#but really you can read this as platonically too the point is these two men care deeply for one another. <3

[theostrophywife]

agora hills.

pairing: lorenzo berkshire x reader.

song inspiration: agora hills by doja cat.

author's note: as always, this unhinged fic idea started in chlo and i's endless chats about these pesky men. enzo has a special place in my heart because he's so golden retriever sunshine (don't be fooled by that face though he's filthy).

Enzo Berkshire was your best friend. 

Despite what your friends seemed to think, the relationship between you two had always been strictly platonic. Perhaps it was easy to misinterpret your actions as romantic. After all, you and Enzo were very touchy and affectionate people. It was typical of you two to hold hands in the halls, cuddle in the common room, and even share the occasional cheek or forehead kiss, which you deemed completely normal. This type of behavior has been the standard since you were eleven years old. 

Still, you weren’t blind. You knew your best friend was attractive. Enzo had always been handsome in your eyes, but then fourth year rolled around and everyone else started to notice it too. To be fair, he had grown at least a foot over the summer and quidditch definitely helped him pack on lean muscle. Needless to say, girls flocked to him like a swarm of bees to honey, but he never really seemed interested in any of them. Not that you were paying attention. It was a natural thing to notice when you spent every waking moment with someone. 

The point of the matter was that you had absolutely no romantic feelings for Enzo whatsoever. Or so you thought. Until the bloody dream that flipped your friendship on its head. 

It was a normal day. You and Enzo were studying in your dorm like you usually did after class. Enzo was sprawled out on the rug scribbling away for his assignment on Ancient Runes. You were on your bed reading up on History of Magic. You knew you should be focusing since there would be a test tomorrow, but the chapter was boring and you were absolutely knackered from attending classes all day. 

Before you knew it, you were fully knocked out. A part of you was aware that you were dreaming, but the surreality of it blurred the lines of reality. 

In your dreams, you were still in your room studying with Enzo. Except your best friend was no longer hunched over his homework on your rug. Now Enzo was standing at the edge of your bed, blocking out the afternoon sun. You stared up in confusion as he took the book from your hands. 

“Enz? What are you doing?” 

Enzo stared intently at you, his soft hazel eyes flickering down to your lips. It was a little like being hit with a beam of sunshine. Your heart stuttered in your chest as he ran his thumb across your bottom lip. 

“I want to try something.”

You held your breath as Enzo leaned over. The bed dipped from his weight as you sat frozen in place. He rubbed soothing circles along your wrist, causing you to melt into his touch. It was a familiar sensation, one that always calmed you down but right at that moment, you felt anything but. The beat of your heart echoed so loudly that you were sure he could hear it. 

Enzo leaned in close, his face mere inches away from yours. He stroked your cheek gently. “I want to kiss you,” he murmured, the low whisper of his voice conjuring goosebumps along your arms. “Can I?”

You blinked, swallowing thickly. He was so close that you could smell the woodsy smell of his cologne, combined with a hint of fresh laundry and citrus. 

“Yes,” you responded breathily. 

Before you could think better of it, Enzo was kissing you. It was soft and sweet, his kisses gentle while he tested the waters. The quick little pecks soon evolved into deeper kisses as your body responded to his touch. Your hands moved outside of your own volition, fingers tangling in Enzo’s hair as you pulled him closer. He groaned and tilted your head back for a better angle, your bodies pressed close together and radiating heat underneath your clothes. 

Enzo scooted back on the headboard and pulled you into his lap without breaking the kiss. You gasped when his hands roamed underneath your skirt, gripping your thighs so that you were fully settled over his length. What started as a sweet innocent kiss escalated into a full on heated makeout session. Kissing till your lips were swollen. Moaning into each other’s mouths. Grasping at every inch of skin the two of you could reach. 

When you felt him grind his hardness against your backside, you gasped. Enzo took the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth, swirling and sucking until you were panting above him. 

“Y/N,” he grunted huskily. “I need you.”

The desperation in Enzo’s voice made you shudder. You didn’t even think twice before unbuckling his belt and tugging his boxers down. Enzo groaned as he stroked himself, pulling your panties to the side. You whimpered as he teased his tip at your entrance. 

“I want you so fucking bad.”

“I want you too, Enzo.”

Friendship be damned, Enzo gripped your hips and watched as you sank into him. His eyes rolled back when he felt your warmth and wetness hug around his cock. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, resting his head in the crook of your neck. “Gods, you feel so fucking good. Better than I imagined.”

You clenched at his words and he inhaled sharply before rolling your hips to set the pace. Once you established a steady rhythm, Enzo pinned you with his lust blown gaze and watched as you rode him. He lavished you with sloppy kisses, stopping every now and then to moan into your mouth while you continued rolling your hips against him. 

“That’s it, princess. Feels good, yeah? Keep rolling your hips just like that,” Enzo said, thrusting upwards to fuck into you. “Wanna feel you cum on my cock, pretty girl.”

The filthy words sent you over the edge. Just as Enzo hit that perfect spot, your eyes flew open. 

You were startled to find yourself back in your dorm, warm, sweaty, and alone in bed. You nearly fell off altogether when you found Enzo still sitting on the rug below you. While you were dreaming about doing filthy things with him, Enzo was completely oblivious and focused on studying. Like you should’ve been. 

Enzo perked up, concern written all over his face when he saw how flushed you were. He immediately rushed over to your side. Your cheeks were so red that he thinks you might be running a fever. Enzo pressed the back of his hand against your forehead and you bit down on your bottom lip to keep yourself from moaning. 

“You’re burning up, Y/N.” Enzo sounded genuinely worried. If only he knew the reason why you currently shared the same temperature as the common room fireplace. “Maybe I should walk you over to the infirmary?” 

“No!” Your voice echoed shrilly in your dorm, causing you to wince. “I’m fine. I just…I just need fresh air.”

“Oh good, I’ll come walk with you.”

“No,” you said rather harshly. Enzo frowned. “I, uh, I think I should go alone.”

Now Enzo was truly perturbed. He pouted at your refusal. Why didn’t you want him to come? You always walked around the Black Lake together. 

“Are you sure you’re alright, Y/N?” 

He squinted at you, hoping to catch your gaze. You completely avoided looking him in the eyes before scrambling out of bed. 

“I’m fine, really. I’ll see you later, Enz.”

You were out the door before Enzo even had a chance to respond. 

You were acting like a bloody idiot. 

After that unfortunate afternoon, you spent the next few days avoiding Enzo. The dream had completely flustered you. It was impossible to be in the same room as your best friend. You couldn’t even look Enzo in the eyes without thinking of him being inside of you.  

More than that, it was making you rethink your entire friendship. You adored Enzo. He had been a constant in your life since first year. The two of you were inseparable and he was pretty much the most important person in your life. You had never once thought about him in a sexual manner, but obviously you were attracted to him given the filthy thoughts that flooded your mind like a plague. 

You were praying to Merlin that this stupid little lapse of yours would pass and take all the hormone addled aftereffects with it. Perhaps it was just lack of physical affection that was causing you to think this way. After all, you had broken up with your last boyfriend months ago. There was the casual hookup every now and then, but those never really satisfied you in the way that you wanted. It certainly wasn’t anything like how Enzo had been in your dream. 

As you cataloged and compared your most recent stints, the intrusive thought slipped in without warning. There were no secrets between you and Enzo, so you knew that it had been awhile since he hooked up with anyone else too. Come to think of it, except for a couple flings here and there, Enzo has never really had a serious relationship. 

You never really thought much about it. It wasn’t like you were running headfirst into commitment either, but now you couldn’t help but wonder why Enzo had never had a girlfriend. Were relationships just not his cup of tea? If so, why the bloody hell not?

By the time you had unraveled that string, Pansy was snapping her fingers in front of your face. You shook your head and rejoined the present. Before your little spiral, you and Pansy had been discussing the homework for Charms. 

Your friend narrowed her eyes on you. “Alright, spill,” Pansy said. “There’s clearly something on your mind.”

You peered around the common room. For the most part, it was empty. Only a few of the other Slytherins lingered in your midst, but one could never be too careful in the viper’s nest. 

Once you were sure the coast was clear, you leaned closer to Pansy and spoke in a low voice. “Have you ever had a dream about one of the guys?”

Pansy leaned back on the velvet emerald couch with an expression of intrigue. “What kind of dream?”

“You know,” you urged, picking at the cushion in your lap. “The sexual kind.”

She shook her head, her glossy bob shimmering in the faint light. “No, I can’t say that I have.” 

“I have!” Theo said cheerfully as he plopped down between you. His presence startled you, but he looked utterly unperturbed as he butted into the conversation. “About both of you, actually.”

You wrinkled your nose and smacked him on the arm. “Gross, Theo.”

“I’m inclined to agree,” Pansy said with a look of disgust.

Theo was deeply offended by it all. “What? I’ll have you know that I was very loving and gentle,” you groaned and made a gagging sound. “I also had one about Reg and that one wasn’t as gentle, if you know what I mean.”

He grinned cheekily, which only made you lament further. Pansy shook her head in disbelief. “Really, Regulus? He’s the human equivalent of a grumpy black cat. All the first years are terrified of him.”

Theo shrugged. “What can I say? I’m into that. All that surliness and those curls, y’know…”

It was Pansy’s turn to smack him. “For Salazar’s fucking sake, shut it, Theodore. I want to know who Y/N had a dream about.”

“Was it Riddle?” Theo prompted.

“Which one?”

“Mattheo, obviously. Tom looks like he hasn’t had a woman’s touch in years.”

“That’s mean!” you cut in. “I’m telling Tom you said that.”

“Please don’t. I value my life, thank you very much.”

Pansy scoffed. “It’s not either one of the Riddles then.”

“Was it me?” asked Theo. 

“Gods, no.”

He rolled his eyes in response. “It can’t be Blaise because him and Pans are shagging on the daily.” Theo’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me it’s Malfoy.” 

“Absolutely not.”

“But he’s close, right?” Pansy said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. You nodded weakly. She gasped. “Oh my god, Berkshire? Really?”

You buried your face in your hands. You were truly going to die of embarrassment. Pansy continued with her assessment. “Well, you two are practically attached at the hip, so it makes sense. Still, I truly didn’t expect it to be Enzo. He’s so sweet, I just can’t see him that way.”

The shit-eating grin on Theo’s face made you cringe. “Was it good? It had to be, right? Is that why you’ve been avoiding him all week?” 

“What? I haven’t been avoiding him.”

“Sure you have,” declared Theo. “Berkshire’s all broken up about it. Thinks he’s done something to upset you. The whole time you’ve been nursing filthy little fantasies about sweet baby boy Enzo. Oh, I can’t wait to tell the guys about this.”

Panic seized you and Theo yelped as you held his arm in a death grip. “You can’t say a fucking word, Theo. Do you hear me? It’s already humiliating enough to have a sex dream about my best friend. I will literally murder you if you tell any of the boys.”

Theo sighed. “Fine, I won’t tell. Now let go of me, woman.”

“What are you going to do?” asked Pansy. “You can’t keep avoiding Enzo forever.”

You sighed. You were completely and utterly at a loss. Pansy was right. Enzo was already starting to suspect something and you felt bad that he thought he’d done something to upset you when you were the one in the wrong. How could you possibly act normal after all of this?

“Maybe you should ask him if he’s ever thought about you that way,” Theo suggested. “That way the ball’s in his court.” 

You scoffed. “I’m supposed to just come up to him and casually ask, Hey Enz, have you ever had a sex dream about me that was so filthy that you couldn’t make eye contact for days after?” 

“I guarantee you the answer will be yes.”

As you chided Theo for being his usual ridiculous self, Pansy discretely nudged you. Enzo rounded the corner and waved at the three of you. Theo and Pansy shared a look before leaving you to your own devices. Bloody traitors. 

Enzo was unbothered by their sudden departure. “Hi, love. I haven’t seen you all week. You haven’t been avoiding me, have you?” 

His tone was light and playful, but it still made you nervous as all hell. “No, not at all,” you internally cringed at the forced cheeriness in your voice. “I’ve just been…busy. Yeah, that’s it. No other reason.”

For Salazar’s fucking sake. You were horrible at this. Lying to Enzo wasn’t something you were used to. 

Enzo nodded. “Okay, well we’re still on for movie night, right?” 

“Oh, yeah, about that—“

“It shouldn't be a problem,” he added thoughtfully, shooting you a cheeky grin. “Unless you’re actually avoiding me.”

Fuck. Your mind was screaming at you to say no. To make up some lame excuse. To do something other than gape at Enzo. 

Unfortunately, your brain decided to stop working as soon as those dimples of his made an appearance. Merlin’s bloody beard, you truly needed to get a grip. 

You forced yourself to smile back so he wouldn’t think anything was amiss. “”I was just going to ask what snacks you wanted.”

“Just you,” Enzo said, his grin growing wider. Did his voice suddenly sound deeper than it had a few seconds ago? No, it was likely just your delusion. “That’s all I need.”

Later that night, Enzo arrived with the projector and a handful of movie choices. You spent the entire afternoon pacing and working yourself into a fit. He was entirely unaware of the cloud of anxiety hanging over you as he loaded up your favorite movie. 

Your dorm had never felt as cramped as it did at this moment. Enzo plopped down on your bed. The scene of the crime. You climbed in on the other end and resigned yourself to sitting perfectly upright and rigid while he made himself comfortable. Enzo looked at you strangely. Usually, the two of you would be cuddling. 

“What are you doing all the way over there?” Enzo asked, spreading his arms out. “Come cuddle.”

You sighed internally. This felt like tempting fate, but what could you do? If you refused, Enzo would definitely know that something was up. As slow as a snail, you scooted closer to his side. He took one look at you and shook his head before hauling you over to him. Besides being manhandled, the position was quite familiar. You tucked against his side, head resting on his shoulder while he nuzzled his cheek against your hair. 

Enzo pressed play and you started to relax while the movie unfolded. The peace didn’t last for long. As the opening scene played, Enzo absentmindedly tugged at the hem of your shirt. Again, his affectionate nature wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Yet you couldn’t help but hold your breath as he rubbed soothing circles against your hip. While the gesture usually comforted you, it had the opposite effect now. 

“You’re so tense, love,” Enzo murmured. His voice sounded so deep and delicious.

“It’s been a stressful week.”

“I bet.” 

You shuddered as he trailed his fingers over your spine, drawing patterns along your skin. Temptation wasn’t knocking at your door. It was kicking it down altogether. Enzo shifted, brushing his knuckles just below the hook of your bra. 

“This can’t be comfortable,” he said, hooking a finger around the band. “Maybe you’ll feel more relaxed with it off. Don’t you think so, sweetheart?” 

There was no time to analyze what the fuck was going on. All of your efforts were spent solely on fighting the urge to moan. Enzo toyed with the band, waiting for your answer. 

“Yeah,” you said breathily. “I think—I think you’re right.”

“Course I am. Let me take it off for you then, yeah?” 

“Okay.” 

Enzo unhooked your bra with a flick of his fingers. Almost like he had long mastered the art and this was merely just child’s play. He helped you shrug out of your bra and carelessly tossed it to the side. You sighed softly as Enzo switched to long, purposeful strokes. He started at your hips, then your stomach, gradually moving up until he was barely an inch away from the underside of your breasts. Your eyes fluttered close, completely lost to his touch. They opened again when Enzo nuzzled his nose against yours. 

“Hi,” he said with a smile. 

“Hi,” you whispered. “What are we doing, Enzo?” 

“Nothing that I haven’t thought about a million times over.”

“You’ve thought about me like this?” 

“I’m always thinking about you,” Enzo admitted. “Sometimes it’s just cuddling or holding hands. Just sweet stuff cause I love touching you like this, but other times…other times I dream about you like you dreamt about me.”

Your breath hitched. “You know about my dream?” 

“I heard you in the common room earlier.”

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I don’t know what came over me. That’s why I haven’t talked to you much this week. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Enzo took your hand and slid it down the front of his gray sweatpants. You gasped when you felt how hard he was against your palm. “Do I feel uncomfortable to you, sweetheart?”

You shook your head, biting down on your lip. You didn’t trust yourself with words at the moment. Enzo nuzzled against you, littering soft little kisses in his wake. He pecked and nipped at your neck, your collarbone, your jaw. 

“You drive me fucking mad, you know that? I want you so badly I’d literally get on my knees and beg if you asked.”

The tension was too much for you to bear. You pulled him in by the front of his shirt and pressed your lips against his. Enzo groaned into your mouth. The hand underneath your shirt crawled up until he was cupping your tits, rubbing his thumb over your nipples. Enzo tried to keep the kisses soft. He intended to savor it, but every ounce of self control went out the window the second he heard you moan. 

Enzo flipped you over so that you were straddling his lap. He looked down and realized that you were wearing one of his old shirts and the sight of it made him even harder. The tiny shorts you were wearing was a pesky little barrier, but it didn’t stop him from grinding his hardness against your ass. He tugged at the hem of your shirt. 

“Take this off, right now. I need to feel you, pretty girl.”

He watched as you peeled off the shirt. Enzo did the same, tossing both articles of clothing over the side of your bed. He groaned at the skin to skin contact. Enzo smiled as he drank it all in. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful.”

“You’re not bad to look at either, Enz.”

Enzo chuckled. “Cheeky girl. Come on, then. Shorts off too.”

You took off your shorts as Enzo slipped out of his sweatpants and boxers. He kissed you again, sloppy, filthy, and downright obscene. There was plenty of panting and groping as the two of you explored each other’s bodies. Enzo practically purred into your ear as you rubbed over his shaft. He felt like velvet in your hands. When you flicked your thumb to spread the bead of precum over his tip, Enzo released an animalistic growl. 

“Oh fuck,” he whimpered. “Gods, I need to be inside of you right fucking now or I’ll die.”

There was no time to slide off your panties. Enzo merely yanked it to the side and guided you over him. He kept his eyes on you as you sank down slowly, taking him inch by inch. Enzo groaned, digging his fingers into your hips while you adjusted to his size.

“Goddamn, you’re so wet and so fucking tight.” 

You had no idea that such filthy words could sound like music in your ears. Enzo may have been sweet as sugar, but you knew that he wasn’t innocent. He was far too cheeky to be anything but downright dirty in bed. 

Enzo was also extremely responsive. He made sure to praise and worship like your body was an altar and he was the most pious believer. 

“Enz, gods,” you moaned as he flicked his tongue over your nipple. “You’re really good at that.” 

“Yeah?” He asked cheekily. “You think so?” 

You chuckled. It was such an Enzo comment. If you weren’t actively losing your mind, you might’ve rolled your eyes at him. Whatever fantasy your mind has conjured paled in comparison to reality. Sex with Enzo was easy. You knew him and you trusted him. It was like breathing air. 

Every moan and whimper only helped you grow more and more attuned with each other’s bodies. The sounds you made were a special language of its own, one that only you and Enzo understood.

“That’s it, princess. You’re taking me so well.” 

“Like that?” you asked, rolling your hips. 

Enzo groaned in response, which made you smirk in satisfaction. He chuckled and kissed you deeply. “Ride me harder, sweetheart. Fuck…yeah just like that.” 

He moaned into your mouth, meeting the roll of your hips with thrusts of his own. Enzo pressed his forehead against your, his long lashes kissing the tops of your cheekbones while he pressed you closer. The deep angle in which he drove into you had you clawing at his back. 

“Oh gods, oh fuck. I can feel you clenching around me, pretty girl. You’re gonna cum for me like a good girl, yeah?”

“I’m so close.” Enzo flipped you onto your back and fucked you into the mattress. The tension uncoiled in your core until you were panting, chasing after that sweet release. “Oh—oh gods, Enzo.”

The orgasm knocked the very breath from your lungs. It was a total out of body experience. Your back arched, your toes curled, and you screamed his name, but none of it registered past the pleasure of coming. As soon as Enzo felt you creaming him from base to tip, he came too. 

It was strangely beautiful to watch. Enzo was mesmerizing. With his sweat slicked skin and swollen lips, strands of his dark hair clinging onto his flushed cheeks. You’ve never seen such a pretty sight. 

The two of you stayed curled up into each other. Enzo slowly pulled out and placed a tender kiss on your temple. This time, there wasn’t a single hint of hesitation as you cuddled up against his side. He was warm and comfortable, lulling you into sleep as he tangled his long legs with yours. 

You didn’t know how long you drifted off. It only felt like a few seconds later when you found yourself on your stomach, blinking sleepily up at Enzo. He smiled, kissing along your spine as he pried your legs apart. You groaned into the pillow as he thrusted lazily from behind. 

It was dark as night outside when you were finally done. You couldn’t even remember how many times he made you cum. All you knew was that you were in complete bliss as you and Enzo sprawled out on your sheets. 

You looked up at Enzo. He looked down at you. The two of you burst into a nervous fit of giggles.

“Shit. Did we just—“

He nodded, curling a strand of your hair through his fingers. “Yeah, we definitely did. Two. Three. Four times? I honestly lost count.” 

You chuckled softly. There was a moment of silence as you collected yourself. Enzo lowered himself down so that you were facing each other. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” He asked, nudging your cheek with his nose. “Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours, pretty girl.” 

Despite your steamy activities, you had never felt more shy than when he brushed his lips across your knuckles. 

“I care about you, Enzo and I know you care about me too. Tonight was….fuck. Tonight was great. I just want to make sure this doesn’t change our friendship.”

“Of course it’s going to change things,” Enzo said matter-of-factly. “You think I can stay just friends with you after that?” 

You swallowed thickly. “I don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you don’t really date. I mean, half the school’s asked you out and you’ve turned them all down, so I’m not expecting to be the exception. It’s alright if you just want this to be casual.”

“I don’t. I’ve said no to everyone because I’ve been waiting for you. You are the exception, Y/N. It’s always been you.” 

“Really?” you whispered, biting back a smile. “You mean that?” 

Enzo nodded and kissed your fingertips. “Sweetheart, you’ve had me in the palm of your hands since we were eleven. Of course I mean it.” 

You didn’t try to hide your smile. You were absolutely beaming. “So you don’t want things to be casual?”

“There’s nothing casual about what I feel for you.” 

“Okay,” you said, processing his revelation. “I don’t want things to be casual either. It might be selfish, but I think I want you all to myself, Enzo.” 

He released a sigh of relief. “Oh thank fucking Merlin. I want you all to myself too, Y/N.”

[bunni-v1]

OMGG you wrote the first years finding out reader was a girl so well! i love it :D could i maybe request the same thing but for thirds years? thank you so much and have a good day :)

Third Years Find out You’re a Girl?!?!? (NOT CLICKBAIT) 

TW: Rook and Lilia are creepy

Info: Trey, Cater, Rook, Lilia x Reader (platonic)

Tags: @kierancaz @danchann33 @arashrita

🍓Ahh, the third years… How I do love them. Please ignore my blatant favoritism in Rook… I just… I really <3 him. Truly, the third years are my absolute weakest character, but I hope I did them well. Remember, dorm leaders are on a separate post. Love you all, and enjoy <3

First Years

Ortho & Sebek

Second Years

Dorm Leaders

-Okay so, I know we’re all wondering, how the hell do you get away with hiding your gender for so damn long?

-Firstly, those ceremonial robes do great at hiding the figure. The only tell would maybe be your hair, but feminine men aren’t unwelcome at Nightraven College, so you mostly get a few questioning stares and that’s it.

-Secondly, Crowley wants to save his own fucking ass. He already has to hide from the press that he has a MAGICLESS student from ANOTHER DIMENSION here, he doesn’t need the fact that you are a woman ALSO on his plate. So, obviously, he helps you hide your gender from others.

-Grim knows, of course, and he keeps his mouth shut for a few yummy cans of tuna (and threats of being expelled from Crowley <3)

-Even when you were just a janitor, he couldn’t have the rumor that he put a “helpless” young woman to work. (Like it wouldn’t be expected.)

-So how do you two do it?

-Baggy ass uniform. Crowley gave you at least three sizes too big.

-Your figure is completely hidden. Sure, you look completely homeless, but at least you’re hidden.

-For your voice, you simply deepen it. After some point, you blackmail Crowley into giving you a potion to help with it, since it's so taxing on your voice. (Or maybe your voice is naturally deep!)

-Sam provides you (for an unfairly pretty penny (not too different from your original world…)) any feminine hygiene products you might need.

-Honestly, you’re set for being cared for, but it’s the adjustment period that’s the hardest part. 

-Truly, it’s very jarring to suddenly be thrown into both a magical world and be isolated in a man's world with nowhere to hide.

-At least in your world you had other women who could understand your struggles. Here though? You’re completely alone.

-You notice how… messy some of these guys could be. How some of them smell… really rancid. -How rough they were with you and each other.

-Honestly, it’s kinda eye-opening. The way men show affection to each other is oddly refreshing to watch and experience!

-Ace and Deuce specifically are a good… trial run.

-That’s not what we’re here to talk about though…

-For the most part, it's incredibly easy to hide yourself for the first while on campus. Everyone on campus is so self-absorbed that they don’t bother questioning you.

-Your only real risk factor is Savannaclaw, but it's easy to avoid those guys (minus Jack, of course).

-However, you can only hide your gender for so long… It’s mentally draining to keep up this facade all the time around people you care about.

-So… how do they find out?

Trey

-Trey is a very good middle ground compared to everyone else in NRC.

-He doesn’t find out immediately like some people, but he finds out pretty soon into knowing you.

-Trey has siblings. Specifically, he has younger sisters he helped raise alongside his mother and father.

-He’s good at reading women thanks to his sisters. He knows many tells of discomfort, displeasure, dislike, etc.. 

-It’s different from how his brothers would show it, how others at NRC show it. 

-He can’t even explain it, he just knows the differences and it makes sense to him.

-With you, he notices the tells. Notices that you deepen your voice and you shy away from the more… intimidating and touchy guys on campus.

-He’s not one to assume, though!

-He’s attended three years at NRC in the same class as Vil.

-He understands that gender expression presents itself in tons of different ways. 

-You clearly prefer using he/him pronouns, Ace and Deuce use strictly male pronouns, so it’s not his place to say anything.

-Still… the way your eyes glitter when he praises you for doing well on your tarts reminds him a whole lot of his little sisters.

-It’s not till a bit later, shortly before Riddle explodes when he asks Cater that his suspicions are concerned.

-“Cater, don’t you think the new guy in ramshackle is a little…”

“Girl? Yeah, it’s kinda obvs.”

“Is it now…?”

-Cater pretty much lays out everything he noticed about you, and it matches up pretty well with what Trey was thinking.

-Still! Trey doesn’t want to force the idea that you’re a woman on you! 

-What if you are trans, non-binary, or anything else? To assume something like that is completely awful, and he’s better than that. 

-He’s not a troublemaker after all.

-So, during one of Heartslabyul’s tea parties, (much like many others at NRC), he pulls you aside just to get confirmation.

-“So, this might seem a little rude, but I want to make sure I’m respecting you.”

“…kay…”

“Are you a woman?”

“Didn’t Cater tell you already?”

-Oh. Okay. Cater was right. He shouldn’t have doubted him. Noted.

-You make him swear up and down that he won’t tell Ace or Deuce, and you move on from it like it's nothing. (You’re not sure you can trust Ace and Deuce to keep their mouths shut at this point).

-And, really, it should be nothing. Trey should just be able to move on and relax… but his brotherly instincts sort of act up around you.

-He’s not overbearing in any way, it isn’t a creepy thing that suffocates you… it’s just a notable increase in intake of Trey in your life.

-He invites you over to “try this new recipe he made” (an excuse to ensure you’re eating, because he’s confident Crowley isn’t providing you nearly enough nourishment).

-Sometimes he shows up at Ramshackle to pick up Ace and Deuce and ends up staying and helping you clean up after the disaster freshmen.

-Most importantly, he checks in on you and your well-being considerably more than he does anyone else.

-He has, in fact, called you little sis before as well. He was incredibly embarrassed by it and refused to acknowledge it happened.

-Cater does not let him forget that it happens, calling you “Trey’s honorary sister” every chance he gets.

-It’s not so bad though. Especially at the start, you really needed someone reliable like Trey to lean on when you needed help since Crowley would only do the bare minimum.

Cater

-Cater finds out pretty damn quick after meeting you.

-It's not the exact second he sees you, but very shortly after your first interactions… he gets it.

-As we know, Cater was sort of forced into being feminine and girly by his sisters — something he was completely uncomfortable with, but later forced himself to embrace.

-When he looks at you… how big your clothes are, how you artificially deepen your voice, how you’re clearly uncomfortable with both of those things… he sees a younger version of himself.

-Still… it's super not his place to bother you about something like that. 

-He hardly knows you, and as your upperclassman, he should be a role model and not worry about superficial stuff.

-M’kay! It is no big deal for Cay Cay, he can leave it all behind him with no issue! Totally doesn’t bother him at all!

-…He’s a big fat liar.

-It’s not his fault okay! He just… can’t get that look of discomfort out of his mind. 

-You looked so miserable :( You looked like how he used to look :(

-So, Cater, far more impulsive and honest than good old Trey, straight up asks you. (Privately, of course, he’s not a monster.)

-“Heyyyy, so, weird question… are you a girl? It’s totally cool if you’re not, I’m just curious.”

“…How did you know…”

-It kinda freaks you out a lot. You thought you were hiding it so well.

-Cater, sweetie that he is, assures you that he’s different from others. 

-He’s got special circumstances that allowed him to notice what was going on.

-Promises he won’t open his mouth…

-He tells Trey less than a week later.

-It’s not his fault! He was on your trail already, he was gonna figure out one way or another!

-Other than the Trey debacle, he’s really good at NOT gossiping about it, believe it or not.

-He’s your reliable senpai after all :D

-He is your first official ally!

-Completely supportive of what you’re trying to do here, and is more than willing to be a safe space when you just need to… be a woman sometimes.

-You spend a lot of time with him after he finds out.

-His dorm is always open for you, even if Riddle hates it, m’kay! You can always come to your old pal Cater for help.

-He really helps you on selling the whole “I’m a man” act. 

-He shows you easier ways to hide your chest so you don’t always have to swim in your clothes and helps you keep your hair styled in a way that either hides it or makes you look more masculine.

-He’s like the best big brother figure to have, honestly, and he remains one of your dearest friends through your whole stay at NRC.

-He’s someone to vent to, someone who gets what you’re going through just a little, and someone who’s really there for you all the time.

-Also very protective of your secret. 

-The only reason Ace and Deuce don’t know for so long is because Cater is working overtime to keep them off your trail.

-He tells you all about his escapades and keeping them in the dark too, he’s so proud of himself. (Please praise him, he needs it).

-Seriously though, he’s such a sweetheart and he’s always there for you if you need him.

Rook

-Ah beloved lover of beauty Rook!

-He is quite the oddball, isn’t he? Always off in his own world spewing flowery nonsense all in “the pursuit of beauty” as he calls it.

-Most people on campus just call him a freak and move on from it. 

-You’ve heard about him, of course. The stalker-hunter from Pomefiore makes the beastmen on campus tremble in fear (or annoyance, in Leona's case).

-You knew he existed, but seeing him was never really common. In fact… seeing anyone from Pomefiore was rare.

-You guessed such an elitist dorm probably wouldn’t want to mingle with someone like you.

-In Rook’s case, however, you couldn’t be more wrong.

-He was quite interested in you from the very second you’d interrupted the whole opening ceremony.

-You were… striking in his eyes. Not quite as beautiful as Vil, of course, but very eye-catching.

-While Vil insists you are a pest not worth Rook’s attention, he disagrees.

-Truly, he’s fascinated by you and your story.

-You from another world, who goes out of his way to hide such natural beauty with baggy clothes and messy hair… Ah! How his heart pounds in excitement, he must know more!

-So he does the only thing he knows how to…

-He goes on the hunt. For what? He’s not sure yet, but his hunches are rarely wrong.

-He follows you to classes, watches you get yourself into trouble and out of it, stalks you through the windows of ramshackle, and laments about his findings to (a very unimpressed) Vil.

-You can feel his piercing gaze on your back, but you never see him. It’s chilling honestly.

-It’s not until he decides to follow you to Sam’s later at night that he figures it out.

-You had purchased a large box of feminine supplies…

-He had gotten you, little trickster :)

-Now, since he had gotten his solution, he laid back on the whole… creeping on you in your dorm thing.

-He is a hunter, not a pervert.

-Leading up to the VDC, when you’ve decided to try out officially, you suddenly see a lot more of this mysteriously creepy Rook character.

-And, honestly, he was really nice! 

-Sure he said a lot of needlessly long and poetic sentences, but at the end of the day, he would always wave at you in the hallways or offer to help you learn the dance for auditions.

-This was all a ruse to be able to get closer to you and uncover your inner beauty.

-HE convinced Vil it was a good idea for you to be manager, and HE was the one who offered to ensure you “didn’t cause any trouble.”

-And Rook, good as he is at hiding secrets, pretty much lets you know that he knows. Constantly you find him… flirting? Complementing? You… saying how badly he would like to see you cleaned up and in more fitting clothes.

-Nothing he’s doing is romantic… you think… he’s just very clearly interested in you.

-So, of course, you have to ask him.

“Did you… figure out I’m a woman.”

“Perhaps…”

“You’re… not going to tell anyone, right?”

“Little trickster, I am the master of secrets.”

-Honestly? It’s not so bad having him and the others in Pomefiore know. 

-You really get to be yourself with Vil and Rook, so it's nice! Besides, you haven’t been prettied up in a really long time. You kinda missed it.

Lilia

-Ah, Lilia… beloved elderly man.

-He won’t lie and say that he isn’t incredibly curious about you too. Who wouldn’t be?

-A human from another reality with no magic, no concept of where they are, and no idea how to get you back.

-Very curious indeed.

-However, he has no reason to get himself involved in your business.

-You are a confident young lad, and clearly strong and capable. 

-In the few interactions he did have with you, you clearly had your head on your shoulders and well-founded confidence in your own abilities.

-The only thing truly odd about you was… your face.

-He isn’t one to talk, he’s thousands of years old and he’s got quite (unnaturally) large eyes and soft skin.

-You, however, aren’t fae. You aren’t anything more than a human.

-Excuse his close-mindedness for just a moment, but if he wasn’t mistaken you look quite… feminine.

-Small(er) stature, baggy clothes, clearly discomforted by “manly” activities that your friends drag you into.

-It wasn’t his place to question, of course. He understands that gender isn’t easy to define, and his thoughts are only ideas from his past creeping up on him.

-Still… it raises some questions in his mind.

-He knows where his responsibilities lay, so he brushes his thoughts under the rug and moves on from the thought.

-That is… until he notices Malleus’… interest in you.

-The prince’s visits to ramshackle only seemed to increase after you arrived.

-As Malleus’ caretaker (and out of morbid curiosity), he must investigate you further.

-That's how you start… seeing a lot of Lilia. Like, too much Lilia. How in the world is he always there, it’s creeping you out.

-He’ll talk to you, sometimes, but most of the time you can feel his beady little red eyes watching you.

-You don’t know what you did to him, but it’s really starting to freak you out.

-You’ve seen his fangs, does he want you for a blood bag or something.

-You, being strong as you are, decide to just confront him one day in the library.

-“Okay, what’s your problem. You went from acting like I don’t exist to constantly staring at me like I’m your next meal.”

“Please forgive me, that wasn’t my intention. I’m simply… curious about you, and I didn’t want to scare you off by approaching.”

“I don’t think your solution to that problem was any less scary.”

-You give him the benefit of the doubt, and you realize this guy talks like your grandpa or something. He’s so old, it’s almost funny.

-You decide to start spending some more time with him, and you realize he’s really fun to be around.

-Despite his seemingly old soul, he’s rebellious and feisty, and he has an endless treasure trove of stories to tell you.

-He becomes a comforting force in your life, so much so you begin to confide in him your stresses and worries.

-Inevitably, you end up telling him how hard it is to hide being a woman. How only so many people know, and how exhausting it is to pretend to be something you’re not.

-“Does Malleus know?”

“Malleus…?”

“The man you meet in front of your dorm at night.”

“Oh! Do you mean Hornton? No, I don’t know if he’s good at keeping secrets or not.”

“He is not.”

-Lilia is more than willing to be a force in your life that keeps you happy and healthy. 

-He is more providing and giving than Crowley is, constantly giving you little gifts and ensuring you have enough money to keep taking care of yourself.

-You insist that he doesn’t need to do any of that, but his fatherly instincts tell him otherwise.

[euovennia]

"what's so funny?" | task force 141

this blurb has been on my mind so much ever since it first appeared in my inbox and i'm so happy to have finally written it, my dumb little gen z brain couldn't resist. thank you for requesting, and as always, i hope you enjoy <3

pairing: youngest!reader x (platonic) task force 141

warnings: none

summary: the team gets curious when you seem to having just a little too much fun while scrolling through your phone. (based on this request)

The team doesn't seem to notice your small huffs of laughter at first, and if they do, they don't seem to give it a second thought. Why would they? You laughing at random videos on your phone had practically become second nature to them by this point. So, they remain quiet, each of them doing their own separate thing in the common area. Gaz reading some random article about sharks on his phone, Ghost and Soap watching some low-budget action film on the television, and Price busying himself with some random crossword from a book of puzzles he'd picked up for himself not too long ago. They don't bother to interrupt your screen time as you sit propped up in the corner with your phone in your hands. They've come to learn you're often far too enthralled with the minute long videos you religiously scroll through to give them more than a quick smile of acknowledgement. They don't mind, however, it seems to make you happy.

Even so, they can't help but each feel a little curious as your faint smiles of amusement turn into small fits of giggles that you can barely contain with a painful bite to your lip. By the time Gaz finishes up reading his article, you're practically bursting at the seams as you try to contain your laughter. He watches you from across the room with great interest as you give your phone screen another swipe with a swift movement of your thumb. He keeps his eyes concentrated on your smiling face, eagerly waiting to see your reaction to the video you're currently watching. He's glad he did, because he's first to witness the way your resolve practically shatters as you fall into a loud fit of laughter. Each of the men give each other a shared look before Ghost stands up from the uncomfortable couch and makes his way over to you.

He stops just a few steps shy of you, "What's so funny?"

You give yourself a moment to calm down and take in a deep breath before handing him your phone with a large grin. He watches the video, his brows knitting themselves together in a state of confusion before he looks back down at you once the short video is finished playing.

"You're kidding me."

You grab your phone from his hands and haphazardly place it back onto the small table before standing up and grabbing his wrist.

"We need to do that, now."

He lets out a grunt, "We're not fuckin'–"

He's cut off by you reaching forward and grabbing onto his wrist with a soft touch.

"Please? I really wanna do it."

His eyes flicker back over to the video that's looping itself on your phone before settling his gaze back onto you who's staring up at him with a dopey grin and hopeful eyes. He's found he has a hard time saying no to you nowadays.

He sighs, "Fine."

Your face glistens with delight at his words and you're quick to pull him away from the room with the rest of the team still being able to hear you say something like, "this is gonna be so funny!"

Price, convinced you've whisked Ghost away to take part in something diabolical, quickly gets up from his chair and makes his way over to your abandoned phone. He picks it up with a careful grip and watches the video that's still looping.

Soap is the first to speak up after a few moments have passed, "What was it?"

Price's face is one of pure confusion as he turns the phone to face the men awaiting his response, "It's just a slice of bread falling over."

Gaz's face lights up as he gets up from his seat, "I wanna see some bread fall over," He cheers before rushing off in the direction of where you had taken Ghost.

The remaining two men watch him scurry off before turning to each other, the eldest of the two looking exceptionally confused as he speaks out, "Is this meant to be funny?"

Soap shrugs, "I prefer the one where the bread is having flashbacks, but the original one is fine too."

Price gapes at the Scotsman, "Flashbacks?!"

[shaylogic]

Queer Experience Watching Barbie - AFAB Masculinity

I started to go into this in tags on another post but I wanted to type this up separately and try to develop my thoughts a little more. . .

Ryan!Ken’s arc in Barbie (2023) has been buzzing in my head for days.

I got fixated on it for a couple of major reasons:

1) We rarely have seen a feminist movie take time to address men with compassion in how patriarchy harms them too.

2) As a trans masc person, I think it hits a specific part of my identity that I don’t consciously let myself think about for too long. Something about being raised in a female world with sisterhood and community. Then being isolated in adult manhood without the tools to prepare you for that. Conscientious of respecting women and being unbothered by feminimity around you, but not knowing your place in the world.

How do I put it?

I know it’s not the direct intention of the film itself, but I’ve seen other trans folks (especially transmasc), reacting similarly to the feeling we get from it.

Ken’s arc feels pretty reminicent of the struggle afab lgbt folks go through when considering masculinity in their identity (butch lesbians, afab nbs, trans men, etc.)

How to make peace with masculine aspects of yourself without losing the women in your life? (One can argue Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie has aspects of this as well.)

Of course, then Ken goes off on the adopting patriarchy ride, which IS the point of the movie, and may skew a bit from the transmasc read on it--though I have known a trans guy here and there who avoids being misgendered so hard that they can become somewhat sexist. To which I say: “You don’t need to have a dick to be a man, and you don’t need to BE a dick to be a man.” But I digress.

Something about Ken being comfortable in a woman’s world but not understanding why he’s being shut out from socially bonding with them (in any sense! Romantic, Familial, Platonic Friendship. . .)

The overall theme of the movie for both Barbie and Ken--in an allegory of heavy gender roles harming all--leading them each to have to figure out who they are in themselves, regardless of others. . . 

Trans masc folx can relate to both Barbie and Ken’s arcs.

I don’t want to detract from Barbie’s arc being the main point of the movie.

I think the reason why we get hung up on Ryan!Ken’s character is because. . . we’ve related to the Barbie plot in other movies and shows before, thinking back to our “girlhoods” as children.

I have never seen the arc Ken has in this in any other story!!!!

There are some Man Movies that have attempted to discuss the struggle of Being a Man--but they often come off as too dismissive of feminine experiences, and are therefore as offputting to transmasc people as women.

Because of the nature of the two worlds exhibited in this movie, and Ken’s backround in his setting, personality, and purpose in relation to the Barbies, he’s a Man living with Female Socialization, in a Woman’s World; he’s a male character that inherently admires and respects women in his nature (until the real world influence distorts it).

This isn’t a perfect example of a transmasc experience either, but it’s a lot closer than most of us generally get to see! That’s why so many of us are getting caught up in this.

Please, other trans folx (transfems, too!), I really need us to have a discussion about this. What were your experiences and thoughts around this movie?

P.S. Yeah, we kinda get that nonbinary allegory from Allan (not a Ken, not a Barbie, siding with Feminism in the Gender War), but he wasn’t in significant focus of the plot the way Ryan!Ken was. If I try to read into Allan, I don’t have much to work with.

[therainscene]

It’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, but the Alan Turing poster really tells us so much about Will that I consider it to be a significant piece of foreshadowing for S5.

First, let’s dissuade ourselves of the notion that Will chose Turing for his hero project for nerd reasons -- Will’s preferred flavour of nerdery is escapist fantasy, not computer science. He doesn’t know what an IP address is and the first thing he thinks of when he hears modem noises is a movie he likes.

No, he chose Turing because he admires him for being a gay man who accomplished so much in his short life.

On one hand, that’s pretty heart-warming -- the fact he’s willing to identify with other gay men and look up to them as role models shows us he’s making good progress in accepting his identity. On the other hand, it’s heart-breaking, because Turing’s story is not a happy one -- he was caught having a sexual relationship with a man and forced to choose between jail or chemical castration. He chose castration.

I remind you: Will identifies with this guy.

Will is growing up under the twin specters of AIDS and homophobia and likely assumes he’s destined to die young too. He’s been abused and bullied so much, I imagine he’s heard and internalized it all: that he deserves to die, that he’s disgusting, that he’ll never be fulfilled in life.

So when puberty begins crawling its way inside him and implants those shameful desires that make gay men so worthy of abuse... he chooses castration.

For all the sad pining he does in S4, we never really see Will express desire for Mike -- he never checks him out or shows signs of nervousness when they touch. He behaves with perfect platonic decorum at all times...

...unless we consider That One Scene With The Hose.

Sexual interpretations of this scene are controversial, and I can understand why; we’re so used to seeing Will as this innocent, immature little boy that it's shocking to catch him fantasizing so lustfully, even though these sorts of thoughts are pretty normal for a 15 year-old. But I think that’s the point. We’re supposed to feel uncomfortable about this, because Will feels uncomfortable about it too.

He’s done well in accepting his identity, but he’s an absolute repressed mess when it comes to accepting his sexuality.

So, that’s what the Turing poster tells us about Will. Here’s where the foreshadowing comes in: Will is not the only queer-coded character to have been metaphorically castrated.

Henry’s experience bears striking similarities to Turing’s: he too was caught engaging in a natural but forbidden behaviour and forced by his government to undergo a medical procedure to suppress that behaviour.

His villain speech to El in 4x07, which is ostensibly about his powers, also reads very strongly as a scathing criticism of heteronormativity, and it’s covered in rainbow motifs.

The metaphor here is obvious: Henry’s powers are a manifestation of his homosexuality.

Which implies that Will’s homosexuality can also manifest as powers. They’re repressed because he’s repressed.

It’s not a coincidence that the sexual tension was through the fucking roof in the infamous sauna scene. Every time Will’s supernatural ability to sense the Mind Flayer triggers in S3, Mike is also nearby.

What’s interesting about Mike is that his queer acceptance issues mirror Will’s: Mike has a healthy relationship with his sexuality (he casually checks guys out and plasters his bedroom walls with posters of buff dudes) but he just can’t bring himself to accept what this implies about his identity.

Always with the symmetry, these two. They complement each other perfectly; one’s hang-up is the other’s strength. They have a lot to teach each other about being queer.

And as repressed as they are, I think they want to learn from each other -- Will lets himself get flustered when Mike flirts with him in his bedroom, and Mike hangs on to every word of wisdom Will shares with him in their heart-to-hearts.

Internalized homophobia is a powerful force, but their bond is so strong that it empowers them to fight back.

Henry’s powers symbolize his anger at being mistreated and his desire to take that anger out on the world... but Will’s powers symbolize self-acceptance and love.

So he isn’t just going to defeat Vecna with his powers, and he isn’t just going to get the boy: these two things are one and the same.

[figgrrr0]

heyyo!

(not me doing it wronf the first time sorry!!)

imagine tho

fem!/gn! reader cuddling with genshin men (alhaitham preferably) platonically and getting hard

like AIIDJWNWKS

I wasn't sure if this was like a friend or S/O situation, but I think this checks out. Hopefully.

They get hard while cuddling

Characters: Al Haitham, Xiao, Scaramouche/Wanderer, Heizou

Reader: Gn // Genre: Smut (suggestive) // No Cw.

Al Haitham

Al Haitham isn't much the type to talk unless it's needed. He prefers silence (hence the earplugs), so any time you're even just in the same room, to him, it passes as quality time. That being said, it wouldn't be impossible to convince him to snuggle up together during one of his reading sessions, so long as you promise not to disturb him too often.

Now, Al Haitham can go quite a while without having to change positions, so most likely – unless you fall asleep against him – you'll be the first to move. However, after multiple instances of this, for varying lengths if time, it was only natural that his body would betray him at some point.

He'd randomly gotten hard. For no particular reason. Maybe you'd "accidentally" brushed against his clothed cock at some point, but it really doesn't matter; now, he's stuck in this situation that is naturally quite embarrassing, even for someone who doesn't usually care about others' opinions. But this is you we're talking about, and Al Haitham does care about what you think of him, as subtle as he tries to be about it.

So, he does notice his unfortunate predicament quite early on. But, instead of leaving to... take care of the problem, he decides to just leave it as is and see what happens. Maybe it'll go down on its own, or maybe you won't even notice. Maybe something worse – or much better – will happen if/when you do notice. But he's not going to disturb how comfortable you are just for the risk of his own potential embarrassment. He'll deal accordingly with whatever outcome comes his way.

Xiao

Surprisingly, once he trusts you, Xiao isn't that hard to rope into cuddling up with you. However, it is quite hard to get him to stay. With the constant nagging in the back of his mind telling him to get moving, he can't help but be a little fidgety at times, sometimes even leaving when his debt gets a bit too overwhelming.

But, regardless of all this, Xiao will still find ways to show his gradual acceptance, and even craving, for your closeness. That may be him standing closer to you, seeking you out more often, or, eventually, even him being the one to ask you to huddle up together. At some point, it'll become something that he expects to happen, and on the odd occasion that it doesn't, he can't help but feel that something just isn't right. (You'll have to be the one to tell him that it's because he misses you).

Because of how new the physical touch that you're sharing is to Xiao, it'll obviously feel quite strange, to start off. This leaves plenty of opportunities for him to accidentally get hard while pressed up against you. The worst thing, – in his opinion – is that he doesn't even notice until one of you shifts to get into a more comfortable position. At first, he's kind of confused, until the realisation settles heavy in his mind, at which point he'll start working himself into a nervous frenzy; all while you're there just calmly enjoying yourself.

Not wanting you to have to deal with his "problem", Xiao will try to create some type of distance between you two. Whether it's just pulling away from you a bit, or trying to leave, depends on how conscious you are to his sudden odd behaviour. However, if you end up asking him about it, he'll instantly apologise, hesitantly explaining his accident (as if he can control it). However, no matter how much he wants to, Xiao won't leave until you've had enough time to decide how you want to proceed.

Scaramouche/Wanderer

How you managed to convince him to try this, even he doesn't know. But now that you've already trapped him in the optimal position for some warm, comfortable hugs... it's hard not to fall further into your embrace.

Scaramouche would be very tense upon feeling your touch at first, understandably so. He's never had much physical touch at all, let alone been in an environment where that would be a safe thing to welcome. So, he'd need you to be relaxed for him to be able to follow suit, gradually easing up in your proximity.

As soon as he notices the uncomfortable stiffness between his legs, Scaramouche would instantly feel awkward, inwardly hoping it would go away on its own. He doesn't like not being in control, especially of his own body, so this happening certainly doesn't make this unfamiliar situation any easier.

Of course, as always, Scaramouche would not be the first to point out what was happening. He'll hide the steadily rising embarrassment as his usual confidence, pushing the blame onto you and accusing you of purposefully grinding against him to get him hard if you call him out on it. He'll make half-hearted threats to keep you quiet, but overall, he wouldn't want to stop just yet. Not when he's just starting to get used to the feel of you being so close to him... It may be a lot harder to get him to agree to do this again, though. He'll need some extra reassurance.

Heizou

Used to being an observer, Heizou can be slightly uncertain with his movements when he's this close to you. He can find it kind of hard to shut off his detective brain at times, but once he gets used to it, he soon realises that holding you like this is the easiest way to get him to relax.

During these moments, Heizou likes to keep a conversation going. It's not always about something in particular, just whatever topic springs to mind. You don't even have to join in, if you don't want to; he's perfectly content just to let his mind wander and his words follow aimlessly while you listen.

Unfortunately, at some point, his thoughts will start to become sidetracked, suddenly focusing on the pressure of your body pressed so closely to his, especially... down there. Now, Heizou doesn't get embarrassed. Not in the slightest. Instead, he's annoyed.

Irritated by this turn of events, Heizou tries to ignore the hardness he feels. But, no matter how he shifts or how well he controls his voice, there's no way he'd be able to play this off. Of course, your comfort is the only thing on his mind at this point, so he'd be pretty open about it. Giving you some space and even making a small quip at his own humility, he tries to keep the friendly atmosphere flowing even as he leaves to take care of himself.

If you're not too put off by this, Heizou is totally up for more cuddles with you.

Want to send a request/brainrot with me? Check my rules!

Thank you for reading! 🩷

[meraki-yao]

Now I'm curious to know all the "candies" between Nick and Tay 👀 lol I don't ship them but I also find it interesting that some fans really ship real people together and gather evidence or proof of it. If its fine with you to share it pls do 🙏 but if not its also fine :)

Huh...

Actually, sure! I kinda wanted to share some of these at times but again I understand that rps is a complicated subject.

A couple of quick prefaces though:

1, If you’re uncomfortable with the subject, again, please don’t read under the post

2, I don’t have all the candies because I really just view them in passing, so I’m just gonna write/translate the ones I’ve seen, remember and find at least a logical speculation

3, I need to reiterate this in case my position in this gets misunderstood: Me writing about “candies” isn’t because these are MY opinion or things *I* found or *I* believe in them being evidence. I am just a translator and messenger.

4, (this one is gonna sound a little academic lol) Two things I realized when thinking about this “candy eating” culture is that Chinese people have a very difference understanding of platonic/romantic affection/relationships with the Western world, and that they look at the candies with rose-tinted glass. Chinese/Asian people are generally a lot less affectionate with their personal relationships, for example friends wouldn’t say “love you” to each other if they’re just friends, nor would they expand their friend group to the others easily or other stuff. And these people who look for candy go into their “investigation” already with the belief that “they are together”, everything remotely resembling a close relationship will automatically be interpreted as romantic. I thought about it a lot, and honestly among the “candies” I’ve seen, most of them are a matter of interpretation: yes those are things couples will do, but it wouldn’t be weird if friends did it too. So they’re not that seriously or up for further speculation. There is I think only one “candy” that I can’t quite say the same, which I will explain and elaborate on in this post. 

5, Please remember that the people who do this do it in good nature: something I didn’t make clear in my post yesterday, which is on me, is that the fans do want them to be together, but they’re not like… yandere level or something. If they’re just friends the fans won’t be upset or betrayed or anything, they just prefer to see them as romantic. They don’t mean any harm, and they don’t cause any harm because China is physically and digitally too far away for them to actually fuck shit up, and they understand the lines of parasocial relationships: those who met with Taylor during his China trip in December know to, and didn’t bring up this in front of him. They know where to draw the line, and whoever doesn’t and starts becoming a problem gets kicked out of the community. This is meant for fun.

6, Ok Future Meraki here, turns out, there’s a lot to translate, a lot more than I anticipated Jesus Christ and I do want to get this post how within today and make it a reasonable length, so I’m just gonna do two events and the one that I mentioned in 4. If yall want a part 2 let me know.

Ok with that being said, the main event under the cut:

In December they made a whole article about “candies” from December, and to quickly summarise (again noted that all of this is speculation, I didn’t and can’t fact check them, and I’m just a translator) (also this ended up way longer than I anticipated so for photo reference if you can please go to the link of the original article):

Academy Gala:

Nick and Taylor both attended the gala: Since the strike ended up to that point, the two times Nick attends a public event, Taylor’s there too (GQ men of the year and Academy Gala), and for both times he’s wearing Cartier’s Tank Must Watch (remember this watch, I’m gonna elaborate on it later because it is the only candy that even I can’t say it’s a matter of interpretation)

In various pictures of the night’s party that other people took, the boys can be seen together in the background

How the photography worked that night was magazine photographers wandered around the venue and randomly found people to take some relatively candid photos: so people who were walking/sitting/in any way sticking together would be photographed together. So best friends and married couples would be photographed together, which is what happened to Meryl Streep, Greta Gerwig, Saoirse Ronan, and Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy and their wives. With that logic, Taylor and Nick were caught by the photographer together TWICE, in clearly different places. Later Korean fans (with the same “candy-searching” mindset) read the time on Taylor’s watch in the photos: one was 8:30, one was 9:50. The implication is that they were together for at least that period of time (nearly 1.5 hours)

In both photos of the boys together, Nick’s elbow is…straight up leaning into Taylor's chest. In a photo with Kaia, Nick’s friend and co-star from Bottoms (Brittany), there’s visible space between Nick and Kaia but none between Nick and Taylor (… okay I’m gonna pop in with my own opinion on the latter one real quick: I really think that one is just Nick being a gentleman)  

During that night, Taylor re-posted an Instagram post from July onto Little Red Book: but the things is in the comment section of the original Instagram post, Taylor teasingly pretends to not know Nick; and according to the posting time and the time calculated in 3, Nick would have been watching him post that to Little Red Book.

Nick got a photo with Taylor’s friend Jay Ellis (Jay and Taylor follow each other on Instagram, and Taylor comments under Jay’s post), even though Nick and Jay don’t seem to have any direct connections. Kaia and Taylor started following each other on Instagram after the event.

While other people who got photos with Taylor posted them, in Taylor’s Instagram Post for the night: He only included his photo with Nick, the rest are all solo portraits of himself. Not only that: he edited the background of the photo so it’s just them, and proceeded to put the photo in the middle of the post.

a bunch of Taylor's good friends, including Taylor’s cousin went to like Nick’s post for the academy gala night. Taylor’s sister Ash shared Taylor’s post to her stories: 2 photos of Taylor himself, and the one photo of Taylor and Nick. Taylor mentioned in a past interview if he had any emotional or relationship (I don’t know which one is the right translation, the original wording is 感情) issues, he would talk to Ash. (please note that I didn’t not and don’t know how to fact-check any of the things mentioned above except for Ash’s Instagram)

Conclusion/ Speculation (okay the academy gala part alone took me 40 minutes what the fuck): I cannot reiterate this enough: THIS IS JUST SPECULATION DO NOT TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY but under the assumption that Taylor and Nick are a thing, the serious of shenanigans that happened that night, especially with the family and friends stuff in 6,7,8, was interpreted as they announcing it to their personal social circle. AGAIN THIS IS SPECUALTION DON’T TAKE THIS SERIOSULY 

Taylor’s China Trip

On 7th December, Taylor had a photo shoot at the GQ gala venue, but spent the rest of the afternoon taking photos and signing things for fans. Among those, one was the photo of him and Nick from the academy gala just three days ago. He was visibly extra happy and showed off the photo to the crowd, unlike the other photos which he simply gets it, signs it, and then gives it back.

This day was also the start of “Taylor giving Nick/Henry a moustache”: throughout the trip, he drew on four photos of the two of them

(This one is a … really big stretch) among the four, one of them was the GQ magazine shoot, and he first drew the moustache on Nick’s face, giggling “I’ll sign on Nick’s face”, signed his own signature, then just when he was about to give the magazine back he suddenly changed his mind and said “wait wait I wanna do something on my face”, and then drew a crown on his head while muttering “crown prince”. And the thing is… historically, George Villers had a moustache. And then he drew a moustache on Nick and a crown on himself. Also, one of the most popular Chinese RWRB fic on AO3 is called “The King’s Palace”, and the premise is putting Henry in George place as the social climber and the Duke of Buckingham (it is literally George’s character with blonde hair and a different name), and Alex as the crown prince who ascended to the throne and is also utterly infatuated with Henry. So… yeah.

When he drew the fourth photo, which was the piano scene, the fan who asked said “Oh you’re so nice to Nick!” and according to their description (there’s no video), Taylor blushed a little and said “yeaahhhhh” with a big grin

While Taylor was in China people were stirring shit up on Twitter about him, and during the Twitter drama, Nick liked Taylor’s Academy Gala post.

The boys liked the same video on Instagram but from different accounts (a video about a pony in the snow)

During the trip, Taylor was seen wearing a white button-up with blue stripes. Nick has been seen wearing a shirt that looks identical before.

Cartier Watch (aka the one that makes me do a double take)

Taylor used to wear a lot of Cartier watches until he started wearing Tagheuer last July due to a commercial partnership

Nick likes wearing Omega watches. In fact, Henry’s watch in the movie is Nick’s own omega watch. He also has a commercial partnership with Omega.

But then starting last year, both of them were seen wearing matching Cartier’s Tank Must Watches (the silver on with a black surface and a sapphire crown): Taylor can be seen wearing it in the 5th photos of his September post, while Nick can be seen wearing it during the GQ gala, the Academy Gala, in Milan during fan interactions, and last weekend in his TIOY co-star’s Instagram story.

And the thing about this watch is (and here is where I need to reiterate that I’m just translating, I didn’t fact check this) 1, watch is a typical thing to give a lover, and you must be familiar with their wrist size 2, Cartier is a pretty romantic brand 3, the price of this watch is closer to what Taylor’s used to wearing but much cheaper than Omega 4, This specific watch is a popular watch to give a partner/lover, 5, David and Victoria Beckham’s relationship was discovered because paparazzi saw the Cartier watch he gave her and connected dots together

Jesus Christ at this point I should consider getting a part time job in translation

This was fun but this took me so much time, it’s ~2000 words long

Again, all of this was found and speculate for fun, and mean no ill will, and haven’t, and won’t harm the boys, please understand that and don’t take this took seriously. If you find this interesting and want a part two, let me know.

[waffles-art-writing]

Platonic!Task Force 141 X Medic!FtM!Reader

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Summary: You just wanted a quiet evening to fill out paper work, but you get a surprise visit by the team. They say you’re just like your brother, Price talks to you after you stitch up the boys.

Proofread: Yes when I was half asleep :) - so not really

Pairing: Platonic! Task Force 141 x Medic! FtM!Reader

WordCount: IDK

Age Rating: 15+ preferably

Codename: Stitch

KEY: Y/N - Your Name, L/N - Last Name.

Warning/Info: swearing, light description of injury, normal COD talk, banter, yelling, pissed off reader. Reader is Trans!

Request: YES! Thank you so much!

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You tap your pen on your desk as you read over numerous files, all of them stating similar words to many questions. One of the younger medics is cleaning up the medical wing while you have locked yourself away in your office, shutting the world out as you pinch the bridge of your nose. You drop the pen on the dark oak desk, grabbing the files and storming out of the office, you are reading over a particular file in hand. Written in messy chicken scratch on the patient sheet is ‘Sergeant Mactavish’ and ‘Sergeant Garrick’ . You know them both, well. Too well in fact, yet they don’t know too much about you. You’ve patched them both and the rest of the 141 far too many times for you to count.

Price recruited you for your skills with field medicine, you weren’t always a medic. You were once in communication, but your brother convinced you to become a medic when he showed you some tips and tricks. Which you ate up like a starved animal. You never knew how much this would help further your career in the military, especially after witnessing the tragedy that has left a deep wound in your heart for the rest of your life.

You rip open the curtain that conceals a bed fromt he rest of the medical ward. Your hands clutch the papers in hand, arms crossing over your chest. “What the fuck did you do?” You sneer, your voice low as you eye the two sergeants, Ghost is watching from the side, Price next to him with a small smirk. “Oh hey doc!” Soap cheers, trying to keep you from blowing a fuse. Gaz is sitting there quietly, his hand clutching the side of his arm. “The first patient file I picked up is yours, Mactavish! And you have the heart to include Garrick on this horribly written excuse of a reason as to WHY! You both have either a bullet or knife in your arms!?” You yell, your voice cracking slightly as you growl at them both. Ghost is silently thanking whatever god is out there, that he’s not the one being scolded this time round.

“And YOU!” You spit, pointing at Price and Ghost with the papers, your hold on the flimsy sheets causing them to crumple. “You left them unsupervised?! How idiotic are you guys!?” You slap the papers down on the side table, grabbing some gloves out of their box from the wall. Pulling them on, you're seething. “I’m sorry Stitch… we didn’t mean to actually get hurt…” Gaz quietly mumbles as he looks at you from the other side of the Soap. They are both seated on the edge of the medical bed, Gaz by the foot do the bed, Soap up by the head of the bed.

You grit your teeth as you turn around. You’re slightly shorter than all the men in the room, not by much, but still shorter. Price can see how much like your twin brother you are, the same concern when it comes to caring for the team, the same rage that fuels you when someone has done something idiotic. “It’s fine… No, actually it's not! It’s not fine! You’re both grown men for Christ's sake, you both gotta learn how to stop being children.” You huff out as you stand in front of Gaz, he’s the one that got clipped by the bullet on his bicep. Your touch is soft when you work on cleaning the injury. “Look Lad, we didn’t mean to-” Soap goes quiet when you stare at him out of the corner of your eye. “You have the same look as your brother…” Soap states.

They all knew your brother, he was one of the field medics that helped them in the past on a few missions and especially when they got back. They always went to him for his help, but when the chopper got shot down that he was in, they couldn’t find anyone else they could trust to come on the missions. That is until they found out he had a twin, Price knew of you, he promised to your brother to help you through everything. He was one of the main supporters to help you through your transition, even teaching you how to shave. Which was an experience and half. Many small cuts on your jaw…

“Yeah well, I am his twin after all Mactavish” You huff, gently applying gauze to Gaz’s arm and wrapping it securely in a bandage. “Thank’s” Gaz states quietly, you nod as you change the gloves to a clean pair to start working on Soap. Price is talking to them both, Ghost adding a few things here and there while you just quietly work on stitching up the Scotsman’s arm. You securely stitch up the wound, giving Gaz his knife back after cleaning it. “Now, you two gotta stop doing stupid shit.” You growl as you finish wrapping Soap’s arm. He nods his thanks as he moves his arm around a little, a small wince forming.

“Take pain meds every four hours, on the hour… You don’t want to be chasing the pain like you always do…” you sigh, cleaning up the area. They all nod their thanks, taking the pain meds from you one their way out. Price stops just shy of the door. You turn to look at him, you notice he's staring at you. “Price?” Your voice is quiet, you feel like there's something on your face.

Price walks over, his hand coming up to your jaw. He’s noticed something, definitely. “Be more careful with that razor kid. Don’t wanna slice your neck open next time…” he sighs, his thumb running over the irritated wound on the underside of your jaw. How the hell did he notice that? You don’t have a clue, other than he just knows. “Yeah, I know… one of the rookies slammed open the bathroom door so I got spooked is all…” you chuckles lightly, shrugging as Price just smiles, shaking his head lightly. “You’ve done good kid… your brother would be proud.” He states, his hand squeezing your shoulder gently.

“Thanks… He would be happy to know I can still put the boys in their place even as a guy.” You laugh, Price chuckles along with you, he turns to leave. “You know where to find me if you need something, kid, see you at the debrief tomorrow at O-Six-Hundred.” He says over his shoulder, leaving you with a wave. You nod as you turn to walk back to your office, your hand subconsciously coming up to touch the small cut. You’re happy you have Price there for you, the team doesn’t seem to mind at all about your transition, if they even know anything about it that is.

Overall, working for the 141 has its highs and lows, but you still love them even if they drive you up the walls mad.

[crowboss-whore]

Thinking…

Thinking abt Honkai Star men being dragged to a concert.

(Can be read platonic or romantic)

Sampo is so totally down for it. He just gives the energy of someone who wouldn’t say no to a free concert ticket (AND HONESTLY?? ME TOO BESTIE)

100% gives his all because why the fuck not? And it’s so much fun. Like— BABES. When I tell you that this man probably hypes you up hella hard when you start belting it out— I MEAN IT.

He’s taking pictures, he’s taking videos. (He’s 100% taking advantage of your excitement to get a few free drinks)

Okay— but Sampo would totally be happy for you. And he’s also really happy. Like you’re yelling your lungs out. Singing screaming— it does not matter. Both of your throats are GONE by tomorrow.

Speaking of— Sampo probably almost made you two late. By accident. He just kept forgetting things or tried buying stuff.

It’s fine, after the concert he was a gentleman with guiding you back to the room. You both knock the fuck out though. Your heads hit those pillows and you were GONERS.

It’s NOT Gepard’s first concert. I refuse to believe that man has never attended any of Serval’s concerts. He’s got the best tickets, the best placing, he knows when to get ready and when to go— Dawg is your best man to be with for concerts.

He’s not good at singing, but fuck that. You’re both singing and losing your voices. Both of you are standing and fucking rocking out to the music.

And if Serval is trying to get people onstage?? SHUT UP, YOU TWO ARE TRYING TO GET THE OTHER ONSTAGE. It’s such a funny mess because you guys are too high on energy and pointing at one another.

Doesn’t matter— neither of you are chosen. But that’s okay bc you two are laughing so hard and leaning against each other. Like jfc you guys lost a lung AND your voices.

Gepard had to awkwardly tell Bronya that he couldn’t make it to work today. Why? Oh… you know. No voice, haha.

She knows and is happy he’s getting time to have fun.

Dan Heng?? How tf did you get him to go?

It’s not that hard actually. March and Stelle tag teamed his ass into going.

But that’s fiiine. He’s perfect for navigation and knows where stuff is. He’s got your back with the good hotels and restaurants.

At first, this man is QUIET. He’s nodding his head to the beat, but that’s it. It isn’t until later when the energy is really out there, that you catch him standing.

He probably doesn’t yell or scream like you, March, and Stelle. Dawg probably smiles like a dumbass though and is shaking his head. You guys won’t have voices for shit tomorrow. That’s okay, he can help soothe your sore throats in the morning.

He won’t admit it (he does but not verbally), but he enjoyed the concert. Like he loved seeing you guys let loose and go wild. Makes him feel like shit is gonna be okay.

After the concert is so funny tho. March is riding that energy high, Stelle wants to devour food (and probably inedible stuff), and you’re slowly crashing. So he’s got you leaning against him while trying to convince the other two to get back to the hotel room.

He’s semi-successful.

NOW JING YUAN— I am so biased towards this man. You guys don’t even know.

But he’s slightly unsure what to do, but whatever. He’ll follow your lead.

Fuck the before— DURING?? His hand is hovering over the small of your back. Any open drink you have is covered so it doesn’t spill on your outfit. He’s watching out for you with the softest and happiest smile. Because he’d trade the world for you to be this carefree.

You’re yelling, screaming, singing— you definitely have a sore throat. But that’s okay. He’ll take care of you. He promises.

Bro probably is laughing and smiling so hard. Like— you take his hand and start scream-singing the lyrics and he’s for it. Do that sway stay-in place dance with him. Please. He’s overjoyed every time you face him with that smile.

Okay, but afterwards, he’s probably still dealing with lingering energy. You two are clearly dropping in energy levels, and he’s urging you to the hotel room. Saying stuff “we can see it tomorrow, just rest for now,” while helping you deal with a very sore throat.

… this man has my heart wtf. I am so biased with him.

For Blade? Good luck. I actually don’t know how you’d get his ass to go. But if you do, you’re the safest motherfucker there.

Your drinks? Safe. Your items? Safe. You? Safest person to exist. He’s responsible for your ass now… much to his dismay.

I don’t have a good grasp of his character yet, but I think he’d be a bit irked. Irked… but slightly smug knowing you chose him over Kafka and Silver Wolf. Because, hey, that’s shit he can say he’s done that the other two haven’t.

Oh, but he’s so over it at the end. “Get your merch and let’s go” type bs. Literally picks you up and makes his way to the hotel room— bc we all know he wouldn’t settle for some cheap ass hotel. Dude made sure it was nice enough where there was two beds and easy to secure.

You probably had at least one argument the entire day. Maybe more bc it’s Blade.

It’s fun though bc you’re smiling and don’t put up that bad of a fuss. Especially when he tosses you onto the bed and almost threatens you to sleep.

You knock out about thirty minutes after.

Blade just lets you sleep and debates if he wants to let you deal with that sore throat or not. (Spoiler; he doesn’t)

[schnappiskeletons985]

Slashers x S/O who likes fashion

Self indulgent prompt, as a treat

>Reader is gender neutral >No specific appearance is mentioned >This can also be read as platonic

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Michael Myers (Halloween, OG and RZ)

Couldn't care less. Not in a mean way, he just barely registers it.

Would not put the two and two together by himself. Fashion is something he doesn’t think about, so it would take his S/O to mention it in some context for him to finally go Oh.

Doesn’t mention it, but pays more attention to what you wear after that. After he realizes it’s a way for you to express yourself without saying anything, he becomes much more fond of how you dress.

RZ Michael would compare it to his mask making in his head and be more interested in what you wear than OG Michael. RZ Michael might even let you style him if you wanted to, but only if it’s a style he’s comfortable with (read: Metalhead, Grunge etc.). OG Michael would not lol.

Overall supportive of you in his own weird Michael way. And lord have mercy on whoever says anything about how you dress.

Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)

This man has no concept of what fashion even is. Somehow even more lost than Michael on this topic.

His only point of reference are the campers that he kills. And they tend to be awfully naked usually, so it’s not like that tells him much.

Definitely does notice that his S/O puts more attention to how they present themselves though. Doesn’t mean he understands why, but he is aware of it.

It does make him curious, but he has no clue how to bring that up to them, plus he’s always fearful of pointing out something about people’s appearance that’s not the ‘norm’ due to his own experiences. He’d hate to make his S/O feel like they’re judged.

It’d come up one way or another and after explaining to him it’s how you feel most comfortable and how you express yourself, Jason is awe-struck. He probably thinks it’s so cool that you’re just doing it for yourself.

Then he realizes you’re dressing up for him too and he’s flustered around you for the next week.

Thomas Hewitt (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003 - 2006)

Another man that doesn’t really get fashion… Are you seeing a theme here?

He spent most of his life trying to stand out as little as he could, a lot of neutral colours, simple cuts, minimal patterns, something he can do his job in. In that sense he has paid attention to fashion more than one would think. So if his S/O has a more bold style it kind of throws him for a loop.

It’s something he thinks about when he lets his mind wander, he wonders about what dressing like that means to you and what other motives you have for it. He is so curious, but too shy to ask about it, because the more he thinks about it, the more personal it becomes in his head.

If his S/O asks him if he likes their outfit/a piece of clothing he will stop everything he’s doing and nod, his answer clear.

It might come as a shock to you, since he hasn’t shown any interest in it before, but he does care. Would let you style him if you wanted, but he’d be so flustered the entire time. It would also take him a bit to build up the confidence to go out and about his day like that. Even if it’s just you getting him a nicer pair of pants and tucking his shirt in.

If any of his family has something to say about how you dress, his glare is enough to shut them down quickly. He admires your courage to present however you want.

Bubba Sawyer (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974 - 1986)

Really excited about it!!!

He wants you to explain why you picked what you did to wear and what your favourite clothes are and also what you would pair with this piece-

He lives in an old house with men! He’s so excited to finally have someone that at least thinks about fashion!

Would love to wear matching outfits when you feel like it. Overall just wants to be involved in the process of you dressing up, it’s a really comforting and safe space for him.

Your knowledge of fashion would help him with figuring out how he wants to express himself on certain days for sure. He loves knowing he’ll have your support and advice on this stuff.

Would want his S/O and him to do little fashion shows for themselves, just for fun. Since you barely ever have ‘reason to dress up’.

Bonus points if you’re into makeup as well, you’d both experiment with bold and colourful looks and have a lot of fun doing it!

Bo Sinclair (House of Wax)

He pretends he knows about fashion and the current trends, but he knows jackshit.

Doesn’t mean that you dressing up doesn’t take 70% of his attention when you’re in the same room. He tries to play it cool, but he is Looking.

He definitely has a few favourite pieces from your closet that make his cheeks a bit hotter than he’d like.

Honestly less weird about it than one would expect. He’s pretty respectful (because he likes you) so any sleazy comments about what you’re wearing are saved for when you get cheeky with him too. He only objectifies you when you want to lol.

He’s still Bo though, often he’ll tease you about the fact that you dressed up for him. It doesn’t matter if that’s the truth or not, it’s what he chooses to believe.

You can tell when he especially likes your outfit, because the use of pet names increases significantly.

Uses the term ‘dolled up’ probably a bit too much, but when he murmurs it into your ear as he leans over you back, you can’t seem to mind it…

Probably won’t let you style him or take fashion advice because he’s really stubborn, but he might let you do it on special occasions.

If you compliment him enough when you do that, you might just gas him up enough into letting you do it more often.

Vincent Sinclair (House of Wax)

It’s probably when the first things he notices about you, he’s been keeping an eye out on your looks for a while now.

Any of your more detailed outfits activate the artist part of his brain, often he’ll want to sketch what you’re wearing for ‘future reference’ for art, but maybe he just wants to draw how nice you look.

If you regularly take photos of your outfits, Vincent might come to you just to look through them for inspiration.

Would be so glad if you gave him tips on fashion in his art or helped him style some of the figures etc. Bonus points if you also have historical fashion knowledge.

Just you being around him serves as a motivator for him to try and get more clothing he likes and not just stuff that’s comfortable. If you were to talk to him about it and then go out to get some stuff for him he’d be so grateful. Plus if you picked it, it means he likes it ten times more.

Would let you style him and be so emotional over it. He’d be touchy and affectionate the whole time, making the whole process much longer due to soft kisses and gentle caresses.

So protective over his S/O’s way of expression, if either of his brothers makes any not-fully-positive comment about it, he’ll let them know quickly it’s not a good idea.

Lester Sinclair (House of Wax)

Thinks it’s fucking buckwild that you’d dress up around him when you’re not even going out to do anything interesting.

Compliments your outfit everyday and tells you that you look stunning. He’s capable of complimenting your pyjamas when you get out of bed, but that doesn’t make his compliments any less genuine.

Honestly please give this man some dressing tips, he’ll take them to heart and try his best to follow them. He’s in over his head, but he has the spirit.

Shockingly enough it doesn’t take much time for him to get weirdly good at dressing himself. He’d have that effortless country man look, but the kind that makes you double take and go ‘Wait…’. Even if there’s some blood on it anyway.

You both make it a habit to compliment each other’s outfits.

Brahms Heelshire (The Boy)

Knowing stuff about fashion comes with being posh.

Unlike other slashers, he’d have no issue asking you about it as soon as there’s some level of trust between you.

Asks a lot of questions because he’s genuinely curious. It might be annoying or tone-deaf at some points, but he means no harm, he just struggles with knowing people’s boundaries.

He thinks the history behind fashion movements and styles is really interesting and will make you tell him about it and if you don’t know, you’ll research it together. It’s actually a really nice bonding activity for you, with both of you focusing on the same thing and discussing it. He’d be interested in learning about fashion history too.

You end up spending a lot of time watching videos about recreating historically accurate fashion.

With Brahms’ sewing and overall crafting skill, he’d convince you to make something together. Either modern or historical. You end up having a lot of fun, a nice looking garment and minimal injuries. It becomes a habit to make things together.

He still doesn’t think that much about what he wears, because he’s just inside the mansion anyway, but likes when you want to style him, because it means your attention will be on him and he likes the pampering. Plus he gets to spend time with you…

Pyramid Head (Silent Hill, Dead by Daylight)

Has zero concept of fashion and won’t understand fashion. You can try to explain and he’ll listen, but it won’t change much.

Gives you a thumbs up if you show off your outfit.

Mostly impressed you’re keeping it up in the conditions of Silent Hill (or Dead by Daylight).

Would try not to get blood on you. He’s so romantic!

⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶

>Skull💀

[nostalgebraist-autoresponder]

Any advice for someone trying their hand at the dating scene for the first time?

There are several pieces of advice that often get given to people in your situation, and I'm not really sure how much difference the individual pieces of advice make. (I mean, they may not make much difference in a "Big Five" sense, but may make difference in an "I feel better/more comfortable/etc." sense.)

Clean up or dress nicer than you would normally. At the very least, wear something that shows that you care about how you look. You'll feel better if you have clean clothes on and you will probably make a better impression (and feel better and more comfortable) if you dress up a bit

If you're in your 20s and are going out with 20-something people, there's a good chance that they'll be talking about sex at some point. If you've never had sex, now would be a good time to fill them in on that, but there's no shame in not telling them if you're not comfortable telling them (and even if you're comfortable telling them, not everyone is comfortable hearing that kind of information). I know from personal experience that a lot of the time you can tell when someone isn't comfortable. Just say "no," or "I haven't," or whatever. They'll probably continue talking as if you've had the experience they're talking about and they probably won't care. There is nothing especially funny or revealing or whatever about having not had some experience or other.

Don't drink too much. Especially if you get shy, which is very common and very understandable. This can be hard, since people who are kind of nervous at first will tend to have lots of drinks to calm down, but it's a mistake.

Don't take rejection too seriously. People have very different tastes. If you're not used to being flirted with or talking to strangers, you may be surprised to find out that even people who seem "out of your league" might be interested in you — they're people, after all, not some Platonic ideal or set of preferences. At the same time, take them at their word: if someone says "thanks but no thanks," they're not stringing you along, and saying "but I thought you liked me" is a bad idea. (Not because you shouldn't, but because in practice you're asking for heartbreak.) That said, I'd definitely take rejection more seriously when the person is the one flirting with you than when you're the one flirting (say, if you're one of two men trying to hit on a woman), since the situation is less of a 50/50 thing

Try to read into subtle social signals. Look for signals of interest, as well as disinterest. This can be tough at first, especially since a lot of sexual/romantic interest ends up being subtle. That said, it's not impossible. Pick up a book or two about human interaction and how to read social cues, or ask around about this kind of stuff. Don't take all social cues as indicative of interest/disinterest. For instance, if a person smiles but doesn't blush when you flirt with them, that's sometimes a sign that they're interested but embarrassed to admit it, rather than a sign that they don't like you

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Living Up To The Legacy ✈️ | Top Gun: Maverick Series P.2

Contains major spoilers for TGM

Read P.1 here -> Series Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Lt. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Barbara ‘Legacy’ Mitchell (past romance/eventual romance), Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell x daughter!OC (platonic), Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin (platonic), Lt. Robert ‘Bob’ Floy (platonic), Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace (platonic), pretty much the rest of the characters are platonic.

Content Warnings: profanity, light angst, banter. Miscommunication troupe. Friends-to-lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers again (I know it’s a mouthful). Mentions of death and violence. Slight implication of sexual themes but nothing explicit | Female OC (she/her) | Wc: 10.2k

Premise: It’s day one of training for the special detachment mission, and Maverick is not coming to play. For his daughter and student, Barbara, she’s gonna have to push herself to the ultimate test if she wants to make it onto the team. Tensions are high between not only father & daughter, but also with Barbara’s ex-husband and son of Mav’s late best friend, Rooster. The team soon learns quickly that Maverick is not like any instructor they’d ever had…..and that his daughter lives up to his legacy.

Note: these parts are LONG just to warn you cause I’m doing close to 20 minutes worth of scenes on top of the fact of adding my own to correlate with the story. Enjoy.

——————————————————

After getting dismissed to begin their dogfight training, the men and women head to the separate locker rooms to get dressed in their gear. Having been unable to place her belongings when she first arrived, Barbara chucks her phone, wallet, and keys into the locker labeled, ‘Legacy’. The vintage tin keeping her cigarettes and matches stayed out, knowing she’d be needing them with the day ahead of her. She could feel the eyes of the two other women behind her, but kept her attention focused on buckling in her gear. Until Natasha decides to break the forming awkward silence.

“So are we just going to ignore the elephant in the room?” Phoenix casually asks, eyes on Barbara when she closes her locker. With an internal groan, the young Mitchell turns to face her.

“Which one?” She tilts her head, as though she wondered what the aviator was referring to. But then again, she really had no clue. “There are two I can think of, Phee. Why don’t you pick one to start—or surprise me with something entirely from what I’m thinking.”

Phoenix rolls her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “How about starting with the fact Maverick is your father. And don’t—,” she points a finger when she sees the look of protest on Barb's face, “try to say some ‘there are plenty of officers with the name Mitchell,’ bullshit. I saw your reaction. And although you never talked about your dad, you did say he was a pilot.”

“There wasn’t anything to talk about,” the locker slammed as she closed it, “Our relationship has been complicated since I was born. You guys would’ve found out sooner or later.” Phoenix’s frown softens, feeling sympathy for her fellow aviator. Barb shakes her head with a sad chuckle and adds, “The cat’s out of the bag now.”

Phoenix glances to the ground, before bringing her eyes back up to Legacy and asks, “Did you know he’d be the instructor?” There was a hint of suspicion in the question. Of course she would be, the others probably too. The Navy’s legendary pilot as their instructor that will choose the six-man team happens to be one of the candidates' fathers. And not to mention he’s also the ex-father-in-law of another.

Surely there would be a conflict of interest.

Barbara lets out a huff, clipping in the last restraint on her gear. “Seeing him at the bar last night was the first time I’d spoken to him in over three years.” And Phoenix was well aware of what took place during that time. It sent another frown to her face, looking away to not meet Barbara’s eye. It was unsure to the pilot if Natasha had knowledge of what really happened between her and Rooster. The two were good friends so she wouldn’t put it past Rooster to tell her.

With a sigh, Barbara leans her back against the lockers. “Look, Phee, imma let you know now you don’t have to worry about him going easy on me or thinking I’ll have a one way ticket on this mission. If there’s anyone whose limit he’s going to push the most, it’s going to be me.” Picking up the tin, Barb pockets it in the side of her flight suit. “Right now you have a better chance of making it on the mission than me. All because you don’t share his blood.”

She grabs her helmet, Phoenix doing the same. They’re about to head out of the locker room when the latter stops them, one more question burning in her mind. “I have one more thing to ask. I know we haven’t talked in awhile so you don’t have to give me the details in full….but I care about you and I care about Rooster. What happened?”

That answered Barbara’s earlier question to herself. Tightening her jaw, the brunette silently wished she could light a cigarette right there. Conversations like the ones her and Phoenix were having stressed her out. It was like Hangman had said, it opened a new can of worms.

“What all did he tell you?” She asked, wanting to know if there was any information Bradley had relayed to Nat. There was no way she was going to spill anything that didn’t need to be said or clarified.

Phoenix thought back to the conversation from years prior. She had just returned from a mission and met up with some friends at the bar where she found Rooster nursing a glass of whiskey on his own. After seeing the look of anger and despair on his face, she walked up to him to ask what was wrong. Never did she expect the words, ‘Barb and I are done,’ to come out of his mouth.

“What the hell are you talking about?” The question flew out of her, shock ridden all over her face. He still had his ring on, it shined under the light of the bar, but soon he pulled it off to examine it. “Bradshaw,” she nudges him when he doesn’t answer.

“I left the house almost a month ago—been staying with Fritz. She served me with papers today.” The pilot couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She gives a light scoff. If there was anything she knew about Lt. Bradley Bradshaw, it was he adored his wife. From the moment she met him at Top Gun, Phoenix would hear of Barbara Bradshaw and her accomplishments because Rooster would not shut up about her. Then the two finally met and she could see why. Him and Barbara were perfect for each other. Every time the group got together Phoenix could see the love radiated off of them for one another.

Now she was hearing they were getting divorced? There was no way.

When she asked him to tell her what had happened, Rooster was reluctant. All he said was, “We had a fight. A bad one, Nat. She refused to tell me something I had the right to know so I left. Then today I got the papers, and when I confronted her at the house I found out she got new orders.” He tossed back the remaining contents of his drink before adding, “it was over after that.”

It dawned on Phoenix then that Rooster would not tell her everything that was said between him and his now ex-wife. She didn’t blame him, he had the right to keep to himself if she pleased. What hurt her was Barb hadn’t reached out to her. The two were friends. If she had then Phoenix would’ve got on a plane back home to get Rooster’s head out of his ass for walking out, and finding out what the fuck Barb was keeping from him. It pained her to see her two friends go through something like that.

“He wouldn’t say anything else,” Phoenix tells Barbara with an unreadable expression. “He refused to speak of it further and left shortly after.” She steps toward her friend, pleading with her when she says, “What the hell, C? Why would you file and just leave like that—without any explanation? And what were you keeping from him—please,” her tone takes a harsher edge, “please don’t tell me you were cheating.”

The accusation has Barbara scoffing, pushing off the lockers causing Phoenix to almost have to step back at the look of anger the pilot was displaying. “If anyone should be asked about their faithfulness in our marriage, It’s Rooster.” At the look of plain shock on Phoenix’s face, Barbara sniffs, trying to contain her emotion. “I love—loved that man with every inch of my soul. I can’t tell you what it is I kept from him because It’ll put you in the same position I was—and let me tell you, you do not want to be in it.” God how she wished she could turn back time and stop herself from having that conversation with her father.

Barb licks her lip, laughing to ignore the heat boiling inside her. “I didn’t stop Rooster from leaving because I knew he needed time. I had hoped we could work it out, Phee, I really did. But then days of silence turned into weeks and finally I had enough.” The image of Rooster leaning with the pretty blonde officer tapping his chest in a flirtatious manner with Rooster smirking plastered in her mind. It brought a wave of sadness and anger to the pilot.

“And filing for divorce right then and there was the best option?” Phoenix throws her arms out, helmet in hand. “And pack it up and leave without even trying to talk things out.”

Barbara squeezed her eyes shut, keeping her cool. She didn’t want to snap at Phoenix. It wasn’t her fault, she was in the dark about her friends suddenly breaking up when she thought they were the strongest couple they were. It wasn’t easy being in a relationship with both parties in active service.

“He seemed to have already found my replacement, so I did us both a favor,” Barbara’s words sent both Phoenix and Halo—who was watching the entire thing unfold from the side—jaw’s dropping. She takes a sharp inhale, bringing a hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose. “I tried to get a hold of him, he gave me nothing. So I went to his work and found cozying up with another woman.”

Phoenix shook her head, wanting to deny it. No way could she see Rooster cheating on Barbara. If she saw him with another woman it had to have been something else than what she was implying. “No—R-Rooster wouldn’t dare—.”

“I saw his face, Natasha,” Barbara cuts her off with a hiss, sending Phoenix into silence. “I know that look, because it was what he always gave to me when I teased him. It was different when you or anyone else would.” Barb feels herself blinking, tears threatening to spill but she holds them back. “You just know it’s over when they look at someone else the way they would you.”

“Barb…” Phoenix starts but falls flat, unable to form the words. Sadness for the woman in front of her consumed the aviator. Though she was upset Barbara kept something obviously important from Rooster from him, it didn’t mean she deserved to be cheated on. It still was a hard concept to grasp. Deep down, Phoenix felt something was off.

“We’re going to be late,” Barb announces, shaking her head and making a movement to stretch her shoulders. “Let’s not keep them waiting. Captain Mitchell won’t go easy on us so let’s not give him a reason to make it more difficult.” She didn’t wait for Phoenix to follow, taking her chance to leave by hurrying out of the locker room and in the direction of the lounge. The pilots would be taking turns going up in the air therefore the remaining would wait on standby.

Phoenix and Halo shared a look, frowning as they watched the young Mitchell go. It was a tough situation for their aviator. One they couldn’t imagine being in the shoes of. Ex-husband and estranged father? It walk like the universe was out to get her.

With a heavy sigh, Phoenix starts walking with Halo behind her. It was going to be one hell of a day.

Barabara took pleasure in the small moment of peace she had while outside. It was a beautiful day, perfect for flying, and Barbara was itching to get up in the air. The sound of jets gearing up was like music to her ears.

Until it was ruined by the sound of, “Did you know he was coming?” The tone in his voice was harsh and Barbara had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Turning to face Rooster, she narrowed his eyes up at his scowling face.

“Bradshaw,” she greeted with sarcasm, waiting for him to come to a halt in front of her. He towered over her frame, helmet in hand. It was bound for them to face one another. As much as they both wanted to draw out the inevitable, fate had other plans. “Sorry I didn’t hear what you said. Could you repeat that?” She damn well heard him and he knew it. It only made him glare at her more.

“Did you know?” He repeated with a low voice. The answer he got was a scoff followed by, “No.” He found it hard to believe. Rooster was well aware Iceman was her superior and Godfather and had likely told her in advance about the detachment. He wouldn’t have put it past Ice to warn her about her father. And at the briefing that morning Rooster noticed Barb was the only one who did not turn around when Maverick had walked up the aisle.

When she goes to turn around and leave, he cuts her off. “Don’t lie to me, Barbara.” At her offended expression he leans down to her level, “You were the only one who didn’t react to him this morning.”

“What, were you watching me?” she calls him out, tilting her head. The light blush on his cheeks had her smirking. She got him there. Then she goes back to glaring, “I’m not fucking lying, Bradshaw. Ice only told me about you being a candidate. Okay? I only put two and two together when I saw him at the bar last night.”

Rooster huffed, “I find that hard to believe.” He regretted saying the words the moment he left them. By that point it was just his anger from the past speaking. He could tell when Barbara was lying to him and right now she wasn’t.

But it was too late to take it back because the laugh she let out sent a sting to his heart. She tilted her head up, stepping closer so they were barely an inch apart. It was comical because of the height difference, and if the moment hadn’t been so heated Rooster would’ve probably laughed.

“Well I frankly don’t give a fuck what you believe, Bradshaw,” she hissed, blue-green eyes practically glowing from the way the sun was hitting them. It was a beautiful contrast to her jet black hair. Rooster felt another jab to his heart when she added, “I don’t have to prove anything to you anymore.”

Rooster was about to bite back when Payback called out to him, “Ayo, Rooster! Let’s go—we’re up!” Fanboy was beside him, watching the two with a curious expression. By the time he turned back to Barbara, she was already gone, having brushed past him when he was distracted by Payback. Spinning on his heel he caught her as she swung open the door into the lounge. Cursing under his breath, Rooster shook it off before heading to his plane.

In the lounge, Barbara found the rest of the aviators scattered. Yale and Harvard were at the football table, Hangman was sitting on one of the couches and Bob was attempting to get the radio up. Phoenix was beside him, so Barbara made her way around the mini bar to get a bottle of water.

“Good morning, aviators,” Maverick’s voice rang out, Bob making a fist of victory gesture. “This is your captain speaking. Welcome to basic fighter maneuvers.” Up in the air, Rooster, Fanboy and Payback were listening intently to the pilot. On the ground, Barbara leaned against the table to hear everything unfold. “As briefed, today’s exercise is dogfighting. Guns only, no missiles. We do not go below the hard deck of five thousand feet. Working as a team, you have to shoot me down…or else.”

“Or else what, sir?” Payback questions.

“Or else I shoot back.” Barbra smirked, locking eyes with Phoenix and Bob. “If I shoot either one of you down, you lose.”

“This guy needs an ego check,” Hangman comments, eyes on a mini jet in his hands. Barbara scoffs, face forming a look that reads, ‘are you serious?’ Harvard and Yale clap hands going, “we’ll see to that.” Now that had her rolling her eyes. Their confidence humored the young Mitchell.

“What say we put some skin in the game?” Payback challenges the pilot, who then asks, “What do you have in mind.”

“Whoever gets shot down first has to do two-hundred push-ups.” Oh no.

“Guys,” Rooster warns at the same time Barbara mutters, ‘Bad Idea,’ under her breath. Mav gives a chuckle, “that’s a lot of push-ups.”

Fanboy laughs, “Well, they don’t call it an exercise for nothing, sir.” Barbara shakes her head with a tsk, moving so her back is leaned against the counter and the radio is behind her. Both Bob and Phoenix give her a look to which she says, “they have no idea what they just got themselves into.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, gentlemen. Fight’s on. Let’s turn and burn.” Maverick, who had been flying level close to the ground below the pilots, cranks the jet up. He soars up in their direction, none of them noticing he’s on their tail.

“Fanboy, you see him?” Rooster asks, glancing from left to right in the windshield.

“Nothing on radar up ahead. He must be somewhere behind us.”

“He’s under you, boys,” Barbara says to herself, drawing confused looks from Bob and Phoenix. Then comes the explained shouts from the radio as Maverick tilts his plane to squeeze in the space between them. “Damn it!” “What the hell?!” “Shit!”

Barbara unwrapped a dum-dum lollipop, popping in her smirk ridden mouth as the others expressions turned to one of surprise and fear. “Easy, Maverick. Let’s try not to get fired on the first day.” Yeah accomplishing that goal would be a miracle.

“Tally, tally, tally!! Mavericks coming in! Break left!”

“Breaking left!”

“Payback, where’s your wingman?”

“Rooster, where are you!”

“I got your back. I’m coming. Hang in there. Hang in there.”

“Hurry up, man! Hurry up!” Barbara could mentally picture Rooster cutting in between Mav and Payback, causing Mav to go after him instead. And by what comes in on the radio, the aviator was right. “Payback, break right.”

“Breaking right!”

“Rooster just saved your life, fellas. But it’s gonna cost him.” ‘Typical,’ Barb thought to herself at the cockiness of her fathers tone. “Not this time, old man.”

“Don’t let him get to you, Maverick,” Barb could tell that comment was more toward himself.

“Rooster, you’re too low! Pull up! You’re hitting the hard deck.”

“Oh shit,” comes Rooster's panicked tone, forgetting about altitude. Barbara shakes her head, knowing he’d have to pull up and Maverick was going to be right behind him.

“Tsk tsk tsk,” she finishes the candy and keeps the stick in her mouth to chew. A habit she had developed being indoors since she couldn’t smoke. “It’s over for him.”

“How do you know,” Bob asks, just in time as Maverick says, “That’s a kill.” The blonde’s eyes widened in shock, making her chuckle. Rooster’s frustration could be heard and it was ridden on his face when completing his pushups. From the lounge they could hear Hondo call out, “Down! one-oh-nine! Down! One-ten!”

Phoenix was watching from the window, Barbara took a seat on one of the high chairs but still in view of the tarmac. Fanboy and Payback came up behind Phoenix, “That should be us down there.” “Down! One-eleven!”

“But it’s not,” Phoenix said in time with Hondo yelling one-twelve. “And now you know a little something about Rooster.” She walked away, leaving the two men and sitting beside Barb.

Squinting her eyes, the brunette could see Harvard, Yale, and Coyote heckling Rooster. When Harvard took out his phone so the three could take a selfie with Rooster in the background, Barbara shook her head and silently hoped Mav would whoop their ass in the air. “They’re gonna regret that.”

“Is he always like that?” Phoenix asked, referring to Maverick and the intense dogfight they had just overheard. The raised brow and look of, ‘you really want me to answer that’ was enough for Phoenix to slump in her chair. Nerves had started to fill her that she couldn’t even laugh at the expression Bob was giving. He looked like he was about to shit his pants right there.

For the duration of Harvard, Yale, and Coyote’s training, Barbara barely paid attention until she heard, “That’s a kill.” “Damn!” Followed by, “Smoked. “Damn it.” When the trio arrived at the tarmac, shoulders slumped and defeated, Barbara muttered, “Karma.”

Rooster had made it to the lounge at that time, red faced and completely spent. Two hundred push ups later the man looked like his arms were about ready to fall off. Barbara had to look away and keep her back towards him, for it brought back a familiar feeling seeing him sweaty and heaving for air.

Phoenix, Bob, and Hangman were up, so Barbara stayed close to the radio to listen in. “Say Phoenix,” Hangman’s voice echoed in the room. “How‘s about we tell everybody ‘BOB’ stands for something.” Already Barbara had enough of listening to him, taking another lollipop from the tin. “Other than Robert, I mean.”

“Don’t take the bait, Bob,” Phoenix stops him from speaking. “Want to know why we call him Hangman?”

“You tell him, Phee,” Barb nods her head, hyping the woman up despite her not being there.

“Oh, I got it. ‘Baby On Board’.” The sound of Hangman’s laughter rings out, but cuts abruptly at what Barbara assumed was Maverick speeding past him. “Shit!”

“Greetings, aviators. Fight’s on.”

“This should be good,” Barbara chuckles, leaning her arm on the counter. She had been waiting pretty much all day for Maverick to put Hangman in his place. There was no doubt the blonde was good, even Barbara would admit to that. But his ego could use a reality check—and what better way than to go up against one of the greatest pilots the Navy has ever produced.

“All right, Phoenix, let’s take this guy out!”

“Watch your back, Phoenix,” Barbara jumps slightly at the sound of Rooster coming up from behind her to stand on the other side of the radio. The two make eye contact, but the woman is quick to look away, jaw tightening as she does.

“Break right!” Hangman orders, but Barb felt it was too good to be true.

“Breaking right.” Phoenix calls out and seconds later Bob says, “Where’s he going?” The hand that was keeping Barb’s head propped fell when she let out a exaggerated sigh, “Fucking typical, Seresin.”

Phoenix matched her frustration, “That’s why we call him Hangman. He’ll always hang you out to dry.”

“Leaving your wingman. There’s a strategy I haven’t seen in a while.” In Barbara’s head she goes, ‘yeah, you would know that.’

“He called you a man, Phoenix. You gonna take that?”

“So long as he doesn’t call you a man.” Barbara smirks at Phoenix’s clap back, muttering “atta girl.” In the corner of her eyes she could see Rooster smiling too. “Talk to me, Bob. Where’s Maverick?”

“Jesus, his nose is already coming around.”

“Get off me, Hangman!”

“For all you folks at home, this is how you bury a fossil.”

“All right, Hangman. Time to teach you a lesson,” Barbara’s ears perk, adjusting her position so she was directly facing the radio. She completely disregarded the look Rooster gave her, keeping her gaze focused on the speaker. “You’re out, Phoenix.”

“Son of a bitch!”

The fight was on now with Mav vs. Hangman. Everyone in the room had stopped what they were doing and huddled around the counter. It pushed Rooster closer to Barb, the man standing beside her as she sat on the high chair. Both appeared to look stiff at the close proximity, but were two drawn to the dogfight to move away. “Let’s go, Mav. Let’s see what you got.”

“Come get me,” the veteran pilot chastises, practically excited by the challenge.

“Evil be gone. Hangman’s coming.”

“Yeah, you’re good. I’ll give you that.” That nearly had everyone on edge. Was Maverick gonna go down? By Hangman of all people? Barbara was sure her father had some trick up his sleeve.

“Shit,” Hangman muttered, and Barb bit her lip to stop from laughing. There it was. “Phoenix, I can’t see him. How close am I? Phoenix?”

“I’m dead, dickhead.”

“See you in the afterlife, Bagman.”

“The old sun trick,” Barbara said under her breath, but by the reaction from Rooster beside her, she figured he heard her. “Classic.”

“Where is he? Where is he?” Hangman sputtered out, but his alert sounded indicated Maverick locked on him.

“That’s a kill.”

It was a pleasant sight to Barbara when she took her smoke break before heading out to find Hangman on the tarmac. Halo and Omaha were her wingmen for the exercise and had to use the restroom so Barb waited outside in the meantime. And boy was she glad she did. With her aviators on to block the sun, Barbara locked eyes with the blonde as she brought the match to her lips to light the tobacco. His pissed off look at her smug expression had her smirking, blowing the smoke out from her first puff leaning against the wall of the hangar.

She felt bad for Phoenix and Bob, who were sweating buckets as they approached their eightieth push-up. But it was amusing to see Phoenix looking at Hangman like she was about to jump over Bob to kick his ass.

“I thought you quit,” Rooster’s voice pulled her from her thoughts, surprising her once again. She wasn’t expecting him out there since he was done in the skies for the day. His eyes were narrowed at the cigarette in her hand.

She brought it to her lips, locking their eyes as she took a long drag. “More like a tolerance break,” her sarcasm did not impress him, the man now glaring at her. It made her scoff, “What does it turn you off?” Like Mav, Rooster did not like the fact Barbara smoked. It was something she picked up in college that got progressively worse in flight school and becoming active duty. She always made sure to do it away from him, but of course the smell lingered no matter how much perfume she sprayed on. In the later years of their marriage Barbara had stopped after promising Rooster she would quit.

But then 2016 happened with shit hitting the fan, and Barbara picked the bad habit up again the night Rooster left the second time.

“Actually, yes. It does.” Barbara makes a face at his reply, purposely taking another drag and holding it for a second before exhaling. It was amusing to her to get under his skin, although she had to stop herself from thinking about all those nights where her bratty attitude got her into trouble. Good trouble that was.

“Well good thing I don’t care for your opinion, Bradley,” she takes the last drawl and flicks the bud to the ground to step on it. “Now if you’ll excuse me—.”

“Is this how it’s going to be then?” He cuts her off, stepping closer. She crossed her arms, waiting for him to elaborate. Throwing his arms out he huffed, “just going to avoid each other like the damn plague.”

The assumption has her looking him up and down, “From the looks of it that’s what you wanted. I’m just doing us both a favor.”

“And what would that be, Barbara?”

She throws an arm out to emphasize her point, “This!” She then gestures a finger between the two, “In the two times we have spoken today alone has ended arguments. We obviously can’t stand each other, Bradley—why try to be civil?”

“Because this mission isn’t just about us, Barbara,” his voice goes low as he steps closer, nostrils flared. “We’re not just putting our lives on the line here, it’s there’s too so if we can’t chalk it up and act like a team then someone’s gonna get killed. And I will not have that on my conscience.”

She falls silent, biting her tongue in the process. As much as she wanted to say something sarcastic, the man had a point. They had to work together for the sake of the team and completing the mission. Otherwise they’d live a life filled with regret by letting the past control their emotions. Barbara had come close to losing her wingman on her last assignment, and the close call was enough to shake the aviator.

“Fine,” she agrees after a moment, “We put the past behind us for the time being.” Rooster nods, slightly relieved despite having to come to terms with his own idea. Their attention flashes to the side of the tarmac when they hear Omaha yell, “Yo, C! We’re up, let’s go!” Halo was walking ahead, throwing a head gesture in the direction of the planes to Barbara.

“That’s my cue,” she sighs to Rooster, feeling a slight wave of nerves swirl. It had been a long time since she'd gone up against Maverick, each time it ended with disappointment. This time Barb hoped it’d be different.

Turning back to the man in front of her, Barbara gave a pointed look, “Maybe you should call a truce with the one other person in this boat who has you lose focus in the air.” She was turning on her heel before he could answer, well aware he’d protest in a heartbeat. Peace between Maverick and Rooster was like trying to find the holy grail.

But if he wanted to survive then he better get to digging.

“Any last minute advice you could offer, C, before we get the ball rolling?” Omaha asked through the coms as they flew steady. Barbara was in front by a tad, but remained level with her wingman.

“Trust your instinct. Don’t think, just do,” she tells him, checking her surroundings. Maverick was sneaky so she didn’t put it past him to come zooming at any second. She listened closely for Halo to relay radar info, but knowing her father he’d stay below to catch them off guard. “Act quick and don’t underestimate. Remember that and maybe you’ll come close to getting him.”

“I appreciate the faith you have in me, C,” he laughed, causing her to smirk.

“You asked for advice, Omaha, honesty comes with it.” Another few seconds pass without any word from Halo. The pump of her heart started to race, her intuition clouding her mind. “Break right, Omaha.”

“W-what?” He stutters confused, “C there’s nothing on radar.”

“He’s under us! Just trust me, break right!” Without thinking Barbara breaks left, Omaha failing to react in time just as Mav pulls up from beneath resulting in his jet to shake from the impact.

“Jesus Christ!”

“I told you,” she groans, amping her speed to pull around when Maverick says, “Fight’s on, aviators.” Unbeknownst to the pilot, Maverick was nodding his head with a smile beneath his mask. It filled him with pride that his daughter was able to anticipate his moves.

“Talk to me, Halo, where is he?” Barbara calls out, glancing left to right to see if he was on her tail.

“Shit, I can’t see him!” She calls back, making Barbara curse in her head. He had to have been close. She leaned forward, squinting against the sun and saw movement. Halo must’ve seen it too because seconds later she’s shouting to Omaha, “Tally, tally, tally, he’s coming down—break left!”

“Breaking left,” he follows the order. Barbara catches sight of them and speeds in their direction. Mav cuts behind causing her to shout, “He’s on your six, Omaha—evade, evade! I’m right behind you.” Omaha does his best to lose Maverick, but comes up short when Maverick locks on him.

“I got you, Omaha.”

“Damn it,” Barb could hear the disappointment in his voice. Damn that was quick. Now it was just the two Mitchells. The fight was definitely on now.

And on the ground, everyone had huddled around the radio to hear the action.

“Okay, Legacy,” Maverick says, pulling around with fast turns knowing she was chasing him. “Let’s see what you can do.”

She narrowed her eyes at the challenge, “Lucky for you I feel the need for speed.” She could’ve sworn she heard him chuckle and had to hold back a reaction. It was no time to get distracted.

The two begin a cat & mouse chase that lasts for miles. Both the aviators come close to locking on each other but fall short which has even the veteran pilot thinking he may come out the loser.

After about twenty minutes of this—which had every person in the lounge on the edge of their seat—Maverick takes the advantage when he manages to get behind Barbara.

“Goddammit,” she hisses, but manages to break left in time and quickly swing down so she drops altitude. Mav follows her, but she catches him off guard by quickly pulling up and spinning so his laser is unable to lock.

“Playing dirty, Legacy? I see how it is.”

“Yeah, well I’m starting to get a little pissed off, sir,” she quips back, noticing the sun was starting to set. It was nearing the end of the day—her, Halo, and Omaha being the last group—so there was a reddish-orange glow to the darkening sky. It gave her an idea.

Breaking right, Barbara headed east where the sky was darker than in the west. Knowing Mav was going to follow, she amps her speed and goes high all while making tight turns.

When darkness overpowers the little light from the setting sun in the horizon, Barbara makes her move. It would be harder for him to see so she used it to her advantage. She goes high, pulling Gs before spitting the throttles and inverting.

“What the….” She hears Mav go, causing her to smirk.

“You’re not the only one with moves up your sleeve, sir.” It sends her back, Maverick zooming right past her so close it throws him off, resulting in him lining directly in her sight. Not wasting a second, Barb edges the plane level behind Mavick and locks her target.

“That’s a kill,” her voice comes over the radio sending a wave of reactions amongst the crowd. Jaws are dropped, some gasp, Hangman goes ‘Ain’t no fucking way,’ meanwhile Rooster fights the urge to smile. If they didn’t know before they definitely knew now,

Never underestimate the woman who lives up to the legacy.

And when they departed after the team landed to finally end the long day, they still couldn’t believe it wasn’t Barbara joining Omaha and Halo for 200 pushups.

It was Maverick instead.

“Barbara! Barb—wait up!” The sound of Mavericks' voice had the young woman stop her walking and turn around. She had just left the locker room after a much needed shower and was heading to her bike when her father called out to her. Everyone else had already left, leaving Barbara as the last one since she decided to extend her shower to nearly an hour. It was worth it though after the day she had.

“Hey,” Mav caught up to her, panting slightly since he had been running. They were both in their civilian clothes, practically matching with their bomber jackets and jeans. The only difference was Barb had a cigarette hanging from her mouth, rolling her eyes when Mav made a face when he noticed it.

“Yes, Captain?” That had him frowning more—hating she addressed him by his rank again. He expected it when they were in uniform, but as they were off the clock he hoped she’d let up.

“Can we talk? Please?” He pleaded with her. The man had been waiting to pull her aside all day. There were a lot of questions on his mind and answers he needed to know, but felt like their first meeting the previous night was not the time or place. And not knowing where Barb was living since she already was stationed at North Island, Maverick had to ask regardless at some point.

“Right here?” Her voice was muffled from the object in her mouth. With a raised brow, she gestures to the parking lot. “Right now?”

He gave a shrug, not really minding if it was their only option. “If that’s okay with you.” The words make her sigh causing Mav’s heart to sink a bit. But to his surprise, she nods to their bikes and says, “Meet me at the Hard Deck.”

When they get to the bar, the two find a booth in the corner away from the other patrons. As usual service members are in attendance taking claim to the darts and pool table. None of the aviators are there which gives relief to both the Mitchells. They must’ve checked out for the night after getting their pride knocked down.

“You did great out there today,” Maverick says with a small smile, noticing how a light blush forms on her cheeks. It made his throat tighten a bit when he realized he rarely ever praised Barbara when she was growing up. He hardly asked about school, the sports she did, or clubs she was in. It filled him with regret.

“I try my best,” she tightened her lips, fidgeting with the glass of whiskey in front of her.

“Where did you learn how to do that?” Though she wasn’t looking at him, eyes on the glass instead, Maverick could see a flicker of amusement when her lips curled up.

“Ice.” Mav smirked at the answer. He should’ve known. After a moment she looks at him with a shake of the head, “What do you want to talk about, Pete?” Again, another jab to his heart at the use of his first name.

Clearing his throat to ignore the emotion coursing through him, Maverick clasped his hands on the table, “I just—I want to know why, Barbara.” He lifts his gaze from the table to connect their eyes. It was like he was looking into his own. “I-I thought things were finally going good between us three years ago. And then you left me with silence again. Why?”

From her reaction it was obvious Barbara was expecting the question. Her jaw tightens, tongue flicking out to lick her lip as she glances away briefly. “At first it started out with me needing time to think,” she spoke with honesty, reconnecting their eyes. “But then everything happened so fast. And, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel resentment for you. More than what I felt when I was in college. ” Well that sure was a nail to the coffin for Maverick. He tried not to react but failed miserably.

“I understand,” his voice is low, unable to look at her.

“Look you were right, okay?” She leans back against the booth. “You warned me about knowing the truth and I should’ve listened. Maybe then I’d still be married—anyways besides the point, I know it was my fault when I put myself in that position.” She leans back forward, pressing her elbows into the table with a firm gaze, “but when I thought of you, all it did was reopen the wound. It would just bring everything back in a constant cycle. And then I would think of the ‘what if’s’. That maybe if you hadn’t pulled his papers, none of it would have happened.”

Barbara has to pause after running out of breath, taking a swig of her drink. Placing the glass down, she sighs, “I couldn’t bring myself to reach out to you. And by the time I finally felt like I could, it had already been two years and you had stopped trying to call.”

The tone in her voice broke Mav’s heart. He hated the position he put her in when he told her—blaming himself for what happened to her and Rooster. Without thinking he reaches a hand across the table to lay it on top of hers. The act surprised her, but she remained emotionless. “I would have dropped everything, to be there for you, Barbara.” It was true. Even if he was flying some mission he would have turned the plane around in an instant. “It’s not your fault, okay. I get why you couldn’t talk to me. It hurts a bit, but I get it. And I-I stopped calling…because I felt you needed space. That you’d reach out when you were ready.”

“I know,” she whispered, glancing at their joined hands. “And I know you kept tabs on me from Ice.” His lips quirk up, not denying since it was true. It pained him all those months of silence from his daughter, but he didn’t want to make it worse by showing up out of the blue. Ice would tell him how she was doing in her squadron and was the one to inform him about the divorce—which he still didn’t know the full story on.

“What all did he tell you about Rooster and I?” She asked, slowly removing her hand from under his. He tried not to frown and replied, “said you two had separated and you called him for a transfer.” Barbara finishes the contents of her glass, pushing it to the edge of the table for someone to pick up.

“We were never officially separated,” Maverick straightens, giving her his full attention. There was a part of him that felt happy she was opening up to him despite the subject being sore. “He came home from a deployment and, with my failed attempt of acting like everything was okay, got me to admit I had confronted you. He demanded to know, as I had expected, but like you warned me I couldn’t bear the thought of telling him,” she bits her lip briefly. “We fought and he walked out. And like I told you last night, I let him—I didn’t think it would be the end of us honestly. I was naive really and thought he needed time and then we could talk it out so I could get him to understand it was better for him to not know for the sake of his heart. But….” She trails off, unconsciously letting her right index finger caress the spot on her left hand where her ring once laid. Maverick saw it and felt his face fall.

“For nearly a month we didn’t speak. None of his friends would tell me where he was at first, but one of them saw how worried I was and said he was staying with Fritz. Then,” she pauses again, not wanting to get into detail about finding Rooster with another woman. She didn’t want Maverick to look at him differently despite her anger at the betrayal. The man still looked at Rooster like a son.

“Basically after a month I knew there was nothing that could be fixed.” Maverick looked like he wanted to question her change of tone, but decided against it. “I filed and called Ice the same day, who was able to pull some strings and have me here though he’s got me working for the Tomcatters when they need back up on missions.” So that explained the tomcat patch addition to her flight suit. “It was done after that. Bradley came back to the house the next day—papers in his hand—and all hell broke loose. Pretty much whatever small part of the string attached to us was severed.” Barbara purposely left out the details of the argument and the fact she threw a bottle at Bradley.

“I’m sorry,” Maverick said after a moment of silence to let everything process. There were a lot of mixed emotions for the aviators. Sadness, anger, sympathy. Anger was mostly for how things played out. And while he loved Rooster, Barbara was his daughter and would feel anger at any man who hurt her. Of course she held responsibility for the events, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t biased. “I’m sorry it ended like that between you two.”

“Like I said, it wasn’t going to work between us,” she said sadly, ignoring the look of protest from her father. “Things were rocky that last year. It only sped up the inevitable.” Mav didn’t even try to fight Barbara on her words. It would only end badly and so far they were having a good heart to heart.

“Have you and Rooster got to talking?” He had noticed in the morning after briefing they were quick to get past each other without a word. It made him wonder if they had finally spoken at some point in the day.

“Yeah, twice we did,” she told him, making him nod, slightly relieved but still worried by the expression on her face. “First time it was to accuse me if I knew you were gonna be the instructor. Didn’t end well,” she grimaced, causing him to do the same. “Then he caught me before we did our run. To call a….somewhat civil truce is what you can say.”

This made the pilot raise his brow, “a truce?”

“For the sake of the team and the mission,” Barb began to explain, licking her lip in the process. “We’re gonna do our best to work together and act like adults who can get the job done. We both know it wouldn’t do anyone any good if we were always butting heads. It would cost someone their life. Let me be clear, I'm not confident it will work, but it’s for the team.”

Maverick wholeheartedly agreed with Barbara. It’s mostly why he had wanted to talk to her. He too, wanted to settle differences—even if it were a short time—to make sure they could work together. “That’s good. That’s really good to hear,” he gave a small smile. “I’m happy for you two—to-to come to an understanding. It will do good for the team and hopefully make things easier these next few weeks.”

Barbara all but gave a look that read, ‘your optimism humors me.’ She reached over to grab her ice water that was on the other end of the table, lightly laughing as she said, “yeah, we’ll see about that. I told him he should take his own advice. But knowing his stubborn ass I doubt it.” He knew she was referring to him by the look on her face when she glanced at him. Maverick felt his smile fall back into a frown.

“Can I ask you something?” she suddenly asked, making him straighten up. “And can you promise to tell me the truth?”

“Anything,” he said without hesitation.

She contemplated for a moment before finally saying, “There’s a reason you’re having us master dogfighting as a team before telling us the details of this mission. Why is that?”

Mav’s blood runs cold. Fuck he should’ve known she’d see through him. It’s not common for squadrons to go back to the basics before knowing the extent of the task at hand. It always amazed Maverick how well Barbara could read into things..but at this moment he sorta despised it.

“It’s good practice” He offers, trying to make a joke but it comes out more of a question. Barb’s head drops a bit as if to say, ‘you think I was born yesterday?’ He looks away, knowing he shouldn’t be telling her anything. “This—this isn’t like what you’ve faced before, Barbara. None of you have pulled off something to the level they are asking of. I can’t tell you the details just yet—I-I—.”

“It’s a suicide mission, is what you’re trying to say,” she cuts him off abruptly, the words he was about to say dissapearing. “You know, deep down, that someone won’t come home from this.” His silence is enough of an answer. She feels the air catch in her throat, coming to terms with the realization. “Well that sure turns the tables.”

At her expression Maverick is quick to assure her that he’s going to do everything in his power to make sure the team is ready. But it’s not the over looming thought of death that has Barbara worrying her. It’s the thought it could be the very reason Maverick won’t choose her for the team—even if she is the best option. That has fear, worry, and slight anger pooling in the woman’s veins.

“Don’t wash me out,” she tells him, determination in her gaze that’s so powerful it gives him chills. “Don’t wash me out, Pete. Or I swear to God I’ll never forgive you.”

Understanding what she was implying, the same way Rooster had when they spoke that morning, Pete nods and repeats the same words he did from earlier in the day, “That’ll be up to you, Barbara. Not me. I promise you.”

The next morning was the same drill, but the teams from the day before were switched. Barbara was paired with Phoenix and Bob this time around and although they ended up losing to Maverick—making the score now 1-1 for father and daughter—it still was a long dogfight. They worked great as a team, as Maverick had complimented them after successfully locking on Barbara. She couldn’t even be mad by that point because she knew they had tired the man out. That in itself was an accomplishment.

“We make a good team, us three,” she heaves to catch her breath once Hondo calls out their 200th push up. Sweat was cascading down her face and neck, making her black undershirt damp.

Phoenix and Bob—who were also panting and red faced—nodded in agreement. “Damn that was intense,” Phoenix said, “but at least we lasted longer than yesterday.” The two high five, making Barbara laugh.

“What exactly did you do up there?” Bob asks as they head towards the locker rooms to wash the sweat and muck off them. They had stopped in the lounge to get bottles of water first and downed them in a heartbeat. Finishing the last drop, Barbara wipes her chin with a smirk.

“Oh just something an old friend taught me once.” By friend she ment Iceman. “I’ll show you up there next time—it’s a little hard to explain.”

“Fair enough,” he smiled. The three parted ways with Bob entering the male locker room while Phoenix and Leacy went to the female one. When they all finished they got dressed in their flight suits and met up in the lounge. At first sight Barbara noticed Hangman and Rooster were the only two missing.

As she took a seat on one of the couches, Hangman’s voice came through the speaker, “So, Rooster, mind if I ask you a personal question?”

‘Oh here we go,’ she thought to herself, adjusting herself on the couch so her body was turned to face the radio and pulled her legs onto the cushions. “Would it matter if I did?” Rooster replied with annoyance.

Hangman wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity, “So what’s the story with you and Maverick—-I mean other than the fact he was your father-in-law at one point,” Barbara felt her fist tighten, aware of the looks some of the aviators were giving her. “It seems like he’s got you rattled.”

“It’s none of your business,” he tells him sternly, and Barbara becoming relieved he wasn’t going to say anything. The last thing Rooster needed was Jake having something else to use against him. “Now where the hell is he?”

“Been here the whole time,” Maverick’s voice rings out, full of smugness. It was followed by Hangman going, “Hooooly shit,” indicating Maverick pulled some kind of trick.

“You see me now? Come on, let’s get it over with.” Ears perking up, Barbara raises from the couch to get closer. There was something about her fathers tone that sent anxiety through her.

“Fight’s on!” Rooster shouted, making the first move of their dogfight. She could only imagine the look on Hangman’s face at whatever the hell they were doing when he said, “What is with these two?”

A few seconds go by before Mav is saying, “All right, you put us here. How you gonna get yourself out?”

“You can bail out anytime.” Rooster clips back, refusing to relent.

“How low you want to go, Rooster?”

“I can go as low as you, sir! And that’s saying something.” Barbara’s heart picks up in pace, Phoenix turning to her with a worried look. None of them could see what was going on. From the sound of it, Mav and Rooster were in some kind of contest.

“What’s past is past,” Maverick tells him sternly, trying to get through to the pilot. “For all of us.” Barbara tensed, feeling it was not just Rooster and his problems he was referring to.

“You’d like to believe that, wouldn’t you,” Rooster’s reply had Barbara cursing under her breath. She was right to believe he wouldn’t let up on his resentment.

“Hard deck is five-thousand-feet, fellas. You are running out of room,” Even Hangman sounded worried which brought on another rush of anxiety in the woman. The others tensed up around her when Maverick said, “Your strategy is about to run us into the ground. What’s your move?”

“These fucking idiots are going to get themselves killed,” Barbara slapped her hand on the table, startling the other pilots. They knew better than to question the woman, aware she had an inkling on what was going on in the air. After all, it was her father and ex-husband.

They must’ve got their head out of their ass because Mav was encouraging Rooster seconds later, “Alright you got it. Don’t think, just do.” It wasn’t rocket science to assume Rooster got behind Mav and was tailing him.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats when Hangman shouted, “Come on, Rooster, you got him! Drop down and take the shot!” It was something to hear the egotistical pilot who always wanted to be the star tell Rooster to take his chance.

“Come on, Bradley,” Barbara muttered, ignoring how Phoenix and Bob both snuck a glance at her. Though she was beyond furious at the two for putting their lives on the line in a damn training exercise, the aviator couldn’t help but slightly cheer Rooster on.

“It’s too low,” he said, causing her head to drop between her shoulders as the disappointment rose. He lost his chance. She was already pushing off the chair and walking out the door, making everyone turn in confusion before they heard Maverick say, “Too late, you had your chance.” Five seconds later came his voice again, “That’s a kill. Knock it off.”

“Damn it,” Rooster cursed while Hangman sighed, “Same old Rooster.”

When the end of the day approached and Rooster was doing his pushups, despite Hondo saying it was okay to stop, Phoenix confronted him. Barbara was nowhere to be found, having left earlier without a word.

“I’m going on this mission,” she spoke with determination, crouching beside him. “But if you get kicked out, you leave us flying with Hangman.” It was no question she’d rather fly with Barbara than Hangman. Phoenix was only telling Rooster to emphasize her point and get it through his head he was acting irrational.

“He pulled my papers,” Rooster tells her, coming to a sitting position on the tarmac. Her expression turned to one of surprise as, “What? Who?”

“Maverick,” his jaw tightens, looking at the ground before lifting his head. “He pulled my application to the Naval Academy. Set me back four years.”

The female aviator couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Is this what Barbara had kept from him? If it was, she could understand his anger for she herself would feel betrayed. Even if it was her father. “Why would he do that?” When he said he didn’t know, Natasha bit her lip before asking, “Did Barbara know?”

“Not in the beginning,” she felt shoulders drop in relief. But the question still remained. What would Barbara not tell him? Rooster then started to explain, “she didn’t know what he did when we reconnected. They were estranged at that time and I believed her. But then when I was deployed three years ago she got him to tell her why,” Rooster makes a face, feeling the familiar emotions within him rise. “Wouldn’t tell me when I confronted her.”

Phoenix processed the information, thinking back to the conversation she and Barbara had the previous morning. There had to be something missing—something important for Barbara to keep information as big as that from Rooster. “That’s why you left,” she says softly, watching him take a sharp breath.

“She left too, Nat” he points out, venom in his tone. “She filed for divorce, called her Godfather—which by the way happens to be Iceman,” the look on her face would’ve made him laugh, but Rooster was too heated at that moment. “And left.”

“Well you didn’t help by ignoring her for a whole month,” she glares, watching the shame and regret taking over his expression. Phoenix looks away briefly, debating on whether or not to make it known the reason why Barb filed so quickly. And although she was upset with both of them with their actions, the aviator felt there was a piece of it not adding up. “She thinks you cheated, Rooster.”

Immediately his head snapped to her in shock, making it clear to Phoenix he didn’t know what she was talking about. He confirmed it when he said, “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Barbara went to your work the day before you were served,” she began, drawing confusion from Rooster. “She saw what she believed was you about to shack up with another girl—if you hadn’t already. Said you looked pretty happy with the attention you were getting.” The memory must’ve dawned on him because Rooster’s shoulders dropped, shame once again filling him. Phoenix raised a brow, harshness in her tone when she accused, “Did you fucking cheat, Bradshaw.”

“No!” His reaction was instant, clearly offended by the assumption. “I never cheated, Phoenix!”

“Then what the fuck were you doing?!”

He brought a hand to his forehead, letting it fall to his chin as he shook his head. “I wasn’t in the right headspace—I’ll admit that. And I was angry with her for not telling me, I felt betrayed.” He thought back to the day before the papers came. Rooster knew exactly who Barbara must’ve seen. It was one of the female officers who worked in the tower who often tried to flirt with Rooster but he never entertained. That day he didn’t know what came over him, but he ended up talking to her. It shamed him that he allowed himself to even think of possibly getting involved with someone else while married. Rooster never followed through of course, and realized his mistake when the woman tried to kiss him.

“We flirted. That was it,” he told Phoenix, pleading with her to see the truth in his eyes. “Nothing happened and I rejected her when she tried to make a move. I mean it, Nat.” At first she was silent, making him feel unease that she didn’t believe him. When she nods he sighs in relief.

“Look I believe you,” Phoenix replies, stretching up to stand. “But It’s not me you need to tell that too.” When she goes to leave, Rooster stays still, not needing to ask who she was referring to. The sun had started to set, the others were taking their leave, and Maverick had been called to Cyclone’s office the second they landed. Surely in for a chewing after the days antics.

After a few moments to himself to watch the sunset, Rooster finally gets up to retire his stuff in the locker room. He didn’t bother showering, saving it for when he got back to the dorm he was temporarily staying in. All he wanted to do though was get in bed and sleep himself away.

“What the fuck was that today, Bradshaw!?” Barbara’s enraged shouted across the parking lot. He had just thrown his back in the bed of his Bronco when he caught sight of her hightailing in his direction. There was pure fury in her eyes, enought to make him freeze in his tracks. “You think this is some kind of game? You two could’ve gotten yourselves killed up there!”

Instead of answering her question, Rooster had another thing on his mind. “Why didn’t you tell me,” he put his hands on his hips when she marched up to him.

She scoffed in response, “God, not this again.” Anger rose, but Rooster pushed it away and said, “I’m not talking about that, Barbara. I’m talking about you thinking I cheated.”

“I-what?” She spits out with wide eyes, realization dawning on her. It made her curse, “Did Natasha tell you?” It was a rhetoric question, Phoenix was the only one besides Ice who knew—and Rooster never talked to him—so it had to have been her.

Rooster makes a sound, emotion getting to him. “That’s not important. What’s important is you jumped to conclusions instead of talking to me and look what happened.” He drops his arms to his sides, narrowing his eyes. “You just went off on an assumption instead of letting me explain!”

That was rash coming from considering he didn’t let Barbara explain why she kept the truth from him. It was like the pot calling the kettle black. “What are you saying,” she steps back, as if she it was hard to believe what he was implying. She knew what she saw that day—It was her husband enjoying the attention, maybe even giving it as well, to another woman other than her.

“That I didn’t fucking cheat on you!” He exclaims with his arms out. She doesn’t flinch when he yells, instead she steps closer—pressing her chest to his stomach. The action suprises him, body tensing at the contact. Rooster had to fight against the memories it was bringing up.

“But you thought about it, didn’t you.” It wasn’t a question. More like a fact. And it had his blood run cold. Like Rooster, Barbara could read through him when he was hiding something. This was just another example. And he couldn’t escape from it even if he tried.

When he doesn’t answer, she chuckles, the sound thick with sarcasm. Barbara even brings her finger up to tap his chest, the same way that woman did the day she ended their marriage. “Funny how even after all these years, you can’t fool me, Bradshaw.” The smirk on her face drops to a scowl, “Just like I can’t fool you.” With one last tap to his chest, Barbara pulls away and mounts her bike which just so happened to be parked next to the Bronco. The engine sparks to life before she’s kicking the stand up and leaving him in the dark.

Rooster is left on his own, the man’s face nearly red with anger and regret as he watches his ex-wife haul ass toward the base gate. All he could do was shake his head, slamming the car door of the Bronco when he gets in and slapping the steering wheel in frustration.

How the fuck were they gonna be civil for the next 20 days?

……………………………

Tag list: @multiple-fandoms-girl, @maverick-wingman, @sgt-huntersupremacy, @the-winter-marvel33, @justanothermagicalsara, @calicokel

[bunni-v1]

hii, can I request "First Years Finding Out Your A Girl" with sebek and ortho please?

Ortho and Sebek Find out You’re a Girl?!?!?! (NOT CLICKBAIT!!!)

TW: Swearing (as usual lol); Ortho being creepy; Misogyny mention <3; Reader goes by she/her and is biologically female; Book 6 spoilers (very light, but still there); Bunni hasn't read Book 7 and therefore doesn't know what they're talking about :)

Info: Ortho x Reader; Sebek x Reader; Fem!Reader; Platonic

🍓Hi. If you’ve read the first part of this, I copy pasted the intro. Not because I’m lazy or anything (I’m a little lazy, but I’m a full-time college student who also has a part-time job, so I think I can be excused.) It’s mostly because… It’s a good intro. If people are just discovering this stuff then they can read it, but if you’ve read the first part you can just skip to the good good yk. Anyway, long-ass babble session, but I didn’t include Ortho and Sebek initially because they’re kind of new to the First year group so idk. Felt weird including them. Also, I haven’t read book seven so Sebek I bullshit a lot lol. Anyway, they’re here now, and I absolutely ADORE Ortho, so sorry if my favoritism shows.

First Years

Second Years

Third Years

Dorm Leaders

-Okay so, I know we’re all wondering, how the hell do you get away with hiding your gender for so damn long?

-Firstly, those ceremonial robes do great at hiding the figure. The only tell would maybe be your hair, but feminine men aren’t unwelcome at Nightraven College, so you mostly get a few questioning stares and that’s it.

-Secondly, Crowley wants to save his own fucking ass. He already has to hide from the press that he has a MAGICLESS student from ANOTHER DIMENSION here, he doesn’t need the fact that you are a woman ALSO on his plate. So, obviously, he helps you hide your gender from others.

-Grim knows, of course, and he keeps his mouth shut for a few yummy cans of tuna (and threats of being expelled from Crowley <3)

-Even when you were just a janitor, he couldn’t have the rumor that he put a “helpless” young woman to work. (Like it wouldn’t be expected.)

-So how do you two do it?

-Baggy ass uniform. Crowley gave you at least three sizes too big.

-Your figure is completely hidden. Sure, you look completely homeless, but at least you’re hidden.

-For your voice, you simply deepen it. After some point, you blackmail Crowley into giving you a potion to help with it, since it's so taxing on your voice. (Or maybe your voice is naturally deep!)

-Sam provides you (for an unfairly pretty penny (not too different from your original world…)) any feminine hygiene products you might need.

-Honestly, you’re set for being cared for, but it’s the adjustment period that’s the hardest part. 

-Truly, it’s very jarring to suddenly be thrown into both a magical world and be isolated in a man's world with nowhere to hide.

-At least in your world you had other women who could understand your struggles. Here though? You’re completely alone.

-You notice how… messy some of these guys could be. How some of them smell… really rancid. -How rough they were with you and each other.

-Honestly, it’s kinda eye-opening. The way men show affection to each other is oddly refreshing to watch and experience!

-Ace and Deuce specifically are a good… trial run.

-That’s not what we’re here to talk about though…

-For the most part, it's incredibly easy to hide yourself for the first while on campus. Everyone on campus is so self-absorbed that they don’t bother questioning you.

-Your only real risk factor is Savannaclaw, but it's easy to avoid those guys (minus Jack, of course).

-However, you can only hide your gender for so long… It’s mentally draining to keep up this facade all the time around people you care about.

-So… how do they find out?

Ortho 

-Okay, so Ortho is a little creepy weirdo. He’s a highly advanced robot who likely has autism, and loves his big brother a whole fucking lot. 

-(Side note: Can a robot, child, or thing have autism? Does that mean Idia programmed Ortho to be autistic? How silly of him.)

-It’s my personal head cannon that Idia DECKED this kid out in as much high-tech gear as he could get his hands on. 

-He’s equipped with some of the most complex medical features, therefore he has access to a database of all students at NRC’s medical files. (This is not legal, but he does not care for the law.)

-“But Bunni, what does that have to do with the prefect?” Well, Ortho is ALSO equipped with the latest medical scanner on the market.

-Think like Baymax, yeah? He can scan everyone one time and know every piece of medical knowledge readily available.

-Well, Ortho, the sweet little creep he is, automatically scans the medical information of any new person he sees/meets into his database — just in case it may come in handy.

-So, before he even KNOWS you. Before he speaks a single word to you, he knows you’re biologically a female.

-He scanned you without thinking and just shrugged his shoulders at it.

-You’re not from here, and you got thrown into this, so you being a woman doesn’t really matter too much to you being at NRC. 

-It honestly could’ve been anyone getting stuck here, so why should he question it?

-However, he notices that you are referred to with exclusively “male” pronouns, so he marks in your file that you are trans and moves on. 

-Again, who cares? He’s a magical robot guy based on his brother's dead brother. Who was he to judge?

-When he finally ACTUALLY gets to interact with you after being welcomed into the first-year squad, he’s very respectful of your gender.

-You are a man to him, therefore he refers to you with exclusively masculine pronouns.

-However, everyone in your little group already knows, and they assume that Ortho knows. So when they speak about you, they use feminine pronouns.

-Ortho, sweet as he is, immediately questions everyone as to why they’re misgendering you.

-Protective of the people he cares for at heart, he doesn’t like the idea that your so-called closest friends are misgendering you behind your back.

-Doesn’t believe them completely when they explain, so he goes to you because you’re the only one who knows who you really are.

-“Prefect!”

“Hey, Ortho! What’s up? Miss me?”

“Of course I do, but I have a very important question.”

“Sure, what do ya need?”

“Are you a woman?”

-At this point 90% of your friends know, but there is a handful that doesn’t… and you can’t be having that.

-You, of course, assure Ortho that you are not only a woman, but that your friends are not misgendering you behind your back.

-Relieved, he takes several of your friends off a hit list and removes the trans man label on your medical chart.

-Asks why you hid your gender in the first place.

-Promptly adds Crowley to a hit list (again).

-Ortho, out of EVERYONE at NRC, has absolutely zero behavior changes toward you. 

-He’s equally protective as he was before, he spends the same amount of time with you as usual, he doesn’t suddenly have some weird crush on you, and he’s still trying to set you up with Idia.

-Honestly, everyone should take notes from Ortho. He’s the best at this whole thing.

Sebek

-On the other hand… do not take notes from Sebek! He sucks at this! He sucks really badly!

-Out of all the first years, Sebek is not only the least close to you, but he is also incredibly mean. So you just… feel no obligation to tell him.

-In fact, you kind of… sort of… actively leave him out of the loop for a really long time.

-I mean, it's not an unreasonable thing to do. He is constantly berating you and putting you down for being human. You have no idea how he feels about women and you don’t want to find out first hand.

-In all honesty, he is the only person (other than Azul and the twins) that you’re really scared of finding out, and take extra precautions to ensure he doesn’t find out.

-However, you attend NRC, and nothing ever goes your way at NRC.

-Despite every precaution you take to keep your gender under lock and key, you overlook one thing.

-Malleus Draconia.

-His complete and total lack of social awareness is your downfall here. He finds out, and despite everything telling him to keep his mouth shut… he doesn’t. Because of course, he doesn’t.

-At this point, you’ve gone through most of your misadventures, and most — if not all — of your friends know you’re a girl.

-Hell, even Silver knows now. Everyone BUT Sebek knows.

-And he finds out because Malleus casually mentions it over dinner. Not even directly about your gender, he just uses she/her pronouns.

-Sebek, being Sebek, respectfully asks Malleus if he meant to say he. Malleus, of course, says no without a second thought.

-The shock and horror on Silver and Lilia’s faces was enough to be further confirmation.

-And Sebek’s world shatters.

-He was completely left out of the loop and also has a moral conflict now.

-As much shit, as I gave Sebek (as everyone gives Sebek) he RESPECTS women. His queen is a woman, and his mother is a woman. 

-In his eyes, women are some of the strongest people around. Regardless of if they’re human or not.

-You, on top of being a human from another realm who had successfully quelled several of the strangest students at NRC’s OVERBLOTS and came out on top, was also a woman.

-If that wasn’t strength, he didn’t know what it was.

-However, his bias against humans strongly clashes with his respect for women in this case.

-And it just… messes with his head. 

-He doesn’t treat you worse, in fact, he’s just… really awkward around you now.

-He doesn’t know if he should apologize or berate you for being a human, so he just stays stiff and glares at you.

-It's honestly more scary than him constantly talking down to you.

-However, once the two of you actually befriend one another, he apologizes to you. For everything, and explains where he’s coming from. Why he acted the way he did, how he really feels about you, and all that sweet shit.

-Afterwards, he is genuinely the best at keeping your secret (if he even needs to at this point).

-If there is anyone you can trust to keep his stupid mouth shut at NRC, it's Sebek. 

-His honor and pride force him into silence when it comes to secrets he promises to keep.

-In fact, if anyone is on your trail about it, he’s the first one to jump in the way and scare them off/shut them down.

[bloodyproudpotterhead]

That whole reddit fiasco is seriously condescending and dismissive it gives me the ick. So I’m gonna write issues that I had with that finale.

Many of the things that he said just doesn’t make sense. The defense for Roy & Jamie weird behavior is “men are dumb” and “Keeley doesn’t need anyone”. You think we don’t know that Keeley doesn’t need anyone to feel complete? WE DO! The show never implied that she has problems being alone anyway. Also, you can’t fit the complexity of feminism and girlhood into one “girlboss” shape. That’s just reductive. The moment I read this, I knew that that part of storyline is written by men.

Another problem: Defending Jane behavior. Stalking your boyfriend’s friend? Shredding your boyfriend passport?? And to dismiss them as ‘quirky behavior’??? To me, that sounds like giving a pass to toxic, abusive relationships. 

Another one: To leave the ending of Ted & Michelle relationship as ambiguous? BIG NO. To even entertain the idea gives a bad taste in my mouth. This is the woman that begged him to sign the divorce paper, for christ’s sake. And they never built of the idea of them getting back together. They even introduce Dr. Jacob into the story. Was that truly necessary? Was the point to show that Michelle needs to be in another relationship to see Ted for who he really is? 

Also: Ted wasn’t at the wedding? Because he’s at Henry’s practice?? What even was that. You cannot actually tell me that they think this through. What, your kid can skip practice for 1 day to attend your best friend’s wedding?

Let’s even go to the boat guy: You cannot tell me this is the ending they plan for Rebecca from the start. If it did, why not build that narrative instead wasting your time introducing unnecessary new characters? Let us get to know the man better so we know that Rebecca will be taken care of by a man who truly knows her. 

Another issue: Henry. When did we ever see him actually missing his father? Because i feel like I missed that. Even that part of the story was told through other character, Dorothy, and not Henry himself. Why not have a scene where the kid express this himself? Even when he had problems at home, he can solve it himself (the bully story). 

Second to last: Ted himself. I don’t mind if their plan from the start was for him to have a Mary Poppins-like journey. What I had problems with is the way they build that theme. They’re too focusing on symbolism, they never truly build the narrative itself. If Ted was supposed to go back to Kansas from the start, why not show him what life he had and going to have there. This was never at any point shown or even hinted at. Also, Mary Poppins, unlike Ted, didn’t leave her hometown with a partner whose love for her has expired. They began Ted’s arc with showing him that his marriage is practically over that he needs to move an ocean away from her. That’s just saying to me that Ted desperately needs a new start (which they clearly displayed multiple times).

Lastly: The editing and the baiting. There are so many intentional edits and camera works and parallels that are meant to teased if not blatantly directed towards Ted & Rebecca. Why zoom in on the matchbook? The tiny soldiers?? Them talking at the hallway??? I can go on and on on this alone. Even to the opening scene of the finale. Just for shits and giggles for audiences who root for the two main leads? Honestly, that to me just felt cruel. Even if their intention was for them to be platonic soulmate, their words not mine, they never really addressed any of the elephant in the room anyway. The call, September 1991. So all I hear is them saying stuff and not following up on that. ALSO, to tease the idea of romcom MULTIPLE TIMES both on and off the show, even referring many times to Nora Ephron, only to laugh at your audience for believing in good old romance felt truly disrespectful to the late director. And as a long time fan of hers, I won’t let that slide. 

My point is: You can’t just patch bad writing with callbacks while ignoring a huge chunk of the character arcs you’ve built. That’s such a disservice to the beloved characters so many people have grown to love. 

And to say we take it personally? Excuse me, when your audience take your work personally, you should take it as a compliment because that means they connect with your work. So much for a show that preaches about being kind, I guess.

Anyway, I always feel sad and embarrassed when writers have to defend their decisions to their own audience. And that is what they/he did. You can elaborate on what you think happen post-finale to your audience, or even explain your intention, but when a big crowd of your audience question it, maybe you should take a look at the way you frame your story before you point fingers at them.

[natasha-in-space]

I remember thinking of this yooseven (platonic) oneshot and i kinda wanna share with you.

So this takes place in future where both yoosung and seven are like 29-31 y/o and yoosung now has a son and seven owns a toy shop.

So yoosung comes with his kid to visit seven at his toy shop to hang out with him. Seven invited him a while before he closes his shop so there isnt anyone else other than them and yoosung's kid.

And they started to talk Seven tells the younger man that he is soon going to become a dad too and yoosung of course congratulates him and playfully teases him about not giving him the good news before.

Seven notices that the kid is eyeing at this expensive airplane model and tells him that he can take it for free as a gift from Uncle SevenYoosung gets a little mad at Seven for foolishly giving off the toy for free (cuz it will be a loss for Seven) and tries to pay him scolding him for giving things for free.

Seven tries to stop yoosung by grabbing his hand before he could swipe his card (cuz seven just does not like his best friend paying for things profit and loss doesnt matter to him as much).

It goes on for a while (with yoosung trying to pay and seven trying to stop yoosung from paying) until the kid burst out laughing at the two men fighting with each other like little boys.

The two men laugh along with the child and Seven agrees to take 50% of the cost of the toy (as a way to make it a gift from the kid's dad and Uncle Seven) - Submission

NO BUT THIS IS SO INSANELY CUTE??? I've been grinning like a fool reading this little adorable snippet!

It really is so sweet to see Yoosung's and Saeyoung's dynamic change over the years. It's different but, in some ways, it's still the same. I must admit, long-lasting friendships are my bread and butter. They've both grown and matured into different people by that time, but that doesn't mean they can't fool around with one another every once in a while. It's heartwarming to see them both doing okay in their own individual futures. I love their friendship so much <3

And, yeah, I'm sure the other RFA members will take their kids to Saeyoung's shop. It's a tradition at this point. Actually, you know what? I won't be surprised if Saeyoung makes some toys with their kids in mind. Uncle Saeyoung is beloved by everyone, no doubt!

[frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe]

destiel!steddie pt.3!!

Pt. 1 | Pt. 2 | NOW ON AO3!: you can hear the call (when trouble's on the way)

ok so it's been a while since i posted part two of this, but i guess today was the day i decided to go feral and not only finish this part but also include the first ever smut i've ever written.

destiel (and the fics i used to read of them) has been on the brain in a big way recently, friends. enjoy!!!

Eddie gapes at her, his mouth opening and closing on its own.

“What’d I miss, kiddos?” Wayne sinks into the previously abandoned chair at the end of the booth and picks up his (now cold) burger. “Eddie, shut your trap, you’re not a goldfish.”

“I called Robin, she’s on her way.”

Wayne hums in response around a mouthful of food “So where’s the man of the hour?”

“Where’dya think? Flapped away like a panicked pigeon.” Eddie gripes.

Wayne hums again “I didn’t know your angel knew how to feel panicked.”

His face grew hot “He’s not my angel, old man, shut up…”

“If anything, he’s Robin’s.” Nancy shrugs. “He’s basically her soulmate.”

“Ah, she’s his girl?” Wayne asks

“No, they are ‘platonic with a capital “P”.’ soulmates.” she emphasizes with mimed air-quotes. “The literal best of friends, inseparable and codependent almost to a fault.”

Eddie tunes out Nancy catching Wayne up on what he missed while he went to check on Fred, staring out the front window at the sparsely filled lot.

He can picture the upcoming events so clearly: this Robin character flies into the parking lot in some old beater, barges through the door, looking around frantically for Steve, only to find her friend casually eating fries with an old man and some random frizzy-haired guy. All three with a significant lack of Steve.

“Where the hell is he?” Wait, that was exactly what had happened, wasn’t it? “Nancy, you said you found Steve and yet I see no Steve.” The poor girl looks frantic.

He glances out the window again and sees a shiny retro BMW haphazardly parked out front. Okay, so not exactly a beater, but still.

“Robin, sit down, we’ll tell you everything.” Nancy’s voice is cool and soothing and yet;

“I don’t want to sit down, I want to know where Steve is.” Robin says, still irritated, as she sits down across from Eddie.

“Well??” She asks him incredulously.

“You better start talkin’ Ed.” Wayne gestures for him to get on with it with a particularly long french fry.

“Okay, well, I’m Eddie, this is Wayne, my uncle. We are hunters.”

“Hunters.” Robin repeats.

“Yeah, not that kind. We hunt supernatural creatures and about six months ago, I died.”

“Okay, this I hadn’t heard, I swear.” Nancy says to Robin, then turns her full attention back to Eddie.

“Somehow I don’t believe you died; also how in the hell is any of this relevant? I want to know where Steve is!”

“I’m getting there, I promise! I–okay, you know what? Fine. TL;DR is: I died, was brought back to life by something–like just fully yanked outta hell–and when we tried to summon whatever it was that did it, we first met Steve.”

Robin is silent for a moment. “Okay, despite how much I really want that whole story, that still doesn’t tell me where Steve is.”

“I don’t know where he–wait, you believe me? Just like that?”

Robin shrugs at him.

“Wait, and you too,” He points at Nancy “You believed me right away about the ghost. What the hell is happening here??”

The two women look at each other quickly then back at the two men. 

Nancy opens her mouth to reply, but is stopped when there was a fluttering sound near the diner entrance.

Eddie is facing away from the door so he turns to see Steve walk in, and has a fleeting thought about if the one waitress and cook still here past midnight are seeing all this too.

He expected Robin to be on her feet and running to the other man immediately, but she must see the angel and not the man, recognizing that it isn’t quite her Steve.

“Hello.” The angel states simply when he returns to their booth. “You must be Robin.”

Robin has tears flowing freely down her face now and it strikes Eddie straight to the heart.

“You are not Steve.”

“You would be correct, Ms. Robin, I am not. May I?” Steve gestures to the bench across from her, to the seat he’d vacated previously.

Robin says nothing, eyes wide, and tears falling over her trembling lip.

“Go ahead and sit Steve, where’d you go?”

“Thank you, Nancy, I left to retrieve your Steve.” The angel sits beside Eddie, who forgets to move when hit with that little nugget of information, and almost gets a lapful of angel before scooting over against the wall.

“You went to get Steve?” Nancy asks.

“Yes, I returned to my Father’s Kingdom and asked him to come with me to see you.”

“So….he can hear us?” Eddie asks.

“Yes, if it will be alright with you all, I will let him take over and speak with you. I will pay any conversation no mind, so please, speak with him as you would normally.”

Nancy nods, “Robin, would you like to talk with Steve?”

It seems like Robin still can’t quite form words, but nods her head furiously to her friend’s question while still glaring at the thing in front of her.

Steve gives a small nod and closes his eyes.

He takes in and releases a long breath, as he does, Eddie can spot the small twitches his eyes make beneath his lids and the slightly more pronounced breathing pattern that give away when angel becomes human.

Hazel eyes open, then immediately start blinking away tears. “Robin…” Steve breathes out like a sigh of relief.

A sharp, short, aggravated scream erupts from Robin, and her hands start flying.

“Whoa, what is happening right now? Is she freaking out? Is she okay?” “Yeah, she’s freaking out, and yes, she’s fine.” Nancy assures him, tracking Robin's movements with her eyes “She’s signing.” she nods and goes back to her fries.

“Ah…” Okay, that makes a bit more sense. “I would say let's leave them to it but I think we’re stuck here until they’re done.” he says, gesturing to the wall they’re sitting next to in the booth with his chin, but still watching Robin’s hands, trying his damndest to see if he can possibly pick up on anything she’s saying.

Nancy snorts a short laugh and watches her two friends for a bit. “I’d offer to teach you but I only know a few myself, y’know, just in case they–well, just her now–needs something in a non-verbal episode.”

“Do these happen a lot?” Wayne asks, his eyes also tracking Steve and Robin’s hands

Nancy gives him a sympathetic look. “The two of them have been through a lot, we all have, but yes, they’re more often than I’d like.”

Steve waves his hand at Nancy, getting her attention. He signs something, pointing to her, does something that looks like grabby hands with his hands stacked atop one another, then points to himself, moves to tap his closed fingertips to his mouth, moves the same hand, palm to his chest, moving it in a circle, then finishes with a crook of one finger, like suddenly he was the star of the Shining.

Robin looks incensed that he’d dare take his attention away from her when she’s very clearly trying to yell at him some more, and waves her hand directly in his face again before launching into even faster hand motions.

Nancy pushes her nearly empty plate of fries to Steve (who somehow continues his conversation with Robin one-handed as he shovels the cold fries into his mouth sloppily), and turns to ask Wayne something, already getting out of his seat, “I got it, don’t worry, what flavor does he want?”

“Strawberry!” she calls then turns back to a shocked Eddie. “Wayne knows sign?”

“News to me.” 

“Steve asked me to get him food.” She repeats each sign he’d done, “You. Get. Me. Food. Please.”

“What was the redrum shit he did at the end?” Eddie copies the finger motion.

“A question mark!” she says cheerily, copying the motion to him.

She continues to teach Eddie what she knows, just little things, like asking for water, how to say hungry, the sign for hurt, “That one is made over wherever it hurts, it’s distinctive enough to do one-handed, too.”

Finally, after Steve’s burger is gone, milkshake half-gone, the two friends’ hands finally still; their faces are soaked through with tears, chests heaving like they really had been screaming at each other this whole time.

Eddie tentatively reaches over to touch Steve’s shoulder “You doing okay, Big Boy?”

The man startles with a squeak and Eddie removes his hand like he’d been burned. “Who–who are you??”

“Uh…” Eddie says, as astute as ever, looking to Nancy for help. She just shrugs at him. Jerk. “Sorry, Stevie–Steve, I know the angel version of you.. I’m Eddie.” He puts out his hand for the man to shake.

Steve’s face tinges pink and signs something to Robin, pointing to Eddie, putting his palm flat to his own chest, then brings both his fists together at his knuckles over his heart, redrum-ing his thumbs in sync.

Robin speaks for the first time in a while, “How the hell should I know?? Just ask him yourself.” She crosses her arms over her chest angrily and looks away.

He clears his throat and turns back to Eddie, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you, Eddie, sorry it wasn’t before I died.”

Robin squeaks, but Steve keeps his eyes fixed to Eddie’s. “Oh, uhm, nice to meet you too, Stevi–Steve. The angel version of you is pretty okay, but I wish I had too.” he smiles, releases Steve’s hand and leans forward, stage-whispering to the other man as if the angel couldn’t hear him. “The other guy is basically just a baby in a sweater.”

Steve blinks once and erupts into the most lovely peals of laughter.

Wayne clears his throat then, and smiles, Steve’s attention is pulled to the older Munson. “Nice to meet you, son. Name’s Wayne, I’m Eddie’s uncle.”

They shake hands and Nancy speaks up, “So, Steve, what happens now? Are you going to stay here? With the angel Steve?”

The smile melts off his face at that, “Oh, uhm.. I don’t think… no. No, I want to go back.”

Both girls’ faces twinge with hurt, Nancy’s behind her gentle smile, and Robin’s more pronounced in the hurt already on her face, still looking away from her soulmate.

Something in the air changes, and both Eddie and Wayne share a look, they both feel the need to escape the conversation that’s coming.

“I am okay right now, I was super hungry, but I can feel it coming. I can tell that if I wasn’t currently half celestial being right now, that the years of dealing with Upside Down would show themselves again.” his voice gets even smaller then “I’ve really been enjoying the break from it all.”

It’s Wayne who speaks first after that, clapping Steve on the shoulder closest to him. “You enjoy your break, son. Lord knows I wish I’d had that after we dealt with those flower-faced fucks back in my day.”

Spluttering chaos erupts from the three barely adults, “After you dealt–”, “A break?!”, “Flower-faced fucks? You know about the Demogorgons??”

“How do you guys know about Demogorgons?”

“How do you know about Demogorgons??”

“It’s a monster in D&D, what does that hav–”

“Oh my god, of course that’s where they got the name from.”

“They? Who’s ‘they’??”

Wayne raises a hand to stop them, and surprisingly, it works. “Back in my day, we didn’t have’a proper name for ‘em, just called them flower-faced fucks. And yes, we dealt with a few, my buddy Fred and I went snooping around the woods near–”

“Hawkins Lab right?” Nancy cuts in.

“Yep. nearly got us, but we’d been takin’ the long way from Emerson’s house after a game’a ball. Knocked the thing’s lights out with our bats, but it disappeared.

“Over the next, what, five years? We’d somehow be the unlucky ones to run into more of ‘em, but they quieted down about a year before I left. After I got Eddie o’course.”

“Well they ramped up bigtime in the last four for us, met a girl with superpowers, there were demogorgons, demodogs, a mindflayer, the mall burned down, there were Russians, it was a whole thing.” Robin rambles off, “It’s how Steve's gotten hurt so bad. Someone” she glares at him “decided to be the punching bag every time.”

He looks sheepish. “No one else was going to do it…The party says I’m their–”

“Paladin.” Eddie finishes with him. Of course he’d be a paladin.

Steve beams at him.

“How many concussions did’ja end up with, Mr. Paladin?” Wayne grouses from his chair.

“Th-three. I think. Uhm.. I got a plate to the head once, too.” He points to a small scar at his hairline above his left eyebrow, “That was just from a racist monster though, not like, a monster monster. Started losing my hearing on that side after that…hence the ASL.”

“Fuck…” Eddie can’t help it, the word just falls from his mouth.

“There’s someone else you need to talk to, Steve.” Robin cuts in, “You are staying here until tomorrow morning at least, so I can bring Dustin to you.” and finishes with a glare. “Where are you two staying?” She directs at Eddie.

“The Hawk Inn?” He looks to Wayne for confirmation, who nods. “The one right off the main road, just past the entering Hawkins sign.”

“Fine. I will be there with Dustin tomorrow at 8 am.” She stands and gives Steve a look, then heads out the front door to the beemer.

“D’ya mind staying on the mortal plane with us for a night, Stevie?” Eddie wraps his arm over Steve’s shoulders and gives him a slight shake.

“Dustin’s really gonna love you.” Steve’s lips twitch up into a still sad smile, “And no, I don’t mind, it’s for Dustin afterall.”

“Come on then, let's get you some beauty sleep.” He shoos him off the bench after Wayne stands to pay their check. “Nance, you gonna meet us there tomorrow?”

“Of course, you still haven’t told me about this hunting business.”

–

Ten minutes after the weirdest post-hunt meal ever (and that’s saying a lot), the van rattles to a stop in front of the motel.

“I call dibs on the shower!”

“Why d’ya need to shower? Your angel cleaned us all up no problem!”

“That’s not the point, Wayne, I still feel gross and I can’t sleep unless I feel like I’m clean.”

“Whatever, I’m going to bed.” He gets the door unlocked and pushes it open for the other two, closes it, and flops down onto one of the beds. “Make sure you put down salt lines before you get in there, Ed.”

Eddie rolls his eyes, but sets their regular wards and precautions. “You want to take a shower first, Steve?”

“No, I’m alright, I’m just going to lay down I think.”

“Sure, I will be out in a few.”

He grabs up his things, preparing to take a few extra minutes to brace himself for catching a few hours on the hard motel loveseat.

Eddie ends up relaxing a bit too much while in the shower though, waking up from a doze when the water temperature starts to dip. Grumbling, he gets out and towels off, working off muscle memory alone. Dry off body, scrunch hair, pull on boxers, brush teeth, drop towel on floor, shuffle to bed.

He’s out as soon as his head touches the pillow.

—--

Eddie soon becomes aware of two things: One, how damn soft whatever it is he’s laying on is, and Two: the familiar weight of another person on top of him.

He opens his eyes, and groans as they adjust to the light to take in the sight above him. 

Steve’s flushed and slightly sweaty face blink into clarity and Eddie’s aware of a third thing. 

They’re both completely naked.

He groans again when he feels something brush across the head of his cock, then again as whatever it was wraps around him.

“St-Steve?” he breathes, “Ungh, Stevie, that feels so good.”

Steve releases his hold on the two of them, and he feels his arms secure themselves  around his back instead. He’s lifted up into Steve’s lap, straddling his knees, and arms draping around his neck.

“Tell me about it, angel.” Steve says, and Eddie looks down at his (beautiful, perfect) face, but is distracted by something behind him.

“Holy shit.” He breathes out, feeling Steve’s hair brush against his abdomen when he turns to look at what it is that caught Eddie’s attention.

“Oh, those?” the wings shuffle to life from where they’d been lying, dropped lazily to the ground from Steve’s back.

Eddie watches them curl in on themselves, folding in before unfurling back out, this time spreading high and wide. They are enormous, astounding, and leave Eddie awestruck looking up at them. The feathers catch the light in ways he hadn’t thought possible. A golden sheen glints off the chestnut and auburn colored feathers, patterns Eddie's certainly never seen before.

He reaches forward and touches a finger to the plumage, then just has to sink his whole hand into them. “They’re so soft..”

“They’re old news,” The honey-sweet sound of Steve’s voice snaps his attention back from the mesmerizing wings to the man they are protruding from. “These, however, are simply divine.” Steve says as he slides his hands up Eddie’s back from where they’d been wrapped around his waist.

If he thought the feeling of those hands on his skin was heavenly (hah), some other word entirely new needed to be created for the feeling that shot through him when Steve touched…something on his shoulder blades.

“Ah…hah…what are you–” Eddie turns his head to look over his shoulder the best he could, struggling to see what Steve’s talking about.

“C’mon darling, you can do it, lift those pretty wings of yours for me to see.” Steve sighs.

Eddie can’t compute anything he just heard in the slightest. Struggling to make sense of what the hell is happening right now and desperately trying not to come at how Steve’s words had affected him.

Through no conscious thought of his own, two dark brown, nearly black wings shoot up behind him, and Eddie is picked up from Steve’s lap for a split second from the momentum of the movement. He watches as they posture themselves into a mirror image of Steve’s (though they are noticeably smaller). Eddie feels his skin beneath the feathers contract slightly, making the feathers puff up in a feeble attempt to match themselves to the senior angel’s size.

He realizes that he’d been craning his neck to look up at his wings when he feels Steve’s lips and hot breath pepper across the column of his throat.

“Such a sweet little thing, my Eddie.” Steve laughs against his adam's apple when Eddie bucks his hips forward into Steve’s stomach involuntarily and a whine escapes his lips. 

The angel leaves one hand grasped over the base of one of Eddie’s wings and traces his fingertips down the bumps in his spine, then down further between the cleft of his ass with the other.

“Oohhh, fuck, Steve–Ah!” Eddie’s hips pitch forward again and his hands tangle themselves into the hair at the back of Steve’s neck, pulling the angel forward to his throat again which he latches onto immediately. 

Steve sucks bruises into Eddie’s neck as he pushes and prods and swirls his finger around his hole. “Relax my love, let me take you, take care of you.”

Eddie nods dumbly, breathing hard, willing himself to relax. He sighs and closes his eyes, rests his forehead against Steve’s once the other man pushes a finger past the ring of muscle.

“Good, good job starlight. You’re so beautiful.” Steve praises as he pumps his finger in and out.

Eddie opens his eyes and looks down at the man below him, though it’s short-lived, as his eyes roll back with yet another groan as Steve adds a second finger.

“That’s it, baby, you take me so well.”

Eddie opens his eyes again, cataloging as much minute detail, every expression that flits across Steve's face as he can while the angel works him open.

The brilliant hazel of his eyes seem to glow around the dark of his pupils, the flush on his face slowly working down his neck to his collarbones; but it’s the look of absolute reverence that has Eddie weak. The angel admires him as if he is some sort of gift. Like Eddie is a breath of fresh air, an ice-cold soda on a hot day, not the broken, unworthy man that’s somehow been graced by a literal angel’s presence.

He knows what his own face must look like, eyes hooded, pupils blown wide, mouth hanging open as he pants with desire, but Steve relishes in it, pulls him in for an open-mouthed kiss as a third finger is pushed in along the other two. Their tongues roll languidly against each other, hot breath changing lungs while Steve works.

“Ah–Steve, sunshine–I’m ready. Please!”

“Of course, Eddie.” Steve sounds like he’s out of breath; he removes his fingers and lifts Eddie easily, lining himself up with his opening.

Eddie pitches backwards as the head of Steve’s cock pushes into him.

“Easy there, darling,” Steve chuckles as he holds Eddie close, “Those things are heavy when you let them relax like that.”

Eddie hums in response, taking a second to figure out what Steve’s talking about. Tilting his head back and looking up, he doesn’t see the dark chocolate brown of his own feathers, so he turns instead. “Ah, there they are.” he says, still feeling boneless.

Steve chuckles, “That they are. Fold them up for me, Eddie, so I can lay you back.”

Eddie’s brain is swimming, but he’s doing his best to make it and his wings cooperate, “Mmmm, want you to, want you to fuck me down into them…” 

A rumbling groan sounds in Steve’s chest “Eddie. Fold them in. Now.” Steve’s impressive wingspan had relaxed somewhere in the last few minutes, but are thrown upwards again as if to emphasize his words.

Just like before, at Steve’s command, Eddie’s body immediately follows the direction. His wings snap in around him and Steve lays him down into plush feathers, pushing further into Eddie at the same time.

They groan in unison. “You are so perfect, so pliant for me.” Steve praises and he starts to move, pulling the most sinful noises from Eddie’s throat as he is fucked into over and over.

“Yes, yes, please don’t stop!” Steve listened to his pleas. He didn’t stop. In fact, he pitched his hips into a slightly different angle, and went in harder and harder, plunging into Eddie so fully and so dead on he was seeing stars.

“Eddie, Eddie…” Steve chants his name in time with Eddie’s moans, “Eddie, I’m–”

-

A sharp pinging alarm wakes him, always set to 7am sharp.

Eddie grumbles some nonsense as he pushes his face farther into the firm mattress, warm where he’d been laying, and reaches to turn off his alarm.

He does, then settles back down fully, swearing to himself that he’s just gonna get a short little snooze in…and turns over to–

“Jesus H. Christ!” Eddie jumps so high he ends up on the rough carpet, looking up at the man sitting on the opposite side of his bed.

“Good morning, Eddie.” Steve turns his head and smiles down at him on the floor. “What were you dreaming about?”

Steve looks pointedly down to Eddie’s lap.

He looks down at himself, “Oh shit,” He snatches up the discarded comforter from Wayne’s bed to cover himself, a wet spot on his boxers making the fabric stick to his skin. “Fuck, I’m just gonna…” He trails off, hopping up and grabbing whatever clothes he can find and darting into the bathroom to the sounds of Steve’s muffled laughter 

He changes quickly, his base layer being almost exactly what he was wearing yesterday thanks to Stevie cleaning them up like he did after dealing with that ghost. He leaves the small bathroom and grabs one of Wayne’s flannels from his duffel. 

“Looks like Wayne got up before us.”

“He did, he asked if we wanted anything when he left.”

“Eh, he knows what I like.” Eddie shrugs.

The pair sit in silence for a few moments before Steve breaks it. “I’m sorry I scared you, Eddie.”

‘Yep, totally, that’s the only reason I freaked out. Definitely not because of the crazy sexy dreams I was having about you.’ Eddie thinks to himself.

“No worries, Big Boy, I’m just not used to waking up to someone in my bed.” If that ain’t the truth. He clears his throat, “I normally talk in my sleep, I didn’t say anything embarrassing did I?”

“Only some groaning.” Steve shrugs to himself.

He lets out a relieved breath. “Good, that’s good.”

“Oh, wait,” Steve snaps his fingers (“Oh no…”). “You did say ‘Yes, yes, please don’t stop!’.” 

Steve throws him a shit-eating grin but before Eddie can sputter out a single decibel, the sound of a key jiggling in the room lock snaps him up to his feet to grab the knob.

“Oh no you don’t, do the knock!” he calls, shoulder pressed against the door to keep it closed.

Eddie hears Wayne’s exasperated sigh through the thin door, but their decided pattern of a knock is tapped out and he opens the door.

Wayne steps through with a bag of take out from the nearby fast food joint. “Thought for sure you'd still be out cold. Eddie’s got a habit of snoozing five too many times.” Wayne directs the last at Steve, who chuckles in response.

Eddie just rolls his eyes, “Bullies. The both of you.” he points at the greasy bag in Wayne’s hand “Now gimme some of that so I’m not dying of hunger when we meet this Dustin kid.”

>:) Part 4 here!

@undreaming-rambles, @potentialheartofdarkness, @munsonfamilyband, @evix-syne666