when he thought about just how ridiculously he was dressed. A pair of clunky rain boots had been all he could think of that wouldn't allow sand to get onto his feet. To match, he wore a pair of leather riding gloves. Between those and the cuffs of his shirt and shorts - which didn't look half bad as a pair, he had to admit - were wrapped many layers of bandages. To top it all off, he'd had Ceyrel run him a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun from scorching his pale complexion.

Taking a tentative step, Ivander grunted as the sand shifted under his foot and seemed to all but swallow the tip of his cane. A bolt of acid agony shot through his knee as he stumbled, just barely keeping his balance.

"Why did I ever agree to this nonsense," he hissed through clenched teeth.

But still, the sun was oh so warm, which made his dark apartment seem oh so cold. He could hear raucous conversation from the circle of umbrellas. It sounded like drinks had already been well circulated.

As Ivander took another off-balance step forward, the flash of bronze caught his eye, while the sound of jogging footsteps graced his ears.

"You made it!" Mashal waved as he called out. For some unaccountable reason, the earnest joy in the knight's voice brought a different kind of sting to Ivander’s aching eyes.

"I wouldn't say I've made it yet," the detective griped. "I could still turn around, march back home, and take off his ridiculous excuse for an outfit."

"Hey, you're not alone there." Mashal offered Ivander an arm to lean on as he shifted a leg to show off his own thick leather wrappings. "Sand and delicate, easily scratchable runes don't mix, or so I've been told."

Ivander gratefully took his friend's arm, wincing a bit at the press of sunwarmed bronze despite his relief. He didn't think he'd ever seen Mashal in something so revealing as a T-shirt. It seemed Ivander wasn't the only one taking risks today.

Slowly, the pair made their way over to where the rest of the group had set up. Ivander could see Astra in the midst of some wild and overblown story, arms waving dramatically. She wore quite the flattering bikini and seemed as if she'd been in the water already. Listening raptly was a young changeling in a floral sundress and an elf clutching a cocktail while clad in perhaps the most antiquated bathing suit Ivander had ever seen.

Those must be their Skysheerian friends. Oh gods, what were their names again?

"Hey there, sweetheart!" Astra called upon noticing them. "I saved you a mojito!"

"So considerate of you," Ivander answered. He breathed a sigh of relief upon finding the chair they'd left for him, complete with a cushion for his back. "Is it made with proper rum or some backwater hooch you cooked up on an engine block?"

"You'll just have to drink and find out." Astra grinned evily. "Hell, I'm surprised your pansy ass tastebuds can handle rum at all. I imagined they might up n' die without some piss dry, dinosaur vintage red wine."

Ivander sniffed delicately as he adjusted himself into a more comfortable position. "Not all of us have moonshine instead of blood, my dear."

But that only caused her grin to go all the wider. "Damn, I gotta remember that one. That's quality. Anyways, I was just tellin' Elsind and Avymere 'bout this time-"

Ivander sighed contentedly as the story played out, full of Astra’s usual grandiose descriptions and wild gestures. Off to the side, Mashal hummed to himself as he watched the grill, contentedly flipping a spatula from hand to hand. The Skysheerian pair, he couldn't say much of, but the changeling gasped excitedly at every turn of Astra’s story, while the elf nodded drowsily as they laid back in the sun.

His legs ached. They would ache even worse tomorrow and he could feel sand inching its insidious way past his bandages. Yet he was happy nonetheless. He had a life, didn't he? It might be a painful one, but he was still living it.

It was a good day, and even if stormclouds always lurked on the horizon, Ivander was determined to ignore them in favor of sitting in the sun a little while longer.

[theacedragon0w0]

Time to Talk

Angel Dust and Sage make amends with the help of Vlk (@imapuppy5000 ) also VlkxSage

Sage was dropping off Vlk back to the hotel, they just finished their dinner date and Sage wanted their date to last a little bit longer, "you sure you don't want to spend the night with me back at my place?"

Vlk signed, "not with the other three of your wives hogging the mattress, Velvette nearly kicked my ribs last time, and why do you never ask if you can spend the night here?"

Sage winced, "I don't want you to act like a barrier between Angel and me, he's made it pretty clear that I am not welcomed back and I don't blame him."

Vlk cupped Sage's face squishing their cheeks so they wouldn't get another word out, "you were nearly killed from staying here, and you finding love in the most unexpected way doesn't make you a selfish person,"

Sage wanted to rebuttal but they stopped when their date pecked them on the nose, trusting Vlk as she pulled Sage's arm through the new swinging doors.

Sage was in awe by how much the hotel changed both the outside and the inside, they also noticed how much space is in the foyer now, with some demons coming and going

Huh, there are actually some sinners wanting to change?

But Sage's excitement was cut short when they saw a familiar spider demon at the now larger bar.

Angel greeted Vlk with a genuine smile "Hey Vlk honey! How was your da-" his face immediately turned sour when his eyes landed on Sage

"Sage? Don't tell me that you're sleazeing your way to Vlk, don't you already have enough side chicks to bang!?"

Sage opened her mouth but Vlk cutted in, "Sage isn't Val Angel, if you didn't remember, they were the ones who gave me decent meals and helped me during my episodes,"

Angel crossed his arms, "So they can swindle you into another deal, I betcha Sage pays ya to sleep with them,"

"You are still pissed that I ditched this place so I can be the ones who at least don't pretend to give a shit about me!" Sage finally snapped

The tension was thick, Husker trying to pass them both some drinks to calm them down, "Angel this isn't your place,"

Angel scoffed, "oh and you still think that you're special? I betcha you felt like a fucking hero just cuz you made us a 3 star dish on your last night!"

"SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU!" Vlk screamed, causing both Sage and Angel to freeze. Vlk grabbed both parties with her hands and began dragging the two behind her.

After a couple of minutes of navigating through different hallways, Vlk found a supply closet and shoved Sage and Angel inside, "Now both of you start apologizing and make the FUCK UP!" slamming the door so neither could escape.

For once, the two were silent, but Sage understood that this grudge couldn't last forever, "she's right, I'm sorry,"

Angel wasn't convinced, "like you are sorry for climbing the ladder,"

Sage knew that another screaming match wasn't going to solve the problem, "no, I'm sorry for not stepping in, for not doing what I could to get you or even Vlk out when I should have, when I binded my soul to Velvette, when I managed to land a literal dragon demoness I still didn't help you, it was Charlie that took care of everything and I stood to the side like a coward,"

Angel lifted his hand, "no, you weren't in any place to take charge, Velvette still worked with the bastard and you were only just her pet at the time. Shit, people were calling you a hairless hellhound by how you were chummy with that over sized dog,"

"Her name is Hazel," Sage growled

"Regardless, what the fuck could ya have done? And look I don't hate ya guts, and your cooking isn't shit, Vlk splits some of her lunches with me so I ain't lyin."

Angel sighed, "I just- I know Vlk went through some rough shit, and I can't bear to see her heart broken again,"

Sage reached out to Angel's hands, and he allowed them with no resistance, "You know me, I would never hurt Vlk, I love her"

Angel chuckled, wiping a tear that was manifesting in his eye, "just like how you love ya wives?"

Sage nodded, "Vlk is special, and I know I'm a hopeless romantic with a bleeding heart like how everyone says I am, which is why I mean it when I say I want to make Vlk happy, and I know that you want the same thing"

Angel sighed, squeezing Sage's hands, "yeah I do, and I get it that Vlk can do whatever the fuck she wants but if you do break her heart I will shoot ya without hesitation,"

Sage snorted, "and I would let you pull the trigger, "

Vlk opened the door, "are you guys done biting each other's heads off?"

Sage and Angel nodded, to which Vlk allowed them to exit the supply closet.

Angel leaned over to Vlk, "you sure this is the one ya wanna be sappy over?"

Vlk playfully slapped Angel's arm, "ha, if anything Sage here is the sappy one here,"

"Guilty" Sage confessed, their arms in the air.

And all laughed together, with Sage promising Angel that she would come visit more often, less like a patrom but as a friend.

Vlk belongs to the pookie @imapuppy5000 the goober!!