#felt nice to not only finish a drawing but also be able to make it into a vid

[askyofexplodingstars]

you'd never guess what i started playing recently

and this one has a speedpaint! :D

[naughtyjjk]

jjk men during no nut november

characters: gojo, geto, nanami, toji | fem reader warnings: 18+, smut, teasing, blowjob, masturbation, orgasm denial (just bc of the challenge) ty to everyone who voted for this! it ended up being so much longer than i expected. anyway, enjoy — it's that time of year ;)

GOJO...

talks big at first about how easy the challenge is going to be, but quickly realizes how wrong he is when november actually comes. it's natural, after all; the more he's not supposed to do something, the more it's on his mind. so he finds himself thinking about sex all the time, thinking about you. he recalls the previous times you've fucked, how good it felt to have his cock inside you without any stupid rules holding him back.

he ends up becoming soo fucking horny that it's unbearable, getting himself all worked up and finding any excuse to touch your body. "i want you... god, i wanna fuck you so bad," he says, stripping both of you down and pulling out his cock. it's nice and hard already, dripping with precum. just looking at it makes you turned on, too.

he thrusts into you and as soon as he bottoms out, the full length of his cock buried deep, you stop him there and ask, teasingly, "are you sure you want to do this? you’re not supposed to come this month, remember?" but it’s obvious that this is the limit of his self-control. you can already tell how badly he needs it, unable to take the sexual frustration anymore. "will you be able to hold back from coming?"

gojo whines, cock twitching inside you. he's so desperate and aroused and there's no way he's going to stop now that he's already gotten this far. ignoring your warning, he begins to thrust into you, moaning at how good it feels.

in the end, he only lasts a few days, which means he doesn't get any bragging rights about making it through NNN. but he has no regrets at all because now he can fuck you whenever he wants.

NANAMI...

manages to hold out for a while, but loses by the end of the first week. he tries his best, but he's weak and just can't resist you. at night, he would jerk himself off because he needs some relief but forces himself to go slowly enough to make sure he doesn't come. it doesn't help, though, because he only ends up more turned on, knowing that he can’t fully give himself the orgasm he needs.

after a few nights of going to bed hard and aching, even the most innocent touches from you gets him all riled up. his resolve snaps when you wear extra revealing clothing one day, as if you're testing him on purpose—bending over to show your cleavage, wearing leggings that draw his attention to your thighs. you know he's lost the challenge when he reaches out to touch your your legs, trailing higher and higher until he's rubbing you through your panties.

you rock your hips against his hand, noticing the bulge in his pants, the outline of his hard cock. "are you going to do anything about that?" you ask, and his eyes darken. he's far too horny to hold back any longer, taking you right then and there.

"careful," you say when you notice him start to get close, whispering into his ear. "you don't want to accidentally come now, do you?" but of course that only makes him more aroused, knowing that he isn’t supposed to be doing this.

"fuuck," he groans, thrusting into you harder and you can feel him pulsing inside you, a warning. "i c-can't hold it." he comes in you and it's so hot and filthy and you can feel his release dripping down your legs. but he doesn’t stop until you’re also shaking and moaning, riding out your orgasm on his cock.

maybe next year, you'll both have more luck finishing the challenge.

GETO...

doesn't touch you at all. he's almost too good at keeping his hands off you, determined to win this challenge. it's annoying how composed he is at the halfway point, like he's completely unaffected by the whole thing. but just because he doesn't show it doesn't mean that it isn't slowly getting to him, too.

when the end of the month approaches, he's in constant battle with himself. on one hand, he's so close to winning the challenge; on the other hand, he's beyond sexually frustrated from denying himself for so long.

the day that his resolve snaps, you're eating a lollipop and decide to tease him when you notice him starting at your mouth. you swirl your tongue around the lollipop, licking, sucking, swallowing it down, all whole making eye contact with him. he's aching and hard in his pants by the time you're done and he makes you kneel on your knees in front of him as he pulls out his cock.

he says, "if you want something to suck on so badly, then show me just how good you are" and you're happy to do so. you do the exact same thing—licking, sucking, swallowing him down. swirling around his sensitive cockhead, tracing the veins on the shaft. it's been weeks since his cock had any stimulation so it doesn't take much to get him to the edge. soon, he's thrusting into your mouth, hands tangled in your hair, moaning at how good it feels. "f-fuck, your tongue—i'm coming, i'm—"

his cock twitches as he comes, spilling down your throat. he’s breathing hard. when his mind clears, he decides that it's worth it, even if he was only a few days away from completing NNN.

TOJI...

plays dirty the whole time. this man is absolutely ruthless. he teases you relentlessly, doing whatever he wants with your body—nothing is off limits as long as you don't come. which means he can still touch you, finger you, eat you out as long as he stops before either of you orgasm. and he does this all with a wicked, sexy grin on his face, knowing exactly the torture he’s putting you through.

by far the cruelest thing he ever does is fuck you with his cock and stop mid-thrust just as you're about to come. then he pulls out and leaves you there, desperate and begging for him to go all the way. but he doesn't. he never does. and he repeats this every day for the whole month, constantly getting you worked up and keeping you on edge while denying you of your release. denying himself, too.

he says, "don't feel too good yet, baby" even when you're moaning and whimpering, begging him to finally give in. “p-please—ah, please toji... i don't care about the challenge anymore, let me come—"

meanwhile, his own self control is made of steel; he could be rock hard in his pants, leaking precum, but just knowing the effect it has on you is enough for him to ignore his own desires for now. he gets off on making you more and more aroused, pushing your limits to see when you'll break. and if you're able to last the entire time, he's looking forward to the payoff at the end, where he gets to fuck you hard, leading to an orgasm that's been building up for a month.

[upsidedownsmore]

Hollowframe 57 + Umbra, my submission for the TennoCon 2024 Community Showcase!

Sorry that it took this long to post! This update is special for many reasons, and I'll go through them all here!

First up, Dante AND Jade!

This is the first time I've added two frames to the project at once, rushing to get both finished in time for Tennocon. In order to do so I had to skip making backgrounds for them, however I still plan on making them as soon as I'm able!

You can find more details about the delay and my change of plans regarding their solo compositions in the thread here

In addition to the two new frames, I also took the liberty to rework and tweak a bunch of the older designs that I felt weren't fitting the goal of the project well enough. It was nice drawing simpler designs again! (old on left, new on right)

Here's a timelapse of the changes made to the poster! Tumblr can only have one video per post, so you can find a twitter reply with videos for Dante and Jade here!

Now to get sappy, cause this poster had two journeys through Tennocon! The first being that it got accepted into the community showcase, so here's pics of that! What an absolute honor omg

The second journey was my own personal print, which got signed by so many amazing and lovely people from DE!! I'm SO glad I got the poster printed for myself from Mercury Blueprinting the day of TennoVIP oh my lorrrrd

I might as well add that you can also find all this in my new ArtStation portfolio! Link to it here:

Aaand if you want to check out the Hollowframe Google Drive folder for free or more, it's now available on my new Ko-fi! Link to it here:

Previous Hollowframe update:

I think that's it! There's no way I would have ever guessed how far this project would go when I started it 3 years ago. Thank you guys so much for the support throughout the years, just absolute insanity and i'm losing my ability to word good i still cant get over iiiiiiiiiiiit

[dearyuls]

#. — chae yul x reader (she/her pronouns used.)

#. content warnings! — extreme yandere behaviour, failed recovery, obsession, stalking, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood and injuries, gore.

#. word count! — (so far) 13,500.

#. < full fanfiction, slowburn, no update schedule just whenever I feel like writing. only three chapter have been written so far, slow updates. also being crossposted on ao3 and wattpad as “ hand in unlovable hand”

#. > 0 | 1| 2 | <

PROLOGUE.

He swore to himself that this would be a new chance, he wouldn't waste the second chance at life that Eun Sian had graciously gifted him, in not ruining his life, that was all he could do in thanks to his dear person...well. Ex-dear person.

It was only one picture, he wouldn't let it get out of hand again, he probably wouldn't see you ever again, fate was cruel like that, and more than anyone, he knew he couldn't bend it to his will, even if he were to break all of his fingers doing so.

He had been moved far away from Sian, all on his own. A fresh slate. And, now he had no school to preoccupy himself with, he figured that finding a job would be the best thing for him to do in order to try and get his life back on track from the disastrous place he had steered it to, he blamed himself for it all, so, he decided he must be the one to fix it.

His father had given him the money to move in, and apart from that, he had no contact with his family in the slightest, he had no family left that wanted anything to do with him, he had no support system, and with this came more reason to job hunt, with no money he wouldn't be able to feed himself, or pay the bills he had.

Since he was already skilled in photography, that was the easiest first step in his mind, he'd build up a portfolio and become a photographer for events ,such as weddings, and put his prior experience to use.

It was a somewhat warm day in spring, Yul stood outside, camera in hand, snapping pictures of the scenery around him, he was just wandering around, finding whatever he saw pretty he wore a plain outfit, all black, with a hat on so that less of his face was visible, he was aware nobody that knew him could be here, they had actual lives to attend to, but, the thought of it happening but him on edge, he was lucky to be holding his camera or he would've bitten his fingernails half to death.

" At least it's a nice day out.." he mumbled to himself, as he moved to snap a photo of a water fountain that he had found in the middle of one of the nearby parks, surrounded by the greenery it made for an aesthetic picture, just what he was looking for.

CLICK!

The shutter went off and Yul waited to check the photo on the screen...

Fuck, He'd have to retake it, he couldn't have that person standing in the frame.

He looked up, he had to see if whoever you were had moved, and, it was as if the first domino had been pushed over, you were looking away, it appeared an orange butterfly had caught your attention, so you didn't make eye contact, but Yul felt his heart speed up. The rays of sunlight painted your face, the gentle breeze made your hair flow ever so slightly..and you were just wearing the cutest outfit..he wondered what Sian would look like if she wore it.

He slapped himself in the face. He hated the way he thought, he needed to stop thinking about her, it wouldn't get him anywhere. He wanted to change, it was what she wanted. He knew Sian would never wear a skirt like that, what a dumb thought.

By the time he'd finished his self argument, she had already gotten out of the frame, and Yul hesitated before taking another picture, he wouldn't delete the first photo, something compelled him not to.

He bit his lip, harsh, almost like trying to draw blood as he went back to the first photo, infact, your presence there seemed to elevate the scene, maybe it was better with you in it... the more he looked at the photo the more he seemed to agree.

He shook that feeling off and kept walking, he had to learn to do something by himself without the thoughts of her creeping in.

By the time the sun started setting Yul had already gone home, he felt strange, unable to take anymore pictures. His mood had turned completely dejected. It hasn't been all that great after getting out of hospital, he had been miserable despite trying, and today he just started to feel worse.

He was on his computer, which sat on a little desk in the left corner of his room. And was clicking through the photos which he had taken, figuring out which one would be the best to show to professional companies, he had only found two of actual quality for that day, and he clicked right, going to the next one, the one with that girl in it.

He zoomed in, and in and in.

He just sat in his dimly light room, illuminated by a single lamp, with his eyes pressed to the computer screen. Staring at you, Unblinking.

He stared, and stared, and stared.

It didn't take him long to realise he was being creepy, this behaviour wasn't right. He needed to stop.  In the short time he was at therapy, he had been taught a few ways t stop himself when he got all worked up like this, but, it was a shame he couldn't remember a single one of them.

It had been some time since he showed proper interest in anyone, and, you were just some random girl, he wouldn't let it get any worse again, he didn't even know your name or anything, plus he didn't even know anything about you.

Despite the kind look on your face and your general demeanour, you could still be a serpent lying beneath.

Why was he even questioning any of that? He didn't even know you, why was he trying to figure out what kind of person you were? He shook his head, minimising his gallery before closing his computer completely, maybe he was just feeling vulnerable and this is why his strange feelings started to act up again..

Yul had no other explanation outside of it being that, so, he decided to try and sleep it off. He got up from his desk and draped himself over his bed, staring up at his empty walls. With no pictures spread over them, it didn't look right, he could just imagine her face staring back at him...but she wasn't there. She had abandoned him she was horrible she was

Something he no longer needed to worry about, he reminded himself. He had no right to be angry.

He just needed to search and find something to overwhelm the still lingering feelings he has,  or he needs to actually get better, one of the two, he'd settle for.

[hypnoneghoul]

okay i know this is not a pairing you write/draw normally

but like… pretty mountain in… idk… rain‘s pretty clothes? hed look so pretty right? those long legs in tight pants or even short skirts… mountain is circling my brain since yesterday. some eyeshadow and eyeliner to make his eyes pop… yknow?

ohhh I for sure love me some good mountrain from time to time. also tagging @forlorn-crows cause i know u love them always heheh

760 words, feminization but not forced, babygirl mountain and sir rain, blow job but fade to black?

He couldn’t stop staring. Never could, Mountain too captivating of a sight, the heat in Rain’s gut made only hotter by the fact that clothes hugging the earth ghoul’s body were his. Mountain knew exactly what he was doing, having a specific goal in mind. Each and every one of his packmates had their own way of taking someone out of their head and this time he craved Rain’s personal brand. And after all these years together, he knew exactly what buttons to push.

Mountain had taken a long shower, shaving nearly his whole body, covering himself in a floral scented lotion, making his skin soft and shimmering. He’d used a dark eyeliner on the lashlines of his eyes, adding a bit of black but sparkly eyeshadow to blend it out, and topping it with a mascara. The one he’d known would leave pretty streaks on his cheeks when he’d start crying. He’d finished the look with a deep red lipstick, one that smudges. 

Like that—body wrapped in a fluffy robe, hiding the lingerie he’d also put on—he’d slinked into Rain’s bedroom, diving into his closet for one specific dress. Once he got it and put it on, Mountain laid himself out on the water ghoul’s bed, knowing that he should walk into it just–

“Mounty? What– Oh,” Rain stumbled over his words, taking in the image of the ghoul all dolled up and waiting for him. He cleared his throat, getting over the initial surprise, and went right to it. “I see my good girl has decided to pay me a visit, hm?”

Mountain didn’t speak, only blushing at Rain’s words even though he had expected them. Wanted them. 

“Yeah, she has,” the water ghoul smirked, stalking closer. “What do you need from me today, sweet girl?”

“Wanna– I wanna suck your cock,” the earth ghoul mumbled, shy all of a sudden. His eyes flashed, as if remembering something. “S– sir.”

“Good girl,” Rain praised and crawled over him on the bed, trapping Mountain’s much bigger form under him. It was truly amazing how Rain could make him feel so small and delicate. The water ghoul leaned down to drag his nose up Mountain’s neck, inhaling deeply his sweet scent.

“You’ll get it, baby,” he whispered into his ear before pulling away. “All dolled up and pretty for me. I bet you’re hiding something real nice under that dress of mine, too, yeah?”

Mountain nodded, swallowing thickly. He looked up at Rain through his lashes, accentuated by the mascara, and the water ghoul felt his rapidly chubbing up cock kick. He placed a hand just over the other’s knee and started slowly dragging it upwards, smirking at him shivering.

Soon enough he found delicate lace stretching over Mountain’s cock, damp already. “There it is. I’ll play with it later, but first…”

Rain straightened up, smiling at the earth ghoul’s blissed out expression, his pretty face, eyes as big as ever with the makeup, and his lips, all red and full. Rain opened his pants, just enough to pull out his dick, sighing as he loosely wrapped his hand around it. As soon as Mountain saw it, he started salivating, needing the water ghoul to shove his perfect cock into his mouth and down his throat.

Yet all Rain did was stroke himself slowly, up and down, twisting his hand at the head and letting out a soft sigh fall from his lips.

Mountain was hungry. “Sir, please.”

“Don’t you worry, babygirl. Just getting it all nice and hard for you.” With that he scooted forward, coming to straddle the earth ghoul’s chest instead of his legs. Mountain went cross eyed, not being able to look away from the cock just in front of his face, yet so far.

Rain cupped his cheek, thumb gently running over his cheekbone and Mountain barely managed to not lean into the touch with a purr. Instead, he let his tongue loll out of his mouth as both an invitation and a plea.

The water ghoul obliged, closing that last tiny bit of distance and laying the head of his cock on Mountain’s pink tongue. He moaned immediately when the taste of Rain’s pre hit him, eyes squeezing shut as he struggled against his need to swallow the whole shaft down right away.

“There we go, my good girl, so patient,” Rain cooed over him, running his fingers through the shiny auburn strands. “You’ve earned it, you can choke on it if you so wish.”

And, oh, did Mountain wish. 

[itsscromp]

OMG SO I REQUESTED THE TOMAS WITH THE KID READER, IT WAS SO CUTE, USVHSBS

Could I ask for a follow up, maybe? The ending had the reader drawing, so what if the reader just draws him, themselves and Kuai Liang just hanging out all the time? Bonus points if they're not at all good and literally just stick figures, but it's clear they put so much love into it that it doesn't matter

Tomas Vbrada/Smoke and Kuai Liang/Scorpion X reader

Awwwwwwww anon This is so adorable I love it so damn much, Your brain is on fire this month !!!. Word count:1K

Whenever you finished up training or done your chores in the dojo, It was no surprise that you would spend your free time drawing, Most of the time you would draw you and Smoke, Granted they were stick figures but you put so much love and care into them. Even having Kuai liang in your drawings as well.

"Kuai I drew something new !!" You said proudly.

"Ah what have you drawn today ??" He smile as you handed him a drawing.

"This is me" You pointed at the stick figure what looks like its punching a wooden pole. "And this is you" Pointing to the second stick figure who was cheering you on.

"This is very lovely y/n, Thank you for this" He smiled brightly, you just made his day.

Both Tomas and Kuai have a huge collection of your drawings, each one putting so much love and care into it. You really did see them as your brothers, even though you didn't share the same blood. You saw them as brothers who would do nothing else to protect you and help you be the very best you can be.

One day, It was a nice beautiful summer's day outside, and Kuai decided to treat you two to a day out, no worrying about any chores or training.

"How about a day swim at the lake nearby ??" He smiled.

"Yeah I like that !!" You smiled enthusiastically which made Smoke chuckle, If you had a tail it would be wagging almost out of control.

"Alright then we leave very soon, so I suggest we help each other pack for the day out." With that the two then quickly changed into their swim clothes and packed dry ones and a towel while Kuai filled a basket with food and water.

Y/n also packed their notepad and pencil too just incase they see anything interesting along the way to the lake.

They began they're walk to the lake, the summer sun working a sweat on all of you.

"Don't worry y/n we're nearly there" Smoke smiled and patted your shoulder.

"Ok..." You wiped the sweat off your forehead with your arm.

And within a few minutes you arrived at the lake, the water crystal clear, cool and inviting. "Go on then" Kuai smiled and sat down under the tree.

Y/n cheered and rushed into the water, diving in and just having a blast, Tomas dived in too, but you were distracted so he gave the most perfect opportunity and then swam up to you without even noticing and then he struck, lifting you up out of the water.

"What the. Tomas !!!" You giggled

"Ready, in 3... 2... 1... Go !!!" He then tossed you back into the water.

"NO" You yelled as you splashed in and swam back up, Tomas giving the most cheeky smile you have ever seen. Then it turns into a water fight oh boy was he going down. Kuai Liang smiled brightly watching you two play in the water. He's never seen Tomas this happy before, it warmed his heart to see how close you and him were. Just being able to let loose and have a bit of fun.

"Kuai Come on in !!' You yelled out to him, making him lose his train of thought. "I'm all good y/n" He declined polietly.

"Oh man..." You pouted.

"Hey I know something that might get him in" Tomas whispered to you.

"Oh ??"

He gently whispered into your ear as Kuai then looked back up into the sky and closed his eyes, taking in the soft breeze. It only lasted for a few seconds when he felt water splash onto him. Opening his eyes to find it was you as you laughed running back into the water.

"Come back here y/n" He smirked and rushed after you, diving into the water and swam for you.

"Tomas help me !!" You shrieked as you swam to him, but you didn't reach him in time as Kuai then caught you and started to tickle your sides.

"No !!" You giggled loudly, you had nowhere to go. Trapped in the clutches of kuai's tickle attack.

"That's what you get for splashing me." He smirked as he then let you go and splashed you.

"It came with some sacrifice but we got him into the water huh y/n" Tomas smirked and playfully nudged you.

"Don't think you're getting out of this too brother." He smirked and splashed him as well.

"Wha- hey !!" He smiled as he splashed back.

Another giant water fight ensued, one with lots of smiles and laughs, the three spent hours having fun in the water, it was much needed after many days of training.

After a fun day of swimming and being with your brothers you decided to make a new drawing about your day. You were going to make this the very best drawing the elder gods have ever seen. It took longer this time, showing how much love and care you were going to put into this drawing. After almost 45 minutes it was finished. It was beautiful, But before you showed them, you placed in the most important thing of the drawing, you, Tomas and Kuai.

"Guys I got something to show you !!" You smiled so brightly.

"Oh, what is it ??" Tomas asked.

You then showed them the drawing, placing it in front of them as they looked over, The lake day was perfectly drawn. So much love and care, and you had the stick figures in too.

"That's me, and Kuai and you. We're hugging each other like we did in the lake."

Both of them smile brightly and group hug you.

"This is very beautiful y/n, thank you so much" Kuai gently rubbed your shoulder blade and smiled.

"I love you guys..."

And if their hearts couldn't melt any further, You were their sibling, one of the Shirai Ryu. One who they would always protect no matter what the situation is. You were family.

Taglist @callofdudes @fun-k-board

[gamblersdoll]

snippet 1— toji fushiguro (a chapter from what couldve been a toji zenin story) “enslaven birthday”

birthdays were never really celebrated unless you were able to see curses, use cursed energy or reverse curse technique. unlike you and toji, everyone had the luxury of birthdays. you both did not.

so what was there to do? be locked in a cell all day together, it would somehow allow fun in your lives. and the zenin clan didnt want that.

“whats on your mind over ‘dere?” toji asks, scraping whatever left over food there was that he stored up for himself. he also passed you a plate he saved just for you.

“nothing, its mot important.” you say, previously drowning in your thoughts and being brought back. you eat some slowly too, but toji grunts.

“tel me the actual reason, y/n. its me.” toji pushes back, watching the way you breathe and how your eyes look. he could do all of that at seventeen, still stuck at the zenin family until he was let go from practical enslavement.

you sigh, pausing on your semi meal and look away. “i remembered my birthday is today, and it’s annoying.” you reveal, toji’s heart beating faster than anything. he only nods, mumbling a ‘finish your portion’ and keeps eating his.

its finally sometime after dark, you still heard the chanting and shouting outside. must be having some fucking party, it angered you, yet it wasnt anything new.

toji came back, but something was up.

“what is it now?” you whisper, toji only looking at you. it took you aback when he softened up, pulling you down with him and holding you.

you hadnt been held in a long time.

“toji—“ you try, but he cuts you.

“its ‘yer birthday today, isnt it? gotta find someway to celebrate.” he only replies, eyes closing and steadying himself. “besides, i see the way you were lookin’ at me a few days ago.”

“shut the hell up..” you mumble in embarrassment, a laugh erupting from his chest.

you both laid in silence, him occasionally rubbing the small of your stomach and breathing across your neck. there was undeniable warmth, sadness, but another feeling: tenderness, warmth, attraction.

“toji.. if i asked you to try something.. will you?” you ask, biting the tips of your fingernails and fighting back groans from him massaging your hips.

“yeah, what is it?” he leans up, looking down at you on his side. his eyes trained on your features, he never once understood how anyone could not see potential in you. there had to be.. had to be with you. you didnt deserve to be here.

your face heats up, a racing heart that only you and toji could hear. and practically feel, his brain clicks, eyes lowering and he feels his heart start to race as well. something tightens in his stomach, him lowering himself to press his lip’s against yours.

his hands grip your hips again, you instinctively open your legs and allow him access between them. his groin bumps and grinds against you core, only drawing more and more neediness to both of you.

“haa– f–fuuck!” you silently moan, arms wrapped around his neck and head bouncing back from each thrust of his hips into your seeping cunt. his groans reverberated through your body, eyes looking for his with tears spilling out the side.

“god..damnit..” he only exhales it out, feeling his abs tighten from the bottom and his balls lurching each nice thrust. “fuck, this okay?” he asks to just make sure, eyes looking and locking with yours. “this what the birthday girl wants?”

you nod, tilting your head to the side and kissing his plump lips in desire and need, him obliging your attention. he smiles softly, eyebrows scrunched together and humping his cock into you.

when it suddenly hits him, you both were each other’s first.. and it felt too fucking goof to be true. his eyes have to fight from rolling to the back of his head. “fuck. fuck. fuck.” he says with each thrust, eye’s watching the way he sinks into you and pulls right back out.

“god, fuckin love you.” he growls out softly, hands gripping your wrists together and it hits him again: he.. loved you? he didnt love anyone or anything. coming to think of it…

“love you..” you whisper back, head rolling back. “im g’unna cum.” you moaned, tears falling more from the sensation and your core having its first orgasm.

“do it.. do it.” he chants, looking at your face as he presses his hand into your back, forcing you to arch your nipple into his mouth. “fuck me, birthday girl.”

your hips move on their own, chasing your own orgasm as you pulled toji’s own orgasm, too. your nails leave half crescent moons in his biceps, legs spasming from your mind and body breaking orgasm. toji had already quickly pulled himself out, spurting hot, translucent cum onto the floor.

it took both of you to realize after post nut clarity: you both said ‘i love you’ after knowing eachother for two years.

“.. c’mere.” toji says, scooping you up into his arms and laying with you on the shitty bed that the head of the clan left you both with. “did.. you mean that sentimental stuff?” he asks, somewhat hoping for a good answer.

you were all he could rely on.

you nod, looking up to him. his eyes softened, sense of relief and.. you could say happiness washed over him. “me too, birthday girl.”

the memory only plays in his head as the boss drives the little sedan he bought for this bounty, toji stares out the window of it. it angers him, why the fuck after years of never seeing you again, would it come back now? but, it makes his heart hurt more. he.. he needed to see you again, because anything could happen. he could die on this bounty hunt. but, it angered him he had been left out on a bullshit secret you had.

but, he knew you were his first everything. and you used to have a home for him…

[sweet-little-raven]

BLL — Sneak Peek

Wednesday walked towards the mirror that hung between a few books on a shelf of the bookcase. She gasped when she saw her reflection: her neck was a canvas of contrasts, the delicate skin marred by deep, darkened purples and reds. The bruises varied in size and shape; some small and circular, others more elongated, like the brushstrokes of a hand. Had Enid really been this rough? Impressive.

The hickeys, however, were darker—almost black in the center, fading out to a lighter shade at the edges. They were scattered all across her throat and collarbone, each one a memory to the passion and force with which Enid had kissed and bitten her last night.

The sight of the state her neck and collarbone were left in brought a small, almost imperceptible smile to her lips. She gingerly touched one of the bruises, feeling the slight sting that accompanied the memory. Woah. It was unusual for her to let anyone get this close, to leave such visible marks on her body, but with Enid... it was different. Oh, all the things she wanted her to do to her...

"Impressive," she murmured as she continued to inspect herself in the mirror.

"Does it hurt?" Pugsley asked, standing at the doorway of the office.

"A little bit. I've never felt this kind of pain before... but I have to admit, it's really agreeable."

The boy chuckled. "Only you can say this about pain. You know, I never thought you'd be a bottom. You disappoint me, sister."

Wednesday's smile faded away as she turned around to face her brother. Darker, bloodier thoughts replacing the memories of last night. "What the fuck do you mean?"

"Well... Your neck says it all."

"For your information, I wasn't a 'bottom,' as you call it."

"Oh, yeah? Then how do you explain all these bruises and hickeys?"

"I was on top. Then we switched. Then I was on top again. I was on top most of the time."

Pugsley wrinkled his nose and scrunched up his face, his eyebrows drawing together in a tight frown at the thought. His lips curled downward as if he had just tasted something incredibly sour. "Uhm... Okay, I don't think I actually wanted to know this," he murmured with a mix of disgust and embarrassment.

"You started this. Since when does a little talk make you uncomfortable, Pugsley?"

"You're my sister. Imagining you fucking that blonde—"

"Enid."

"—Enid, is something I would prefer to not imagine."

"Then don't." By now, the brunette was fully dressed in the clothes she wore yesterday: white buttoned-up shirt, black slacks and her black vest she decided to leave open. "Are you done talking about my sexual life now? Our parents are waiting."

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

A/N: Little sneak peek of my next fanfiction that, for now, I will call by its initials, BLL. At the moment I have 30k words and still have a lot of chapters to write. I will only post it once it is finished, as I sometimes modify previous chapters as I write and feeling stressed about posting makes me lose inspiration and then I end up abandonning the fic. So I will wait to post it to be able to have a nice posting schedule (probably 2 times a week.) Hopefully I will finish soon, because I am extremely excited to post it 🤍 For those confused about this scene, Enid and Wednesday had a one-night stand in Wednesday's office. They are both adults in this story. Anyways, I hope you liked this little sneak peek! I also might post some more in the future :)

[dragon-creates]

Five Times Jax and Pomni Share Dreams of Their Past Lives (And One Time Where They Remember)

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Here we are, back with another chapter! Thank you so much for the support with this, it really means a lot to me. Especially those in the funnybunny discord server I joined, ya'll have been so welcoming and accepting when I joined so thank you so much.

Also, check out these art that people have made for my fic, I still can't believe people are drawing art of it thank you so much!

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Thank you all again and I hope you enjoy chapter 3!!!

3. Paper Rings

Jax stood with his arms crossed, and a frown printed on his face. Caine had called everyone for the last adventure of the day and Jax already wanted to be finished with it. Ever since his revelation earlier about how he felt about Pomni, his mind had turned into a storming whirlpool. He tried to think of anything else, pranks, centipedes, the existential dread that he was stuck here forever – it might be morbid but it was something at least -, kicking leftover gloinks, breaking Gangle’s comedy mask, Pomni-Pomni-Pomni-Pomni-Pomni…

“Thank you all for coming!” Caine’s abnormally loud voice from him from his daze, thankfully. “I understand that you’ve all been working hard all day with the adventures I’ve given you, but fear not, I have one more and you can all retire for the night!”

“Do we really have to?” Zooble muttered, “Can’t this wait till tomorrow? I’ve got better things to do.”

“I agree,” Gangle whispered, “I wanted to try and fix my comedy mask…again.”

“Don’t you worry Zooble and Gangle, you darling multi-shaped freaks!” Caine bellowed, “This adventure is only for two, so you don’t need to worry about joining anything. I just wanted to gather all of you to see them off before the most exhilarating voyage of a lifetime!”

“Well, whoever it is, I’m glad they’ve got this opportunity to do so,” Ragatha smiled, “It’ll be nice to hear about it when they finish it.”

“Even if it includes insects!” Kinger interjected, “That’s very important.”

“I mean, its just one more adventure,” Pomni shrugged, “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

Caine gasped dramatically, finally, their new little jester was starting to get the hang of it here. “That’s great to hear Pomni, for you and Jax are going to be paired up for this glorious crusade!”

Said jester and rabbit’s faces blanched, they were still barely processing their sudden dreams two nights in a row and still weren’t able to get today’s earlier events out of their heads! Not only that, the two were still trying to process their sudden budding feelings with one another, now Caine wanted them to pair up?! Could they not have five minutes of temporary sanity before being shoved into another bizarre situation?!

“Woah, woah, hold up there, dentures!” Jax stepped forward.

“I really don’t think-” Pomni was about to continue before Caine interrupted.

“Now, now you two!” Caine waved his finger, “No need to be so shy! By the end of this adventure, you two will be closer than ever! Just think of it as team building, especially for you Jax, I don’t think I’ve seen you be close with anyone other than-”

“Don’t,” Jax bit out, making the AI go silent. A small whimper was heard, everyone turned to look at Kinger, the chest piece was clutching his cloak tighter to himself, trying to look as small as possible.

“I…I believe we should continue on with the details of your adventure!”  Caine spluttered, wanting to change the subject as quickly as he could, “After all, there’s no reason to think of the past! Since there’s no ‘past’ for any of you to go back to.”

Pomni’s eyes darted from Caine to Kinger and Jax, curiosity began to bite at her. What happened to make everyone react like that? While she was still learning about the past performers here, she still didn’t know everything. Was there someone that Jax genuinely liked here? Did they abstract like Kaufmo as well? She remembered her first day here, the first time seeing an abstraction. If she didn’t arrive would Kaufmo still be okay? He probably had a family before this realm as well, and now any chance of seeing them again was taken from him.

“Now about your adventure! Both Jax and Pomni have to venture through the winding maze! It will be grovelling, it will be exhausting, it will leave you both wondering when this madness will end! But hey, you will end up the best of buddies the time it’s over, you might even wish you’d have stayed!”

Pomni blinked her brainstorm away, she nearly forgot about the adventure!

“Good luck, and we’ll see you both in the morning!” Before Pomni could ask him what he meant, Caine snapped his fingers and the rest of the tent disappeared before her eyes.

The ground felt different underneath her feet, looking down she realized that she was standing on some sort of pixelated grass. She lifted her head to take in the rest of her surroundings, two tall hedges standing on each side of her.

“Well, this is fantastic,” a sarcastic voice drawled. Oh, right, she was stuck with Jax until this was over, “Thank you so much Caine, this is exactly what I wanted.”

“It’s fine, this is fine!” she didn’t know if she was saying this to both of them or just to herself, “It’s just a maze with long winding paths and tall bushes that you can’t see out of and hey what was that Caine said about this madness not ending!?” She was spiralling, she knew that, but in her defence…it was Pomni. “Oh god! How long are we gonna be in here until we find an exit?! What if we don’t find an exit?!”

“Easy, Pom-Pom,” Jax rolled his eyes, “Caine would lose his entertainment if he kept us in here, now come on, I wanna get out of here as soon as possible.” He started walking a few steps, only to pause when he realised that Pomni wasn’t beside him. He let out a groan when he saw that she was still stuck in the same spot, her red and blue eyes replaced with dark swirls that only appeared when she was too caught up in her mind. He went back over and tapped the back of his hand against her cheek, causing her to gasp and jump. “Come on, the last thing we need is you delaying us because you’re too busy panicking.”

Pomni scoffed, that was unnecessary, “It’s not like I can control my panic attacks, unlike you, you actually choose to be a jerk.”

Jax froze, a smirk curling on his lips. Now this was an interesting development, “Well, well. Looks like the new cat on the block finally found her claws.”

Pomni rolled her eyes, she forgot that Jax could be incredibly annoying, “Let’s just try and find an exit.”

“Whatever you say Pom-pom,” Jax’s smirk fell, returning to his prior grimace as the two continued down the maze.

Their suspicions were corrected when guessing that this maze would last more than a while, each corner they turned was a dead end, each path seemed to lead them back to where they started and when they looked back it seemed like the area where they just were had been blocked off. They didn’t know how long they had been walking, minutes, hours? All they knew was that their feet were aching and that they desperately wanted to leave. Jax was starting to lose his patience. If he were stuck here with anyone else he would have tried to run as far away from them as he could. But for some reason, he had some sort of soft spot for Pomni and he couldn’t stand it. It made things much more frustratingly difficult for him, such as not bearing to leave her behind.

It wasn’t until she tripped for the umpteenth time did he start to lose his patience, he picked her up by the back of her collar, holding her at eye level. He had to bite back a laugh, she really did look like a cat this way, a miserable wet one at that. “I don’t think Zooble has fallen over as much as you have,” he said, “At least he has a reason to be so clumsy.”

“Oh really? And what’s your reason for being such an @SShole?” she challenged him, crossing her arms over her chest, “Or were you just born that way?”

Jax let out a slow breath, dropping Pomni into her feet again, watching her stumble as she regained her balance, “You’re right, I don’t have a reason, as long as I’m watching funny things happen to others I don’t really care.”

“Well that’s definitely a sad way to live,” Pomni mumbled, taking a few steps ahead of him.

“Its better than looking for an exit that isn’t there,” Jax retorted, “I mean, its pretty sad when you think about it."

“At least I didn’t leave you with an abstraction,” Pomni quipped, “Thanks a lot for that! It was so much fun for my first day here. Not!”

“Oh you’re so welcome,” Jax gave her a shit-eating grin, “Always great for the newbie to be traumatized on her first day, it gives ya a great taste of what else is coming.”

Pomni glared at him, oh he was having too much fun with her, “You know Ragatha got really hurt because of you? You could’ve tried to help get Caine but you just ran off to who knows where. Then when I tried to help her my hand started glitching, we could have both died!”

“But you didn’t,” he replied, placing a hand on his hip, “This isn’t my first rodeo with something like this, you would’ve been fine.”

“That doesn’t mean I wasn’t freaked out by it!” Pomni grit her teeth, “Like you said, I’m new, how was I supposed to know that it was gonna be fine?!”

“Look just lay off it already?!” Jax fumed.

“Right, cause nearly getting devoured by a glitchy monstrosity is so easy to forget about,” Pomni walked past him. “God you’re such a pain.”

Jax grumbled under his breath, “What do you want, an apology? That’s not something I do sweetie.”

Pomni growled, whipping back round to face him, “Okay, what is with you?! You say you don’t have a reason to care, yet you defended me earlier today when Caine was yelling at me! What the h%ll was that about?!”

Jax inhaled deeply, now she was starting to get on his nerves, but he seemed to be doing the same to her so at least he had some sort of equal footing, “Like I said, I didn’t want Bubble to destroy the carnival, there’s no deeper meaning.”

“And I don’t believe you,” Pomni frowned, “Otherwise you wouldn’t react that way earlier when Caine was talking about you being close with someone.”

Jax flinched, he spoke in a low tone, “That’s deep water you’re treading there, sweetie. I’d recommend for you to stop while you’re ahead.” He shoved past her, ignoring her scoff.

“At least I’m trying to leave!” she stated, “If I can find a way to do that then I can help the others get out of here too! What have you done other than be a d*)k to everyone here?!”

“You really wanna know Pomni?!” he yelled, turning back and stomping over to her, “I have tried to get out! I’ve tried to collect every single key here and yet none of them has opened an exit! Do you know how it feels, to watch everyone else here slowly give up on finding a way out?! You haven’t been here as long as I have! You haven’t seen what I’ve seen! And it hurts to have everyone tell you that it’s pointless in trying to leave, trying to find a way back to a life you don’t remember! So yes, I’m awful and I shouldn’t act this way! I get it! You don’t think I hate it too?! But for some reason when I’m with you I just-!”

He froze, catching himself before he fell off the edge. Pomni’s eyes were wide and cautious, great, he was scaring her off. This should be a good thing, he wouldn’t have to deal with these stupid butterflies anymore, so why did he feel so upset about it? But instead of her yelling at him to leave her alone, all she said was, “I’m sorry that you went through that, but don’t ever speak to me like that again.” A tear fell from her eye, “And maybe it is pointless for me to find an exit like how you tried to as well, but I wanna go back to a world and see what it can offer me rather than live in a place surrounded by fear and void. Even if the life I had before was bad, at least I’ll know that I’m able to change it into something else…I feel sorry for you Jax, I really do.”

With that, she finally walked away, slowly enough for him to catch up but enough for her to leave some distance between them. He shouldn’t care, he doesn’t care, he won’t care. But, just looking at her, seeing the disappointment in her eyes. There was just no denying the raw heartache he felt after hearing those words from her. He really did fall for her, didn’t he? And he probably messed this up too, just like…no, he doesn’t need to think about that event, not anymore.

The next hour of walking was nothing but awkward filled silence. The whole time, the two just wanted to say something, anything to the other, but the words just couldn’t come to mind, and they were just getting too exhausted to keep going. Though there was no indication of night and day here, the way that their eyes kept drooping and the struggle to keep going was starting to overcome their senses.

“We-um,” Pomni stuttered, Jax’s heart fluttered a bit, was he happy at the fact that she finally said something? “We should probably try and get some sleep. It isn’t a good idea to keep going like this.”

“Yeah, we…we should,” Jax nodded, “It’ll stop you from constantly tripping over your feet, eh?” He meant for it to be a joke, but she didn’t react other than a simple hum, he could understand why though.

They walked over to one of the hedges, sitting and leaning against the back of it. It wasn’t the best bed but there wasn’t anything else that they could do. Pomni shuffled away from him, to give Jax some room. “Well, night,” she said softly.

“It’s not able to be night here,” Jax spoke, “But I get what you mean.”

Like that, they turned away from each other, shutting their eyes. Neither of them aware that they were wondering what their dream would be about tonight.

.

.

.

The coffee table in Amber’s living room was scattered with treats. From the remains of gingerbread men and houses to chocolate chip and sugar cookies, even some sweet mince pies, two mugs of hot chocolate and a can of whipped cream on the side. It definitely wasn’t a healthy breakfast, but this sugary calamity was something special Penny liked to share with her mother since she started homeschooling. When things started to turn around for her, Amber made sure that every single aspect of her life was, while not perfect, something for Penny to look forward to. And thus, dessert for breakfast on Christmas morning was born.

Amber and Penny were lazing on the couch, the TV in front of them playing ‘The Grinch’ while the two stuffed themselves to their hearts content. Amber had squirted some whipped cream into her mouth before automatically doing the same with Penny, not even taking her eyes off the TV to know that her daughter had opened her mouth for some. After placing the can back onto the table, she and Penny leaned back into the cushions, with Amber wrapping her arms around her youngest daughter and holding her close. “I feel like at some point we’re going to become the couch if we keep doing this each year,” Penny giggled.

“Honey, we already have,” Amber smiled, pressing a kiss to Penny’s hair, “We are couch people and always will be couch people. I still can’t believe you used to be scared of this movie when you were a kid.”

“That was until I discovered the magic that was Jim Carrey’s comedic line delivery,” Penny replied, “The man’s a legend.”

“He really is, and you will be too my little costuming star!” Amber nuzzled her daughter’s nose with her nose, laughing at Penny’s groans.

“Mom!” Penny buried her head into Amber’s shoulder, “Stop!” She didn’t mean it and Amber knew that.

“I can’t help it if my daughter is amazingly talented,” Amber grinned, loosening up a bit as she peered down to look at Penny’s face. “You know, you seem a little different after that date with Jack at the Christmas fair.”

“I-what-mom!” Penny spluttered, her face as red as a tomato, “It was not a date!”

“Mmhmm,” Amber was not convinced in the slightest, “Baby, I’m old enough and wise enough to realise what a date looks like.”

“Mom…you, wise?” Penny stated.

“Ah, ah, I’m not finished,” Amber waved a finger in front of her face, “Trust me when I say this, I’ve been watching your sister fall in love with Winter and I’ve seen how they act around each other. You know when they first met it was over carrot cake?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard this story before,” Penny smiled, “There were having lunch at work and Winter got carrot cake because it was her favourite while Riley hated it.”

“And the two debated the whole day about cake flavours that they ended up becoming friends,” Amber continued, “And every time they saw each other Riley always brought Winter carrot cake.”

“What does this have to do with Jack?” Penny asked.

“I’ve seen the way Riley looks at Winter,” Amber told her, “She looks at her as though if she was the only thing that matters in the world. She could be surrounded by all the treasures in the world but she would still choose Winter. I saw how that boy looked at you before he left, in a room full of riches he would choose you.”

Penny blushed, thinking back to Jack kissing her cheek. The way he looked at her back then, it filled her stomach with butterflies and her heart thump hard. She never felt this way about anyone before, but the way he would smile at her, send her winks and always make her feel safe, it was hard not to fall for him. The only question was, did he feel the same way back? Sure he kissed her back but that was only on the forehead, what if it was a friendly kiss? What if she makes him feel awkward once she tells him how she feels? What if he wants nothing to do with her anymore?

“Penny, hey, it’s okay,” Amber pushed her daughter’s hair away from her eyes, taking her cheeks into her hands, “I can hear the cogs in your brain turning, but trust me when I say this, your dad has never looked at me the way Jack looks at you.”

Penny bit her lip, she knew that though her mother loved David in the past, he had hurt and betrayed her in many ways too. It was why they had these sugary breakfasts for Christmas, little things like that as a way for Amber to show how sorry she was for what David did to them. If there was a way Penny could show her that she wasn’t at fault, that she forgave her for everything that happened, that it was David who should be at fault for always gaslighting and manipulating Amber into thinking he was still the same man she married, but he was nothing of the sort.

“Mom,” Penny snuggled further into her mother, providing her with the comfort she needed.

“It’s okay baby, I’ve made my peace with it,” Amber held her tighter, “My only regret is that I didn’t realise he was this way before we were married. He gave me false hope and promises, love-bombed me until I could only see the world in rose tinted glasses and by the time I could finally get them off, he got you into that car crash. Jack isn’t like that. I’ve met him a few times while Winter and Riley were dating, and while he didn’t fully introduce himself, Winter’s mom always spoke about him. What I know of him is that while he’s scared and has been hurt many times before, unlike David, he wants to get better not just for his family, but for himself too. That’s more than David has ever done for me or for us.”

“Hey,” Penny turned her head to look up at her mother, “David fucked us all up. And yes, I’m still really scared with giving others a chance, but you’re one of the reasons why I’m able to get help. You were there for me every single step of my recovery and made sure that I was safe and happy. Parenting is a two-person job and not only did you have to do most of it on your own, but you also had two kids under your belt and raised us no matter what was thrown at you. Even if you didn’t leave David before the crash, you helped shield Riley and I as much as you could so that we had a good childhood. Don’t let your shitty ex-husband make you blame yourself for being a great mom.”

“Oh, babygirl, how did I get so lucky with you and your sister,” Amber pressed kisses over Penny’s face, her daughter’s nose scrunching up as she giggled. Her mother pulled away, smiling at her again.

“And you really think that…that Jack sees me like how you said?” Penny mumbled.

Amber gave her a look, her brow was raised and mouth was agape, “Honey, the guy wanted to wait for the perfect moment to ask for your number and kissed your forehead under the moonlight, the man is wrapped around your finger and you don’t even know it.” Penny blushed, ducking slightly under the blanket she was in. “Pen, I’d say go for it, only if you want to. You seem so much more yourself around him. But if he breaks your heart, I’m sending Riley after him.”

Penny burst out laughing at that, “Riley would send him to an early grave!”

“I know,” Amber stated matter-of-factly, “And I won’t hesitate to let her do it.”

“Mom no!” Penny snorted, “And you wonder where Riley gets these tendencies from.”

“Good,” Amber grinned, “That means I taught her well.”

Amber couldn’t help but join in on the laughter, just hearing her daughter laugh was enough to help her forget that she had even mentioned or thought about David. Penny was just that important to her. If anything happened to her…no, this was a good moment, there was so reason to think about the inevitable.

Penny’s phone dinged from the coffee table, sobering up from her laugh session, she leaned over to see what notification she got. What she saw made her gasp and nearly drop her phone.

“Winter proposed to Riley!” She squealed to Amber, the older woman immediately leaning over to check the recent news, “And she said yes!”

“Oh my god!” Amber screamed with joy, shaking Penny by the shoulders, “My daughter is getting married, I’m so happy!”

“Mom I know you’re excited too but I’m gonna be sick!” Penny warbled, starting to get dizzy.

“I’m sorry baby but it’s just, aaaahhhhh!” Amber got up from the couch, “I’m just so happy for her! Wait here, I’m gonna get my phone and message your sister!”

Penny giggled at her mother’s antics as she ran out the room, turning away to look at the image on her phone again. Riley and Winter’s faces weren’t in the picture, but what she did see was the Winter was behind the camera, holding Riley’s hand as she showed off her new engagement ring. This was without a doubt going to be an interesting Christmas dinner.

.

.

.

Jack straightened up his tie again, before unfolding it and retying it again as he stared at himself in the mirror. This was the first time he and Penny were having their families together for dinner, and after the kiss from the Christmas fair, he wanted to follow up on that. Penny had taken over his mind and senses to the point that he had to see her in person again.

Winter and her 8-year-old sister Nina stood at the corner watching him, with Nina’s twin Alex still upstairs getting ready. “What’s the retying count at now Nina?” Winter asked.

“49, wait, it just got up to 50,” Nina told her.

Winter whistled cooly, “Jeez, that’s a new record.”

“I can hear you both you know!” Jack called to them, “You guys wanna keep standing there or do I need to give Nina’s new toys to the bogeyman.”

“No!” Nina cried, running away back up to her room to check if her new Christmas presents were still intact.

“You don’t need to keep worrying,” Winter walked up to him, shoving his hands away and took his tie into her own, “You were blushing like a tomato after kissing that girl and she was just the same. Just play your cards right, take it slow and things will work out.” She wrapped the tie into a knot.

“That’s easy for the recently engaged lesbian to say,” Jack pointed out, “Which by the way, congratulations again.”

“Thank you,” Winter grinned.

“I just…I’ve never felt this way about anyone before,” Jack sighed, “I never thought I deserved someone who could make me this happy. Every time she walks into a room I forget how to breath. I can’t mess this up.”

Winter stopped her hands for a moment, “The only way you’re gonna mess things up is if you let those thoughts win. You’ve been doing great and you told each other what happened when you both were kids and she still wants to see you. Just take a breath, let me fix your tie and just let the night lead itself. I didn’t have much of a plan for proposing to Riley other than doing it on Christmas and she still agreed to marry me. Plans are overrated…sometimes, you know what I mean.”

“Yeah,” Jack nodded, “I do.” He took a breath as Winter finally finished his tie, checking himself out in the mirror. He flashed himself a grin, “Still as handsome as always.”

“And he’s back,” Winter rolled her eyes.

“Ooooh!” Both Jack and Winter turned to the sound of teasing voices, looking up to the stairs and seeing Nina and Alex with mischievous grins on their faces while chanting, “Jack has a girlfriend! Jack has a girlfriend!”

“Jack is gonna give all your gifts to the bogeyman!” He retorted, making the two scream and rush downstairs into the living room.

Meanwhile, Riley was busy helping carry the plates and cutlery to the table making sure everything was carefully placed on the Christmas-snowflake themed tablemats. Winter’s mother, Laura, came in carrying a hot plate of steamed vegetables, focusing on her attention on the food to make sure it wouldn’t fall before Riley came over to take it from her. “Here, Mrs Alvarez,” she said, “Let me.”

“Oh Riley there’s no need,” Laura patted her back, “I just wanted you to relax with Winter, let me and Marcus manage it.”

“I’m going to become part of your family soon. Please, allow me,” Riley persisted, placing down the pot near the centre of the table.

“Oh you’re a good girl Riley,” Laura took Riley’s hand into hers, “It’s no wonder Winter fell in love with you.”

“Mama!” Winter flushed, entering the dining room with Jack hot on her heels, “Please save the embarrassing stuff for the wedding!”

“No Laura continue,” Jack grinned, “This is karma for teasing me about Penny.”

“Oh, Penny Reed?” Winter’s father Marcus entered the dining room, his smile wide and his eyes crinkling with joy. “Winter told me so much about your date with her at the fair. Tell me more about her!”

Shit Jack cursed internally, with Winter sending him a smug look. “Well, I-”

“Yes, do go on,” Riley’s firm voice chided him, almost threatening him to not slip up. “Tell us more about my sister Jack.”

And now he had to tread carefully, especially talking about the younger sister of a 6-foot redhead with the experience of breaking the bones of criminals and throwing people over her shoulder. Please let whatever luck he had be on his side during this moment. “W-well she’s kind, funny,” He gulped as Riley squinted at him, he really didn’t want to die tonight, “And she one of the best people I’ve ever met in my entire life…whenever I’m with her, she makes me the happiest I’ve ever been. I just hope that I’m making her happy too.”

Riley softened a bit, did that mean she approved of his answer or thinking of plans ranging from A to Z to murder him?! This woman terrified him to no end!

“Well, she must be pretty special if you think that of her,” Laura beamed, “I can’t wait to officially meet my other daughter-in-law! Now if you excuse me, I need to get the pork out of the oven.”

“Hang on, I’ll help!” Marcus called after his wife as he trailed after her.

That was when the doorbell rang, light and quick on his feet, Jack bounded for the door. He straightened his jacket and tie one more time, cleared his throat rolled back his shoulder, he could do this. With a turn of the knob, the door swung open, revealing Penny glowing under the moonlight. Suddenly, his voice was cut in his throat and his palms were sweating despite the chill rolling in from the open door. The only word he managed to say was, “Hi.”

“Hi,” she shyly replied, her hands tightening on a small gift bag she brought.

He shook his head quickly, letting himself reboot as he turned to Amber, her smirk held nothing but the knowledge of a woman who knew all too well about what the two felt for one another. “Amber,” he greeted, holding out his hand for her to shake, “It’s good to see you again.”

“And you Jack,” Amber returned the handshake, letting him lead her and Penny into the house before shutting the door behind them. “I see you’ve cleaned up well.” It was a normal sentence, but her words told a totally different story.

Oh, she knew, she really knew! He was an open book and Amber had flicked through every single page. “I-I always dress this nice for Christmas, ma’am,” he stammered, “It wouldn’t be formal of me to not look this good for the holidays.”

Amber hummed, sure she believed what he said, but what Jack failed to realise was that Amber noticed his suit was the colour blue – Penny’s favourite colour.

“Hey mom,” Riley made a beeline to her mother, wrapping her arms around her, “I hope walking here wasn’t too bad with the snow,”

“Don’t worry baby, it was fine,” Amber pressed a kiss to her hair before pulling back, “But enough about me, let me see the ring!”

Riley blushed, unable to hide the giddy smile as she held up her hand.

“Oh my god, Riley!” Penny squealed, hugging her older sister. “Winter got you a good one! I’m so happy for you!”

“I know,” Riley laughed, “I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”

“Actually, that would be me,” Winter slid her arms around fiancé’s waist from behind, resting her head on her shoulder, “I’m the one who’s marrying this beautiful woman.”

“Flattery already?” Riley pressed her cheek against Winter’s, “And the marriage hasn’t even begun.”

“Am I not allowed to compliment my soon-to-be-wife?” Winter kissed Riley’s cheek, “Besides, that’s only 20% of my flattery, I’m saving the other 80% for my vows.”

“Dear god,” Riley slapped her palm against her forehead, knowing Winter, she was going to leave Riley as red as a tomato.

Penny stifled a laugh, Jack screamed internally at the sound. How can anyone be this fucking cute?!

“Penny!” Laura came rushing down the hall, her apron stained with some type of sauce, “I’m so happy we can finally meet.”

She opened her arms, ready to bring Penny in for a hug, only for the girl to freeze and back away. Laura faltered, her brows furrowing with concern at Penny’s startled reaction. Winter was quick to step in.

“Mama, remember,” she told her, “Penny is funny with being touched unless it’s by someone she fully knows and trusts or she’s the one going first.”

“Oh goodness,” Laura gasped, “Penny sweetie I’m so sorry I genuinely forgot!”

“It’s fine, really it’s fine,” Penny reassured her, stepping forward, “Honestly I’m able to tell when it’s a simple mistake.”

Jack’s stomach churned, all those years of bullying and her father berating her made Penny so frightened. He just wanted to shield her from everything bad so that she would never have to feel that sort of fear and pain ever again. Out of anyone in this room, he could relate to that type of fear.

“I’ll make sure to let the others know, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable during your first meal here,” Laura informed her.

“Thank you Mrs Alvarez,” Penny smiled, “I really appreciate it.”

“It’s absolutely no problem honey,” Laura emphasized, “Now I’ve gotta get the rest of these plates out, please, make yourselves at home.” With that, she turned to walk back into the kitchen.

“Here, let me take your coats,” Jack offered, holding his arm out.

“What a gentleman!” Amber gave Penny a look, making the girl glare at her mother, “Penny you better snatch him up before anyone else does.”

“Mom!” Penny hissed. Jack was fairly sure his face resembled the red lights flashing on the Christmas tree.

“Mom, why don’t you and Penny just wait in the living room please!” Riley exasperated, desperate for her mother to not spout out whatever she had in mind.

Amber put her hands up in surrender, “Alright, I yield.”

“Don’t worry Amber,” Winter took the woman’s arm into hers and led her into the living room, “She’s been like that with me whenever I point them out as well.”

“Honestly Winter, what it your fiancé like?” she joked, leaving Riley gaping behind them.

“I heard that!” Riley hollered, chasing after them, leaving Jack and Penny alone in the hallway together.

Jack took this moment to take in the garment she was wearing. It was a simple crimson dress with a floor length pleated skirt, long off-the-shoulder bell sleeves and a ruffled neckline. “You look…wow,” he breathed, how was she able to take something so simple and still look so stunning? She truly was remarkable.

“Thanks,” she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, “I wasn’t gonna wear it but I thought that it would be nice for this evening.”

“You’re so beautiful,” he knew what he said, and he wasn’t going to take it back, not when she peered up at him through her long lashes with a gasp.

“Y-you’re ridiculous,” she uttered, handing him her jacket.

“Hey, just telling the truth here,” he replied as he went to hang up her jacket on the wall, “Besides, someone’s gotta point out how pretty you are.”

“Keep the chivalry to yourself sir,” Penny placed a hand on her hip.

“Can’t help it, I’m dreamy,” he was unable to keep the grin off his face at her pout. His face softened, holding out his arm, “Shall we?”

Penny raised a brow at him, grinning. “Mr Jack how thoughtful of you.”

“Well I have to put the wellbeing of our guests first,” He joked back, “Let me introduce you to everyone else.”

Penny nodded and slipped her arm into his, the two unable to fight of the chortles at their current predicament. He led her into the living room, Amber was already sitting down talking to Riley and Winter. On the sofa across from them was another couple around Marcus and Laura’s age. “Penny, this is Winter’s aunt and uncle, Anya and Winston.” he introduced. She gave them a nod before Jack led her to another young woman around her age. “This is their daughter Kiara.”

“It’s really nice to meet you Penny,” Kiara greeted.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Penny returned.

Winston spoke up, “Laura’s been talking nonstop about ‘Jack’s new sweetheart,’ so it’s nice to finally meet the lovely lady in person.”

“Of course Laura’s been talking about us,” Jack groaned, Penny had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing.

“She’s so pretty Jack!” Anya gushed from her seat, “Where did you find this lovely girl?”

Both of them paled, sharing a look. The story about how they met was always going to be an awkward one, wasn’t it? They were saved by the sound of thundering feet descending down the stairs as Nina and Alex came bounding over to Jack and clutched each of his leg.

“Jack!” Nina cheered, “Penny’s here!”

“Yes, I can see that-ah-guys let go!” He stumbled over his feet and words, how much sugar did these two have earlier?

“Jack has a girlfriend! Jack has a girlfriend!” Alex chanted.

Penny and Jack spluttered over their words, at a loss of what they heard. “We’re not-” Penny gasped.

“It’s not like that-!” Jack objected ���We’re just-”

“-Friends!” They chorused. Friends yes, that was what they were, but it just didn’t sound like something they wanted to continue being. They were unable to keep the daydreams of each other away anymore, to constantly wonder what the other was doing, what other hobbies they might have, if the other felt the same way.

“Nina, Alex!” Laura came back through again, the apron gone as she took each twin’s arm in her hands and pulled them off Jack, much to his relief. “That’s enough harassing Jack, dinner is ready.”

“I can’t wait to see what you’ve made this year Laura,” Winston clapped his hands together.

“I’ve gotta say I’m pretty excited to eat what you’ve made as well,” Amber got up, “As well as the table gossip as well.” She gestured to Jack and Penny.

“Oh Amber you must sit next to me, I have so much to share,” Laura not-so-subtly gestured to Jack and Penny.

Both mothers grinned, leaving Jack and Penny flustered messes unable to move from their spots.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Jack unlinked his arm, immediately missing Penny’s warmth.

“No, I should be sorry,” Penny objected, “My mom can be a lot sometimes.”

“Well I guess that’s just another thing we have in common,” Jack nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yeah, I think so,” Penny’s embarrassment began to slip away, Jack’s seemingly doing so as well.

“Penny!” Riley interjected, taking her sister’s hand, “Sit next to me!”

“But I-woah!” Riley dragged her younger sister into the dining room, plopping her down to the seat on Riley’s left while Winter sat on Riley’s right. Guess she was still a bit protective.

“What are you waiting for over there dude? Come on!” Winter waved a hand over.

Jack let out a slow breath as he walked over, sitting opposite from Penny. At least it would be easier to talk to her face to face without twisting his head. Soon, everyone was loading pork, bread and steamed vegetables onto their plates, Kiara was taking photos of her food with Anya scolding her to put her phone away, Winston was already scooping up spoonful’s into his mouth, Nina and Alex grimaced at the greens on their plates and asking when dessert was, Laura was pouring wine into her and Amber’s glasses before clinking them together, Marcus was listing off each shop he had to visit just to make sure he got every right ingredient for tonight’s meal, Winter and Riley were holding hands and had all their focus on each other instead of the food in front of them, and Penny and Jack kept trading small glances while eating, their eyes holding their own conversation as the drowned everyone else out.

“So Jack,” Anya piped up, “Do you have any plans once you graduate?”

“Uh, what?” he barely registered the question until it finally caught up to him. “Oh, right! Um, I’m trying to apply for an internship at this game company called C&A, they hire a lot of indie and free-lancing creators and help promote their games so I’m hoping to get a place there.”

“I think you’ll get it,” Penny said, “I’ve seen some of the stuff Jack worked on, he’s really talented.”

“And so are you little lady,” he said that mostly to see her cute pout again, “Laura, did you know that Penny is a costume designer?”

“I did,” Laura nodded, “And I’ve seen some of the pictures of her creations that you showed me, Penny you really do have a talent.”

“She’s been designing ever since she was six,” Riley said, “I have no idea where she gets her ideas from, it’s incredible.”

“It meets the bar at least,” Penny objected, “Trust me there’s people in my class that are way better than I am.”

“Don’t sell yourself short Pen, every time you send me a picture of something you’ve made It just shows how creative you are. Someone’s gonna reach out to you one day and say ‘Penny, you are one of the most talented people in the world and I wanna hire you!’ it’ll happen one day, I swear on it, after all I’m never wrong,” Jack said, pointing his fork at her.

“You? Never wrong?” Penny said doubtingly.

“What? I’ll have you know I’m very smart,” he frowned mockingly.

“I’m gonna have to agree with my sister there,” Riley said.

“Oh come on!” Jack cried and turned to Winter, “A little help here?”

“Why, everything they said is true,” she chortled.

Jack moaned as the rest of the table laughed, clearly taking pride in his misery.

Penny’s giggles died down, wiping a tear of mirth from her eye as she faced him again, “Well hopefully someone will take pity on my designs one day.”

“You mean someone will see how exceptional you are,” Jack pointed out.

“Awfully generous but sure, we’ll stick with that,” Penny rolled her eyes fondly.

“Let’s just hope he says what he means instead of talking out of his ass,” Riley quipped.

Penny threw her sister a look, “Riley,”

“What?” Riley shrugged her shoulder, “I’m not saying he’s wrong.”

Amber raised a brow at her daughter. It was a joke, she knew that was going to happen. But she knew Riley long enough to know when her daughter was hiding something, and more importantly, when Riley was hurting.

“Speaking of designs,” Penny said, “Riley, you gotta let me make your dress.”

“What, you don’t need to do that, I just want you to enjoy the wedding,” Riley interjected.

“Can’t hear you, I’m too busy thinking about your dress since I’m the best sister ever,” Penny gave her sister a sly grin.

Riley huffed a laugh, once her sister was inspired nothing could stop her.

“Jack?” Nina piped up.

“What’s up squirt?”

“Can you sing ‘No Girl’s Toy? after dessert?” she pleaded.

“Yeah, “No Girl’s Toy!” Alex cheered with his sister, “Oh please Jack, please sing that!”

Jack flushed, waving his hands in exasperation, “Woah, woah hang on! I’m not singing that!”

“Please Jack, please!” The twins chorused.

“It’s just a little song Jack,” Winter jeered, Jack glared at her.

“Yeah,” Riley joined in on her fiancé’s antics, “What’s so wrong with the Raggedy Andy song Jack?”

“I sung that one time and suddenly whenever it’s brought up I’m forced to sing it!” he told them, “I’m putting my foot down on this one, there’s no way that any of you can convince me too-”

“Raggedy Ann was my favourite movie growing up,” Penny mentioned, “I’d love to hear you sing that song. Please?”

Oh god, Penny’s chocolate brown eyes had such an effective grip on him, how on earth could he say no to those lovely eyes? He sighed, “Fine, one song and that’s it.”

“Yay!” The twins cheered before tucking back into their meal.

“You should bring Penny over more often,” said Alex.

“Yeah she makes you do fun stuff,” Nina agreed.

“It is very interesting how easily swayed you were,” Laura joined in.

Jack wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole, he was being way too obvious with how he felt. “Please, I just want to eat my food without any further humiliation.”

“You know Marcus, he’s acting just like you before you started going out with Laura,” Winston said, “The red face, being easily swayed, the teasing. I’m getting a bit of déjà vu here.”

Jack bit down on his fork hard as Penny began to quietly squeal like a kettle, this night was already too much for the both of them.

After dinner and dessert was finished, Riley was helping Laura wash up the dishes despite the woman requesting Riley to sit down. “Laura, do you mind if I have a word with my daughter?” Amber asked, entering the kitchen.

“Oh, of course,” Laura said before turning back to Riley again, “Remember sweetie, you’re our guest, make sure you relax tonight.”

“Just after I’m finished with this dish Mrs Alvarez,” Riley continued to scrub the plate, “Than I’ll relax.”

Laura patted her back, leaving the mother and daughter in the kitchen alone together. “Is everything okay with you?” Amber asked.

“What do you mean?” Riley didn’t take her eyes off the plate.

“I mean with Jack and Penny,” Amber told her, “I thought you were fine with him back when you started dating Winter.”

“I am,” Winter dried off the plate and put it away, “If this is about Penny, that’s just me being protective.”

“I know that,” Amber walked over to her, “But I also noticed that you seemed a bit aggravated towards him.”

Riley whipped round, “No I wasn’t, I was just looking out for Penny.”

“Penny is a grown adult who can make her own choices,” Amber walked closer to her, “Riley, baby, why are you so worried?”

“Come on mom, you aren’t at least a little bit worried?” Riley argued, “You aren’t worried that he’s like the boys from Penny’s high school. Penny’s got a sensitive heart, what if he breaks it like they did? Those boys didn’t actually like her, they wanted to control her. And once she didn’t give them what they wanted they would just dump her! What if he’s like that, what if he makes her hate herself? What if he makes her so scared to the point she stops talking again? What if we actually lose her? What if-”

“-If he’s like David,” Amber finished for her, “That’s what it is, right?”

Riley froze, part of her knew that this was why she was so scared for her younger sister, but she wanted David out of her mind. He already tried to force himself back into Riley’s life many times to ask for money, and she never forgave him for involving Penny in that car crash. She hated him, she hated him so much that she would never let anyone else hurt Penny like that again, she failed with David, she failed with those stupid high school boys and she won’t make that mistake ever again. “I have to be careful mom,” Riley said to her mother, “I can’t let Penny feel that kind of pain again.”

“I know baby,” Amber said, “When I heard of Jack and Penny seeing each other I got worried as well. It’s always my first instinct. But now, I know that I can’t let David control what could actually be good for Penny, I won’t let him get into my head like that. I’m still scared, baby believe me, but not as much as I used to be.” She cupped her daughter’s cheek, gently lifting her head to meet her eyes, “David hurt you too Riley, I know you hate thinking about him, but you’re allowed to feel betrayed as well. If I ever made you feel that you weren’t allowed to hurt for what he did to you, I’m so sorry. I’m your mother and I’m supposed to protect my babies. Yes, I protected Penny, but don’t think for a second I won’t protect you too, even after you’ve left the nest.”

Amber held her arms out for her daughter. After so much anger and frustrations for her father after so long, Riley all but broke in her mother’s arms, Amber stroking her hair and whispering comforts into her ear. “It’s okay baby, I’m here, mama’s here.”

A soft sniffle made them turn to the doorway, seeing Penny there with a few leaked tears. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” she whimpered, “Can I have a hug too?”

Riley and Amber opened their arms for her, letting the youngest daughter cry along with them as their mother squeezed them both. In that moment, Riley wasn’t an engaged woman and Penny wasn’t an aspiring college student. They were just the 10- and 14-year-old girls letting their mother sooth them after so much pain.

After a while, their tears were dried and the three headed back into the living room. Everyone rushed up to them, panicking and asking them if they were all right. They told the rest of the family that they were fine, just a mother and her two daughters picking up a few fallen pieces.

It wasn’t until Penny erupted into a fit of giggles, seeing Jack being the one to pout this time as he held up a microphone and had the TV ready to play ‘No Girl’s Toy.’ Everyone was immediately seated, ready to hear the performance.

“I hope my suffering entertains you monsters,” he mumbled, before pressing play on the music. He gave out one final sigh before he began to sing.

Well, you can push me, shove me, turn me around, but I'm no girl's toy!

You can tie me, toss me, upside or down, but I'm no girl's toy!

I sing my own sweet melody, I go my own sweet way.

I won't beg 'round tomorrow for the kind of affection that was free today!

Oh, you can squeeze me, tease me; say I'm your own but I'm no girl's toy!

You can charm me, chase me, follow me home; I won't be coy!

You may not like it much but I'm my own best boy,

And not some sugar and spicy, lacy and nicey, sissy you're gonna enjoy!

No, I'm no girl's toy!

Everyone applauded and clapped as he continued to sing. He was embarrassed, that was for sure. But seeing Penny so carefree and happy, no worries and stress in those beautiful eyes of hers, just having fun with everyone else, he would sing this song for the rest of his life as long as she was happy. He was unable to stop his pleased smile while he sang.

Riley rested her head on Winter’s shoulder, she didn’t need to say anything for Winter to know when her fiancé needed her. She kept looking between Jack and Penny, just seeing what he would do for her, she knew that he wasn’t a bad person, although her protectiveness would always take over her senses. However she knew that Penny had to do this on her own, but for the first time in a while, she believed that her little sister was safe.

.

.

.

Spring had arrived, the perfect atmosphere for Riley and Winter’s wedding to take place. They had booked a hotel for the night and rented out it’s ballroom for tonight’s event. There was only one thing on everyone’s minds, make sure this wedding went off without a hitch.

Since Christmas, Penny had put all her focus on making the perfect dress for Riley, something that was pristine and bridal while also making sure that this dress was something only Riley would wear. Jack had facetimed her every time she was sewing, making sure she was getting on well with the dress while also making sure she was eating and drinking enough fluids. He had also seen the final result of the dress and he was determined that once Winter saw Riley walking down the isle wearing that, she would promptly burst into tears.

After hours of setting up flowers and decorations, making sure the place was spotless, the meals were delicious, the dance floor was ready, getting changed into their wedding outfits and the chocolate fondue was prepared, everyone could finally breathe until the wedding officially begun.

Jack was currently standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for Winter to walk up with her father. That would be the order, the brides would wait in their dressing rooms, wait for one of them to walk up the aisle first before leaving their own room to walk up as well, in order for neither of them to see their gowns.

He wore a black tux with a simple white blouse underneath, fiddling with his cuffs one more time before resting his hands. Of course Winter had asked him to be her best man, it was expected since he was practically her adopted brother. Alex was beside him, standing proud and taking his job as the ring bearer seriously. He ruffled the boy’s hair, making him laugh before Laura sent a look to the boys, telling them to behave.

Everyone straightened up when the music began. The doors opened, revealing Nina as the flower girl, spreading flowers across the aisle as a few bridesmaids followed, including Kiara, each of them wearing soft silvery grey dresses. There was a swell of pride when he watched Winter walk through the doors and up the aisle, her arm secured in Marcus’s as the man led his daughter up while his eyes welled with tears. Winter wore a snow-white gown with a full-layered skirt while her bodice consisted of a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. Some would call it simple, Winter called it timeless.

Once she arrived at the top of the aisle, her father kissed her on the cheek and whispered praise into her ear. It was only when she stood at the top and her father sat down, Jack noticed her clutching her bouquet of roses while trembling like a leaf. He leaned over and whispered, “You’re okay. Riley has been head over heals with you ever since you met.”

“What if she changes her mind?” she whispered back, “What if she realises we’re too different and leaves?”

“That’s not possible,” he told her, “You too are proof of the carrot cake theory working.”

“Excuse me?” she asked, baffled.

“The carrot cake theory,” he said, “You love it and Riley hates it, yet she always brought a freshly homemade carrot cake because you it’s your favourite. You too are proof that the theory works, that opposites attract.”

Winter snorted, “You just blatantly ripped off the olive theory.”

“Mine is better,” he sniffed, “Besides, it got you to stop shaking.”

Winter looked down at her hands, he was right, she had stopped shaking. The doors opened and Winter’s breath hitched as she gawked at her bride. Riley’s arm was in her mothers, her dress was an off-the-shoulder mermaid cut with a train, the white fabric adorned with glittered floral embroidery and long sleeves. The dress clung to her, Winter let a few tears fall, she was beautiful.

Jack was taken aback to, not by the bride, but by her maid of honour. Penny’s dress wasn’t as grand, yes, but he couldn’t take her eyes off her as she followed her sister. Her dress consisted of a purplish rouge chiffon fabric, a long A-line skirt, a straight across neckline and long balloon sleeves. He fell in love all over again.

Once Riley reached the end of the aisle, her hands latched onto Winter’s as Jack and Penny took a hold of their bouquets. Both brides were focused on each other, nothing else mattered. Once Amber sat down, did the wedding begin.

“Dearly beloved,” the officiator spoke, “We are gathered here today for the wonderful union of Riley Reed and Amber Alvarez. These two have proven that despite our differences, there is a love that can be found no matter what. Today, we are here to celebrate that love as these lovely ladies become not just married, but soulmates on this day. Winter, your vows.”

Winter took a shaky breath, “Riley, when I first met you, I won’t lie, I was a bit scared of you,” That earned a laugh from the crowd. “But after getting to know you, knowing how much you love your family, what you’ll do to make sure our clients get the justice they deserve, and knowing that despite your front, you are one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Riley began to cry as well, unable to keep all the affection she felt for this woman at bay. With the officiator’s okay, she began her speech. “Winter, every time I look at you I just keep asking myself, how did I get so lucky? How did I deserve the most perfect girl in the world? You look at the world with such positivity and kindness that I couldn’t not fall in love with you. Every time I look at you, you remind me why I became a private investigator, to help amazing people like you make the world a better place. I just…I really fucking love you Winter!”

Winter gave her a wet laugh, God she wanted to kiss her so bad.

“Winter,” the officiator said, “Do you take Riley Reed to be your wife, in sickness and in health, until the day you part, may you be together?”

“I do!” Winter replied immediately.

“And do you Riley-”

“I do, a thousand times I do!” Riley couldn’t stop the tears, not caring if her makeup got ruined.

“May we have the rings?” the officiator asked. Alex puffed his chest and beamed, carrying the rings over to the brides. The women thanked the young boy as the slipped each ring onto each other’s finger before holding hands again. “By the power vested in me, I know pronounce you too married. You may kiss the-”

The two didn’t wait for the officiator to finished before slamming their lips against each other’s, the crowd erupting into applause. Jack’s focus wasn’t on the couple though, his eyes travelled to Penny as she cheered for her older sister. Her eyes met Jack’s, the two of them just staring for a moment before giving each other a smile. It was in the moment that the two decided internally that one day, they wanted to have this moment and say ‘I do’ to one another. Tonight, they decided, would be the night that they would stop being ‘friends.’

.

.

.

The dance floor was empty apart from the newlyweds, holding each other in their arms as they let the music carry their slow steps. They weren’t able to keep their hands off each other since they were married, afraid that if they did then everything would disappear. By the time the first dance ended, the music picked up the pace and everyone was on the dance floor, dancing the night away, congratulating the couple and unafraid to be slightly more than tipsy.

Winter and Riley even threw their bouquets, having their backs turned to make sure it would be a surprise. When they turned round, they saw that Winter’s bouquet was held by one of the bridesmaids, and Riley’s was plopped into Penny’s hands.

“Penny’s gonna marry Jack!” Nina bellowed, she already had too much sugar from the fondue. It didn’t stop everyone whispering knowingly, apart from Riley still giving Jack the evil eye. However, Jack and Penny didn’t mind the teasing this time, after all, even if they didn’t confess yet, their feelings were mutual.

A while later, after dancing, talking and snacking, Jack pulled away from the buzz to get some fresh air on the balcony. He felt his heart take a leap when he saw Penny outside as well, her long hair flowing in the soft spring wind, taking in the quiet. He gently opened the door, trying not to startle her, though it seemed that he didn’t need to worry about that when she turned and noticed him, she must’ve sensed him coming outside.

“Need a break?” she asked.

“Yeah,” he said, going up to rest his arms on the stone rail, “I was also hoping to see you as well.”

“I guess it’s a win-win situation,” she gently nudged his shoulder with hers. He was glad that he was part of her inner circle of people she was comfortable touching. “So, Riley and Winter are finally married.”

“I’m surprised they didn’t do so sooner,” he reflected the first time Winter brought Riley home, how they would giggle and fawn over each other as Riley was introduced to Winter’s parents, “I felt like I was gonna go insane with how much they made goo-goo eyes at each other.”

“They still do that,” Penny replied, “And I think its gonna amplify now that they’re married.”

“Oh jeez,” he put a hand to his head, listening to Penny’s sweet giggle. He took in the situation at hand, they were on the balcony together talking and having fun with all the space they needed to talk about their feelings. Maybe this was his chance, “Although I will admit, I am a little jealous. It would be pretty nice to have someone to do all that sappy stuff with.”

“O-oh,” Penny was taken aback a little bit, the thought of he and her doing all sorts of couple things rushing through her mind. Wanting to spend all his time with her, holding her hand, whispering sweet nothings when no one was looking. “I wanna do that too, you know, with the right person.”

Jack fiddled with the cuffs on his sleeves, this was it, “And what is the ‘right person’ that you have in mind?”

Penny gulped, okay, now it was getting serious, no turning back. “Well, I’d like him to be funny, kind, respectful to his and my family. Someone who has my back no matter what. Someone who makes sure that I feel like I deserve to be here. Someone who…sees me.”

She said, oh she said it! Did this mean she felt the same, only one way to find out. “Is that so little lady?” he took in her blush and nod, “Well, I bet he’s very handsome, jaw-droppingly if you will.”

Penny’s blush faded as she let out a chortle, “Did I forget to mention he’s full of himself?”

Jack placed his hand dramatically on his chest, “Why Penny how rude! It’s takes guts for someone to admit when they’re good looking.”

“Guts? Or an ego that’s too big to fit his head?” she began to belly laugh at his frown, clutching her sides as she clutched her ribs.

“Oh? Well that’s too bad little lady, I was just about to describe my ‘right’ person,” he chuckled as she straightened back up, “But it you don’t wanna hear it-”

“Alright, you smug bastard,” she sighed fondly, “Tell me, what are they like?”

“Well, let’s see,” he tapped his chin in false thought, “She’s extremely talented, always puts her family first, has one of the cutest laughs in the world.” Taking a chance, he tucked a piece of her hair behind her skin, his skin tingling as he made contact with hers, “Insanely beautiful…who sees me too…and is very short.”

“I will bite you,” Penny snarled, but she held no threat in her tone.

Jack’s face softened, “And, I want to hold her, tell her how much I love her and be with her as long as she lets me.”

Penny’s shivered at his tone, if he were talking about her (and she really hoped he was) then she had to do this next part carefully, “And if you were with this girl right now, how would you tell her about how you feel?”

Jack gulped, time to take the plunge, “I would tell her that I’m not a perfect person, but I am someone who’s always trying. You’ve taken over my mind and have stolen my heart, but I can’t find it in myself to care as long as it’s in your hands.” He took her hands in his at those words, “I just hope that she feels the same way.”

Penny’s heart fluttered, squeezing his hand in return as a swell of joy rushed through her from head to toe, “She does! She really does!”

Jack exhaled sharply, he couldn’t believe it! She likes him back! She wanted to be with him! “I wanna kiss you so badly right now,” he clamped his mouth shut when he realised what came out his mouth. They just confessed and now he was admitting that he wanted to kiss her, and just when he thought he was being smooth.

“Okay,” Penny peered up at him through her lashes.

Jack gaped at her, “Pen, you don’t want to if you don’t want to.”

“Trust me,” she cupped his cheek, “I really want this.” Despite her initial shock, she oh so badly wanted to kiss him back. Ever since the Christmas fair she was unable to spot thinking about his lips on her forehead, or how they would feel on her lips. “Are you gonna keep gawking or do I need to make the first move?” she teased.

Both of his hands were suddenly cupping her cheeks, cutting her off. He gave her one more look, a silent request to do this. When she nodded, he immediately planted his lips on hers. She was so soft, so sweet, so amazing! God he loved her!

She returned the kiss with the same warmth he gave her, with one hand on his cheek she used the other to pull him in closer by the waist. His lips felt the same as they did on her forehead, but somehow so different on her lips. No one ever kissed her like this before, like she really mattered to them. But with Jack, his mouth matched his promise he told to her, and she never wanted him to stop.

They parted for a moment to catch their breaths, grinning as they rested their foreheads together. “So,” she took in another lungful of air, “Does this mean you like me back?”

He smirked, taking her chin between his thumb and finger, “You tell me little lady, or would you rather I show and not tell with another kiss.”

“The second option please,” she grinned back.

He was about to dive back into her lips when a gasp made them both freeze. By the doors, Amber stood with a glass of wine, she was probably out here to get some air as well. “I knew it!” she squealed, “I knew you were gonna confess tonight! Laura owes me ten bucks!”

“Mom!” Penny gasped, clutching herself closer to Jack to save herself from embarrassment.

“Don’t worry baby, I’ll keep this between you and me. Besides, this is something that you’ll want to tell Riley by yourself,” Amber added, making both Penny and Jack pale at the thought of her older sister finding out. “Like I said, I’ll keep this to myself. Oh and Penny? Make sure you use the makeup wipes I gave you before you go back inside, the corner of your lip is smudged.”

Penny all but squealed in mortification into Jack’s chest after her mother went back inside, the man stroking her back as he chuckled. “Well, she does have a point,” he mentioned, “We don’t want the first thing that Riley sees when we go back in is smudged lip gloss.”

“Don’t single yourself out mister,” she poked him in the chest, “You’re wearing it too.”

“Oh really? Is it a good colour on me?” He leant in closer.

Penny mumbled shyly under her breath, God she was just too cute. “Wanna say that again little lady?” he asked.

“I said, how about you kiss me again if you like my lip gloss so much,” she pouted, the blush on his face was worth it though.

Jack huffed a laugh and pulled her in closer, “Now that sweetie, can be arranged.”

And just like that, they dove back into another kiss, enjoying only themselves without anyone else to interrupt their moment. It was just them, the moon and the start of their new relationship. And they couldn’t wait to see what else was in store for them.

.

.

.

Jax stirred lightly, stiff from laying against the ground. He must’ve slid down the hedge and onto the plush grass in his sleep, oh well, the grass was comfier. He could feel his lips burn from where Penny kissed Jack, as though he were the one who kissed her. But that was impossible, wasn’t it? There was no way that actually happened.

He was about to move when he felt a light weight on his chest. Looking down, he saw Pomni curled up next to him, hugging his side as she snored softly while using his upper body as a pillow for her head. Why wasn’t he shoving her off or telling her to get lost? Why was he growing flustered by the second and praying that she couldn’t hear his quickening heart rate? He could feel his tail wagging underneath him, was he actually happy about this predicament? There was no way!

He felt her shift beside him, mumbling gibberish in her sleep before cuddling him closer. Cute…wait, no it’s not! Get yourself together Jax! But there wasn’t any denying it though, no matter how much he wanted to, yesterday’s revelation just proved to him that he felt some sort of attachment to the jester and it was driving him up the wall. Her hat had also slid of her head, revealing short yet soft looking locks. The way it framed her face ever so gently with its wisped strands, oh god she was killing him.

He let his temptation win, reaching his hand out to touch it when she suddenly woke up, barely processing what was happening until she saw that she was firmly cuddling into this side while he was reaching towards her. “You got a loose hair there, sweetie,” he tried to squash down the awkwardness, trying to bring up his charm to save himself.

It seemed that it didn’t work as she squealed and pulled away from him as though he burned her, he wasn’t gonna lie, it kind of stung a bit. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t even know that I was doing that!” she fumbled over her words, grabbing her hat and screaming into it.

“It’s fine,” he sighed, standing up and stretching. “We should keep going, make use of the time we have.”

Pomni looked up, still clutching her hat. She was glad that he wasn’t mad, but why wasn’t he? If it were anyone else she was shore he would have told them to get lost, why did he leave her be? Her dream from last night made this moment even more flustering for her, the memory of Jack kissing Penny with such passion was burned into the back of her mind and the minute she woke up she was cuddling into Jax! The universe had to be out to get her.

“Hey, you awake in there?” he pointed to her forehead, “I said we should keep going.”

“W-what?” oh right, they still had to get out of the maze. The long…long maze, “Yeah, I’m coming.”

It seemed that the awkward silence had carried over from last night during their trek through the winding paths, neither of them not knowing what to say and their dreams invading every single thought they had. But besides the kiss, Jax thought of the family that brought Jack into their home. They shared no blood but treated him as though he were their son, making sure he was fed, happy and safe despite the occasional teasing. His mind drifted to Laura, how she cared for each one of her children, with the care and love that a mother should, it made him think of…

He looked to Pomni, who also seemed to be deep in thought, he made sure that she wouldn’t bump into anything. He felt bad for snapping at her yesterday, and the words she said to him afterwards cut deep. It was the first time in so long that someone called him out in a way that hollowed him to his core, to just step back and really think. Maybe that was what he needed. “Do you remember yesterday when Caine mentioned I used to know someone?” he spoke up.

Pomni’s head snapped up to him, his voice drowning out the deafening silence they stewed in for quite some time. “Y-yeah, why?”

“Well, when I arrived,” he started, “I remember that I didn’t know anything about my past, I was stuck in a body I didn’t know and all I could remember feeling was regret and fear. I acted a lot like a wounded animal, just screaming at people to stay away. It worked on everyone…except for Queenie.”

Pomni gasped, she had heard of Queenie and seen her door crossed off. The unsaid implication of her abstraction was what chilled Pomni’s spine, no one had to say anything to know what happened to her, but she never realised Jack was close to her.

“Well, she was the only one who wasn’t really phased by me,” he continued, “She made sure that I wasn’t alone, told me the stuff to look out for and sometimes Kinger would join her with helping me out, it’s strange to think about, back then he was more sane than he is now. I won’t lie, there were times that I was a little sh77t, but I’m grateful that she was willing to help me out. It helped me feel less scared, and sometimes I wondered if I had a mother in my past life that was like Queenie. But soon, I started seeing less and less of Queenie, everyone was starting to get worried. Any time we would see her she was always talking about an exit. I was also looking for one as well, collecting keys hoping that one of them would lead to an exit. One day, I told her about and maybe she could use on of them so it could help her mission…the next day she abstracted. Kinger was never the same after that, I wasn’t really sure if those two were together or not, but it was obvious how strong their bond was. Ever since then he started rambling about his ‘insect collection,’ I don’t know if it was to distract him from the grief or if it was a factor of him going crazy. All I knew was if I didn’t give Queenie that key, she would still be here. If I didn’t try and escape, Kinger would still have his sanity left. It’s better that everyone hates me, all I am is this a%%hole rabbit who killed their oldest friend. It’s no wonder they hate me.”

“I don’t hate you,” Pomni said, making him turn to her, “That situation wasn’t your fault, it was just an awful place in time that no one could control. And I don’t think the others hate you too, I mean, did you even ask them?”

Jax sighed, “No, my mind just immediately believed that everyone hated me. Honestly, I wanted them to, it’ll make things a bit easier.”

“Yeah,” Pomni nodded, before paling at her word choice, “Not about everyone hating you, I meant about making things easier. Facing the bad stuff is scary, when I first got here I denied that this was real and that it was a dream. But at the end of it all, I had to accept that this was my reality, even if I didn’t like it. But I’m not gonna let it stop me from trying to leave, don’t let what happened to Queenie stop you from thinking that you deserve to be hated, you don’t. Maybe the others won’t forgive you immediately, but you can at least make a start.”

“We’ll see,” he gave her a soft grin, she was smiling back proudly. It was starting to get a bit too mushy now, so he pushed her hat over her eyes.

“Hey!” she squealed, she didn’t seem to mind that. She readjusted her hat and crossed her arms, “Really?”

“This is me we’re taking about. Besides, it was too easy Pom-pom,” he chuckled as she let out a groan.

“You’re not funny,” she walked up ahead, keeping the banter afloat as they continued to travel.

“No, I’m hilarious,” he retorted, “It’s not my fault you’re so uncultured short stack.”

She whipped back round at him with a pretend offended expression, “I’m not short!”

“Okay,” Jax snickered, “Come back to me about that were you grow 2 inches.”

She groaned dramatically, “You’re the worst!”

“True,” he picked her up as she let out a yip and placed her on his shoulders, “And I also have longer legs, I’ll get us to the exit faster.”

“Hey!” Pomni giggled, holding onto his head, “Put me down you giant!”

“But I need you to be my second pair of eyes short stack,” he patted her leg, “Just point out if you see anything and I’ll be your steering wheel.”

Despite the light teasing, she knew he was right, they would find the exit to the maze quicker if they worked like this, “Fine!...tall ass.”

“Say that again?” he quired.

“Nothing!” Pomni said.

Jax shrugged and continued walking. After a while, it seemed that the awkwardness had finally died down, leaving the two to engage in light conversations while searching for the exit. It was then they realised that they had forgotten about their dreams, not fully but they were so focused on one another, enjoying one another, they didn’t find the time to really think about them.

It still took them a bit of time, but eventually, to both of their relief and slight disappointment, they found the exit, the circus tent just down the path in front of them. Pomni jumped off Jax’s shoulders, there was no need for him to keep carrying down that they were back.

“I guess that marks the end of this adventure,” Pomni rubbed her arm, was she upset that this was over? Or was she upset that she couldn’t spend time with Jax anymore?              

“Yeah, the end,” Jax nodded, as much as he didn’t want to be part of this little maze escapade, he’ll admit it, it was better with Pomni being here. In fact, he wouldn’t mind being around her more often. “You know, I’ve noticed that whenever you’re on your own, you’re either hyper focused on every single little thing to the point where it stresses you out of your in your own little world while dissociating. Sometimes you’re so in your head that you fail to notice when someone’s coming right at ya. Whether it be Caine with one of his adventures or one of the others fooling around.”

“That tends to happen a lot,” she confessed, “It’s either one or the either, there’s not an in between. It’s kinda a problem.”                               

“Well, I have a proposition for you,” he said, she perked up, “Until you feel like you understand this place a little more, I’ll be there to make you don’t have one of your episodes. Whether you’re spiralling or hyper focusing, I’ll be here to ground you in case that happens.”           

“Really?” her eyes widened with joy at his offer, “You’d do that for me?”

“Just until you’re more aware of your surroundings,” he told her, “After all, I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Ah, right,” she gave him a joking grin, “We wouldn’t want anything to happen to that.”

“See, now you’re getting it,” he agreed, returning her grin.

The way he was leaning in, the way her heart sped up at their newly found teasing of each other, the way that the sense of déjà vu kept creeping in as though they had done this song and dance before. She ready did fall for him, didn’t she? She cleared her throat, “Well, good to know you’ve got my back, thank you again Jax. We should head in so no one’s worrying about us.”

“Works for me,” he nodded, his face suddenly becoming gentler, “And, you’re welcome.”

Don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t blush. “Race you inside!” she zoomed off, leaving the rabbit to laugh to himself.

“She sure is something else, huh?” he said to himself, his thoughts flooding with her again, he didn’t to anything to spot it, only letting it flow.

Pomni-Pomni-Pomni-Pomni-Pomni-Pen-

“Jax! You coming?” Pomni called out to him.

He blinked, what was that? What was his last thought about? He looked towards Pomni, suddenly forgetting that sudden glitch as he raced towards her, wanting to challenge the jester that captured his affections. “Are you sure sweetie?” he ran in her direction, “My longer legs might be more effective than yours short stack!”

“I’ll make you eat those words!” she snickered as he chased after her.

It was just a glitch.

Only a glitch.

[fenfyre]

The Beast In His Bones - Part IV

Part I

"Tell me more, Chil. Tell me about all the ways you want me to use you." The low rumble of his voice left the hairs along Chilchuck's neck prickling in the best way.

"I want you ... to use my mouth", he admitted after a short breath, still not able to look up again. "Want you to stuff it full ... and fuck it ... and barely let me breathe. No matter how much I squirm and whine..."

Laios reached up with one hand then, brushing curious fingertips against Chilchuck's lips who opened up willingly. Two fingers pushed into his mouth, salty sweet, pressing down against his tongue and sliding all the way to the back of Chilchuck's throat.

"Like this?", Laios asked as he pushed deeper, slowing down as Chilchuck gagged around the intrusion. But not stopping. Allowing him to get used to the pressure, to relax the back of his throat. "Hmm, yes. You love it when I force your throat open with my cock. Do you want to be all nice and spread out for me? With your head hanging off the edge of the bed so I can use your mouth?"

Chilchuck let out a heated whimper that was cut short when Laios pushed his fingers deeper, sliding them right down Chilchuck's throat. He gagged again, the sound of it wet and desperate.

"Do you want to get all light headed when I decide I need relief more than you need air?"

Chilchuck felt himself throb hard and heavy and he could swear he was already getting light headed even though it had barely been a few seconds. With how close they were pressed together Laios must have felt him twitch and he rolled his hips up into Chilchuck's again, pressing their hard lengths together.

The fingers remained where they were for a moment longer, almost long enough to make Chilchuck's heart flutter with an edge of panic, before he pulled them back out, slow and careful. Thick spit was clinging to them, drawing strands between the fingertips and Chilchuck's lips as he coughed, eyes watery and hands shaking.

"Fuck, Laios", he croaked and then watched, wide eyed and frozen, as Laios sucked the fingers between his own lips to gleefully clean Chilchuck's spit away. The sight made his stomach lurch and his cock twitch again. Laios only hummed, smacking his lips as he was finished.

"What else do you want, Chil?", he asked, as if any of this was normal. "Do you want to struggle? Try to escape and find out you can't?"

Their hips had taken up a steady rocking movement by now, grinding together in slow, even motions. For a moment Chilchuck was caught in the teasing grind and the image Laios' words painted for him. Imagined himself squirming and kicking, imagined Laios holding him down with ease. Then his eyes focused again, confused.

"Wait ... why are you so good at this? How do you know that?"

As if having been caught a cheeky smile snuck onto Laios' lips and the feverish heat dusted across his face and down his neck darkened.

"Ah ... well you're not the only one wondering what it would be like ... to be held down by someone ... something ... much larger and stronger than yourself..."

For a moment those words just hovered between them as Chilchuck blinked up at Laios. Then everything fell into place. Of course. He almost laughed, giddy relief flooding his body, replacing the cowering remains of doubt and shame. If there was anyone uniquely equipped to understand just what Chilchuck wanted out of this it had to be Laios. At the same time a shudder ran down his spine, his cock throbbing heavy where it rubbed up against Laios' through the fabric.

Reaching down with one hand he began unbuttoning Laios' breeches.

"Take them off right now."

But instead of following the demand the way Laios usually did when they fell into bed together, large hands came down to cover his own, stopping the motions.

"I ... I'd love to", Laios stammered, breathless and still deeply flushed when Chilchuck looked up at him in confusion. "But I ... also really want to talk about this. And I don't want you to say anything you'll regret, like last night. So maybe ... maybe we shouldn't..."

Chilchuck fell entirely still at those words, staring at Laios incredulously. For some reason his cock gave another heavy throb at being denied. He had never considered Laios being this hot when he was being responsible, of all things. Then he deflated with a huff that made Laios stammer again.

"I-I'm sorry! But I ... need you to tell me about this because you want to ... not because you can't think anymore."

Even though one part of Chilchuck still wanted to climb the man, now even more so than before, another, stronger part of him could admit that Laios was on to something. If they really wanted to try anything like this they needed to discuss it at least somewhat level-headed. As hard as pulling back now was.

But they were still pressed closely together and Chilchuck was happy to wrap his arms around Laios' neck and slip even closer. At least this had to still be allowed.

"You're right", he admitted as Laios arms found their way around him, one circling his waist, the other hand cupping his ass to tip him forward. "Gods, you are distracting sometimes..."

"Sorry", the word was warm against his lips and tasted of mint when they kissed, slow and deep and hot. The feverish heat crawling across Chilchuck's skin cooled down to a gentle simmer, the air between them still buzzing but with less urgency. After they parted from their indulgent kiss Chilchuck had made his peace with holding back. For now.

"Alright", he hummed, tilting back just enough so he could look at Laios. The slow, even grind of his hips did not stop. "What else do you want to know?"

"Anything you want to tell me. Like ... where would you want it to happen? Right here? On this bed?"

The images were immediate and vivid, Laios pushing his face down into these very sheets Chilchuck had fisted helplessly last night, pushing into him without care or mercy. But something about the fantasy was off.

"No...", he mumbled, still trying to find his reasoning. Then it occurred to him. "Too many people. I want to be loud. I want to scream..."

"Oh, yes..." The sigh was dreamy, Laios' gaze softening as he looked at Chilchuck, as if he were already imagining his helpless struggle. His shouts and screams and whimpers. "Somewhere secluded, then. Somewhere nobody can come and help you..."

~

Part V

[lemotmo]

I just finished reading the ask you got sent earlier from Ali’s blog and how she mentioned essentially the show not dragging the Tommy of it all out and them not having the time to do so. And getting the boys into position for where they need, especially before Chris is brought back into the mix. I agree with all of that, especially I don’t see Tommy being dragged out to long. (For various in show reasons and out of show reasons)

I’m very curious on what your thoughts are for them doing buddie by the mid season finale. (Or both of yours if it’s something you guys have discussed)

I’ve felt for a while now that that’s when it will happen. Making it the season finale while yes would give them the summer to promo it, also runs the risk of alienating people by making it take to long to get there considering how long it’s been already. Not to mention I’m sure the time jump will be back in effect next season (I feel like it’s only not this season because of the nature of the stories and where they left off in season 7) so if it was the season finale we’d essentially lose out on all the beginning of their relationship stuff that people have been waiting years to see finally happen.

But with the mid season finale cliffhanger? It gives them the winter hiatus to pump out interviews, PR, gives them a nice cliff hanger to draw people back in for 8B which is usually when the show needs something big to draw the crowd in again. It gives us time to see them start navigating their new aspects of the relationship as a couple and as a family with Chris. And they will be able to ride that wave of press and Pr through the winter break, summer break and into season 9 because let’s be real. Being the network to have the first slow burn queer relationship launch? It’s gonna generate so much press. ABC would be dumb to not milk that for as long as possible.

And with the way certain things have been lining up like Max Gao saying yesterday or the day before, that Tim told him in the interview they just sat down for they are filming through episode 6/7 right now. With Ryan posting that Don Diaz photo which I think we all correctly guessed was him about to film the shaving scene which as we know from Tim was important, lining up with the episode 6/7 range.

The timing of when we found out Ryan was filming in the church mixed with him following the actor who plays the priest.

It’s all lining up nicely for that episode 4 (his 100th) through episode 7 arc range of things falling into place for Eddie leading into episode 8-10, which is the range for the 8A finale depending where they want the episode count to fall in terms of an extra episode on 8A or an extra on in 8B.

That's an interesting theory Nonny.🤔

I have to admit that personally I'm more inclined to the 'Eddie and Buck separately figure out they're into each other' arc by the end of 8A and in 8B we'll get the exploration of those feelings and it will eventually all culminate to the natural Buddie climax at the end of 8B. It would make for an interesting Summer hiatus. They don't have to start S9 with a time jump if they don't want to. I don't think that is set in stone.

I think midseason is probably too early for a true Buddie arc to begin.

Now, don't get me wrong. I like your theory a lot and I agree that it makes sense from a promotional point of view. But I doubt that they'll go that fast. They will want to milk this story for all that it's worth.

Let's just say Nonny, that... if it turns out I'm wrong and you're right? I won't be all that upset about it. 😋🤗😏

[striderl]

I have a general art-related question, if that's okay. I admire how _quickly_ you seem to be able to produce art -- whenever someone sends you a character-based ask, you seem to always answer it with a nice little picture (not just a scribble or something) with lineart and often colouring too! Do you have any advice for acquiring art stamina like that? I used to enjoy drawing, but got burnt out on it because every piece felt like so much WORK and it drained the enjoyment for me. I absolutely could not match the output you do!

Thanks for the compliment, lensman! Your drawings are equally cool too! I'm engrossed in the textures especially. And yes, sometimes I’m even amazed by the many asks I’m able to answer in a single week. Usually, I answer them within 3 days, in rare occasions, it may take me 2 weeks or so to answer them.

As for insights, there you go.

#1: Practice is the key. To not get art block, you need to be constantly practicing, like doing scribbles on your sketchbook when you have time. It can be anything, from basic shapes to “whatever you can spy with your little eye”. Also, improve your speed while doing it, and limit your time to finish an acceptable rough draft, so you won’t lose the motivation to finish the entire drawing.

#2: Mastery. READ THE MANUAL AND INSTRUCTION of whatever platform you are using to make art, and master the tools, so you won’t drag on too long on a single project. Personally, I use a mixture of Procreate and ibisPaint X to make art and comics. And the skills don’t come for free, you need to constantly learn new features in order to keep up the pace and limit the time you spend on each project. Honestly, I think I spend more time on Youtube, Pinterest, and Instagram scavenging art tips and resources than doing other things with them. The result is rather rewarding, the knowledge I gained about the color wheel, anatomy, and platform features like multiply and overlay are really helpful.

#3: Reference. I always have available anatomy or art references on my side, usually from Pinterest, so I don’t need to waste time speculating what the result would look like. I also collect references I’m interested in whenever I have time, so I’m well prepared whenever I want to start a new project.

If you want to check it out, this is the cover I made for Foley’s playlist, which I finished within 3 hours.

#4: Motivation. You need to truly enjoy the process of producing art in order to not get an art block. I think I never get a single art block period so far. Why? It’s the only way I get to relieve my anxiety. College can be really harsh sometimes, I have a really small social circle, and on top of that I need to deal with stress which most of my peers don’t even need to worry about, like managing an apartment, doing accounting on my own, taking care of electric bills, and more. What’s worse is that people can be massive suckers sometimes, and I just turned 18 a few months ago. I know I can’t just throw a tantrum or jump off a building whenever I feel stressed, so I just move on and focus my attention on doing better in art. If people want to insult me, I just insult them back with my talent.

Also, I mentioned this in my reblog to your Skibidi Toilet anniversary post. My parents don’t approve of me doing art like this, because it’s “unrealistic” and basically “useless”, I just want some space where I can express my creativity. Ironically, defiance can be a motivation sometimes.

Plus, I just purely enjoy the feeling of sitting in my room, listening to my favorite playlist, and sipping on a cup of hazelnut matcha, while doing art. And I always, ALWAYS appreciate people putting comments in their reblogs, it’s like an accomplishment, and it shows that people really check out my content and READ IT, instead of “wow, cool art”.

If I don't feel like doing art, I'll just go for a 5 miles run instead. Physical health is still important : }

[bosskie]

Molluck's Office Study

Yeah, I felt like trying out designing Molluck's office. I started this before the kiss drawing but felt like finishing it first. I have no idea when was the last time I drew a proper room... It must have been like a decade ago if ever... So, it was nice to practice drawing a room, but also perspective and light stuff.

I'm honestly not sure about this design but you gotta start from something. I took inspiration from those Gluk offices in Soulstorm but tried some own ideas here. None of those offices really seem to boast, so I took that to another level here. Like, Molluck got red carpet, his statue has own stand and his desk customized and more expensive. That ceiling light design is taken from Aslik's and Brewmaster's offices since I'm unsure about the design of that... I should draw the whole room to figure stuff out better. The 'Molluck watches' theme is also present here since he has multiple (moveable) TV screens in his office but also screens to see how his stocks are doing. Those stock screens are those long little screens where is also that little Magog Cartel flag. I feel like I could have added more stuff but yeah, like I said, I should design the whole room to know better. Once I get better at 3D modelling, I so wanna model his office like I could imagine it!

Oh and yeah, the background: I wasn't sure about it either but the other offices seem to be at some 'safe distance' from the main processes at their places, so not much should really happen there. Maybe he could see some meat processing stuff from there and his products on their way, like those barrels I drew. I also had some more ideas here but just wasn't sure if they actually work, so here's just the base idea. Oh, and now when I look at the background, it gives some Slig Barracks vibe too... The color theme just seems to be present at RuptureFarms too.

Molluck is said to be the Boss of Bosses, so his office gotta look like that! I can imagine him having like a big painting of himself somewhere too... The idea is just that if you entered into Molluck's office, it would make you feel like you are facing 'a big boss', feel intimidated. But well, Molluck alone can feel intimidating to face... But the office boosts it! I just feel like this would fit Molluck since he is said to be into luxury, before Soulstorm (or can you even say that when Soulstorm was the original name of Abe's Oddysee... Well, I mean the final names.), and it seems that this trait is still present since he got that luxury blimp dream. Man, why is this Gluk so adorable to me... I even find his egoism cute, even it's not cute IRL... I just love Glukkons, okay. It's kinda funny to think about how they have always been my top1 Oddworld species... I wasn't even into octopuses before Oddworld.

So yeah, just another concept art practice thing. I kinda feel better about my art right now but I still feel like I have so much to learn and do before I actually feel like I'm skilled, have artistic talent... I'm not sure what I do next but I would like to go back to 3D stuff since I haven't touched modelling since that cigar. I just felt so stressed out about my art skills that I had to stop it for a while... I just felt like my art looks so bad that I must practice drawing/painting... I don't feel like it's good enough still but I could do something else now. I got some horrible great ideas for Molluck models... I just say that I kinda love ugly graphics, like certain graphics of PlayStation 2 games. It would be just fun to create Molluck in different styles, from low poly to high poly, and so on. I wonder if I'm even able to create actually ugly Molluck model, to me... Some people say that he is already ugly, so eh, I guess not; only a bad model then. Yeah, beauty is in the eye of the beholder; like my mother has commented one of my Molluck works that he ain't beautiful but the painting is great while for me Molluck is such a beauty (but my work ain't...).

Oh, and while painting this (I don't always know which word to use since I rarely do actual line art... I more like just paint it on the same layer as the colours, you know. Like that kissing drawing has no line art, it's all just a part of the painting.) I realized how all the Gluks have multiple books in their offices in Soulstorm but Sekto has also lots of books... So, Glukkons and Oktigis like to read, or they (also) like 'book aesthetic'? But that's why I imagine Molluck having some books at his office too (I wonder what kind of books...) too. I assume they got much brain power, so gotta give the brain some food! I really wonder what Molluck can do with his huge brain...

But yeah, I'm not sure what else to say but that I just feel like I love this Gluk more and more... It feels like my mental image of him get 'clealer' and more detailed day by day, making me able to well, not also draw him better without reference, or understand his face better in reference material, but also imagine his 'presence' better, like if I was actually with him, making him feel closer even it's all just fantasy. Like, I didn't really use any reference to his face here which is rare actually because his head is just challenging to draw... I just feel so good with him... I could just go on and on about Molluck but I think that this is enough for now... I just love him so much and the image of him my brain has created, like he lived inside my head. I hate and love my mind. (Y)

[kidnamedbird]

Hello all!

It's me, Kid Named Bird from Team Kid Named Bird. For clarification, I'm actually named after the team, not the other way around. I'm the lead translator and dialogue letterer for Beyblade X, or at least I was. I am heartbroken to announce our indefinite hiatus from the BeyX manga; if we do get back to it, we'd finish off all the year one content (up to the likely incoming subtitle/branding change) and all of the extras that go with it. This would leave us with a finite amount of work for us to do and a nice archival version of the beginnings of X.

To explain why we're ending our release, I'd like to say it's not because we don't want to. We'd love to continue on this project because we all really adore this manga. It's hard not to grow fond of something you've poured so much time into. I never really even planned on forming the team to translate the manga until the first chapter was about to come out. I had translated the prologue chapter as a fun side-project — I learned how to letter and translate because of it! So once some of my veteran scanlator friends and some brave newbies hopped on the project with me, I felt like we could actually take a bite out of this massive undertaking. A 36-72 page manga every month for a team of mostly employed/student volunteers is insane, especially when you consider the amount of redraws we had to do on this specific work. There were so many text overlays we had to draw over or speedlines (blech!!) we had to clean up, and usually tens of pages of them. Sometimes we had to do the work of a weekly manga series translation to get our stuff out depending on the amount of pages we did. After a while, that took a toll on our team. We can only do so many 50 pagers in a row before it completely consumes all of our free time outside of our full time work or education. I knew that as soon as we got behind by one chapter, we'd not be able to catch back up. It would just cause us too much grief and stress. I didn't want to do that to my team of unpaid volunteers, so I made the choice to throw in the towel. We were doing pretty professional work for free, and we got burnt out. We all had entire lives outside of BeyX, and I wanted my team to live them. It wasn't a decision I made lightly, or without reason. The official release is coming out soon, and if you don't mind the dub names, the previews looked pretty good! They seem to be Singapore/South East Asian exclusive for now, but I'm sure someone will snag the scans for them. Also, the anime, for the first time in Bey history, is almost exactly the same plot-wise! Previous series manga and anime have diverged wisely, but as the manga and anime have an overlapping writing staff this time, the stories hit almost all the same beats. If anything, I think the anime takes the manga's story and gives it far more breathing room and better pacing. The extra character-focus episodes have done wonders to help develop the cast further and make Bird's journey of perseverance all the more compelling. You will still get to experience the story of X in different ways, but maybe without us. If we had the time, energy, and ability to sustain our bodies, we'd still be working on this manga, I promise you that. The kind words we have gotten from our readers have meant the world to me (I tear up at them sometimes!). I hope that one day, we can return to finish off the first year of BeyX content. If we don't, then oops! Every member of our team has other projects we work on, so you can find us there. I can't tell you what those projects are for our privacy and safety, but we do them! For now, this is Team Kid Named Bird spinning out.

3! 2! 1! Let it rip with us next time, whenever that may be! Thank you so much for supporting us!

[outeremissary]

2023 Wrapped!

This is my first ever time doing a year end art summary (using this template)- I always wanted to when I was younger, but never felt I was creating enough work or that it was "serious" enough or good looking enough to be worth compiling. It's been interesting to reflect on a year that included so many creative ups and downs (and life ups and downs in general). If you'll permit me I want to do the little reflection ramble too, even if it's an inadvisable 5 (or now 6) in the morning where I live.

Some of you who followed me on Twitter probably know that I only "learned to color"- or rather found a way that worked for me enough to finish things consistently- in 2022, and rather late in 2022 at that. This is pretty much the first year where work I considered "finished" or "polished" included things that weren't greyscale, and it's absolutely the first year where I had attempted to do something in color almost every single month. When I look at this and see the range of hues it has, I really feel an incredible sense of achievement. I would not have imagined 14 months ago that I could stitch something that looked like this together, and 12 months ago I can't say I'd have felt confident either.

Despite having a huge artistic slump in the back half of the year (along with a sharp downturn in my mental health in general) I was astounded to find that for the first six months I had so much work that I loved and was proud of that it was hard to put this together because I constantly felt like I was leaving favorites out- works that I thought were iconic or were huge milestones or I just really loved. That was unbelievable. And that was only sifting through the "nice" stuff- I didn't even consider a mountain of sketches and doodles that I adored! Even in my busiest months and the months I was recovering from a major medical procedure (I got top surgery!!!) I had something to show, and May being a WIP is less because there was nothing in that month than because Aurien and Vio were the only ones who were fitting in the damn frame (side note: I'd be more thoughtful with template than aesthetic if I ever did this again).

Even in the five months I was convinced I had done absolutely nothing, I found again and again that I had more than I thought for every month (except November, where it turned out everything I thought I'd done was early December. you've been spared DUrgetash). I was creating even when I was convinced that I was never going to be able to draw again. And I was creating enough that I got to be picky filling this thing out and choose Tristian for October just for a laugh when other options were out there, and enough that I had options when I was struggling to fit something I wanted into the template frame.

Side note: Miss Leonelle, you were tragically robbed by the damn frames.

In making this I also saw again and again the connections that I made throughout the year. I have had the incredible fortune to make wonderful friends this year and to build on bonds that I already had- even some where I perhaps didn't deserve the chances I was given. @mountainashfae is all over this summary- in April, May, June, August, and November- and I've often felt I spent as much time on Vio as Balthazar this year, but there were at least seven other baronesses, KCs, and other incredible OCs I had the privilege of drawing this year who I desperately wanted to fit onto this and was not able to for one reason or another. I'm so happy to know so many creative, passionate people and to be allowed so close to the things they hold so dear. To everyone who has shared their creations this year- not just with me, but with anyone on the internet or in real life or quietly in DMs or in a Discord or wherever- you're incredible, and I hope you're proud of what you've done. And if you struggle with that, I hope you can be proud of the way you're growing even now.

If you've stuck with me this far, thank you. Sincerely. I really appreciate that there are people who enjoy looking at my silly little drawings and reading my occasional rambles, even if I'm a little erratic on putting things up and usually a bit distant by choice from fan communities. And if you continue to stick around, I hope that you continue to have a good time.

I don't know what to expect from 2024 when I've got a laundry list of projects from 2023 I haven't finished, but I'm hopeful about what it'll contain. There's a lot I want to do- more full illustrations, working on other media, trying more ambitious projects- but for now it's enough to just think about picking up the things I've left off and continuing to tie up those loose ends.

Here's hoping we all can find something we want in 2024, as terrible and unknowable as the new chapter is.

[in-need-of-gally-content]

|Chapter•Twenty•Six|

•|Masterlist|•

Although (M/n) was enjoying spending his time with Gally again for the past few days, he hadn't been able to shake off the memory of him saying something about falling in love before cutting himself off. He didn't want to pressure Gally into telling him who it was, it would only make him look like a hypocrite. So he didn't.

He had been working on his communication skills with Gally, not keeping everything to himself as he usually did, trying to comprehend that if Gally -or any of his friends- tell him they want to listen to what he has to say they mean it.

"I wanna know what you wanna tell me, even if you think it's dumb or a waste of my time," Gally said to him after he kept doubting the intentions of others, "I wouldn't have asked in the first place if I didn't care, alright? I'm not trying to act nice and as if I care, because then I will be wasting my time, I truly do care, bean."

Somehow, the thought- knowing someone cares about him in any way is still a foreign concept to (M/n), so he was also working on that with Gally. He was just basically restarting his brain at this point with all the parts of himself he had to fix.

And now, on their fourth day working on all sorts of issues he has, they were sitting atop the Watchtower, drinking some of Gally's non-alcoholic drink and snacking on some leftover fries Fry had in the fridge. The silence that surrounded them was nice, and the breeze was chill, the sun had been covered by the grey clouds heading their way and slowly made the natural light fade. It looked like it might rain soon.

(M/n) wouldn't have minded just sitting there in silence, but the Maze was right in front of him, and he couldn't help but ask.

"What happened..." He said slowly, noticing Gally turning to look at him, taking a sip of his drink, "When you went into the Maze? Why did you go?" He finished in a whisper, looking up and making eye contact with Gally.

He saw the blond getting serious and looking away, staying quiet for a while. Gally was debating whether he should say it or not, it wasn't necessarily a happy memory, and it seemed like everything that had a dark or sad story to him was made into a permanent reminder of that time.

But the moment he turned back to look at (M/n), he saw worry in his eyes, genuine concern, and he sighed, deciding he would tell him.

He shifted on his spot and got a bit more comfortable, "I haven't said this to anyone at all, not even to Alby, and..." He hesitated for a few moments, fiddling with the jar in his hand, "It's mostly 'cause I didn't think it would make a difference, whether I said this or not," Gally took a deep breath, and (M/n) silently waited until he felt ready to talk.

Gally appreciated that. He really did.

"I was... Tired. Of the way I was treated. Everything," he briefly looked at (M/n) before focusing back ahead, "So I tried to run away, I didn't even know what my plan was if I'm honest," Gally took a sip of his drink and reached for a fry, "After running into a Griever there's not much I remember, but apparently, I had found my way back and I collapsed when I got to the Glade."

(M/n) turned to look at the Maze Doors, looking as ominous as ever. He watched the Doors for a short while, and that same dream flashed in his mind, seeing Gally in the Maze wasn't just a dream... It was real.

But that didn't help him much, did it? It just brought more questions to his mind.

"And while I was unconscious, I kept having these... Dreams, or I thought they were, because I knew they weren't made up by my fevered and delusional mind," when Gally kept talking, (M/n) looked at him again, paying attention to his words, "I had no idea what they meant, so when I woke up I started drawing them so I wouldn't forget. It was... Weird too because..." He hesitated for a few seconds, unsure of how to continue, "There was someone I could never see clearly, just their silhouette, and whenever I woke up I felt... Empty, as if I was missing a part of me."

There was another silence, and (M/n) couldn't help but wonder if they were seeing the same "person" in their dreams. He had experienced something similar a few times, he could never see who that person was no matter how close they were, all (M/n) could recall was their sense of familiarity.

He wondered, if by any chance... Was that Gally? Or was it someone completely different?

"Alby told me that..." He went back to listening to Gally, he could figure out things some other time, "Someone had sent stuff up to help me survive, along with a note. I... I wish I could say thank you to that person, honestly."

And now, with a deep sigh, Gally was officially done talking.

He wasn't expecting anything from (M/n), maybe a comment to ease the air and go back to cheerful and playful, but he felt (M/n)'s hand wrapping around his, making him turn to look at him.

"I'm glad you're alive, Gally."

This was the first and only time anyone had told him that, he had been thinking everyone was just being nice to him because they had to, not because they were sorry or worried about what had happened to him. They were forced to stop bullying him, so Gally never felt as if he was welcomed in the Glade after that. New greenies had helped to ease the tension, but he always felt left out.

No one was happy he survived that day. But now, (M/n) completely changed how he felt about being alive. He felt thankful to have made it out of that, otherwise, he would've never met someone as great as (M/n).

The thought almost overwhelmed him to tears, just realizing how much he needed someone to care.

They gazed into each other's eyes, unsaid want and longing swirling in them.

Slowly, both of them began to lean in closer, their breathing mixing, lips mere inches away, hearts racing and heated faces, about to finally kiss...

When thunder startled them, making them pull back instantly, and less than a second later, they were drenched under the heavy rain. They should've expected it, the sky had been turning grey, but did it really have to start pouring right that second?

"Well, shuck..." (M/n) chuckled at Gally and they got up, "We should get inside," Gally decided to leave the empty bowl of fries and jars up top, they could pick them up after the rain ceased anyway, and then carefully headed down.

Laughs and squeals were heard as they made their way down the ladders, yelling 'be careful!' to each other between chuckles, until they finally made their way to the ground. They had to get to the nearest place that could provide shelter, and that could either be the Homestead or (M/n)'s treehouse, so they started walking, well, more like jogging under the heavy rain.

However, they were already drenched, what would a little bit more water do?

With that train of thought, (M/n) reached for Gally's hand and made him spin around, catching the blond in his arms. Gally looked down at him and smirked, "What are you doing?"

(M/n) tried to hold in his chuckle as he held Gally's hand, and did an elegant and slightly dramatic bow, "Can I have a dance with the prettiest boy?" There he goes, he said it.

Gally tried to ignore the heat creeping up his face, and decided he could turn the tables around on (M/n).

"I don't think you need to ask yourself for a dance, bean," he was caught off guard by that and he walked closer to hide his face on Gally's chest, unbothered by how soaked his clothes were.

"You're an idiot, did you know?" Gally chuckled and nodded, lifting his free hand to ruffle (M/n)'s hair, splashing water around.

"Well, you're best friends with an idiot, so that makes you a double idiot," (M/n) looked up at Gally with a frown on his brow, but a smile was pulling his lips up, and as a revenge, he decided to tickle him.

Immediately, Gally turned around and ran away with a squeal, "Unfair!"

"Apologize, Gally!" (M/n) yelled while running after him.

"Never!"

While those two continued chasing each other around like idiots, they were unaware of the audience they had, watching them playing in the rain and getting covered in mud, laughing alongside (M/n) and Gally, and enjoying the time they had.

Even Minho and Dan, who had to go back to the Glade as soon as it began raining, saw them rolling on the ground and cackling. The sight made them smile as they continued their way inside to change their soaked clothes.

//////

Despite all the fun they had under the rain the previous evening...

Gally woke up sick. He had a fever and had been sneezing quite a bit.

Being the one at fault that he ended up getting sick, (M/n) decided to take care of him until he got better again. Gally didn't even try to argue with him when he saw (M/n) walk in with a tray and a steaming bowl of soup, Gally felt so bad he didn't even want to argue about that this time, he did not have the strength to fight him over anything anyway.

And since Gally spent the majority of the day sleeping, probably because he felt so bad all he wanted to do was rest, (M/n) didn't have to do much, gave him painkillers for his headache, tuck him in with blankets, and a wet towel on his head to ease the fever. He took care of Gally while he was awake and watched over him when he was asleep.

Only occasionally (M/n) would walk over to his desk, and crouch down to take a closer look at all the wooden sculptures he had done, paying attention to the details some of them had, some even had cute faces drawn on them, and a few other were painted, making spots or lines covering their body, whether it was fully or partially.

And at some point, when Gally woke up almost at dinner time, he turned to look at (M/n), watching him look at his little sculptures.

"Why did you not get sick?" He asked in a hoarse and raspy whisper, coughing right after. (M/n) was quick to handle him his cup of water and help him sit up to drink it.

"Don't know, big guy," after Gally was done drinking his water, he placed the cup down again, and (M/n) decided to mess with him a little bit, "Why? You wanted to take care of me?"

He made a dramatic and playful pout, smiling wide when Gally let out a breathy chuckle, and the red on his face caused by his fever was pretty good to cover how flustered the thought made him, "You wish, bean."

///////

The next day, while Gally was sleeping peacefully in his room, (M/n) found Dmitri as he was walking out of the kitchen with a bottle of water and eating some leftover breakfast.

"Oh, hey (M/n)," he did the 'sup?' greeting with his chin, and walked past him and to the kitchen, grabbing a single candy from the new bag they had gotten two days ago.

"I wanted to ask you something," the Keeper did a 'shoot' signal with his hand, "Is there any way that I can maybe fix the Homestead?" 

"You want to... Fix it?" He asked as if he couldn't believe it, and (M/n) chuckled.

"Yeah, why? Is that weird?"

Dmitri proceeded to explain how no one feels entailed to fix anything in the Glade, because it tended to be harder than building, and (M/n) almost couldn't believe it, how could fixing something be harder than building it? That's what he thought, until Dmitri explained why.

The reason was simple, and it was the only one.

If you don't know what you're fixing or changing or whatever it is that you have to do, the whole built section could collapse, or break off more in the very least and most common cases. The Keeper wanted to do a demonstration with the kitchen wall, until Fry walked past.

"Do not break my kitchen or imma break your ass, Dimi," he raised his hands away from the wall.

"Sure, Fry, just wanted to prove a point."

Well, Fry's reaction was pretty much all the point Dmitri had to prove. At least (M/n) understood why the Brick-nicks never really repaired stuff around unless it was absolutely necessary.

And with all the time that had passed, he decided to go check up on Gally, and maybe try to work the next day, after all, Dmitri had explained to him how to do things without making them worse, he just didn't get to see the "make them worse" part of the job interview.

And yeah, he spent his time with Gally and took care of him until he fell asleep again.

//////

"I'm gonna be downstairs for a while, and I'll come to check up on you every thirty to forty minutes, alright?" (M/n) told Gally while placing the newly wet towel on his forehead. He had just taken his painkiller for his headache, and ate some fruit for lunch, although he had to be fed because he said he wasn't hungry, "Or you could just... Make noise if you need me."

Both of them chuckled softly at that, and Gally nodded, getting comfortable on his bed, looking up at (M/n) with glossy eyes.

"Okay, try to get some rest, big guy."

(M/n) walked out of the room closed the door behind him, and headed downstairs, ready to start some work around the Homestead. Dmitri had said he could wear gloves to avoid splinters on his hands, but they usually get in the way, so he decided against it and opened the cabinet with the toolbox, wooden crates and leather bags containing various supplies essential for the Glade.

He took out whatever he thought he might need and what he knew he needed and carried it around in a small bag while he began looking around every room, every wall, every floorboard and every corner of the place. He began checking the Gathering room, and he saw a few holes in the walls, so he went and fixed them. He was done rather quickly with that and he continued looking around.

He even spotted the few leaks Dmitri and Brandon had covered up while he paced around the place.

After a while, with all the holes he could find covered, he began looking at the floorboards, cleaning the dust and pieces of wood would be easier after he was done with the floor, otherwise, he would've had to clean up twice.

(M/n) found himself kneeling on the hallway floor, where Newt's room was, at the end of the hall, he took out sticking out pieces of wood, filled the empty spaces in and sanded them.

He was actually enjoying doing this work, in peace and quiet, he had checked up on Gally to wet his towel again, finding him asleep with his mouth slightly open every time he walked in, and he had done it maybe two or three times now.

He will have to go back soon, but he wanted to be done with the last bit of the floor he had left before he did. (M/n) started humming a different song, just chillin' on his own, when he heard the loud noises of people barging in. He decided to ignore them at first and continued humming since the noise they were making worked to mask the tune he was letting out.

But then, when they were settling down, probably sitting on the couches, (M/n) recognized Stan's voice. He instinctively rolled his eyes and debated whether he wanted to finish working as if nothing was going on, or leave and stay with Gally until they left, act as if they weren't there.

He debated for a few seconds, and when he was about to stand up to leave, part of their conversation caught his attention.

First, he hadn't been paying attention to them until he heard his name. Second, they were making comments about him, and they were indeed worse when he "wasn't" around.

(M/n) was sure they were jacked in the head with how aggressive and/or sexual some of the observations they made were. Those pigs were saying stuff about how they would 'totally screw her', and he stood up, he was not gonna stand there and listen to their comments about his body and personality.

"But... Why would you want to screw her?" The hoarse and raspy voice of the scrawny twin, Sean, filled the room and there was a short silence.

"We thought you hated her?" Derek added, the sound of his gruff voice coming out with a confused tone to it.

Stan clicked his tongue, annoyed at the questions, "To get her to shut up, that's why I want to screw her, shank," (M/n) heard the sound of what was possibly Stan's boots being placed on the coffee table, "Show her where she belongs, under a man."

Yeah, Stan had a very delusional view of himself, referring to himself as "a man". Damn, (M/n) was about to come out from around the corner, throw up on him and leave him sterile for the rest of his pathetic existence with the kick to his ball he wanted to gift him, teach him not to mess around, and to save the human race from allowing "mini Stans" to live their lives.

He was mad. With every day he had to endure the comments and looks, his anger issues were becoming a big problem, all he wanted to do was punch them and break stuff, but who could blame him? Nothing he did worked to get them to stop.

The audacity Stan had never failed to make his blood boil. Screw working or leaving, he was getting ready to throw hands.

"Yeah, doubt Gally would ever allow you to touch what's his, he will probably kill you, or beat you within an inch of your life, mate," Gale argued Stan's comment, and the living room was soon filled with chuckles and snorts from the rest of the Sloppers.

All Stan did was mutter a 'shut up' for them to, eventually, quiet down. Of course, the twins didn't care about obeying Stan, he wasn't their Keeper, after all, Billy was.

"What's Gally's problem anyway?" At Sean's question, Stan scoffed and shifted his sitting position, leaning in and resting his elbows on his knees, as he was about to let the twins into a huge secret.

"Gally is just a pussy ass bitch who acts like a tough guy, but he's nothing more than a scaredy cat filled with trauma, believe me... I know," (M/n) frowned and leaned his back against the wall behind him, remaining hidden from their field of view.

After that, (M/n) stayed in place, listening as Stan proceeded to tell everyone how he used to bully Gally every day, belittle him and used him as he pleased.

Hearing everything he said definitely made his anger issues go haywire, and if he had been holding something, he would've broken it. He listened to everything with his jaw clenched and fists tightly closed.

But after Stan was done, another voice echoed in the room, "So, how are we getting rid of her?" It was Peter, now this was something he had to hear.

"Hm, we have to do something to get her banished and not simply make her get taken to the pit," and that was Jason, speaking for the first time in the past ten minutes.

"Well, she's gotten very similar to Gally, only more level-headed, it won't be easy to make her snap at us, and even if she did, I doubt anyone would vote for a Banishment," (M/n) almost couldn't believe their conversation, they were actually planning for him to get banished from the Glade? He knew he was hated by the Sloppers but... That much? What the shuck did he do to them that was so horrible?

Fry had previously explained to him what a Banishment was after he had overheard two guys talking about it. It was only used as a last resort.

"We will think of something," the twins muttered in unison, it sounded kinda creepy, their voices were emotionless, but at least, (M/n) knew what to expect would happen during the next couple of days.

///////

He remained in his hiding spot until they finally left a few minutes after planning different stuff they could do, now he was gonna be on the lookout for those scheming bastards.

(M/n) sighed when they left and the door closed behind them, and proceeded to finish up what he had left, cleaning up all the dust, and wood on the floor. As soon as he was done he went upstairs to Gally's room.

Upon opening the door and walking in, he saw the blond awake and looking better than he did a few hours ago, "Hey," Gally greeted him and he walked over to sit on the edge of the bed, smiling at him.

"Hi," (M/n) reached his hand and began touching Gally's neck and chest gently, checking his temperature. His fever had gone down quite a bit now, "How are you feeling?" He asked and backed away.

Gally raised his eyebrows and grinned, "Bad, but better."

They chuckled together and (M/n) nodded, "Yeah, I get it, you'll probably be alright by tomorrow, big guy."

Gally did something (M/n) never thought he would see. He pouted and reached for his hand.

"But I like having you as my nurse," (M/n) laughed and lifted his free hand, moving his blond hair away from his face.

"Well, I like it when you're in top condition, it gets boring without you, Gally," the blond felt his face heating up suddenly and his heart beating faster.

He tightened his hold on (M/n)'s hand, staring into his (e/c) eyes and briefly licking his lips, "I feel the same."

They stared into each other's eyes, and felt the same pull from the other day, something making them want to be closer and closer together. And this time there won't be thunder or rain to break their moment-

"(M/n)!"

Except for the sound of Fry coming up the stairs while hollering his name at the top of his lungs. He opened the door, completely oblivious to the moment he had just unintentionally ruined.

"Greenbean, could you chop some wood for me? Thank you!" And he left.

He sighed, and they watched Fry leaving, "Well, duty calls, be right back," reluctantly, Gally had to let go of (M/n)'s hand, and he observed him as he closed the door behind him, the one Fry didn't bother close.

Gally stared at the ceiling of his room and released a deep sigh, rubbing his face with his hands, "What am I doing wrong?"

With both of them left alone with their thoughts, they kept thinking about the same thing. How long could they hold back from just... Doing it? Every moment together, (M/n) began to completely ignore the idea of Gally not liking him back, and Gally thought the same thing about (M/n).

The possibility of their feelings not being so one-sided as they once thought was just too good to be true, but it wasn't completely delusional either.