#i guess he remembered that i'm tough as nails

[venussunrise]

some trait in me that makes people desperate to employ me 

[ebodebo]

Tough As Nails—Lasso

thinking about cowboy!simon riley… | part three |

<- previous next ->

You would have never guessed your summer away from the confines of the city would have brought you into an entanglement with your father's ranchhand. It was unprecedented. Scandalous. But, so fucking hot, nonetheless.

"What're you thinkin' about so intently?" Your thoughts subsided as you glanced next to you to see a shirtless Simon beside you, curious eyes dull into your own. 

You really tried to sleep in your room because you didn't want to disrupt his sleep, but once the clock struck eleven and you were lying awake, making friends with the ceiling once again, you decided to give him a visit.

"You." You cheekily smile as you move to rest your head on his chest, his arms coming up, engulfing your waist. 

"You're trouble. You know that?" He murmured into your hair before kissing the top of your head.

"So, I've been told." You laugh out as you hear your phone ding from under your pillow. Then, ding again and again. You reach under the pillow and retrieve the device, only to see four texts from your friend.

Sam: I'm sitting right where you walk in.

Sam: Text when you're on the way.

Sam: Where are you?

Sam: Did you forget we're meeting at the bar?

Shit. You were supposed to meet your friend at the bar thirty minutes ago. You sprung out of Simon's bed as you frantically grab your boots and slip them on.

"Your boyfriend mad?" Simon sarcastically says, a smirk playing on his lips as you roll your eyes, though your annoyed front dissipates as a slight smirk plays on your lips too. 

"I think you're the one who's trouble." You suggest, walking over to him, leaning down to press a kiss to his lips. 

"Is that right?" He gruffly mumbled into your lips, chasing yours as you pulled back, grabbing your hat off his side table.

"Nice hat." He laid back down, putting his arm behind his head, making you question if you wanted to leave.

You look away from his arms and into his eyes, as you raise a brow before speaking. "It's yours, Simon." 

"I'm aware." He cockily smiles as you turn to head out the door, a smile spreading across your face.

⋆⭒˚｡⋆𓃓⋆⭒˚｡⋆

You had been at the bar for maybe thirty minutes, and your friend, Sam, was already shit-faced, and you were tipsy at most. 

Sam and you had been friends for as long as you could remember. But, always just friends, platonic. So, the following words that shoot out of his mouth come as a shock to you.

"God, you look so fucking hot." He slurs out as you take a sip of your drink. You look up at him, eyes wide, as you take in what he said.

You should give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he meant it as a friend simply uplifting another friend. 

"Thanks," you say, looking away from him to observe an old Budweiser sign daunting the wall, hoping to absolve some of the awkwardness you felt. 

"No, no. I mean it. You're so fucking hot." He says, leaning back in the booth a little. "I've always thought so." His voice is earnest as his confession rings in your head. 

You look back at him and gulp before continuing. "What do you mean?" He lets out a laugh. 

"Don't play dumb. You know I have feelings for you."

You take a big gulp of your drink, hoping the alcohol will help ease the uncomfortable turn this night took and the guilt that is starting to eat at you. Truthfully, you've never had any romantic feelings for Sam, and you thought the chaste feelings were mutual, but it seems you were very, very wrong. 

"Been too busy screwing that ranch hand to notice." He murmurs, almost low enough to where you didn't hear him, but you did. 

"Excuse me?" You say, narrowing your eyes.

He scoffs, leaning closer so his elbows rest on the table. "You heard me." He takes another sip of his beer before continuing. "Since you two started dating—" 

"We aren't—" You interrupt before he does the same.

"Don't." He pauses, throwing his hands up and clenching his jaw. "Don't start that bullshit. We both know you are." He hisses, grabbing his beer yet again, taking a swig.

"You wear his hat, for Christ's Sake." 

You stare at him, eyes wide. You are completely taken aback by his words, simultaneously shocked and hurt. You try to ease the tension, but he manages to get his words out first.

"Just didn't think you were so easy." 

His words felt like a gut punch. Here was your supposed best friend insinuating you were a slut. No way would you sit and listen to whatever else he had been sitting on, drunk or not.

"Talk to me when you aren't shit-faced." You eruptly stand and throw a fifty on the table before walking out the front door. 

A part of you is upset when you step out the door and turn to see that Sam didn't follow you out. Another part of you is grateful because as soon as you step out of those doors, tears start pouring out.

You sit on the curb on the street and swiftly pull out your phone, your finger hovering over the call icon and pressing the contact you know would always answer.

"Date go well, then?" Simon's gruff voice filled your ears, offering you comfort. 

"Simon." You try to hide the wobbliness of your voice, but to no avail.

"What's wrong?" His voice is filled with urgency, switching entirely from how he playfully answered.

"I—can you—can you come get me?" You stutter, wiping the hot tears streaming down your face.

"Where are you?" You can already hear the raddle of his keys and the swing of a door opening. 

"The bar on fifth." You supply, sniffling.

"I'll be there in ten." You don't even touch how the bar is a good thirty minutes from the ranch. You don't care; you need to get out of there.

Simon makes you stay on the phone until his truck pulls up, probably ten minutes or so. Then he steps out and walks over to you, sitting on the concrete ledge. 

"Let's get you home, okay?" You weakly nod as he helps you up into his truck.

You feel a little guilty leaving Sam behind drunk, but he's friends with the guy who owns the place, so he'll just stay in the basement part of the bar until he sleeps away the drunkenness.

The drive back to the property is silent but comfortable. You're glad Simon doesn't ask for details because you would feel embarrassed relaying what Sam said to you. But you had been thinking about one thing Sam said intently, repeating it over and over again. You don't mean for it to slip out, but it does.

"Do you think I'm easy?" Simon glances at you, looking out the window.

"What?" He questions.

"Like...you know." You trail off, hoping he'll fill in the rest.

"No. I don't know. Tell me what you mean." You fidget with your fingers, thinking of a less blunt way to express what you mean. But, you just let out what you mean, blunt and all.

"Slutty." You murmur, looking up at Simon. He swiftly turns his head towards you and pulls the car over to the side of the road, switching on his hazards. 

"Who told you this?" He demands, his hands gripping the steering wheel as they slowly turn white. 

"No one." You insist, bringing your hand up to pull one of his off the steering wheel. 

"No. Someone told you that, and I want to know who," he says as you take his hand off the wheel and encase it in your own.

You look up at him and close your eyes briefly before murmuring, Sam. Simon closes his eyes as he takes a long, deep breath. You stare up at him, nervously chewing on your bottom lip.

"Please don't say anything." You finally say, gripping his hand tighter.

"He called you a slut, and you don't want me to say anything?" He finally looked down at you to see your pleading eyes. He sighed and gripped your hand back.

"Fine." He sucked his teeth as he turned off the hazards and pulled back onto the road. 

It was silent as Simon drove the rest of the drive back to the ranch, but you spoke once he made it through the gate.

"Can I stay with you tonight?" You shyly ask. 

"Where do you think I was headed?" You look out the window to see you're going toward his house on the property.

"Oh, you're good." You smile, feeling a sense of joy for the first time since you stepped into that bar.

"You're even better."

a/n: kitten whiskers i finally got my lazy ass up to make part three ( ͡ಥ ͜ʖ ͡ಥ)

reblogs & comments are encouraged!

[possiblyreallyme]

Once a Beckman girl, always a Beckman girl

warning: very spicey/smutty but no actual penetration, toys (vibrator), size kink if you squint, big dick benn canon.

hello! i got this idea from one of my favorite one piece writer on tumbler, @innerfare!! everyone, go check them out!! thank you so much!!

"Come on, honey. Don't you wanna come back to my cabin?" Shanks asked drunkenly through his hiccups and wolfish grin, staggering over the countertop to hold onto the wood and wink at you.

You'd giggle, but you shook your head, cleaning the counter when he knocked over a glass of alcohol with his one elbow.

"I'm sorry, sir," You told him with that sweet smile, though you didn't seem very sorry. "I already have plans with your first mate."

Shanks backed off immediately, nodding his head and walking away before you could ask why. Even in his drunken state, he knew it was a complete waste of time to try and woo one of Benn's girls.

Plus, his first mate wasn't one to sleep around, so Shanks knew better than to interfere when he needed a night to relax. He was drunk, not heartless.

"Tough luck," Lucky Roux murmured through his mouthful of meat when Shanks told the table of pirates about the barmaid, not even looking up to console his captain. "No one gets one of Benn's girls."

"Yeah, no shit," The captain murmured with a hiccup, before slouching against the table with a few more, spinning a bottle cap around like a pouty child.

"I just wish we knew what he does to get girls so crazy," Yasopp replied under his breath, though he didn't necessarily care to keep his voice low. Anyone who knew Benn knew he was a charmer, even if he didn't go around flirting as much as his captain.

If only they knew. If only they knew how their Benn could drag his fingers across a lady's skin and make her feel like she was a work of art. How as much as Shanks told him one-night stands and hookups shouldn't last more than 30 minutes, he just can't leave a girl like that.

Was he not supposed to stretch her with his fingers? How was she supposed to fit him if he didn't— while you're at it, doesn't it feel better when you let her ride your face until she's squealing and pulling at your hair? And it would weight much too heavy on his conscious if he left a woman alone in bed when she's tired and sore and in need of some love, when he could put his left-over energy to use and make her a nice meal, maybe give her a massage to ease the ache he caused.

Of course a man like him was so popular with the ladies. He was practically made for women, with how he could memorize your body like the back of his hand, as if he's known you his whole life, but he only just learned your damn name.

He'll coo in that deep voice of his, say things a pirate most certainly shouldn't be saying to someone he'll never see again, with that charming smile on his face and slowly rolling his hips into yours, thumbing at your clit until you've coated the sheets in as much cum as you could give him.

And yet, he's never come across as a player. He isn't a womanizer; he isn't someone like Shanks who can't be trusted to remember his partners names after a week. He's tough as nails and brutal, but to the women whose hearts still throb for the first mate, he was a sweetheart. The type to empathize and sooth when he's just a little too big to fit all the way in your cunt, wiping your tears with kisses and assure you that you've taken more than enough for him to enjoy, so don't feel guilty.

"Benn," You're whining that night, just after you close and the Red Force was snickering when Beckman puts his hand on the small of your back, dwarfing you so intensely you felt your face go hot. You should have fucking guessed that a man with hands bigger than your head had a cock to match.

"Shh, I know, sweetheart. Just relax," He soothed, large fingers parting your labia and pulling up the hood of your clit, circling the little nerve with an ease that made you wonder if he'd done this before with you.

You knew good and damn well you'd remember if a man like this had ever been with you before, but he hadn't even taken his eyes off your face and yet he found your clit almost faster than you could.

You couldn't focus on that though, already fighting off delirium you only thought a cock could bring you, taken by surprise how he could get you so dumb when all he had done was fuck you with that big black vibrator. He kept you sat upright on his desk by letting you lay your head on his shoulder, fluttering kisses against your jaw and rubbing your back when you clenched around the toy and whined for more, soothing you with his whispers like a father soothing his baby in the dead of night.

"Not yet, little one." It had been not yet all damn night, and you were ready for more. Eyes locked on the tent in his pants, large and clearly thick enough to stretch you to your limit, but you couldn't find it in you to care how much it would hurt. He cared though, and thank God for that. He couldn't live with himself if one of his sweethearts got hurt when it was his job to make sure they were well taken care of and happy, even though Shanks tried to explain to him that his job was simply to get off and go.

When he finally pulled the vibrator out and let you slump against hi desk, he kissed along the inside of your thighs and cleaned up the mess dripping to your knees, murmuring enough poetic praise to keep you high on orgasm for longer than your ego appreciated.

"Aw, baby doll," He chuckled faintly against your cunt, a smile stretching across his lips when you squirmed and whined when his stubble brushed along your sensitive thighs. "You still wanna take my cock, don't you?"

"Yes." Your mother would be ashamed at how fast you answered the pirate, who merely chuckled again and lifted you into his arms.

[illarian-rambling]

Thanks for the tag @mk-writes-stuff!

Characterization Through Quotes

My prompt is, “A quote about their best friend.”

Your prompt is, "A quote about punishment."

.

Izjik: "Sepo is a know-it-all, bad tempered, surly son of a bitch who never learned even the slightest bit of manners. And I wouldn't have him any other way. There's no one better to have in your corner, fighting tooth and nail beside you. And there's no one better to sit with after the fight's over when your heart starts aching."

Sepo: "As a boy, I'd have been appalled by the idea of befriending a halawemavar, much less even speaking to one. But I have never met a stronger or more caring person than Izjik. I know with a certainty that I would be dead many times over without her. I have never loved anyone like that since my brother passed, and I doubt I ever will again."

Twenari: "I couldn't say which of my friends is my favorite, however, I guess Djek is the closest to me in age. I love Izjik and Sepo, don't get me wrong, but neither of them is going to sneak me into a party. Djek always does his best to make sure I have fun and actually get to act like a kid."

Djek: "I love that funky, little sorcerer kid! She's hilarious and she doesn't even know it. I don't remember my siblings all that well, but I think having Twenari around is pretty close to what having a little sister is like."

Astra: "I ain't had a friend in such a long time, I almost get surprised when I look over and see Mashal sittin' in my vardo. He makes me wanna be a better person, not just a better mage."

Mashal: "Astra has been beyond kind to me since I woke up. Even if I don't remember any of my other friends, I'm sure I was lucky to meet her. I... I just hope we can stay friends, no matter how I might feel deep down."

Ivander: "Oh, I suppose my answer would have to be Ceyrel. I've always called her just a work friend, but she shows up to make dinner for me when I'm not feeling well, and she always laughs at the stories I save for her. She means more to me than she knows. It's probably for the best to keep it that way."

Elsind: "I have a lot of friends! Which is a little surprising, to be honest. Mael always tells the best jokes and Indre might act tough, but she always takes the time to make sure I'm doing ok. Everyone at the SLP has been nothing but kind to me. They push me to be better than I am."

Avymere: "My line of work doesn't leave time for many friends. Casual alliances, yes, but an Archduchon can afford no true companions. Either they become a weakness to be exploited or a means by which traitors can slither close. I keep myself above such bonds because that is what's best for my city. Any longing I feel is not a factor in that decision."

.

I'll tag @patrickrennie @persnickety-peahen @diabolical-blue @elsie-writes and anyone else who wants to give it a whirl :)

[kuch-toh-garbad-hai-daya]

Indian Elections: The Campaign and how much it worked (Part 1)

Since the results are out, let's talk about it (as if we haven't been doing it since the last few hours) properly.

First of all, Uttar Pradesh voters, you people are betrayers. I'm not saying it, BJP & its supporters are. But seriously, Samajvadi Party's campaign for this year was definitely strong. Yogi really thought that it's going to be a piece of cake didn't he. Thank you voters for showing them the ground reality. Ayodhya, Amethi, Raebareli, the trinity of my joy.

Rajasthan. Yes, BJP won here with 14 seats. But lost 10 seats. Congress really shone on its own here, gaining 8 seats when in the last election, it was on the zero mark. Sachin Pilot and that man alone worked on Rajasthan. Honestly they need to put him front and center.

Madhya Pradesh is 100% a well-deserved BJP sweep. Let's not forget that it's not the Modi factor that worked here, it was Shivraj Singh Chauhan. That man worked his ass off during Vidhaan Sabha campaign last year and it really paid off in Lok Sabha. (God, I still remember women crying when he didn't become the Chief Minister).

I guess it was tough for West Bengal voters, no? I'm not much familiar Bengal politics but from what I've heard, they had to choose between two evils. Still, Didi gets 29 out of 42 seats, leaving BJP and Congress on the 6 and 1 mark respectively.

Lmao, they fucked up in Bihar. I can rant for hours about this. The seat distribution was already messed up, but Nitish Babu leaving put the nail in the coffin. BJP and JD(U) won 12 seats each, with RJD and Congress winning 4 and 3 respectively. Left also got 2 or 3 seats. I'm glad Pappu Yadav (on Purniya seat) won nirdaliye. Well deserved.

As for Odisha, I guess people have lost all the hopes in Naveen Patnaik, because BJD remained on zero, BJP getting all of its seats (20). Congress won 1 seat here.

I don't have much to say about Delhi. It's a BJP sweep. I guess AAP didn't get to campaign much since Arvind Kejriwal was literally put in jail? I'm still salty that Kanhaiya Kumar lost.

That's all for now, rest in the next part.

[skylarkstarflower]

Here you go

Y'all wanted it so have an unedited, first draft rough copy of my fic I'm working on. Enjoy. Or not. I'll just say it's better than my old BMFM fanfic from the 90s. XD (If anyone out there remembers the old Unofficial Biker Mice From Mars fanclub site, I was just Skylark at the time.)

Author’s Note/Disclaimer: I don’t own Biker Mice from Mars, it belongs to Nacelle now. I hope they’re cool with fanfic, ‘cause I’m writing this one way or another. :B

So, I decided, before I heard about the Nacelle reboot, to write my own Biker Mice reboot fanfics. It’s taken me a while to get going on them, but I’m getting there now. Even if the new reboot comes out and is awesome, I’m probably still going to work on this little world, ‘cause I like it. ^_^ (Doesn’t mean I won’t write fic for the Nacelleverse, though!) And many thanks to my friend, Hamsuoffical, for helping me out with some ideas to get this thing going.

“So We Meet Again”

By Skylark Starflower

Started June 14th 2023

Finished?

Prologue

                   “Are you really leaving?” Charlene looked pleadingly at her neighbour. “You’re really giving up?”

                   “I’m sorry, Charlene, but we don’t have much of a choice anymore. After the local grocery store got bought out, it’s gotten far too expensive to stay. Peggy and I, we’re not young like you. We’ve got a sweet deal on a condo downtown near the kids, and we’re going to take it.”

                   Charlene sighed. “I get it, Otto, I really do. It’s just… you’re the last people I know here. You know I can’t sell the garage and leave, it’s too important to me. I don’t want to be alone in this.”

                   Otto smiled sadly, clapping her on the shoulder. “I know, but we’ll come by and visit. Someone’s gotta keep the old girl running for us.”

                   Charlene managed a smile of her own. “I can do that. You two take care, okay?” She gave the older man a hug. After a moment, he pulled away.

                   “You, too, Charley-girl. I’ll see you around.”

                   With a final pat on the shoulder, he turned and headed home. Charley watched him leave for a moment longer before heading back inside. She wiped the tears from her eyes and glanced around.

                   Her garage, The Last Chance, had been in her family for three generations. She loved the place; it had been home since she was old enough to run it by herself. She couldn’t just leave her family’s legacy.

                   Things were tough, though. A real estate mogul was buying up all the properties in the area, already starting demolition in several areas. Some not far from her garage. They were interested in The Last Chance, but Charley was the stubborn holdout in the area. Most everyone else had already left. Peggy and Otto selling off the apartment building they owned and lived in was just another nail in the coffin of her neighbourhood.

                   “What am I going to do?” she sighed, wiping her eyes once more. She had a small savings account, but with no people left in the area, there weren’t going to be any customers coming to get their vehicles repaired. No clients meant no money coming in. Her savings wouldn’t carry her for long. If she just accepted Limburger’s offer, she’d be swimming in cash…

                   “No! I can’t think like this!” Charley gave her head a shake. “I’ll figure something out. I always do.”

                   She smiled sardonically and glanced at the clock. It was quarter to six, almost time for her self defence class. Abandoning her worries for later, she gathered her stuff and headed out.

X        X        X

                   “Ms. Davidson! Are you paying attention?”

                   Charley jumped, snapped back to reality by the sound of the instructor’s voice. She gave her head a shake and blushed, noticing everyone else in the class staring at her.

                   “Sorry, sorry. I guess I got lost in thought,” she replied.

                   “If you can’t keep your mind in the game, someone’s going to get hurt, and it will probably be you. If you can’t concentrate, perhaps you should sit this lesson out. Try again next week, when you’re more focused,” said her instructor.

                   “You’re right, Mr. Harrison.” Charley stood from where she had been sitting and bowed. “My head’s just not in it today.” With that, she grabbed her things and left as the class carried on without her.

                   It was already getting dark, the cool, crisp autumn air a pleasant change from the stuffy hot air in the training center. Charley let her mind wander as she headed for home.

                   Her community was pretty much gone, completely bought up and awaiting demolition. Everyone she knew had already moved away. She was on her own. Usually, practicing her chosen self defence style would help her calm down and think rationally, but apparently not this time. She sighed, thoughts swirling about in her head. What if, this time, she couldn’t figure something out? She hated to think it, but what she really needed was someone to help her. Only problem was, who? There was no one left.

                   Suddenly, the night sky was lit like daylight, accompanied by a strange whistling, roaring sound. Charley looked up in time to see… something, brightly glowing, almost like a meteor, cutting across the Chicago skyline. Whatever it was, it was clearly falling. By her estimates, it was heading towards Quigley Field.

                   “What in the world?” she muttered. It was then that she saw three small objects detaching themselves from the meteor and start falling away from it. There didn’t seem to be any kind of order to the fall, the three figures separating and falling apart. Two of them looked like they were heading in one direction, but the third seemed to be heading right for her.

                   She followed the falling figures as best she could, losing the first two in the buildings surrounding her. The third was getting closer to her every moment, and she could have sworn in appeared to be a person riding a motorcycle. But why? Was this some sort of publicity stunt for an upcoming movie? Something told her that wasn’t the case.

                   She was running now, still following the falling figure. They were almost to the ground, and Charley lost sight of them between two buildings. There was a loud crash seconds after, and Charley darted into the alleyway it came from just a moment later. The light from the street lamps didn’t penetrate very far, so it was hard to tell what she was looking at.

                   She was caught off guard by a revving engine. Turning to look towards the sound, she found a motorcycle. She had the strange feeling that it was watching her, and she could tell something was wrong, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Then in struck her.

                   There was no one riding.

                   The driverless motorcycle lit up its headlight, catching Charley in its beam, nearly blinding her. Then it…beeped at her. She could have sworn it seemed almost angry, or worried even.

                   “Hey, calm down, it’ll be okay,” she said, feeling a bit silly for talking to a motorcycle. It beeped at her again, and revved once more. It seemed to be trying to communicate with her, which was strange enough, but what was it trying to say? “You seemed to have a rider earlier. Where are they? Are they okay? I just want to help.”

                   The bike seemed to consider this for a moment, before beeping for a third time. It turned its headlight about, lighting up a body lying on a pile of trash bags. Charley gasped.

                   The figure was humanoid, but something about it seemed odd. She ran over to investigate, the bike beeping again but making no move to stop her. They – no, probably a he to judge from the open vest he wore – seemed to be unconscious. He wore biker pants that appeared to be blue denim, a black leather vest, and an oddly shaped helmet. Despite all that, something still bothered Charley. It wasn’t until she touched his arm (yelping and drawing away in surprise) that she realised what it was. From head to toe, he was covered in soft, golden brown fur. He wasn’t human at all.

                   “But,” Charley thought, “He’s still hurt.”

                   She took up his arm once more, hoping his physiology would be at least similar to that of a human, and checked for a pulse. She was in luck, finding one. It seemed pretty strong, too.

                   Now she had to get him home, somewhere he could be safe and recover. Though it baffled her to think he could have survived the fall at all. How was he still alive?

                   Carefully, she picked him up in a fireman’s carry and started to head back to the garage. The motorcycle followed, once again beeping. She didn’t have time to think about the fact that it was moving on its own.

                   “If you’re worried about him, you’re welcome to tag along,” she said to the machine. She was already growing accustomed to it acting on its own. It was no weirder than finding a furry man, she figured. She could worry about the who’s, why’s and what’s later. Right now, someone needed her help.

                   The motorcycle trailed behind her as she made her way home.

[sky-of-ideas]

a demon's wish au snippet... Jay and Nya first meeting!

---

Nya walked into her new room, eager to see what it would look like, only to scream as she saw some stranger was already there.

"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!?!" she yelled.

The boy winced, glaring at her as he covered his ears with his hands "Couldn't say that any louder, could you?"

She glared at him. "Well, excuse me, strange boy I found in my room, which, may I remind you, was supposed to be empty."

"Well-", he started to say but got interrupted when Zane suddenly appeared in the doorway.

"Is everything alright here? I thought I heard shouting..."

"You're here! Good. I have no clue why but there is a boy in this room and I don't know how he got here!"

Zane's gaze grew colder "If you didn't want me here you could have just said so." Nya stared. The strange boy snickered.

"What?" She sputtered. "But I wasn't- I wasn't talking about you!"

"Then who?" He looked at her. "We're the only ones here, Nya."

"What...?" The only ones here-? But- But she can clearly see a certain someone clearly standing in the middle of the room looking at their nails in boredom-

Zane continued on, not giving her time to gather her thoughts. "Since you do not seem to need assistance, I will be going back to my room now. Goodnight."

"Wait-!" She called out after him.

He left.

She stood there in stunned silence for a moment before she fixed a glare at the boy still standing in the middle of the room. "What was that? Why did Zane say that the only ones in the room were me and him, as if you weren't there?", she demanded.

The boy rolled his eyes "Us demons can't be seen by those who haven't made pacts with us. Zane hasn't, so he can't see me." He grinned, cruel amusement clear in his eyes. "Speaking of which, when are you going to fulfil your contract?"

"Contract?" She frowned. "What contract? I don't remember ever signing anything for you!"

"Well," he shrugged "it wasn't you who signed it, somebody else signed it for you."

"What?! That's not fair! I shouldn't have to follow a contract I didn't even agree to!" 

"Then find me the contract and I'll break the deal off."

"But I don't have this contract!"

The boy smiled lazily. "Tough luck bud, guess you're stuck with it then. And I would prefer if you fulfilled your side of it soon, I've wasted far too long waiting for you to make up your mind."

"Wh- Screw you and your stupid contract! I'm not doing it and that's final!"

"Why not? You're probably not going to get rid of it so you might as well just use it." 

"Well, for one, I don't even know what this thing entails, so how can I use something without knowing what it is!" a pause. "I don't suppose you could tell me?"

He waited a moment. "I could." 

"And?" She prompted, impatient.

"I don't think I'm going to." 

"Why not?!" She shouted, outraged

"Isn't it so much more satisfying to figure things out for yourself?" He purred, a smirk playing on his lips.

"No!" What is he getting out of this?!

"Hm. Well, that's too bad, cause I'm not telling you." He shrugged before looking out the window. "It's getting late, you should be getting to bed. Wouldn't want you to lose your beauty sleep."

She fumed. "Will you get out of my room when I do so?"

He rolled his eyes "Sure, sure, whatever you say." He started walking past her "I'll be here again tomorrow, madam!"

"I'll be looking forward to it." She grumbled.

He gave her a mocking salute before he just disappeared. She stared after him for a moment before she shook her head and just went to sleep.

[zingaplanet]

You know what you are right, all fedal fic is so angsty and what makes me sad is that almost nobody really writes roger the way he is. he's always so, I dunno, angsty and serious in fics, but in reality, he is so sweet, kind and open and actually really a really happy and goofy guy. I mean he just called Rafa cute and I said "I love you" to Björn Borg in front of thousands of people. I remember that ATP players interview where they were asked "who makes you laugh the most" and most of them said Roger. I mean I can understand a story being sad or full of angst but I really wish people wrote roger more like he really is and I also wish we had more happy fics. Many of them are just heartbreaking. :(

Hahaha i truly get that, although to be fair it's tough to actually nail Roger down, I'm always incredibly fascinated by him actually. He seems to be the friendliest, most welcoming person on tour, but he's very very very private in his personal life, his friends said that and I think he even asks his close circle (the ppl he actually hangs out with in switzerland and not his celeb friends) to not post pics with him when he's with them, which is absolutely fair. I think he's stroke the perfect balance of being a professional athlete, one that is loved by so many and is equally earnest in returning it, but also of still being himself. It's like when Paul McCartney says he sees himself in duplicity, one the incredibly famous Paul McCartney, a beatle whom everyone knows, and another that's just him, the kid who grew up in Liverpool. I guess that's the extreme you have to go through when you reach that level of fame to stay sane.

But the great thing about Roger is, I think as you mentioned, he's incredibly earnest in both roles I guess, he's just naturally a very affectionate guy. I truly respect what he's done for male sports, in breaking down the stupid stigma of this tough, emotionless, overtly masculine hero. He's a bit of a contradiction, when he plays he's as stoic and as cool as you possibly can be, rarely showing any emotions, but outside of it he seems to be an incredibly expressive, warm, and kind person, and he's not that different from rafa tbh.

All I'm saying is anon, YES I AGREE WE NEED MORE FLUFFY HUGGY ROGER 🤗❤️🥺 But I also if writers actually wrote an incredibly emotional scene between the two of them staying true to their actual nature, we would probably just end up with two of them sobbing their eyeballs out, being soft husbands, holding hands (let's be real here lmao) apologising for everything and no arguments will ever be had 😂

[mspi]

Remembering Evel Knievel 49 Years After Failed… | Cowboy State Daily

Dad had me watching all the stunts that Knievel did when featured on TV. Maybe it was to warn me of what could happen to me if I did anything foolish -- broken bones.

Hilarious.

Dad brought me to the province where I got to explore dark caves, one of which had giant 🦇🦇🦇 staring at me. Cuz got kicked in the face for that dare when I ran out screaming. (He was older than me and for some reason -- expecting that reaction.)

There are many other dangerous things I've done on bases and in Hawaii. Then now that I think about it, walking around Tijuana as a kid. Not by myself by far, but also not on anyone's back. Hanging out in East LA was an experience. Don't turn down the fajitas -- they're yummy.

Back to Kinevel injuries. I'm wondering if he has the same issue as I do when it comes to the slight inability to feel pain.

Someone attempting to remove your toe nail while you're awake without pain killers is tortuous and that person should be pulled from their so-called medical practice. Thankful mom was on a surprise visit to check on me in the 🏥 and heard my screams begging the so-called podiatrist to stop. Mom busted in the room with her big LV momma purse ready to throw down

The torn ligaments in my leg when landing on lump on the floor mat in high school was scary because of the echo which reached the attached gym -- startling 🏈 players. Okay it was frustrating bc I kept trying to stand up. Oh for goodness sakes I should've been at the track meet instead. A nurse was 😂 liking the idea of being carried down multiple tiers of stairs towards the nurse's office by the 🏈 team gave her happies. Guess she had a crush on players when younger.

The broken ankles years apart is an anomaly since I wasn't out hiking, clubbing at night, or even 👙 swimming. Sure I had a cycle but my feet refused to stay on the pedals. Maybe I should've seen a Dr sooner but this was a while after the MS diagnostic and torn ligaments. What the heck was I supposed to say about it.

That's when my babe of an ex began messaging my feet and could feel that something was very wrong and brought me to the hospital in the same condition years apart. Explaining to our President what happened was a tough one. Especially when they knew we were used at work most the time. Except when 🤧🤮🥵 of course.

How'd we get away with working together? Somewhat different departments with slightly different specialties. 📝 Try not to hate the one special thing that's uber rare in your field. Mine came with nightmares of being the only non+smoker in the small office. Yes that babe was right about how miserable I was when swimming for hours after work on weekdays.

-- dnagirl

22.07.2024

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Well they can’t use the God of Destruction Scooby Doo as that a meme and thus not canon yet. Unlike Ultra Instinct Shaggy which is now officially canon.

//Superpowered Shaggy is kind of the reason why I'm afraid to put Shaggy as one of the options in my current Death Battle event, because one of my prototype competitors (which I am no longer using) was Yasuhiro Hagakure, and Shaggy was one of his options.

//Even WITHOUT the Ultra Instinct stuff, that episode showed what Scooby Doo can...do...and Shaggy should realistically be capable of the same stuff. He ALSO performed the Zobrinsky Triangle, so even without transforming or increasing his power, he can pretty much rip ANY DR character apart.

//Also, I distinctly remember All Might Vs Might Guy being REALLY brutal, so that's kinda funny.

//And yeah, it's like I said, even if it's not completely satisfying, that is unfortunately the best way they could have gone about it. Given that Courage and Scooby did have a crossover that was canon to both character's stories, and in that crossover they ended up becoming pretty good friends, there wasn't really a super good explanation as to why the two would end up fighting.

//Which I guess was kind of helped by the fact that they tied anyway, since it meant that neither of them had to kill their friend. And to be honest, several scenes of the animation are just Courage and Scooby doing their regular thing and NOT fighting.

//What I think I really liked about the actual story of the animation is that it felt like an actual episode of both shows. It kind of reminded me of how Peter and Homer fought in the Family Guy and Simpsons crossover, like there was no real reason for it other than fanservice and being goofy.

//And to top it all off, the animation was IMPECCABLE. As an animator myself, I know how tough making something is in that kind of style, and the episode fucking nailed it!

//Hands down my favourite episode of Season 10 so far, and probably in my top 10 of all time.

-Mod

[ursbearhug]

Ranting is activated;

I had this thought that (though mainly video) games are about creating memorable experiences.

Like, I love Terraformation of Mars and hate Talisman for the very reason. I have only negative experiences with Talisman, but have some great memories of playing Terraformation.

A long long while back I had this argument with this girl over what makes "Hades" such a beloved game. She said that people love it only for the story and the characters. To which I said I disagree because if I were to play for the plot, I would refund this game after my first escape. Like, plot is okay, I guess, but it's not ground breaking and characters are amazing but not enough to carry the entire game. I loved hacking and slashing hundred times with even more different builds. I have ancient greek brain in that hollow skull of mine; I love repetition of good standards. I'm doing the same thing but differently each time. It's cool.

If I were to survey some people I already talked to about Hades they'd say that they remember how Zagreus basically never shuts the fuck up, he's running his mouth 24/7 and is the edgiest baddest emo kid in all of Underworld. That's annoying after a while. They liked how he interacts with Gods for the first 100 times.

Because ultimately it's not the plot or the gameplay, but the memories you're left with. Like, yeah it was cool experience and is a fond memory.

A lot of people I know, at some point in their life, played some Harry Potter game (here, I'm talking strictly 1-4). And a lot of them remember struggling or just taking ages to finish the game. And yet the first PlayStation version is beatable in a matter of 2 to 4 hours maybe. So reality and their memories and experience are two different things. And that's okay. That's so cool too.

I personally liked gathering wizard cards because I liked the descriptions of them to an extend. I still own 4th game on my PS2. I remember it mostly as frustrating, yet super boring.

Same can be applied to some die hard souls fans. I haven't play any Souls games, but I'm in the minority that considers Nioh (and Nioh 2) to be faster harder Dark Souls, so I can somehow comment on the fact, that 1st game isn't what a lot of people remember it as. What they remember as tough as nails, just epitomy of gaming, game is really about good parrying and infuriating 4-directional dodge. But they have fond memories of the game (when you ignore constantly dying I guess).

Some players, that are not me, remember some games for the music. Like, musical and graphical prowess is a huge deal. Sometimes, it is more flash than substance, but regardless it is such a huge important piece of gaming. I listen to pkmn fr/lg remake of gym leader battles beat to this day because a) it slays and b) is very good for hyperfocusing.

Sometimes, as mentioned more focus is given to the flash and not enough to substance. I already shared my 1 cent on the diminish of graphical uniqueness, where some of 3A look exactly the same for no reason othan than the pretty aesthetics or something (yep, sweaty dusted rusted busted pores and wrinkles ain't my jam. I prefer something lighter and unique).

So after this not logically connected shit, my point is; games are about creating unique and memorable experiences. And if these experiences also carry some story or value, it's for the better,given that you work with some of the best medium out there.

[leviathism]

mammon x gn reader | part one

"This is outrageous! I can't believe this is even happenin'! I stop stayin' in MY human's room for a week and this happens? How long have you been sleepin' in the same bed?!"

Asmodeus blinked up from his newly painted glittering nails and gave Mammon a cold look.

"You're getting annoying, Mammon. It's time to move on! We sleep together sometimes, what's the big deal?"

"What's the big deal?! You're a creep! You shouldn't be sleepin' with em!"

"If creeps shouldn't be sleeping with them, why do you think you get to sleep with them, Mammon?"

"Are... are ya callin' me a creep?! Do you know who you're taking to?!"

You sighed quietly from beside them, eyes closed as you tried to take a nap.

"I'm talking to my sleaze of a brother."

"SLEAZE? D'ya hear that? ...What are ya doing sleepin'? Wake up!"

"Mammon, don't speak a single word for five minutes."

"Hmmm...! HMMM!"

Asmodeus giggled, bringing a hand up to his mouth. "Hehe. Not so tough anymore, huh, Mammon? It's kind of relieving to see you have to bend to the will of a human."

Mammon glared at him, crossing his arms.

"Continuing on, I don't see what's so bad about sleeping in their room. I mean, basically everyone does it."

"...HMMM?! HM!" Mammon turned to you next, eyes wide. "Hmm! Hm hmmm hmmm!"

"I have no idea what you're trying to say."

"I mean, they even slept in Lucifer's room that one time. Hm. Twice. And then Levi had a sleepover in your room. Then Beelzebub just happened to pass out on your couch. And Belphie even made your table his bed!"

"Asmo..."

"What, dear?" Asmodeus sent you a charming smile.

"You're making me less attracted to you."

Asmodeus gaped, blinking rapidly in disbelief before anger took over him. "...What? How does me talking even have anything to do with my beauty? I'll have you know, I spent years—no, millenniums, trimming myself to be the best looking being in the entire three realms! And for you to just look at me right in the eyes and utter such vile and hurtful words... I was the most beautiful angel and now I'm the most beautiful and beloved demon, so you better—"

"YA SLEPT IN LUCIFER'S ROOM?!" Mammon finally erupted, waving his arms around. "WHY?! DID HE CURSE YA? I'LL KILL HIM!"

"Well, first of all, you already knew I did. Second of all, you told me to."

Mammon stopped waving his arms around. "I did?"

"Yes," you sighed out, exhausted. "And how is it my fault you all are so clingy?"

"Clingy is cute," Asmodeus mumbled in defense of himself.

"Doesn't matter! You shouldn't let 'em sleep in your room! That's an order!"

"Mammon, look, how about—“

"Listen to me!" Mammon grabbed you by the shoulders. "Look at me in the eyes! I am the safest outta all my brothers, so ya should always sleep with me! I'm your first! You should always rely on me!"

"You once said you were gonna feed me to the demons... or eat me. You said something. I know it."

"What? When?!"

"Back when we first met."

"I would never do such a thing and besides, if I even did do that...I'm a changed man!"

You rose an eyebrow at him before turning to Asmodeus. "Have you ever done something like that, Asmo?"

"Hm." Asmodeus put a fist up to his mouth as he thought. "I think I may have said I was going to eat you up. But, how could I ever resist, darling? With how you looked at me with your alluring, beautiful eyes—"

Mammon reached over and flicked Asmodeus on the forehead.

"Oh, wait! You did threaten to eat me, Mammon. Then you sacrificed to me to Levi when he was mad at you."

"What? No, I saved you from Levi, heroically slipping over ice cream to get to ya, too!"

You and Asmodeus stare at him. "Lucifer saved them, Mammon."

"Nope, nah, I did!" Mammon drew his hands away from you to prop them on his hips. "You would've died if I hadn't intervened! And, y'know, I don't remember ever gettin' a thank you."

"...Thank you. I guess."

"Hmph, you'll have to do better than that. You've waited too long for a simple few words to make up for it... However, I'll take 500 Grimm and—"

An idea struck you. "Do you want a kiss as thanks, then?" Mammon took a step back, gawking at you as a blush warmed his cheeks.

"Uh, um.... w-well, if ya insist. After all, I know you're short on money right now, and you must be desperate to pay me back..."

"'Kay, close your eyes then." Mammon's eyes squeezed shut. Asmodeus squinted at you, watching as you slowly backtracked out of the room.

"....Are ya gonna kiss me or what?" You turned and sprinted away.

Finding Beelzebub and Belphegor in the living room, you begged for them to hide you. Belphegor didn't listen and turned away; Beelzebub scooted forward on the couch.

You sighed. Of course.

You climbed in behind Beel, and hoped you were mostly blocked from sight.

Belphie huffed, kicking out a leg and hitting you.

"Are you mad for what I said yesterday?" You fidgeted, gently moving his leg away by the ankle. Why was he acting like your childhood dog that would kick you out of your own bed?

"No." Belphie mumbled. "I'm more mad at what you didn't say. Or do, I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"My joke... You didn't even say anything in response to it or laugh." His words were muffled into his pillow. "I thought of it on the fly too..."

You looked at Beelzebub for help. He rose a shoulder in response.

"Was it about you killing me in my sleep?"

"No."

"Sorry, I'm lost." Belphegor sighed loudly, rolling back over. He opened his eyes.

"It's fine... It's not really funny anymore when you have to explain it. But if you're really sorry, I suppose you'll have to make it up to me."

"And how would I do that?"

"Hmm, I wonder."

When you heard yelling, you ducked down and heard Mammon run past the couch and out into one of the many hallways.

God damnit.

—

Belphegor laid curled up in your bed. You, thinking ahead, had already locked the door.

"Belphie..." You muttered, shaking his shoulder. "At least give me some room."

"No." You were about to say something else when you heard your door knob jiggling. Belphie raised his head and you both stared at the golden knob. "...Is that Mammon."

You didn't even need to answer. Of course it was. The jiggling stopped after a few more tense moments. Satisfied, Belphie's head dropped back down onto your pillow.

You grabbed him by the hips and moved him to the right. But then his upper body was still in its original place. You covered your face with your hands, wanting to destroy everything within sight.

You clambered onto the bed as Belphie began to snore. You were jealous. How could he fall asleep so quickly?

Just then, your door creaked quietly. Heart dropping, you looked towards it and saw Mammon.

"Mammon..." You stared him down. "Please don't."

"I knew it!" He exclaimed, making his way to your bed. He grabbed Belphie by the ankles and pulled him out of your bed.

Even when he hit the floor with a loud thump, he didn't wake up.

"I can't believe ya would do this to me!" He gave you a mixed look, sniffing sadly as he continued to drag his sleeping brother across your floor.

You cannot believe this is how your life turned out.

"I mean, I don't get it! At all! I'm your number one but ya keep pickin' everyone over me. How is that fair?" Looking into the dark hallway, you could see red glowing eyes.

"Uh, Mammon."

"It isn't fair. Y'know, what's so special about all of 'em anyways?! They're nothin' compared to me! Even that bastard Lucifer. I could totally beat him in a fight, but I don't wanna ruin his pride an' all. That's why I never fight him."

"Is that so?" Screaming, Mammon dropped Belphie and spun around.

"Oh... hey, Lucifer... My best brother.... My one an' only dear older brother..."

Lucifer was unimpressed and rested a hand on the rope at his waist. "Since you're so desperate to be the only one to stay in their room, why don't I help you?"

"...No thanks, I've got it all covered—ack! Don't just grab me by the throat!"

With Mammon tied to your bed, Lucifer grabbed you by the upper arm and led you out of your own room with his other hand dragging Belphegor along.

"H-hey! Don't just leave me in 'ere!" Lucifer slammed the door shut. Incomprehensible shouting continued from your room.

"You can sleep in my room, since I doubt you'd like to sleep with a screaming buffoon." You looked at him with appreciation and hope, only for it to be destroyed and stomped on, extinguished from existence when you got to his room.

"...I have to sleep on the floor?" You stared vacantly at the pile of blankets and pillows on the floor next to his gigantic bed.

"Did you really think I'd let you sleep on the bed with me?" Lucifer's amused stare met yours. "After what you did yesterday?"

"Y'know, I thought you used to like me." You sat down on your makeshift bed. "Now it seems like you despise me. I miss the old Lucifer. The particular one that requested I stay in his bed til—"

"That isn't going to work."

You flop onto the pillow, grumbling at his amused chuckling.

"Hm, don't think I'll let you sleep in either. You have been mentioning trying something out with Levi for the last month, yet you haven't even started with him."

You frown and glance up at him where he sat on his bed. "Can't you just let me drown in my nasty habits of procrastination?"

"No. Also, I'd advise you to not let Mammon know of this, considering—"

Lucifer's door flung open, shattering his pleasant mood. Well, speak of the devil and he shall appear.

[witch-hazels-musings]

I WOKE UP JUST IN TIME AAAAA

Can I request the tall boys (Childe, Zhongli, Diluc, Kaeya + anyone else you think you wanna add or change (except maybe Childe because I love him)) reacting to you having animal-like features (like ears and tail)

Or

What they would do if by some accident they themselves end up getting animal features (like fox ears and tail for Childe, cat ears and tail for Kaeya or Diluc, dragon features for Zhongli, etc) do they become clingy and display cat behavior of rubbing themselves on you? Something like that aaaa I'm so sorry if this doesn't make sense it's my first time requesting

experiments gone wrong

(eehe these men *cough* zhongli *cough* will be the death of me) 

Warning -> sfw, fluff (kissing, character suddenly acquiring animal like features) 

Character X GN Reader | anthology 

Includes: Childe, Kaeya, Zhongli 

As an alchemist, you really should have remembered the most important rule -> don’t leave unmarked bottles out where people can drink them …

So you couldn’t be too surprised by the turn of events that followed

Childe 

He went to bed earlier than normal, but you didn’t think anything of it. Perhaps he had a terrible day and just wanted to sleep it off, there wasn’t any reason to pester him about it anyway. 

The next morning, you felt him slip out of bed, a yawn falling from his mouth as he made his way toward the bathroom. Turning, you claimed more of the bed and attempted to sleep just a little bit longer. That was until you heard a wild cry and shot up in an instant. You were already partially out of the bed when Childe burst into the room. 

He looked at you, you looked at him, and as your eyes drifted from his ears to his tail, you understood his reaction. 

“WHAT?” He shouted into the bedroom. 

Oh archons, to see him like this … you wished it was easier for you not to think about how adorable he was, but it was impossible. The soft ears that peeked from underneath his hair, the fluffy tail that didn’t know how to stop moving, and the frantic face he gave you were all just perfect 

“What happened??” He asked, running back to the mirror before returning his attention to you. Quickly, you made your way to his aid and did your best to calm him.

“I’m not sure, did you do anything strange yesterday?” You pulled his face toward you, cupping your hands against his cheek and running your fingers through his hair. 

“Not that I know of … uh, oh! I found this …” He reached for a small bottle on the bathroom counter and handed it to you. Shit.

“Did you drink this??”

“ … yes.” 

“CHILDE!” You burst into laughter, knowing it wasn’t the right time but also unable to control yourself. His expression was distressed and worried and, as best as you could, you tried to bring yourself back to calm. “This wasn’t supposed to be consumed …” 

“A-am I going to die?” 

“No, you’re just going to be, well, this it seems.” 

“How long??” 

“I don’t know, a few days maybe.” He dropped his head into his hands, his ears drooped and his active tail dropped toward the ground. Wrapping him in your arms, you offered him reassurance while trying not to laugh. “You’re very cute though.” 

You caught sight of his tail moving slowly back and forth and added more pressure to your hug. 

He found that it wasn’t as bad as he thought, in addition to the extra features, he also was able to gain other advantages - his eyesight was much better in the dark, his sense of smell more keen, his agility top notch 

You were sure he had grown attached to them in the short time he had them - so when the option came for him to revert, you were sure it would be a tough decision 

Still - to keep him trapped like this, with features that weren’t his own - you didn’t want to be cruel 

“Here,” You put the bottle down in front of him. His ears perking up at the item and his fingers reaching to grab it. “All you have to do is drink that and everything should go back to normal.” You said with a slightly wistful tone to your voice. It was somehow sad to think these adorable additions leave would be gone soon. 

“What if it doesn’t work?” 

“I’m not sure. We will just try again if it doesn’t though.” Quickly, he took the cork from the lid and moved the vial to his lips. His ear twitched as he smelled the concoction. “I’ll miss this.” Resting your head in your hands you watched as he downed the liquid in one go. 

“It’s hard for people to take me seriously like this …”

“Did people take you seriously before?” You joked, winking at him. 

The next morning, he stirred in bed next to you, his hair brushing against your face and making you wake up before you wanted to. As your eyes adjusted, you instantly recognized what you thought was hair was actually ears and the giddiness of your heart jump-started you awake. It didn’t work -- oh no, guess you’d have to keep trying. 

Kaeya 

Waking up next to Kaeya was your favorite thing. It was an opportunity for you to be close to him, to witness his relaxed expression, and know that in these moments he trusted you over anyone else. 

So, when you woke and found him pressed against you, your hands absentmindedly began to run through his hair, over his shoulders, as you meandered your way into the waking world. There was something soft that flicked against your hand, but you pushed it away. It happened again, confused, mouth turning into a scowl and eyes rudely being pried open, you looked down to see what was making you irritated. 

You were wide awake when you saw the cat ears sticking out from Kaeya’s blue hair. They were richly shaded, deep blues with tips of white and perfectly placed on his head. Shifting, you tried to get a better view and the action made him stir. 

“Mmm, stop moving.” He mumbled, wrapping his arms around you and holding you steady. Tapping his arm, you tried to get his attention. 

“K-Kaeya …” 

“What is it?” 

“Do you feel okay?” You asked, your voice shaking and hands hovering over his ears. 

“I feel perfectly fine, why do you ask?” He kissed your chest before nuzzling back into his place. 

“You … you’ve got cat ears.”

He laughed and pushed your comment away. His legs moved under the sheets and you swore you saw something poke out from the bed. “You’re pulling my leg, I didn’t know you could be this funny so early in the morning.” 

“I’m not, see.” Stealing his hand you placed it on his head and watched as his fingers ran over the ears which were sticking straight up. When his eyes shot open and his hand began to move faster, pulling, tugging, examining the feature, you tried not to laugh as his confused expression turned into a slight panic. He shot up, his legs moving so he could sit on the bed but winced when he did so. That’s when the both of you saw the tail. 

“Hold on, let me get ready, just … don’t freak out.” 

You rushed around the room to gather up your items, your gaze continuously falling on the incredibly still, unmoving frame that was Kaeya. 

After calling on Albedo to come and offer assistance, only to find that the features would be around for a few days … Kaeya started to get more accustomed to them 

He was for sure rattled but bounced back rather quickly - in fact, the features seemed to get him even more attention than he had before and he found that the added bonuses were helpful when he needed them for his knightly tasks 

Not to mention it seemed he was more affectionate than normal, and not in the way he normally was, it was more in a … cuddly, interested, curious manner 

One evening, you found yourself reading over several books that Albedo had recommended and became rudely distracted when Kaeya pushed his way under your arms and nestled into your lap

“Hey there.” You called down to him, hand dropping to his shoulder as he nuzzled against you. 

“Give me attention.” 

You laughed at his pouting expression, his lips turned downward and ears twisting to show he could be trusted. “I’m currently trying to figure out how to fix this, I can’t do that if I’m giving you all my attention.” His eye squinted for just a moment before he moved more into your lap and nearly pushed the book in your hands onto the floor. “Kaeya!” The playful laughter that filled his ears was as tantalizing as the drinks he let touch his lips. 

“You can figure that out later. How can you possibly resist me right now anyway?” He asked, pushing against you until your back pressed into the couch and his hands weaved their way around your body. His hair tickled your face as he nuzzled into your chest and, even though his hips dug into yours, you didn’t seem to mind the closeness he was trying to find. 

“Okay. Fine, I’ll look into it more later.” 

“What excellent news.” He practically purred as he slid his way to your neck and let his body rest against you.

 Zhongli 

It’s been so long since he saw himself with such features - and, to be honest, he didn’t notice them for some time. It wasn’t until you returned and the items in your hands fell to the floor upon seeing him that his attention was captured

“Zh - Zhongli!?” You babbled, making your way to him and not knowing what to rest your eyes on first. Was it the pair of elegantly shaped horns that sprouted between his brown locks of hair? Was it the golden slits in his eyes that reminded you of the reptiles roaming around the rocky paths of Liyue? Or did you look at the scales that decorated his face in such perfect placement? 

“Has something transpired?” His expression was one of concern, but also one of disillusionment. Did - did he not notice? 

“Are you feeling nostalgic today?” 

“Not particularly, what makes you ask?” 

“Well … you look kinda like … I mean hold on.” You quickly disappeared down the hallway before returning with a small handheld mirror, one that Zhongli had purchased for you some time ago. Handing it to him, you waited until it started to register on his face the changes to his appearance, and that’s when you noticed the long claws which jutted out from his nail beds.  

“Huh, this is peculiar …” 

Sitting down across from him, you placed your hands on the table and watched as he examined the reflection of his face. “So you didn’t do this?”

“I must say that I did not, though It is rather pleasant to see …” His voice trailed off and you watched as he fussed with his hair, touched the horns on his head, and opened his mouth to check and see if - yup, he had canines much like a dragon too. That’s when it hit you. 

“Did you … drink anything strange?” 

The mirror found its place upside down on the table, his glowing eyes shifted to you as he took in your question. You let him think and finally, he gave you his answer. “I do recall there was a strange vial on the counter when I awoke. Ah - my dear, are you unwell?” He asked as your head dropped onto the table. 

The strangest thing about Zhongli holding these features was that he seemed … perfect for them and it was becoming quite the problem to hide

You were much too cautious that someone may discover who he really was with these pretty telling additions to his wardrobe, so you asked him to stay home for a while until you could get some answers

He didn’t seem to mind, and when you were finally able to gather up all the items needed to prepare an antidote for his condition, you were finding it very distracting to make the concoction at home 

The bubbling liquid warned you it was much too hot and so, with adept fingers, you turned the nobs and burners down so as to not overheat or scald the liquid inside. The aroma that filled your nose was … unpleasant to say the least, and so you finally succumbed to the need to wrap your nose in a clean cloth. 

Turning your back to the equipment, you made your way toward the drawer where the rags were kept but when your eyes caught sight of Zhongli standing by the window, you nearly fainted. 

He was wearing a robe, the material had slid down one of his arms and rested in the crook of his elbow. It gave you pause and allowed you to see the toned torso which was normally hidden by the layers of clothing he wore on a regular day. 

Since he found no need to properly get dressed, he had reserved himself to lounge about in clothes that felt ‘more suitable’ to him, as he explained. 

The light from the sun flashed across his chest, laid softly against his face, and illuminated the golden speckles in his hair - you wondered if it was because of the horns, perhaps they were reflecting the light and making him look ethereal in the warmth of the sun. He crossed his arms and shifted his weight as he looked beyond the window, almost as if he was yearning for something far beyond his reach. 

“I think I’m nearly done.” You explain, tying the towel around your face and returning, reluctantly, to the concoction behind you. 

As you began to spoon out the unnecessary ingredients until you were only left with the pure grade potion, you didn’t notice how he had moved to your side until the small vial was filled. 

“Here you -- oh!.” He stood right in front of you. His eyes were dangerous, burning, focused. “I didn’t see … you …” He reached around to the back of your head and skillfully undid the makeshift mask you had created moments ago. When it was off, he took the vial in his hands and placed it onto the counter before returning his attention to you. “Are you … okay?” You asked, tracking the movements of his face as he leaned down toward you. 

His lips hovered barely over yours and the closeness of him made your heart flutter. “You are mine, are you not?” His voice rattled your bones from the intensity, it was oppressive and supportive all at the same time. 

“Y-yes?” 

His lips pressed against the corner of your mouth, “You belong to no one else?” 

“No …”

“Good.” 

It’s a good thing the instructions never said anything about, ‘consume immediately’ because you were very distracted for some time. 

-- 

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[bellarkeselection]

Wolf Sword - part 3

Part 1

Part 2

Y/n must tell Jaime she's pregnant along with her family during the feast for the royal family while they stay at Winterfell for awhile.

Night has fallen over my former home with the only light in my room being provided by a few light candles. Jaime and I had moved into our private chamber's to prepare for the feast. Smoothing over the fabric of my dress I'd changed into a light grey dress with gold and red designs woven in the fabric. My hair completely loose and wavy as I sigh heavily in thought. How will my father and siblings react. How will Jaime react to me being pregnant once again. The chamber door opens breaking me from my trance when I feel his comfortable arms wrapping around my waist. "I found my brother in a whore house about an hour ago. He's probably going to get drunk in the beginning of the feast." His voice whispering in my ear, feeling me shiver under his touch making him concerned. "What's wrong, my love. You're trembling...are you feeling alright?"

I don't know why this scares me so. It's not like I haven't told him before. But now I guess it's the last straw...if we lose this child. I don't know what we'll do. I turn around in his hold gripping his leather tunic in my hands. "Jaime you remember when we talked about trying to have a child one last time?" He hums in reply still holding me to his chest as I'm still shaking and he knows it's not because of the cold of the North. "It happened...I'm pregnant..."

He gently lifted my face in his hands a smile on his lips. "You're sure?" I nod my head yes but feel him wipe away tears with his thumbs seeing I'm still not okay. "Why isn't this a happy moment, darling?" I gulped fiddling with the collar of his tunic not being able to look up into his eyes. "I'm scared Jaime. I'm scared I'll fail again to provide an heir..." I pull out of his hold needing to pace back in forth eyeing my discarded sword on the foot of our bed. The first child we'd lost was a girl. The second a boy. The Master of the Red Keep confirmed because I always lost them a month or two before I was said to deliver them. I've prayed to the Gods that this isn't a curse on me and my husband. A curse for us to never have children, because that's a cruel trick.

"I've prayed to the old Gods and the new to end this torture once and for all. My mother has been able to give my father many children, so why can't I. And I want to have my own son or daughter. One that can explore Winterfell and Casterly Rock like we did as children. Fall in love and create families of their own. I mean it's obvious right, Jaime. I can clearly get pregnant but...I can never deliver them. If I can't provide an heir for your house, for your father, for us. Then who am I?" I feel tears heavily fall down my cheeks with my hands bawled into fists at my sides. Jaime eyes my form up and down. He hates seeing me like this, a woman who is insecure of herself. I was always as tough as nails and he loved my smile more than anything in the world.

He slowly takes a long stride forward to cup my face in his hands showing tears in his eyes too. He wants our own children just as much as I do. "Y/n, listen to me. You mean more to me than just a woman who should provide me heirs. You pulled me out of my own arrogance. Believing that I could get a lady to do anything because of my looks and loads of money. Thinking that no one else could love me but my twin sister. So now, I'm telling you this here and now...I love you whether you can give me a child or not. You are the love of my life and I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything else in the seven kingdoms." He leans down placing his lips gently to mine. My hands run up his chest to wrap around his neck deepening the kiss until we need air so we break to rest our foreheads together.

"Jaime, I love you too. But you're father will be furious if I can't-" I breathe out feeling him rest a finger to my lips shooshing me. His green eyes pouring into my grey Tully ones. "Trust me, my wolf. We'll face him like we've faced everything...together." I sigh in relief laying my head on his warm chest enjoying being in this comfortable embrace, something I could remain in for the rest of the evening.

But sadly that isn't the case we both headed downstairs once we'd made ourselves presentable. The dinner hall was filled with all the subjects of Winterfell gathered to enjoy the feast for the arrival of the King and Queen of Westeros. My mother sits with Queen Cersei as my father is talking with a drunk King Robert. Robb is laughing with some of his friends before I see Sansa making love eyes at young Joffery but Arya launched some food in her hair causing laughter as Jaime and I finally took our seats near my mother. "Lady Stark, I assume you know the news." He spoke holding my hand intertwined with his. She smiles nodding yes drinking some wine. "I do indeed, although I'd hurry and tell the rest of our family before the King encourages all of us to drink with him." I glanced across the room to where the horse stables are, knowing Jon was waiting outside because mother didn't see it right for him to join us in celebration. I also catch who's missing from the royal family table. Leaning over I whisper in my husband's ear. "Tyrion's not here. Go check outside while I go find my father and siblings." He nods getting up and following my request.

Robb enters the room waving me over after sending Arya to bed. "Y/n. Why are you so giggly all the sudden?" I knew he'd notice my excited state before anyone else. "Robb I have to tell you something but please don't freak out. Go find our sister and meet me back here, please." He nodded rushing off to find the others. A loud chuckle from the King filled the room, looking over my shoulder father comes to hug me needing a break from drinking with his old friend. "Honey, why do you have your brother running around?" Just as I'm about to answer Robb appears with Sansa and our mother. Bran and Rickon were sent to bed early as well.

"The Master informed me of why I got sick this morning..." I trailed off eyeing my mother who gives me an okay with just her eyes. Resting my hands on my belly a huge grin on my face. "I'm pregnant. Jaime and I are with child." Silence from the other three makes me start to get nervous. Luckily Sansa squeals hugging me excitedly. "That's fantastic news, Y/n. Oh I hope it's a girl that I can gossip about boys with!" Our mother comes to rest one hand on my belly holding my face with the other. "That is lovely darling. May the Gods bless you with many more." My worried eyes catch my brother's gaze as he clears his throat, arms crossed over his chest. "Y/n, I'm going to say one thing you already know..." He steps closer to me sternly but dropped the serious face with a huge grin. "If he ever hurts you or this child I'll hurt him. But as of right now...congratulations." He pulls me into his chest and I giggle when he lifts me off my feet twirling me around for a few minutes. He sits me on my feet once more smiling. Finally father comes hugging me gently like he did from my first time home this morning. He deeply chuckles as I hug him with the same love now finally having this weight off my shoulders.

A few minutes later I throw on my winter cloak heading for the stables to hear Tyrion and Jaime chuckling about something. Tyrion instantly notices my presence, aiming his index finger at me with a smirk. "How could you not tell me you're pregnant. That I'm going to be called Uncle Tyrion." He throws his hands out dramatically still grinning. "Do our late night drinking conversations of jokes mean nothing to you, Y/n Stark?" I playfully shake my head laughing at my brother in law and the man who has become my best friend. "Tyrion if we weren't in my family's house you would've been the second person to know, after you're brother of course."

He nods hugging me softly before Jon rushes towards me. "I'm happy for you, Y/n. You'll make a fine mother." He spoke into my hair. I squeeze him gently before we broke the hug to grin at one another. "Thank you, Jon. No matter what my mother says you'll always be a Stark to me." He smiled down at me. Like how Jaime treats Tyrion. I always saw Jon as one of my siblings. Whether you're born a dwarf or labeled a Snow you deserve to be treated the same as any lord or lady of the seven kingdoms.

"You couldn't wait five minutes could you, Lannister?" Looking over my shoulder I tilt my head smirking in a joking manner towards my husband who leans against the stables. Trying to not smile bigger than he already is seeing me treat his brother and Jon so kindly. "I'd watch your words, Lady Y/n...after all you are in fact my wife." He crunches some snow under his boots when he walks up to me, resting his hands under my cloak. My hands rest on his chest eyeing his sword in its hallster attached to his hip. "If you're not careful I might start a fight with you."

Moving my gaze up to his I keep my smirk, resting my right hand over his sword slightly pulling it out. "Oh will you now. Well my dear husband we'll have to deal with that before I'm forbidden to carry my sword around until the baby comes." He leans forward kissing me softly and I rest a hand to his face with my other holding the fabric of his tunic. "Possibly yes, my wolf. But I shall never hurt you." He breathes resting his forehead on mine, his green eyes filled with love as the cold winds of Winterfell huddled around us. "I love you, Y/n Stark."

"And I love you, Jaime Lannister." I pulled his lips down to mine moaning when his hands run up my arms cupping my face in his hands. Arranged marriages didn't always end well for a lady in Westeros. But I am one of the few who was given a loving husband that loves me as much as I do him.

[erenaeoth]

I wonder how they'll portray Heihachi in Bloodline. From the trailers it seems like they're gonna make him look villianous from the very beginning, but I hope I'm wrong. I want him to be more nouanced and I want his betrayal of Jin to actually be a chock to people unfamiliar with the lore. Also that way it will feel even more unjustified when it happens, I want some nice moments between him and Jin, that way it'll hurt even more. I guess it depends on wheter or not they consider the retcon in Tekken 7 canon or not

Yes, I hope we will see some 'gentler' (for Heihachi) sides to Heihachi in Bloodline. He was someone Jin loved and admired and I agree with you that the impact of a final betrayal would be more powerful if the audience believes Heihachi had Jin's best intentions at heart for the rest of the series.

I think this might still happen with what we've seen in the trailer though. There are tropes in lots of martial arts movies of a hard master who will push their student to the limits in order to help them achieve. So it might play fairly easily into the trope of elderly master who was tough but did it to harden their student. Whereas in that trope the master is often revealed to be somewhat kindly by the end though, we will still get the twist of grandson murder. Anyone who doesnt know the story might be expecting a redeeming arc for Heihachi and will get a shock at the shooting.

I disagree about there being any retconning in Tekken 7, since to me Heihachi's version of events that he gives the journalist to publically annihilate Kazuya's reputation is perfectly consistent with all his other appearances. I think the only thing I'm worried about in Bloodline, is that I hope they show the dichotomy of Heihachi also having that sleazy charmingness that he can put on for others. I'm hopeful though, because if Xiaoyu is in it with her canon story, then she will bring out that charming side of Heihachi by necessity.

I'm definitely hoping for one or two gentle Heihachi and Jin moments though. Like you, I think that would do a really powerful job of hammering the weight of that betrayal home, which is what really sends Jin off the deep end. I think it would help a lot of Tekken 7 fans too to really see the duplicitous depths to Heihachi, and remember what he was capable of. The 'kill them in case they become a problem for me' routine he pulls first with Kazuya and then with Jin will hopefully ring more true once people see a narrative told from Jin's perspective in a more clear form in a tv series. But yes I'd love to see the full range of Heihachi and Jin's relationship explored. In lots of ways, I think that is what Tekken 3 is really about. It's a story about trust grown and then broken between them, as Heihachi repeats his same mistakes again. I hope we get to see a show that nails that.

[dream-a-little-bigger-darling000]

You'll Fit So Nicely You'll Keep Me Intact

Author's Note: Hello Hello! Not my GIF, please don't think it is, but it is my fic! I asked a few days ago if I should do Bane or touch-starved Tommy, and it was pretty clear I should do my sweet summer child Tommy boy. I just really think this big tough fighter needs to take a break and be held every once in awhile. And you can't tell me this man wouldn't have the sweetest moans. Fight me on it you can't. Please Please PLEASE reblog, like, or comment on this if you liked it. I live my day to day life craving validation.

If you absolutely hated it, also let me know! I admit I'm not the best at writing, and I'm willing to learn so I can feed my Tommy Conlon addiction. Ok, that's all, be fed!

2400+ words?! C'mon, that's gotta be enough to make you proud.

The whole fiasco was genuinely an accident.

The two of you, in his small cramped apartment, helping each other make dinner, because you couldn't remember whose turn it was, walking around each other like you had been doing it for years, because you had been.

You had been by Tommy for as long as you can remember, through those years where puberty slammed in the door and decked you directly in the throat (and other places), through the time where his family had slowly fallen apart, and into the years where he had joined the US Marine Corps.

Those years had been hell. At least when he moved away you were still able to text him annoying day-to-day updates and talk in the quiet nights when no one was awake to hear you admit how much you missed each other. But when he joined the Marines, you heard even less from your Tommy, and the ache you felt for him only grew.

When he came back, he had came back for good, immediately seeking you out with the promise of your old relationship back. And things went back to normal, slotted into place perfectly.

Except the insane amount of pining that you went through every waking hour you saw his stupidly attractive face.

But you weren't going to think about that. There was spaghetti to be made.

"Those are done." Tommy nodded his head to the noodles as he made the salad. You sneered to yourself, still pissed that he got the easy part.

"No, they're not, look, that one's still hard-"

"That's what she said."

"It's still undercooked you jerk. Can you please let me cook in peace? You're over there, doing the bare minimum, you ass."

"Hey, if this isn't tossed right, the whole thing is ruined. And those noodles are definitely done. We can get them in the sauce before the garlic bread is done so it'll cool down a bit. Look." All the sudden Tommy was crowded up behind you. Your breath did something funny. Probably the steam from the boiling water. Because, you know, it's so hard to breathe around.

Tommy took the spoon you were using to stir and managed to scoop up a single noodle. He then carefully picked it up and threw it on the cabinet. It stuck, but looked like it would fall via a strong sneeze.

"See? Done." You looked behind you to stare up at the infuriating man. He smiled and tilted his head. You had the sudden urge to hit him. With your mouth. Damn it.

He turned around, not giving you a chance to argue with him. That was his first mistake. As a MMA fighter, the idiot should know never to turn your back on the enemy.

You scooped up another noodle with your spoon. You waited until he was truly busy with cutting the tomatoes up for the salad.

You aimed for his head. It wrapped around the back of his neck with a soft splat. He startled for a moment, and then set the knife down and stared forward, still not turning around to look at you.

"You know what, now it's done. Now it's stickin'." You were struggling to hold it together, desperately trying not to laugh as you turned off the stovetop and set the pan aside.

You felt strong arms envelop you from behind, and you let out a loud laugh as you felt your feet leave the floor. Tommy, spinning you around before setting you on the counter. You've really put yourself it a bad position.

Well, if you're being honest, probably the best damn position you've ever been in.

Except that the bastard started tickling you. More laughter spilled out of you, uncontrollable at this point.

"Tommy!" You were out of breath from the constant attack. What happened to never turn your back on the enemy? "Tommy, what are we in-" More laughter as his joined yours. You two were so close you could feel his shoulder dip every time he rumbled a laugh. "what are we in 6th grade now- Tommy!"

You could feel his laughter huff by your ear, and you knew you had to resort to dirty tactics. If he wanted to play by middle school standards, then you had no choice but to stoop down to his level.

Tommy was very distracted trying to murder you by laughter alone, and he looked like he was having the time of his life. He never even realized your hands were so close to his head. He was in the middle of another fit of giggles when he felt your nimble hands glide through his hair. He had half a second to understand what you were planning, and he was just about to pull away, to get as far from you as possible before-

You gave a solid pull to his hair. You felt satisfaction shoot through your body as his laugh choked off, his body going rigid underneath your fingers. His breath stuttered and his hands instantly fell from your sides to grasp the edge of the counter.

You didn't quite understand what was going on at first, the only thing on your mind being that you'd won the battle. You couldn't help the smug smile from sliding across your expression, or the snarky little giggle that bubbled it's way out.

"What's wrong, Tommy? Did someone school you at your own game, hmm? Maybe next time you'll think before you-"

"Could you please let go?" Tommy sound winded, like he'd just fought a few rounds with someone much bigger than him. It made you pause, and then frown.

Your fingers loosened from his hair, but you didn't lower your arm just yet. You couldn't fathom why Tommy was acting this way, when he instigated the rough-housing. And you knew for damn sure you hadn't hurt him. You had seen the idiot stub his toe on his coffee table before, and the only reaction out of the fighter was a pause, a look up to the ceiling, and one long, drawn out sigh.

So even though he sounded like he was trying to fight for his life, you know it absolutely wasn't because you had hurt him in anyway. Tommy could break you five times over.

You looked down at his hands. Not only was he grasping the edge of the counter top, but his knuckles were white, like he was anchoring himself. You glanced to his face. His eyes were squeezed shut, his lips pressed tightly together, and his eyebrows were furrowed in deep concentration. Was he- was that a blush? His body was still pulled tight.

Experimentally, you lightly scraped your nails along his scalp.

If Tommy were to ever hear you call the sound that came from him a whimper, he'd probably swiftly and effectively dispose of your body. But it was a fucking whimper.

His eyes snapped open wide and met yours. You saw his utter mortification. You would say you felt guilty, but having your long time crush whimper while slotted between your thighs as you sat a top a kitchen counter really did things for you.

You mentally reprimanded yourself for letting your mind fall into the gutter as your friend so obviously had a small break down.

Before you could get a word out, to try talk him down from whatever thoughts were swirling in that pretty head of his, Tommy was out of kitchen. Ah, so he's chosen drama today? Coming from a man who would rather fight his own brother than talk, you can't really find it in yourself to be surprised.

"Tom." You dropped down from the counter, heading toward the living room, which was the only way he could've gone. As you rounded the corner, you saw him pacing the length of the room, his hands interlaced behind his head, elbows out, eyes wild.

"Tommy." You smoothed out your voice, pictured yourself trying to calm down a particularly flighty horse. You know, if the horse were the love of your life and you were desperately trying to make things less weird between you two before the already delicate friendship collapsed.

At your gentle prod he stopped. He let his hands fall down to his sides. He huffed once. Crossed his arms, made a face, and then dropped them. His fists curled up into balls and he closed his eyes. He opened one and looked toward you.

"You didn't hear that."

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your own arms to your chest.

He pointed to the kitchen. "That didn't happen."

Because you love your best friend very much, you didn't roll your eyes.

"Tommy. Calm down. Take a deep breath." He did not take a deep breath. You did for him. Then another one for you. You moved toward the couch, and the way he suddenly looked like he was about to sprint out the door didn't escape you. You held your hands up placatingly. Easy, boy.

You sat down, leaving enough room for him to sit beside you. He looked at you wearily. You gave him a pointed look, one that said this is something to be discussed, and there's no way you're getting out of it, and gently patted the space for him.

He looked like he'd rather do anything else. He eventually made his way to the spot and plunked down, but as close to the arm of the couch as possible.

You gave him a sweet smile. He looked away, but not before you caught the blush. You decided to let him speak first.

It was quiet for awhile. Your thoughts went to the noodles still sitting on the counter, probably cooling in the water making a film. He cleared his throat.

"I don't. Not a ton of people touch me." He stared dutifully in front of him. You stayed silent, afraid of scaring him into silence again. He shifted uncomfortably, letting out a growl of frustration. "I mean people touch me. I just meant. It's not. It's," He looked like each word was slowly strangling him, "Never that intimate. I guess. And never anyone like you."

You're eyebrows shot up. His head jerked toward you.

"Not like that, I mean like someone so pretty." You choked a little. He visibly flinched. "Ok. I think that's enough for tonight. I think I've made plenty an ass of myself for one God forsaken night." He made to move, but your hand covered his before you really thought about it. He immediately stopped, staring at your hand on top of his.

"Tommy, it's ok." He gave you a dubious look. "No, really. Lots of people don't know how to deal with touch when it's not normal for them-"

"I'm fine, I touch people all the time, it doesn't matter it's ridiculous-"

"Tommy." He stopped. You lifted both hands to slowly cradle his face. His eyes were panicky. He looked like he was fighting every instinct inside him. "Listen to me, love." His eyes widened. "You don't have to explain anything. I need you to know it's ok to freak out a little. It's ok for this to be new." You bit your lip. "It's ok if it feels good."

A small sound came from the fighter. His eyes slipped closed. It suddenly hit you. You sucked in a sharp breath, and you started to gently stroking his face to his neck.

"Oh Tommy. You spend all that time fighting in the ring, so much time dominating. You barely let anyone touch you before you knock them away." His dad was probably never there to offer him any type of physical love, and his mom was too distanced from anyone to truly give what Tommy craved. By that time, he had pushed his brother away, and you had never really noticed him to be very active in the dating area.

You could feel his control slipping, could feel him slowly letting you hold his head up while he explored the sensation of someone just feeling him. When he spoke, his speech was slightly slurred.

"Was always jus' scared."

"I know Tommy."

"Didn' want you t' leave."

"And why would I do something stupid like that."

There was a second of silence, but Tommy was too far in to go back now.

"Cuz' I only wanted you to touch. Only ever you." Your heart stopped. His eyes slowly opened, meeting yours. His gaze snapped to your lips, back up to your eyes. All it took was for your eyes to snap to his lush mouth, and he was surging to meet you.

You felt like you were melting, melding into him. His lips were sliding against yours, his hands suddenly huge, thumbs cupping your face while his hands rested on the sides of your neck. He kissed like you see him fight. The urgency and the power and the emotion. You ached all over.

You could hardly remember your name when you finally separated, heaving lungfuls of air. Maybe all that oxygen deprivation had really done something to your brain, because you might be having a stroke. It almost smelled like something was burning. Tommy's face did something funny and he sniffed the air.

Oh. OH. The garlic bread.

Both of you made a mad dash for the kitchen, Tommy arriving first and throwing the oven door open, grabbing whatever cloth he could find to take out the charred bread as you used a dishrag to flap away any smoke that spilled out.

Once he made sure his apartment wasn't going to burn down or that the ambulance wan't going to be making a surprise visit, he slumped against the counter, breathing heavily. You put your hands on your hips.

A few second went by, both of you trying to catch your breath. Tommy looked up at you. You met his eye.

You both melted into peeling laughter, trying to stay upright. It seemed like every time you two would get your shit together, you'd fall right back into cackles.

He finally reigned in the worst of the laughter, and slowly made his way to where you were standing. Your own laughs died down.

"Are we good?" you ask him gently. He nods his head, with his sweet smile.

"We're good" he replies gently. He gets this determined look on his face, and steps real close to you. He doesn't do anything else for awhile, instead looking to you, asking with questioning eyes.

You give him an encouraging smile. He smiles right back at you, and for the second time tonight, strong arms envelop you.