#he’s even helping the mac painting with his make up :3

[missbunmuffin]

Aran was a bad girl he did some bad things

He’s been playing with Don’s make up lol.

[upsidedownwithsteve]

for blurb day i was thinking maybe just some soft fluff of the morning after steve and r say I love you for the first time? i love your writing<3

Steve’s room was bathed in a rosy glow, an early morning peach light that turned his bare, white walls into the colour of the rising sun.

He’d moved into his new apartment only two days before, boxes half unpacked and stacked against a still empty dresser that held a red wine bottle and Ruby tinted glasses beside it. You hadn’t gotten round to making the bed frame, not yet, not when Steve had made use of all the floor space to spin you around, an old cassette playing Fleetwood Mac as you laughed into his chest.

You’d both led the empty Chinese food cartons on the living room floor boards, cushions scattered instead of a couch, a lamp by the mantle and the small fern Robin had brought sitting by the window.

You’d let the boy pull you into bed, just a mattress on the bedroom floor, sheets fresh and piled on top, crushed under your weight as he kissed you stupid, wine on his tongue, his tongue on yours. You couldn’t remember what date this was, what number, not when days bled into weeks and months and suddenly it had been so easy to let Steve slip off your clothes at night and start calling you his girlfriend, cheeks pink and eyes unsure.

You’d kissed away any uncertainty, pulled his clothes off too with just as much conviction. It had been months of firsts, of new things, exciting things, pretty things that made your stomach tumble and your heart grow a little bigger.

It swelled even more when you woke up that morning, Steve’s arms around your middle, big hands on your bare stomach, fingers climbing across your ribs and you wondered if he could feel your heartbeat even whilst he slept. His breath picked up as he woke, warm huffs across the back of your neck, all that bare skin pressed against yours as he shifted between you and the sheets.

“Mornin’, baby,” he husked, voice sleepy and rough. You felt him smile, felt in paint itself against your neck. “Sleep alright?”

You hummed in return, a happy sound that made Steve’s toes curl, made warmth bloom across his chest and hold you to him a little tighter. He couldn’t stop it, couldn’t help himself, not when the words had been stuck in his throat for weeks now, cloying and thick with affection and he was too sleepy to stop it—

“God, I love you.”

It made your heart stop, a sudden pause in the moment, even though you were so sure you could hear it in the air. A thundering, a wonderful kind of noise. You tried to turn in Steve’s arms, more awake than you’d ever been but Steve groaned, hands gripping at your hips so you couldn’t budge.

“You— you, sorry, I— you don’t have to say it back.” You heard the boy swallow, heard the crack in his voice. “I’m sorry. I mean, I’m not sorry, I meant it— shit, I did. But… you don’t have to say it back if you don’t want to.”

You grinned, cheek pressed into the pillow where Steve couldn’t see and your hands found his under the sheets, prying his fingers from your hips until he eased off. He let you gather his hands in your own, a small feat considering the difference in size, but you felt his chest move in relief when you brought them to your lips.

A kiss, one for each knuckle, soft and gentle until Steve softened behind you, the tension leaving his body.

“Can I turn round now?” You asked him. “So I can look at you when I say it back?”

You couldn’t see him yet, but Steve beamed.

[rookthorne]

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞

Slow mornings were the best on your farm — the sounds and smells and sights of the early hours painted a picture for how the day to come would no doubt pan out. It also helped having an insatiable husband, you supposed.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 ☼ Farmer!Husband!Bucky Barnes x Wife!F!Reader

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 ☼ 2.0k

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 ☼ Fluff, Bucky is a horn dog and a menace ჻჻჻ SMUT: Unprotected piv, outdoor sex ჻჻჻ KINKS: Praise, CMNF

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 ☼ I don't know, I just... don't know. He's a weakness, sue me.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 ☼ Hey, Gringo by KALEO

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 ☼ @buckybarnesevents Hot Bucky Summer ჻჻჻ Week 3 — Bent Over — Masterlist

𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 ‘𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

The stirring of the farm was always a symphony of sounds that filled your heart with joy: the clucking of the chickens and morning crow of the roosters, the loud calls and brays of the horses and cows, not to mention the dogs snuffling around the yard for the fresh tracks of wild rabbits and stray foxes. It was a sight both you and Bucky had worked so hard to achieve, and for the rest of your days, you would treasure it, protect it.

The smell of hearty pancake batter wafted from the mixing bowl in your hand as you worked, preparing for the feast that Bucky would inevitably be starving for once he woke with the sun that had started to peak over the horizon.

Farm life always started early, and for a change, you had beaten Bucky in rising and beginning the day, but not without good reason – the silk chemise flowing and brushing your thighs would be a welcome sight for your husband, that you could guarantee. 

You started to hum quietly, swaying your hips to the rhythm in your mind as you placed the bowl on the counter to ready the pan, when you heard the loud trill of the alarm clock and an even louder groan of protest.

“Coffee,” you muttered, grabbing Bucky’s favourite mug from the cupboard just as you heard shuffling footsteps down the hall, heading straight for the kitchen.

“Well,” Bucky rasped, and you turned to smile at your groggy and sleepy husband, who was eyeing you with a brewing hunger. “Ain’t you an angel, huh?” The kettle whistled, and you shrugged, determinedly getting back on task when strong arms suddenly wrapped around your middle, a warm weight enveloping your back and pushing you against the counter. “Good mornin’, Peach.”

“Morning, babe,” you whispered back, turning your head to kiss him on the lips softly. “How’d you sleep?”

Bucky shrugged. “Jus’ fine, darlin’,” he yawned, pulling away to start making his coffee – strong and black, no cream or sugar. “Woulda been better if I got to wake up with my girl in my arms– better yet, wrapped around her.”

“You horn dog,” you chuckled, shaking your head. “Later. Let’s eat breakfast first.”

Plates of pancakes, bacon, and fruit vanished faster than you could refill them. Bucky was sweeping the dirty dishes from the table quicker than you could even offer to help clean up – not that you’d complain, there was a lot to take care of today. 

The first order of business, though? Taking Bucky up on his offer. 

“Alright,” Bucky said from the kitchen, the clatter of plates in the dish drainer making you smile – one less job for you to take care of; bless him. “I’m goin’ to get dressed. Get this day started so I can come home to my Peach, huh?”

“‘Kay,” you called back, stretching in your chair before standing. The wooden floor was cool under your feet as you padded to the front door to take in the morning air, a happy sigh leaving your lips as you opened the screen door, allowing the nicer smells of the countryside to fill your senses; morning dew, fresh hay, and the faint scent of cedar. 

Mac and Lilo were bounding in the yard with loud yips and barks, chasing their tails with the excitement of work to do. 

The porch was glowing in the morning rays, the timber planks painted with yellow sunlight, while the plants that were placed by the porch steps swayed ever so softly in the warm breeze. It was a beautiful morning, the epitome of tranquillity. 

Boot falls sounded behind you, and the door creaked open. Then, everything came to a halt – the sounds of the morning dulled and became distant as you felt eyes roving your figure, a promise for what was to come. 

“Goddamn, Peach, baby,” Bucky whistled, and before you could turn to face him, your front was crowded against the railing. His frame overpowered you, his very presence was demanding, and the hunger in his touch made you shiver. “How’s a fella meant to get any work done ‘round here when you’re walkin’ ‘round like this?”

“You didn’t seem to mind it in the kitchen,” you replied, smirking and looking over your shoulder at his face to see a brow raised incredulously.

“My wife was also in the safety of our home.” Bucky’s hands gripped your waist, the fabric of your chemise riding further up your thigh. “Who knows, sweetheart,” he continued in a low voice, his breath hot against the shell of your ear as he moved to palm your hips with his callused hands. “One might think you wanna get caught out here–bein’ fucked by your husband as he claims what’s his.”

“Oh my god,” you gasped. “Buck-”

A squeak of shock left your lips when Bucky suddenly pulled you closer, his hands holding your hips tightly so your ass was against his crotch – his cock was straining at the fly of his jeans. “Y’see what you do to me, Peach?” he breathed, voice husky with need. “Walkin’ round here like this–fuck, I’m a lucky man.”

Heat settled in your cunt with a dull throb, and you moaned, pitch high and wanton. “Fuck me,” you rushed, and he chuckled. “Bucky, please, hurry up–need you.”

The sound of Bucky’s belt buckle undoing echoed so loudly through the morning air you heard it over the roar of blood in your ears. “So sweet for me, Peach,” he drawled, his hand running up your back and pulling the chemise with it. “Don’t need this anymore, do we?”

Fabric flew over your vision – you were bare and gripping the rail for dear life. “Bucky.”

“Oh, baby,” he breathed, his fingers dancing across your skin until he cupped your bare ass in his hands. “Ain’t wearin’ anythin’ under- Wow.” Whistling appreciatively – much like the one he let loose in the kitchen, he stepped closer, his proximity forcing you to bend at the hip as he crowded you again. “If I knew that, sweetheart, I woulda fucked you in the kitchen, on the counter-” A kiss to your shoulder whilst his hand moved to spread your thighs, a quiet whimper leaving your lips. “In the dining room, on the fuckin’ table-” Another kiss to your shoulder, followed by a bite. “And against the damn front door.”

“You can–you can, just fuck me, please,” you mewled, your whole body tensing when his right hand circled your hip to cup your sex, his deft fingers playing your clit in the way that made you sing. “Fuck, fuck–c’mon, Bucky.”

“Who am I to deny my Peach,” Bucky chuckled. “Not when she’s asking so sweetly.”

The brush from the head of Bucky’s cock made your breath hitch. “Yesyes, oh fuck, yes,” you moaned, grinning when you felt him drive forward with a low groan, his forehead resting between your shoulder blades. Laughing breathily, you widened your stance, your feet spreading further apart. 

“Always take me so well, baby,” Bucky huffed, his breath hot against your skin. “Jus’ like you were made for me–so fuckin’ hot and tight f’me.”

“Uh-huh,” you giggled, edging forward and slamming back into his hips to hear him cry out, his cock hitting all the right spots. “Want you to move, babe, fuck me.”

“A-Alright,” Bucky stuttered, slightly breathless, and you grinned wickedly. His hands rubbed up and down your sides, finally coming to settle on your hips. “I’ll fuck you, Peach. Don’t keep quiet on me, now–lemme hear you.”

You nodded and braced. 

The pace started slow – long, deep thrusts that morphed into brutal pumps of his cock, each thrust punctuated with a loud grunt of pleasure from Bucky, a high moan from your own lips, and the wet sounds of him fucking you in earnest. “Bucky! Fuck, yes–ohmygod, don’t stop!”

“Don’t plan on it, sweetheart,” Bucky panted, his lips finding the spot on your neck with ease, and he began to suck harshly – the contrast of the sting of his lips and the all-encompassing brush of his cock made you cry out, gripping him and the porch rail like a vice. Slick started to run down your thighs, and you whimpered as Bucky moved one hand back to your clit. “You’re squeezin’ me, darlin’, fuck–you close already?”

Your breath hitched in your throat as Bucky worked your clit in fast, tight circles. “Yeah!” 

A pleased hum rumbled in Bucky’s chest, and he stepped impossibly closer – almost becoming one with your trembling form. "Feel s'good around my cock, Peach, fuck.” The pace changed to be frantic, his hips pistoning in and out with unmatched desperation. “You ain’t allowed to wear anything under that pretty workin’ dress a’yours, baby. I want my cum dripping down your thighs all day–a reminder of just what I wanna do to you tonight." 

“Oh!” Your voice could have carried out past the hills of your farm for all you cared if Bucky kept up this pace while promising more – you wouldn’t last. “Please! I won’t, I won’t, fuck-”

“Tha’s it, darlin’,” Bucky purred, his voice deep and alluring over your keening moan. “Lemme hear you, c’mon–cum for me, let go.”

“Bucky, Buck- ‘M close, don’t–” 

“Fuckin’ let go for me, darlin’,” Bucky growled, and you whined loudly as your toes curled. “Good girl, gimme it; I need to feel you cum on my cock. C’mon.” His voice was wrecked, a low moan building in his throat as you seized in his grip. 

“‘M coming! Bucky, fuck!” 

Bucky choked on a gasp, his hips faltering as you fluttered and pulsed through your high. “Good god, baby,” he gritted out through his teeth, his grip on you becoming bruising as he pulled you back against his chest. The brush of fabric against your back startled you – he was still clothed? “Fuck, you feel s’good, I’m gonna cum, and you’re gonna take it–yeah, you’ll fuckin’ take it.”

“Cum for me, wanna feel it,” you cried, gripping his arm and meeting his thrusts. “Bucky, please, please, gimme it.”

“Ah–ah, shit, darlin’,” Bucky moaned. There was a sudden jolt of heat in your cunt, and Bucky bit your shoulder to muffle a shout as he came, pulling off only to whine as his cock twitched, emptying completely in your heat. 

You shuddered in Bucky’s embrace through aftershocks, both of you gasping to catch your breath. 

“Fuckin’ hell,” Bucky panted, squeezing you tight against his chest, and you sighed happily. “Y’alright, sweetheart? I wasn’t too rough?”

“Nah,” you answered, leaning into his clothed chest. “Wait-” You looked over your shoulder properly, down his shoulders and chest, to find Bucky still fully clothed – a plaid shirt and tank top covering his muscled chest, and the feel of the crotch of his jeans soaked with the mess of your coupling. “You’re gonna have to change, babe.”

Bucky only grinned. 

You lost a moment gazing into his face, studying the way his eyes flickered around your face. “See somethin’ you like, Peach?” he murmured.

“Yeah,” you whispered, wincing as Bucky pulled out slowly and helped you stand upright. “The oaf and horn dog that I married all those years ago.”

Laughter filled the air, and Bucky shook his head, his eyes sparkling in the rays of the sun. “And I’m the luckiest fella for being able to call you mine.”

“Such a sap.” Carefully, you bent to pick up the chemise from the decking, the fabric cold between your fingers. “Alright, mister,” you pointed towards the door of your home. “Get changed, then get outta here. You promised me, and you damn sure are gonna keep it.”

“Only if you hold up your end of the bargain,” Bucky quipped, a brow raised at you as he opened the front door, gesturing you inside. “After all, darlin’,” he drawled as he closed the door behind him, his tone sultry. “What kinda husband would I be if I didn’t fuck my beautiful wife at every damn possible opportunity I could get?”

⠈⠂⠄ 𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱 | 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 | 𝐚𝐨𝟑  ⠄⠂⠁

⠈⠂⠄𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⠄⠂⠁

[sweatervest-obsessed]

Salvia Splendens Means Forever Mine- Part 3

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader

WC: 1.8k

TW: Death, blood, bleeding out, making out, kissing, men being creepy, swearing, blood, trauma, cliffhanger moment

A/N: Guys I am so sorry. School has actually picked up and so have rehearsals, I'm losing my mind, but I'm trying to write multiple things at once, and that's so silly of me. I'm sorry this is so short, and I promise the next one will be longer. Thank y'all for your patience. It means a lot! PS That's fully Lady Mac in the painting !!

Part 1 Part 2

In all fairness, it was your turn.

Spencer had been captured and drugged, Derek had been arrested and charged with multiple murders, Gideon’s lost love had been murdered by a serial killer, Elle had someone reach into her body and write with her blood on her living room wall, so truthfully, you were a little shocked it had taken you this long to be murdered, or kidnapped, or who knows what else. 

The team hadn’t royally fucked up, per se. You all were beyond careful, but sometimes, when you misprofile, things happen. How were you supposed to know that it was the girl and her boyfriend, and not just the boyfriend. 

The best part about this was the fact that you got to watch as the woman you saved two days ago get stabbed to death repeatedly, screaming at you to save her. Her blood splattered across your face, your clothes, your skin, permanently staining it in your mind. Your favorite Shakespeare show had always been Macbeth, it seemed a bit ironic now considering you felt as though you would never wash her blood off your hands. 

The screams would echo around in your head as you stared at her body on the mattress across from you. The red grew in splotches like a sick mold, blooming out from underneath.

The boyfriend, whose name was slipping your mind, slid the knife up your thigh, and you couldn’t tell if he was drawing more of your blood, or dragging hers across you. 

The couple had been so kind as to remove your shirt and pants, leaving you in nothing but undergarments, and no socks. Colorado was fucking cold at night

You heard the girl, Millie, giggling as she shoved the woman’s body with her foot. You winced as you felt the knife going higher than you would have preferred, his hand sliding around your waist. 

“Andrew. What are you doing?” 

His name was Andrew. Got it. 

His hands immediately retracted, shrugging and crossing his arms, but still standing over you. 

“Go dispose of her body.” 

Andrew nodded, quickly tugging your hair, painfully, before moving to clean up the mess the two of them had made. You swallowed the groan in your throat and closed your eyes; the woman’s body never left your sight though. 

“Why does a gorgeous agent like you wear such a boring necklace.”

Your eyes shot open as Millie swung the little gold chain around her fingers. You pulled you hand, intending to reach your neck, but the restraint dug into your wrist, surely leaving a mark in the process. 

You hadn't realized it was gone. Your neck suddenly felt so cold, so make, without it.

“Oh so which one of them gave you this?” 

You exhaled, but kept your eyes on her hand at all times, not wanting to lose sight of the necklace. 

She smirked, watching as every muscle in your body stayed as tense as it could. 

“Was it…Agent Morgan…Agent Prentiss…no, hmm…” She twirled it around, enjoying as you fidgeted around, terrified that the necklace would break. 

“The skinny one?” You tried so hard not to react, but you have this nasty habit of biting your cheeks when you get extremely nervous or worried, and Millie’s smirk turned wicked when she realized. 

“Ah, so it is the nerdy one…interesting…Andy?”

Andrew, who had been leaning on the door frame, eyeing you up and down, making your skin crawl, looked over at Millie. 

“Baby…” She drawled, “Put this necklace on me?”

“No.” You couldn’t help it as the words shoved their way out of your mouth before you even had a chance to process it. 

Andrew stalked towards Millie, eyeing her up and down before snatching the necklace out of her hand. “It’s real pretty on you baby.” He slowly placed it on her neck, the gold contrasting against her skin. 

“Ya know, I just have to ask…what does this stupid pendant even mean?” 

You shook your head, eyes cast downward, unable to watch someone else wear the necklace Spencer had given you. 

“Hey. Fucking answer me.” She kicked your shoulder causing you to wince in pain as you felt the bruising start to form immediately. 

You missed it as Andrew picked up the knife. You missed it as Millie took it from him. You didn’t miss how she stabbed you in the gut, causing your eyes to flash white. 

People say pain is hot, it shoots through you like a fire you can’t put out, but they’re wrong. It is ice in your veins. The numbness slowly takes over your body as it shuts down, trying to avoid the unavoidable. 

Your mouth let out a strangled “fuck” when Millie ripped the knife from your stomach, causing the blood to start oozing out of your wound. 

God it was not supposed to end this way. 

You placed a hand over your stomach, barely registering the wetness as you pulled it up to your eyes. You watched as the blood dripped down the sides of your hands, and that's when the adrenaline shot kicked out from underneath you. 

“Oh my god.” you mumbled, placing your hand over the wound. The first thing you were supposed to do was stop the bleeding. With what? There’s nothing around? Panic was seeping through every pore in your body. You had been trained for this, why couldn’t you remember what to do? What should you even use to stop the bleeding, god it fucking hurt. 

You watched as the door across the room slammed shut, causing you to flinch at the sound, causing you to groan in pain at the sudden movement. 

“Fuck. Fuck.” 

This couldn’t be it. You couldn’t just die while some sick and twisted bitch walked around with your necklace on, while you slowly bled out on some disgusting mattress in god knows where. 

Maybe this is what Spencer thought about while he was dying. 

“I’m not dying.” You whispered, wavering slightly. The blood loss was getting to your head and your eyes were getting heavy. “I’m not…shit. It’s fine…I’m”

His hand was softer than you remembered, but at least he wasn’t as nervous as before. It was your six month anniversary and Spencer had gone all out. He had taken you out to dinner, your favorite restaurant in the area, wined and dined you. It was perfect. The two of you had ended up back at your place, your back against the door as you dug your hand around in your pocket. 

“Spence.’ You mumbled, smiling against his lips, losing all focus as one of his hands grabs your waist, squeezing it with anticipation. 

Your lack of focus spurred Spencer on, and suddenly the door to your apartment was opening–he had found your keys and opened it, all while distracting you with his lips, his touch.  You were glad someone had their head on straight. 

You stumbled back slightly, not leaving his touch, feeling the warmth on his hands on your arm, pulling you back into him. 

“Move in with me.” He whispered against your lips, and you’re not sure if you heard him correctly. 

“What?” You whispered, taking the slightest step back, opening your eyes and looking up into his eyes. His sweet, shining eyes, filled with hope, and something a bit more. 

“Move in with me…” Spencer licked his bottom lip, that same nervous tick that would drive you fucking crazy whenever you looked at him. 

“What about the team…” Spencer shook his head. 

“Who cares.” He smiled at you. “I just want to wake up next to you every morning.”

Spencer kissed your lips softly.

“Please sweetheart” Your jaw.

“Every single morning” Your neck. 

“Spence…” You moaned slightly, surely leaving bruises on his arms from your grip. Your mind was everywhere, unable to truly cling onto any of the words Spencer was whispering to you.

“In our bed.” 

“Sold.” You pulled his head up and basically launched yourself at him, lips on his. 

Spencer was not having as great of a time in his head as you were. 

Just as the team was getting out of their cars, he had heard your voice, causing him to immediately go on high alert, hand on his gun in an instant. The rest of the team had followed suit, all of them quickly looking at Hotch and Reid, trying to figure out a plan. 

Reid almost had to be held back by Morgan the way he basically started to walk right into the building. He knew what happened in hostage situations. He knew how unforgiving captures could be. He couldn’t stop picturing all of the possibilities of what made you scream out in such pain. 

But suddenly, he heard the front door slam, causing all of them to instantly aim at the couple, demands and yelling all happening so slowly.

He could hear the suspects voice, that dumb asshole that wouldn’t stop flirting with you in  the restaurant they had eaten at a couple days ago. His arrogance was the least of Spencer’s problems now. 

Then, he heard a woman’s voice, calling the unsub “sweetheart” and “darling” and “baby”. How could the miss the girlfriend? 

She had seemed so…submissive. But clearly, the profile was off a little bit. 

That’s when he heard the first gun shots go off, causing him to look up at the body on the ground, and the girl sobbing but getting on her knees. The boyfriend had a gun in his hand, but was too slow. 

Morgan quickly walked up to the girl, Hotch following him closely, gun trained on her. 

Hotch’s eyes went wide, and he quickly gave a nod to Emily, causing her to block Spencer’s path. 

“Where did you get this?” Hotch yanked it off of her neck, clutching the necklace in his hand. 

“You’ll find what’s left of 'em in there.” She smiled sickly, getting shoved by Morgan towards the black SUV brigade. 

But Spencer had already seen the necklace, and heard her answer. It was a miracle how agile he was, considering the FBI had to waive all of his physical exams to let him go into the field. Before anyone could really clear the building, Spencer was already inside of it, ignoring the shouts from his superiors and peers. 

He slowly made his way through, trying not to vomit at all of the blood all over the floors and the very clear drag marks of a body. 

His eyes landed on your body, bloody mattress and all and he froze. He couldn’t believe his fucking eyes.

Next Part

________________________________________________________

SSMF Taglist: @raely-study @multifandoms-assemble @marylovesevanpeters @shqwqrma @niya06

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖"Merry & Bright"

Part 3 - Family Fun Night

Merry & Bright Masterlist

Rated: Teen

Pairing: Bucky x Steve

Tags: a/b/o, omega Bucky, alpha Steve, kid fic, Karens

Summary: Bucky and Steve go to their daughters' school play.

(If your name is Karen, I'm sorry and sending warm hugs)

Bucky’s been able to ignore the encroaching Holiday season for longer than usual this year. 

Between the warm-ish fall weather and his continuing therapy appointments, the ceaseless calls from his publisher and that guy from Warner Brothers, and the move and the overwhelming demands of a newborn, it’s just hard to believe that it could already be Thanksgiving next week.

Steve’s next text coming through just about drives a bulldozer through that delusion:

Steve: Hey, I’m at the store right now. You want me to pick anything up for this ‘Friendsgiving’-extravaganza? I know Jarvis said he’s got it handled, but I feel like we should have backups for the girls? Just in case Tony’s picked out some sort of weird, avant garde menu? Becs really has her heart set on pumpkin pie. And Sarah, well …

Bucky: You could ask Pepper. I think we’re safe as long as there’s mac ‘n’ cheese and rolls. Anyway we’ve got over a week to sort it out.

Steve: … Babe, today’s Tuesday. We’ve got two days. 

Bucky immediately checks his phone calendar, and sure enough, Thanksgiving is this week, not next. Fuck. 

“Ohshit,” he breathes, eyes bugging out of his head as he realizes that this means tonight is the school play, not next Tuesday. “Fuck. Shit!” In his hands, his phone chimes.

Steve: So, pie?

Bucky texts back a harried ‘yes’, thinking that he’s got to get his butt back to the tower immediately. He very suddenly has only about nine hours before his children need to be fitted with their (as of yet not even near-to-finished) homemade costumes. Becca’s paper mache drumstick still needs spray painted, and Sarah’s supposed to be a scoop of mashed potatoes that Bucky still needs to find something to act as the pat of butter on top.

“Jarvis, help.” Bucky says as he hoofs it back in the direction of the tower. 

 Jarvis’ voice emanates from his phone: “Mr. Rogers. How can I be of assistance?”

Bucky rattles off the craft supplies they’re going to need. “And if you know anyone on Stark’s payroll who’s good with a needle and thread, that wouldn’t hurt either.”

It seems like only yesterday they were dressed up as Buzz and Woody, letting Bo Peep and a very bossy Jessie drag them around from house to house. They’d trick-or-treated in the Cobble Hill neighborhood where they technically don’t live yet but will soon, once the house is finished being refurbished. Bucky had carried Gabe strapped to his front as one of the Little Green Men alien squeaker toy thingies, and Steve had pulled a wagon along for when one or both of the girls inevitably became too tuckered out to—

Anyhow, point is: it feels like they were trick‘or’treating all of two seconds ago.

And now Thanksgiving is in two days? What the everloving fuck?

Bucky spends a very brief amount of time that afternoon being irrationally mad at his husband, as if it’s Steve’s fault that his pregnancy brain has apparently extended into the postpartum period and allowed him to lose track of time. He grumps privately that Steve should’ve somehow magically known that he was mentally operating in the wrong week, and should have thus alerted him that the holiday was imminent! Stupid Steve. What the hell is the alpha good for, anyway?

Later that evening of course, he realizes how ridiculous that is. He comes to terms with the fact that he’s actually upset with himself—partly because of the mad scramble he’s left with to get ready for Coulton-Chestor Preparatory Academy’s family fun night, but even moreso because of the 5k he now has to face up to in less than forty-eight hours. (What real, qualitative difference one more week of jogging in the park was really going to make, Bucky can’t say, but he’d been counting on it to help him work his confidence up about the whole ordeal.)

It’s not like he wouldn’t back out of it if he could, but he absolutely cannot back out. This is the first ever Brooklyn Bridge American Heroes Turkey Trot, co-sponsored by Stark Industries and Barnes Prosthetics (yes, Bucky is the genius who thought it’d be fine and dandy to plan a 5k less than half a year after giving birth). Together, he and Tony have started a foundation for veterans and civilian victims of the regime years, to help provide them access to the high quality, bio-integrative prosthetics that Bucky’s company makes.

Since it’s not exactly cheap to weld a robot arm onto somebody, Bucky and Tony have partnered with Wounded Warrior Project for this charity run; done to raise funds for vets who don’t happen to have a spare ninety grand lying around to fund their surgeries. The limbs themselves are, of course, all provided free of charge by Barnes Prosthetics, and the overall costs are at least somewhat ameliorated by various amenities provided by Stark.

As the visible face of the charity, Bucky’s got no choice: he needs to show up, show off, and show support. He’s expected to be there to make nice with all the other amputees who’ll be running, and to show off how happy and perfect his life is now that he’s got the Asset IV prototype cybernetic implant attached to his body. It is a bitchin’ arm, and Bucky is excited to get to hand one of those gigantic cardboard checks over to the Wounded Warrior guys, but he really, really wishes he’d thought to postpone the Foundation’s first run until next Thanksgiving. 

At least he’ll have Steve there with him, he thinks. His Alpha has promised not to outpace him to any embarrassing degree, Darcy is fine with keeping Gabe until they get back, and Tony has even arranged to have the girls set up for the Macy’s parade with a disgustingly VIP viewing situation on Central Park West. But aside from those few hours on Thanksgiving morning, Bucky’s daughters will remain under his purview for the holidays this year. 

And the hubbub begins with Family Fun Night that evening. 

Bucky alone has to deal with Sarah’s anxiety problems leading up to the curtain call for this stupid fucking school play. “Hold still, Honey,” he begs, speaking past the safety pin he’s got held between his lips as he kneels there and uses both of his hands to try and do a last minute costume fix. “Sarah I said hold still.”

“Fix it daddy, fix it!” 

He’s crouched next to his youngest daughter in the school’s hallway, trying to better secure the pat of “butter” (a folded yellow tea towel) to the top of her not-so-great mashed potato costume. Steve is off somewhere with the drumstick, helping her to not be scared about walking out on stage. “Baby, please. I can’t fix it if you keep moving around,” Bucky growls, but his frustrated tone only makes Sarah get more hysterical about her role in the play being messed up by a floppy tea towel. She starts to cry about how she doesn’t want to do this anymore. 

“Sarah Winnifred, I swear to God, if you don’t hold still, you’re gonna have a new hole poked in your head!”

He and Steve sit proudly in the fourth row back and watch the play that their children’s overpriced prep school is putting on before it lets out for Thanksgiving break.

At the end of the final song, when all of the students are lined up on the stage like a demented paper-mache buffet of human-sized food items, bowing hand in hand, Steve and Bucky rise with all the other parents for a standing ovation, humongous smiles plastered on their faces. Steve tries to do a finger whistle with middling success, then he leans over to Bucky’s ear and cheerfully whispers, “That was so dumb!”

Bucky laughs, still clapping and beaming with absolute pride for his daughters. “Yeah it was friggin’ awful!” 

The curtain falls, and he and Steve exit the auditorium to go backstage and congratulate the girls. A very excited drumstick and mashed potatoes run up and start talking over each other to tell their fathers all about the play that they just performed. “Papa! Daddy! Did you see me?! Did you see my song?!!” 

“What about meee?!”

“Sure did, Becs. You were really good!” 

“The best turkey drumstick ever.”

For being such excellent thespians and to celebrate their acting debut, they present the girls with two foil-wrapped tulips that they bought out in the lobby. Becca especially, seems very proud of her flower, twirling in her drumstick costume and holding it to her nose again and again. Bucky’s smile wavers with emotion as he gets that warm, shot-of-whiskey feeling once again, and he remembers that Life is Good. He catches Steve’s eye from over top of the mashed potatoes, and they share one of those silent “I Love You” moments. Steve shoots him a wink.

It being family fun night, Darcy appears as planned and ushers the girls away to go change back into regular clothes before they head over to the kids’ party in the gymnasium. Meanwhile, Steve and Bucky go to the reception that’s been put together for the parents. Bucky isn’t super keen on attending, but he promised the girls that they could play games with the other kids for at least an hour, so he and Steve make an admirable attempt to mingle amongst the other parents.

Coulton-Chestor Preparatory Academy is an exclusive elementary school on the Upper East Side. Due to its sheer proximity to Stark Tower, and since bussing the girls all the way to Brooklyn for an entire year would’ve been too much of a hassle, Steve and Bucky chose to enroll them there. It’s only temporary, until the renovations on the Cobble Hill house are complete and they’re able to move back to Brooklyn. Bucky is looking forward to being able to walk his children the two picturesque blocks between their house and the neighborhood school each day.

But until then, it’s the more snobbish parents and overzealous PTA moms of Coulton-Chestor that he has to navigate at functions such as tonight’s. Bucky’s been taking some time off work ever since things got very pregnant-and-miserable in about month eight, but he still considers himself a working father, and as such there is an awkward disconnect between him and the more … involved stay-at-home parents who surround him at the reception.

At least there are hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, which give him something to do with his hands. Steve starts chatting with a few of the parents who are running the silent auction, and Bucky avoids getting drawn into bidding on overpriced theater tickets by heading over to the refreshments table. He’s just finished loading up on a bunch of mini quiches and cocktail weenies, when the one person he’d hoped to fully avoid at this function makes her attack. Bucky turns around with his little plate of foot and startles as he’s suddenly faced with a familiar, blonde-haired woman. 

“James!” She’s got a tea-length dress, an overly-whitened smile, and a ponytail that’s been curled to within an inch of its life. It’s Karen.

(No, her name is literally Karen.)

And in Bucky’s limited experience with her, she has an uncanny ability to make every social interaction the exact opposite of what Bucky would like it to be. It’s just a gift some people have.

She swoops in with two other omega parents by her sides, introducing them as “Jill” and “Nate.” Bucky plasters on a smile to match hers while she air kisses his cheeks in that way that rich people who think they’re cultured always do.

“You made it,” she coos, acting pleased to see him. In all fairness, she might be. Bucky’s never point blank told the woman that he finds her insufferable, and she always seems to make a beeline for the more well-to-do parents. Ever since she found out that Bucky and Steve not only rub shoulders with Tony Stark, but are actually living with him, she’s been eager to make Bucky one of her besties. “It’s been too long. How are you, darling?”

“Oh, you know,” Bucky says, gesturing with his plate of cocktail weenies. “Hanging in there.”

“And how is that gorgeous new baby of yours doing?” she asks, nudging Jill to announce, “James is married to Commander Rogers. They have three children.”

Jill and Nate make a polite fuss over that, while Bucky tries to act gracious and think of a way to correct Karen that “Commander” isn’t Steve’s title, and if he ever hears her referring to him as such, he’ll be offended. “How is your family doing?” Bucky asks, more to get the topic off himself rather than due to any real interest. 

Like most of the Coulton-Chestor moms, Karen is married to a well-to-do Alpha, has precisely one child, and spends her time trying to climb as high in Manhattan “Mommy” society as possible. Having a living child at all is automatically a foot up in terms of social standing, Bucky’s learned, and the moms of Park Avenue lord their accomplishments higher than most. Most times Bucky’s met her, Karen’s been wearing diamond solitaires with designer workout clothes and brandishing her own fertility like a damn merit badge. 

Karen brags about her son for a few minutes, and when it seems like everyone in their small group is necessitated to take a turn with regards to their own offspring, Bucky throws some random fact out about how the girls have been doing. Jill and Nate start gushing over Bucky’s grand accomplishment of having three kids, which is practically unheard of. 

“You must be so proud. How lucky to have three healthy children!”

“What were yours in the play?” Jill asks, and she seems friendly enough so Bucky makes an effort to tell her about how he’s responsible for the turkey leg and the mashed potatoes. She giggles and nods and says her son was one of the pumpkins.

“Oh, ha, yeah. They had quite the little dance routine, didn’t they?” 

Bucky’s smile turns annoyed when Karen feels the need to point out, “Yes! And your little Rebecca kept up alright, didn’t she? She seemed able to follow along with the other kids quite well!”

“Yes,” Bucky says peevishly. “She’s very talented.” 

“Isn’t it wonderful here? I just love how inclusive Coulton-Chestor is,” Karen simpers. She turns to the other moms and starts telling them about how Becca is in her son’s “regular” class, and how she’s always so sweet, and so helpful to the other students. She talks about Becca like she’s a little mascot, or a class pet, and it rankles Bucky’s nerve to no end.

Since the fertility crisis began, there’s been more stigma placed on children with any sorts of disabilities, and Bucky’s had to deal with a lot of thinly-veiled prejudice due to his daughter’s special needs ever since he started advocating to get her into the same high-quality school programs as Sarah. The public school system still hasn’t recovered, and with limited slots available in all childcare-related fields these days, people are more ruthlessly competitive for their children than ever before. 

“Yes, we like it here,” Bucky agrees. “Though we’ll be switching to a different school next year, when we move to the new house over in Brooklyn.”

“You’re not leaving The Tower?” Karen gasps, as if that’s the most horrible, ludicrous decision. Given that she makes it sound like Bucky and his family are choosing to move out of friggin’ Buckingham Palace, Nate and Jill predictably get curious and ask:

“The ‘Tower’?”

“Stark Tower,” Karen chirps, excited to tell the other two omegas, “James and his husband live there.”

 Nate’s eyebrows go up. “They live there. In the tower?”

“Oh yes! Didn’t you know? Why, they’re friends with the Starks.”

“Really? Oh, I’ve heard such good things about that Pepper Potts,” Jill gushes. “Seems like a lovely woman. How do you know her?”

Bucky smiles, pained. “Actually I knew Tony first. We work together.”

“You work?” Nate sneers. Bucky ignores him. 

“Yeah, I met Tony back during the, ah … well, during the regime years.”

“Gilead? Oh. Huh.”

(“Wonder what the Starks were doing, back then? Were they married then?”

“You never do hear what celebrities got up to during all that, do you?”

“No, you never do.”)

Bucky hums, not intending to get into a conversation about it, but Karen forces his hand by volunteering, “Wasn’t that all in your book though, James?” 

“Um,”

Karen enthusiastically tells the others, “He was one of those resistance fighters, can you believe it? That’s how he lost his arm.” (Everybody’s eyes not-so-surreptitiously fly to where Bucky’s left hand is sticking out of his sweater, holding onto the plate of hors d'oeuvres.) “And he was a vessel. His husband was one of the commanders down in Washington. That’s where they met!”

“Really?”

“Steve wasn’t a real commander …” Bucky hedges.

“Oh he wrote a whole book about it! You really must read it.” Karen rattles off the title and both Nate and Jill make sounds of recognition. 

“Ooh. You know, I’ve heard of that book.”

“Great,” Bucky mutters. He has to smile along politely and answer them as they start asking him fascinated questions, with Karen supplying details every time he tries to demure and change the topic to something less sensational. 

“He’s just being modest!” she simpers, laying her hand on Bucky’s arm in an overly familiar way. “James, tell them about how you were on the View.”

Bucky reluctantly does, and Jill and Nate nod along, enthused to hear about how he’s been on television and met the hosts of the show. “It really wasn’t all that exciting,” Bucky insists. “I wasn’t the main guest. They had, you know, real celebrities that went after me. Reese Witherspoon and stuff.”

“You met Reese Witherspoon?”

“No, no. I didn’t. I was only there for like, two minutes. It wasn’t even important.”

“Oh I don’t know,” Karen prods smugly. “A little birdy told me that Netflix was trying to buy up the film rights to your book.”

Bucky doesn’t even care, he openly shoots her a withering glare this time. “I can assure you that’s not true.” (It’s HBO, and it isn’t Bucky’s fault if she doesn’t have her details right.) 

Karen continues to gab to the other two parents about it anyway, insisting that some omega heartthrob actor whom Bucky has never heard of would be the ideal casting choice to portray him in the film version of his book. “And Chris Hemsworth. Oh! Wouldn’t he just be perfect to play your Steve?”

“Nobody’s making a movie out of it!” Bucky snaps, fed up with her incessant gossiping. “It’s not happening.” He looks around awkwardly at the end of his outburst, aware of Nate and Jill’s surprised expressions. “Um, I just mean: the studios were shopping around,” he mutters. “But I said no.” 

Of course this is very disappointing to Karen, and she tries to tell Bucky what a mistake that is, talking about how interested everybody would be in the subject matter. “I just saw an episode of the Dr. Phil show where they were talking about it,” she says. “They had wives and some of those vessels on. Even a commander.”

Bucky hums dispassionately. “Sounds like trash tv to me.” He’ll be damned if he lets Karen know he was asked onto that program as well. “Just people trying to make a spectacle out of it.”

Karen titters awkwardly and agrees, but Bucky can tell that she’s annoyed at him for shutting her gossip down. “Well, it’s all very controversial, of course,” she excuses. “And a commitment like that would just be so much more on your plate.”

Bucky nods, glad that she’s dropping it. “Yeah. Exactly.”

“After all, you’re already a working mother,” she says, saying ‘working’ all hurriedly and quietly, as if it’s something not to be mentioned. “I’m sure you just want to focus on your family, now. With the new baby and all.” 

“Congratulations,” Jill gushes. “Did you have a boy or a girl?”

“A boy. Gabe. He just turned four months old last week.”

“Oh, how wonderful.”

“Another omega for your family?”

“No, Karen,” Bucky says, annoyance audible in his voice. “We haven’t had him tested. We’re just going to wait and find out the old fashioned way.”

“Oh. I see.”

They all seem taken aback, because it’s very rare for a newborn not to be tested for designation these days. Much to Bucky’s chagrin, gender roles only seem to be becoming more emphasized than ever. Jill chuckles awkwardly and tries to lighten the mood. “Well, that’s so progressive of you. Dan had our little Archie in an alpha playgroup by the time he could crawl, I swear.”

They all titter over that, and Bucky tries to scan the room for any sight of Steve without being too obvious in what he’s doing. He spots him over by the punch bowl. “Um, I’m sorry,” he excuses. “I think I see my husband calling me.” He starts to make his escape, but Karen grabs him just as he’s turning.

“Oh, James, wait! We wanted to ask if you’d help us plan the Winter Gala.”

“Oh, I uh.”

“We’re going to have the children do a nativity scene. And I was thinking a candlelight service. Wouldn’t that just be picturesque?”

Bucky makes a face. “Sorry, Karen. My family isn’t very religious.”

“Oh, no but it’ll be interdenominational!” she insists with a big grin. “You celebrate Christmas, of course!”

“No.”

“... No?” 

“Not really,” Bucky grunts. “I mean, we do a tree and a menorah and all that, but ..."

“Menorah?” she says, and the way she squinches her eyes sets Bucky’s nerves on edge. “You’re not Jewish?”

Bucky pulls his arm back to himself. “Culturally, yes. Steve’s family is Catholic, mine’s Jewish. But we’ve decided that organized religion isn’t what’s right for our family.”

“Oh! But you can still come to the church service!” Karen says brightly. “It’ll be—”

“We’re not religious,” Bucky blurts out, sick of stepping around the issue and having lost his patience. He’s tired of politely fielding other people’s invitations for him and his husband and children to come and check out ‘this congregation’ or that, and figures he’ll just squash any chance there might be of him actually getting roped into planning holiday festivities with the Coulton-Chestor evangelical set. “We’re pretty much raising the girls Atheist,” he tells Karen, watching as her smile flickers like a bulb hanging on by its very last filament. He feels a degree of nasty satisfaction at having perturbed her. 

Disturbingly, the Christian Right has continued to grow in popularity—culturally, if not politically—these past few years, and Bucky has very little tolerance for it (he tried to show tolerance before the regime, and look how that ended up). He knows his family is in the minority, and it’s very apparent how this information makes the friendly light in even Nate and Jill’s eyes dim somewhat.

“I’m sure you’ll plan something great, though,” he excuses brightly, turning around to go and find Steve and see if it isn’t too early to make their escape. “It was nice catching up!”

Masterlist

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This has been a fill for:

@steverogersbingo

Card: SB3088 || stark-contrast

Square D3: Slice of Life

@marvel-smash-bingo

Card: sarah-writes-stucky

Square I5: Bucky Barnes x Steve Rogers

@stuckyversebingo

Card: sarahyellow / sarah-writes-stucky

Square C4: alpha/omega relationship

[haysprite]

*crawls out from a hole* do you have any headcanons of Julie to share with us :)

Jesus where did that hole come from,,, And oh boy do I !!! This isn't all of em, but they're all the ones I have written down so far! I also have a lot including Frank, but that'll be it's own separate post later since this is mainly about her <3

• AuDHD go brrr

• She hyperfixates on a lot of different things, but her strongest one has been on slasher films and serial killers; Will infodump at any time if given the chance, it's part of why she connected with Frank so quickly

• Absolutely loves nicknames! She loves giving them to her friends, and loves when people use nicknames for her as well

• Steals Frank’s clothes a LOT. She steals his jackets the most and will make sure he sees her wearing em, they’re just v comfy and she feels close to him at all times this way

• I feel like she’s got a secret sweet tooth. Cupcakes are her favorite treat, specifically red velvet

• Often gets lost in her thoughts as she draws. Loves going to coffee shops to just doodle random patrons she finds interesting or her friends. Frank is one of the main subjects of her work

• Absolutely loves having girls nights with Susie; they do each other's hair, paint their nails, and stay up late watching a movie with lots and lots of popcorn

• She’s the type of gal to walk out into a blizzard in a tank top, which gets her a LOT of worried and/or judgmental stares; If Frank is around, he’ll give her his hoodie every damn time, cause how tf is this bitch not cold?

• Super cold hands, she likes to place her hands on the back of people’s necks or grab their arms to make em jump from how cold they are

• Doodles on her arms a lot in pen; She wants a tattoo but is indecisive about what to get, so she just sticks to this for the time being

• She prefers tea over coffee, though she’s not too picky about either one, just can’t be too bitter or else she’ll toss it out immediately

• Can’t cook for shit, I feel like the most she’d be able to make is boxed mac n cheese, and even then she’d fuck it up a lot. She’d rather get take out anyway, it's a lot easier to steal food than it is to make it 

• Is STUPID good at knife tricks! She loves tossing around a knife in her hand, showing off cool tricks to her friends, and is even pretty good at knife throwing

• She’s pretty smart academically, she just doesn’t particularly enjoy actually having to put effort into assignments, so she just bullshits her way through classes and prays that tests are enough to get her through cause fuck homework, am I right kids?

• Ditches school a LOT to hang out with Frank

• She likes to sing along with her favorite music, but tends to not do it around other people. The other three caught her once, and though she doesn’t have the best singing voice, they still loved listening to her

• Red is her absolute favorite color

• She was the only one who knew about the friendship bracelets Susie was making for the group, since Susie wanted some input on what she thought everyone’s bracelet colors should be

• She doesn’t cry often, but oh boy, when she does? It’s gonna take a while to calm her down cause she’s gonna be a wreck for a lil while

• She has almost a motherly instinct when it comes to Susie, almost always knowing when she’s upset and how to help her out

• Loves to get Joey to gossip with her, cause ooh boy he likes to pop off sometimes, and she enjoys listening to him complain sometimes cause it can be pretty funny

[persephoneflowerpetals]

You know I kind of like the idea of comparing Macaria, Melinoe, and Zagreous to his mother, uncle, and aunt when it comes to relationships.

Oh, you mean Persephone’s brother and sister??

Lol yeah, I mean, I’d say their (“their” being Zagreus, Melinoe, and Macaria) sibling relationship is pretty healthy for the most part. Zagreus and Melinoe have a bit of a sibling rivalry going on when they’re kids (mainly because Zagreus wanted a little brother when he learned his mother was having a baby and instead came Melinoe taking up everyone’s attention since she’s the first baby girl of the “Big 3” family, so he held a grudge against Mel for a while lol) but when they get older it just turns into them making sarcastic remarks and teasing each other. Also Zagreus and Melinoe honestly don’t really have beef or anything with Macaria. Yeah, Melinoe got a little jealous here and there when she was first born because she was no longer the baby or the only girl in the family, but she learned to like Mac and got over it pretty quickly (it was probably when she spit up on Zagreus one day and it made her laugh so hard lol). Macaria is just like her mother lol, she’s too sweet and adorable to hate lmao.

But yeah, Zagreus, Melinoe, and Macaria don’t hate each other or resent each other for who they are. They’re just siblings. They have their fights and arguments, but they love each other. I suppose it helps that neither Persephone nor Hades show favoritism towards their kids. That’s the main drive with Persephone and her siblings. They have beef because Despoina and Plutus can’t stand the fact that Demeter shows favoritism towards Persephone and acts as if she can do no wrong. Of course, as I’ve mentioned before (I think lol I’ve answered so many asks, I really need to organize them lmao), Demeter doesn’t mean to show favoritism and probably doesn’t even realize she’s showing favoritism towards Persephone because she really does love all of her children equally, but with the way she constantly praises and talks Persephone up to other people more than she does with Despoina and Plutus really shows that she’s subconsciously showing favoritism. And the thing is, they don’t even blame Demeter because they know their mother loves them, they think it’s Persephone’s fault because she’s “too perfect” and they think she loves getting all the praise and attention and that she gets joy out of the fact that her younger siblings don’t get talked about enough and they won’t listen to reason when she tries to tell her side of the story because they’re just so caught up in their resentment of her that (sorta like what happened with Hades and the other gods) they’ve kinda painted her as a self absorbed jerk in their minds.

So yeah, compared to Persephone’s relationship with her siblings (and Hades’ relationship with his brothers), they’re pretty healthy and happy lol. Also I just now realized that Persephone is in a family of two girls and a boy and she ended up giving birth to two girls and a boy (except instead of Zagreus being the youngest, he’s the eldest lol)! That really is a good reason to compare them lol, they’re almost the same as their mother’s siblings lmao!

[wakeupthemembersofbylernation]

Do I lose brain cells every time I go on the Stranger Things subreddit and read an anti-Byler post? Yes. Do I keep doing so? Also yes. Why? Idk. Notice there’s not an intelligent thought in sight. Everyone regurgitates the same stale, boring, mind-numbing “arguments” against Byler like broken records. Here in Byler nation, we have thoughtfulness. We have clever analysis. We carefully study the themes, parallels, and symbols used in the show. On Reddit, there seems to an anti-analysis, anti-intellectual mindset. So weird.

“We’ve built up mac and cheese since season 1.” Okay, first of all, “building up a relationship” has no bearing on whether it’ll be endgame or not. Plenty of relationships in shows have been built-up and then ended for one reason or another. Break-ups happen. And Season 3 and 4 explicitly brought to the forefront all the ways that the Miami Dolphins are flopping. But I suppose that was just for no reason, right? Plus, Mike and El weren’t really “built-up” throughout the show; they jumped into a romantic relationship extremely quickly. The opposite of a slow burn. But you know what was built up…

“Mike and Will got barely any development since Will was in the UD and possessed for the first two seasons.” Ah, the old “Will is just a plot device” take. Okay, that’s just false. Will was taken to the UD, and he was possessed, but these storylines explicitly showed how important Will is to Mike, and they also don’t detract from Will’s main character status. Season 2 was literally all about Byler’s dynamic, and the fact that Mike stayed by Will’s side even though he wasn’t acting like himself for portions of it, even though it was a dangerous situation, did more to build up Byler’s dynamic than Season 3’s “summer of love” did for Mace Windu.

“Mike is straight, there’s no proof that he’s gay whatsoever.” 🤔🤔 Do you look at your totally platonic bestie with absolute adoration in your eyes, like they are light personified, like they hung the moon and stars? Do you say that asking to be their friend was the best thing you’ve ever done? Do you consistently have romantically coded conversations with your bestie and promise to go crazy together with them? Do you gaze longingly at your bestie’s lips like a deer pants for water? Do you have something to share with the class?

“Majority of them are young kids who have nothing else to do and want to force some imaginary gay relationship that don’t exist! EDIT: But I’m not homophobic, I swear!” Bestie, that sounds homophobic. You are calling Byler imaginary and insinuating that we’re delusional for shipping it, even though it’s literally semi-canon. If one cares about Will as a character, why wouldn’t they ship him with the boy he’s in love with? It may not be fully canon yet, but it’s literally not imaginary. And you are dismissing “young kids” for wanting representation and seeing themselves in Will and Mike, but you would NEVER dismiss “young kids” from shipping literally any hypothetical straight relationship in any show ever. Your beef is with “young, delusional queer kids,” and that’s homophobic and deeply cruel and invalidating.

“There is zero chance of it happening. Absolutely nothing in the show is going in that direction.” The very clear love triangle imagery in season 4, the entire plot of Mike not being able to say or write ILY to his girlfriend, El’s obvious set up for an arc of independence, the final shot of season 4, the entire miscommunication painting plot…

“The only people who think Byler is gonna happen don’t understand good storytelling. The point of it is that it’s not gonna happen.” Hahaha, we don’t understand good storytelling? The point of Byler is that it’s not gonna happen? If that’s true (it’s not), what a shitty and cruel “point” the Duffers are making. Yup, let’s just write our deeply traumatized, deeply kind, innocent queer teen as madly in love with his best friend, make that friend canonically what helps him not feel like a mistake, only for the “point” of that storyline to be some kind of lesson that we can’t always get what we want. “Good storytelling” in this context obviously means the surface-level, straight-forward reading of these events. Mike is in love with El because he said so. But that’s bad storytelling.

“Only dumbass little kids believe that shit.” Okay Season 3 Mike Wheeler.

“The only people forcing Mike into this weird “love triangle” are the fans/crazy shippers.” Actually it’s the LITERAL show. It’s not like we’re arguing there’s a love triangle between Dustin, Fred, and Troy. We’re literally following the plot explicitly set up by Season 4. Do you not understand the painting storyline? Even if Byler somehow ended up being one-sided, it still is a love triangle, so drop the quotes.

“My bet is there’ll be a new guy or something next season. I’d ship will with someone who appreciates him. Oh, there won’t be any new characters? Well, then I ship him with no one.” Okay, well this is just the “Will deserves better than Mike take” repackaged. Just because Mike is struggling and going through it right now doesn’t mean he doesn’t deeply love, cherish, and appreciate Will. Broski literally lit up when Will handed him the painting, wdym? And if you are willing to concede that there won’t be any new characters, what a terrible ending it would be for Will to just end up sad and alone while all the other characters get to fall in love.

“The accusations of homophobia get tiring, don’t they?” Well, then don’t be homophobic. I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not reading all that. Happy for you. Or sorry that happened?

“I’d happily put money on it not happening.” Well, then be prepared to lose a lot of money? Your overconfidence is misplaced and foolish. And I’m taking screenshots of all these moronic takes, which should be framed in the fandom Smithsonian one day. You will look really, really silly in two years. But have fun gambling.

[sillygreenrat]

I have some more smokeybat headcanons, got inspired now

#. Sam gets a big crush on Uzi, he wants to try impress her and hang out with her. So he tries asking her out whenever he can, Uzi oblivious to his crush agrees and hangs out with him a lot.

#. Uzi shows him anime and he ends up liking anime quite a lot, his favourite type being chill slice of life or the cooking anime. Makes him jealous they can't eat like humans can

#. He makes her a badge of their favourite anime character for her to wear on her beanie.

#. Sam is a talented artist and has a sketch book full of drawings and abstract work too. When he on magnets is when some his most colourful work is done. He has a very detailed drawing of Uzi he keeps special. It's of her in class reading, she looked so pretty that day.

#. Sam got a bit jealous when Thad started talking to Uzi , he could see Uzi seemed to like him a bit and was a little sad by that. He got more upset when N showed up because he could definitely see Uzi big crush on him.

#. He talk with Uzi about N and he encourages her to tell him how she feels, being a wingman.

#. Sam writes a love note to Uzi along with a drawing and sends it to her anonymously, hoping to impress her. He was too scared to sign it.

I have more if you like to listen to it

i am SO sorry for taking so long on these lmfao???? i really wanted to think abt these. tysm for sending me all of these delightful thoughts to grab and run with i would absolutely be willing to hear more

1 + 5: it was a crush that's been there since the begining, uzi was always kinda cute and charming, the way she interupted class with sarcastic wit on occasion, the way she would go above and beyond what the assignments were just to have her own fun. sam has always been the more quiet, shut in type, always following rules, never usually being the type to speak up or make a sound, but whenever uzi does something particularly silly he can't help but laugh a little (and boy shes a whole fucking circus so lemmie tell you). though he had to eventually start making moves once thad god involved.

for the record, i do NOT ship thad n uzi, i get it as a ship, but it just aint my thing, however im a big fan of unrequitted love, and i can absolutely see uzi just not being interested in the popular jock type (shes more into the silent stoner type COUGH COUHG(J)), seeing thad as more of a close friend due to him being so caring when no one else seemed to be.

unfortunately for sam the only time he was able to fully talk and get to know uzi was AFTER she was already introduced to his oil (lmfao)

2: this dude wants to eat so bad, let this man manifest some robot mac n cheese for his ass. its not 'hunger' but its like, some fuckin program malfunction due to the magnets that you could compare to stoner munchies but lord does he get angry when uzi puts on a ghibli or some shit and they start makin ramen or some shit.

on the topic of anime tho uzi would absolutely be into anime and try and get sam (and by extention N and possibly V) into anime

current hyperfixation is firmly beliving shes be a nutcase over jujutsu kaisen (would love the curses and their vibe of 'we wanna take over humanity' but the humans are pretty cool too she GUESSES) but i think shed also be into shit like kill la kill, evangelion, maybe even a smidge of ouran on the side bc damn it she wants to be surrounded by a buncha cute boys (and low and behold be projecting trasmasc feelings onto uzi but boy she'd feel a sense of 'man i bet i could pull off a suit' and she WOULD)

3 + 4: him being obsessed w/ drawing n stuff is honestly a small headcanon i had personally!!!!! glad its a thing for another person ugh (positive) he would totally pay attention to the characters she hyperfixates on and go CRAZY making her posters and small keychain hangers and such (probably has an old laminator in his house that he uses to seal the all to keep them from getting ruined). i like to imagine he likes to draw/paint skyscapes, trying to find really interesting cloud formations or spots where the moon shines through them to draw cuz he thinks that kinda shits beauitufl, would absolutely love earth sky's so fucking much let this man see them

6 + 7: N IS BEST WINGMAN. i ship all of them together in one homoginous poly so i can confirm this happened and it was real. would absolutely help sam before he even considered allowing his feelings for uzi show

[ridestomars]

aah liv liv liv congrats on 500!! ☄️please?

preference: either men or women, I dont really have a preference (bi bi bi )

appearance: short, shoulder length brown streaked with blond thats absolutely insufferable to brush, uhh kind of chubby, brown eyes and glasses!

personality: really bubbly and hyper, sarcastic and can get mad pretty easily (everyone thinks im always mad cause i have an rbf 😭), ive been described once as literal sunshine and always smiling/laughing, I talk wayyy to much

interests: reading (mostly fiction), sleeping in late, drawing/painting, buying books bdldbslsbjsp, going shopping for clothes, making jewlery, organizing my bookshelves for the eighth time this week, watching movies, singing/musicals, listening to music 24/7, collecting bottle caps/soda tabs, musicals, uhh thats it i think?

💭 liv’s thoughts: thank you so much, baby!!! i hope you like it!

☄️ ─ ooh, this one was so tough! i was torn between eddie or robin, but i think i'll go with eddie munson for this one!

one of the first things that came to my mind was that you'll probably make eddie thousands of jewelry and he will wear them everywhere; i feel like he might like it when you make him colorful pieces, like beaded necklaces with your name on it <3 and if you make rings or necklaces with crystals, he will absolutely love them!! and lemme tell you: eddie will ask you to teach him how to make jewelry, and then you'll be up all night making necklaces and bracelets for each other. and trust me when i say that all of the pieces he makes will have his name on it.

and i totally see you guys exchanging book recommendations and leaving little notes on each other's books, and will also stay up all night talking about your favorite parts of the plots, discussing even the minor and useless details of the story. and he will help you reorganize your bookshelves whenever you ask him to, reaching the higher shelves for you.

oh, man, and eddie will learn your favorite songs on the guitar <3

your songs would be . . . you make loving fun by fleetwood mac. is this love? by whitesnake. cherish by madonna.

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[imxthexhandler]

👫👫👫👫👫

Send a 👫and I’ll write four headcanons I have about our muse’s relationship. -------------------------------

( @nerdamongnerds; @bennyboylewis)

OOC: Okay, so for each one, I’m gonna pick a verse.

Devil’s Backbone:

1.) Even though Hunter and Mac find it sweet, they still tease Ben whenever Amelia stops by to drop them off lunch. Hunter especially rags on him if he feels Ben did not give her a good enough goodbye kiss. 2.) During the local carnival, Ben spent $10 re-playing the same game in order to surprise Amelia with the plush red dog. It stays on top of her dresser. 3.) Amelia sneaks little love notes into the pockets of his leather jacket every morning before he leaves for work during the colder seasons. 4.) Since Amelia does play music while she bakes, sometimes Ben will sneak up on her and spin her into an impromptu dance. She loves it when he does that.

Serve All Love One

1.) It was during their daughter’s first laugh that her parents discovered Amelia’s magic has been passed onto little Aaliyah. While tickling his daughter and making her giggle all to make her smile, the little princess glowed. But while Amelia’s was silver, Aaliyah’s was purple. 2.) Every year on their anniversary, Amelia has irises tied into her hair as a call back to when Bennett and her first met as children. 3.) Even as king, Bennett has a habit of sneaking into the knights’ training grounds. He goes there sometimes to practice and train himself, sometimes it’s to inspect their troops. 4.) After reclaiming her kingdom and home, Virginia went from Amelia’s lady-in-waiting to a royal advisor, the same as Nicholas once he retired from his position as Captain of the Guard.

Money Can’t Buy Love

1.) Although Amelia always feels lonely after Ben leaves, there is a slight bit a comfort when she can sometimes still smell his cologne on her pillow from when he slept. 2.) Amelia fixes dinner when Ben stays over, and he winds up making breakfast in the morning. 3.) While most nights, the two will cuddle up and watch Netflix, there are also nights they play board games or Ben will assist Amelia while she is working on presentations for work. 4.) To thank Clint for recommending Natasha’s service, Amelia made him a homemade chocolate cream pie.

Ink and Petals

1.) Amelia did go to Ben for her first tattoo, which was of the fox design he made for her the night he gave her a ride home. 2.) He has used edible body paints on her during some ‘intimate’ times... 3.) Ben helps Joshua with drawing on the nights he comes over. 4.) When she added Ben’s number into her phone, his contact photo was a picture of the origami flower he made her.

A Pirate’s Life for Me

1.) Even though she actually has a pretty singing voice, Amelia only joins in with the sea shanties sometimes. 2.) A pair of pirates among Amelia’s crew are the Maximoff twins: Pietro and Wanda. Pietro’s nickname is ‘Quicksilver’ due to his natural agility and the silver tint to his hair that is similar to mercury; Wanda’s is the ‘Scarlet Witch’ due to the reddish tint to her long locks and the rumors of her having visions and using witchcraft. 3.) Ironically, although she is a pirate captain, Amelia easily gets sunburned. The repeated burns on her pale skin have given her multiple freckles along her nose and her shoulders. 4.) Amelia put Bennett into her quarters partly to embarrass him but also because she felt confident she could keep him in control until the hand-off.

[harrysfolklore]

dates boyfriend!harry would take you on - headcanon

art gallery date:

during your second date you briefly talked about how you love art so much, but sometimes you just can’t find the time to go to galleries or museums

so for your third date, he would ask one of his friends who owns a small gallery in london if he could rent him the entire place for the evening

you’d spend the entire evening waking around the gallery holding hands, admiring the art there, the fact that you’re the only ones inside makes the date even more intimate

you would stand in front of a painting, admiring every single detail and taking the art in, but when you look at harry to tell him how much you like it, you find out that he was just staring at you the entire time

“isn’t this painting just so beautiful?” “it is but, how cheesy of me would be to say that i think you’re even more beautiful”

you would take so many aesthetic pictures of each other around the gallery because you want to remember that date forever

art gallery date instagram blurb

picnic date:

sunny days are a rare thing in london, so when harry wakes up and sees the sun shinning bright through the window, he knows it’s the perfect time to take you on a picnic date

he takes you to one of his favorite spots in london and you sit down in the blanket you picked, ready to enjoy your day together

you insists on feeding him the fruit he brought, and he happily accept because he just loves when you baby him

after you both eat the fruit and snacks, he lays down on the blanket and makes you lay your head on his tummy

he grabs the book he picked before leaving the house and asks you to read it for him, because he just loves listening to your voice and he could do it for hours

“this is beautiful, i wish we could stay like this forever” he would say with the softest voice ever, and he means every word

picnic date instagram blurb

concert date:

one of the things that made you and harry bond when you first met was your love for music, so taking you to a concert was just the perfect way to celebrate your 3 month anniversary

and of course, it would be a fleetwood mac concert because he also wants you to meet stevie, one of the most important people in his life

you would be in the vip suite of the stadium with some of his close friends, and harry makes sure that you’re always having a good time

even tho you have been dating for 3 months now, the world still doesn’t know it and you always try to be careful not to be seen, but that night you just can’t help but hold each other close while listening to the music, not really caring about the curious eyes or cameras

he would hug you from behind and make you lay your head on his chest, swaying to the music and singing softly to your ear

he can’t help but think about how he can’t wait to perform the love songs he wrote about you on his own concert soon

concert date instagram blurb

trip to paris:

ever since you told harry that paris is one of your favorite places in the world, he was waiting for the perfect moment to take you on a romantic getaway there, so when he finally had a break from all of this projects he bought you both tickets to the famous city of love

he made sure to book the suite with the best view of the eiffel tower in the entire city and you almost cried when you stepped into the room and saw it

endless walks in the city holding hands, and harry would try to show off by speaking french, which he claims to be very good at

lazy morning sex with the sun peeking trough the suite window, and same thing at night but illuminated by the city lights

“i’m in the city of love, with my love, isn’t that just amazing?” he would say with the cheesiest smile on his face

he would take endless pictures of you to remember this trip forever, paris easily made it to the list of his favorite destinations in the world

trip to paris instagram blurb (II)

cooking date:

since it’s hard for harry to take you to restaurants without getting spotted, cooking dates have been a regular thing ever since you started dating

there’s just something so domestic and intimate about being at his kitchen in just sweatpants and hoodies cooking together

he always claims to be a better chef than you because “he worked at a bakery”, even tho everyone knows he was just the cashier

“can you taste this quickly lovie, i’m not sure if i should add more salt” and then he would spoon feed you the sauce he was working on

he would hug you from behind while you stir the pasta pot and just stay dare peppering kisses in your skin instead of helping you finish dinner

you’d drink a bottle of wine while cooking and by the time you’re finished you’d already be wine tipsy and clinging to him while you eat

cooking date instagram blurb

i really hope you like this!! as always, let me know what you think

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[absolutepokemontrash]

The Brothers and Side Characters Play the Sims

I don’t know what possessed me to make this but WHATEVER. I’ve been playing the Sims since I was a wee little girl, and I’ve seen my fair share of weird Sims stuff that I feel would fit these bozos perfectly.

My Sims have a Functional Family Life Because I Don’t (Lucifer)

God dammit Levi’s obsessed with another game... ugh.

Spends 5 minutes in Create-a-Sim and hops into a starter home.

Lucifer’s the type to start with all the average stuff and then build their stuff up as his sim gets promotions.

It’s just... so peaceful...

...he’s adopting a dog.

Look at his new little virtual family... his sim-kids are self sufficient and getting A’s in school, his Sim spouse MC or Diavolo take your pick loves his Sim-self, his sim-dog-

WAIT NO- THE DOG’S AN ELDER?!

AAAAAAAAAAAAA-

...

He’s fine. It was just a virtual dog. *sniffle*

He’s now spending his free time drinking Demonus and playing the Sims.

What’s a mod? Levi why does your sim have gun?

Behold, My Gorgeous Home... It’s a Box (Mammon)

Mammon, like the rest of the HOL, is mooching off of Levi’s Origin account.

“AW SHIT! This house looks awesome! I’m gonna build it for Sim-me to live in!”

Mammon proceeds to build a box with rooms. Yay...

He just picks the funnest sounding job if he picks any job at all for his Sim. That’s how he ended up making 9 dollars an hour in the criminal career.

Didn’t stop Mammon from buying that solid gold bathroom set from Get Famous... a box with solid gold bathrooms.

His Sim is broke send help-

“Leviiiiiii my sim needs money... the people my sim kidnapped and is forcing to paint aren’t making enough money...” “Ugh... press control shift C and type ‘motherlode’.”

...Levi made a mistake.

“FUCK YEAH! MOTHERLODE!”

His sim’s life is so chaotic, he has a piranha pool that his sim has almost died in twice, the sim is carrying on several torrid love affairs, his sim got struck by lightning, his sim has nearly died in a grilled cheese making accident twice... in the same day.

At least once Sim-Mammon and Sim-MC get married things calm down a little.

Mammon finds out what custom content is and proceeds to download EVERYTHING HE CAN FIND.

And now he’s asking Levi why his computer is running so slow.

Expansion Pack King (Leviathan)

He got into it back when the Sims 2 was new, he’s a veteran fan.

“Bro remember when Agnes Crumplebottom would show up and whack the shit out of your sims if they were flirting?”

“Remember when that witch would show up randomly on the lot you were on if you had Makin’ Magic?”

“Remember when Bella Goth was abducted by aliens and we just... didn’t question it?”

He whines about the Sims4 and how crappy it is but still buys every expansion pack, game pack, and stuff pack.

This boy watches like 40 hours of built tutorials and ends up sobbing over his weird roofs.

“WHY DOESN’T IT LOOK AS NICE AS THE ONE I’M LOOKING AT?! THIS ISN’T FAIR!”

The mod folder is so full istg-

Levi gets custom content for the sole purpose of making his favourite fictional characters.

This is why Henry and the Lord of Shadows are married and Ruri-chan and Sim-Levi are roommates.

Oh my god they were roommates-

Levi also added his brothers to the world and uh... Sim-Mammon died in a tragic pool accident F.

Levi then proceeded to befriend the Grim Reaper.

He’s anxiously awaiting the release of Paralives.

Wait Gameplay? In This Build Simulator? (Satan)

Satan’s here to build and leave. Gameplay who?

Our favourite bundle of rage is a master architect and the amount of followers on the Gallery he has shows it.

He takes up those build shell challenges and always ends up making them look positively perfect.

Asmo’s always using his houses, and Satan often takes requests when he gets bored.

No Mammon, he reserves the right to refuse to build a golden castle for you- YOUR SIM HAS 40 SIMOLEONS-

No mods, no CC, he’s building with what EA gave him.

...and EA gave him debug objects, and he’s not going to explain how to get them.

The one time he did actually play with a family... it was one sim and seven cats.

He tries to play without cheats... and ends up getting frustrated and turns on cheats.

All hail the Pets Expansion Pack.

Custom Content Soap Opera (Asmodeus)

Asmo spends 5 hours in Create a Sim then just... clicks out of the game.

That’s how it goes most of the time, buuuuuut when he gets super invested in a family he’s made, boy howdy is he INVESTED.

Sim A is carrying on an affair with Sim C who’s in love with Sim B who’s married to Sim A but Sim D wants to kill Sim A and C even though they’re the illegitimate child of Sim C-

When Asmo realizes that in the Sims 4 he needs to manufacture all the drama himself and he can’t just sit back with a glass of wine and watch the fireworks, he switches to the Sims 2 and 3.

“...why is this old lady beating up my Sim..?”

He immediately recoils in horror upon seeing how ugly the Sims are pre Sims4.

HE NEEDS TO FIX THIS-

Ah, there we go, perfect. Custom Content to the rescue!

He ends up remaking the entire world just so he doesn’t have to look at weird looking Sims.

Asmo is the only one to have finished a proper Legacy Challenge, but it gets crazy chaotic after gen 3.

“My sim just got abducted by aliens and now he’s pregnant- WHAT?!”

He has about 40 saves and only two he actually plays.

Just a Big Ol’ Happy Family (Beelzebub)

Beel found the game, proceeded to make everyone in create-a-sim to the best of his abilities, and made everyone get along.

That’s why Sim-Lucifer and Sim-Belphie are on a swing set together, they’re friends :D

“Hey Luke do you think you can make this?” “I-is that a cake shaped like a hamburger?” “Yes. Please make.”

He took one look at the cooking options and decided to max out his Sim’s cooking skill to unlock all the options.

Beel proceeded to drool all over his keyboard. Gross...

Boy howdy did he have some crazy dinner suggestions!

Overall, very wholesome Sim-life, except for the time Sim-Levi died because the toilet caught fire, don’t worry, Sim-Beel knows how to make ambrosia.

All is good in the Sim save...

...until Sim-Beel ate pufferfish nigiri and fuckin died-

Wait Did I Not Pause- (Belphie)

Huh, this game looks fine... I’ll play for a little- *SNORE*

Belphie makes some sims, plops them into a starter home, plays for an hour, then falls asleep.

He wakes up five hours later to absolute carnage.

Three sims have died because someone decided to make Mac and Cheese and the oven caught fire, the kids were taken away by social services, and the dog ran away.

“...heheh, holy shit everyone look.”

He doesn’t play often, but when he does, death occurs. He has found out every death method for every game from Sims 2 to 4.

And that INCLUDES the Sims Medieval! You guys remember that game?

Sometimes it’s not intentional, but Belphie got bored with the totally normal life his sims were living and decided to spice it up.

“Why are the ghosts breaking my showers..?”

Help There’s a Bug- (Diavolo)

The Crown Prince started playing when he noticed Lucifer was playing it.

He was immediately obsessed.

Dia mostly plays the Sims Medieval because he likes the feeling of achievement after completing a quest!

“Barbatos... why isn’t my Sim completing their task? The icon won’t show up.” “My lord it appears the game is bugged.” “:(“

No one thought to tell Diavolo that EA doesn’t plan on offering bug support to a game made in like... 2009

This doesn’t matter! Look at how great his kingdom is doing- oh no his hero has the plague-

He plays through the Pirates and Nobles expansion and manages to get the peaceful ending, he’s so proud of himself.

“MC! Look! My Monarch’s sword is permanently on fire and I’m fighting an evil wizard!”

When he does play the other Sims games he’s pretty basic, though, he does a great job at furnishing!

Dia gets crazy sad when his Sims die... he turns off aging.

Builder no. 2 (Barbatos)

Barbie doesn’t have time for this... but when he does, he builds.

No create a sim.

No playing the game as intended.

Just builds.

It’s relaxing, okay? A nice little suburban house he’s never going to play in, maybe a treehouse, maybe a big Hollywood Mansion...

The only time he actually plays the game outside of build mode is when someone needs his help to fix something in-game.

He does download custom content build items if he feels bored by the current selection.

Oh Crap What Am I Doing?! (Simeon)

Help him. Please.

He’s so confused.

“Luke, why is my sim upset?” “He’s hungry, Simeon.” “Oh, how do I fix that?” “...Simeon-”

There’s a toilet in the middle of the living room.

The fridge is facing the wall.

There’s no bathtub or shower.

The house is on fire- there is no god- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Okay, once he gets the hang of it he’s sitting pretty. His sims have good jobs, the kids are getting good grades, everything’s fine.

...

But Simeon won’t forget the nightmares.

What Even is This Save? (Solomon)

Solomon’s save is the definition of chaos.

One sim’s a vampire, the other is a spellcaster that really wants to fight the Callientes for some reason, there’s one normal sim that’s always sick for some reason,

It gets weird, confusing, and horrible.

Just how Solomon likes it.

His house makes no sense, like, what even is architecture?

Money cheats are needed because Solomon‘a goal of chaos and confusion is proving to be kind of expensive.

Square up Mortimer Goth, Solomon’s sims are here to steal your weird knight statue that’s worth a shit ton of simoleons for NO REASON.

He joined the scientist career for the sole purpose of getting to the alien planet and kidnapping adding an alien to the household via cheats.

The vampire ended up dying on their wedding day because Solomon forgot that he gave them the sun weakness.

Oh well, the ghost got added to the household! VAMPIRE GHOST!

The Child (Luke)

Before you say Luke’s too young to play the Sims, you should know that I was nine when I first started playing, and I turned out fiiiiiiiiiine.

He’s just happy to be playing.

Look, his sims are gardening :D

Look, two of them are getting married :D

Look, they had a baby :D

Look, his sims are building a rocket ship :D

Look, his sims’s rocket just crashed-

The concept of death hit the little angel right in the face that day.

“*sniffle*... my sims...”

Don’t worry, with tears in his eyes, Luke quit without saving and everything was fine!

Speaking of My Sims, Luke played MySims Sky Heroes and that was when Luke had his first bout of gamer rage.

MC came over to hang out with Solomon and Simeon, and in the distance they could just hear:

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY TIME WASN’T FAST ENOUGH TO CONTINUE THE STORY!? I’LL SHOW YOU FAST ENOUGH TIME!”

Okay, maybe Simeon should take the game away... just for a bit... he should take heed not to be bitten by the incredibly angry chihuahua.

Bonus:

MC: Why are our Sims married?

*Insert Boy Here*: Uh... that’s weird... I have no clue why they’re doing that...

[holy-guacamoly]

Beloved... I would like to make a request please 🥺 you know I ADORE your Levi fluff with every cell in my little soul. Can I request some Levi fluff and comfort with an s/o that's feeling stressed and overwhelmed with a lot of responsibilities and things to do. I just want a hug, some cuddles, someone to tell me I'm doing a good job, maybe make me some comfort food right now you know? Mac and cheese is my go to for sad days

And I adore writing Levie fluff and comfort! So it's a perfect match! <3 YOU DESERVE THE WORLD! I hope this little fic helps to ease the mind. :) Warnings: none, maybe my typical swearing but that's who I am Modern!AU A/N: I wrote this in a way that could be interpreted as a platonic friendship but also as lovers. Whatever suits whoever reads this best.

Mac & Cheesy - LevixFem!Reader Comfort

With utter disgust, you stared at the bright screen of your phone. Your calendar was bursting with meetings, classes, chores and other responsibilities. You already ran out of color options to mark the various dates. Just when you were about to throw your phone away, the tenth reminder of the day popped up, just to mock you. Another Zoom Call. Another god-forsaken video conference where you wouldn't have the opportunity to talk. So what did it matter? You sighed, no, more like grunted and roughly pushed the device over your desk, while you let your bodyweight press into the chair. Your head fell back like it was filled with wet sand. At this point you didn't even care about the sting in your neck, that was caused by the abrupt motion. The last weeks had been rough. No day went without a stressful event or a shitload of work. You always stayed up late, failed to nourish your body properly and it started to show. Dark shadows painted the bags under your eyes and you looked worn out. But the worst thing about all that was your anxiety that feasted on your negative emotions. The tiniest mistake managed to upset you, robbing you of your last few hours of sleep that were left. The numbness that followed the day after was even worse. Now that you thought of how miserable your life was, your immense frustration came back. It was unfair. Why you of all people? Why couldn't someone else do those shitty jobs? You felt heat rising to your cheeks, as your anger grew stronger. Like a pouting child, you kicked the nearest thing which happened to be a very solid part of your desk. As your toe met the hard surface without mercy, you couldn't help but hiss loudly while spitting some curses. "For fucks sake!" you screamed, reaching for your aching foot. Your waterline desperately tried to hold back the upcoming flood of furious tears. "Oi, brat!" A familiar voice suddenly interrupted your little show. You looked up, face reddened, eyes glistening. "What's that commotion about?" Levi Ackerman asked. He leaned against the doorframe of the living room, staring at you with an inkling of worry. Like always he wore, a pearl white shirt, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and grey pants. "None of your business, you midget," you snapped back, clearly not in the mood for a talk. The raven-haired "tched" in annoyance and made his way over to your huddled body. He knew that your moody behavior had nothing to do with him. Levi wasn't blind. The endless nights of working, the days filled with duties and above all your exhausted expression wouldn't go past him. "If you call me midget one more time, I bodyslam you." His voice was calm and collected, but you could make out a hint of amusement in his tone. You puckered your lips, the flesh on your cheeks getting sucked in between your teeth as you mumbled another insult. "I'm not in the mood, Levi," you finally murmured. The man scoffed at your comment. "And I am not in the mood for your cocky behavior. So you better tell me what's bothering you." His attitude changed from annoyed to soft in an instance, as he lowered himself on your level. "Oi, look at me," he said softly. By now you had buried your face in your arms, legs pulled up to your chest and you didn't plan on changing that position. You shook your head as much as your little cocoon would let you. He couldn't help you anyway, so why bother talking about it? "Fine." All of a sudden you heard a loud sigh, followed by strong arms lifting you from your chair. A high-pitched scream was heard from you in response. You wiggled your legs and arms in a desperate attempt to get free, but of course, Levi was stronger. He was quick to walk over to the couch, practically throwing you onto the soft cushions. "What the-" was all that you were able to say before he cut you off. "Don't you think I noticed how stressed you are lately? Damn, Y/N, I am not that blind," the pale man huffed. Your mouth opened in a fruitless attempt to say something back, but Levi kept speaking. "I know that shit's rough right now, but I need

you to tell me what's going on in that pretty head of yours, so I can actually ease your pain." By now he sounded clearly lost and hurt that you wouldn't let him in. "Let me help you, brat." This sentence was nothing but a mere whisper. Finally, your tears spilled over your waterline. You were so touched by Levi's concerns and beyond sorry for how you treated him. Since you were young, you were able to keep a tough facade, but never managed to hold that up when someone genuinely cared for you. "It's just too much, Levi," you sobbed. Your whole body trembled at the overwhelming emotions that finally found their way to the surface. "I feel like I'm failing. Everything I touch seems to crumble in my hands. I don't even know why I do all that shit. I hate it." Your voice was small and weak as you tried to explain your situation. Levi was quick to sit next to you on the sofa, his arms snaking around your shivering body in no time. You felt the vibrations of his soothing humming against your skin, while gentle caresses tried to ground you. "I am the worst," you added under tears, face hiding in the dark-haired's chest. Levi's lips moved against your scalp as he spoke, "The only thing you are is oblivious. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes." He gently pulled you away from his body, to gain eye contact. "You know that I basically hate people, right?" he asked nonchalantly. This caused your right eyebrow to raise slightly, clearly showing your confusion. "But somehow I still like to spend time with you and do you know why? Because you are smart, kind and so talented." Your gaze wandered down to the floor. A tiny sniffle filled Levi's ears, almost breaking his heart. "Why am I messing everything up then, if I am that smart and talented?" you asked weakly. The person closest to you chuckled in a very untypical manner. "If being an independent, diligent and boss-ass woman means 'messing up', then yes- You are doing so," he stated, a grin dancing on his lips. You mimicked his expression. Even though you were still exhausted and feeling kind of empty, your heart went a little lighter. "You really mean that, huh?" you mumbled, while you let your head fall against his chest again. Levi nodded, placing a soft kiss on the top of your head. Gently he leaned over to grab the cozy blanket that was draped behind you, wrap you up tightly. He then pulled you on his lap and secured you in his embrace. Levi's fingers drew soft circles on your arms, assuring you that you were safe and nothing would harm you also long as he was there to protect you. "I mean it and I will remind you every day that you're doing a good job if I have to." "By the way, did you eat today?" Levi added, actually knowing the answer already. You shook your head. "I'll make you some of that disgusting junk, that you call food. Mac and Cheese is your favorite, right?" Your head shot up, brows furrowed. "Excuse you, Sir? Mac and Cheese is a culinary upper-class food! Don't you dare to talk about that delicious dish like that," you exclaimed. Levi pushed his palm against your forehead in response and shoved away. A "Tsk" emitted from his lips again as he turned away from you. "Whatever you say, brat. And now shut up and get some rest."

[moonlightlullaby]

no celebrations?

summary: Corpse and reader celebrate his birthday in the most chill way. Based on this lovely request (ty again for sending it!) 

pairing: corpse husband x gn! reader

category: fluff

warnings: food ingestion; alcohol ingestion; loads of physical touch (let me know if I forgot to mention anything)

A/N: Hello (: This is such a lovely concept, I just couldn’t wait to get started hehe Also, I got a bit carried away and just went with it, so I’m really sorry if that’s not what you’d pictured. I do hope you enjoy it tho <3 Take care!

word count: 2.4k

Masterlist

Walking into our shared bedroom, I catch the sight of Corpse exiting the bathroom. As our eyes lock, my lips curl up tiredly and a long sigh I didn’t even know I’ve been holding finally frees itself. He sits on the edge of our bed and extends his hand to me. When I take it, he pulls me so I stand in the space between his legs.

“How was the day?” he asks with both of his hands on my waist. 

I hum, quirking a brow and tilting my head a bit “At least tomorrow - you know, the most unspecial, completely ordinary day of the year -” this earns a giggle from my boyfriend “is Sunday and I can just ignore all of that” I wave my hand in the direction of the adjacent room, where my laptop - filled with texts, assignments, spreadsheets and appointed Zoom calls - is. 

At my words, Corpse wraps his arms around my figure, pulls my body even closer to him and plants a kiss on my stomach through my shirt. My hands, in turn, caress his upper back and soft hair. 

Coming in contact with the string of his eyepatch in the process, I lean back slightly, which causes him to shoot up at me with a small frown and pouty lips. He sits still, though, as I carefully remove his eyepatch, and, while his eyes are still closed, I give each of his lids a peck. He smiles and tilts his head up to meet my lips in a long, tender and effortless kiss. Oh finally.

The idea of quarantining together was welcomed as a blessing by both of us. It meant more time spent together after all. However, with my school and work demands and Corpse’s irregular schedule, we still barely see each other throughout the day in spite of being a few feet apart from one another. And when bedtime rolls in, we’re both so exhausted all we can do is mumble words that could be counted in the fingers of one hand before drifting off. This, of course, when my boyfriend doesn’t stay up until dawn working. Don’t get me wrong, I’m his number 1 fan and admire his passion and all the hard work he puts in everything he sets his mind to, but I’m also not going to lie and say I don’t miss his warmth at night. Hence I want to devote this Sunday to him.

After a while, I break the silence “I’ll be right back.”

I let go of his hold and take my turn to use the bathroom. After doing my night routine, brushing my teeth and getting into my cozy pajamas, I walk back in the dark room and lie down, settling myself back in Corpse’s hug like two puzzle pieces matching together.

~~~~~

The excitement for a new day - not any day, no, but August 8th - washes over me as soon as I open my eyes and get a glimpse of the sleepy boy next to me. 

A couple of minutes go by as I contemplate on getting up, torn between prolonging our cuddling for some more and doing something to show Corpse my appreciation for him. The latter wins and I, cautious not to wake him up, slowly unwrap my arms from him and step out of the bed. Drawing the curtains to make sure the summer daylight doesn’t disturb his peaceful state of mind, I make my way out of the room and to the kitchen. 

Wondering what to make for breakfast, I take a good look around until my eyes catch the plethora of fruits we’ve bought a few days ago. Fruit salad it is. 

Corpse has, for as long as we’ve known each other, made it very clear he isn’t too fond of his anniversary and similar celebrations - and, even if he hadn’t explained it to me, it’s rather evident how uncomfortable they make him. This year, his friends’ and especially his fans’ hype for the date - although unintentionally - has added an extra layer of unease to it all, to which I don’t intend to contribute.

Even though I don’t want to make matters worse and would never overstep his boundaries like this (because, thankfully, I’m not Betty Cooper and he isn’t Jughead Jones), I still want to celebrate Corpse. I want to celebrate his birth and his existence, which I’m immensely grateful for. He’s both the best friend I can confide in blindly and the lover I want to share my lifetime with. He sticks to his truth and dreams higher than I could ever imagine. He turns the darkness in the world and in his mind into light with his words and with his laugh. Having him in my life is one of the best things to ever happen to me and seeing him fly makes me more proud than I can put into words. 

There’s a lot to toast to, so the solution is a celebration that is so smooth and so chill - the smoothest and most chill possible - that it doesn’t even feel like one. Just log off and enjoy a laid back day together.

As I chop a kiwi and make a mental list of fun and uncomplicated things we can do that don’t require much time and many skills, in walks Corpse, in an old white tee which is one too many sizes bigger than him and in his black sweatpants. He rubs his eyes and lets a raspy “good morning”.

“Mornin- wow! They really weren’t lying when they said when you hit 24, hotness knocks at your door”

He chuckles and shakes his head “No one’s said that”

“Well, then consider yourself the muse of a new proverb, baby”

He scrunches up his nose in response before grabbing the cup of orange juice I’d placed on the counter and taking a gulp. 

“Thank you” he turns my face and gives me an orange-flavoured kiss, neither of us having ever really cared about morning breath. 

“For calling you hot? Oh save it to when I’m done with the list of cheesy compliments I have for you” I take a grape and before I can get it in my mouth, he steals it, with wrinkles on the corner of his eyes.

“Then we’d be here for eternity!” he’s not wrong.

Corpse helps me put the fresh fruits in bowls and, with them and our juice cup in hand, we head to the balcony. Sitting next to each other, we calmly eat, take in the light blue sky and the cars and passersby changing the scenery ahead of us. Conversation flows naturally.

As we empty our bowls - after stealing many bits from each other -, I twist in my seat and face him “Hey, Corpse, do you see this?” I point to the very prominent and familiar dark circles under my eyes. “Wanna help me get rid of them?” I ask, knowing damn well it’d take a lifetime for them to actually go away and not giving up regardless.

~~~~~

The bathroom is filled with chatter and laughter and the sink, with hair clips, scrunchies, a sharpie, bowls, hair products and a towel. Corpse hisses as our cool homemade face mask comes in contact with his skin. His curly hair is pushed back and held by a blue hairband and I apply the mask to his face, making sure not to leave any spots uncovered. Well, that’s what I’m trying to do, which becomes an unnecessarily challenging task when my lovely partner can’t be still for more than two seconds. 

He kept switching between dancing to Soulmate, by Mac Miller, and mouthing its lyrics. Now that I got him - after a small threat that I wouldn’t hesitate putting this weird mix we made in his pretty mouth - to keep his lips together, the (adorable, admittedly) swaying, however, continues. He stops momentarily, only to shuffle things around right after.

Something cold touches my skin, making it my turn to let out a hiss this time. The sound is accompanied by a small jump, caused by the surprise. Corpse chuckles and, when I glance at the spot on my arm the cold thing came in contact with, I realize it’s just the sharpie. All he does is give me a mischievous smile.

While I keep massaging his face and covering it with the mask, Corpse litters my body with his drawings. Smiley faces, lightning bolts, hearts, clouds... his repertoire is vast and any exposed skin he can find becomes his canvas. Each line causing me to giggle and shudder a little. With him focused on his creations, it’s 10 times easier for me to complete my task. 

“Alright, my turn” he states, smiling, and I’m quick to grab the sharpie. 

As he adjusts a matching hairband on my head, I put a dainty heart on his neck. And, as he takes the bowl in his hands, I swiftly plant a kiss on top of the drawing. At this, he sighs in content and my chest gets warmer.

I soon understand how hard it was for him to stay still as Stay comes on and all I want to do is have a little karaoke session and dance. Corpse entertains himself with my struggle and, because it’s his birthday, I’ll let it slide. So, to make the whole process easier, instead of focusing on the song, I focus on the gorgeous face in front of me. A beautiful face to a beautiful soul. 

One of the various perks of sharing an apartment with Corpse is I get to see this face in all ways: sleepy, completely clean - no makeup, no mask -, all wrinkled in the morning, red when he’s embarrassed or when he laughs too hard… His laughter. Its sound pulls me from my trance “You’re staring, y/n” 

“Well, at least I wasn’t moving around, Corpse” I reply with squinted eyes and nudge his side playfully. 

We begin collecting the things scattered across the sink and storing them in the cabinet, and the song comes to an end, giving way to Dang!

“How long do we keep these on?” 

I hum at the question and check the playlist on shuffle on my phone “How does 5 minutes and 2 seconds sound?” 

Facing him, his grin mirrors mine and he spins me around. We laugh and allow ourselves to be as goofy as possible, jamming and moving our limbs around with a green paste on our faces.

~~~~~

After washing off the masks in the shower and painting our nails - so we’re both rocking the black nail polish look -, we’ve set our minds to - finally - finish the puzzle we started two months ago. It’s a 90’s anime setting inspired composition and we’d gotten about 40% of it done before our schedules got more hectic and the game, well, pushed aside. For weeks, the pieces sat on the ground of our living room and silently judged us every time either of us stepped to the side, as we crossed the room, in order not to crush them.

Sitting around the puzzle with comfy clothes, we team up against it and indulge in the wine Corpse’s got us and the hawaiian pizza I’ve ordered. 

As the picture comes more and more to life, moments of comfortable silence and of chattery - when we talk about anything from our shopping list and gossip about our neighbours’ lives to parallel universes and the matrix - follow one another. A different playlist on shuffle is our background noise. 

Time flies and the sun’s already hidden when it clicks to us that there are only 5 pieces left. Each piece is fitted in the whole with a giddier feeling than the previous. Corpse picks the last one - deep blue with purple and black specks - and turns to me with an excited smile and an eager gaze that I’m sure are mirrored on my face. I nod encouragingly. He places it in the puzzle and celebratory sounds fill the room.

Corpse stretches his arms and pulls me in a hug, but, since we’re both kneeling and because of the distance between us, we end up falling and lying on the ground in rather uncomfortable positions. 

“Come on, puzzle, that was easy breezy! Gotta step up your game if you really wanna challenge this duo right here!”

“Oh for sure!” Corpse squeaks as we laugh at our nonsensical brag.

After a moment while we catch our breath, he rubs my back and speaks, pulling my attention to him “Not that I’m not loving this position, but what if we watched some Drag Race?”

Is this man real? If I couldn’t feel his heart beating under me or his arms around my figure, I’d be sure he’s just a figment of my imagination. “But it’s your b- don’t you wanna choose something you like more? Li-” 

“Nope,” he boops my nose “Drag Race, or maybe Love Island, would be great right now.” And people still dare say the perfect man doesn’t exist!

“You’re such a dream!” I give him a quick peck before continuing “Ok, so I put on the show and you get more wine…?” He hums in approval and stands up. Our eyes briefly jump from each other to the puzzle and back to each other, then we simply nod. A silent agreement to leave the puzzle here. We’re both too lazy to put all the pieces back in the box and too proud of our achievement to let it go just yet; besides, everything’s been sitting here for about two months, what are a few more hours?

He steps to the side, gets our glasses and makes his way to the kitchen. I lie on the couch and scan Netflix for Drag Race. Corpse comes back, placing the glasses next to the couch, and gently lies down on top of me. He nests his head on my chest and we both hum contently.  

While RuPaul announces what the winner’s prize will be, I play with his hair, letting my fingers knead his curls. His right hand flies up to meet mine and I bring our intertwined hands to my lips, peppering his knuckles with kisses. The gesture is cut by a loud laugh that escapes my lips as miss Vanjie Mateo’s iconic moment replays on the screen. 

“Hey,” Corpse’s voice makes me look right back at him “I love you. You know that, right?”

My heart melts at his words and at the way he’s looking at me right now. I nod with a smile.

“I love you too, birthday boy.”

[cafedanslanuit]

chapter guide | prev. chapter | next chapter | extra content

✖   —   chapter summary: after receiving a text from zeke, you go out to meet him, leaving porco behind. your head is full of questions and you're not quite sure how you're going to confront him about last night's events.

✖   —   pairing: porco/reader & zeke/reader

✖   —   chapter tags/warnings: college au, protected sex, zeke calls you a good girl, mentions and/or descriptions of parental emotional abuse/traumatic childhood, hurt/comfort, fluff, referenced cheating. 

✖   —   a/n: beta read by my friend @ofoceansandtombstones​ <3 the title of the chapter is a reference to “oh daddy” by fleetwood mac.

chapter two: oh daddy

The only sounds you could hear when you got to the tennis court Zeke asked you to meet at was the ball being hit with the rackets and grunts from the two blond men you were expecting to see. Even if Reiner was a part of the swimming team along with Zeke, he always indulged his friend into playing with him, especially in the early mornings.

Neither Zeke nor Reiner realized you were there, too focused on the game, so you walked to the bleachers and sat down, forearms resting on your knees and hunched back as you watched the game.

Reiner was one of your only friends that liked being around Zeke, which really baffled your mind as the only one who knew about your dirty laundry was Porco. Yet, even after two years of being together, Annie wouldn’t even try to start a conversation with Zeke the multiple times he was over at your place. Armin, being the sweetheart he was, tagged along with her, only saying hello or goodbye while making a beeline towards Annie’s room. Pieck, Marcel and Bertholdt also made sure to avoid interacting with him, each of them in their own ways.

You sighed, pressing the bridge of your nose. You didn’t have the time to worry about it that morning.

A hard hit from Reiner made Zeke miss the ball and turn around to retrieve it. This gave Reiner the chance to look around, waving at you when he noticed your presence. You gave him a small smile and waved back.

“Your girlfriend is here.”

Zeke turned around quickly, his grey-blue eyes finding yours. You hated how a smile crept up your lips even after the disastrous night you had spent. His boyish grin and friendly wave would always bring warmth to your chest, and that spoke about how much your heart still belonged to him.

Your eyes were so fixated on each other you didn’t notice Reiner chuckling softly at the way you were looking at each other. Walking around the court, he called up Zeke, startling him and shook his hand. You didn’t listen to what he was saying but after a short conversation, Reiner turned around, waving at you again and started walking out the court. Zeke gestured to join him and you nodded, getting up and walking to the court with your hands in your pockets.

The moment you stepped a foot inside the court, Zeke started walking to you and met you halfway. He grabbed your face and placed a kiss on your lips, humming happily to himself. You kissed him back half-heartedly, your hands still secure inside your pockets without an ounce of need to put them around his neck like usual.

“You look so beautiful,” he said once he pulled away, holding your face tenderly.

You gave him a strained smile.

“Why did you call me so early?” you sighed.

Zeke’s grin didn’t waver, instead pressing a kiss on your forehead.

“Give me a second,” he said excitedly, before turning around and walking to the backpack that was against the wall. He left his tennis racket next to it and, after rummaging for a short while, he came back holding a baseball and a glove in his hand.

With a hand on the small of your back, he guided you until you were on the edge of the court. He carefully put the glove on your hand and ran back to the other edge of the court, both of you staying just on one side of the tennis court.

There was a part of you that wanted nothing more than to throw the glove away, stomp on it and demand answers from him but Zeke’s eager smile was nothing like you had seen before. He was really excited about this and even if you weren’t sure as to why , you felt compelled to follow along.

Zeke threw the ball at you and you took a couple of steps back to catch it with your glove. You winced in pain, your muscles still mad at you for drinking so much last night. You threw the ball as hard as you could but it didn’t reach your boyfriend, instead falling to the ground. Without saying a word, he shortened the distance between the two of you and threw the ball again.

A silent game of catch started between the two of you under the morning rays of sun. Seeing how happy Zeke was made you remember why you had fallen in love with him in the first place. He only smiled like that when he was around you, a huge grin on his face and a small couple of wrinkles on each side of his eyes. It was completely different from the way he smiled in social events and you couldn’t help but feel your heart flutter knowing it was only you that could see him like this.

It had been almost two years since a junior that sat a few seats away from you at your History of Philosophy class had asked to take a look at your notes at the end of your second class. He confessed it was his third time taking the course as he has failed it twice already. It was his last chance to pass the course and he had seen you taking a lot of notes and answering questions right, hence he was asking for your help. You couldn’t help but giggle at the image of this tall junior asking for the help of a freshman but you agreed and even offered to help him prepare for the exam if he really needed it.

That was the first time he truly smiled at you. And since then you had been hooked.

From a hidden makeout session at the back of the library to him introducing you to his half-brother, you had suddenly become the ‘it couple’ on campus. Zeke always took you out to social gatherings along with his classmates, presenting you as his girlfriend and keeping an arm around your shoulders at all times, letting everyone know who you were with.

Time went by and he even took you to his grandparents’ house, a lovely old couple that lived on the edge of town. You had dinner with them and smiled as they went on and on about how much they loved and were proud of their grandson. As they told you endearing but slightly embarrassing stories about Zeke when he was a little kid, you couldn’t help but notice they didn’t mention his parents in any of the stories. When you went to the kitchen to help his grandmother bring the dessert you tried looking for a picture of his parents and didn’t find it either. But you knew better than to ask.

The conversation ran long and when you two noticed, it was already too late to drive back, so you both decided to stay at their house for the night. After his grandparents had gone to sleep, you sat in front of the chimney, sitting next to each other, your head on his shoulder and enjoying the soft music coming from his phone. Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ album was one of Zeke’s favourite albums and it was slowly starting to become yours as well.

A sniffle distracted your thoughts.

You pulled away immediately, kneeling and holding his face tenderly. It seemed Zeke had been crying for quite some time now and your eyes filled with worry.

“Baby, are you okay? What’s wrong?” you whispered, your thumbs wiping the tears running down his cheeks to his beard.

“I miss him,” he mumbled.

“Your dad?” you asked softly.

Zeke shook his head and averted his gaze from you. You turned his head back to you again and pressed a kiss on his forehead.

“You can talk to me, Zeke. Stronger together, right?” you said with a soft smile. He reciprocated it with a small nod.

Words fell from Zeke’s mouth like a broken dam, tears falling from his eyes quicker than you were able to kiss them away. You listened to him in silence, your fingers running across his dark blond locks, trying your best to soothe him as he tripped over his own words, painting a picture of his childhood.

He told you about their parents and their strong alliance with a political party when he was a kid. How they would talk to him about the party’s history and why he should be on their side, often getting irritated at him for not remembering all the details. He blamed himself for being too young to understand, for not paying enough attention when they talked to him about it. When a chance arrived for him to apply to a scholarship for middle school in a very prestigious private school, both his parents registered him, saying he should study hard to get that scholarship so he could start talking about the political party to the sons and daughters of the high class, so more people could support them.

But Zeke had never been good at school. He reminded you the reason you had met was that he had already failed a course twice, only salvaging it because you tutored him. So when he was ordered to get that scholarship, he studied day and night, sometimes not even going to bed because he wanted to make his parents happy and going to school without having slept even for a minute. But his scores were still low, igniting long and loud fights between his mom and dad, making him silently weep inside his bedroom as he listened to how much of a disappointment he was.

“You’re not a disappointment,” you interrupted him. His eyes that had been set on the chimney turned to you and he lifted the corners of his mouth.

You knew he didn’t believe you.

“They were taken by the police a few days before my scholarship exam. Turns out the political party they were into was… a bit radical.” He didn’t comment further and you thought it was best not to ask for details. “So I came to live with my grandparents. I was enrolled in public middle school and got a sports scholarship to get into university, hence why I’m a part of the swimming team.”

“Are they still…” your question died in your lips.

“In prison? No,” Zeke sighed, taking his glasses off and passing a hand across his face. “They got out after a couple of years. My mom died in a car accident shortly after and my dad remarried Eren’s mom. He lives with her now. Honestly, she’s a very sweet woman, she has always been kind to me. I don’t know how she stands him,” he said with a small chuckle.

“Even so, it’s okay to miss him, you know? Families are… complicated. So it wouldn’t be wrong for you to miss him from time to time.”

“I meant I miss Ksaver,” Zeke said, a sad smile on his lips. He took your hand in his, playing with it absentmindedly. “He was my science teacher at elementary school. He noticed how much I was struggling and how little sleep I was getting. He offered to tutor me some afternoons and we always ended up playing catch for a while before I had to go home. I think I was only able to go by because I could always look for spending my afternoons with him. We kept in touch when I went to middle school and he was always willing to help me out whenever I needed help with my classes or with the girls,” he said, a chuckle escaping his lips. “He lent me his jacket for my first date and he was the one I told about my first kiss with a girl in high school.”

You smiled sweetly, squeezing his hand softly.

“I wish I could have introduced you to him. But he… died, a couple of weeks after I started uni. Cancer. I never knew,” he said bitterly, biting the inside of his cheek. “So being here, listening to my grandparents tell you stories about when I was a kid… just made me remember him, you know? And shit— I really miss him.”

That night when you went to bed, you made sure to hold him a little tighter as he laid his body on top of yours. The feeling of his beard scratching your skin as he kissed your neck made you claw your nails on his muscular back. The room was filled with the sweetest breathy moans as you tried your best to be silent so you didn’t wake his grandparents up.

He pressed a long kiss on your lips before getting off of you, rummaging through his pants and trying to find a spare condom in his pockets. You waited as he put it on, fingertips gently tracing his forearms as a subtle reminder you were still there. Zeke hovered over you with a loving smile, his grey-blue eyes locked in yours making you feel as if you were the only woman he had ever even glanced at.

He slid into you, your lips parting as your body adjusted to his length. He started at a calm pace, his pelvis rubbing just right against your clit, making you see stars every time he moved. You held tightly on his muscular arms, moving your hips as you desperately craved for more.

It wasn’t long until he was pulling out of you, turning you on your stomach and thrusting inside of you again. It didn’t surprise you, he had always shown a preference for fucking you from behind.

Zeke’s hands were holding your waist tightly while he kept bucking his hips against you, his hot breath tickling your ear. The low grunts coming out of his mouth as he buried himself in you were all you could think about as you muffled your moans on the pillow. His fingers were digging on your skin, for sure leaving marks for you to find the next day, a hobby you had grown fond of ever since you started sleeping with Zeke. He was relentless, hips rutting against you without mercy, each thrust getting deeper and deeper inside of you.

“Shit, you give it so good to me, baby,” he grunted, bitting down on your shoulder. You whimpered, closing your fists on the sheets as you tried to arch your back even more to him. “Yeah, just like that— such a good girl to me.”

The way he increased his rhythm for a few seconds and then stilled behind you let you know he has reached his high. You felt as he rolled away from your body, lying on your side with a content smile, lips parted as he tried to regain his breath. You smiled softly at him and caressed his cheek with your knuckles.

Maybe it was a stretch, but you wished to have the power to stop him from ever getting hurt again. You wanted to protect that smile at all costs, not even letting the cold air touch him or anything that could ever threaten his well-being again. It was at that moment that you decided you would make sure he was the happiest man he could be as long as you were there.

As you saw Zeke smile as he threw the baseball, you remembered your vow. He was really the prettiest when he smiled. After your last throw, he caught it and gestured to you to come closer. He kissed you once again and this time you melted in his touch, the familiar taste of his lips taking you back to that night in front of the fire. He put the glove and baseball into his backpack and took your hand, placing a small kiss on the back of it.

“C’mon. Let's get breakfast.”

Finding an isolated spot on campus was easy, both of you sitting down under a tree. On your way there, Zeke had bought a couple of juice boxes from a vending machine and once you had gotten comfortable on the ground you realized he had packed a couple of sandwiches for both of you. You took one and smiled at him as a thank you.

“Have you thought about trying out for the baseball team? Bet you would do great there,” you commented, taking your first bite.

“I… I honestly haven’t played in forever,” Zeke said, shaking his head. “Hell, I hadn’t played like this since Ksaver died.”

“What changed?” you asked softly.

“Found this baseball while looking through my tennis stuff this morning as I was leaving to play with Reiner. So I brought them with me because…” he made a pause, looking down at his sandwich. “I wanted to play with you. I wanted to— to share this with you. You know how much it means to me and I couldn’t think of anyone else I wanted to do this with after all these years.”

You smiled at his words and right when you were leaning to kiss him, the memory of Yelena leaving his house hit you. Right. You had seen them, how had you forgotten about this?

Zeke noticed the way your smile dropped and furrowed his eyebrows in concern.

“I saw her kissing you,” you said, in a makeshift stern voice. Zeke’s frown deepened.

“What?”

“Yelena. I saw you kissing Yelena last night when she left your house,” you said, the pressure on your chest making it hard to talk. You took a deep breath, trying to alleviate it.

“Wait, wait, last night? Where were you?” he asked, confused.

“I— a few houses away. I wanted to say hi but I saw her and— I saw you two kissing, Zeke, aren't you going to say anything?” you demanded, your voice breaking at the end.

“Baby, I was confused as to why you were saying this because we didn’t kiss. I have never kissed Yelena in my life.”

“Zeke, I saw you,” you said in a pained voice. “I fucking saw you and—”

“Wait, was that why you called?” he interrupted you. “I’m sorry, baby, I really am. I’m just having trouble understanding because we never kissed. The closest thing to that happening was Yelena kissing my cheek goodnight and that’s it.”

“But I—”

“You just said you were a couple of houses away. Don’t you think you could have confused a friendly kiss on the cheek with her kissing my lips? As if I would ever let her,” Zeke said, taking a sip of his juice. “She knows how much I’m in love with you. Hell, I’ve even told her how I plan to marry you once you graduate.”

You felt your cheeks heating at his words and then immediately shook your head, trying to focus.

“Porco saw you too.”

At this, Zeke’s calm expression turned into a disgusted one.

“Baby, please,” he sighed, rolling his eyes. “Porco will say anything to get you away from me. You know he’s in love with you, right?” he asked. You averted his gaze, looking down at your sandwich. “He’s so obvious about it. He’ll say anything to make you doubt your relationship with me enough for him to get a chance. Bet he kept insisting on you leaving me after you mistakenly believed Yelena kissed me last night.”

Memories of Porco’s arms around your body and his hazel eyes looking at you as he kissed your palm crept inside your head, guilt leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. Zeke was right. You were a few houses apart and all you had seen was her kissing the corner of his mouth, never a full kiss on the lips. And on top of that, you had been drinking a lot. There was a big chance you had perceived the moment differently and… Porco had definitely egged you on your distrust.

“You did nothing wrong,” Zeke assured you, taking one of your hands in his. “You trust people too much, you’re too good. But please don’t believe Porco’s intentions are innocent in any way.”

You nodded, keeping your head down. At this, Zeke scooted over to your side, grabbing your face gently and kissing your forehead. You smiled at his action and lifted your face until your lips met. A chaste kiss was exchanged, making the both of you smile.

“I’m sorry for… insisting on this but can I ask you something else about last night?” you asked in a small voice.

Zeke nodded. “Sure, anything that will make you feel better.”

“Why was Yelena with you last night? Why did she leave so late?”

“Yelena was going through a rough time, stuff with her family and the fact she likes girls,” Zeke explained, biting down on his sandwich. “Her family is very religious so it’s… a touchy subject. She needed to talk and we did just that— talk until she was feeling better.”

You nodded, still with a small frown on your face.

“But I asked you, I— I called you and I asked if the movies were fun by yourself.”

“And I told you I always preferred watching movies alone,” Zeke reminded you. “I didn’t lie, I really do. I’ve told you this before. Besides, I didn’t just want to air out her business. It was private for a reason.”

“But her Instagram—”

“Darling, don’t mind her. Please, as far as I know, she could have made that post in case her family saw it. She’s not even out on campus, so… I don’t know,” he shrugged. “But don’t think about it too hard. She’s my friend but trust me when I say she’s not worth your time.”

You felt stupid. So damn stupid for ever believing Zeke was cheating on you. All of Yelena’s Instagram photos made so much sense now that you knew she was trying to present herself as straight. Surely you would have preferred her to use any other guy than your boyfriend but… it just made sense. Since Zeke was the only one that knew about her sexuality, she made sure not to foolishly lead him on since he knew it was all a charade.

And the fact Zeke wasn’t asking about Porco— God, you didn’t deserve him. You had just admitted to being outside with Porco at three in the morning and he hadn’t batted an eye. He didn’t need proof or to interrogate you to trust you would never cheat on him.

“Stop worrying your pretty head around it. We’re good, okay?” he assured you, nudging your shoulder playfully. “Let's just forget about this whole thing, okay?”

“Okay,” you smiled.

Zeke took one last bite of his sandwich, shaking his hands to get rid of the crumbs. He scooted until his back was against the tree and pulled you by your wrist, content in how you were giggling as he set you between his legs, with your back on his chest.

“Thank you for meeting me this early without notice. When I found Ksaver’s baseball I just knew I wanted to share that moment with you,” he said, resting his chin on your shoulder and putting his arms around your waist. “I’m so weak when it comes to… remembering things from my past. But I know I can always count on you. You’re so much stronger than I am. Always have been.”

Your mind went back to Porco pushing you away after you tried to kiss him just a few hours ago.

“I don’t know about that,” you whispered.

“But you are. And that’s one of the reasons I’m so in love with you,” he smiled, pressing a kiss on your shoulder. “One of the reasons I plan to ask you to marry me as soon as you graduate. We’re stronger together, remember?”

Your heart fluttered at his words.

“Yes,” you nodded with a soft smile .”We are.”