#captain juniper step

[pumpkinnkidd]

you grew up fast, didn’t you?

[pali-writes-atiny-bit]

Merry Christ-Matz

Pairing: Matz x afab!reader | Alpha!Hongjoong x Alpha!Seonghwa x Omega!reader

Summary: Your darling mate the Captain of Ateez, has been stressing about the holidays and all of the schedules they have to attend. Despite you and Seonghwa’s joint attempts to get him to take a breather, he just won't listen. So you decide to take matters into your own hands.

WC: 3750

AU: A/B/O, established relationship

Genre: smut with a little angst and a little fluff

Warnings: pet names (Sun/Sunshine, Star, Moon/Moonflower), D/s dynamics, humiliation/degradation, bondage (shibari), spanking, gagging, felatio, spit roasting, choking, use of a safeword, aftercare/implied aftercare, cunnilingus. Please let me know if I missed any.

Nets: @mirohs-aurora-society @neverendingdreams-net

A/N: Written as part of the Miroh’s Aurora Society Secret Santa. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year my dear @ghxstwrites!

Also, let it be noted that this is my first A/B/O fic so please be kind!

Header banner by @potatographics

Dividers by @cafekitsune

Hongjoong - juniper wood (and juniper berries)

Seonghwa - wintergreen mint

Y/N - grapefruit

You unlock the door and step into the apartment that you share with your bonded alphas, Hongjoong and Seonghwa. After you take off your shoes and set down your bag, you sniff the air tentatively, disappointed that you can hardly smell the woody juniper and crisp wintergreen scents of your alphas.

You sigh and hang up your coat and scarf before heading deeper into the apartment. Although it’s late into the evening their scents remain faint, indicating that they haven’t been home for several hours. Inhaling deeper, you note that the juniper is slightly more prominent - your alpha had been home at some point. If you had to guess, he came home to grab a few things, a change of clothes, before rushing back to the company.

You let out a small whimper at the sharp, bitter notes interwoven into the scent. It’s a clear indicator of the stress he is feeling. The holiday season is in full swing, and all of Ateez is swamped with various schedules; some as small groups, some as solo members and even more with the whole group of 8. As their leader - Captain - Hongjoong feels the need to ensure that all of his other members are both on-time to their schedules and taken care of in their downtime. However, this sense of duty and leadership is a heavy mantle to bear, and while taking care of the others he has forgotten to take care of himself. It’s taken you putting your foot down, with Seonghwa’s encouragement, to ensure he eats and sleeps. At least just a little.

Unfortunately, it’s clear that your efforts thus far haven’t been enough and your Alpha is sailing straight into burnout or worse, illness. You’re just going to have to take matters firmly into your own hands. You’re not quite sure what it is that you’re going to do, but you should never doubt an Omega with an agenda.

You have been with your Alphas for 3 years, through better and worse. By the time you came into the picture, Hongjoong and Seonghwa had already been together for some time. An Alpha-Alpha relationship wasn’t unheard of, but it did often require unconventional methods or a third mate to balance out the aggressive tendencies of Alpha's. A Beta was suitable due to their level headed nature, however, an Omega was preferable.

Hongjoong and Seonghwa definitely had an unconventional relationship founded on trust and the principles of BDSM. They were open about it when they began courting you and initially you were uncertain about how you would fit in. But they welcomed you with open arms and little expectations.

You allowed them to introduce you to their world of domination and submission. You were surprised to find relief and fulfillment in willingly relinquishing control to them. Over time you became their treasure; a treasure that they were both fiercely possessive and protective of. They found immense pleasure in your pleasure, and as such there was only one hard and fast rule “don’t cum without permission.” You’re allowed to touch and play, so long as you don't finish, and you've never once broken the rule.

As such, an idea comes to you as you’re showering away the grime from the day. Due to the busyness of the season, your sex-life has been, for lack of a better word, lacking. You’re quite certain that steamy sex is just what Joong needs to destress and just let it go. You’re just as certain that he won’t allow himself to be distracted by the need, the temptation, without a reason. So, you resolve to give him a reason.

You run your soapy hands up and down your soft body, imagining that they are your Alphas’ hands. Your hands are much smaller than theirs, but still your nipples stiffen with interest and you tweak them with your thumbs before pinching them between your fingers. You let out a breathy exhale as arousal zings down your spine, and straight to your core. You tug and twist the pink nubs until you’re leaking slick, your clit begging for attention.

You step out of the shower and wrap a fluffy towel around yourself. Although you dry your body briefly, your thighs remain damp from your slick. As you leave the bathroom, you drop the towel from your body and pull the duvet from your shared bed. You pull it close, allowing the cocktail of your mixed juniper, mint, and grapefruit scents to swirl around you before padding out to the living room.

As you take a seat on the couch, your gaze falls on the Christmas tree, with its softly glowing lights and twinkling ornaments. The three of you decorated the tree together before their schedules began. You smile, remembering the fun you had stringing the lights and hanging the ornaments. When it came time to place the Star at the top of the tree, Hongjoong picked you up and swung you around before placing you up on his shoulders.

After finishing the decorations, Seonghwa and Hongjoong had moved the couch to make room on the living room floor while you built a large nest in front of the tree. The three of you had admired your hard work while exchanging sweet kisses and soft touches, eventually ending the night with the sweetest sex underneath the tree.

Just thinking about the memory makes your scent sweeten perceptibly and your pussy leak more slick. You let the blanket fall loose around your shoulders and place your heels on the edge of the couch cushion. Scooching down until the backs of your thighs meet your heels, you allow your legs to fall open, exposing your center to the cold air of the apartment.

You shiver and lightly run your fingers through your folds, spreading your lips and gathering your slick. Using your slicked fingers you rub your clit in soft, slow circles. As your arousal ratchets higher your other hand naturally falls to your breast. You tweak and tug at your nipple while quickening the pace of your other hand. Every so often you pause to plunge your fingers into your weeping hole.

Your breath comes out in soft pants and when your fingers brush against your g-spot you let out a keening whine. By the time you're nearing your climax, you're working your fingers in and out of your pussy at a furious pace. You’re so close to the edge but something is holding you back. You close your eyes and turn your face into the blanket draped around your shoulders. When you inhale your senses are flooded with your intertwined scents. It is enough to push you over the precipice of pleasure.

As you come apart, lights flash behind your eyelids and blood rushes in your ears. You cry out for your Alphas with body and soul. Your pussy pulses around your fingers and slick drips onto the blanket and floor below you. Lost to the pleasure, you don't hear the keys in the door.

You're dragged back to the present by a fresh flood of sharp wintergreen. Your eyes snap open and Seonghwa gaze meets your own. With your fingers still buried in your pussy, you've literally been caught with your hand in the honey pot and his gaze reflects a mixture of lust, anger, and disappointment.

“Oh, little moonflower, you've been naughty,” he growls, stalking forward to stand in front of you. He caresses your cheek with the back of his hand before nestling it into your hair. “Why'd you have to go and break the rules, little moon? I'm so disappointed in you.”

You look away “yeah? Well I'm disappointed in you too, Alpha.”

Seonghwa doesn't miss the snark in your voice. His hand fists in your hair and he pulls your head back to meet his gaze once more. “Excuse me?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

You roll your eyes at him, “you're excused, Alpha.”

“What has gotten into you tonight?” he mutters under his breath. His grip on your hair tightens. His gaze darkens with a promise and his scent turns smoky. “Do you want to rethink your tone, little Omega?”

A little frisson of fear trickles down your spine. Seonghwa may submit to Hongjoong’s authority but that doesn't mean he's not a formidable Dominant. When he's riled up he's actually the meaning of the two of your Alphas. Unfortunately, you've made a decision and you're going to stick to it, so you double down on your attitude.

“No, I don't think I will. My Alphas seemed to have forgotten about this little Omega, so I had to take matters into my own hands. What are you going to do about it?”

He hauls you up by the hand in the hair, taking care to not actually pull at the strands. “First, you're going to clean up your mess,” he gestures to the pool of slick on the ground, “and then I'm going to remind you why I'm your Alpha.”

“Are you sure you can, Alpha?”

He growls and forces you to kneel at his feet in front of your mess. “Go on, clean it up.” He says.

You look up at him confused. You don't have a towel or cleaning supplies handy. “How am I supposed to clean this up?”

He smirks down at you before pushing your head towards the floor with his foot. “Your mouth has been doing too much talking. Be a good girl and lick up your mess while I go grab a few things.”

When he walks away you contemplate further disobedience but think better of it. On your hands and knees you lick your sweet slick from the floor. Your face, neck and chest flush with humiliation but your scent blossoms with arousal.

You've just finished your task when Seonghwa returns. His scent has returned to his fresh wintergreen and he's carrying some emerald green, silk shibari rope and a small cardboard box. He snaps his fingers and points in front of him, “position, little moonflower.”

You crawl over to the indicated spot and assume your standard submissive position: kneeling with your butt on your heels and arms behind your back, hands classing the opposite forearm.

He makes quick practiced movements to bind first your arms, maintaining their position; and then your legs, thigh to calf. When he finishes, he caresses your face softly and coos “you look absolutely radiant like this little moon.” Indeed you do, the emerald green is a striking contrast against your skin. “Are you ready for your punishment, little Omega? Color?”

“Green. So green, Alpha” you moan, your cunt already leaking in anticipation.

Your Alpha may be slender but he effortlessly hauls you up and over his lap as he sits on the couch. He maneuvers you to place your chest on the armrest so you're comfortably supported, before smacking your ass with little preamble.

You jolt, but it barely stings. He must be going easy on you and you can't have that if you want your Captain to come home too, so you giggle and goad your Alpha. “Is that the best you can do? That kind of tickled.”

He smacks the other cheek harder, but still you goad, “barely felt that, Alpha.”

The wintergreen surrounding you tinges with the bitterness of frustration and he growls. He fishes into the cardboard box and pulls something you can't see. Bound as you are you can do little to stop him as he deftly fits a ring gag into your mouth and secures it behind your head.

Satisfied with the results, he pulls out his cellphone and presses ‘1’ on the speed dial. You hear it ring a few times before the call connects.

“What, Hwa?” snaps your other alpha. “Did you forget something?”

Seonghwa takes a calming breath before saying “I have a disobedient little Omega trussed up on my lap. I believe she requires both of us for discipline.”

You hear a muffled sound that seems a lot like a groan of frustration. “Are you sure you need me there? I still have a lot to do.”

“Moonflower broke The Rule™, Joong. For the first time. This is significant. Come. Home.”

There is a long moment of silence. “Okay. I'm coming. Be back in 45 minutes. Get her ready.” The call ends abruptly and Seonghwa tosses his phone to the side with a sigh.

“I hope you're ready, little moon, our Sunshine is more like a storm cloud today.”

He runs his hands over your asscheeks - caressing, squeezing, groping before beginning your punishment anew. These slaps are nothing like the love taps from before - he's holding nothing back. After 10, you’re squealing. At 20, you’re squirming as much as your bindings allow, trying to inch away from the punishment.He effortlessly pins you down on his lap with a forearm between your shoulder blades. And at 30, you’re a crying mess but compliant - retreated to that floaty space at the back of your mind. Your ass is a gorgeous shade of red and warm to the touch.

Seonghwa strokes a hand through your hair before trailing it down your back, over your ass, to the junction of your thighs. “You’re even prettier like this Moonflower,” he croons. “You’re crying, but your sweet cunt is weeping just as much as your eyes.” To punctuate his point, he swipes two fingers through your folds and brings it to his mouth, moaning at your taste.

“Just one thing left to do before Joong gets home,” he says while reaching down to gather more slick. He circles two fingers around your asshole before sliding them in. You moan sinfully at the intrusion. He slides them in and out with scissoring motions to open you up. You moan and sway your hips as he adds a third finger. You're close to an orgams by the time he adds a fourth finger, but he swats your ass and the pain is enough to keep you from peaking.

Deciding you’re sufficiently prepped, he reaches into the cardboard box again and pulls out a plug, one of the largest in your arsenal. He runs it through your folds several times to lubricate it with your slick before pressing it against your puckered rim. He pushes it in steadily, with small twisting motions. You groan in discomfort at the widest part, but he continues patiently until the base is fully seated.

“Now you’re perfect! Let’s get you under the tree - a pretty present for our other Alpha.”

Hongjoong’s juniper scent is all fire and ash when he bursts through the door. He slams the front door and goes to the bedroom to drop off his things. When he returns, he takes a seat on the couch next to Hwa who pulls him in for a long kiss. By the time they separate Hongjoong's scent has simmered down to juniper wood with a faint hint of smoke and Seonghwa’s wintergreen sweetened with arousal.

They both turn to look at you for several minutes. Seonghwa rebound your wrists to your thighs, so you are forced to lie with your face down and ass up. Even from the couch they can smell your juicy sugared grapefruit scent; they can see the way your thighs glisten with slick.

“Truly a perfectly presented little present, Seonghwa,” Hongjoong finally speaks. “It's a shame she's been disobedient. I think it's about time we remind her who the Masters around here are. Come, my Star,” he stands and holds out a hand to Seonghwa.

They both approach you, and you inhale their combined scents. Your Omega whines for her Alphas.

“Here's what's going to happen, little Moon,” Hongjoong says. “We're going to untie your hands and use your body for pleasure, yours and ours. You're not allowed to cum.”

“If it becomes too much, your safeword is ‘tinsel’. If you’re still gagged, two taps with your fingers,” Seonghwa continues.

While speaking, both Alphas have stripped off their clothing and taken their positions, Seonghwa in front, and Hongjoong behind you. Joong unties your hands and grabs your arms, hauling you upwards and backwards, impaling you onto his long cock.

You both moan and Seonghwa takes the opportunity to thrust into your mouth through the ring gag. You gag slightly at the intrusion, but he keeps going, burying his hands into your hair. Both Alphas quickly find their pace, thrusting at the same time so that both your throat and pussy are filled at the same.

Though they are ravaging you, your pleasure builds, and your walls tighten and flutter around Joong, who growls. “Don't you dare cum, little Moon! Only good Omegas get to cum and you haven't been very good.” To Hwa he hisses “I'm close.”

Joong releases one of your arms and instead grabs your shoulder for better leverage. He pulls you back onto him viciously. After only a few more thrusts, both Alphas lock eyes above you and spill inside of you. He releases your arms and they both pull out of you.

Removing his hands from your hair, Seonghwa also unbuckles your gag and throws it back in the box. You did your best to swallow all of Seonghwa's load but you missed some and you look absolutely debauched. Slick and cum run down your thighs and a mixture of cum and saliva dribbles down your chin.

Free of the gag, you cough and lick your lips, both to clean them and to alleviate the numbness after being stretched open. While you're recovering, they switch places. Hongjoong wraps a hand around your throat and pulls you to your feet. He squeezes, choking the blood to your brain and your mind fuzzes over further.

He kisses you savagely, all tongue and nipping teeth. At the same time, he plunges two fingers into your pussy, pushing his cum back into you. “Can't let anything go to waste,” he says, never mind that just as much is splashing back out with your slick.

He fucks his fingers into you, hitting your g-spot ruthlessly. When your legs begin to shake, he pulls his fingers free and allows you to sink back to the ground. Hongjoong holds his fingers out to Seonghwa who sucks them into his own mouth without a second thought, swirling his tongue around the digits.

They allow you a brief moment to catch your breath, before they line themselves up; Seonghwa with your soaked pussy and Hongjoong with your mouth. Seonghwa enters first, the snapping motion of his hips pushing you down onto Joong’s cock. When he pulls out you come up for a breath before the next thrust sends you down onto the cock in front of you again.

This time, you're careening dangerously towards your peak. The orgasm you gave yourself and the three stolen from you have increased your sensitivity to the max. Your nerve endings are alight and your body is wound so tight, screaming for release.

As your walls quicken around Seonghwa he paints them white. Hongjoong, however, pulls out and shoots his load on your face saying, “you don't deserve to drink my cum. Touching yourself without permission, talking back to Star, and interrupting my work, I'm disappointed in you.”

Your scent wilts into rotting grapefruits as the words echo around the walls of your subspace. Your Omega wails. Disappointed. You. Disappointing. Undeserving. Bad Omega. Failure. You speak the word ‘tinsel” and curl in on yourself dissolving into sobs.

Both Alphas freeze for a split second, their scents sharpening in alarm, you've called yellow before, but never a hard safeworded. Seonghwa is the first to jump into action, quickly cutting your bonds and pulling the comforter off the sofa. He bundles you up and barks at Hongjoong to get a warm washcloth.

He hesitated only for a moment before complying. In the time he's gone, Seonghwa moves you both to the couch where he rocks you gently in his lap. When Hongjoong returns, he uses the warm cloth to clean your face and chest before sitting and opening his arms to you.

Still crying, you climb out of Seonghwa’s lap and into his. “I'm sorry, Alpha,” you hiccup. “Please don't be disappointed in me. I just wanted you to come home.”

After taking a shuddering breath, you continue. “You've been so stressed, I thought some good rough sex would help you relieve it. I didn't mean to make it worse.”

There's a long silence, broken only by your sniffling. Both the juniper and wintergreen scents wilt with guilt.

Hongjoong breaks the silence first. “I'm so sorry little Omega. I've been so busy that I lost sight of my most important treasure.” He tightens his arms around you. “I forgot that my Moon needs her Sun and Star to shine.

“You planned for this to happen? Even though you knew you would be punished? For me?” When you give a tiny nod he continues. “It seems I misspoke then. You are the most perfect Omega I could have ever asked for. You could never disappoint me.”

Seonghwa chimes in also, “such a thoughtful Omega. I should have known you had a reason for breaking The Rule™.”

The three of you cuddle for a short time, scenting each other. Allowing your scents to combine into their signature Grapefruit Julep cocktail. Drained from all the activities, you doze off.

When you wake up a few minutes later, your head is in Seonghwa’s lap where he's stroking his long fingers through your hair. You understand what woke you up when you feel a tongue on your clit. You sit up a little and look at where Hongjoong has buried his face between your thighs.

He uses his tongue to alternate betweening scooping up the cocktail of slick and cum from your pussy (he could easily get cum drunk on the combination) and tapping rhythms on your clit. It doesn't take long until you're on the edge of the orgasm that has been denied to you for so long.

Seonghwa stops stroking your hair to pinch your nipples and you tumble over the edge with a scream. Your thighs clamp around Hongjoong’s head as your vision blacks out and you convulse, your pussy squirting all over the captive Captain.

When your body relaxes, Hongjoong emerges with a soaked face and a radiant grin. Seonghwa just shakes his head with a laugh and carries you to the bathroom to remove the plug and run you a bath, leaving him to clean up and make the bed for the three of them.

Tags: @skzdust

@daydreams-after-dark @catiuskaa I know you two are primarily Skz, but in case you were interested, here's this Ateez piece I did for my network event

[cerastes]

Bro any time I think about Valkyria Chronicles I laugh my nipples off, the game is fundamentally flawed gameplaywise but, simultaneously, it's stupidly fun, which is the recipe for any club banger, it has a story that weaves flawlessly between "that's pretty poignant" and "this is some goofy goober shit", it's got the horrors of war but also this fucking pig piece of shit mascot, Hans,

It's an amalgam of white and black without any gray: It exists on extremes, and it never intersects, it's playing two parallel lines and coming to terms with the fact that you'll never see cohesion but that somehow enhances the end product in ways evidently no one intended. You have narrative comparisons with the persecution of jews and, at the same time, the game ends with the bad guy getting German Suplexed.

But I think the funniest aspect of Valkyria Chronicles The First is that the main character is the farthest thing from a war hero they could possibly muster with the expertise of a stoic Japanese swordsmith from the mountains crafting a god-cleaving blade: Welkin.

This Scout From TF2 Put Through An Anime Filter looking mother fucker was chilling in his hometown talking about how much he wanted to be a teacher and showing people his really good sketches of animals because he's also a gifted artist, when suddenly, the Dudes attack, and his reaction to the Dudes attacking is "hang on, I recall my dad hiding his actual service tank in the shed in the back" so he goes and, yeah, his dad's tank from a previous war is just there, chilling, so he takes it for a joy ride while the town baker, Alicia, armed with a rifle and infinite action economy due to the afore mentioned flawed gameplay, sweeps the entire god damn platoon of heavily armed machine gun troops.

The entire game is Welkin using his love for nature and his baker love interest to inflict insane personnel and materiel damage to an entire empire: Welkin and Alicia will come across a heavily fortified bridge, and the dialogue will go something like

"Welkin! They will pulverize us with the heaviest machine guns known to man if we step one foot in that bridge! They practically developed wooden low-orbit bombardment stations! What's the plan!"

"Well... Look at that duck over there. It's flying from the east to the west, right? Well, YOU SEE, that duck is known as a Balkunese Socioduck, and those, during this season, migrate from west to east, and they only exhibit this irregular flight path if a Matrisgel Weasel family is molting by the juniper berry bushes, their favorite food. Matrisgel Weasels only ever molt if they are put under the exact amount of stress caused to them by the sound of distant tank threads on the road, and they are known to hide in sturdy, stable soil."

"Welkin, SIR, what the fuck does this all mean?"

"If we follow the smoldering shrieking of the molting weasels, we'll find a SECRET PATH that will, as always, let us ambush, flank, and surprise our foes! Alicia, you know what to do."

"Ogggeyyyyy"

and then, invariably, no matter the level, thanks to Welkin's impressive knowledge of fauna and flora, and Alicia's literally infinite action economy in a game that wasn't properly beta tested in-house during development, they combine their powers like a piss poor Captain Planet and kill the absolute shit out of an entire Empire's worth of dudes, and it's legitimately one of the most fun and charming games you'll ever touch if you remember to not take it too seriously. I fucking hate Hans but I love this game.

[hey-august]

A Line from Me to You - Chapter 9

Description: Buggy finds a peculiar book on his ship. Enticed by the words contained on each page, the pirate opens up. Anonymity leads to vulnerability. What else will come from this? (Chapter 1 ... Chapter 8, check out the story tag for all the chapters)

Word count: 2.4k

Warnings: buggy x afab!reader, this chapter is SFW, alcohol, buggy doesn’t know how to handle compliments, no use of y/n

A/N: Because of @mmv-ymvm

Tag list: @lostfirefly @rorywritesjunk @theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction @voloured

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ✩ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ✩ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ✩ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The port town was brimming full of daily life, plus diversions to avoid the mundanity. Even with buskers luring the swimming crowd to pool together and dance in the cobblestone square, fresh food fried and eaten from wooden stalls at every corner, and an outdoor emporium of shops alternating between newly crafted goods and vintage finds, none of the hubbub was enough to keep your attention for long. 

One line of thought refused to break away from the book shop you left behind. It threatened to stitch up ideas that you were not ready to piece together. With every tug on the seams, you walked faster and searched for something else to occupy your mind. Something that would let you continue believing it was only coincidence that you and Bu- your captain held shared interests in reading. 

Soon you found a bar to feed you lies. A diversion was poured into a glass with a heavy hand and passed to your own grateful hold. The sharp taste of juniper berries overpowered the sweetness that would keep you stuck. You crinkled your nose as too much bright flavor flooded your tongue and sinuses. A cough refused to be suppressed in your throat and pushed it's way out your nose. With tears in your eyes and anxiety burning your face, you choked down the rest of your drink and held up a finger. 

You'd need another - or two - to wash away your thoughts and sheer fucking embarrassment.

With your tongue numb from alcohol and talking too much about your predicament to the backside of the inattentive bartender, you made your way back to the ship. The sky was a blanket of gold and orange, tucking the sun into the horizon. The ship swayed softly on the incoming tide and you swayed softly on the uneven ground. Uncertainty floated just under the surface, low enough for you to ignore the feeling and step back into familiarity that you could hide within.

The familiarity didn't stay as a comfort, however. You entered your room, and closed the door on the thoughts running behind you, before noticing something unfamiliar. A piece of paper waited on your pillow. It sat politely among the mess of sheets. And on the unfamiliar paper was writing. Familiar writing. 

The note was inked by a hand that previously filled the margins of books with you. A hand that commands a ship to navigate dangerous waters and to throw an all night party. A hand that shared childhood memories. A hand that wielded a pen as deftly as a knife. A hand that picked a flower from your hair and replaced it. A hand that helped you up in the book shop. A hand that finally validated all of the uncertainty and hope you carried all afternoon.

And with the answer in hand, the taut thread stitching together the story finally snapped.

"Sorry about what happened in the shop. I hope you recovered and aren't thinking about that funny sound you made. 

I know you want the book, so come by my quarters at 9 and you can have it back."

With another funny sound breaking free from your throat, you crumpled the paper, hid your face in your hands, and muffled your groan. Fuuuuuck.

———

Buggy sat on his bed, forcing himself through the printed words. He was also chewing on his lip, tapping the pen against the side of the book, and jiggling the foot hanging off the edge of the bed. The contained but messy energy was needed to keep himself fully occupied. Rather than letting the spare thoughts stray back to the afternoon and the look on your face, he kept them busy with absentminded movements.

Rifling through the next few pages, Buggy figured he had plenty of time to finish reading this section. He'd be able to stick the book out in the hallway, in front of his door, and avoid seeing you face to face. Although maybe he'd listen through the door. Just in case.

Out of all the stories he's read, every emotional chapter and weighty paragraphs, tired and bleary eyes, or memories of teasing that was more taunting than playful, Buggy had never had more difficulty reading than he did tonight. Every time his pen hovered over the paper, his foot shook more and his bottom lip stayed clamped between his teeth. You knew who was behind these words. You knew it was him. The anonymity was gone and he…kind of liked it.

Maybe that wasn't the right word. Part of Buggy decided that you wouldn't show up. After finding out that you formed a casual relationship with the captain - that you were sharing and dissecting smut with a fucking clown - why would you even want to continue? You'd probably come get the book that put a distraught look on your face in town and then pretend as if you two were nothing more than people on the same shitty ship.

As painful as that thought was, at least Buggy's overactive imagination would have plenty to keep him occupied and agonized for far longer. He almost looked forward to obsessing over every future interaction and revisiting every moment you two spent together before this. Any bit of faux affection or interest he could pull out would be a soothing balm for the heartache.

Lost in the thoughts that got past all of his twitching boundaries, Buggy was startled by rapid knocking on his door.

"I'm busy!" Buggy shouted to the door, directing the annoyance from his pause in reading towards the interrupter, rather than himself.

The fiery feeling fell into a bottomless pit in his stomach when a response carried through the door.

"Reading a book?"

———

You stood outside Buggy's door full of nerves. Squeezing the hem of your dress, you considered knocking again or even testing to see if the door was locked. Sure, walking into someone's room uninvited was rude, but so was ignoring a visitor. He was taking too long to answer, after taking too long with a book he had to replace, and after asking you to wait too long to come by. 

There was no way in hell you were going to sit idly in your room wondering if maybe there was still a chance that he wasn't the person you were swapping books with. Even with all of the evidence, you needed to have the book in your hand and see his writing in the margins. Then you could sit in your room and meltdown about every single thing you shared with your captain directly. 

How you practically told him that you liked him. Sharing memories that made you cringe. You even wrote about things you liked and didn't like during sex. If you had any damn idea that you were sharing books with Buggy, you would have tossed this book into the depths of the ocean the moment you read the word "perky breasts."

The door swung open just as your panicked desperation threatened to spill over. The bubbling emotion was calmed by the sheepish pirate looking at you through the crack. Your eyes darted from his own, to the door that you wished was still closed, and back to him.

"…I think I'm early," you mumbled, "I can come back."

Great. Another awkward interaction. Fucking perfect.

"I'm almost done reading this chapter," Buggy said.

You nodded and died inside thinking about how you'd have to knock on this damn door again later. Maybe a rogue wave would hit the ship, sweep you away, and you'd live out the rest of your days on an island that this ship would never come near.

"You can wait, if you want. It's just a few pages." 

Buggy opened the door wider. Warm amber light reached out to you, extending the invite. You watched as Buggy shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He wasn't wearing his heavy boots, and his socks were mismatched - one was a dingy white, and the other alternated between red and white. His button-up shirt was also striped, with the colors traveling vertically this time. It was partially undone, revealing his Adam's apple, collarbones, and a hint of blue body hair. He looked unkempt but comfortable. More comfortable than you felt alone in your room.

"Yeah, okay," you agreed. Hopefully he didn't notice how you spoke to his exposed chest.

The Captain's quarters. His bedroom. Buggy's room.

You had seen peeks when delivering messages and meals, but this was your first time inside. The wood was the same throughout the ship. The lamps were also the same. The air was the same, although the smell of whiskey and ash was stronger. And something else. A familiar scent. One that reminded you of a heavy coat, an orange hat, a crooked smile, and longing.

"You can sit…" Buggy's offer trailed off when realization blocked the path. 

He gestured awkwardly to the only two spots currently available. The chair behind his desk (which was still littered with maps and reference books) and his unmade bed. Mostly unmade. There was a corner at the foot of the bed with enough unwrinkled spanse of blanket to give him some grace.

You could pick between a seat synonymous with power, or further invade Buggy's personal space. Actually, he had invited you in and to choose a seat. He welcomed you into is personal space and seemed open to sharing. It would be rude to decline, right?

Your stomach flipped with each step you took towards Buggy's bed. With your ass and thighs firmly on the patch of blanket, you thanked him and said something about being comfortable. A smile twitched on Buggy's lips and he made his way to the desk. Behind you, a hand zipped across the bed, nudging the blankets back into place and snatching up a pen revealed by the shifting blankets.

"Do you want a drink?" Buggy asked with a big grin, as if he was offering a treat sneaked from the cookie jar.

The drink gave you something to do - overthink how often you can take a casual sip and sneak glances at the captain while the glass was pressed to your lips. Buggy's private stash was spiced, smooth, and delicious. The flavor lasted in your mouth.

During your fourth or fifth very normal sip, you saw that the small portion of Buggy's face you could see behind the book was uncomfortably tight. His eyes were strained and squinted under unruly knotted eyebrows.

"Do you need more light?" you asked, looking around the room for something that could help.

"Hm? No, I'm fine," Buggy said while keeping his face buried in the pages. He blinked a few times and sighed.

You hummed an acknowledgment and took a drink.

Buggy turned a page. Then flipped it back.

You took another drink.

Buggy sighed and leaned back in his chair, the wood creaking and groaning with the shift in weight. With his face towards the ceiling and eyes closed, you felt comfortable staring with a minimal amount of shame.

Your captain sucked his lower lip into his mouth, chewed it for a moment, then let it slide back out. Maybe it was a trick in the light, but his lips seemed to shine. And they looked so soft. You resisted the urge to mimic his movements, to momentarily imagine what his lips felt like. What is mouth would feel like against yours.

Time for a sip. And for another thought that you needed to push away. The idea of your lips touching the same spot that your captain's have before. 

Fuck. Why were you getting worked up over the idea of an indirect kiss? 

The taunting thoughts circled you, bouncing and rolling, but staying just out of reach of the safe spot on the bed. But they were there with promises to follow you back to your room later tonight. To tuck you under the blankets and cover you in their touch until you shook and shivered. Until your toes curled. Until you could only taste the hint of spiced alcohol and your captain's name on your tongue.

Your horny demons were scared into shadows by a deep rumbling. A resigned groan. Buggy was pinching the bridge of his nose, his head bobbing along to a silent conversation. He sat back up, glanced over at you before sliding his gaze behind you to the sound of wood scraping against wood. A disembodied hand whizzed past you and back to it's owner.

You watched as Buggy avoided looking at you. He feigned concentration as he stared pointedly at the book sitting on the desk and slipped on a pair of round glasses. His eyes drifted to the edge of the desk closest to you, before being reeled away. Like a fish exploring the reef, his darted back towards you. Buggy's attention lifted, finally settling on you. He looked at you over top of the glasses.

Tension was still holding his face hostage, but the hold had moved from his forehead and eyes down to his jaw. Almost as if Buggy was biting back words, holding in something he didn't want to say. Instead, he waited for you. For your cue.

You gave a small smile, a sign of deference to your captain. You weren't sure exactly what he expected from you, so you offered the only thing you could think of. The truth.

"They look nice." You pointed at your face then towards his.

The tension snapped, leaving Buggy nearly slack-jawed. He gaped at you. Whatever words he had been trying to swallow were gone entirely and his mouth was empty.

"Don't bullshit me," he finally croaked.

"I'm not! I like them. On you." A fire burned in the back of your throat and warmed your cheeks to a rosy red. "You look nice in glasses, Captain," you said candidly. "Dashing, handsome, intelligent…well-read."

If you were going to compliment Buggy, you were going to make damn sure he accepted it.

Buggy stared at you a little longer, searching for a crack he could pry open and pull the truth from. You kept your eyes on his and downed the last mouthful in your glass. The alcohol slid through your body. There were were no cracks. No leaks. You were honest.

"Whatever," Buggy mumbled before hiding his blushing face in the book. "Just a few more minutes."

You nodded, more to yourself than in acknowledgment of the update. Actually, the reminder that this would end soon was not something you wanted to accept yet. 

[lookingfts]

Friday Fic Rec 11/1

Thanks as always for your submissions! Titles are links to each fic. Just a heads up that I’m going to move this to every other week now that I’m also busy with the @kanthonyprompts account. (Check that out if you’re interested!)

if the shoe fits, walk in it (til your high heels break) by @newtonsheffield

“Molly is rightfully one of the most popular Kate and Anthony writers in the fandom, and I wholeheartedly believe this is her most underrated story. It was one of the first Kate and Anthony fanfictions I read, and the first one I reread. I literally finished it, scrolled back up to the top, and read it again. This is uni Kate and Anthony captured perfectly. Pure fluff, a sweet, funny, engaging love story. I adore this story so much and think that if you're a fan of Molly's writing in particular and haven't read this gem, do it, now! You must!”

Description: Anthony Bridgerton is everything Kate Sharma hates about being at Oxford. Rich and entitled and cocky, so why does she keep ending up with her skirt rucked up around her waist with her fingernails digging into his back.

Complete - M - 14k words

there be fury on the waves by @rosycheeked

Description: Kate means to sail and win the Fastnet Race with her sailing partner, Benedict. Or, if not win, do well. Unfortunately, he comes down with mono the week before, and Anthony volunteers to take his place.

Complete - T - 14k words

open up your heart (like the gates of hell) by penny_loaf

Description: Kate is just trying to get food after work when she runs into her sister on a first date. A first date with Anthony Bridgerton.

Complete - E - 4k words

Safe Houses by Amerna 

Description: When CIA agent Kate Sharma first meets Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, it doesn’t take her long to figure out that beneath the carefully constructed cover of a profligate wastrel playboy he is actually a British spy. What follows is a game of cat and mouse all over Europe as the two battle for the same intelligence, the same sources, and the same material to remain one step ahead of each other – all while they go from rivals to begrudging allies to friends.

Complete - M - 16k words

LFTS rec: Nautical Skills by @juniper5x5

Juniper is one of my favorite Kanthony authors - just so many unique and creative plots and such simple but visceral prose. But this is high on my list - pirate queen Kathani and simp Anthony on the high seas.

Description: She was the captain of the pirate crew. She had to be. He had no way of knowing this for certain, of course, but to him it was obvious, plain as day. The way the others acted in deference towards her, the way she carried herself, how she lifted her chin high into the air – well, it made her look like the bloody queen of England, is what it did.

Complete - E - 17k words

Thanks to those who submitted! If I don't include a submission, it's because that fic has been recommended in previous weeks. You can find them all under the "lfts fic recs" tag!

[p-artsypants]

The Pale Rider (17) What a Beautiful Wedding

Pst. I reused some of the ceremony words from No, You Go First, if it sounds familiar. Once you write one convincing wedding ceremony, it's hard to start from the beginning haha

The lyrics in this chapter are obviously ‘For The Dancing and The Dreaming’ from HTTYD. And the second song is a slightly butchered version of ‘I’m on Fire’ by Stateless. I really hemmed and hawed over the words, because I wanted the song to be romantic, but not an outright love confession. So I ended up rewriting the words, but tried to emulate the feeling of the music.

Ao3

Chicken woke Astrid up at dawn, and she couldn’t be happier. Chicken survived! 

She dressed in a peasant dress, and emerged from her room, slowly peeking out ahead. 

All the blood and carnage from the night before was gone. No blood, no gore, only the claw marks in the door remained. 

But that was enough to prove it wasn’t a nightmare.

And if it wasn’t a nightmare, that meant it was all too real, and the threat remained. Maybe not today, maybe not even soon, but Ryker would be back. 

The wedding would be perfect, and then it was time to double down on solving this curse. 

—-

Heather was getting dressed in the dressing room across from the chapel. There was a door under the balcony that led to the ladies’ sitting room, and that led to the dressing room. 

Astrid and Ruffnut were helping, Ruff doing the buttons up on her bodice while Astrid did her hair. 

“Oh, I’m so nervous,” Heather tutted. “Excited, but so nervous.” 

“It’ll be fine. Rehearsal was perfect, and Gothi already blessed the union.” 

“Yes, but…everyone’s coming! All those people!”

“Yeah, kinda surprised everyone RSVP’d yes.” 

“It’s gotta be curiosity,” Ruff suggested. 

“Dad was personally going around to make sure everyone was coming,” she chuckled weakly. “Dagur’s bummed out, since the Great Hall is closed up. Apparently he’s going to be drinking alone tonight.” 

“Oh boo hoo.” Astrid chuckled. “He’s upset now, but we can hope he starts to realize his stubbornness is making him miserable. Maybe he’ll learn to be happy for you.” 

“That’d be nice,” Heather smirked. 

Astrid put the final pin in her crown of laurel and juniper and took a step back. “Perfect! Oh, you look so beautiful!” 

Heather blushed, and ducked her head. “I hope Fishlegs thinks so.” 

“I know he will.” 

The conversation was interrupted as a loud crack sounded at the front door. 

“Sounds like the guests are starting to arrive. I’m going to see if the Rider needs any help directing people.”   

“Isn’t Tuff the usher?” Ruff asked. 

“Yeah, but I just want to double check.” 

“Okay, hurry back!” Heather begged. 

“You’ll be fine, honey.” Astrid laughed as she left to the foyer balcony. From up here, she saw the Rider at the front door, welcoming Bucket and Mulch inside. 

She hadn’t had time to see him this morning after their hasty breakfast, but didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary. Instead, he had donned a dark gray fur cape, held in place with gold pendants and a gold chain. She could see he wore black linen pants and a shiny boot instead of his usual armor. 

He looked nice. 

As Bucket and Mulch started up the stairs, following the signs in place, she met the Rider’s gaze. 

He took a step towards her. “What a lovely creature that haunts my balcony,” he called. 

Bucket and Mulch looked to where he was talking and offered wolf whistles. 

“Oh stop,” she waved them off. “Did you need any help?” 

“No, Tuff’s got it under control, surprisingly. He’s a muttonhead, but when he gets focused on something, he really does it well. Apparently when he was kicked off deserts, he got into the seating plan.” 

“Well, if you get overwhelmed, just knock.” 

“Aye aye, captain,” he saluted. 

“Hey.” She called over her shoulder at the last second. “You look really nice.” 

He placed his hand over his heart. “Really? Thank you. I even combed my hair.” 

She heard Bucket ask, “he has hair?”

When Astrid returned, Oswald was with Heather, talking softly to her. They both smiled, teary-eyed. 

It made Astrid miss her own father. 

She laid her hand on the doorframe, and closed her eyes. Her father’s spirit was trapped in the castle, somewhere, and maybe if she looked for him, she’d find him. 

Or maybe he could only reach her in her dreams. 

Over the next half hour, Astrid ran between the foyer, chapel, and dressing room. She even checked in on the cooks in the kitchen. All the guests were trickling into place, words of awe being shared between them, to Astrid’s relief. Tuff indeed had seating on lockdown, and made sure everyone had a spot. 

In between her hustling, she spared a glance at the painting between the stairs. 

It was covered with a sheet. 

She breathed a long, deep sigh, which ended in a little cough. For today, she would pretend that there was no curse. There was no peril, no suffering. 

Just for today. 

—

The ceremony was the most beautiful she’d ever seen. Heather and her father entered the chapel from the back room to Sven playing on the Nyckelharpa. 

Fishlegs waited at the altar and as soon as Heather entered, his lips started quivering. 

She was a dream. The bride walked on air, glowing in the candlelight and haloed by the blue stained glass. Joy seemed to seep out of her very being, like she was filled to the brim and her lithe frame couldn’t hold it all. She came forward and stood with her groom, both of them sharing a gaze that spoke of melting hearts and long held desires. 

Gothi scratched into the sand on the floor as Gobber interpreted. 

First, they were both anointed with blood, just a touch smeared on their foreheads. Then rings were exchanged, Heather put on Fishlegs’ and Fishlegs put on her’s.  

Gothi wrapped a thin red fabric around their clasped hands. 

Then it was time for the vows. 

Beloved, I seek to know of you, and ask of the Gods and Goddesses that I be given the wisdom to see you as you are, and love you as a Mystery.

Almost instinctively, Astrid sought out the Rider, looking over the room for her friend. In the chaos preceding the ceremony, she had lost track of him. 

I will take joy in you, I delight in the love of you. You are to me the whispering of the tides, the seduction of summer’s heat.

He stood in the ballroom, just outside the doorway towards the back. Always in the back, always out of sight, always hiding from everyone’s view. Even in his own home. 

You are my friend, my lover, grow old and wise with me, as I will do with you! A life before us of rainbows and sunsets, and a willingness to share in happiness and in sadness.

She didn’t mean to stare, but she found herself interested in his reaction. Would he have that longing as he had earlier? Or maybe he would just be content and happy for his friends? 

I love you, I adore you. 

The Rider caught her staring, and turned his head towards her, his stare intense and heavy. 

“Ye, Fishlegs Ingerman, child of Odin, dost taketh Heather Berzerker, daughter of Freyja, to be his betrothed. And, by utterance of these words, this union may only be broken in the Halls of Valhalla. You may kiss your bride.” 

The assembled crowd cheering as Heather and Fishlegs embraced broke Astrid’s trance, and she leapt to her feet with applause. 

The newlyweds shared a loving grin before turning to their guests and beaming. 

With the ceremony over, Astrid was back to running around. Grimuld, the barkeeper from the Great Hall, was already at the counter in the parlor, where the infinite decanters had been moved to. The guests made their leisurely way out from the chapel and either found their seats in the dining room, or found a drink and milled about in the foyer or ballroom. 

Music filled the castle, though Astrid only saw Sven on the Nickylharpa and Hackjaw on the drums. But there were other instruments playing, and she didn’t see them anywhere. 

Sparing a moment, she snagged the Rider by the cloak. “Where’s that music coming from?” 

“Hm? Sven and Hackjaw,” he pointed with his thumb. 

“Well yes, but the rest of the music! The flute and the other strings!” 

“Oh that! That’s the castle. I brought the instruments down from the music room to see if any of the musicians knew how to play them. Once they started practicing, the instruments played along.” 

Astrid’s jaw dropped. “That’s wild.” 

“Wild magic.” He shrugged. 

Then people were asking for help finding their seats and where to find the restroom and she was swept into being the wedding coordinator again. 

There were several boons to holding an event in an enchanted castle. One was the carts that appeared from the kitchen, laden with plates of food, and rolled on their own to tables to serve dinner. It made Astrid’s job a lot easier, since she wasn’t the one having to coordinate the serving. That was all the Ingermans and Berzerkers, as tradition dictated.  

The dress was surprisingly comfortable. When she had seen it on the dressform, she feared it’d be difficult to move around in, especially since it had no sleeves. But thanks to the twins expert tailoring, it fit perfectly and stayed on through all the little fires she had to put out. 

She took a moment to breathe, to soak in the evening, and enjoy herself. This was her best friends’ wedding, and the first event in her new home. 

Stoick and Valka were in paintings in the ballroom, paintings that hadn’t been there earlier, but the Rider added so his parents could be included. She could hear Stoick’s booming laughter as he talked with a group of guests. 

The Rider was across the room, speaking with an elderly woman, Heidi. She giggled about something and gave him a playful slap to the arm. 

Heather and Fishlegs were on the dancefloor, holding each other tightly as they swayed to the music. 

“Could I have a dance?” Snotlout asked, sneaking up on her. 

“What are you doing here?” She asked, not unkindly. “Aren’t you supposed to be with the carriages?” 

“Oh the dragons have it all figured out on their own. I started it, and they figured out what I wanted and brought everyone up on their own. I’m sure they can do it in reverse. Now, a dance?” 

She didn’t see the harm in it, and offered her hand. 

He took it, and guided her out onto the floor, draping her other hand on his shoulder as he placed his on her waist. 

“Gods Astrid, you look absolutely breathtaking,” He said, honestly. “Like…wow. Have you been working out?” 

“I’ve been keeping up with my training, if that’s what you’re wondering,” she laughed slightly, which turned into a cough. She’d been coughing all day, but had been so distracted by the wedding that she didn’t pay attention to it. 

“Uh…” Snotlout began. 

“I’m fine,” Astrid promised before he could ask. 

“Did your mom have a cough?”

She sighed, a little growl in the voice as she was getting tired of people asking about it. “Yes, she did, but what my mom had wasn’t contagious. This is just a little cough.” She turned her head quickly and caught the cough with her mouth partly closed. “Or maybe it’s what Oswald had.” 

“That was nasty too.” 

“Either way, I feel fine otherwise. How goes the mail service?” 

He cocked an eyebrow at the obvious change in topic, but let it go. “Me and Hookfang are unstoppable! The first day, people were wary about seeing the dragons around, but they’re warming up. I think it helps that us, uh, normal people are riding them.” 

“You mean, uncursed?” 

“Yeah, we can go with that. Is that the politically correct term?” 

“You’re terrible.” 

Snotlout just shrugged. 

“How goes it with Ruffnut?” She smirked. 

“Ugh, don’t get me started! I thought for sure she’d go for me, but then this dude named Throck started coming with the traders and she’s been flirting with him non-stop.” 

“Bummer.” 

“But you know what? He brings out the weird in her that I just can’t get behind. When I talk to her after she’s seen him, it’s all bunions and fungus and I just can’t, Astrid.”

“So what are you going to do? Be a lonely bachelor?” 

He shook his head. “Fishface said if I was really nice and helpful, he would introduce me to his cousin Minden. She’s supposed to be here, but I haven’t seen her. This place is packed!” 

“Are you sure he didn’t just say that to make sure you were in your best behavior?” 

“I’m sure, because he knows I’ll ruin his life if it was a lie.” 

“That’s true. I wonder what she’s like. What did she do to him to make him subject her to you?” 

He glared at her. “I don’t know why I ever liked you. You’re such a bitch.” 

Astrid laughed, interrupting their dance to throw her head back with glee. Once she caught her breath, she admitted, “only to you, Snotlout.” 

“Right right. You’re an angel to His Creepiness.” 

“He’s kind to me. Why wouldn’t I be kind to him?” 

“Are you sure it’s just being nice? You don’t think you might have a tiny crush on him?” 

She rolled her eyes. “What is it with everyone trying to convince me that I’m in love with the Rider?” 

“Oh, others are doing it too?” He asked, a smug smile on his face. 

“The twins and Heather were bothering me about it earlier this week.” 

“Then maybe…do you think we all see something you don’t?” 

“Maybe I think you all have to get your eyes checked.” She sighed. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told them. He isn’t able to love. He told me himself. It’s part of the curse.” 

“He’s a filthy liar.” 

“And you would know, you lie more than anyone else I know.” 

He turned his nose up. “I just tell people what they want to hear so they look favorably on me.” 

“Oh? And how is that working for you?” 

“Honestly, about 50/50.” 

She laughed again, and then let him twirl her as the song ended. 

“Seriously though,” he gestured his head at the Rider. “Give the guy a dance.” 

“I’ll dance with him if he wants to, but he can ask me too.” 

“He won’t. Too shy.” But whatever else he was going to say was interrupted as he spotted something behind her. “Hey Fishface! You gonna introduce me, or what?!” He squeezed Astrid’s shoulder as he moved past her. 

Astrid turned to see Fishlegs and Heather talking with an unfamiliar young woman, likely this Minden that Snotlout had mentioned. 

“Ahem,” a new voice spoke behind her. 

Curious, Astrid turned back to find Tuffnut, of all people. “Tuff?”

“If you’re dancing with everyone, might as well dance with me.” 

“Everyone? I just danced with Snotlout!” 

“Yeah, the bar is low.” 

“HA!” She laughed. “Fine, I’ll dance.” 

He took her hand and led her onto the dancefloor, a mischievous kind of smile on his face. He wasn’t a very good dancer, as he kind of swung her around and stepped off beat. 

Astrid just laughed as she futilely stumbled with him.

“So what’d you have? The chicken? The Sea bass?” 

“I had a few bites of the chicken, but I’ve been so busy, I wasn’t able to sit down and eat.” 

He gasped, aghast. “You must be starving!” 

“Honestly, not really. Haven’t been hungry lately. What did you get?”

“The Sea Bass! My favorite! Of course, the way Hofma prepares it isn’t nearly as good as our Salt-Encrusted Sea Bass.” 

“I’ve had your salt bass, Tuff, and you’re delusional.” 

He continued like she hadn’t insulted his cooking. “Oh, but the artichokes? Those were delicious. And the potatoes au gratin. A wedding staple, but they do it so well.” 

Astrid just smiled with a nod, as she caught herself before she tripped in his arrhythmic steps. 

“So, you gonna ask Melvin to dance?” 

“Who?!” 

“Your cryptid boytoy, of course! I know he wants to.” 

“The Rider? I mean, maybe he does. But maybe he doesn’t.” 

“He’s been staring at you all evening. Barely able to keep his eyes off of you.” 

“Tuff…” 

“I’m just saying! Now’s your chance to find out if Egbert really likes you!” 

“Why do you care?” 

“Are you kidding!?” Tuff damn near shouted. “This isn’t any ole romance story, this is the beautiful maiden of the town and the freaky creature in the woods! I love weird stuff! This is the most interesting thing to happen in town in years! You’re killing me!”  

“Hey, tone it down, will you?!” She hissed. “There’s nothing happening with us. He’s my best friend, and you and everyone else need to chill out!” 

“Okay okay!” He chuckled. “Touchy!” 

She glared at him, but said nothing more. 

“What about Marvin?” 

“Are you still trying to guess his name?” 

“Yeah, you said that’s what would break the curse. I’m good at naming things! What about Torvald?” 

Astrid smiled at that. She had mentioned she was trying to find his name. It was nice that Tuff remembered. “I don’t know, I think I get an ‘H’ vibe from him.” 

“Horace?” 

“No. No way.” 

“Higginbottom.” 

“As a first name?” 

“You never know…Horst?” 

“Tuff, I think—“ 

“Habbakuk.” 

“—that I probably have to—“ 

“Hasenfeffer?” 

“—find it and not guess.” 

“Ahh killjoy.” 

The song came to an end and the two bowed to each other. 

“Quick! This is your chance!” Tuff grabbed her by the shoulders and started pushing her to the other side of the room. 

“What? For what?” 

“To ask Xavier to dance!” 

“Seriously? And that name doesn’t actually start with an ‘H’.” 

“Seriously serious! Come on, Astrid! Or do you not want to dance with tall, dark, and spooky?” 

“I wouldn’t mind—“ 

“‘Wouldn’t mind’ or ‘want to’?” 

She sighed, caught. “Want to…” 

“Then saunter up to him, shimmy your shoulders a little, bat your eyelashes and give him a saucy wink. Then he’ll ask you.” 

Astrid sighed. “Fine. You know what? I’ll dance with the Rider. And maybe I can get you all off my back!” 

“Go get ‘em, Tiger!” 

Astrid shook her head as she waded into the crowd. She thought she heard Tuffnut yell something about ‘Eldritch Babies’ but she couldn’t be sure. 

She spotted the Rider, standing by himself at the corner of the room. She could tell the second he spotted her, because the flames in his eyes doubled, the chandelier dimmed, and the music stopped. 

The assembled looked toward the Rider, who was in charge of the magic of the castle, and saw he was looking at Astrid. He began to walk towards her, his gaze never wavering. 

Apparently, a lot of people were invested in this as the crowd backed away and gave them space. 

She didn’t follow any of Tuffnut’s advice, as she just kind of smiled at him awkwardly. 

He reached out his hand toward her, silently asking for a dance. 

Had he watched her with Tuff and Snot? Had he been waiting? 

She slid her hand into his, his touch feeling like—-

Warmth. 

Not quite as warm as Tuffnut and Snotlout’s hands had been, but so vastly different from the bone chill from when they first met. It startled her, and she looked up to stare at him, to see if he noticed.

Someone started whistling a little tune. 

The Rider hummed and shook his head. 

“What?” 

“That’s dad. He wants us to show everyone how we used to dance.” 

“I don’t…I don’t know any old dances.” 

“It’s alright. Just follow my lead.” 

From the wall, Stoick started singing, his voice bringing the conversation in the room down to a low murmur. 

I’ll swim and sail, on savage seas. 

With ne’er a fear of drowning. 

And gladly ride the waves of life

If you will marry me

The Rider led her to the middle of the room, but instead of moving her hand to his shoulder, he held his forearm out. 

“Lock your arm with mine,” he said softly. 

She did so, and then he began to move. A quick walk in a circle, while she mirrored him. Then they switched directions. 

No scorching sun nor freezing cold

Will stop me on my journey

If you will promise me your heart

And love me for eternity

The music started to pick up then, accompanying Stoick’s voice. The tempo seemed to pick up too, and the Rider moved a little quicker, more deliberately, or maybe he was just confident. 

Valka sang the next verse. 

My dearest one, my darling dear

Your mighty words astound me

But I've no need for mighty deeds

When I feel your arms around me

The dance was so much different than she expected. Moves had changed with the generations, and this dance had a lot more in common with a battle than the swaying she was more familiar with. 

But I would bring you rings of gold

I'd even sing you poetry 

And I would keep you from all harm

If you would stay beside me

It was fun though. A little clumsy, a little stiff, but it didn’t bother her. He twirled her, and then enfolded her in his arms while they skipped to the music. 

I have no use for rings of gold

I care not for your poetry

I only want your hand to hold

I only want you near me

Astrid felt laughter bubble up in her chest as he instructed her to kick her legs out, tapping between his as they held each other’s wrists. It was weird and new and uncoordinated, but she didn’t mind. Not at all. 

To love and kiss to sweetly hold

For the dancing and the dreaming

Through all life's sorrows and delights

I'll keep your laugh inside me

It should have been awkward and uncomfortable, dancing without direction or practice in front of so many people, but even in her stumbles, her missteps, her confusion, he was right there with her. Ready to take her hand and be awkward with her. 

For a moment, she looked over his shoulder and saw her friends standing together, watching with big smiles. As they made eye contact, they all threw thumbs up at her. 

I'll swim and sail a savage seas

With ne'er a fear of drowning

And gladly ride the waves of life

If you will marry me!

The dance ended with him down on one knee, like he was proposing, while she sat on his leg and rested an arm around his shoulder. 

The crowd cheered and clapped, and some even laughed with joy. 

“Valka and I danced to that when we got married,” Stoick explained. 

“It was something of a tradition,” Valka added. “A popular love song of our time. And that’s the way we used to dance too.” 

Astrid got off the Rider’s knee and held her hands out to help him to his feet. Then she smoothed a hand over her dress to make sure it was all in place. 

“That was fun,” Astrid beamed at the Rider. “Thank you for…well, all of it.” 

The Rider hesitated a moment, his head bowed. Then he raised his hand again, his long, discolored fingers uncurling towards her. “One more?” 

“Huh?” 

“One more dance?” He asked softly, so softly she could barely hear him. 

“Of course,” she laughed a little. “No one else I’d rather dance with.” 

As she took his hand, something shifted in the air. The torches outside flared and illuminated the snow that replaced the artificial rain. Thick white flakes fell outside the window, and the light from inside the ballroom dimmed even more. 

“I want to dance like you do,” he said, his voice low and quiet. 

A guitar started playing, a pair of notes plucked in the quiet the crowd had fallen into. It wasn’t an instrument that was manned, rather one the castle, the Rider, was controlling. 

He placed her other hand up on his shoulder, while his curled around her waist and pulled her close. 

She swore she could see his profile silhouetted under the mask. His gaze was intense, and the shape of his eyes were prominent by the blaze that burst forth. 

Whatever you’ve done, just bury it, 

We’ll swim back down to the ocean bed…

He swept her onto the floor, long languid movements that had her skirts swishing around her legs. The voice singing was a man’s, but one she didn’t recognize. It was soft, unpracticed, and crackling. 

…And find the secret place where we buried those bones,

While we explore our shipwrecks with pockets full of stones.

Her fingers curled into the fur of his cloak, pulling herself closer. The weight of his stare never left her face, as that volatile green glow drew all her attention, bewitching her as the dance went on. 

I don't care where we've been tonight,

It is of no consequence, my dear. 

Her heart hammered in her chest, and not just because of the effort of dancing. Her whole body tingled, boiling with an unknown sensation. It wasn’t entirely unpleasant, but completely out of her control. 

She wanted to cough and clear her throat, but something was holding her together. 

Just stay here, my arms are wide, my lover.

And the rest of the world could disappear and I wouldn't care.

The Rider’s hand on her waist drifted to her back and brushed the bare skin where the dress dipped. His touch made her face grow warm, even though there was nothing inappropriate about it. 

Cause I'm on fire

It occurred to her that the singing voice was coming from the Rider. He dipped his head down by her ear and she heard him so clearly, singing just for her. 

I guess I should open another bottle of wine

Light another candle and start my story over

His hand pulled her closer, so close that she was pressed against him and could feel the flames of his burning heart within his chest. The warmth surrounded her, swallowed her, and made her dizzy. 

…And play the songs we sang when we buried those bones

While we explored our shipwrecks with pockets full of stones

Astrid’s eyes fluttered shut for a second, and when she opened them, the room was dark. There was only the illuminated snow from the window, discoloring them. Her dress was gray and silver, his fiery eyes stark white in the deep shadows of his empty sockets. 

And they were alone. The grand ballroom was black as night and stretched on in a vast emptiness, but she wasn’t afraid, wasn’t concerned. She didn’t even care that all this had changed, like it was completely natural that it was just her and the man that held her. 

I don't care where we've been tonight,

It is of no consequence, my dear. 

He curled around her, enfolding her into a hug as his head lowered to her shoulder. He was so much taller than her that his embrace felt like a cocoon. 

She smiled as she rested her forehead against his neck, the touch warming her face. Their dance slowed to a small sway, just a turning circle as the music went on.

Just stay here, my arms are wide, my lover.

And the rest of the world could disappear and I wouldn't care.

He slowly pulled away, returning his gaze to her face. She shivered at the magnitude of it all. This power that he had held her in a vice grip, making her weak in the knees. The music slowed, notes hanging in the air, hesitating, like the Rider often did. A breath of a moment, poised at the tip of a needle, ready to fall. 

To change. 

In a rush, he retook her hand and swept her into that darkness, leading her in a dance, in a swirl of skirts and cloaks as strings and violins weaved their enchanting spell. 

I’m on—

What was happening? What was this overwhelming pleasure she felt through her body? What was this all consuming sensation that stilled her breath and punched her heart? 

I’m on—

How did she make sure she never had to live without it? 

I’m—

Astrid tried to keep her eyes fixed on him. Tried to match the emotion that poured from him. But her eyelids were heavy and her head was light. 

For so long, she had convinced herself the Rider was just a man in a mask. She’d gotten used to him, and his appearance was an afterthought. 

But right now, staring at the mask, seeing the fire, and being completely overwhelmed by the magic that flowed through her body, she felt like she was in the arms of an ancient being. 

Fire…

Were they all right? Were her friends telling the truth? Was this moment, this effect, this feeling, all because he loved her? 

I’m on fire.

Because she wasn’t sure she minded. 

The music slowed again, and his voice became a whisper. Their dance came to an end with a few plinks of the guitar. Then, one final note, and it was over. The light returned, the crowd surrounded them, and everything was just as it had been a moment ago. 

There was applause, wolf whistling, hollering, but she heard none of it. Astrid was shaking, overwhelmed by a sensation that something had invaded her soul. Somehow, during that dance, the Rider had reached within her, and played her heartstrings like the guitar that accompanied him. 

She didn’t know how she felt, but she was certain it wasn’t the same as it had been before that dance. 

The Rider took her hand and raised it under his mask, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. “Thank you for the dance.” 

“An–Anytime,” she breathed. 

He stepped away from her and was swept up into the crowd. 

She had her own audience to deal with as her friends were suddenly there, asking all sorts of questions. 

Heather grabbed her by the arms and shook, none too gently, while a giant smile appeared on her face. “How did you do that!?” 

“D-do what?” 

“That dancing! That was amazing! Did you guys practice for today?” 

“No?”

“You have to be lying,” said Snotlout, with his own snide grin. “He was like twirling you everywhere and picked you up and spun you around and all that stuff! That was crazy! Do you guys dance together in your free time here? Who started it?” 

Astrid staggered a little, still lightheaded. The dance had been wonderful, but it hadn’t been what they were describing. In fact, she had thought it had been a little too sensual to hold the spotlight. 

“Yeah,” she said absently. “We dance sometimes.” It was a lie, but she didn’t know how to explain what had happened. Was she spirited away briefly? Possessed by the magic of the castle? 

It was scary, only in the idea she wasn’t quite sure what that was. But the experience was lovely, wonderful, utterly pleasurable. 

So she decided not to worry about it. She couldn’t explain most of the wonderous things that happened in the castle. That something would happen to just her? Maybe it was special, a gift he was giving her. 

The Rider would never hurt her. Never intentionally do anything to her. There was nothing to fear. Nothing. 

And so she cherished that warmth in her chest. Savored the sacred moment between them. It was like another secret, something just for them to giggle about. 

—

The wedding and reception was a complete and total success. Fishlegs and Heather had snuck away sometime during the dancing to spend their wedding night in the Rock Room. The Rider had offered them to stay for the duration of their honeymoon, but they had declined. Oswald’s wedding present for his only daughter was generous. He gave them a house. 

Her house. Her childhood home that was heartlessly ripped away from her by Dagur. 

But if Astrid could trust anyone with it, it was Heather and Fishlegs. 

The castle was her home now, and she didn’t need the memories in that house, the good or the bad. 

The ballroom was empty, save for Tuffnut sweeping (though a bit tipsy). Ruffnut and the Rider were collecting dirty plates and stacking them on the enchanted carts that would take them down to the kitchen. 

Astrid was collecting the floral decorations and folding up the table clothes on the cleared tables. 

“Where’s Snotlout?” Ruffnut complained loudly. “He should be helping us clean up!”

“I bet I know,” said Valka, a wry smile on her lips. “I saw him and a little miss absconding into the castle together.” 

“Snotlout?” Astrid balked. “He snuck off with a girl?” 

“Oh yeah!” Tuff hollered back from the other room. “He and that Minden girl were hitting it off really well! I bet they went to…” he made quotation marks with his fingers, “Talk.”

“Let’s go find them,” Ruff dropped a stack of plates none too gently on the cart. “I bet they’re making out.” 

Astrid looked at the Rider, who was still and silent. “They couldn’t have gone anywhere they weren’t supposed to, right?” 

He slowly looked up, sweeping his gaze over the room.  

“I’ll go look. I’m sure they’re in one of the drawing rooms, or the gold guest room.” 

“Or they snuck off to some place less obvious where no one would stumble upon them.” Ruffnut suggested. “A lot of the drawing rooms lead into each other, right?” 

That made the Rider stand up straight. Without a word, he hurried out of the room. 

“I’m sure they just went to Snotlout’s room,” Astrid concluded, though she was shaken by the Rider’s sudden departure. She tried to follow, but did so leisurely, to remain calm. “I say we just listen at the door. I’d rather not have to clean my eyes, thanks.” 

“Oh come on! This is the chance to tease someone else about their love life!” 

“Eh. I have plenty else to tease Snotlout about.” 

At this point, they had reached the foyer, and something caught her eye. A door she’d never seen before. 

The Foyer was filled with doors, all leading to various hallways and rooms, all of which she’d seen. To her right were the guest rooms, above that was the bathroom, and the top floor held the library. To her left side was the series of drawing rooms and her room, above that were dressing rooms, but above that, on the same floor she stood, there was a new door. 

Not just any door, either. It was the biggest so far, and the only reason she hadn’t seen it before was that the huge curtains from the ceiling draped down in front of it. In fact, the only reason she spotted it now, was that some curious guest must have moved the curtain just enough to reveal it. 

Ruffnut seemed to follow her gaze. “Or they could have gone in there? What’s that room? I don’t think you or the Rider ever showed us.”

Astrid glanced around the foyer, looking for the Rider, but he was nowhere to be seen. She gnawed on her lip. “I don’t know what’s in there…but I think I’d like to find out.” 

“Ohhh sneaking around, are we?” 

“Be quiet.” 

Keeping her steps light, she went over to the large door and pulled the curtain back further. The door was made of intricately carved black wood, and it was at least twenty feet tall. 

“There’s no sneaking around. The only place he told me not to go was the dungeon. Does this look like a dungeon door to you?” 

“Nah. Too pretty.” 

“Exactly. So no harm in looking.” 

And yet, it felt very wrong to do so. But if there was anything she was certain about, when things felt wrong in this castle, it meant that she was getting closer to the truth. 

She pushed down on the handle, but it held firm. 

Locked. 

“Welp, guess not.” Astrid shrugged. 

“Oh come on! One little locked door, and you’re giving up? You have to know where the keys are!” 

“I don’t, but I just have a feeling they tried that door, found it locked, and went somewhere else. Let’s go check the gold room.” 

As she turned to walk away, she heard a click, and then a creak. 

When she turned back, the door was not only unlocked, but open. The space inside was pitch black. 

“Oh, I don’t like that,” Ruffnut said softly. 

Something was at work here. Some entity in the castle was allowing her in. Finn? Her father? …Viggo? She wasn’t sure. But she pulled the door open and looked inside. 

Not a scant bit of light. Utterly and completely dark. It smelled dusty and musty, and the air was cold like winter. 

Forget Snotlout. There was a real chance that there were answers in this room, and she wasn’t passing it up! 

She closed the door slightly again and went back to the ballroom to take a candle from a wall sconce. Ruffnut nudged her brother and beckoned him along, muttering something about a ‘new super spooky room’. 

Astrid grabbed the candle and went back to the mystery room, a chill running down her spine as she crossed the threshold. 

Even with the candle, it was still too dark to see, almost like the darkness was swallowing the light itself. A little more light arrived with the twins, but it was little help. 

“What’s this supposed to be?” Tuffnut asked at full volume. 

Both Astrid and Ruffnut shushed him, though neither knew why.

Astrid went to one side of the room and held the light up, while the twins went the other way. She walked on, looking for the wall, but the room just kept going. She had to be farther than the chapel now. This room didn’t make any sense. 

She almost dropped the candle as the light illuminated a human face. It took her a second to realize it was marble, and just hyper realistic in the deep shadows of the room. A man, wearing a cloak, and his face was contorted in pain and fear, an expression that was downright bone chilling. 

Why would anyone make that? 

“Holy Odin!” Tuff shrieked, apparently finding the same thing on the other side of the room. His voice echoed in the darkness, and as Astrid turned to look at them, they were just two illuminated blips in the distance. 

This room was entirely too big.  

She travelled on, and found another statue, and then another, and then another. Dozens and dozens of marble statues of cloaked figures writhing in agony. Occasionally, she’d see a support column made of stone and the thickness bigger than any tree. 

She couldn’t see the ceiling. 

She moved along the wall of statues, still not able to find the wall. Then she reached the opposite side of the room from the door. A few more statues, some recoiling, some on their hands and knees begging. 

Despite the macabre imagery, the twins were eerily silent. If even they were scared…

Then she found another statue, but this one was much older, and much bigger than the rest. It too was made of stone, like the columns, instead of marble. But it was so big, the candle only exposed its feet and bottom of its robes. 

What was this place supposed to be? Some sort of horrible art gallery? 

She glanced back at the door across the room, and saw a square silhouette against the light of the foyer. 

Carefully, she walked towards it, keeping the candle low to watch for debris on the floor. And there was some rubble and dust, as if the room hadn’t been opened in years. 

She approached the object in the center of the room, only to realize it was a wooden chair. In the greater scheme of the castle, and comparative to the rest of the furniture, this chair was so plain and simple.

But so familiar. 

She brought the candle around to look, and found a sheet strewn on the seat and down to the floor, it was stained and decaying in the ravages of time. 

What was she seeing? It was like two puzzle pieces struggling to connect in her sleep deprived mind. She backed up further towards the door, sweeping the light down to follow the sheet. 

The handle of an odd weapon laid upon the stone floor, but it was missing its blade. 

Another step and Astrid’s shoe made an awful ‘schick’ sound as it pulled from something tacky on the floor. She side-stepped whatever it was, and shone the light upon the large red stain. 

A blood stain. 

The floor was covered in a puddle of blood. 

“This is where…” Her breath caught in her throat, a cough boiling in her lungs, and her eyes watered. She swept the light over the scene again, the pieces falling into place. 

The chair was in Viggo’s painting, the sheet draped over his lap. 

This room was where the Rider killed Viggo and his brother. She was looking at the murder scene. This wasn’t a story anymore, this was real, true evidence that it did happen. 

And she had stepped in the blood that cursed the island. 

This time she did drop the candle, as she flailed backwards, terrified, and tried to get away from the source of all the magic. She slid her foot on the dry, dusty floor, hoping to wipe it away before the curse set in and she was trapped like Valka and Stoick…or worse. 

But nothing was happening. Not yet. 

“Astrid?” Ruffnut asked quietly, approaching from behind. “What is it?” 

Astrid just stood there, silently staring, the image searing itself into her mind, haunting her nightmares for days to come. 

It wasn’t just blood she saw. 

Hand prints blurred the edges. Fingers that were dragged through the vile liquid and smeared it around in frantic marks. 

And the puddle obscured something else. There was a chalk circle drawn on the floor, a couple of circles really, and filled with lines and strange symbols and letters. The blood had partially spilled over it and dissolved the chalk. 

She didn’t know what it meant. How long had the chalk been there? Was that actually what caused this curse? 

A painful cough shook her frame, and she bent over to get it out. It stung her throat, burned her eyes, and took every muscle in her body to fight through. 

But it didn’t stop. More coughs, more phlegm, more and more choking.

And never enough air. 

She heard both the twins talking and patting her back. But she couldn’t respond. Only cough.

Astrid staggered towards the door. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t even attempt to. All she knew was a pain in her chest that felt like knives jabbing every which way through her ribcage. 

She was so close, but her legs gave out. Her vision blurred, only allowing a hazy slit of light of the slowly closing door. 

And then it all went black.

[ghostydrawsstuff]

[Opens with an Imperial wagon driving four prisoners down a snowy mountain pass. All are seated and bound; the one dressed in finery is gagged.]

Ralof: Hey, you. You’re finally awake. You were trying to cross the border, right? Walked right into that Imperial ambush, same as us, and that thief over there.

Lokir: Damn you Stormcloaks. Skyrim was fine until you came along. Empire was nice and lazy. If they hadn’t been looking for you, I could’ve stolen that horse and been half way to Hammerfell. You there. You and me — we should be here. It’s these Stormcloaks the Empire wants.

Ralof: We’re all brothers and sisters in binds now, thief.

Imperial Soldier: Shut up back there!

[Lokir looks at the gagged man.]

Lokir: And what’s wrong with him?

Ralof: Watch your tongue! You’re speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King.

Lokir: Ulfric? The Jarl of Windhelm? You’re the leader of the rebellion. But if they captured you… Oh gods, where are they taking us?

Ralof: I don’t know where we’re going, but Sovngarde awaits.

Lokir: No, this can’t be happening. This isn’t happening.

Ralof: Hey, what village are you from, horse thief?

Lokir: Why do you care?

Ralof: A Nord’s last thoughts should be of home.

Lokir: Rorikstead. I’m…I’m from Rorikstead.

[They approach the village of Helgen. A soldier calls out to the lead wagon.]

Imperial Soldier: General Tullius, sir! The headsman is waiting!

General Tullius: Good. Let’s get this over with.

Lokir: Shor, Mara, Dibella, Kynareth, Akatosh. Divines, please help me.

Ralof: Look at him, General Tullius the Military Governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this. This is Helgen. I used to be sweet on a girl from here. Wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries mixed in. Funny…when I was a boy, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe.

[A man and son watch the prisoners pull into town.]

Haming: Who are they, daddy? Where are they going?

Torolf: You need to go inside, little cub.

Haming: Why? I want to watch the soldiers.

Torolf: Inside the house. Now.

[The wagon stops near the chopping block.]

Imperial Soldier: Whoa.

Lokir: Why are they stopping?

Ralof: Why do you think? End of the line. Let's go. Shouldn't keep the gods waiting for us.

Lokir: No! Wait! We're not rebels!

Ralof: Face your death with some courage, thief.

[Under the Imperials' watchful eye, the prisoners start jumping out.]

Lokir: You've got to tell them! We weren't with you! This is a mistake!

Imperial Captain: Step toward the block when we call your name. One at a time!

Ralof: Empire loves their damn lists.

Hadvar: Ulfric Stormcloak. Jarl of Windhelm.

Ralof: It has been an honor, Jarl Ulfric!

Hadvar: Ralof of Riverwood. Lokir of Rorikstead.

Lokir: No, I'm not a rebel! You can't do this!

[He makes a break for it.]

Imperial Captain: Halt!

Lokir: You're not going to kill me!

Imperial Captain: Archers!

[Lokir is downed with one bowshot.]

Imperial Captain: Anyone else feel like running?

Hadvar: Wait, you there. Step forward. Who are you?

[Zooms in on your face. You look fabulous today, slay.]

Hadvar: You from Daggerfall, Breton? Fleeing from some court intrigue? Captain, what should we do? They're not on the list.

Imperial Captain: Forget the list. They go to the block.

Hadvar: By your orders, captain. I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Cyrodiil. Follow the Captain, prisoner.

[The player goes to stand with the other waiting prisoners by the block.]

Tullius: Ulfric Stormcloak. Some here in Helgen call you a hero, but a hero doesn't use a power like the Voice to murder his king and usurp his throne.

Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak: (grunting protest)

Tullius: You started this war, plunged Skyrim into chaos and now the Empire is going to put you down, and restore the peace.

[A distant noise rings down the mountainside.]

Hadvar: What was that?

Tullius: It's nothing. Carry on.

Imperial Captain: Yes, General Tullius. Give them their last rites.

Priestess of Arkay: As we commend your souls to Aetherius, blessings of the Eight Divines upon you, for you are the salt and earth of Nirn, our beloved--

[One of the prisoners from the lead wagon walks forward.]

Stormcloak Soldier: For the love of Talos, shut up and lets get this over with.

Priestess of Arkay: As you wish...

Stormcloak Soldier: Come on, I haven't got all morning. My ancestors are smiling at me, Imperials. Can you say the same?

[They behead the Stormcloak, eliciting responses from the onlookers.]

Stormcloak Soldier 2: You Imperial bastards!

Vilod: Justice!

Ingrid: Death to the Stormcloaks!

Ralof: As fearless in death as he was in life.

Imperial Captiain: Next, the Breton!

[Another cry rings out on the mountainside, this time much closer.]

Hadvar: There it is again. Did you hear that?

Imperial Captain: I said, next prisoner!

Hadvar: To the block, prisoner. Nice and easy.

[The player is brought to the chopping block. A large creature swoops over the southern peaks, barreling toward Helgen.]

Tullius: What in Oblivion is that?

Imperial Captain: Sentries! What do you see?

Imperial Soldier: It's in the clouds!

[The creature, know seen as a dragon, lands on a tower, surprising everyone.]

Stormcloak Soldier: Dragon!

[The dragon uses its voice on the crowd, killing the headsman.]

Headsman: Nngh!

Tullius: Don't just stand there, kill that thing! Guards, get the townspeople to safety!

Hey, Breton. Get up! Come on, the gods won't give us another chance! This way!

Oh damn is that the opening to Skyrim? Haven't played the game though but nice

[oddcryptidwrites]

Commander Grady Yensey [Not Your Typical Fairytale]

After the 8:30 Upper Palace briefing, which Piers still managed to be fifteen minutes late to, Grady switched into her dress uniform. The dark military gray and Piers’ new royal green contrasted with the gold accents and medals marking her status. She made sure not a hair was out of place, nor a button left smudged, nor a wrinkle in the pristine fabric. Some people called her a perfectionist; she defined it as not letting a single thing get out of her control, if she could help it. (Knight of Dawn, Chapter 6)

Quick Facts...

Full Name: Grady Juniper Yensey

Pronouns: she/her

Title: Commander of the Royal Guard Special Operations

Gender: cisfemale

Sexuality: Asexual Queer

Birthday (Age at start): December 7th, 2188 (22)

Parents: Elysia Yensey, Bastian Yensey, Gavin Johnson (adoptive)

Siblings: Hansel Olson (adoptive), Gretel Olson (adoptive)

Notable physical features: always wearing lipstick, several facial piercings

Personality: Caring, uptight, loyal, goal-oriented, perfectionist, determined, rational

Extended Intro...

Grady Yensey is the other main character, and while her own struggles don't drive the plot as much, she is still an influential character. Born to a former Commander of the Royal Army Elysia Yensey and Army Lieutenant Bastian Yensey, Grady grew up in the Palace alongside Piers. She had a relatively pampered childhood, until both her parents were killed in a different assassination attempt on Queen Adele when she was 8. Captain (then SpOps Commander) Gavin Johnson of the Royal Guard stepped in to raise her after their death, as he was close with her parents. He and his brother David trained her in a variety of military practices at Grady's request, from martial arts to strategy. At 16, the minimum age for entry, Grady entered the Royal Guard Academy under an alias, in order to prove herself without the influence of her mother's last name. At 18, she ranked out with high honors and was assigned as Gavin's successor. From then on, she lived adjacent to Piers serving both as their bodyguard and best friend. When David became Councilor of ATLZoS, the structural power of the Royal Guard shifted, and at 20, Grady obtained her current position. Grady holds herself to the highest standards possible when it comes to her military status and life in general, and refuses to let herself fumble. Often, she's described as other characters as having "a stick up her ass", including but not limited to Piers, Gavin, and Mateo. When not on duty, however, she tends to binge drink (and get sick often). Piers is the only one who she trusts to know and not think differently of her. Regarding her relationship with Piers, Grady loves them dearly, and would do anything for them (knowing they'd do the same for her). As the story progresses, she finds her love for them changing, and is often unsure with how to handle or react to it, which causes her to distance herself from them. Grady is also quite close with the Olson-Johnson family, as she grew up calling Gretel and Hansel her "siblings", although she doesn't anymore. Grady is also acquaintances with Jules Ledet, as the two entered the Academy at the same time.

NYTF MAIN WIP PAGE

Tag List (reply or dm to be added or removed; I pulled from the old tag list): @author-a-holmes, @soul-write @flowerprose @ceph-the-ghost-writer @theglitchywriterboi @when-wax-wings-melt @thechaoticflowergarden @lyralit @penspiration-writing @samatedeansbroccoli @charlesjosephwrites @italiangothicwriteblr @thetruearchmagos @pineapple-lover-boy @unilightwrites @sanguine-arena @bardic-tales @joshuaorrizonte @blind-the-winds @circa-specturgia @hymnonlips @aloeverawrites

[jundlcndwastes]

👻୧‿︵‿︵ Send me 🚿 to join my muse in the shower or 🛁 to join them in the bathtub. Please specify muse if interacting with a multi muse. | shower from @midncghtrcin

There was the briefest moment of cool air when the shower curtain was pulled back, Juniper's attention pulling away from the hot water streaming down her body to the captain that was stepping inside the tub to join her. She gazed back at her over her shoulder and grinned. ❝ Hey. You made it just in time. I haven't even gotten all soapy yet, ❞ she teased her. ❝ Wanna do me the honors? ❞

[pumpkinnkidd]

i uploaded my first yt video! watch it if you’d like!

[lonely-lost-soul]

A Pirate's Life for Me

Cover Art Done By: @fridaydev-draws and @friday-dsv (Dreamsmp x reader) Pirate Au! Love Interests: C!Wilbur, C!Techno, C!Dream, C!Sapnap, C!Quackity, and C!Schlatt

~~~

Salt burned your lungs as you tossed open your window with a loud bang, the seagulls perching on your flower boxes screeched in protest and flew from your window. “Fucking sky rats get the fuck out of here you heathens!” You snarled out the window shaking your fist at the bothersome birds, the sounds of the ocean crashing on the shore filled your ears as well as the chatter of the dock workers. You let the breeze blow back your hair and you heard someone calling your name from down below.

“Good morning (Y/n)!” You glanced below you and grinned,

“Morning Eret!” They waved back enthusiastically their dress spilling around their ankles, a basket of fruit was balanced on his hip. “Opening early today? I'm sure your patrons would be happy to start their drunken stupor early,” She held a hand to his mouth snickering and you shot them a look.

“If that gets more money in my pocket then so be it, I won't complain too much.” You shrugged, “Will I still see you later tonight?”

“Always do dove, how can I resist a drink from my favorite bartender.”

“You can’t it’s my charm.”

“Will the both of you shut the fuck up!” Another man’s voice growled from another open window, “It’s too early for your bullshit.” You saw Eret click his tongue but smiled up at you despite the man's protests,

“I’m heading to the market anyway. These fruits won’t sell themselves, I'll see you later.”

“See you soon!” You closed your windows once more, but not before urging your daisies to grow one last time. You tossed open the curtains allowing light to spill into your cozy home, a small carpet was in the middle of your room. It was a deep red and the pattern was made of gold yarn, aside from that everything in your residency was made of dark wood. Your shelves were littered with books and empty cups, and your old worn journal sat open on your desk. It was filled with childhood memories and you continued to write in it to this day, it was easier then, things were simple and everything was innocent and new to you. Now your days were filled with sea fairing idiots who liked to drink themselves stupid, but you could handle yourself, you always kept your father's dagger on your thigh at all times. Those who were frequent customers knew not to mess with you and those who were new learned their lesson within the first ten minutes of meeting you. You inherited the bar from your father, a kindhearted man who died a few years before today, leaving you with the bar and the dagger you had on your hip. You fished through your closet pulling out your clothes for the day, your dress was a gorgeous light coffee color and came down to your ankles. The bottom was flared and had dark brown panels on the sides, it faded inward to a light green then back to the coffee color. The corset around your waist was a dark brown with light green trim, you tied it tight with a small huff making sure your waist was sinched perfectly. The sleeves came down to your elbows allowing you to move your arms freely while making drinks. The top of the dress ended just below your collarbone, you strapped your dagger to your thigh before lacing up your knee-high black boots.

You thought back to your tavern downstairs, you were fortunate enough that you weren’t running this entire operation yourself. You ended up hiring help and they were like family and you knew they saw you as such as well. Most of the girls didn’t have a family of their own so you gave them room and board, also money, of course, you weren’t a terrible boss! You opened the door to your room, you watched Cecil, the tavern’s mascot trot out of Juniper’s room. The border collie liked to switch up which rooms he stayed in protecting every one of your girls when you couldn’t be there for them.

The first of your girls was Adelaide or Addie, she was one of the first to fall under your care. She was around your age, a motherly type, sheep hybrid, who cared for the girls, and always gave the drunk patrons with mommy issues a shoulder to cry on. Her long brown hair always hung down her back, she typically worked tables, served food and drinks, and always got a generous tip from patrons.

The next girl was Judas, a squid-enderman hybrid who was taller than you could ever wish to be, although intimidating you couldn’t meet a kinder woman. A jack of all trades the woman helped out wherever she could, black-ish purple hair curled around her shoulders and some people came specifically to hear her sing. Her voice was like rich velvet and lured men and women in like a siren.

Juniper was after Judas, a demon hybrid who was naive but you’d be a fool to underestimate her. She worked beside you at the bar, she can make some mean fruity drinks, Eret always preferred her drinks over yours. Freckles adorned her face and shoulders, her light brown hair curled down to her middle back, purple horns sprouted from the top of her head. You wanted to adorn it with gold jewelry and you were saving up to gift some to her.

Yeti was a human woman like yourself, she didn’t bother with those who were rude or obnoxious. She kept to herself only really talking when she was spoken to or when there was an opportunity to crack a rare joke. She typically stayed on the sidelines, out of the scenes and Yeti liked to help Judas decorate her sets.

Zig was a kind young adult, they got along with everyone who came inside the tavern. Soft emerald eyes drew people in, and they tried to make sure tensions within the bar didn’t rise and start a fight. There would always be one or two that’s just natural, but one look at Zig and his magic words and they seemed to disperse, not wanting to hurt the kid’s feelings.

Vendetta was the tallest member of the group you had taken in, she was stunningly beautiful and didn't take shit from anybody. She was a guard dog if you will, making sure no one fucked with any of the girls in your tavern. While Zig did their best to keep people under control sometimes they couldn’t win. That’s when Ven would step in and ‘kindly’ escort them off the premises with or without force.

The youngest member here was Luvena. She was a moo-bloom hybrid with soft brown hair that sprouted flowers, her cow ears would twitch when she was excited and followed Addie around like she was her daughter. Addie took her under her wing and was training her to be a perfect little waitress, absolutely warming customers’ hearts. Luvena also loved to give out flowers, she was a fan favorite bringing new life into the tavern.

Cecil barked seeing his mama and scampered over to you, you poured food into his bowl as Juniper wandered into the hallway. Her head rested on the doorframe as she gave you a tried wave, “Morning (Y/n).”

“Morning Juni, We’re opening a little early today. Take your time I’m not expecting a big rush of bar patrons this early.” You assured her and she gave a sleepy nod,

“I’ll be down as soon as Ven’s out of the shower.” She yawned, “This beauty doesn’t come naturally.”

“Hardly darling you’re gorgeous just the way you are.” You reassured with a wink, Juniper flushed a little, happily laughing beside you.

“Just go wake the others will you, you flirt!”

Tossing your head back you gave a happy laugh heading down the hallway to make sure everyone was awake and ready to go for later. Addie and Luvena shared a room so she was in charge of waking up the youngest member of the tavern. Judas was already awake making breakfast for everyone when you headed downstairs, Zig was sitting on the counter beside her, they were the designated taste tester.

“Good morning Miss (Y/n)!” Zig chirped, the young adult hummed fondly, “Sleep okay?”

“Absolutely. What about you both? Thank you for making breakfast Judas.” You hummed fondly and Judas had a shy smile on her face.

“I slept well thank you.” Judas hummed softly, “Also it’s my pleasure. Want to make sure everyone’s healthy and alright.” She let out a little squeak as you wrapped your arms around her body, you barely came up to her chest,

“Judas please marry me,” You complained, “Your breakfast is always heavenly and you care for everyone. Please be my wife.”

“(Y/n)! Please.” She sputtered face turning a dark purple, Zig made a noise of protest and held his hand in the air.

“If she won’t marry you I will!”

“Zig! I’d be honored!”

Their entire face lit up with excitement and they hopped off the table to hug you tightly, you hugged them back and pressed a fond kiss to the top of their head. “I got to open up the tavern, you mind setting the table for me Zig?”

“Sure Miss!”

You sent Judas a kiss in the air which her face burned at, quickly going back to her cooking. You smiled eagerly and unlocked the door to the tavern, you shoved a bucket in front of the door to keep it open. The salty ocean air wafted through your nostrils and your eyes sparkled wondrously.

Today is going to be a good day.

Almost immediately a particular bastard caught your eye,

“You’re here early.” You mused raising an eyebrow,

“Heard you were opening early today sweetcheeks,” His voice was a low baritone, rough from years of smoking and drinking. Horns curled around his fluffy ears that stood out against his gruff exterior, he was a ram hybrid at its finest. “Figured I’d take the opportunity to get a special drink from my special girl,” He mused looking you up and down drinking in your figure. You scoffed at the retired man, he dressed like he was cosplaying captain jack sparrow, the gun’s in his belt just added to his costume and so did his large ruffled shirt, he was never one to forget his gold jewelry.

“Where’s Quackity?” You ignored him sitting him at his usual table, he frowned but you knew he was taking it as an opportunity to stare at your ass. He slid into the stool and put his feet up on the table, his boots were muddy but you could only control him so much. He was too much of a regular to get scared off by your threats and scolding.

“He’ll be in at his normal time. He’s not much of a day drinker, although can’t say I’m complaining. Having all your attention on me and all, considering I’m the only one in here. That being said, I’ll have my usual sweetcheeks.”

“Stop calling me that,” You scolded with a certain fondness that was reserved for the man. “You’re lucky you’re my favorite regular Schlatt,” you gave his ears a fond pinch and he bleated. He sent you a scalding look as you walked away, although the look soon fell as he got a good look at your ass once again.

“I’m your only regular sugar tits!”

“Schlatt feet off the table.” Addie criticized whacking his boots with a rolled-up menu, he rolled his eyes but dropped his feet to the floor. “You should know this by now, we go through this every day.”

“Yeah, yeah little lamb I’m on it. Judas here?”

“She’s always here,” She huffed spreading the menu down on the table. “Do you want your usual or something different? Should I get Quackity’s drink ready too?”

“Nah just stick with mine, for now, tell Judas I’d like to see her.”

Addie clicked her tongue and placed her hand on her hip, “fine. But if you’re just going to grossly flirt with her as you do with (y/n), then keep it to yourself.”

“You’re not the boss of me. Just because you look like an old hag-” The way she glared at him sent a chill down his spine, “shit babe take a joke will you.”

Eventually, people began to file into the tavern, as the morning faded into the afternoon and then into the evening. The tavern was bustling with life, Judas’s elegant voice traveled through the crowds and her voices seemed to float above the voices. Quackity joined Schlatt by his side seemingly irritated by a conversation they were having, Schlatt was about five drinks in at this point, which was much less than his usual, and Quackity on his second.

“What are they talking about?” Luvena asked swinging her legs as she sat on the bar beside you. Her moobloom ears twitching every so often as she tried to eavesdrop on their conversation,

“Vena it’s impolite to eavesdrop.” You scolded bopping her on the head lightly, she whined and rubbed the top of her head.

“I wasn’t!” She argued as you rolled your eyes, you looked over at the two men to find Quackity looking over at you. His hand was raised in the air, one finger was up summoning you to get him another drink.

“I’ll be back, why don’t you talk to Ven while I’m gone. She’ll keep an eye on you.”

“I don’t need a babysitter!”

“Good thing she doesn’t want to babysit your ass either, now shoo.” You motioned her to hop off the bar and she did so with a long, dramatic sigh. You looked over at Ven who gave you a silent nod, letting you know she’d watch out for the youngest member of your band of misfits. Meanwhile, you grabbed Quackity another drink and walked over to the two men at the table, “Someone order a drink?”

“Aye! Mamacita! Fancy seeing you here.” Quackity purred a bright smile spreading across his face seeing that you were the one to deliver his drink,

“Hey Big Q,” You greeted placing the drink in front of him, “You doing okay?”

“Better now that an angel walked into my sight,” He flirted and you rolled your eyes. “What? It’s true! You always brighten my day you know? Ow!” Schlatt hit his ex-first mate over the head,

“Take a breath lover boy. Thanks for the drink sugar tits.”

“You’re welcome, what were the both of you talking about if I may ask.” You hummed grabbing some of Schlatt’s empty glasses, an uncharacteristic frown came over both their faces. “Oh? Touchy subject?”

“Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Just dishing out some old problems, most of which are better left unsaid.” He aimed that statement at Quackity, his jaw seemed clenched and Quackity’s brow furrowed in annoyance.

“Well I just want to remind the both of you,” You passed the tray of empty glasses over to Addie as she walked by, she took them swiftly. You grabbed the side of both their heads and pressed them against your chest, not that you knew but both men’s flushed to the tips of their ears. “No physical fights are allowed in this tavern. If one starts I won’t hesitate to kick your fucking asses. Got it?” They looked over your chest and locked eyes with one another, after years on the sea they could read one another’s facial expressions rather easily and at that moment they shared the same thought,

‘They should fight more often.’

“I said, got it?”

“Yes ma’am,” The repeated simultaneously as you pulled away,

“That’s what I like to hear-”

“(Y/n)!” Vendetta’s velvety voice called out from behind you, you turned and saw a group of newcomers file into your bar. Your body tensed momentarily,

Pirates.

Schlatt turned his head to follow your gaze and he tensed from behind you, “fuck me.” He growled and Quackity raised an eyebrow at his captain, he turned to look over his shoulder and his face lit up.

“Sapnap!”

The pirate who had a white bandana tied around his forehead glanced over at him and a smile lit up across his features. “Quackity? Is that you?”

“My man!” He stood up from his chair heading over to wrap the man in a hug, “I haven’t seen you in years, man.” You zoned out of their conversation eyes locking with a few of the other pirates who walked into the tavern. Vendetta and Addie both greeted them, but everyone who was under your care knew to keep their guard up around pirates. From what you could gather there seemed to be two crews, a crew of what only seemed to be two, Sapnap was included. The fire demon was still talking with Quackity, while the other man took in the view of the tavern, he had shaggy blonde hair, and had a few scars across his face. A porcelain mask sat on top of his head, a forest green cloak was around his shoulders, his hood was lowered around his neck. A sword was strapped tight against his hip and there was another dagger that seemed to be tucked against his side. His eyes gazed towards you and he winked teasingly with a coy smile, you scoffed looking over at Addie.

“Seat those two gentlemen yeah? Be careful, I’ll tell Ven and Yeti to keep an eye.” Addie looked at you, concern written on her soft features but she nodded. While Addie departed, you noticed Ven talking with the other group. Luvena was hiding behind Vendetta’s long legs, although a tall blonde boy seemed very keen on talking to her. You smoothed out your dress and moved towards the group of three, you eyed them up casually. The blonde looked to be around Luvena’s age, he had a shit-eating grin on his face and his uniform matched that of the second tallest in the group. The second tallest was clad in a light blue jacket with large golden buttons on the red collar. He had a cream-frilled shirt underneath and a black belt holding up his brown slacks, those were tucked into black boots. On his back seemed to be a guitar and was the only one of them not holding a weapon, but you knew better than to assume with pirates. His curly brown hair seemed to bounce every time he talked, he seemed to be the ringleader but there was no doubt that the real ringleader was the hybrid standing beside him. He was taller, on par with Vendetta in height, he had long pink hair that was tied in a ponytail on top of his head. A few pieces framed his face elegantly, there was no doubt he was the captain of the little crew that was in your tavern. He had a white shirt on with a deep low cut ‘V’ it showed off a good portion of his scared chest, around his shoulders sat a deep red jacket but his arms were outside of it and crossed over his chest. He seemed content on letting his second in command do all the talking, his red eyes were the only ones to meet yours. His head tilted upwards and before Vendetta could stop him he walked over towards you,

“You own the tavern?” His voice was a low monotone and it sent an array of pleasant chills up your spine.

“I do,” You raised an eyebrow crossing your arms over your chest, “Names (Y/n). You are?”

“Captain Technoblade of the ship Odyssey, I was hoping you had a few rooms and a table available. My brothers and I are pretty exhausted, we’ve been sailing all night.”

Brothers, they certainly didn’t all look alike, but then again you certainly had a mix of girls in your care. Your tongue swiped against the top row of your teeth, “Why don’t you and your brothers take a seat at the bar for now. Juniper will be happy to serve you, I’ll see if we have some free rooms available.”

“Thank you, once you return I’ll introduce them to you if you’d like,” Technoblade bowed his head before turning back to get his brother’s attention.

“I’d like that thank you.” You gave a nod motioning for Vendetta to follow you as you slid behind the bar with Juniper, Judas had also taken a spot sitting on the bar. You figured you’d let her know as well, considering she was another adult figure in the group. You knew either Juniper or Judas would fill in Addie considering the three were close. “Ven, can they be trusted?”

“Not too sure about the masked man, the one Quackity seems to be familiar with seems decent enough. He’s a fire demon though, could smell him from miles away, we all just need to be cautious.”

“Agreed,” Juniper added tapping her finger on her chin. “We should just try to curb all fighting if at all possible, what did the captain of the other group ask you?”

“They want a room, I’m about to check to see if we have availability. Thoughts on that?”

Judas let out a low hum her eyes followed both sets of pirate groups around the tavern, “I say if we have availability let them stay. They seem harmless so long as we don’t mess with them, which we’d never do.”

“Plus I can always stay awake to keep an eye on them.” Vendetta tapped her nails against the table,

“You sure.”

“As if I’d let anything happen to any of you, you’re my family.”

You all smiled softly, and you noticed Judas’s eyes widen, “Zig! Get that out of your mouth this instant!” She shot up from her spot and over to the person in question. The three of you laughed fondly at the nonsense, meanwhile, Juniper saw the three brothers sit at her bar. She moved away from you to greet them, you immediately could tell she was taken with the second eldest brother.

He seemed to be an absolute lady killer.

Vendetta ruffled your hair before going back to stand at her place by the door to keep the peace. You headed up the stairs to the rafters to check on the extra rooms you had, “Excuse me?” You tensed visibly turning around to face the man in all green. His eyes were mesmerizing, a fierce jade green to contrast his cloak, “Do you happen to have two rooms available?” The man held up two fingers to clarify his request,

“Do you usually start introductions with a blatant request like that?”

He chuckled a smile spreading across his lips, “I’m Dream and you gorgeous?”

“(Y/n), it’s your lucky day I’m about to check and see if any are available. My tavern is a hot commodity tonight.”

“Well, I can see why,” he spoke and you raised an eyebrow and tilted your head to the side.

“Oh?”

“It has the hottest owner around. Word spreads fast.”

You couldn’t believe this man was making your cheeks burn, he chuckled softly taking a step towards your figure. “Oh really, word spreads that fast on the open sea, Captian?” It was his turn to turn light pink, but he covered it up quickly with a chuckle.

“Touché.”

“I’ll get on that room for you and your friend. Take a seat, for now, this part is for guests and staff only you know?”

“So I have you all to myself?” He cheekily mused, he stepped towards you and before you knew it you were pinned against a wall. His hand suddenly brushed against your cheek, it was cold in comparison to your warm cheek. You felt Dream’s thumb brush against your cheek slowly, “You know...being on the open sea alone does something to a person.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” You mused pushing your forehead back against Dream’s, “All alone with only your crew with you.” Taking his other hand within your own you slid it up to your hip, you saw his entire face turn red as he stared down at your chest. “You’re probably missing a little love in your life, aren’t you Dreamy?” He nodded dumbly, his eyes still not leaving your chest,

Perfect. You weren’t going to let some pirate boy get the better of you.

He let out a grunt of pain as you spun him around and pressed his head into the wall with your elbow, your other hand has his pinned behind his back. “This hallway is for staff and guests only,” You purred in his ear before letting him go and swinging your hips before heading up the stairs fully. From behind you, Dream’s face was a deep, dark red and he had to clear his throat. Dream wasn’t going to let you go after that, I mean look at you, tough and able to hold your own, it awakened something inside him.

After checking up on the rooms you headed back down into the main hall, three-room keys in your hand. Glancing over at the scene in front of you, you saw Juniper dancing in the middle of the tavern the flirtatious brother at her side. Judas was sitting beside Schatt and Quackity at the bar, Addie was tending to Technoblade and the blonde at their little table. Dream and Sapnap were whispering to one another in the corner but still seemed to be enjoying the show. Vendetta was smiling softly by the door, beside her were Luvena and Zig both playing various instruments. You noticed Eret was also amongst the crowd, she had a brilliant grin on his face, it was flushed pink with alcohol and you smiled to yourself.

It was peaceful, and for a moment you forget half the patrons were scoundrels or pirates.

That was until the man dancing with Juniper locked eyes with you, his eyes lit up and he spun Juniper off into Addie’s arms. She giggled snuggling into the mother sheep’s arms, you heard a distressed “Juni! I’m holding glasses!” Before your vision was overtaken by the handsome flirt.

“Hello love,” He hummed, “May I offer you a dance?”

You were about to refuse but you saw Yeti, who finally made her appearance as it was getting closer to Judas’s set, giving you a big thumbs up “I’d be honored.” You responded taking his hand within your own, he pulled you out onto the dance floor and you felt his other hand politely hover on the small of your back. He allowed you to lean into his touch as he began to elegantly spin you around the dance floor, you were almost embarrassed to say felt like a princess. “Maybe I could get your name?” You asked above the music, “Since it seems you’re my dance partner this evening?”

“Wilbur Soot my love.” He hummed proudly, “The first mate of the ship Odysseus at your service. Plus I play music on the side.”

“Well now you need to play for us,” Wilbur twirled you around in a circle,

“Maybe one day. If you give me your name?”

“(Y/n) (L/n).”

“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

“I was right.” You commented biting the bottom of your lip trying not to smile,

“About what?”

“You.”

“Ah? Already talking about me I see? Is my manliness and gentlemanly qualities that renowned?”

“Not exactly.” He picked you up slightly and pulled you into a low dip, “I was right in thinking you a nothing but a flirty playboy.” Wilbur almost dropped you, you squawked grabbing onto his neck. He began to laugh as you clung to his chest,

“Alright love. You caught me red-handed.”

Wilbur set you on your feet hands on your lower back, you were pulled close to his chest. “Can I buy you a drink?”

“I get them for free hon. I own the place.”

“Oh...oh.” He paled a little, “I didn’t fuck up our chances of getting a room did I?”

“Nah lucky for you and your brothers, I have you covered, same with your buddies over there.” You motioned to Dream and Quackity’s friend, Wilbur’s face paled as he felt the chilled room key get placed in his palm. “What’s your little brother’s name?”

“Tommy.”

“Tell them both we serve breakfast free from 7 am to 10 am.” He nodded as you walked past, Wilbur meanwhile turned to look at Technoblade. It seemed he had his red eyes on the couple the entire time they were dancing. He held up a room key, it was labeled 205; Technoblade nodded his head before leaning back and talking to Addie once more. “Dream!” You called throwing a hand up into the air, instead of Dream, Sapnap looked up he nudged Dream with his elbow. The man was now wearing his mask, but at least you could tell he was looking at you,

“Well hello, darlin’ you must be (Y/n). Name's Sapnap. Dream told me about you, so you have good news for us I hope?”

“Pleasure, I'm sure he told you all about me,” He nodded, his eyes taking in your body especially your ass. “Got you both a room key, your neighbors. Across from the other crew of pirates. Just don’t fight and we won’t have any problems.”

“You mean those jackasses are staying?” Sapnap complained loudly, looking over your shoulder at the other crew members.

“You both didn’t think you were the only patrons, did you? This is a business after all.” You, tossed the keys their way, Dream caught it with ease and Sapnap fumbled it only a little bit. After they were in their hands, you waved them off with a flutter of your palm you turned around to go speak with Judas about her set but before you could take a step you saw Schlatt stumbling up from his seat. “Ah shit,” You knew what was about to happen, you weren’t paying attention to the ram hybrid so who knew how many drinks in he was. You felt responsible, for a while you and Judas had been trying to help Schlatt with his addiction. You couldn’t help but wonder what exactly set him off for him to get this drunk, Quackity caught him in his arms with a grumble. The man was a drunken mess, and as you approached you could hear his slurred speech and could practically smell the alcohol on his breath. “Schlatt,” You spoke carefully and as soon as you got close Schlatt detached himself from Quackity and lunged at you. His head was buried in his chest, he almost purred like he was very happy to be there, you rolled your eyes and ran your fingers through his hair. You were mindful of his horns but he seemed pretty eager for you to touch them,

“(Y/n).” He whined although it was muffled against your ample chest, “Why do pirates have to fuck everything up?”

“What are you on about Schlatt? No one likes pirates.”

“They’re gonna take you away from me, sugar. You’re my safe space, this tavern is my safe space.” You sighed listening to his drunken ramblings, you grabbed his horns and pulled him away from your chest.

“This is my life Schlatt, I’m not going anywhere trust me. Plus my family is here, they need me. So try not to worry okay?” You slicked back the hair on his forehead before planting a fond kiss there, everyone in the tavern narrowed their eyes at the scene. Even your girls were green with envy, at the sight of their lovely boss kissing someone who wasn’t them. He leaned against your lips eyes fluttering closed,

“Well, well, well if it isn’t Captian Schlatt? Or ex-captain if I remember correctly.”

“What?”

You turned your head and felt Schlatt’s arms wrap around your waist and held you close to his chest. The touch was protective and you felt your heart skip a beat, why was he protecting you, and why did you actually feel protected?

“Has the drinking finally caught up to you? Or was it the fact that you lost your so-”

Was that Dream's voice?

“Shut the fuck up.” He snarled and you were shoved behind him into Quackity’s arms, you felt less protected. “I’m not that person anymore and you fucking know that,” Vendetta came to stand beside the both of you a hand was placed on your shoulder protectively. You knew she was desperately wanted to step in and you held up a hand to stop her.

“This isn’t good…” Quackity murmured, “They’re going to fight. Schlatt’s going to get himself fucking killed.”

“Calm yourself. We won’t let it get that far.” Ven grumbled eyeing you waiting for your signal. But you were lost in the conversation or argument, the two were having, you couldn’t believe Schlatt was a pirate. He was so...he just didn’t...he was a drunk okay? That didn’t exactly shout feared pirate to you!

“Oh, are you sure? I remember that look, that’s the look you’d get before you stomped someone’s lights out. No wonder your son disappeared under mysterious circumstances-” Dream was shoved against one of the poles holding up the building. He grunted and Schlatt’s arm was pulled back ready to punch, but his arm was stopped by smaller hands,

“Pardon me Mr. Schlatt but you know how we feel about fighting in our tavern.” Addie bubbled, she had a smile on her face but it wasn’t kind, it was full of warning.

“Get the fuck off me, sheepie. This doesn’t fucking concern you.” Schlatt shoved her away and as soon as his skin made contact with her body he made a sound of distress.

“(Y/n)...” Addie murmured quietly, your father’s dagger was embedded in Schlatt’s arm,

“Fucking hell you bitch!” He snarled baring his teeth, you glared at him twisting the dagger he yelled in agony.

“Touch one of my girls again and next time this dagger is going right into your back.” You ripped the dagger out, splattering the floor with blood. He grabbed his arm tightly and looked at you with slight betrayal in his yellow eyes. “I mean it Schlatt, Quackity take him home.” The man nodded looking at you longingly, he muttered a quiet ‘Sorry’ before escorting him out of your tavern. “You,” You glared harshly over at Dream, “Go to your room.”

“You’re not my mother.”

“Then find another play to stay.” You spat, he turned away and you looked over at Addie, “Are you alright?” Your voice turned tender as you cupped her cheeks. She nuzzled against your palms and nodded her head,

“I’m fine. You didn’t need to-”

“Yes, I did. No one messes with you. With any of you on my watch.”

The sheep hybrid made a little sound as her bottom lip trembled, she wrapped you in a tight hug which you accepted without hesitance. Judas walked over next and wrapped you both in her arms, pretty soon you were surrounded by your girls and Zig.

All of them had the same mindset: comforting both you and Addie.

It was good to be loved.

Wilbur watched the scene curiously and glanced over at Technoblade who stood up from his chair.

“I think that’s our cue to leave for the night.” He looked over at his first mate, Wilbur nodded in agreement grabbing his guitar from the chair beside Technoblade.

“They...Techno were they talking about Tubbo.” Tommy whispered to his brother, his brow furrowing in concern as they all climbed the steps up to their room, “You don’t think-”

“It just might be Tommy.” Technoblade tilted his head to the side, “Guess that’ll be something we ask him when we get back to the ship tomorrow.”

“Well, this trip is going to be way more fun than I thought.” Wilbur snickered lighting a cigarette, taking a long drag, before letting the smoke curl out of his mouth and up into the rafters. ~~~

Tag List: @v01dw4lk3rz, @jam-bombs, @abovenyx, @glitterydigitalart, @phoenixaesthetic19, @luluwinchester, @boiled-onionrings, @pastelmoonwitche, @roxy3457, @alovestruck-fool, @victory-is-here, @mack4676, @fiorenc, @theoneandonlyyeti, @bloodrose0723, @sandyy-woo,

[daredevil-1910]

The Captain and the Doctor

Well Today i will finally post the first chapter, the prologue, to my other story that i will be working on, it will be On the Avatar fandom, not the air bender, the Blue people one.

anyways, here goes nothing hope you enjoy it and if you have any constructive criticism feel free to message me or send it to me in an ask.

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

“Cpt. Lawrence and Dr. Hinsen, please report to my office as fast as possible.”

Christopher sighed and opened his eyes; this was supposed to be his free day. Well at least that’s what the Colonel says, everyone knew free days aren’t really a thing here.

Since he hadn’t changed from his mandatory Morning Briefing, he only put on his jacket and stepped out of his room. Down the hall he bumped into Dr. Hinsen who was juggling stacks of documents, her bag, a cup of coffee and if memory serves correctly, she is about to ask Chris about her glasses.

“Have you seen my glasses?” she looks around her entrance hoping to see them before heading out.

Chris points to her head with a chuckle.

“Oh goodness, thank you Cpt., Good morning to you!” She places her glasses on her nose and walks next to.

“Oh, so its Cpt. Now, last night I remember it was a bit less professional.” Chris said with a sly smirk

“I don’t know what you are talking about. As far as I’m concerned last night didn’t even happen.” She retorts, keeping her eyes forward.

“Oh, I remember everything, do you want me to refresh your memory.” Chris straightens his back, getting ready to step into the colonels office.

Before she could say anything, else Chris opens the door stepping inside with Dr. Hinsen following behind him.

“Dr. Hinsen, Maybe you should report to the nurse, you are looking a bit flushed.”

“She’s Fine sir, last night was a long night for her that’s all.” Chris smirks.

Juniper doesn’t say anything instead she just places her documents on a nearby table.

“Sir, Cpt. Lawrence’s Avatar is ready for the link. We can move forward with the next step.” Juniper pushes her glasses, fixing them.

“Perfect timing Dr. I already have the Cpt.’s first assignment. You will accompany Dr. Augustine collecting samples in the alien world.”

“With all due respect Colonel, if I have to work on my free day, I prefer to work with the soldier at the motor pool getting everything ready, where I’m actually needed.” Chris protests.

“Unfortunately, Cpt. I wasn’t asking. Be ready at 1200 hours.” Chris was going to protest but the door opened, interrupting him.

The Colonel looks up for the first time during this entire conversation.

“Corporal Sully, impeccable timing, you will be Joining the captain during tomorrows assignment, ill let him give the details. Now leave, and Christopher please stop teasing the scientist they are flustered enough”

Chris chuckles at the comment and Juniper grumbles.

All three of them Leave, Chris hasn’t even bothered to look at the other guy.

‘Sully, where do I know that name.’ He decides to look at the guy next to him but finds him on a wheelchair.

“Jake sully?!” Chris says excitedly, Juniper looks very confused

“Christopher Lawrence?”

“It you man, Holy shit” Chris shakes his hand and lowers himself to hug him.

“Do you two know each other?”

“Jake and I have done everything together, we enlisted at the same time, started our training together, we were put together everywhere, even in our deployment.” Chris says excitedly

“So, you guys are War Buddies?” Juniper asks

“You could say its something like that” Jake answers

“Come on, we gotta get to the lab, ill brief you on the way there”

A few minutes later they walked through the doors of the lab, the room was full of machines and tools that Chris was sure they needed but looked to complicated to be practical.

There were a few tanks nearby, giant blue human looking creatures floated in them, like a fetus. It was at the very least unsettling.

Chris then walked by one that looked exactly like him, of course it had Na’vi features, but it still looked exactly like him. Down to the faint scar on his right eye.

Jake was looking at his too.

“No, we are not taking two trigger happy thugs down with us, it just isn’t going to happen” A woman argued from the other side of the lab. Apparently, someone wasn’t too happy taking

“Is there a problem Dr?” Chris asked.

“Have any of you idiots ever worked in a lab?” She asked, irritated

“I dissected a frog once.” Jake answered

“I’m sorry, I’m a little busy protecting your lab to work in it.” Chris says without a single feeling being expressed in his sentence.

“Well, that’s great.” She throes her arms up and storms out of the lab.

“I’m taking this to corporate, I’m tired of this shit!”

“Be here at 0800 tomorrow, we’ll do the link up then.” Another scientist that had initially let us in the lab and was talking with Norm said. Letting us out of the lab.

“See you later Juni” Chris waves at Juniper who was already in her desk flipping through clipboards.

“Goodbye, Cpt.”

“You know you guys could at least fake that you care about the natives” Norm Scoffs and is ignored by the pair.

A few hours later, Chris and Jake find themselves in the stations bar.

“Why are you here Jake? What brought you to the middle of nowhere?” Chris leans back in his chair Looking for a reaction on jake’s face but doesn’t find one.

“Tom died; they wanted me to take his place in the experiment.”

“Aw man that’s awful, I didn’t know, I heard that someone on the scientist side died, I didn’t know it was your brother.

“Well, it doesn’t really matter, you couldn’t have done much anyway.” Jake took a sip from his bottle.

“Why are you here Chris, what happened to Monica, last time I saw you guys was at the wedding.”

“She uh, she died, a few years later, she got lung and brain cancer, and they caught it a bit late, so you could say I’m here looking for an escape.” Chris rubs his thumb on the ring that was still on his finger.

“I’m sorry man.” Jake pats Chris on the shoulder.

“Hey, it’s all right, it was a long time ago, let’s not let the night get ruined.” Just as he said that Juni and Trudy walked into the Bar.

“Hey, Over here.” Chris waves enthusiastically.

“You know, you could have been a little nicer with Dr. Augustine earlier.” Juniper said before sitting next to them.

“Ah, I was just having a bit of fun its just a matter of time, so she warms up to me.” Chris comments which make Jake choke on his beer.

“Oh sure, because you are so likeable.” Trudy mocked, with a smirk

“Trudy, this is Jake Sully, he’s going to be joining us on the next assignment”

“Pleasure to meet you jake.” She extends her hand and Jake takes it in his shaking it.

The night was light, and the group talked and laughed together, before heading to their rooms, tomorrow was going to be a long day after all.

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

Tagging a few moots: @the-second-tonks @arquitecturadelanada @moonrainbowfish

[em-responds-to-things]

we got this 

pairing: judd ryder x grace ryder, judd ryder x oc x grace ryder

requested: nope

summary: judd and grace agree to foster juniper holland

gif not mine

Judd wasn’t one to get nervous, especially when Grace was around but even her hand resting on his leg couldn’t stop the bouncing. This was a big step him and his wife were taking. They had signed up to house foster kids, went through the checks and everything but then the accident happened killing everyone at house 126 but Judd. Grace knew it wasn’t the right time, that Judd needed to take care of himself before they could bring a child into their home. With recovering from the ordeal and a new captain in town they forgot about their plans. That was until Grace received a phone call from Allison, from Child Protective Services, asking if her and Judd could take in a troubled teenager, her words not Grace’s, thinking that they could help her. That’s why Grace and Judd were sat on their couch, waiting for Allison.

A knock on the door made them both stand up, Judd rubbed his hands together, a habit he’s developed when nervous, while Grace answered the door with a bright smile on her face. Stood behind Allison was a young girl, she was withdrawn like she didn’t want to be there. Grace noticed that she only had a backpack and no other belongings, she wrung her hands clearly nervous for the new situation she is in. She followed Allison inside, her eyes flitting across the room taking in her surroundings. This is her home for however long they’ll keep her until she is shipped off again.

“Juniper, this is Grace and Judd, you’ll be staying with them for a while.” Allison told the young girl. She glanced up once at the two them before her eyes fell back to her hands.

“Would you like something to drink, Juniper?” Grace asked, her voice soft.

“It’s June.” She mumbled. Judd and Grace glanced at each while Allison sent them a forced smile.

“Okay June, I’m sorry.” She apologised.

“Can I go to my room?” June asked and Grace nodded getting up to show her to the room leaving Judd alone with Allison.

“Have you got any questions?” She asked breaking the silence, eager to leave before the Ryder’s changed their minds.

“So why did June get kicked out of the last house?” Judd wondered.

“Juniper… she had behavioural issues, ones that the family couldn’t handle.” Allison told him.

“They wanted a baby instead of a teenager, right?” Judd corrected her, knowing the system.

“Sadly, that is the case more often than not.” She said. Grace came back, her hand finding Judd’s. “If you have any questions or have any issues don’t hesitate to call me.” The two of them thanked the woman and walked her to the door.

Once they were alone, they sighed as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. “We got this, right?” Grace asked, worried that they jumped into this too soon.

“We got this.” Judd assured her, pressing a kiss to her head as he brought her into a hug.

a/n: this is an idea I had and I’ll definitely be writing more about this little family. I have no knowledge of the American foster system so everything is fictional or what I got off tv shows. I’m also in a 911verse mood so any requests please send them my way

tag list: @mayaslifeinabox @princess-of-the-fandoms @live--aloud @les-bio-lie @ivvitm1109 @seninjakitey @dontdowhatisayandnobodygetshurt

[askaceattorney]

Dear Anonymous,

Call me Captain Obvious, but we call them students for a reason. If we trusted them to be able to capable of handling cases on their own, we wouldn’t be teaching them in the first place. Trust is earned, not given. I didn’t trust Apollo until he earned it, even when I was his client, and the same goes for Athena. 

And, you’re right, Mia didn’t trust me either at first. She straight up told Maya to not hire me as her lawyer right before she passed away, placing her trust with her mentor. It’s that reason why I didn’t like him very much and now, I completely loath his actions. He left Maya over the ugliest painting I’ve ever seen, after Mia placed so much faith in him like that. That would be me refusing Juniper’s Defense over my grape juice stash. He did apologize, but if that isn’t straight up betrayal, I don’t know what is. It would be different, if Redd White held Grossberg’s loved ones or an actual human being over him.

There was a time I didn’t trust Apollo and I told him as much. It wasn’t because I didn’t think he had the chops, but because he straight up was going to leave the courtroom and his client, had Trucy not stepped in and played hostage. He had to learn to be more confident in himself and not give up no matter how bad the situation is. No client is going to trust him, if he’s this quick to leave when the heat hasn’t risen yet.

And now, look where he is today. Even just not trusting can be the greatest motivation for improvement.

(He might even prove to be a better and more capable lawyer than me one day.)

- Phoenix Wright

[twstinginthewind]

[ slow dance ]  for your muse to ask my muse to slow dance

"Hey, Miss Carder, you wanna dance?" Sparky flashes a grin. "I have a feeling it's up to your bro and me to get anyone from our dorm out on the floor tonight, and I dunno how you'd feel about dancing with him, heh."

soft interactions asks

Joker had to do a double-take when Sparky approached her and her friends. It was a rare occasion for Night Raven College to have a semi-formal ball for all the students, rare enough that many of them defaulted to wearing their dormitory uniforms for lack of anything better to wear. However, there were a few exceptions: Joker and her brother had sent a panicked series of texts home, and a few days later, a package arrived from their aunt Busy. A red gown for her, and a navy tux for him. Many of Joker's girl friends had either a gown of their own, or a similarly-sized friend to borrow from. And some of the boys had managed to cobble together a variety of looks, ranging from a plain borrowed sport jacket over a clean tee shirt to some straight-from-the-runway couture and killer shoes. And then, there was Sparky Aetos.

The first thought that leapt to her mind was "sexy pirate captain". The second one was "wow". He was in a white silk shirt that clung to his torso and billowed at the sleeves, accented with a large jeweled brooch, trim dark velvet slacks, and his usually-wilder curls had been tamed into sleek coils that fell over his shoulders. He must have been able to tell she was impressed, as his grin slowly slid into a smirk. "Cat got your tongue, Joker? I'm asking for a dance. I could find another partner...," he trailed off, and shot a glance first towards Juniper, who flattened her ears at him, and then towards Mia, who was wrapped up in watching Vil across the room. "But let's be honest. It's you I'm here for right now." This earned him a few dirty looks from Deuce, Ace, and Epel, but Joker completely failed to notice.

"Because I haven't gotten annoyed with you yet?" Joker asked, finally finding the speech center in her brain and kicking it until it worked. She held out a hand to him, and he took it in his. She hoped he wouldn't notice that she was starting to sweat.

Sparky led her to the dance floor, giving the others a smug look as they retreated. "Probably. Also I think Miss Moon would rather eat sand than dance with me."

"Juniper? No, she likes to dance, so long as it's a quick one." And as if the dj were listening to her, the music transitioned to something slow and moody. "..... ah. Yes. I think I may have been the best choice, then."

"So you like slow dances, then. Good to know." Sparky adjusted his grip on her hand, and placed his other hand onto her waist, gently drawing her close. "I'm rather fond of them as well."

"Are you, then?" Joker stepped in, allowing him to take the lead as the music swelled around them. "Then let's enjoy ourselves, shall we?" She felt his grip tighten a bit as he lead her into a spin, and she let her steps meet his.

"I already am, Miss Carder. I already am."

[recurring-polynya]

First lines meme

tagged by @gizkasparadise ! I actually saw this a while ago and wanted to do it and then promptly forgot, so thank you for the tag!!

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have fewer than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Then tag some people to take part.

general observations: EITHER dialogue or sort of a “setting the scene” thing, it seems. Also, this list makes it look like I write a lot of porn. I really do not, I write a very normal amount of porn. 🙄

Tagging: Anyone else who wanted to do it and then forgot!

“Renji waved his hand in the air. “Juniper-y, with hints of melon,” he proclaimed.” (What We Do with Our Hearts)

“Do I really have to wear the head bandage?” (A Very Convenient Case of Amnesia, adult)

It was going to be really hard to defeat Kuchiki Byakuya in combat, Renji realized. (a little in love now and then)

Kuchiki Rukia had a key to the Squad Six Vice-Captain’s quarters, but the door was unlocked, so she let herself in. (Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time, adult)

“Uryuu,” Chad had said, “I have to take a trip this weekend. Will you come with me?” (Brothers in Arms)

The air is heavy and thick in the World of the Living. (Dear Wormwood)

“Sir! Captain Kuchiki and, er, a guest are here to see you!” (Adventures in Babysitting)

Renji watched his wife as her eyes skimmed down the instructions for The Kidou, even though he knew she’d read them at least sixteen times. (Rukia and Renji Make a Baby (at Byakuya’s Birthday Party), adult)

The tops hummed as they jostled for position within the canvas bowl.  (Blessings and Curses)

With a clonk, the man (who had said his name, but Ikkaku had promptly forgotten it) hit the dirt, blood pouring from his nose. (don’t tell me that we’ve grown (for having loved a little while) )

“Give Uncle Byakuya a big hug, Ichika,” Rukia instructed, stifling a yawn. “You’ll see him again on Saturday.” (To Her Exacting Specifications)

“What, ah, is it?” Renji asked, peering at the large box sitting on the Kurosaki’s kitchen counter. (A Party without Cake is Just a Meeting)

It was early spring. (Signs of Spring)

Kuchiki Rukia crept forward with the stealth she had first learned on the streets of Inuzuri and had honed over her many years as a shinigami. (There is No Bankai in Football)

Dinner, as was befitting a Kuchiki dinner party, was exquisite. (The Beast You’ve Made of Me, adult)

An alarm was going off. (Call Me Back When the War is Over)

Rukia usually took Renji up to the hill on the Thirteenth Division that overlooked the training grounds whenever they wanted to do some chill outdoor boozing. (Any Proposal You Can Walk Away From)

“This was a terrible idea. I take back my support for this idea. Please put your shirt back on. My shirt. Whatever. I hate this.” (Rukia and Renji Flagrantly Misuse Valuable Gotei-13 Field Equipment (for Science!), adult)

Captain Kuchiki Byakuya stepped over the large lump lying across the entrance to the Squad Six Captains’ Office. (Shinigami’s Best Friend)

Byakuya stared at the little rectangle lined up with the upper left corner of his blotter. (Communication Protocols)

"Listen up, you stupid fuck, this is the last time I'm coming in here." (Portions for Foxes, major char death, adult)

I gave you 21 because I am just very fond of that last one. Oh, and if you read all the way down this far, here’s a bonus: opening lines from my current WIPs:

“I don’t know if they’re trying to capitalize on Boy’s Day, or what,” Rukia said, idly inching her hand toward the plate of hot, steaming gyoza sitting on the countertop next to Renji’s stove, “but they’re having some sort of Seafood Festival out in East Sixth.” (untitled next part of Heart is a Muscle, working title Ductwork)

Renji wasn’t back in time for dinner. (a jackrabbit underneath)

Izuru Kira found Renji Abarai in the break room, simultaneously trying to cram a burrito into his face and read a Hellboy comic. (untitled Tattoo Artist AU, you can read the first chapter here and the second one here)