#does this count as fluff?

[viperwhispered]

So we all agree that Jamil enjoys when he can nudge others to do what he wants, right? Like, one of the basketball jersey lines is about controlling the flow of the game and making others react, and beans camo has a bit of a similar vibe.

Plus like, the whole plan in book 4 of setting things in motion and having others actually take the decisive steps once he paved the way.

So, consider: Jamil nudging his s/o to being the one to actually act on his desires. Because yeah you're together, he knows how you feel about him, but it's just nice to get himself to feel extra desired and wanted, isn't it? Having you come to him, rather than him going to you.

So he does all sorts of little things he knows get to you.

Knows how you feel about seeing his bared arms? Casually pulls up his sleeves while cooking (if he's not in his dorm uniform already).

Or maybe he'll ask you to come watch his practice or a game, if he knows him on court is a weakness of yours.

The sight of his hair loose gets you weak? Oh better undo his ponytail and take his time readjusting his hair.

A million and one totally casual touches, he just happens to touch you in passing while doing his thing or while you're hanging out.

Similarly, he just happens be close to you while talking, lowering his voice or using a particular tone that gets to you.

You like his more cocky, scheming side? Oh, why doesn't he tell you about a little something he just pulled off earlier (or is planning on doing), that'll give him a reason to hit you with that smirk and everything.

Sweet words from him are your weakness? Sure he can slip something nice and totally matter-of-fact into the conversation (when you're alone, at least).

Just, all those little things, until he can really see all that love in your eyes, that desire in your expression.

And the satisfaction he feels when you're the one getting close to him, when you're the one to turn those fleeting touches into something more. When you don't let go of him.

He loves pushing you like that.

And how easy it is to make you express your love to him? Well, that just tells of how much love you have to give to him, doesn't it? And how could he possibly not want to see the proof of that, time and time again.

[ghouljams]

PLEAAAASEEEEE just a lil knight smooch on the hand, even just a light kiss to her lock of her hair

EVEN JUST LOVE FILLED GLANCES PLEAAAAASEEEEEEE

or maybe medivel konig romance i am so lovesick i wamt to hear fluff aND UR DENYING US WITH GHOST KNIGHT YEARNING

OK but only because I'm really beating this poor princess down in two other asks.

You spend most of your day with Ghost, he's your escort for every outing, your companion for every event. You'd think you'd get tired of seeing him all the time but you never do. You love seeing him, and you think he likes seeing you too.

"Good morning," you smile up at Ghost as he comes near, your favorite part of your mornings.

"Morning," he pulls out the chair next to you, grabbing a thick slice of bread as he sits. You don't even need to ask your maids to set a place for him anymore, don't need to coax Ghost into joining you for breakfast. He leans his elbows against the table and breaks the bread apart between his hands, as he watches you.

"How'd you sleep?" You ask, too casual, he nudges you with his knee. "Did you sleep well?" You try again. He's worse than your old etiquette tutor sometimes.

"Same as usual, were you alright after the-" he pauses, clicks his tongue, like he's annoyed he doesn't have a polite word for it. He doesn't want to say "tantrum" but you know he's thinking it.

"I- yes. Thank you." You stare down at your hands, embarrassed. You're too old to be acting like that. Ghost stares at you a long moment before setting his bread on his plate. He reaches across the table to grab meat and fruit, filling your plate before you can stop him.

"Eat, you'll feel better." He plucks another slice of bread free of its warm basket and butters it. You watch him slide the little silver knife against the crumb and he stops, pointing the utensil at your plate. "Eat," he's not asking you.

You pick up your fork and knife to do as he says. You really don't know why you bother listening to him, you're in charge, not him. It's just that, you sort of like doing what he says, he always looks so pleased when you do. He doesn't even look at you when you take your first bite, but his eyes still smile and you know it's for you. His smiles are only ever for you.

"Good girl," He mumbles, sliding his bread onto your plate, neatly jam and buttered just the way you like it.

"You're free to leave," you tell your maids, glancing at them over your shoulder. You know they're hovering, waiting to refill your tea or bring another plate of food. You also know they're waiting for more information on last night's... fit. Gossips the lot of them. "You've left the pot, if I need more tea Ghost will serve me. Go."

The maids exchange a glance and drop to curtsy before scurrying out. You go back to eating. Ghost waits a beat before removing his mask and serving himself breakfast. You don't bother with glances or peaking at his face, you look. It's your right to look, he's yours after all.

"You're staring," he grumbles. Astute observation, you think with a smile. You know what he means, you spear a strawberry with your fork and pop it in your mouth.

"I'm eating."

"Don't talk with your mouth full," he hums, ignoring you in favor of his own meal. Does he know that you only breach etiquette to hear him correct you? Does he see you behave as a perfect princess for others and think he did that? No, you think he must know you're teasing him.

You set your fork down and reach to wipe away the crumbs that stick to his lip. Ghost catches your hand before you can touch him, his tongue darting out to do what your finger would have. His eyes hold yours, each of you waiting for the other to pull back. You don’t want to.

His lips are so much warmer than in your dream, softer, more substantial as Ghost bows his head to press them against your knuckles. You tilt your head, watching him turn your hand to kiss your palm and the delicate skin of your wrist. He looks at you with every promise in his eyes, and you love him for it.

"Good morning, my lady," he murmurs, holding your hand to his cheek. Your heart clenches, fingers curling against the stubble on his jaw.

"Good morning, my knight." You whisper back. The breath he lets out is almost pained, far too heavy for breakfast. He kisses your palm again, and you almost understand why before he drops it. I love you, you both seem to think at each other, I love you.

[happybird16]

drabble that suddenly had to come out of me no matter what

Aot finale spoilers, talks of scars and wounds, self-doubt

“Do they ever hurt?” you ask softly, meeting his soft silvery eye with yours.

Levi shrugs unevenly in response, replying vaguely, “Sometimes I get phantom pains. Like they’re still there.”

Gently clasping his hand between yours, you bring his fingers to your lips, tenderly kissing all the little calluses and even the smooth, flawless skin at the tip of each of his fingers. You appreciate every little white knick of a healed scar, savoring the unique texture and history they hold. His nails are perfectly trimmed, and the long digits are almost bony, with knuckles jutting out from his skin and veins visible in trailing blue lines along his palm, resembling twisting rivers.

One by one, you kiss each and every finger until you reach the uneven stubs where his index and pointer fingers used to be. The area is still flushed a dark, upsetting red that makes your chest ache. Despite the passing years, the skin remains rough and sore-looking. Carefully, you lean forward, eyes locked to his. You hear his breath hitch as you oh-so-carefully press the softest of kisses to the stub of his index finger.

“D-don’t,” he breathes, shifting slightly in his seat in embarrassment. Something lingers in the soft grey-blue of his eye, something like embarrassment and shame. “They’re ugly.”

“They’re not,” you tell him, pressing another kiss to his shorn digit. “You’re beautiful, remember? No matter what.”

Levi takes a long, shuddered breath, his shoulders heaving with the strength of his sigh. It’s almost like he deflates a bit, the metal of his wheelchair creaking loudly as his feet shift. His face twists, the large now-mostly-white scar standing out against the pale skin of his cheek. His deadened eye can still move, instinctively tilting up to match the other as his eyes meet yours. “’m not,” he mutters quietly, hissing in pain as he shifts his injured knee. “I- I’m so weak now,” he confesses, his voice laced with frustration and pain.

It’s something he’s complained about quite a few times since the end of the final battle. Not only did he sustain injuries, but the end of Ymir’s curse had also extinguished the Ackerman strength flowing through his veins. He has mentioned feeling empty and hollow, almost fragile in comparison. His slower healing is evident from the still reddened skin of his mangled fingers.

Rising up from your knees, you press a quick kiss to the scar along his cheek. “We’re free now,” you assure him earnestly. “It’s a whole new world. We’re not soldiers anymore, and you don’t have to bear the burden of being the strongest. You have already proven your worth countless times.”

As you speak, your fingertips gently brush back the length of his bangs, exposing his forehead. With utmost care, you place another soft kiss right between his eyebrows, dissolving the tension held there. Then another. And another. Each kiss conveys a message of love and acceptance, a reminder that his worth extends far beyond physical strength.

Levi’s breath hitches again, this time from a mixture of relief and vulnerability. The sound is a bit wet, and there’s a telling moisture welling in the corners of his eyes. He struggles to find the words to respond, mouth opening and closing several times as his shoulders stiffen once again. His eyes, one vibrant and the other dulled by past wounds, seek yours, their depths reflecting the emotions he struggles to express.

“‘m not,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with a mix of pain and self-doubt. The fingers of his free hand instinctively reach for his injured knee, a reflex born from habit and discomfort. His voice sounds so small and hollow, “I- I’m broken.”

“No,” the word comes out sharper and louder than you intended, startling the both of you. “No. No you aren’t.” Your hand gently caresses his, providing a sense of comfort and reassurance. “Strength doesn’t define you,” you emphasize, your voice filled with conviction. “And your injuries don't either. I know you feel different now.. powerless.. but you possess a strength that transcends physical abilities. It’s in your resilience, your compassion, and the love you carry within you. That strength will always shine through, no matter what.”

A long, shuddered breath escapes Levi’s lips as he absorbs your words. His shoulders, burdened by the weight of his perceived weakness, begin to ease. The metal of his wheelchair creaks as his feet shift unsteadily. He swallows heavily, eyes falling from yours to stare at the fabric of the dark slacks covering his thigh.

Pinching his chin between your fingers, you urge his gaze to meet yours yet again. “We’re building a new life together,” you continue, a hint of playfulness entering your voice. “We’re not soldiers anymore. You don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders. Instead, let’s focus on chasing out those rude customers from our little tea shop. And if you ever say anything self-deprecating again, well, I’ll be there to shower you with kisses until you realize just how incredible you are.”

Levi’s lips curve into a small, vulnerable smile, the barriers of self-doubt slowly crumbling away. The moisture in his eyes finally spills over, tracing glistening paths down his cheeks. “You would,” he whispers softly, his voice filled with fondness and amusement.

[an-au-blog]

College Shuggy au wholesome idea for after getting together or idk because i feel like Ogan is mad i won't let them be happy lmao

Buggy being afraid to do anything that has to do with his nose... he's always wanted a nose piercing but didn't want to draw more attention to his nose. One day he offhandedly tells Shanks that he used to think of a septum piercing. Shanks jumps at the idea. He tries to convince his boyfriend, but he's afraid to go get it done. He's scared that people might find out that this was his real nose. But when Shanks found out the reason why he wouldn't go get his nose pierced, he offered to do it for him. Buggy agreed, not knowing Shanks had never done it before.

Shanks started watching tutorial after tutorial, making sure he knew everything. It was, to Buggy's surprise, quite painless and pretty well done. Then Shanks drops an "yeah, can you believe it's my first time too? I'm pretty talented dare I say" and Buggy doesn't know whether to faint, shout at him or start stressing. He just freezes up for a minute trying to digest what was said to him...

[roses-dreams-andthorns]

Raaaah Genshin fic ᴵ ᵃˡʷᵃʸˢ ˡᵒᵛᵉ ᵐᵃᵏⁱⁿᵍ ᵗʰᵉ ᵇᵃⁿⁿᵉʳˢ ᶠᵒʳ ᵐʸ ᶠⁱᶜˢ ⁱᵗˢ ˢᵒ ᶠᵘⁿ ᵃⁿᵈ ᶜᵃⁿᵛᵃ ⁱˢ ᵍʳᵉᵃᵗ!!

𝙷𝚎𝚢 𝙴𝚖𝚘 𝙱𝚘𝚢!

xɪᴀᴏ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀɴ ʜɪɢʜ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴀᴜ

𝓧iao was seen as a "violent emo boy" around campus. Not many approached him for his intimidating looks and cold personality, glaring at anyone who even bats an eye at him, like a threat to end them if they continue to stare longer... He was mostly calm, but could get a bit violent. He saw others as worthless insects that do nothing but get in his way. If someone were to accidently bump into Xiao, he would glare at them intensely, like he would murder them. Though his views changed when he met... you.

𝓨ou were a new exchange student, coming to this school from your old one after an incident, causing your parents to take you out from that school permanently. You were just like him... cold and reserved, but not violent. You were defensive of yourself, only resorting to violence if you feel you are in true danger, which a few bullies nearly got sent to the hospital after daring to pull out a knife on you. You folded them like paper, as if they were a mere fly in your hand, you crushed them. You also weren't an idiot. Your grades were amazing, from what Xiao had heard. Despite your coldness, you still offered help to others, and you were kind. All the other students liked you.

𝓣his could be considered love at first sight for Xiao, as soon as he laid eyes on you the first time, he felt like you were the piece of the puzzle he was missing. He felt more... complete. You had everything Xiao could ever want in a person. You were smart, kind and brave. He wanted to approach you... but how could he? He was far to nervous and anxious to even get even a centimeter closer to you. For a while, he stuck to watching you from afar. Every time he saw your face, his heart skipped beats. No doubt he was in love. It was the first time he felt like this, he never fell in love before seeing you. Heh, to think his first love was someone who was the same as him... but at the same time, completely different... It was funny.

𝓔very now and then, you'd notice Xiao staring at you, hiding behind corners or doors, whenever you did, he always seemed to have a slightly red face, and if he noticed you staring back, he'd put on a cold expression again and look away. You knew about Xiao from others, but what you were seeing wasn't what they told you, saying he was extremely violent and would beat you up on sight. To you, he just seemed shy... You always wondered why he was watching you like that, and to be honest, you got more curious about him the more you caught him staring, the urge to approach him growing stronger. Eventually, you started trying to do so. He seemed a bit nervous when you first did so, jumping a bit when you came behind him, and said 'hi'. The people around you during the time of this interaction were worried for your safety when they saw you around Xiao, but were shocked to see Xiao didn't seem to be... violent or angry with you. He just... spoke to you with such... nervousness. He had a completely normal conversation with you, besides his stuttering. They immediately thought you used some kind of magic to turn Xiao into such a... nervous wreck. He seemed so warm towards you, and so shy... it was shocking for anyone, really. He always stuttered or spoke really quickly to you, his face just remaining so red... you almost thought he was having a fever or something, when in reality, he was just worried that if he spoke to you for too long, he may just blurt out the words "I love you!" randomly at you, because that's what he really wants to say to you. He wants to tell you all his affections and feelings for you... but he can never get the courage to do so yet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hey guess what? CLIFFHANGER HAHAHAHAHA

tbh I just wanted to get something out there since I've been so inactive in the fanfic department and my boss (my brain) keeps telling me I need to start spitting fics out like a printer but at the same time I've been super duper tired and had writer's block hahahhaaa! Fun!

[thistle-whistle-ffxiv]

Fluffuary Day 3 - Mutual Pining

Two sisters, two unsent letters.

Azami,

I doubt you’ll ever read this letter. I’m not planning on sending it. Even if I were, I have no idea where to send it to. You didn’t tell me where you were going when you snuck out in the middle of the night and disappeared. 

I’m not angry with you. I know you were afraid. I would have asked you to stay, and we both know you wouldn’t have had the strength to tell me no. 

I’m furious. I hate you as often as I love you these days.

How dare you do this to me? How dare you say it’s for my sake? You abandoned me in this cold foreign place and ran off without so much as a goodbye? We promised each other, didn’t we? We would always be together. Was that truly worth so little to you?

Are you at least safe? Are you remembering to eat? I’m sure you’re lonely, wherever you are. I wish I could have gone with you.

Don’t worry about me. Haruka is making sure I’m well taken care of. One of the sages here has been giving me some sort of medicine, and it’s been working well. I’m stronger than ever. Maybe even stronger than you.

That was a joke. I doubt I’ll ever be able to match you when it comes to carrying around sacks of rice. 

Do you ever miss it? The farm? Not how we left it, but how it was before? I’ve been thinking of it a lot recently. 

I want to go home, but we have no home to go back to. What will we do? I know you didn’t abandon me. You’ll come back someday. But what then? Will we run off to some distant place where nobody’s ever heard of us? Start fresh in some new village far from the reach of the empire? We could settle down in some quiet place and raise hens or grow radishes. I know you would like that.

I know I’ve only ever been a burden to you. Maybe this time apart will be good for you. You’ll be able to do whatever it is you want without me slowing you down. Even so, I have a rather selfish request.

Haruka has been bringing me a lot of books to occupy myself with. Most of them are about flora and fauna of distant lands. They’re all a little technical and dull, but they have illustrations sometimes. I think I’d like to see these places for myself. 

Once I’m well enough, let’s go on a journey together.

Just come back to me safe. Or at least send me a letter so I’ll know you’re alright. And please remember to take care of yourself. I’m not there to make sure you don’t work until you collapse. I know three meals a day might be a little bit much to ask of you, but at least try to remember to eat breakfast. And go to bed at a reasonable time.

Please be safe, Himawari

Himawari,

I doubt you’ll ever read this. I’m not planning on sending it. Even if I were, I don’t imagine that you would read it. 

I actually can’t send it, even if I thought you would read it. I’m writing this in my journal, and on the other side of the page is a list of jobs and clients I’ve taken on. I need that for the time being.

 I’m sure you’re very angry with me right now, since I didn’t say goodbye. I think if I had, I wouldn’t have had the strength to leave. And then where would we be?

I’m doing alright. Adventuring work isn’t quite what I thought it would be. They said that you can earn a lot of money quickly in this line of work. So far, that hasn’t seemed especially true. But I’m only just starting out. And Mistress Momodi has entrusted me with some important tasks. They didn’t pay well, but I think if I keep doing well enough she’ll let me try my hand at the more lucrative jobs. Though they will be a little dangerous.

But you don’t need to worry. I’ve joined a party of sorts. Two siblings attached themselves to me, and we’ve been working together. They’re annoying and nosey. Pink is trying to read this over my shoulder right now, and whining that I’m not using any of the letters she knows. I think you two would get along.

I wish you could be here with me. I wish we could go home. I wish a lot of things. But neither of us can live on wishes alone. I’ll earn the money and then come straight back to you. I promise.

Are you doing well? You haven’t been causing too much trouble for Haruka? I’m not there to take your scoldings for you, so don’t do anything too reckless. 

I’ve been thinking about what we’ll do when this is all over. I don’t think returning to Doma would be safe for either of us. But Eorzea isn’t so bad. We could start a life for ourselves here. We could settle down in some village somewhere and raise hens and grow radishes. I think I would like that.

I know I’ve only ever held you back. Maybe this separation will be good for you. You can do whatever it is you want without having to worry about me. You’ve always taken care of me, so please just this once. Let me be the one who takes care of you.

Once you’re well enough, we should go on a journey together. Our little village was never going to be big enough for you. But there’s so much here. Some of the places I’ve been have been so beautiful. I want to show them to you.

Make sure to get plenty of rest, and do what the chiurgeons bid you. I know the medicine tastes foul, but that just means it's effective. Don't go running off on your own, and try not to cause Haruka too much trouble.

Please just hold on a little longer, Azami

[omi-boshi]

thinking of little omi wanting a dog but his parents tell him he has to earn it because it's a big responsibility for someone as young as he is. so, he sets up a piggy bank to save up for adoption fees. he doesn't tell his parents about it because he wants to show them when he's saved up enough money.

surely if he has the money that means he's responsible enough right?

in the following months, omi sets aside a fraction of his daily allowance to put into his piggy bank.

it's slow-going until his siblings find the piggy bank labeled with "dog savings" in omi's messy scrawl. they're so charmed by their baby brother's antics that they slip in their own spare change behind omi's back.

they never tell him of course because knowing their brother —their sweet and earnest little brother — he would want to do this on his own.

by the time omi's 10th birthday comes, his piggy bank is practically bursting at the seams. he holds it tightly in his little hands as his family sings him a happy birthday.

when it's time to blow out the candles and he has to make a wish, he lifts up the piggy bank and tells his parents how he's been saving up the past few months. that he has enough to pay for the adoption fees. that he's 10, and he's a big boy now, ready for big boy responsibilities.

"i'm responsible enough for a dog now, right?" he would then ask, eyes bright with earnest hope he tries so hard to tamp down just in case they say no. his parents would exchange surprised looks followed immediately by shaking heads and laughter. lots of laughter. omi is rightfully confused. he frowns.

are they laughing at him? the thought makes him flush in embarrassment. his dad leaves the room, still laughing. when he comes back, it's with a box that's almost a little too big for omi. the birthday cake lays forgotten, candles melted, as omi looks curiously at the box in front of him, then to his parents, and then his siblings, and then back to the box.

his older brother nudges him to open it and when he does, omi doesn't know what to do with himself. the akita puppy yipping at him in the box was too much for 10-year-old omi to bear that he starts bawling.

he's hugging the puppy to hide his tears, and in the background he hears cooing and more birthday wishes from his family.

see, his parents had always intended to give omi a dog the moment he asked. omi rarely asked for anything so whenever he did, his parents were always more than ready and excited to give it to him. however, this time, they waited until his birthday because, admittedly, they had a hard time thinking of what to get him.

it seems they made the right decision watching their son pet the akita in quiet awe. they're happy that their little boy loved his birthday present but when they see his dejected little pout a little while later followed by a sad, "i saved for nothing then..." they knew they had to make right with him (not really but what is omi if not their precious youngest).

and that's how omi ends up with not one but two puppies for his 10th birthday.

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Advanced Interrogation Technique: Dog

[First] Prev <–-> Next

[caycanteven]

I drew this instead of eepin, because I got dragged back into the mafia verse (i could never run from the mafiaverse in the first place, thanks for the reminder Mothie lmfao) so now you guys get this delicious midnight snack.

Maybe I'll do a fun lil story to play on his character some hehehehehe

[embrosegraves]

𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕚𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕊𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘

Just a lil something I thought of and couldn't get out of my head :P I hope you enjoy <3

Max Verstappen x Reader  “If you can justify the purchase, then you can buy it for me.” Sugar Daddy x Slightly Reluctant! Sugar Baby

very brief google translated dutch (it's like 2 thing near the end)

You weren’t sure how you managed to get to this point in your life. One night you were working at your local club, trying to make ends meet with three jobs. You needed to pay for rent and utilities and food and the ever looming University degree you had begun studying for. You never thought you’d ever get to a point of financial comfortability, because the situation definitely wasn’t the most stable but it was comfortable. 

At first you thought he was just another rich snob who wanted to impress his mates with the amount of money he could spend on a single night. And to be fair he kinda was. He just also happened to be the one that sat with you while you worked the bar, listening to your woes of being a uni student who needed to work more than one job throughout the day on top of going to class.  

Now though, almost exactly 3 years after first meeting him, you couldn’t believe what you were looking at. 

“I’m not letting you buy that for me, Max.”

“Why not?” He was almost (definitely) pouting. 

“Because I can buy my own laptop? And besides, my final year is almost over, I can get it after.” 

Max looked at you unimpressed. “The one you have now is falling apart. You need a new one.”

You grabbed his hand and slowly led him to a bench that was outside the store you were just standing in. “My love, I adore that you want to get me a new laptop for school, but you cannot justify spending three and a half million dollars on a laptop for me. I don’t care if it’s Swarovski, I don’t care if it’s the best laptop in the world. I don’t need it.”

It was always like this between you and Max. He wanted to buy you the most insanely expensive things just because he could, but you always told him not to. Looking at him in front of you, his face sporting an almost unnoticeable frown, you sighed. Keeping hold of his hand in yours, you moved your free hand to cradle his face. 

“I will let you buy me a laptop-” His face lit up, “on the condition that it cost no more than eight thousand. I know I cannot get you to spend like a regular person, so that will be the cap on how much you spend on my laptop.”

“You never let me do anything fun.” Max was pouting again, but you could see his eyes were happy. 

“Well, that’s tough Schat. If it makes you feel better, after you get the laptop because I’m not budging on that, you can buy me whatever you want-” You held your hand in front of him before Max could interrupt and start celebrating, “but you have to be able to properly justify the purchase. Which means no more mindless spending on things, okay?” 

He pulled you in and wrapped his arms around you tightly. “As long as I still get to spoil you, like you deserve, then I will agree to your conditions.” 

You felt as he placed a kiss on your head before you moved back. You gave him a kiss on his lips and smiled at him. 

“Go. I can tell you’re just wanting to find a laptop to get me.”

He laughed and kissed you again before grabbing your hands and leading to a different tech store for your new laptop. “Let’s go then, Mijn Liefje!”

Translations (Provided by Google Translate) Schat = Darling Mijn Liefje = My Love

[bones-of-a-rabbit]

selkie reader and their sailor husbands have a lovely beach day,, 😌💕💕✨✨💕💕✨✨✨💕💕💕✨

(Could also be considered the “Omg this beach has free babies!!!” comic and/or “Moon thought he was a father for 0.2 seconds and damn near had a stroke about it” comic)

[chaosmagicss]

okay but milf!wanda showering the morning after the two of you sleep together for the first time. you’re all worn out from fucking her, still fast asleep in her bed, and she sort of just takes a moment for herself to be giddy before heading down to make you some breakfast. she doesn’t get that far though; when she steps out of the ensuite, you tiredly mumble her name, lazily stretching your arm across the sheets in her direction, and she crawls right back into bed with you and lets you sleep in all warm and cozy against her chest.

( gif source )

[call-me-strega]

How to Become a Step-Dad in 5 Easy Steps: p. 2, ch.2/5(?)

Happy Late Valentine’s Day my dudes.

(This is Unedited, the cleaner version is on ao3)

First, prev, lore, ao3

~~~

It was a week later that Jason ran into his neighbors again. Or well, actually Red Hood ran into them. Then again “ran into” was a bit of a strong (read: inaccurate) description. He had more so observed from afar than ran into them per-say.

He had just landed on a rooftop when heard the sound of increasingly familiar giggles. A cold wind pushed against his helmet as turned to the source. Lo and behold there was the father-daughter heading on the direction of their apartment complex. It was about two blocks from their current location.

‘Well,’ Jason thought. ‘2 blocks off my normal route won’t hurt. I’ll just make sure I see them arrive safely and then continue on with my patrol.’

He watched as Ellie is rushed down the street waving around her toy space shuttle, eager to get home. She ran further ahead from Danny who had his hands full with groceries. He called after her to stay where he could see her and she just giggled and gleefully replied with and “Okay Daddy!”

Jason smiled at their interaction. He felt a sense of comfort and longing seeing such a close and loving pair. However, his smile faded as a pit formed in his gut. His instincts could sense was something off and from the corner of his eye he saw some movement in the alley the Ellie was approaching. As quickly and silently as possible Jason crossed the rooftops to get closer.

Just as Ellie reached the opening of the alley some two-bit thug reached out and pulled her into the alley. The young girl cried out as she dropped her shuttle. She called out to her dad in distress.

“Daddy!”

“ It’ll be okay Ellie! I’m coming! Remember what I told you?!”

Danny called back took of down the road trying to reach his daughter.

This seemed to calm her down as her fear became more manageable. She stop struggling and did her to glared at her would be kidnapper. Jason finally arrive on the roof top ready to drop into the alley and intervene when he witnessed a series of events that stunned him.

Ellie kicked the guy in the nuts with as much force as her little body could muster.

Which appeared to be quite a lot based on the sound that came outa the guy as he let go of her. Just then Danny reached the alley abandoning his groceries by an empty box at the mouth of the alley.

“Ellie!” He exclaimed reach out to gathers her in his arms. He held her tightly and stoked her hair trying to calm her. “ It’s okay baby, I’m here. Daddy’s here Ell. I’m not gonna let anyone take you,” he assured her.

The guy growled as he managed to get back up. He bagan to advance towards them once again with a switch blade in hand this time. Unfortunately for him he didn’t get very far in his plan to use it as Danny reached into his pocket and pulled out some thing labeled “Creep Repellant”. Just as the guy got close Danny pushed Ellie behind him, lifted his arm and maced the guy to distract him. The man cried out in pain and ended up dropping his blade. Then Danny pulled back and clocked the guy in the nose. He stumbled back groaning.

Danny didn’t give him another chance to regain his wits. He just turned, picked up Ellie, and booked it home.

Jason witnessed all of this almost starstruck by the way the how the dad handled himself and his kid. His major priority was making sure Ellie got out of the situation safely even if he had to abandon his groceries and Ellie’s toy to do it. Jason decided to make sure they won’t be followed by this guy. He dropped in and quickly knocked the guy out. Then he zip-tied him to a pipe and called for someone to come pick up guy up before he decided to hand him over to one of his Lieutenants instead. None of them would take to kindly to a potential child trafficker.

Jason walked back to the mouth of the alley and examined the abandoned groceries in the same galaxy-print reusable bags he’d seen Danny use at the store last time. He picked them up, along with the toy space shuttle, and took the back to the apartment complex. He left them in-front of Danny’s door with a note from Jason saying he found them in an alley and believed them to be Danny’s because he recognized the bags and one of the toys Ellie had shown him.

Was it a bit weird? Perhaps, but it could be played off as a coincidence and made more sense than the Red Hood leaving them on the Nightingales’ fire escape.

~

Later that night Jason’s brain kept replaying the image of a six-year-old kicking a grown man in the balls and her father proceeding to pepper spray and deck the dude. It brought a smile to his face to see that Ellie was well protected and evidently being taught how to protected herself too. He felt his fondness towards them grow once more. (He tried to ignore the part of his brain that kept replayed Danny’s punch and whispered ‘that’s kinda hot’)

~~~

About three days later Jason was driving home from the Wayne Foundation on his bike when his engine started stalling and losing power. He cursed his luck and decided to take a turn to head to his favorite mechanic's shop.

Ol' man Sammy had started the shop when he was still a kid and his grand-nephew Leandro, Leo for short, started working under him when he had just started out as Red Hood. They were good people who didn't mind acting as informants in exchange for Hood's protection. Nor did they mind the Jason Todd-Wayne showing up from time to time. As far as they were concerned he was another alley tyke grown up, now a paying customer and potential investor.

Last he heard from them was a month when Sammy officially passed on the reins to Leo and settled into retirement with his wife Avellana. Word had it Leo had been looking for a new hand around the shop and Jason had sent a couple of guys looking to get out of the henchman business his way knowing if Leo didn't hire 'em he might direct them to a cousin who would. He wondered vaguely if Leo ever did end up hiring someone. 'Well I suppose I'll find out soon enough' he thought pulling up into the workshop.

Jason pulled his helmet off, feeling a fresh breeze hit his face, and called out to the two men he saw working on a truck. One of them was examining something under the hood and the other working on the underside. He tucked his helmet under his arm but didn't get off the bike yet. He called out to the two guys.

"Oy Leo, compa! Is that you?"

The man inspecting the hood pulled his head out and gave Jason an impish grin.

"Oh man, Jasón is that you güey?!" The wiry, oil-slick man came over to greet him. Shaking his hand and pulling him into a half-hug.

" You here to get something fixed man?"

Jason slide off his bike and nodded back at it.

"Engine keeps stalling, I was hoping you could take a look," He then glanced back over to the man still working under the truck. " How's Ol' Sammy doing? I see you got the new hands you were looking for."

Leo grinned back, enthusiastic as ever. "Yeah man, he's new in town but good with his hands and a hard worker. Tio approved of him before he left. He and Tia are on vacation right now, went back to visit her family."

That's when a phone rang in the office. Leo sighed turning to Jason.

" Hey man I gotta take this but the new guy can totally get you set up. I'll be right back."

He turned and called out to the man under the truck "Ay chavo! We got a customer man! Come help 'im out while I get the phone!" before rushing of to the office.

The man finally pulled out from under the car and staring back at him were familiar blue eyes and a face smudged with oil. Danny grinned up at Jason as he began to walk over.

"Well hey there stranger, funny running into you here. Guess you must be friends with Leo and Sammy, huh? A real man of the people you are?"

" Uh, hey," Jason felt himself flush with embarrassment, his hand coming up to scratch his nape. " I mean yeah I guess so. I've known them almost as long as I've been able to walk so..."

" I'd like to thank you."

" Huh?" Jason met his eyes with a confused look.

" For finding and returning my groceries and Ellie's shuttle I mean. I got real lucky you happened to find them, otherwise that'd have half a paycheck down the drain. I'm grateful for what you did."

"It was no big deal," he said glancing away. He looked back to see a soft look on Danny's face.

" It meant a lot to me" he replied softly.

The two gazed into each others eyes for a moment before Danny turned his attention to the bike.

" You said the engine was stalling?"

Jason nodded in reply as Danny began to inspect the vehicle. After few minutes Leo emerged from the office just as Danny gave his verdict.

"It need a couple of new filters and an adjustment of the throttle position sensor and then it should be good as new."

" Perfecto!" Leo exclaimed walking out of the office. "You can handle that while I had out. Some guy in Chinatown needs a tow so I gotta take the tow truck and go."

He turned to address Jason. "You can trust Danny here with the bike, I wouldn't have hired him if he wasn't any good!"

He clapped Jason's shoulder before rushing out to his truck. Jason turned to Danny who shrugged and gave him a helpless grin.

" You got experience handling bikes?" Jason questioned.

" Sure do, I knew this one asshole back home who had a pretty sick ride. I ended making friends with him somehow and he taught me about 'em. I've already worked on a couple for Leo here too." Danny replied before walking over to the register.

" Here, I'll ring up an estimate for you. If you decide to leave her here with me I can have her done in an hour-hour and a half and you can pay when you come to collect her."

Jason decided he was willing to let Danny handle his bike. He figured he could just walk a block and grab some dinner at that Mexican-Caribbean fusion place nearby.

" I'll let you take care of her, like Leo said, he wouldn't have hired you if you weren't any good."

Now it was Danny's turn to flush. He fiddled around at the register before talking to Jason again.

" So can I get your number?"

" Huh-?!" Jason startled. Danny flushed even deeper and pointed at the pen and notepad on the counter.

" For the job! I’ll send you a call or text when it's done!"

Jason's face broke into a wicked grin. "Sure," he teased picking up a pen.

"Here's my work number," he said handing Danny a piece of paper. " And here-," he paused to write another number. "is my personal line. But that ones just for you neighbor. So don't go spreading it around," he winked.

He turned to walk out as he heard Danny spluttering behind him. And despite the expletives Danny called after him, he could do nothing to disguise the fondness in his voice.

~

Later that evening, Jason rode home on his newly serviced bike. He'd offered to give Danny a ride home but he still had an hour of his shift left and reassured him that he would be fine to make it home by himself. He took not of how well the bike was running. 'Purrs like a kitten' he thought. The voice in the back of his head once again returned to chime in 'Nothing like a man who's competent at his job'. Jason cursed the voice out, revving his bike and ripping down the street.

~~~

A few days couple of days later Jason receives a text:

"Hey its Danny. You run a soup kitchen with the Wayne Foundation right?"

Jason is instantly filled with concern. Did the Nightingales hit a financial pit fall? Was Danny hurt and unable to work? Did that creep stop paying his child support? He quickly wrote back to Danny

"Yeah why?"

"Ellie made friends with another girl in the building whose mom mentioned "soup night" was coming up and she came home and asked me about it.

I'm lucky that Leo pays well and Vlad's got plenty of money to cough up that we don't really have a need to go but I figured this might be a good learning opportunity to help Ellie understand both our and her friends situations.

I was hoping you had room for a few extra volunteers?"

Jason felt his worries melt away, just like his heart.

"We always have room for more volunteers

I'll text you the details"

~

That following Sunday Jason was organizing volunteers to set up the rec center he'd established last year step up for the soup kitchen. He was directing people with trays of food while his assistant/partner Irene ran through hygiene rules with some of the volunteer servers.

Behind him Jason felt the door open and a refreshing rush of wind filled the air as his newest recruits walked in. The daddy-daughter duo walk up to Jason and Danny gave him a little 2 fingered salute.

" Volunteers Danny and Ell reporting for duty!"

Jason gave them a soft smile.

" Hey guys, it’s nice to see you. This is Irene, my second-in-command. She'll run you through the serving protocols and get you ready to help. Danny you'll probably end up handling food while Ellie takes up resupplying utensils, plates, napkins and bottled drinks."

Danny smiled and ruffled his daughter's hair who giggled enthusiastically with a determined smile on her face.

" I think that'll work for us!" he said, turning to Irene who greeted them with a warm smile and led them over to her section.

~

About 15 minutes later Irene sidled up to him with a cheeky grin. Informing him he'd left Danny and Ellie with some of the other, more experienced volunteers.

" Sooooooo," Irene wiggled her eyebrows at him.

" Sooooooo- what?" he returned to her with a blank stare.

" When were you gonna tell me you had a crush on your new neighbor!"

Jason's face turned red as two more of their colleagues descent upon Jason having overheard what Irene said. Like sharks to blood in the water he swore.

First John, who was also one of Hood's men, whipped around and exclaimed. "What?! Jason you have a crush on your neighbor! What about Hood?!"

" For the 50th time Johnny, I'm not dating Hood. And its not a crush Irene!" Jason said in exasperation.

That's when Fern, the non-binary rec center manager, popped up behind him and said "What's this about Jason having a crush?"

Jason once again protested futilely that he didn't have a crush while Irene gleefully filled Fern in.

" Jason's totally got the hots for the hot, single, young dad who's volunteering with his daughter tonight! You should have seen how soft his face got when they showed up. And get this! Their actually neighbors and Jason's already been to their house for dinner!"

Fern whistled while Jason spluttered.

" How do you even know about that?!"

" Your crush let it spill while we were making small talk," she shrugged.

Jason groaned. None of them were gonna let this go.

"Come on you guys, its nearly time to start. Go get into your places," he insisted.

They relented but Irene shot him a mischievous look that told him he wouldn’t be escaping their teasing at a later date. Sigh.

Jason took his place in line manning the mashed potatoes. He felt someone nudge his shoulder and turned his head to see Danny standing next to him.

" Irene put me in charge of the green beans"

Oooh Irene we will be having words later!

"- and Ellie's been put on crowd control, which I think is just their way of saying she should take any kids done eating to the other room to play."

He smiled up at Jason, who of course smiled back.

"Lets do this" he said as the doors opened and their night of volunteering began.

~

It was a busy night so he and Danny didn't have much time to talk, but Jason learned a great deal just by observing. As his night went on he only saw more and more what amazing people the Nightingale's were. Thoughtful and kind without being condescending. Both Danny and Ellie were incredibly compassionate people.

Danny made an effort to be kind to anyone who came up to him and tried to connect with them in order to make them more comfortable. Ellie was a hit with the kids. She was strong-willed, outspoken and quickly took to speaking up for the shyer kids. She ended up amassing a little posse of her own. She made sure all her newfound friends got to try the foods they wanted and to get their turns with the toys in the game room.

As Jason continued to scoop out mashed potatoes and ignore suggestive glances and cheeky smiles from his friend he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and warmth. This was something he built through his efforts to help the Alley and he got to share it with two people he was growing to care about deeply. In turn not only had they shown an interest what he was trying to do here but actively sought to help others with him.

Jason took in the sight of Ellie leading a gang of smiling children. He made another sidelong glance at Danny, who was bonding with a young boy who said the green beans reminded him of a mythological creature. Privately he thought to himself that maybe Irene was on to something with her whole crush theory.

~~~ Thats all for this chapter. I do have some stuff planned for the rest of this section so look forward to that. Once again I welcome any comments or constructive criticism!

[bearw-me]

Absolutely loved that last Carmilla one you did. Could you do a Carmilla x g/n! reader angst turned fluff. Basically insecure/low self esteem reader starts doubting why Carmilla is dating them, they keep hearing what others say and start to think they don't deserve her, she finds out one day.

the angst! the romance! the carmilla hugs! (also ty! I'm glad you liked my writing enough to request something lol!)

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𐐒 includes : carmilla carmine x gender neutral! insecure! reader, zestial/ velvette/ overlords mentioned 𐐒 cw : angst, fluff, self-doubt, hurt/comfort, bullying reader?, hugs/cuddling, crying, reader and carmilla make-out whatt 𐐒 summary : You scroll for too long, obsessed with the idea that Hell is right. . . maybe you don't belong with Carmilla? But then again, she won't really let you go, no matter what anyone says. 𐐒 word count : 946 𐐒 note : just static in my head

You stared with a broken heart at your phone screen, the blue light casting an already darker shadow over your face as you stared at the headlines.

'Carmilla Carmine's New Love Affair?!'

You skimmed over the sub-headers, the bold texts shamelessly poking at you from head to toe, devouring your dignity in one fell swallow.

You groaned, letting your head thump against the cold tile of the kitchen counter.

Is that what they really thought about you? Is that what all of hell was saying? Carmilla. . . The thought summoned tears to your eyes.

Although it was extremely unhealthy to do so, and you thought better of it. You kept scrolling.

The V's, who basically ran the media within the Wraith ring were all talking about it, plastering your face next to hers in an attempt to tear you both down.

The feeling in your hands began to disappear, remembering with darkening vision how the overlords looked down at you like you were something to pity.

Something worth looking down on.

Especially when you stood next to her. . .

The deadliest arms dealer in all of hell.

Even Zestial? The doubt clouded your head like thick rain clouds. Maybe he thought you weren't good enough either. . . just gave you his blessing out of pity.

The way he looked at you, you remember, his shadowy features slumping whenever he turned his attention towards you.

You let the phone go, or maybe it shook out of your trembling hands?

A long, drawn out sigh fled your lungs, quickly replaced by a shaken breath.

At least the marble slab beneath your arms was cool, it felt good against your flushed skin.

Maybe I don't deserve her, the thought tore at your throat, pulling tightly until you couldn't help but let out a quiet sob.

How would you tell her? How would you just. . . let her go without all the questions and hurt?

"Is something wrong, mi corazón?"

You jumped, Carmilla's large hand encasing your quivering shoulders. You were so lost in your thoughts that you hadn't heard her come in.

"No! Nothing's wrong," you promised. . . unable to look her in the eyes.

"What's this?" She reached for your phone, the blue light flashing momentarily against her grey skin.

"Don't!" you insisted, grabbing the phone from her and practically smashing it onto the counter face down. "I was just- I was just reading something. . ." you tried.

"Why won't you look at me then?" Carmilla grabbed at your face, forcing you to look at her.

The way her eyes softened, a burning rage always locked behind them. . . and her beautiful hair was down. A soft cape draping around her figure and spilling over her shoulders.

You couldn't bear it.

The way she grit her teeth in worry. It felt like you didn't deserve it. Didn't deserve her.

You cried in her hands, closing your eyes so that you didn't have to see her reaction.

And she let you, bending down some to hug you close and tight, rubbing your back until all the pain had fled.

It was another couple of minutes until it felt like it was over, the silence encasing you as you sniffled, trying to hide the embarrassing sound in her skin.

"I know what troubles you these days, my love," she pulled away from the hug, able to properly hold eye contact with you.

You must've looked pathetic.

She smiled, the white fangs biting into her lower lip "How beautiful you are," she whispered, brushing the side of your face and feeling the heat beneath your skin.

"Come here, let's talk about it." Without another word, she lifted you up-for just a moment- and whisked down the quiet halls of her penthouse to the bedroom.

She took up the spot next to you, draping her leg over yours and pulling you closer "I know how you must feel," she stared, propping her head up with her hand, the other coming to rest behind your back. "I just want you to know that I love you, mi corazón, with all my heart. . . that is a promise I make to only a few."

She stroked your side, a bashful smile crawling over her her dark lips "Ay dios mio," she muttered, "You hold my heart like no other will."

The confession, no matter how little or how much you heard it from her, filled your chest with sunlight. A feeling of falling in love that you've felt a handful of times. . . but when it came from her. . . it was new again; and so overwhelming.

"Carmilla?"

Her eyebrows popped up in silent question, before you moved forward, taking her lips in yours. Warm and soft as she kissed you back. She let herself fall into your arms, grabbing at your neck for support while you cradled her head, breaking the kiss for just a moment so that you could pin her under you.

You relished in that split moment.

Carmilla laying beneath you, hair splayed out like a halo around her head, black lipstick smeared down and an evil, needy grin spreading across her face like she'd bite you.

But maybe that's what you wanted.

"I love you," you stated, the confidence in those three words- in the way she made you feel- was enough.

She laughed, a sexy little ringing in your ears that made your heart skip a beat. "Oh mi corazón, you make me feel young again." She pulled you down into her chest, smothering you in kisses, the two of you giggling like a pair of young lovebirds.

[lebenspurpur]

I thought a lot about rz Michael and his hands today.

(this is just another drabble about living with Michael, listen, I love writing wholesome stuff like that.)

"Fuck!", you balance the hot pan away from the stove and, more or less gently, drop it on the wooden counter. Cursing under your breath, you tug the now hot, oven mitt off your hands and anxiously inspect your skin. A red blemish graces the spot where the pan has touched you. Sighing, you ignore the throbbing heat radiating into the tips of your fingers. You could just hope that it wouldn't turn into a blister. Why were you always so clumsy?

A creak in the floor behind you makes you turn around. Michael looks confused. According to the paper sticking to his fingers and clothes, and the lack of a mask, he was right in his "creative phase" when you had your little accident. Ever since he started spending more time at home, half of the day was spent crafting away. Most of the time he made new masks, but sporadically, he painted something, too.

"Just an accident, Michael, don't worry about it.", you cradle the injured hand to your stomach and walk over to the sink to rinse it off, "The hot pan touched me is all."

Michael comes closer, silently as always, and watches as you let the chilly water cool the heated skin. You sigh in relief as the heat and pain lessen beneath the cold stream.

The fridge door opens and closes again. Michael's shadows looms over you, and you turn the water off. As soon as the sensation of the water leaves your skin, the blemish starts warming and throbbing again, and you suppress a groan.

Michael's head is tilted to the side when you turn around, and you notice he grabbed a cooling pad from the freezer. Hesitantly, he moves closer, as if he doesn't really know how to help you in this situation. His confusion is rather adorable, you have to admit.

His hands find yours, and you marvel at the gentleness with which he treats the burn. Tenderly, his big hands use a dish towel to wrap the freezing pad around your hand. He's nearly as careful as when he creates his masks.

"Thank you.", you try, but you can't completely hide the surprised undertone in your voice. Michael rarely shows compassion when such things happen to you if he's even in the house while they occur.

His fingers linger on your skin, and he nods once, twice before he lifts your hand and, you can't believe your eyes, presses a gentle kiss on the damp dish towel.

After a few seconds, you notice your mouth opened in astonishment and, ashamed, you close it. Your eyes sheepishly leave his mouth, and suddenly the kitchen tiles are so much more interesting than him. Fuck, sometimes you're really embarrassing.

A hoarse sound makes you look at him again, and when you do, you can't believe your eyes. Deep, rumbling chuckles leave his lips as he looks down at you, clearly finding your embarrassment very amusing. His eyes crinkle when he laughs and for a second you want to stare again, but this time you catch yourself.

"You bastard.", the weak hit you deliver to his torso feels like you're hitting a rock. It doesn't seem to make him stop laughing either, so you huff in frustration and cross your arms, hiding your own smile as good as you can.

[python333]

duckling — python333

— — — —

synopsis you have trouble sleeping most nights, luckily gaz is there to help you sleep and does so with cuddles and the least amount of banter ive ever written before with him!! :3

relationships platonic!gaz & gn!reader.

characters gaz.

word count 1.05k

warnings 2nd person pov [you/yours/yourself], no usage of c/n [you are exclusively referred to with pet names].

note i have no motivation to write anything but short drabbles like these rn :( thank you to everyone who's sent me any reqs, i'll get to them as soon as i get the motivation to!! which will probably be by tomorrow or the day after that, but i still kind of feel bad :< i hope you guys enjoy it anyway tho, it's all fluff and sibling dynamics with gaz!!

You really had no choice but to go to his room. 

You’d been tossing and turning in bed, the sheets ruined by all the rustling, and with a final groan of frustration you’d thrown them off of your body and gotten out of bed.

You paused for a moment before grabbing the blankets and wrapping them around yourself, then grabbing your pillow, holding it tightly whilst you walked towards and out of the doors of your sleeping quarters.

Right now, you’re trudging along the hall that leads to his sleeping quarters, yawning into the palm of your hand as you do. Your blinking is slow as is your breathing, and you feel—and probably look—like a zombie.

You’re well aware of the dark bags hanging under your eyes, and of your messy hair, but you can’t bring yourself to care at the moment, more focused on getting to his room so you can finally sleep.

Gaz, months ago, after hearing about your tendency to just get up and walk laps around the base until you were too exhausted to go on just to sleep, had told you that if you ever felt the need to do that again you should just go to his room and he’d help you sleep.

Of course, not even two days after that conversation had taken place, you found yourself still awake at three in the morning, so you decided to listen to Gaz for once and headed to his room. 

By helping you sleep, he apparently meant moving over on his bed and letting you sleep beside him. Which made you skeptical at first, because you weren’t five, you didn’t need to be cuddled to go to sleep, but you still gave him a chance and crawled into bed next to him.

And you were proven wrong the moment Gaz put an arm over your midriff and gently rubbed his thumb up and down your side, the small action lulling you to sleep almost immediately. He woke you up just three hours later, at six in the morning, so that you had time to get back to your own sleeping quarters so that nobody suspected anything. 

You can almost feel yourself getting more tired just from the memory of it—not tired enough to sleep, of course, because nothing could be that easy, but still tired. 

So then, after that initial night, you came to him more and more often. He became more and more concerned each time you knocked on the door of his sleeping quarters, but never directly told you that, instead simply opening the door and letting you get into bed with him.

Slowly, you became more comfortable doing it, and it soon became your instinct to go to Gaz’s sleeping quarters whenever you couldn’t sleep. 

So now, as you walk up to the door of his sleeping quarters and knock twice, it’s no surprise how quickly he answers. He opens the door almost immediately and steps to the side so that you can walk in.

You do just that, walking into his sleeping quarters and heading straight for his bed, pushing his pillow to the side so that you can put yours right beside his, on the side closest to the wall, and you crawl into bed. 

You hear him close the door and pad over to the bed, waiting for you to climb under the covers and put your head on your pillow before crawling in behind you. Once he’s fully under the covers, he wraps a gentle arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him so that he can properly spoon you. 

“You don’t have to bring your own blanket, you know,” He mumbles as he puts his head on your chin, “There’s always gonna be one here.” 

“I know,” You simply hum, grabbing Gaz’s hand from where it lays casually on your stomach and holding it with your own, “But it’s colder in here at night. I like having both blankets.” 

Gaz stays silent, instead responding by simply squeezing your hand and rubbing his thumb over the back of it. 

“I’m sorry, is having a whole ‘nother person here not warm enough for you?” Gaz finally responds, voice full of snark. 

“Not at all,” You murmur, squeezing Gaz’s hand back, “Body heat and a single blanket isn’t enough. I need another blanket or else I’ll get hypothermia.” 

“Whatever you say, duckling,” Gaz sighs.

“I still don’t get why you call me that.” 

“Don’t act like you don’t follow me everywhere around base like a little duckling.” 

“It’s not acting,” You grumble, making Gaz huff out a laugh, “I just don’t.” 

“Oh, but you do,” Gaz coos, before pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head, “You don’t have to be embarrassed. It’s not like it’s a secret.” 

“I’m not embarrassed,” You deny, lying straight through your teeth, “I just don’t follow you around. At all.” 

“You’re only convincing yourself, duckling,” Gaz mumbles, putting his chin on top of your head again, right over the spot he’d kissed, “Now go to sleep. You need it.” 

You don’t respond verbally, instead simply relaxing your shoulders that you hadn’t even realized were tense, and letting out a tired sigh. Gaz was wrong, you weren’t even convincing yourself.

You knew that you followed him around everywhere, like a pestering younger sibling that was desperate to copy their older sibling, but he didn’t need to know that you knew that. 

And he definitely didn’t need to know you had no real problem with it. 

Soon, like you had never had sleeping problems to begin with, you were fast asleep. Gaz, however, continued his ministrations of rubbing his thumb over the back of your hand, as well as loosely holding your hand in his. 

Eventually, his thumb slows and he drifts asleep as well, and when he falls into a deeper slumber his thumb eventually stops its movements. But throughout the night, his hand continues to be held in yours, and his arm remains where it is, keeping you close to him the entire night. 

The next morning, when he wakes up and sees you still peacefully asleep, he can’t find it in himself to disrupt your sleep, so he simply closes his eyes and acts as thought he had never woken up.