#i think the commentator is bi... all the women are blushing he says as he does too

[hauntingblue]

'You don't look like a criminal, buy me lunch after the combat' lmao rebecca is luffy approved

[plazmafields]

Some thoughts about Kerry:

Spoilers ahead, needless to say.

1)

I saw a video comparing the two versions if Chippin' In (Kerry's vs. Johnny's) where someone in the comments suggested the reason Kerry leaned more mainstream rock is because he only wanted to make music for money. I completely disagree with this and here's why:

User Friendly was the last song Kerry put out before deciding he wasn't going to perform live/tour anymore and went into a deep depression. Looking up the lyrics, you can see he was becoming very distressed with the lack of control he had over his career, and the things he says in the song sound like a cry for help that wasn't received by listeners the way he had hoped. We never hear his version of the song, and I believe that is intentional. Vapid, loud, chaotic, almost over-stimulating laser-pop is such a huge juxtaposition to the lyrics, and yet it's the only version we get to hear. Clearly User Friendly meant a lot to him or I don't think he would have reacted the way he did; combined with the cover being done by a pop group groomed by the music industry to sell as many albums as possible, it all went against Kerry's original intent with the song. Then there's the story of how he wrote Bleed the Beat: he was working his ass off for people he couldn't stand and that song was his outlet during that time. He'd play until his fingers bled just to get his frustrations out. Music is his medium for release, just like it was for Johnny.

In Johnny's version of Chippin' In, the phrase "chipping in" has two meanings: getting your first implants, and, the same as our universe, helping out. Johnny's song uses both meanings interchangeably during the choruses, the verse before it dictating which definition is being used. Johnny's arm is (from what I can tell looking at the design) military issue. The song is both about the corpo military forcing him to get an implant, and also about believing he was doing the right thing when he joined by "helping out" the armed forces. Since, in this universe, militaries are owned and/or sponsored by corporations, Johnny views corporate jobs and military service to be the same level of morally wrong (The Ballad of Buck Ravers attests to this).

In terms of how the two songs compare, obviously Kerry's version of Chippin' In is meant to have more wide appeal. Not only are the lyrics more tame, mostly just talking about the implants themselves and only having one verse that even mentions anything "political", but I believe Kerry understood that the best way to get his music to the most listeners was to go for a more mainstream sound and universally relatable lyrics, so he toned it down. Everyone hates corpos, sure, but not everyone wants to bomb Araska HQ. This is probably a stretch, but we can see from the flashbacks that Kerry didn't have any implants during his time in Samurai, so maybe Johnny was like super opposed to implants after having one forced upon him, and Kerry's version of the song is kind of saying "hey if you want implants get implants, they make you look cool don't feel bad about it."

2)

I do support the idea that Kerry should have been bisexual like in the source material. I absolutely get that bi erasure is a big problem, ESPECIALLY with male characters. However, I respect that in the game you can only romance him with a masc V; I'm not going to mod him to he bi, I'm not gonna ship him with women. I see it the same way I see Cullen from DAI: he is canonically bisexual, just not attracted to my male Inquisitor (in Kerry's case, fem V). Maybe Kerry had such a traumatic divorce from his ex-wife that women just kinda scare him right now. We can see high heels and bras and blush littering his house, so we can assume that at the very least women are still getting naked for some reason or another at his parties. Maybe he prefers men romantically, or maybe he's just not ready to date women again, and we as players should respect that just like we would a real person.

3)

Kerry was 100% going to kill himself when you show up to his house. There are shards advertising robotic security systems in numerous places around his house (meaning he fired his human body guards), shards with negative reviews of his last album, there is only one camera and it is by the front gate (none inside the house), he gave his cleaner and cook "the day off" that very day, you see in emails that his ex-wife is giving him the option of all or nothing with custody (you take the kids or you don't get to see them), and he isn't enjoying making music anymore, his one passion in life. He had a gun with him in the bathroom, and I believe by the way his speech slurs and he makes the impulsive decision to get Samurai back together, that he is drunk for that entire scene and has a drinking problem. It is my opinion that the reason he doesn't reveal any of that to V is because he knows Johnny will hear it and judge him, call him weak, or make insensitive jokes like he does to V when he gives you the quest. The only time we see Kerry be somewhat vulnerable is 1. Over text when talking about the crazed fan, since he probably thinks Johnny can't see those (I believe he can) and 2. In the epilogue when Johnny has been removed from V's head (Kerry says he doesn't want to lose V, and during the credits he tells V he just wants their lives to be less hectic so they can spend more time together).

4)

It took me a couple playthroughs to warm up to Kerry, Panam is probably still my favorite romance, but I think Kerry might be the best romance option for a Skreetkid V. He perfectly embodies the plights of Night City at every income bracket: no matter where you are on the food chain, if you're not at the top, you're getting fucked over. He clearly likes living in comfort while still embracing his rebellious side from his youth. But now, he has the cushion of money and status to save him if things go tits up (when you get a wanted level in Westbrook district, close to North Oak, the officer on the police scanner says "I swear, if its Eurodyne again" suggesting that he is very reckless but hardly ever faces real consequences). Maybe he stays in his gilded cage because he fears facing real hardship on his own, without friends, without a support group, without Johnny. He has a strong sense of pride, though, and would never admit to needing Johnny, even if they were best friends. The way Kerry wants to show Johnny a riff he's been working on after the concert, only to be disappointed when V takes over again, I think it really shows that as much as they disagreed, their friendship held the band together.

5)

I don't remember if Johnny hints at it or I saw someone suggest this on here, but the idea that Kerry only "dates" V because Johnny is in his head is ridiculous to me. The first time he called you to deal with the Us Cracks tour gear, he wanted Johnny. Every time after that, he wanted V. He definitely realizes which of the two is helping him; he can tell them apart. The Johnny that Kerry remembers wouldn't have done a selfless thing in his life, lest risking his pride and reputation as Night City's biggest fuckboy. Whether you really schmooze him up or tell him he's going overboard, Kerry appreciates that you helped him. And I think after the concert, when he hands V his gun, Kerry's body language suggests that he wasn't planning to give the gun to Johnny, he thought about it because V was back in control. V helped get the band back together, V helped decide if Denny or Henry should play the gig, V was the one who brought Johnny to Kerry's house. Johnny won't take over to do it himself despite probably being able to. I only wish you didn't meet him so late in the main story, so that his story could have more time and space to breathe.

[instacarma0798]

Title: i will never be satisfied (High School AU)

Ship: Natasha R x Peggy C (Background/Past Natasha x Bruce)

Warnings: Implied SA, but it doesn't actually happen. Alcohol

Steve and Natasha were going on 4 years of friendship, having known each other since the start of freshman year. Ever since Steve and Natasha had first started talking, she could read his face and see he had a crush on Peggy Carter - one of the most wanted women in the school. Carter was perhaps one of the most well known women in the school aside from a few. It was easy to see why, with her long, brown curls and chocolate colored eyes that sparkled when she laughed and deepened to a black when she threatened the boys.

When rumors spread Carter had hooked up with another girl in the school during junior year, Steve had sulked over to Natasha with puppy dog eyes and bright red ears. The redhead laughed at him, patting his shoulder gently before returning to her homework.

Peggy Carter seemed to have no interest in Steve Rogers. The woman avoided him in the halls, didn't react to his approaches, and always had a scowl on her face when she was around. Carter did seem to hate anyone on the football team, which Steve was on, but Rogers had redeeming qualities. His baby blue eyes, soft blonde hair, and charming attitude - if Natasha wasn't lesbian she would be into him.

In contrast, Steve was infatuated with Carter. He had attempted to ask her out at least 5 times from the start of sophomore year - them now being seniors. Every time she said no with an upturned nose, but Natasha caught her lips twitching upwards from where the redhead watched in the background. Every damn time they 'accidentally' crossed paths Steve would blush and smile like a puppy.

What the football team captain was oblivious too was the fact that Peggy Carter was not straight. She probably wasn't even bi. It was a bold assumption to make, even for Natasha after all the years she spent training herself how to read other people's expressions. Peggy Carter curled her lip with a crinkled, upturned at every attempt of flirting if it came from a male - no matter how kind or how much of a gentleman he was. When a girl did it however, the softest, barely noticeable, blush would dust Carter's cheeks and she would quip a flirty comment in return.

Steve didn't seem to get that, and Natasha didn't have it in her to tell him.

"Hey Nat?" Steve looked up from where he doodled in his notebook - a monkey on a bicycle, "Do you think if I ask Peggy out she'll say yes this time?"

Natasha inwardly rolled her eyes as she twirled the pencil between her fingers and thought over her answer, ignoring the bubbling pit of envy in her stomach. The answer she wanted to say was 'no', but Steve unintentionally gave her those big eyes again and with slight downturn of his lips.

She raised one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug before scribbling down the answer to her math problem, "Maybe."

The blonde across from her sighed and sagged his broad shoulders with his head tilted towards the ground. His head jerked up when pounding footsteps sounded behind them. Natasha didn't have to look up to know who it was. Two arms were thrown around her neck, jerking Natasha forward. She rolled, shoving her offender off with a grunt.

"Ow.." Clint groaned from where he lay on the grass, "That was rude."

Natasha huffed and raised her left brow at Clint who gave a sheepish smile.

Clint Barton had been her best friend ever since Natasha moved to the small little town. Her stuck with her through thin and thick. When she had to change foster homes and move to a different school, Clint risked his father's anger and moved schools with her. When her foster parents beat her black and blue, Clint trudged through the rain to find her sniffling under a tree after a frantic text. After she got herself emancipated and lived on the streets for a while, Clint cleared out his action figures from his closet and bought a spare mattress for her to sleep until she got on her feet.

In return, whenever Clint's father drank one too many beers - Natasha would sooth him. Soft smiles and gentle touches of the daughter he always wanted rather than two rouwy boys. The man would take to telling her soft stories with a far away look in his eyes while Clint snuck off into the night. When Clint struggled with him homework, Natasha stayed up late into the night to finish it for him - pretending he did it himself in the morning. When Clint met a pretty girl named Laura with brunette hair and kind eyes who spoke in the softest voice with a western accent, Natasha played matchmaker.

It was a dynamic that worked well, but unfortunately it meant Clint knew nearly all of her tells - the ones that Steve didn't. Which lead to him raising a skeptical eyebrow in return with a silent question in his eyes when he noticed the bleak forlorn look in her eyes.

"Clint," Steve propped himself clumsily on his elbow, "Do you think Peggy will go out with me if I ask her once more?"

The captain fiddled with his pencil and separate eraser, missing the knowing glance Clint tossed Natasha. The redhead silently cursed Steve for giving away the reason she was upset.

"No." Clint answered bluntly, always the loyal friend.

It was no secret to Clint that Natasha had a crush on Peggy. He knew before she knew herself - the way she accidentally stared at Peggy with hearts in her eyes, her smile turning dopey for a moment where only Clint was watching.

Steve sagged at Clint's response and harshly, but still ever so gentle with the paper, scrawled on the paper. Clint winked at her with his signature smile that meant trouble. Natasha gave him a glare and slight shake of the head, a silent response telling him not to cause trouble. But Clint being Clint just smiled wider and plucked her math textbook out of her lap.

"Clinton." Natasha warned, her voice a low tone.

The dirty blonde waved the textbook teasingly before taking off, his legs carrying him far and fast. Natasha spared Steve a speedy but apologetic glance before chasing after Steve. He may have longer legs, making him faster, but Natasha could run further for longer.

She rounded a corner, barely seeing the tail of his purple blouse sticking out like a duck tail. Her feet skidded against the halls a hand outstretched as Clint came in to view. She stretched her hand further into her command. Her legs braced as she prepared to tackle Clint, the muscles locking up and knees bending.

Then a door smacked her in the face, leaving a searing red mark.

Her back hit the ground with a thump and she dully registered Clint stopping and another voice crying out in concern. Natasha took a moment to groan in pain before hauling herself up, whoever opened that door was hella strong. Placing a hand to her head she attempted to steady her vision, Clint's calloused hands steading her body.

"I am so sorry," a voice said with a distinct British accent.

Of course if was fucking Peggy Carter.

Natasha waved Clint before plastering a semi-sweet smile onto her own face.

"Don't sweat it, I'll live."

Carter bit her lip with worry, brown curls bouncing as she scanned Natasha up and down, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Of course," Natasha ignored the fact that her heart was rapidly thumping in her chest and not because of the fall.

She also ignored the fact that her nose was probably broken and her face felt like it was on fire, but Carter didn't need to know that. The brunette woman gave her once over once more, her eyes shinning with concern.

"You sure?" she asked once more, it sounded like she wanted to reassure herself more than Natasha.

Flapping her hand in a dismissive manner, Natasha gave a one shouldered shrug, "I've had worse."

That didn't seem to settle Carter any more, but it did satisfy her and the brunette spun on her heel heading down the hall.

A sharp exhale left her the minute Carter rounded a corner, her boots echoing through the hall. Natasha groaned at the pounding in her head and pain in her nose. Beside her, Clint looked torn between letting the goofiest grin cross his face and frowning at her in concern and regret. Smartly, he chose the later.

Snagging her elbow Clint dragged her down the hall and back outside, school bells ringing dismissing the last class of the day that Natasha had ditched (ultimately convincing Steve too). Students flooded the halls, some accidentally bumping into her despite Clint's vicious glare that told them all to back off.

He brought her outside where Steve was still waiting, but now the same brunette woman that Natasha could not shake stood next to him - her stance tall and imposing with her crossed arms and chin tilted upwards. The blonde captain had a rosy pink blush dusting his cheeks with his eartips red as he undoubtably asked Peggy Carter out once more. Natasha rolled her eyes, hearing Clint give an exaggerated exhale beside her.

Steve was just finishing saying something when they got into hearing distance, but they managed to catch Carter's response.

"Fine. Tomorrow, cafe on third at 11." her tone left no room for argument, making it clear if Steve wanted this date he would have to comply.

The football team captain looked as surprised as Natasha felt at the fact that Carter was going out with him. Despite her repeated refusals and blatant fact that she was not straight, Natasha never expected her to fall in love with Steve. Maybe she was getting rusty.

Steve did a little bounce on his heels before nodding eagerly like an over excited puppy. His eyes lit up further when he saw them, waving both Natasha and Clint over as Carter walked away.

Natasha was totally looking at Steve rambling as Carter sauntered away.

<_______________>

One date morphed into two dates, two dates morphed into three dates, three dates morphed into four dates, and well you get the point. Everyone in the school expected Steve and Peggy to stop after the first date, but no. The two went on more and more dates, thus integrating Peggy into their small friend group and getting Natasha a new girl friend - emphasis on the space between the two words.

Their small little group, minus Clint because he had his own work to do, sat inside the small underrated diner that was settled down the street from Natasha's apartment. It was meant to a be a friend celebration for finishing the school year, but it felt more like Natasha was third-wheeling a date.

Both of her companions made heart eyes at each other with dopey grins - Carter's slightly less dopey and more serious. Meanwhile she sat in the background twirling her past around her fork with sagged shoulders. While this scene wasn't uncommon - Carter and Steve turning their friend outings into personal dates - Clint was usually here to endure it with her. A forkful of pasta was angrily shoved her mouth, Natasha yelping a little when she stabbed her cheek with her fork.

Flushing red with embarrassment, Natasha shook off both of the other's concern. She mumbled out an excuse around her mouthful of food and swallowed thickly. It seemed to pacify Steve and Peggy because the two went back to chatting with each other.

She lost track of what they were talking about, vaguely catching the word 'crush' but stupidly delegating to ignore the conversation and get lost in her head. A finger poked her arm, shaking her a tiny bit, and she looked up from her plate to see Steve staring her expectantly.

"Hm?" she raised an eyebrow in question.

"We asked if you have a crush," Carter intercepted Steve with her british accent.

A light blush dusted the british woman's cheeks, presumably because of something Steve said, as her head tilted adorably at Natasha with brown eyes filled with curiosity. Natasha trailed her eyes down Peggy's face, all the way down to where she held Steve's hand on top of the table, fingers interlocked and twisting together like the ugly feeling in Natasha's chest. Clearing her throat, Natasha forced a laugh out of her throat.

"No," she shook her head, "I don't do those sort of things."

The blatant lie flew right over Carter's head, the woman offering her a charming laugh that made her eyes shine in the lighting and her curls bounce as her head tilted back slightly. Natasha could hear that sound all day. Steve gave her a suspicious look, one with underlying concern but let the topic drop.

<___________>

Natasha started to pull away once Carter integrated more into the little rag-tag friend group the redhead was apart of. At least she intended to. Previously it only consisted of her and Clint before Steve shoved his way in there and adopted the two introverts in a very extroverted style. With Steve, Carter eventually came, which was fine. It was fine, Natasha liked Peggy. She liked her. But with the newest addition came so many others. Tony Stark, the "rich kid" came with Carter - despite the woman's apparent annoyance with him. Carol Danvers, a person Natasha rarely saw because the woman skipped classes so often. Bruce Banner, who actually Tony Stark seemed to drag along, but they all came with Carter.

Now her small safe little bubble was filled with people she didn't know and it didn't feel safe anymore. There were four new people, four unknown variables that she didn't know well beside the fact that most of them were popular.

On top of that, Bruce Banner seemed to take a liking for her and wouldn't leave her alone. Natasha had taken to using some diversion tactics she learned when she wanted to lose an angry foster parent or from the various times she ran from CPS. It didn't work very well, the shy man oddly persistent, so Natasha gave in. She wasn't going to get the person she liked anyway.

The next time Banner stumbled over a pickup line, Natasha crossed her arms under her chest - pushing her breasts up, and gave a flirty comment in return. The man clearly wasn't expecting it, based on his flushed cheeks and wide eyes, but he returned it in kind. Her plans to pull away from the friend group were temporarily put on hold.

Natasha ignored Clint's piercing gaze that bore into the back of her skull with disagreement every time she flirted with Banner. It tore at her heart the way he looked at her, he was her partner. Despite having his doubts, though never voicing them, Clint stuck with her - as always. Opting to ignore Bruce or address him with a brash attitude, Clint didn't not outright support her.

Steve was a whole different story. He clapped her on the back with a laugh and told her he was glad that she found someone - she deserved it. A few comments were tossed her way about how she once claimed, "she didn't do that stuff," but Natasha ignored them.

The last person she expected to be suspicious of her relationship with Banner was suspicious. Carter gave her a smile when she informed everyone she was with Banner, but the woman didn't seem keen on it. Mumbling something indecipherable, Carter shook her head at Natasha, which only served to tighten the knot in her chest.

To top add a cherry on the top, she got fired from one of her three jobs and now wasn't making enough money to pay the rent. If she didn't scramble some together or get another job then Natasha would be kicked out of her apartment and living on the streets once more. That was a stress she didn't need to deal with. She just had to make it through high school then she could focus on making money - collage wasn't really in the question.

Bruce Banner - 4:30

Can I come over tonight? Watch a movie?

Natasha glanced at her manager who was flipping a burger in the back as she glanced at her phone sneakily. Breathing out heavily she debated the answer, fingers hovering over the keys. Tonight was her only night off from the night job - working in a bar which technically wasn't allowed, but a forged ID went a good distance if you got it done right. Banner, however, had some issues with rejection. His face turned a little red the first time she told him 'no' and he stormed off in a rage.

So reluctantly she typed out a response.

Natasha Romanoff - 4:31

Sure. I get off work at 5, so be there around 6.

He reacted to her message with a thumbs up before Natasha shoved her phone in her pocket to focus on work.

<___________>

Bruce showed up at her door at 5:30 while she was still in the shower. He shot her a text, a few actually when she didn't reply to the first one, and Natasha hastily threw some clothes on - workout pants and a tanktop along with under garments, before drying her hair and opening the door for Bruce.

He stood dressed in a simple cardigan and casual pants holding a bag of italian takeout. His smile was unapologetic as he stepped through the door and placed the food on the coffee table with a crinkle. Grabbing the remote like it was his home, the man now comfortable after their 5 months of dating, he turned on a show - one that Natasha didn't bother to take note of. With heavy feet she dragged herself over to the couch and plopped down next to Bruce.

Partway through the second movie he slung his arm around her shoulders, ignoring the way they tensed, and scooched closer. Natasha froze, her body locking in place as she was reminded of a previous foster parent. Bruce gradually moved closer, oblivious to the way Natasha was locked in place, until their bodies were pressed together. Eventually she felt his hot breath on her neck and curls itching her chin. That was the only warning she got before Bruce pressed his lips to her neck.

Every single part of her wanted to run, run far away from the situation, but she forced herself to stay still. Bruce kissed up her neck and to her chin. Sensing he wanted more, the redhead turned her head to reincorporate (Despite all her senses screaming at her to not) and met his lips with hers halfway. He pushed her downward, straddling her lap - both of them blocking out the movie in the background.

Cracked, dry, lips trailed down her neck. Her body wanted to shiver in disgust but Natasha forced herself to stay compliant as she had done before. Banner's hands trailed down and down until they started reaching up under the hem of her shirt. Natasha was only willing to tolerate so much and slapped his hands away with a warning. Banner complied, continuing their sloppy, one-sided makeout session, before his hands started inching up her shirt again. Natasha slapped them away once more and shoved Banner off.

The screaming match started then. Banner getting angry and not understanding why, and Natasha upset he didn't listen (not that she wanted the kiss in the first place). In the end Natasha fled from her own apartment, her bare feet carrying her down the street and ignoring Bruce's rushed pleas for her to stay.

She pawed around for her phone, digging it out of her pocket and her cold fingers fumbled to dial Clint. The phone rang and rang as she walked down the the cold New York street, the sidewalk biting into her skin and wind wiping around her face. It rang and rang, but no one picked up. The realization struck Clint was out of town, visiting his brother for the weekend. She cursed herself and plopped down next to a tree.

Her head shoved between her hands she debated who to call. Realistically she could return to apartment, but Bruce knew where to find her there and she didn't want to talk right now. Against her rational thinking she dialed Peggy Carter. It rang a couple times before a groggy voice answered the phone.

"Natasha?"

"I-" the russian's voice came out strangled for the first time in a long while, "Uhm-"

Carter sounded a lot more alert when she answered, "Are you ok?"

It took a moment for Natasha to formulate a response before she reluctantly responded, "No."

"Ok," there was some shuffling on the other end of the phone and a small jingling, "Can you share your location, I'll come get you."

"You- it's alright I just-"

"No," Carter said, her voice insistent, "I'm coming to get you. Share your location."

There was the sound of a door opening the sounded as Natasha shared her location on her phone.

"Do you want me to stay on the phone?" Another door slamming and the reving of an engine.

"Yeah," Natasha croaked, her voice sore from screaming.

"Ok."

Breathing echoed through the phone, presumably on both ends, as Carter drove towards her location. Eventually humming reached Natasha's ears as she heard Carter turn on the radio. The woman hummed a song the redhead hadn't heard before, but it was oddly soothing.

It wasn't long before a car pulled up in front of her and Carter stepped out, still dressed in night clothes. Nearly in an instant the woman spotted her and rushed over.

"Are you okay?" Carter gave her a once over, checking her over for injuries.

Natasha nodded, not fully registering the words, but let Carter guide her toward the car. She thinks the british woman asked a question, but the moment Natasha was in the car - a mostly safe space - she allowed herself to zone out.

Once they arrived to the house Carter helped her out, gently guiding her towards the house. The brunette toed off her own shoes before leading Natasha up stairs and into a bedroom. She was placed her on a bed, her brain elsewhere, before Carter disappeared and returned with a change of clothes.

"Put these on, I'll go get you a warm drink. Tea or hot cocoa?"

Natasha dully registered she was being talked to, but her mouth wouldn't open.

"Natasha," Carter bent over so they were eye level, "Hey, Natasha, c'mon, why don't you change and the wash up. The bathrooms just next door and I'll make you a hot drink."

Natasha nodded but didn't make a move to change into the pair of sweatpants and oversized shirt. A heavy sigh came from Carter and the woman dug her hands into Natasha's biceps, hoisting her up.

"Can I help you get changed then?"

Her head nodded of it's own accord, red curls falling into her eyes. Carefully, Peggy lifted her shirt over her head - eyes lingering on the small dotted scar that looked like a small star-burst on her torso. Next cam her pants, the brunette woman removing them with a small blush as Natasha stood dead to the world.

"Lift your feet."

Carter tapped her feet and Natasha lifted them so that the brunette could slip the new pair of pants on.

"Alright," Peggy clapped her hands, the sound startling Natasha, "Sorry, do you want a warm drink or just to sleep?"

"Sleep," she croaked.

"K, you take the bed, I'll my parents room."

Natasha momentarily snapped out of her dazed state with a shake of her head, "It's your house, I'll take the couch. You're nice enough to even let me stay."

"Nope," Peggy sounded firm as she shook her head, "take the bed."

The woman didn't give her a choice to argue because she strided out of the room leaving Natasha alone in the vast room. She took stock of Peggy's room. Soft white sheets laid underneath her with the slightest tint of gray and matching pillows. Polaroid photos were pinned to the wall, mostly of Steve and Peggy together, but a few with two people who Natasha assumed were her parents. A couple featured Stark and Danvers, plus a few with her and Clint. A dark colored night stand housed an alarm clock and a red candle. Everything about the room gave off a vintage feel, comforting in some way.

Delicately, afraid to ruin anything, Natasha laid back on the bed - still above the covers. She thought about what had just happened. Bruce had- she wasn't sure what he had tried to do. He would never rape her, she knew that, but he took it a step too far and she wasn't ready. It wasn't knew, that forceful nature was something she had grown up with during various times in her life. She wasn't a scared eight year old anymore, she was a grown eighteen year old who lived by herself and could make her own decisions.

Automatically, as if she was still in that one home, her hand raised towards the headboard, highlighting the thin white scars encircling her wrist. She closed her eyes slowly, always on edge at a new place before sleep carried her away.

<________>

Neither of them spoke of that night again. Natasha had left early in the morning, before Peggy had awoken, and crept back to her apartment - embarrassingly still barefoot and wearing Peggy's clothes, which she returned the following school week.

Now, Natasha really retreated from the friend group and returned to just hanging out with Clint once more. When the young man saw her after visiting his brother, she told him the whole story while fiddling with her shirt. Clint sighed, pulled her into a hug, and muttered in her ear, "I told you so." She slapped his shoulder with a laugh and Clint glared at Banner in the hallways from that point onward.

School was almost over, and now Clint dragged her to a pizza night at Carter's house - her parents out of town - where he assured Banner would not be there.

Dressed in simple jeans and a hoodie, Natasha munched on a piece of pizza and stood in the corner. Various people milled around, most of which she did not know. Glancing at her watch, the time indicating she had been here for an hour, it was deemed a reasonable time and she decided to slip out. Her body weaved through groups of people as they chatted with each other. As she was about to leave, a voice called out to her.

"Hey Natasha!" Steve was waving her over, a bright smile on his face. Despite his cheery expression from where he stood, Natasha could see the hurt in his eyes at the fact she had been avoiding him in an attempt to avoid his girlfriend.

Steve was standing with an unusual gaggle of people. One man, shaggy brown hair and a jean jacket stood next to Steve - arm slung over the blonde's shoulder. Another woman stood, her brunette hair pulled into a tight bun as she wore jeans and a plaid shirt. Finally one more, a woman with brown hair typing on her phone stood there.

"Guys," Steve turned to face the others as Natasha reluctantly walked over, "This is Natasha. Nat, these are Bucky, Maria, and Daisy."

Bucky and Maria gave a small greeting, both of their voices quiet and short, meanwhile Daisy remained on her phone - typing away. Maria kicked her shin with a cough and the girl looked up from her phone.

"Oh, 'sup," she greeted Natasha before returning towards her phone.

"Ignore her," Maria said, "She's always doing something on there."

"So you're the Natasha I've heard so much about," Bucky commented, his eyes scanning her up and down - not in a bad way, just a "I want to know more."

"Only good things I hope," she replied smoothly.

Conversation mingled in that group for a while. Turns out the trio were a group of Steve's friend from another state, they all had military parents - thus moving around a lot, but had come to visit. Maria spoke the least about her parents, seemingly clamming up at the mention of it. Despite seeming the have a rough past, Daisy threw out that she had been in foster homes casually - the fact seeming to have no consequence to her.

Bucky seemed especially chummy with Steve, and it the blonde wasn't dating Peggy then she would think Bucky and Steve were dating. Deep down she thinks that she was offended she had never heard of these friends before, but Natasha waved that feeling away.

Clint eventually joined them, a drink in hand. He stumbled just the tiniest bit and if you looked close enough his pupils were slightly dilated. Most people wouldn't notice but Natasha assumed his drink, which looked like kool-aid, was spiked.

"Heya," Clint said, his southern accent coming out just the slightest bit - another sign he was drinking, "You guys want some?"

He gestured his cup up, some of it sloshing over the sides.

"Are you drunk?" Steve asked, ever the nobleman.

"Alcohol?" Daisy raised her head, eyes wide with excitement, "Where?"

Clint smiled at her, "No idea who you are, but it's over in the back," he vaguely gestured behind him before snatching Natasha's wrist and dragging her back there, Daisy bolting ahead of them ignoring Steve's protests.

Her best friend filled her a cup of spike punch and pushed it into her hands. She took it without protest, sipping on it carefully. There was a strong amount of alcohol in there, she wasn't sure which kind, but there was a lot.

The party flew by after that, Natasha wasn't sure how many cups of punch she drank, but the world spun as all the highschoolers gathered in a circle on the carpet, lazily sprawled over each other. Steve and Maria were probably the only ones sober.

"Natasha," Stark slurred, he had the most alcohol out of all of them, "truth or dare?"

The game had been going around for a while and Natasha was secretly hoping she would be ignored from her spot on the armchair.

"Truth," Stark had already come up with some crazy dares, resulting in Bucky being shirtless to reveal his prosthetic arm.

"Are you gay?" He smiled dopily at her, the smile morphing into a smirk.

Her cheeks heated as everyone eyed her, particularly the girls and she could feel Carter's gaze piercing her skull.

"Yes," normally she would lie, but her tongue disobeyed her brain and answered of its own accord.

A round of 'ooohs' echoed around, Stark opening his mouth to further question her, but Natasha cut him off - asking Daisy a question. It went a few more rounds before it landed on Stark again and he called on Natasha.

"Dare," she replied reluctantly after the past several people having chosen truth.

Stark pumped his fists in the air, "I dare you to kiss the hottest person in the room - other than me of course." His chin tilted up arrogantly.

Natasha rolled her eyes, but stayed in place.

"C'mon," Clint urged, his southern accent clear now, "Choose someone, 's not that hard."

Her feet carried her over to where Carter laid draped across Steve, her head resting on his shoulder. Slowly, Natasha bent down and gave Carter a soft smooch on the kiss. Steve lightly slapped her, but laughed as she sauntered back to her seat with faux confidence.

Carter herself blinked owlishly, not totally present.

The game continued on, Natasha's mind still on that. She had just kissed Peggy. She kissed Peggy Carter. On the cheek, sure, but she kissed her - totally exposing herself. Oh gosh. Natasha wanted to sink into the couch and continued on with the game until it died out. Some people drove home, those sober enough, and others had already fallen asleep.

Natasha was sober enough to drive home, snatching her keys out of her pocket and heading towards the door. She cast her gaze back towards where Carter was passed out, drool slowly seeping out of her open mouth, but she still looked perfect . But she was also Steve's, the fact accented by Steve's arm draped over her shoulders.

Heavy hands turned the doorknob and Natasha drove towards her house. She decided one thing that night, she would graduate high school then leave Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter behind.

[baubeautyandthegeek]

I Felt A Million Things When I First Met You – Emily Prentiss/Clara Seger.

The one where Emily finally comes clean about just how come Clara’s always so willing to help. Written for Criminal Minds Pride hosted by @the-guilty-writer​ .

“What did you want to tell us Emily?” Of course it’s JJ who asks, Emily thinks, tightening her grip on Clara’s hand when Clara squeezes her thigh gently under the table, a promise not to bolt no matter how this goes. She’s hidden this too long, the group deserve to know. The gathering of her team and their families makes this harder than she expected and she takes a breath. “Okay so… I’m… just going to say it.” A breath. “I’m a lesbian… and I’ve been dating Clara for the last… seven or so years.” Silence. She hates it and her grip tightens further even as Mae finally breaks the silence, the one friend Clara had brought for support. “Well, that makes… sense.” A pause. “Clara… why didn’t you tell me?” “It’s… not like it’s easy to say?” Clara murmurs and Mae sighs, rolling her eyes and hugging Clara tightly before moving to hug Emily. “Well, I’m happy for you.” The words seem to shake something loose and Clara smiles slightly, relaxing. Of course, not everyone keeps up to the point. Matt breaks the silence a little. “So…. Clara… didn’t you… have a husband?” “Bi women aren’t unicorns Matt.” Kristy. Matt’s wife. Kristy breaks into his comment and smacks his arm lightly. “You married one, remember idiot?”

Matt has the good grace to blush and smile a little.

“Yeah, yeah of course. Sorry. Didn’t really… think.”

His smile widens when Clara rolls her eyes and he moves to hug both Emily and Clara.

“Good for you.”

Slowly but surely things filter through and JJ moves to join them last, her voice low.

“Can… can we talk? Em?”

“Of course.”

Emily smiles and Clara smiles, accepting JJ’s hug before excusing herself to get to know the rest of Emily’s team better.

“You… think you could help me find… Elle?”

JJ’s request is so soft Emily smiles and nods.

“I can try… last I heard she’d found someone but… I can try.”

Later, much later, JJ would open her door to Elle on her doorstep, her eyes widening a little before she pulls Elle closer, laughing softly when Elle’s voice is soft but warm.

“The one person? Was Clara… I’m all yours if you want me.”

[scalpelandrose]

A/N: This takes place in the Ancient China AU with ties to the 3 Kingdoms/Warring states period that also features art from other artists aside from myself too, so feel free to check them out too! Throughout, you’ll find references to notable locations, events, & figures of the time integrated within the fictional story weaved inbetween. I also included a map with a few pointers of mentioned locations below, if anyone is curious in following the geography of events. Also, @jazminetoad & @norei02’s OCs are included in this story, so I hope it’s to your liking. (I also had Chinese names for everyone, but kept the original names so there’s no confusion).

WC: 4.7K

Warnings: None

Source

War Room

“Zhou Yu of the Wu are most likely racing against the Shu in order to capture Xiangyang, Nanjun, and Jiangling, which most likely will cause a rift in their alliance against us. Most likely, they will find themselves at odds at Nanjun closer to Wu territory, as Liu Bei is aggressively pressing towards control for the Jing Province, now that they have an opportunity,” Michelle explained to the gathered officers.

“Which means for now, we’ll be focusing on strengthening our influence in the North, so once their alliance falls there will be no issue sweeping in to take back lost territories or offer a proposition too great to the Wu, so that they have no choice but to ally with us, provided that there are already animonisities in their ranks regarding their current alliance,” Law supplemented, concluding the agenda for the day’s war council.

“So it’s only a game of patience, now,” Vincent noted, observing the current situation on the map, “We already have fair control of the Yellow River, so it’s all about securing it.”

“Exactly.” Law affirmed, briefly fixing his attention on Tong Pass.

All officers were ready to return to their respective departments to deliberate how to allocate resources and their next maneuvers, until Cao Cao called to them and declared that everyone would have the day off for the Mid-Autumn Lunar Festival, for their hard work. However, everyone knew the other purpose was to bring up morale since the incident of Chi Bi.

“I expect that you all enjoy yourselves, or else I’ll have to create a written edict,” he commanded in muted good humor.

Women’s Chambers

Ikkaku giddily enters the lounge of Michelle’s connecting room, excited to see her comrades donned in non-military wear, only to see the tactician and Jazmine still in their formal clothes to her dismay, “Really now, you two?”

“I don’t see why I can’t just go in what I’m wearing now,” Michelle points out, “It’s fairly noble and lets me move around easily.” She looks at Jazmine for backing, who nods in agreement.

Ikkaku deadpans, beginning to rummage through the tactician’s clothing chest, “Typically, I would let you do whatever you want, but we just got an entire day off during one of the most romantic celebrations of the year, so it’s my job as a sworn sister and wingwoman to make you irresistible to your fiance.”

“Heh, this is Law we’re talking about. Michelle can wear a rice sack and he’ll still think she’s one of the 4 Dan Beauties of the country,” Jazmine commented, popping a chestnut into her mouth.

“Don’t say that too loudly or he may actually want to try that out,” Ikkaku jokes, catching a chestnut the lieutenant colonel tossed at her.

“That won’t be much of a problem for me, since I can sew the rice sack into an underdress, when I want to surprise him,” Michelle laughed, covering the lower half of her face being aware that she was blushing, “But I believe I instill more fear than infatuation compared to Hancock, who actually is a Dan Beauty and does both.”

“I don’t think that’s much of a problem, since everyone sees how he gets a certain smug look whenever you start being decisive or intimidating,” Jazmine pointed out.

The women break into laughter, until Ikkaku exclaims, “Oh? I never saw you wear these bu yao pins before, jiejie! When did you get them?”, holding up two stately matching white lily ornaments with an emerald center and tanzanite tassels, giving them to Michelle.

A note of tenderness overtakes the tactician’s eyes, recounting her surprise excursion with Law early on their acquaintance. “Remember the first banquet we had at the Duke’s manor and I arrived with no makeup and only this ribbon in my hair? To me it was my greatest treasure, since it was the only ‘ornament’ I owned at the time. Though, certain ladies thought I ruined the aesthetic of the occasion,” Michelle reminisced with a chuckle.

“I remember, and they all stopped talking when Jaz also showed up with no makeup and discovered you two were among the promoted officers,” Ikkaku laughed.

“Not to mention some of them were dismissed when they tried too hard to impress the men and wound up spilling hot tea on Vincent, so he demanded they leave for unruly behavior,” Jazmine added.

“I don’t think they counted on him officially declaring himself as my adoptive father that night, either,” Michelle shook her head in good humor before continuing, “Most first impression rumors were fairly resolved after that, but I think Law didn’t want for me to be in a position where I am snubbed in court for something petty as that again, so the day after, he asked me to survey the supply house in town together. To my surprise, we wound up visiting a stall specializing in crafting hair ornaments. It was a bit daunting at first seeing so many beautiful things in one place and although I insisted it wasn’t necessary, he still went out of his way to observe what I liked and bought these for me when he saw how absorbed I was by their design. When he put them in my hair to try on, that was the second time my heart raced for him—the first being when I saw him charging with his horse at He Dong.”

The other two gush at the recollection, with Ikkaku visibly squealing.

“More reason for you to wear the ornaments now,” Jazmine gave a small smile, “You know, it is a rare opportunity that we get a break like this, so I guess I’ll dress up a bit too.”

Finishing up with their conversation, the women began getting ready, with Ikkaku doing her hair, as she was already dressed, Michelle selecting a blue robe with dragon motifs symbolizing her birth zodiac that would match the ethereal night, while Jazmine decided on a deep forest green robe that complimented the foliage around.

A sudden rapping interrupts them, and Michelle pauses a moment from tying her officer badge to her belt to greet the servant at the door, before returning with a lacquer box.

“Hm, I can smell the fragrance of jasmine from here,” Ikkaku notes with a knowing smile spreading across her face.

“You know what that means,” Michelle mirrors the expression, as they both turn their attention to Jazmine, who starts to sweat a bit.

“Uh…Rosinante sent something?” she answered tentatively, seeing how Michelle eased the box into her hands with an amused smirk.

“I don’t think you have to ask,” Ikkaku snickered.

When the lieutenant colonel opened the parcel, she was met with an exquisite green tourmaline fa zan pin with a jasmine flower carved out of white jade in the center. A barely noticeable blush dusts her face, as she examines the gold base of the pin, noting wolf carvings that were clearly handmade.

“Is the servant still there?”

“Yes,” a small voice from outside the door answered.

“Tell Rosinante thanks,” she instructed, in a loss for words at the generous gift.

“Of course, my lady,” their shadow bowed from the outside, before making their way to where the men were waiting.

“It seems today will be very interesting for the both of you!” Ikkaku cheers.

-

Shortly after, they made their way to the entrance, where Law and Rosinante were waiting and catching sight of their respective love interests rendered them breathless, especially upon recognizing their gifted pins in Michelle and Jazmine’s hair. The women were equally enchanted, seeing the men in less formal clothing, with Law wearing his hair down donned in grand black and gold garbs and Rosinante in white and ashen black, with a pale red outer layer.

“Shachi already went to the west stables, if you are looking for him, Ikkaku,” Law informs, without his eyes leaving his fiancee.

Ikkaku nods, nudging both Michelle and Jazmine communicating, ‘Good luck,’ before taking off with a wave in her excitement to visit her home village after months of absence.

The dual pairs proceeded to mount their horses, with Michelle deciding to ride with Law on his jet black steed to give her own a rest, while Jazmine would ride beside Rosinante on her gracious white horse for when she is in town.

“You’re wearing the pin,” Rosinante smiled.

“Of course. I mean—it looked like such an expensive gift. You didn’t have to, you know…” Jazmine trailed off, slightly blushing that he felt a little closer than usual when he reached over to subtly brush his hand against the tassels.

“But I wanted to,” Rosinante warmly replied.

Meanwhile, Law could not help but take Michelle’s hand in his to give it a tender caress, finding nostalgia in her hair ornaments, as in times of separation, she would entrust one piece of the pair for a keepsake of remembrance. But now that everyone was together, she was able to wear both. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered into her ear, not sure how to convey how lucky he felt, but he hoped his tone demonstrated his regard for her

“Only for you,” she whispered in return, allowing him to lead the horse while they enjoyed the autumn breeze brushing against their faces.

Luoyang City Center

The center of Luoyang was alight from every corner, with colorful lanterns hanging from every building or yardstick that people hold whilst navigating through the streets, delicious smells wafting from a variety of restaurants and teahouses, and elders telling groups of children the legend of the moon goddess Chang ‘E and the heavenly archer, Hou Yi, who fell from grace, but nevertheless remained devoted to his her after she spirited away to the moon. A theater performance was scheduled to illustrate the legend too in the square, which Michelle noticed with a giggle that Vincent reserved his seats early for, seeing him, Bepo, Jean-Bart, Penguin, and a few fellow officers sitting in the front row with boxes of food for their wait. However, the four wanted to enjoy the festivities a bit before sitting down.

Rosinante urged Jazmine to participate in a dagger throwing game with him, where those who were able to sever the rope suspending paper maiche ducks, would earn themselves a free bowl of barbecue duck noodles. She quietly obliged, severing many ropes, enough times to where they earned four servings each of the dish to the vendor’s shock. However, Rosinante was all smiles and gave her a pat on the back for a job well done, as he was only to fall two paper maiche ducks. Whatever they did not finish, they had packaged for them to distribute to the most deserving soldiers they had in their squadron. Along the way, the two also purchased lanterns that hung from a lacquer stick to blend with the festivities and indulged in more games.

Michelle and Law entered a workshop where visitors could paint their own lanterns to release into the sky later that night. Tragically, Law’s first attempt illustrating an ambitious scene of two sparrows sitting on a peach blossom branch dreamily looking upward towards the rabbit in the moon was ruined by an overexcited man banging the table, causing the inkpot to fall over on his lantern to Law’s ire. But with one of the shopkeeper’s and Michelle’s help in quickly cleaning the mess and providing him a fresh lantern, Law thankfully was able to paint a translucent moon shining over golden peonies against pale mountains that can be seen from the city. He thought Michelle’s child-like enthusiasm was adorable, when she proudly presented her finished lantern to him featuring plum blossoms reaching upward to the moon, which acted as a spherical window to the heavens. Both knew their lanterns connoted hopes for their upcoming wedding, but they didn’t need to say anything with that mutual understanding.

After some time, they met up outside a confectionery, where the men purchased elaborately decorated mooncake boxes for them to enjoy later on while watching the floating lanterns. Thinking they should see how the firework preparations were going, they were just about to head up to the city walls, until a large clamouring crowd called to their attention. For some reason, many people were surrounding a certain vendor and thankfully, Rosinante’s height allowed him to recognize a familiar black and red-haired figure.

“It’s Norei!” Michelle exclaimed, thrilled that an old friend somehow found her way to Luoyang.

Norei was infamously known as the “Demon Artist,” being able to illustrate vividly detailed pieces in a swift amount of time. It was rumored that the subject of her paintings may come to life at times from a small chickadee, to beautiful men that she has a preference of illustrating, and even outcomes of events; however, whether there was any truth to that was yet to be known. Currently, she was painting a portrait of someone who requested from her for the festival and many were in awe at watching her work. Once the crowd dwindled, they approached her.

“Norei!” Michelle called out, waving to her friend.

“Michelle!” the artist exclaimed in surprise, but nevertheless, met her friend with enthusiasm.

“It’s so good to see you again since Hefei! What are you doing here?”

“I know!! I’m so happy to see that you’re all safe and sound! Ever since I painted you all at your camp there, I started getting more jobs thanks to your leader, so I was invited to draw Luoyang during the Moon Festival for your records, and here I am! The palanquin they took me in was very luxurious, by the way. Good thing I’m staying here permanently,” she winked with a thumbs-up.

“Let me guess, you are our official painter, now,” Law surmised.

“Exactly,” she nodded, “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime! But really, I’m just happy that there are people who enjoy my art!”

“I know I’m one of them, I actually have the piece that you created with Law and I on me right now,” the tactician laughed, pulling a parchment from inside her robe, depicting her and her fiance planning their next maneuvers for the Battle of Hefei earlier last year, which resulted in a successful ambush and counterattack against a joint Wu and Shu faction effort, eliminating many notable Wu generals:

Art by @/norei_2 on Twitter

“Pfft, why am I not surprised that you keep paintings on you?” Jaz shook her head at her sworn sister, but acknowledged that the image beautifully captured that moment.

“Jazmine-ya, it’s because she carries whole novels with her too. One time she swung too hard at a drunkard trying to grab her and all her poetry and readings fell out at once, hitting the man in succession,” Law related with his lips curling into a grin.

“Applied knowledge is the greatest weapon of all,” Michelle justified in mock offense.

“Oh, so I’m not the only one who carries painting booklets on them too,” Rosinante thought aloud, before pulling out a booklet of him raising Law during his younger years, causing the commander’s face to change into one of befuddlement.

“Cora-san???”

“Michelle, I should show you the few I forgot I had on me next time,” Rosinante told his daughter-in-law to be.

“Now hold on—!” Law began.

Norei could not help but double over in laughter, “Good thing I’ll be around now to see things like this everyday. This actually gives me the idea to make an illustration leaflet, except instead of being released all at once, it’s serialized weekly like the novels! It’s different from painting scrolls that many people do and keeps them anticipating!”

“That’s actually pretty innovative,” Jazmine commented, “Kind of like a story or series in pictures.”

“I would love to see that come to fruition. I think I would be able to get you some support for that from the Ministry of Arts, if you’d like” Michelle offered.

“That ‘d be great!” Norei exclaimed, “But I don’t want to become a burden, so I’ll go there myself in a few days. If I need help with anything, I’ll let you know though!”

“Excuse me Norei. I’m not sure if you heard, but these two are getting engaged,” Rosinante interjected after some thinking, animatedly gesturing at the couple, “Do you think you can paint an engagement portrait for them?”

“Of course!”

“Are you asking on our behalf or yourself? Because I have a feeling that you’re going to pay for a second reproduction to put in the daily almanac or for your booklet chronicling my life,” Law deadpanned.

“She might have to do it twice, since my dad might want one for his wedding tribute,” Michelle sighed, remembering that Vincent wanted to do something grandiose for the nuptials.

Jazmine sweatdropped at the scene, “They’ve been following your relationship like the weekly novel serializations we get every weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if they wrote down when you met or began courting.”

Rosinante only stayed silent, which was enough answer.

However, given that Norei was hired to illustrate the city and civilians during the festival, the engagement portrait would have to wait until next week, which was not a problem for both parties. They bid adieu to the artist, who continued to paint whatever caught her fancy until a civilian made a request, and headed up to the city walls to see the fireworks set up.

The first performance of the moon goddess legend had ended, so they met Vincent there, instructing workers where different colored mixes should be placed to provide a stunning spectacle for viewers below.

“My daughter, you are a vision! I hope my son-in-law is treating you well?” he joked, with his features brightening, seeing the group.

Michelle nodded with an amused smile, while Law coughed away a blush replying, “I promised that, when I proposed.”

The surrounding villages outside the main city walls seemed like distant lanterns floating outside Luoyang against the darkening sky, like a reminder to the officers that they were fighting to protect the futures of those who were the foundations of their kingdom. It was only fitting that celebrations such as these are held to provide moments for both warriors and civilians to put down the burdens they carried and experience a few joys that life could offer during these turbulent times.

Rosinante crossed over to a tower to light a torch for their fallen comrades and those unfortunately caught in the crossfires of battles, and lit his pipe to smoke in a toast to those who used to smoke with him, but could no longer do so. Vincent just finished lighting the torch on the opposite tower, when explosions snapped him from somber reflections, along with everyone on the battlements. It seemed like on his way back, the usual involuntary fire started on Rosinante’s shoulder and prematurely set off some fireworks in the storage shed.

“Aiya!!” No, no, don’t go off! Don’t go off!” he pleaded, trying to snuff out as many activated fuses as he could, except, he tripped on a cord that tied a few bundles together, lighting nearly every firework in the shed and even setting fire to it.

“Oh no,” the others simultaneously winced, working quickly on locating something to put out Rosinante and the shed, with Vincent calling officers below for any water reinforcements possible. Meanwhile, the lieutenant general was trying to finesse through the explosion zones, groaning when he set the front row of fireworks propped against the front alight as a few workers ran for cover.

“Huh, they’re setting off the fireworks early,” Bepo commented from a bao stall across the other side of the city.

“I know, right? But all that yelling…maybe there’s something going on,” Norei mused, being right behind Bepo in line.

Thankfully, Jazmine found a shed where heavy sandbags were kept and ordered every able worker or soldier to open them up and shovel them on the shed, as Michelle and Law set up the pulley for water. In no time, the flames were put out.

Jazmine took some time to admire the impromptu fireworks show with a small smile, before telling Rosinante to sit down, so she could wipe off the soot and water from his face. “You’re always going to catch on fire no matter how careful you are, huh? At least everyone from the afterlife and earth got an interesting show,” she sighed.

“I can’t tell when it happens, but if it made you smile, maybe it was worth nearly being rocketed off the city,” he justified, in good spirits.

Jazmine averted her gaze, laughing to herself at the irony. She thought she would never smile again after being separated from her brother when they were young, to only reunite and have him missing in combat at the Battle of Chi Bi, where many Wei aligned personnels struggled to escape to the assigned meeting point at Wulin after being thrown in disarray in a naval defeat. Thanks to her comrades and Rosinante, they were able to locate her brother, who fortunately was very much alive, but it still took some time for her to recover from the thought that she might have lost her brother forever, even though she hid that vulnerability under a stone facade. Yet somehow, little by little, Rosinante was able to reach through in small ways.

“I mean it,” he pressed forward, concerned that she was brooding in cynical thoughts again, when for once in a long time, it was the contrary.

“Let’s watch the fireworks for now,” she replied with her smile subtly growing a little more, sitting beside him looking upwards at the sky. She didn’t know how to define their growing closeness, but somewhere along the way, he guided her head to rest against his arm, and there was a little comfort having him near.

Michelle and Law gave each other a knowing look at the two and concluded that since some fireworks have gone off already, they might as well light the remaining ones. So, with Vincent’s signal, workers from different sides of the city walls ignited their flares in orchestrated succession and patterns to give the civilians of Luoyang and those surrounding a magnificent show. Pure awe filled the city as cheers and exclamations filled with wonder and joy reached the ears of those on the battlements, inspiring them to make the celebration as memorable as they could.

The engaged couple took advantage of the jubilation and noise to steal away to Law’s compound after lighting their share of fireworks. As much fun as it was to be in town, there was nowhere better to moonwatch than in a quiet place besides someone you loved most.

“With all the mishaps that happened today, it all worked out well in the end, don’t you think?” Michelle mused, taking a stroll hand-in-hand with her fiance around the courtyard, observing how the clouds rolling in assumed an luminous quality, with moonbeams reflecting off of them.

“We don’t know for sure yet, since the day technically hasn’t ended,” Law replied, feeling an unexplained emotion brew inside of him, observing how she gingerly swaddled the lanterns in her other arm, “But being with you, I don’t have to plan 57 contingencies.”

Michelle laughed, “I’m glad that you trust me so much, Law. But truth be told, that’s because whenever you find yourself in trouble, I’m either in the same boat with you or have 57 contingencies of my own that I’ve been waiting to use.”

“Exactly my point. Having you in my life halves the amount of headaches. There’s more certainty and less what-ifs,” he chuckled in return, leading her to the moongate. He took a moment to let his hold linger, admiring the image of her standing inside the threshold against the backdrop of red plum blossoms and the stone path leading to his gazebo overlooking a small lotus pond. It was almost like leading his bride home, except he was a year early. She, too, felt the part of a married couple and having him lead her by the hand felt as if they were walking into a new world together.

Feeling a little whimsical, she put down the lanterns in front of his bedroom door, removed her shoes and ran into the grass, taking a whiff of the fresh air lined with the sweet scent of plum blossoms, camellias, and roses, and spun around delighting in this strange surge of freedom his home gave her.

Law briefly went inside to fetch a match for the lanterns and prepare a pot of tea to accompany the mooncakes he bought. Catching sight of her twirling and almost dancing with the moonlight made him quietly rejoice at how comfortable she seemed to abandon all formalities and strictness and just be herself at his home.

“Don’t float away from me, now” he jested, sweeping her up mid-spin in reference to the legend, “Or else I’d have to consider declaring war on the skies.”

Michelle could not help but give him her biggest smile, “You know not even the eight winds could make me leave your side. But in the case that happens, I’d attempt to convince the gods to make you immortal with me. If that doesn’t work, I’d gladly be your diplomat and informant there for that theoretical war.”

Chuckling, he bent down to kiss her, gingerly savoring the moonlight on the other’s lips and allowing the heat to naturally build until they had to pull away for air. Since they’ve met, they always had a response for each other, whether in conversation or silence, that at first intrigued each other towards the other’s quick-witted mind, and soon developed into admiration. But it was moments like these, where they can indulge in word play, that were sweetest.

Lanterns soon began taking to the skies, carrying the first few wishes of the city for the moon to read. Lighting up their own lanterns, the couple made their way over to the plum tree, making hopes for the strength to endure and persevere and that their feelings for each other will remain resilient and unchanged, no matter what adverse circumstances they may face now or in the future. Exchanging lanterns to make the meaning full circle, the pair eased them into the sky to join with the others. At that moment, it felt as if the entire world was one.

“I wonder how many may come true, since dreams only meet you halfway unless you believe and act upon them…” Michelle mused, brushing a plum blossom off of Law’s shoulder.

“That’s something we can’t determine, but it's never too late to bring a vision to reality, if it doesn’t work out the first time. Willpower is what it takes,” he answered, walking them to the platform outside his bedroom to share the snacks he prepared.

“And grit,” Michelle added, before lifting her robes to sit down, “What kind of herbal tea did you make this time?”

“It’s he shuo wu. From my notes, it’s beneficial for heart conditions, inflammation, blood circulation, and calms the nervous system,” Law relates. However, knowing that Michelle read books regarding apothecary and herbs in her free time, he decided to allow her to fill in what he left out.

“I see…but he shuo wu is also an aphrodisiac for vitality and fertility, isn’t it?” Michelle arched a brow at him with a touch of minx-like mischief in her tone.

He smirked at her sharpness and toasted their cups, “Perfect observation. But that trait was secondary in my mind when I selected this. I was only thinking about our health.”

“Of course, how could the son of an upright doctor have such intentions as his primary concern?” her lips curled in amused sarcasm, letting the sweet and earthy taste wash over her mouth. It complemented well with the salted egg in the mooncake they shared and amplified the sweetness of the lotus root paste. Michelle offered Law to rest in her lap, so he could have a full view of the sky, yet between the conversation and her fingers running through his hair, their eyes kept straying from the moon and falling on each other.

Art by @/vvivon_ on Twitter

“Remember when we were stationed in Xiapi, and there was a night where I was painting on you? I don’t think I was able to finish my design, since we were interrupted,” Michelle recalled, finding herself intoxicated by the way the lights around them illuminated his skin.

“How could I forget?” Law gave an amused sigh, beckoning her down for another kiss to break the growing fragrant tension in the air, “Are you saying you want to paint on my back again?”

“The night is still young and we finally have time to ourselves…” she hummed, playing with his hair, “It’s been awhile since I wielded a brush for art instead of issuing a report.”

Law only grinned, reading the double-entendre in her voice, “Alright, let me get the inks from my study.”

To be continued in Part 2…👇

Tagging: @the-phoenix-and-the-witch, @conchasweetheart, @friendly-kaiju, @undercoverweeeb

[unit-zero-two]

Queer Representation in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

13 Sentinels was a game I picked up because the trailer looked neat. I had no clue what the gameplay was even like, I just felt adventurous. And I was rewarded with a fantastic game that constantly surprised me in the best possible ways. One of the ways I was surprised was in the actual textual existence of queer characters. Plural. And with a queer relationship developed and promoted prominently on screen between main characters.

Now, with the increase in queer media around the board, this alone isn’t worthy of praise. My enjoyment, and I suspect that of a lot of people, comes from the fact that there was no expectations or promises made, and yet the game still delivered. It was just there, causally, in a AAA game published by a decently well known studio. It’s a good example of what we’re asking for when asking for queer rep. It being allowed to casually exist and flavor games that aren’t just dedicated to telling these stories.

Like a lot of media if you go in expecting flawless queer representation suffusing every aspect of the game, you will be disappointed. This is a game with 15 main characters and most of the cast ends up in straight relationships. But not all of them. And past those relationships, there is still a queerness that is allowed to exist and be shown throughout this game that constantly impressed me.

I will work through the textual, on screen examples of queer representation one by one. There will be spoilers for this game in the post, so if that is something that you care about, please finish the game first before continuing. Due to the non-linear storytelling and gameplay nature of 13 Sentinels I can’t really set timestamps or anything. If you’re not done yet, but still curious to read, I personally feel like nothing I say here will ruin the experience for you. Through it’s strange nature, this is arguably a spoiler proof game and knowing what is to come can help you view the events in a different, but still enjoyable, light.

Textual Queer Representation in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

The place for us to begin will be with one of the 13 playable characters, Takatoshi Hijiyama. Hijiyama is very much a young man defined by when he was raised in the story. 1945 Japan in the middle of WW2. He is nationalistic and proud of Japan, it’s culture and tries to stand for it’s values. While training to be a Sentinel pilot, he falls for the demure Kiriko Douji, daughter of the professor in charge of the project. His prologue begins with him following Kiriko and finding her operating a time travel system. Kiriko reveals three things: 1) she’s the real scientist behind the project, 2) her real name is Tsukasa Okino and 3) she is a he. Okino leaves 1945 and Hijiyama chases after him. What then follows is a very clear romance storyline as Hijiyama works though self-discovery of his sexuality, his internalized biases and some good old jealousy.

Throughout his story, Hijiyama shows attraction to Okino both dressed as a woman and as a man. It’s made clear that the clothes and gender presentation aren’t the main defining factor for his attraction to Okino. He also shows attraction to some of the girls, implying a sort of bisexuality. But in the end, Okino is the one he directs his attention and dedication. The pair even share a robot in the final battle.

Next we have Takatoshi Hijiyama...of 2188. Through a data log Hijiyama finds during his story he finds out that his self of 2188 was in a committed, queer relationship with Tsukasa Okino of 2188. The two openly express their love for each other in the logs, and Hijiyama 2188′s final words are to mourn the death of his lover. The game makes it very clear what their relationship is. And watching this is a turning point for Hijiyama and how he views Okino. Seeing the death of Okino 2188 shakes him, and hardens his resolve and love.

Tsukasa Okino is an interesting character for many reason. We see him first dressed as a woman. When asked about it, he comments “Let’s just say some binaries work for me, and others don’t.”. Throughout the story, Okino alternates between being dressed as a man and a woman. He’s a very practical person and expresses several times his thoughts on both forms of dress and the pros and cons he finds in wearing them. But he never says, “I’m actually a man/woman or I prefer to wear men’s/women’s clothing.” To him, both forms are equal and he switches between them as he feels like through the story. There is also a point in the epilogue where Okino reveals that he can hack into the simulation and change his gender if he wishes. He then offers to turn into a woman and to sleep with Hijiyama. This is a very confident offer made by someone secure in their identity and sexuality. Hijiyama is understandably flustered at the teasing.

Okino openly shows sexual attraction to Hijiyama, mostly presented as teasing jabs at him. As with 2188 Hijiyama, 2188 Okino is explicitly in a Queer relationship and openly affectionate in the data logs. For the most part, present day Okino is busy during the narrative trying to save everyone from the Kaiju, but still finds time to flirt with Hijiyama.

Hijiyama and Okino are the clearest in text examples, but there’s one other stand out example. Iori Fuyusaka. For the most part she spends her story being boy crazy and confused by strange dreams, but there are two interesting moments with her. The first is during the battle section. One of the scripted after battle sections plays and it’s Iori tripping and she scrapes her hand. Yuki Takamiya helps her up and puts a bandage on her hand. It is a very slow, very tender and very deliberate scene. After Yuki leaves, Iori blushes and comments, “Whoa, what the...why is my heart racing right now? Wait, does that mean...? But I didn’t think I was...I mean, what if...” This scene makes it very clear what Iori is feeling and what she is discovering about herself.

In another scene near the beginning of the game in Iori’s story, she’s looking for a cat. She comes across Juro and Shu talking to each other in secretive whispers and embarrassed blushes.

Shu: Just listen. This is a first for me too. You feel it, right?

Juro: ...

Shu: I want to pursue this with you. Please!

Juro: I dunno...it's just...

The edges of the background softens and the camera shifts to center them, soft music plays, and Iori blushes. While the scene itself is a pretty standard confused for gay joke, it’s interesting to see it from Iori’s point of view. When caught, she says:

"I, uh...umm...I think as long as you love each other...it's okay..."

Juro is embarrassed and corrects things. Shu just laughs and is amused by the idea of dating Juro.

Juro: Do you believe us [about our dreams]?

Iori: Well, actually...I'm more surprised to hear that's all it was. Cause, I thought...

She blushes and is interrupted by the bell ringing and class starting.

And in light of the scene with Yuki, it becomes interesting in reflection that her thoughts would go there so quickly. Whether she was conscious of it or not, Iori is very aware of the possibility of same sex attraction. Whether that’s clever foreshadowing or just a neat coincidence is mostly irrelevant.

Uh...that of course brings us to Yuki Takemiya. So...Yuki will get her own post. Because there’s a lot there. Most of which I would argue is heavy subtext. I love the character and her plotline, but it it would be stretching to say that she is textual queer representation. But there’s still a lot to talk about.

13 Sentinels is a game that deals in all variations of relationships; familiar, platonic and romantic, and it’s great that it included queer representation into the text like it did. Hijiyama and Okino gave us a romantic queer relationship, twice, and Iori gives us a Bi-Sexual character who while not in a relationship with a woman is still queer. And that’s always good representation.

[nothing-more-than-hot-leaf-juice]

Ok modern zuko would be an expert at breakdancing and sokka would be the guy who just bi-panicks whenever he does

(whoops, my hand slipped and I accidentally wrote a modern au headcanon turned zukka karate au one-shot) 

Okay but consider this instead: Zuko doesn’t know how to dance for shit and has horrible rhythm, but he is a GOD at martial arts. He’s been doing some type of style since he was a kid and is a full black belt by the time he hits high school. Martial arts was always something he excelled at, but it was also something that made him feel more secure. It was something he could work on to help him protect himself from his home life, even if it wasn’t enough most times. He specifically excels in weapons forms (I’m thinking twin sais) and you DO NOT want to spar with him. Because he may be skinny and shorter, but he’s quick and can hit hard at just the right spots. 

When he was younger he was obsessed mainly because he felt that belt rankings and trophies from competitions were a way to prove himself to his dad, but when he moved in with Iroh (who encouraged him to keep it up and was so proud of how talented and passionate he was about it), he basically used it in place of talking about his feelings. He didn’t talk about his home life or the shit Ozai did, instead, he put all his energy into his black belt levels, learning new weapons forms, and eventually into teaching new students as a junior instructor. 

At school, he’s awkward and asocial and just doesn’t have the energy for people. Zuko has little patience for asshole classmates who ask intrusive questions about his scar or spread rumors about where he got it. He eats lunch in his English classroom and would be a complete shut-in if Iroh didn’t get him to work part-time at the Jasmine Dragon. But in the dojo, he’s focused and is able to direct his energy into improving his forms and teaching younger teens. 

One of his newer students transferred from a different dojo after moving from a different state. He’s actually a freshman at Zuko’s high school but it’s not as if Zuko really interacted that much with him. This kid, Aang, is as talented and dedicated as he is, but has a long way to go to learn all the new katas. Zuko’s been dubbed the ‘scary’ trainer at the dojo. He’s the serious one who will yell if someone is goofing off and everyone’s seen that he has no problem using full force in a demonstration (little kids love him and he’s super nice to them, but he teaches the 12-15 age range). Plus there’s that scar, which doesn’t make him the most initially welcoming person. But this new kid Aang just latches onto Zuko immediately. He says hi to Zuko in the halls at school and works on his katas outside of regular practice times. At first Zuko thinks this sickeningly positive kid is annoying as crap, but warms up to him. He likes that Aang cares about martial arts and isn’t nice as a show, he’s just genuinely nice. 

And maybe he sees Aang hanging around school with a sophomore girl and her brother who just might be in Zuko’s calc class and English class. 

And maybe Zuko thinks this guy is insanely attractive and somehow incredibly funny even though most of his humor consists of the worst puns imaginable. 

But obviously, Zuko hasn’t attempted to ever actually talk to this guy. The most that he could classify as ‘talking’ to the cute, funny guy on the robotics club is the one day in English class when he had to respond to someone’s dumbass comment about Macbeth with what ended up being a ten minute spoken essay about obvious motifs and symbolism. To which Mr. Puns and Ponytail was very obviously paying great attention to and even gave Zuko a smile and thumbs up for. 

Zuko knows it’s pointless to engage. After all, he’s a senior and he doesn’t have any friends anyway. There’s no point in making any this year. Crushing on this guy from the comfortable position of the other side of the room is totally good enough for him. Totally. This is fine. He’s fine.  

Besides, he’s got competitions and if he doesn’t secure the regional championships this year he’s never going to get the chance after he goes to college. And he’s got his kids to train. Aang in particular is gearing up for his first debut into this area’s tournament. 

The tournament’s in October and usually, Zuko focuses on his own matches and performances, but Aang really wanted him to watch his set. So on this day, he stands on the sides of Aang’s zone instead of obsessively going through his katas in a corner.He’s not going to be able to watch the whole set because it overlaps with his own weapons portion, but he stands on the side and gives Aang a reassuring look that, ‘don’t worry, you’ll do great, you’re a talented kid,’ when his student looks over to him nervously. 

And wouldn’t you know it? Aang brought some friends to come watch. And one of them is Mr. Zuko’s Big Gay Crush. 

“Oh, hey Zuko,” are the words that come out of this guy's mouth that give Zuko a near-stroke. And damn if this guy’s eyes aren’t blue and pretty and he usually wears his hair in a ponytail at school, but now he’s wearing it down and Zuko wishes he could take screenshots with his brain because holy moly. 

“Hey.” Is the best that Zuko can get out of his dumb mouth. “You’re Sokka.” 

“Aang invited us to come watch,” Sokka nudges his head to indicate the ‘us’ includes his younger sister, who Zuko doesn’t know the name of. “How do you guys not get heatstroke during these things? It’s like a million degrees in here.” 

“Oh the gi’s pretty cold, I mean, it’s got air and stuff.” 

Zuko decided right there that he would be completely fine with being struck by lightning. Of course, that’s what his stupid brain would come up with. Of course, that’d be the thing he’d say in front of one of the smartest guys in his class. 

They watch Aang perform his set for the judges. Zuko recognizes that Aang took his advice when he said that he wasn’t putting enough force into his hits. He’s never seen Aang be as, well, aggressive isn’t the right word, but he’s definitely putting more power into his form. Zuko wouldn’t admit it, though, but only part of his attention was for Aang at the moment. The other part was for Sokka, who was smiling bright and pumping his fists when Aang completed a row of kicks. 

The small part of Zuko’s brain that wasn’t being taken up by watching Aang or trying to act normal around his crush noticed the clock on the wall indicating that the weapons portion would be starting in five minutes.  

“I’ve got to go do a thing so I’ll just, um, go do that now.” 

“Are you competing too?” Sokka asked. 

To this question Zuko just holds up his sais and raises his eyebrow as if to say ‘it’s a tournament, what do you think?’ Because yeah, he knows Sokka’s super smart, he’s seen him churn out calc answers at the speed of light and noticed his name on the robotics club awards update on the school’s website, but he’d also seen Sokka eat 5 packs of fundip at once on a dare and unironically wear a ‘women want me, fish fear me’ t-shirt for most of junior year. Somehow he had managed to fall for the smartest dumbass on earth. 

“Oh yeah, right.” Sokka eyes the sais and then looks right at Zuko’s face, “Aang says you’re really good.” 

Zuko decides that thinking about Aang talking to Sokka about him was something he didn’t need distracting him during his set. That was something he could anxious about later. 

“Hopefully good enough for those five assholes,” Zuko replies, gesturing to the panel of judges in the weapons section of the gymnasium. To his shock, Sokka laughs. It’s a nice laugh, too. And Zuko really hoped he could blame the blush that was one-hundred-percent creeping up his face on the lack of AC. 

“You know, you’re pretty funny man,” Sokka tells him. Zuko has no clue how to take that compliment, but he really does need to go. 

“Right,” he grins nervously and shifts his left foot around to bounce away, “well I have to go do my thing.” 

“Good luck!” 

That’s where Zuko thinks the beginning and end of his interaction with Sokka would be. 

The weapons portion thankfully goes by age. And since Zuko’s one of the youngest competitions, he gets to go first for his sai katas. This is what literal years of training have prepared him for. At regionals last year, the second advanced kata got him placed high enough to qualify for states. This is what he’s good at. He tells himself that a thousand times before starting his set. 

There’s not a thought in his head as Zuko goes through the form. The sais glide through his fingertips with every jab, block, and hook. The imaginary opponent doesn’t stand a chance. He’s cool and competent and graceful. It’s therapeutic in a sense. There’s enough adrenaline to make Zuko feel like he’s worth something, but more importantly, he knows he’s nailing this. Whatever the judges say about it, he knows that he’s perfected this form after practicing it at least a thousand times over three years. 

The judges agree with him. He’s the first competitor of the weapons portion but there isn’t really a doubt in their minds about who’s going to place. 

Zuko zones back in to the gym after bowing to the panel. He walks off, feeling lighter and letting a satisfactory smile take over his face. 

He expects the hug from Uncle and the proud smile from Sensei Piandao, but what he doesn’t expect is to see Sokka, eyes wide as globes, staring at him from the other side of the mat. 

Because what Zuko doesn’t know is that the second he turned his wrists in his first form during his hooks, Sokka’s brain went into Full Bi Panic Mode. 

And Zuko thinks the one conversation where he couldn’t talk like a human and wanted to die for most of it would be the only time Sokka would decide to willingly talk to him. Zuko is dead wrong. Sokka, in fact, has decided that this, this is the guy his Disaster Bi Brain has decided to latch onto. Sokka’s brain and all his squishy feelings have apparently decided to attach to this aloof kid with the scar who reserved his voice for eloquent, impassioned speeches about dramas and was apparently an actual god with weapons. Sokka decides that Zuko could roundhouse kick him in the side and he’d thank him. And right now Zuko’s looking at him with a dumbfounded expression, prompting Sokka to remember how to function so he can go over to congratulate Zuko and maybe ask if his dojo provides a free trial. 

So yeah, that one conversation ends up decisively not being the end of anything. 

[onewithnomightypowers]

clandestine (chapter 1)

PAIRING: Tom Holland x fem!Reader

SUMMARY: Y/N is an up and coming actress, married to a once hotshot actor, Harrison (Haz). What happens when her co-star, Tom, makes her realise that she is stuck in a loveless marriage. A marriage starts crumbling and a new romance stars brewing.

Chapter 1: too wise to trust

A/N: y/n is bisexual but not paired with a women. the characters have been aged up. the characters in no way portray how these ppl are in real life. i do not encourage cheating. i hope you guys like it as much is i do. if you want to be tagged them pls tell me. also comments are appreciated as they motivate me to write more and i love to know how you guys feel about the story.  

warning: cursing, mention of miscarriage, mention of sex, mention of cat calling, angst. fluff? 

word count: 1.4k

important: character thoughts are bold and italic, flashback is in italic

masterlist   series masterlist   chapter 2

She picked up her makeup bag from her vanity and started walking towards her empty suitcase which was wide open on her bed. “What time is your flight?” Haz asked while walking into their bedroom. “I think it’s at 6:30 in the evening but the car will be here to pick me up at 4”, she replied whilst folding her clothes.

“So we have at least an hour to us”; he pulled her by the waist and started kissing her neck. She tried pushing his chest away but failed miserably. “Haz, I’m not in the mood, please stop”

“Fine. But you have been saying that for months now”, he was frustrated.

She ignored his words like always. 

He was right. They hadn’t had sex for at least five months now and it was starting to gain on Harrison. Their marriage, which had been ‘couple goals’ according to the internet, was now slowly falling apart. It was clear that Y/N was falling out of love but she couldn’t find grounds for it. She couldn’t reason it by making him the villain because he was a good man who, in theory, had done nothing wrong. Though, to her, it felt like he had. Maybe he didn’t love her enough or maybe all had gone astray when they had lost their baby last year.

“Will Tom be there?” his words felt like venom, entering her bloodstream.

She placed her hand on her forehead, trying to indicate that she did not want to have this conversation or the inevitable fight, again.

“Of course he will be there, he is my co-star. You should get off the internet, it’s feeding you poison”, she said in an almost nonchalant way. Trying her best not to give him the satisfaction of a reaction to his name. His name, which did not mean anything to her. Tom was her colleague whom the internet liked to ship her with, but he was just a friend. Haz found it hard to believe this because the internet told him so. Their relationship was so far gone that he had no other way of knowing what was going on in her life. 

His wife was so far gone. She was as distant as the sun is from the moon. The distance left coldness between them. The kind of cold that you feel when you pass a stranger. She was a stranger to him and the only reason he could think of was that she and Tom were having an affair. This was not true, but the ache in his soul found comfort in painting Tom as the villain. 

“I don’t believe you”, Haz spat out.

She threw her heels inside the suitcase in anger. “What do you not believe? That Tom is my co-star? Is that what you don’t believe?” her voice was louder than before.

“I don’t trust him.” Haz matched her voice.

“Do you trust me?”

Trust? Her? How can I trust a stranger?

It was his turn to ignore her.

She zipped her bag, put on her shoes, and left the room. “Fuck you”, she cried before slamming their apartment door and leaving for London.

--

Y/N had first met Tom at a cast and crew dinner in New York, six months ago. Greta, the director, had invited both her and Haz but he had decided to opt-out of the ‘fancy’ dinner. Y/N was excited to meet her new co-stars and mark the starting of a new project, a new phase in her life.

It was cold in New York, she figured she shouldn’t wear a dress. She put on black stockings underneath blue bell-bottoms to keep her warm. She wore a dark grey American Eagles t-shirt and over that, a tan leather trench coat. She liked commuting via subway because she believed ‘nobody gives two shits about who is sitting next to them on the train’; and a town car was much slower, especially when it had been snowing. She stuffed her heels in her purse and wore her commuting shoes.

Tribeca to West Village was a good ten minutes train. Her travel was mostly uninterrupted except for the catcalls which felt like the usual to a native. Just before ringing Greta’s doorbell, she got out of her Converse and wore her heels.

Y/N entered a packed house. Almost everyone was there and she was late. But someone was to arrive even later than her. She examined the room, everyone was mingling with each other. She didn’t know anybody there except Noah Baumbach from the time she auditioned for ‘marriage story’. She didn’t get the part but still loved the movie. She realized Tom was missing.  

Greta pulled her into a conversation about when the production of the movie would start or something like that. She wasn’t really paying attention. She was so eager to meet Tom that her eyes couldn’t stop roaming around the room, trying to find him, and just when she thought he wouldn’t show up, he did. 

Everybody’s head turned towards him when he entered the living room. It was as if every person in the room wanted him, including her. His dark brown hair, falling into place like a domino, had snowflakes in them.

“Excuse me”, Greta gave a small smile to Y/N and walked over to Tom. She greeted him and politely touched his back. “Now that everyone is here we should take the party to the dining hall”, she said in a loud and cheerful tone.

Following Greta, everyone started moving towards the dining hall. Tom sat right across Y/N on the grand dining table. “Hi, I’m Tom”, he introduced himself in his thick British accent. “And he’s English”, Y/N said, adding to her list of things she found captivating about Tom.  

“And?” Tom gave her a confused look.

Shit. I said it out loud.

“I-I mean hi, I’m Y/N”, she tried to cover up her mistake.

His dark brown eyes on her, made her thoughts run wild. It was wrong enough to feel right. The dinner was served and small groups of conversations were taking place. Somehow the whole table took on the topic of bisexuality. Y/N felt obligated to take part in the conversation, being part of the community herself. 

“I think bisexuality is a gateway to being gay”, Tom said to the whole table.

“You’re being bi-phobic, Tom”, Y/N called him out. All eyes were on her now.

“And how do you know that?” Tom asked Y/N.

“Because I am bisexual, and any decent human being would know that”

“Are you calling me indecent?”

“No, I’m calling you bi-phobic”

“But aren’t you married to a guy?”

“That doesn’t change my sexual orientation, and you’re being bi-phobic. Again.” There was silence, everyone was listening carefully. 

“Okay, so please explain to me how I’m being bi-phobic?”

“Just the fact that you believe bisexuality is a gateway to being gay and me being married to a guy, means my bisexual card has been revoked, portray your biphobia”

“I am a little confused”, Tom said while reaching for his wine glass. 

“Someone who is bisexual is attracted to both men as well as women. It isn’t a gateway to being gay, it is a legit sexuality of its own”, 

“Hmm, I suppose I stand corrected. I’m sorry if I offended you or anyone. I will go home, do the research and try to be more open-minded”, said Tom, smiling.

“Good”, Y/N said, feeling accomplished and impressed by Tom’s ability to accept his mistake.

Haz would have never accepted that he was wrong.

Y/N felt wonderstruck. Blushing all the way home. She hoped Tom knew how enchanting it was for her to meet him. She wondered if someone was waiting for him at home, like someone was waiting for her. She wasn’t quite sure whether Haz was waiting for her to reach home or not.

She reached home to an empty bed. Not knowing what to make of it, she got ready to sleep. 2 AM and Haz was still not home. She didn’t try to reach him because she knew all phone calls would go straight to voice message and all messages would go unreplied. She closed her eyes, feeling indifferent towards Haz. Even in her sleep, her mind echoed Tom’s name. She was unaware of the treacherous road ahead of her. And that gave her comfort. His thought gave her comfort.

[beelspillowpet]

Brothers reactions to a fem disaster bi MC who swoons over like every fem demon they see in the devildom?

Just got finished screaming over how much I LOOOOOVE THIS PROMPT. BI DISASTER YEEEEAAAAHHHH

Thank you for being the first to request something from me! 😭😭😭 I apologize in advance that these hcs aren't SUPER FOCUSED on the MC being a female themselves, but I tried my best with sneaking it in there when I could!

I've decided that along with MC, the brothers are also bisexual for the prompts too! You can be a mess together! <3 Sorry it took so long!

~

Lucifer

Oh. You seemed so interested in that girl who passed you by. You were smitten, he might say. Never mind it, he didn’t want to assume anything of it. Maybe you were just really fond of that girl's appearance.

The next girl he spotted you talking with, he was a bit concerned. You shouldn’t be off making friends with just ANY demons. They could be plotting to take your soul if you aren’t careful. Your palette seemed to be meshed, you were now talking to boyish women and feminine men. It was starting to come together for him now that you are, in fact, bisexual. A truly chaotic one, at that.

Over the next few weeks, he sees you flourish more and more with your obsession over women and men together. It’s not like you’ve forgotten about him, far from it. In fact, sometimes he listens to you rant about how beautiful this girl is at RAD, talking about her eyes or her lips. Other times he listens to you cry over how absolutely GORGEOUS this man is. He will never admit that he finds your taste in men and women to be quite similar to his. Almost exactly the same.

He listens to you sometimes talk to his brothers about how unrealistically, unreasonably cute, that girls are. You don't have nearly as much energy talking about men than you do women, but it's still there. He doesn’t really indulge you as much as he should, but he gives you enough input to invite you to keep ranting about BEAUTIFUL women and men.

Mammon

Same, dude. Same.

Mammon is a powerful bisexual, and you are the one who made him realize this(?!). He pretends he's not listening to you half the time, but he's hanging on your every word. When you two hang out, sometimes you push your D.D.D to his face to show you another model you've found on Devilgram. "His abs are SMOKIN' hot, Mammon, look!!" He has to agree. He's got a nice body. "Look at her soft face! She's SO unbelievably cute! And those curves, oof!”

He's watching you swoon and he can't believe it. You're both chaotic disasters, swooning over man and woman alike. You put much more life into your talks about women than you do men, and it worries him sometimes that he might not actually give him the time of day whenever he works up the courage. When you talk about those cute women, he does mostly still think about you. You have such beautiful eyes, and soft hair, when he's allowed to touch it. He wonders why you haven't seen it yourself.

At some point he let's it slip that he, himself, may or may not be bisexual, when you catch him scrolling through Devilgram of some of the models you've shown him in the past. The two of you spend hours on end, swooning over every male and female in sight.

Leviathan

You two are feral bisexuals. Especially fond of girls. Leviathan and you have both played those H-games. You know the ones. He catches you from time to time, listening to ASMR of girls patting your head or talking you through a rough patch in your life. He definitely knows when you're listening to lewd audio clips of women too.

He thinks for a while that you're a lesbian, and he's completely fine with that. It isn't until your attention abruptly SHIFTS when you find a SMOKIN' HOT anime boy that he realizes you are a disaster of a bisexual. Sometimes it's like a day and night shift with you. When you see girls at anime conventions you swoon uncontrollably. Gripping his arm and giving those compressed SCREECHES from the throat with shut lips. He can't help but think you're hyperbolic sometimes.

Deep down inside, he feels the exact same way. It's just too embarrassing to act like that though. But even though he feels that way, he watches you shuffling over to the cosplayers and otaku girls and asking for pictures. If you're lucky, you might even score a number from one of them! How dare you have better social skills than him? It's SOOO not fair??

He decides one of these days he'll take a page out of your book. He'll happily geek out about girls to you (especially if there's a Ruri-Chan cosplayer!?) and occasionally about the guys too. You both lean towards females anyway, and he's glad he's found someone just like him.

Satan

Oh. Girls? Guys? He's here, and he's listening.

He doesn't have any picture books, but the way the books describe some of the women? *chef's kiss* He loves it! He's watched you attempt to capture their beauty on paper (or tablet and laptop!) and smiles at your attempts. He calls them attempts because that's what you call them. "Nothing I do can truly capture the beauty that is any female that exists here." And he AGREES.

He finds your ridiculous chanting of GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS to be a riot. He joins in if it means pissing Lucifer off with the noise pollution. When you shift to guys, he's still as vocal as before. You probably aren't that great at drawing guys yet, but that's cool. He appreciates your enthusiasm. You catch him staring at you from time to time, and you wonder if he ever thinks you're as cute of a girl as the other ones you two fawn over.

Like a distorted clock, you talk about girls for at least two hours of his time, and then another hour about boys. He can't believe how much energy you put into loving women. He wonders if you're like Asmo, and just appreciate women a little bit too much. After all, the previous mention of chanting GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS is still fresh on his mind. You really are a messy bisexual, but you're his favorite messy bisexual, at least.

Asmodeus

OH HECK YEAH. YOU BOTH ARE A WRECK!

GIRLS. BOYS. GIRLS. BOYS. It's a never ending cycle with you two. It's like you're rabid animals, constantly going out to The Fall for the scoop on the next hottest guy to walk in. When you see a girl though, it's like you're straight out of a cartoon. You don't howl or whistle or anything of the sort that may be unsightly or rude but you ARE WATCHING. RESPECTFULLY.

You and Asmo are unashamed when it comes to flirting with men and women alike. You share tips that have worked in the past for each other, and having the Avatar of Lust give you pointers is a nice bonus overall. Asmo thinks for a while that you are a normal bisexual, but he's proven wrong when you find a group of beautiful women, who you hyper focus on for the next few weeks. He's honestly impressed.

It's like your attraction to men has almost disappeared, and he worries that perhaps you don't love him more than any woman you run across in the Devildom anymore. Your attention to men is still there with passing comments of "yeah he's really cute" but you're RIGHT BACK to the topic of GIRLS. he can't blame you. Women are QUEENS, just like you're an absolute QUEEN to him. He's more than happy to indulge some lewd talk about women, and you both spend hours doing exactly that most nights.

Beelzebub

Oh, that's cool. Someone else in this house likes both men and women. He's glad you're comfortable sharing so much with him. Usually when you do go for jogs in the morning, he watches you at his side while he listens to you. There's apparently this blonde woman with dark skin and she looks absolutely DIVINE. His brain focuses on imagining a pretzel with salt sprinkled over it, and he drools. He likes that thought, very much.

It's when you see said jogger does he truly realize your fixation on women is something to be feared.  You're practically floating when she jogs by, almost wanting to go after her. Beel stops you, and asks if you're okay, worried that you might trip over your own feet if you swoon any harder. He thinks its cute. You start to dress like this jogging woman, wearing her color scheme in hopes that she'll notice you. Maybe he'll try to help and play wingman for you.

He doesn't open up about it at first, but eventually he does finally speak up when you bring up a man you see at the gym with him from time to time. He blushes a bit because he knows immediately who you're talking about. You like that guy, and Beel really likes him too. When you two see him at the gym, you both swoon a bit too much. While spotting Beel one time, he passed by and Beel nearly dropped his weights on his chest. This caused a bit of attention your way and flustered, you helped Beel set the weights back up and make sure he was okay. That wasn't the first or last time an accident happened at the gym either.

At the Fangol games, it's even worse, somehow. You sit as close as possible to the field, and halftime is your FAVORITE time. All those cute cheerleaders? Cheering for their teams? You forget in all the glory that is the ABSOLUTE BEAUTY OF WOMEN that you're supposed to be rooting for Beel. You spend the rest of the game reimagining the routines that were performed, and Beel is right there admiring them too. Quietly, at least. You're a bit too enthusiastic about your love for women, and Beel thinks you're cheering louder for them than you are for him when he's playing. He doesn't mind it too much though. He'd probably be the same way, provided he let loose a little more.

Belphegor

He doesn't bother with you. It's like you talk a mile a minute, only interested in girls for the most part. Occasionally you'll talk about a hot guy, and well, he's listening but... It's sort of hard for him to fall asleep with all your rambling about women. With such detail, it's like you're trying to give him material to imagine while he sleeps.

Belphie tries his hardest not to tell you to quiet down sometimes. He's forced to come to RAD, he's stuck by your side, mostly because your taste in men and women are quite similar to his. He's been sorely lacking on the cute girls and guys here at RAD, but he can count on you to provide eye candy for him. Not that he's going to act on it. Most of the time, he's too busy trying to block out your constant rambling. He notices it's mostly about women.

He thinks you're insecure at first, trying to appeal to him, presumably a straight guy, while appearing interested in men to seem straight too. He let's it be known for your comfort, if you like girls more than guys, then it's fine. He's not one to care or judge others on their interest. An anarchist at heart, and your chaotic bisexuality freak-outs are what he lives for. If you were more quiet about it, he would find it easier to fall asleep to. He manages to do that a few times.

Let's it slip while talking about a dream he had that he's interested in guys too. Maybe a little more than you are, though. 50/50 at best. He doesn't really encourage you to talk more about the girls you absolutely DROOL over, but whenever you two are out and you spot a woman, he's always side eyeing you and telling you to wipe your mouth. He sometimes makes a show of it, teasing you by panting like a dog, or telling you to heel. It's all in fun though, and he lets up before it gets too embarrassing.

[spidersfanfics]

Late Night Revelations

Josuke x Okuyasu CW: Coming out, would probably be rated “Teen” on A03

Happy pride month! I’m finally posting again! I’ve been doing nothing but long form fics for a while now so Tumblr has been getting neglected. But now, for the first time ever you guys are getting a fic *before* it gets posted over on Wattpad. Now, onto the description.

Okuyasu tries to explain why girls are a big deal to a very confused Josuke. Things go nowhere until they realize two things. One, Josuke is very gay. And two, Josuke is more of a hands-on learner.

Okuyasu collapsed onto the bed with a groan. “Man, I still can’t believe Koichi already had plans tonight. And with Yukako no less.”

“Yeah,” Josuke agreed, flopping down next to him. “I mean we probably should have known he might be busy but still. Kinda sucks that he blew us off for a girl.”

“What? No way, dude,” Okuyasu said quickly as he propped himself up on his elbows. “He’s the lucky one here. I wish I could hurry up and get a date already.”

Josuke raised an eyebrow at him, “You know I really don’t get it when you go on about stuff like that. What’s so great about dating girls anyway?”

“Bro, what’s not great about girls?” Okuyasu gaped at him, “They’re so pretty and cute. And when a girl likes you and compliments you. Man, that's the best feeling in the world.”

Josuke sat up and scrunched up his face. “I dunno dude, compliments are cool no matter who they come from. You say nice things about my hair all the time.”

Okuyasu flushed slightly and glanced away. “Sure, but when you like someone and they like you back, it’s just different.”

He moved to a seated position and cleared his throat, “Trust me.”

“Oh yeah?” Josuke asked, narrowing his eyes dramatically, “Give me an example.”

Okuyasu thought about it for a moment. “You can’t just put me on the spot like that,” he joked before side-eyeing Josuke, “I’m not really into anyone at the moment…” He trailed off for a moment then grinned mischievously, “But your mom’s pretty hot.”

Josuke laughed and shoved Okuyasu playfully, “Shut up dude, even I know that’s weird to think about.”

“Okay okay,” Okuyasu said, joining in on Josuke’s laughter. “What about that Sugimoto girl? She’s pretty, right?”

“The ghost?” Josuke asked, reaching over to whack Okuyasu with a pillow. “Koichi said she was nice but she’s also dead. What would even be the point?”

Okuyasu huffed and gave Josuke a pointed look, “I guess I just have a thing for people I don’t actually have a chance with.”

Josuke ignored the comment and stuck his tongue out, “I dunno dude, sounds fake. How do you even know when you like a girl?”

“You just kinda do, I guess,” Okuyasu said with a shrug. “You get really excited to see them and being really close to her gives you all these fluttery feelings.” He made a face and looked to gauge Josuke’s reaction. “It’s hard to explain but that’s basically the gist of it.”

Josuke frowned, “That’s what crushes are like? But even just with my friends sometimes I-” He cut himself off abruptly as his face flushed red.

“Your friends what?” Okuyasu asked, “Why’d you stop talking?” There was a long pause before a hint of suspicion crept over his face. “Wait, do you have a crush on someone? But you don’t really have any female friends. Except for Yukako I guess but she’s dating Koichi. Are you hiding somebody from me?”

Josuke shook his head wordlessly.

Okuyasu scrunched up his face in concentration. “Well if that’s not the case, then that leaves only the guys,” he said, closing his eyes as he walked himself through his thought process. “Which means…”

His eyes snapped open and he jabbed an accusatory finger at Josuke, “You must be gay!”

When Josuke looked away almost imperceptibly, Okuyasu’s eyes widened. “No way, am I right?”

Another long pause and when Josuke did not answer, realization dawned on him. “Wait, you didn’t know either, did you? You figured it out at the same time as I did.” Okuyasu grinned smugly, “Never thought I’d outsmart Josuke Higashikata but here we are.”

“I’m not- I don’t think. I mean,” Josuke stammered, not meeting Okuyasu’s gaze.

Okuyasu hurried to reassure his friend, “No wait it’s fine, I’m bi dude. I like girls, sure, but I like guys too. It’s no big deal.” He leaned forward and put a hand on Josuke’s knee, causing him to jump.

“Dude you’re sweating,” Okuyasu said with concern in his voice.

Josuke laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. He brushed off Okuyasu’s hand and sat back a little. “I’m fine, it’s fine. I mean, maybe I am gay. That makes sense, I think. Probably. It’s fine, right? Why wouldn’t it be?”

He took a shaky breath and tried to calm himself down.

Even Okuyasu could tell that Josuke was more than a little shaken by the sudden realization that his disinterest in women might have a reason. “Hey, of course it’s fine bro. I certainly don’t care.”

“Yeah, of course,” Josuke nodded. He bit his lip nervously and looked down, “But like if it was kind of a big deal, how would I know? For sure. That I was you know... Gay.”

Okuyasu gave him a playful grin and a shrug. “I don’t know, maybe you could kiss me,” he teased, pointing at his own mouth.

Josuke flushed red and spluttered nonsense as Okuyasu laughed, “I’m only joking dude. Loosen up. I know you probably wouldn’t want to do that. I’m your best friend after all, it might be weird right?”

“Yeah,” Josuke said, nodding. “But what if, uhh, I didn’t think it was that weird?”

“Really?” Okuyasu said, sounding a little choked, his confidence visibly wavering. “You’d actually want to kiss me?”

Josuke shifted awkwardly, “I don’t know. Maybe?”

“Okay,” Okuyasu cleared his throat stiffly and moved himself a little closer to Josuke. “If you’re sure you’re okay with it.”

Josuke nodded quickly and leaned in as well. His breathing quickened and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. “I am, are you?”

Okuyasu hesitated. After a long while he looked down, “I’ve never actually done this before. With a guy or a girl.”

“That’s okay,” Josuke said, reaching out a tentative hand to his friend, “Me neither. Although I guess that’s probably obvious.” He laughed nervously before taking a shaky breath and closing his eyes.

The two embraced, slowly at first. Tentative and hesitant. But as their confidence grew, the kiss quickly turned heated. Okuyasu took the lead, pushing his tongue past Josuke’s teeth. In turn, Josuke pushed himself into the kiss hungrily, pressing himself desperately against Okuyasu’s muscular chest.

Suddenly, the moment was broken as Josuke lost his balance and fell forward, knocking Okuyasu to the bed.

They broke apart panting, both staring at the other in slight disbelief. The fact that Josuke was propped up over Okuyasu as he lay breathless on the bed suddenly hit them both and Josuke felt his face heat up. “Sorry Oku, are you alright?”

Okuyasu let his head fall back as he laughed, his eyes closed in amusement. “I’m fine,” he said as he finally caught his breath. “What about you? Did you like that?”

Josuke nodded, not quite trusting himself to speak. “Yeah, I liked that,” he managed.

His eyes grew unfocused for a moment as he suddenly realized something. His head dropped in embarrassment, ducking his chin in towards his chest. “Shit,” he swore softly, “I think I like you.”

“Well I would hope so after that amazing first kiss,” Okuyasu said lightly.

“You hope so?” Josuke’s head snapped up at this, staring down at Okuyasu once more. “You mean you like me too?”

Okuyasu nodded as best he could while looking up at his best friend and longtime crush. “I’ve liked you for a while dude. I just didn’t think I had much of a chance. You were probably straight and even if you weren’t. Well you’re just so amazing bro. Why would you ever like me?”

Josuke pouted slightly, “How are you so chill about this? Usually I’m the one that has it all figured out before you do.”

“Hey I’ve gotta have the upper hand on something, right?” Okuyasu laughed, “I may not be the brightest but I know who I am.”

He reached up to give Josuke a friendly punch in the arm. But what he didn’t account for was how on edge Josuke was.

The moment his fist made contact, despite how gentle he’d been, Josuke flinched, pushing himself off balance. With a dull thud, Josuke collapsed forward onto Okuyasu, knocking the breath from both of them.

“Sorry!” They both exclaimed at the same time before making eye contact and bursting out laughing.

“So it’s okay that I like you then?” Josuke asked as their laughter died down.

“More than okay,” Okuyasu reassured him.

Josuke nodded thoughtfully, “What does this make us?”

Okuyasu considered it for a moment, “Boyfriends I guess, if you want.”

“I think I’d like that,” Josuke said, rolling off of Okuyasu. “If you would.”

“Of course I would,” Okuyasu said quickly, moving to lie on his side. “You’re my best bro, I’d like that more than anything in the world.”

Josuke blushed at how earnest Okuyasu’s words were and mirrored his position. “Well in that case, can I kiss you again?”

“You don’t even have to ask,” Okuyasu laughed, already leaning in.

[notmrskennedy]

NSYNC’s Greatest Hit

Spencer Reid x GN!Reader

A/N - So I wrote this on national coming out day in like twenty minutes. Here we are much later but I hope you like it. Hopefully as much as I liked my bestie’s edits on it (btw I hope you get the title joke - I’m such a nerd whoops)

Summary - Reader doesn’t know how to tell their best friend that they’re bi...

W/C - 1.4k

Warnings - I swear like a sailor’s mother and general coming out anxiety 

----------

“So, did you like the movie?” he asks and if I’m completely being honest, I’ve forgotten he’s speaking to me. Spencer’s been splitting his time between excitedly explaining what I think might be the plot of this Saturday night movie, and animatedly telling the Saturday night movie—and I might be wrong—to fuck off. But I can’t be 100% sure.

Because the movie’s in Korean.

And he’s forgotten how to speak English for the last hour and a half.

I’ve known Spencer for a really long time, and we’ve had our fair share of grievances over the last however long we’ve been practically family. My biggest problem with him, though, was that he never would explain the plot of a movie to me in English. He would sit on my couch, eat my popcorn, promise that this time will be different, and then explain an entire Korean film to me in Korean. As if I hadn’t barely passed high school!

Sure, I never really mind the rambling—English, or whatever his new language obsession is—but tonight is different. Tonight, I’m more focused on where my ex-roommate had stashed her very forgotten vodka bottle in this stupid apartment. Or if the liquor store around the corner would sell to a girl who didn’t really look 23 and had lost her license.

I know Spencer is staring at me, but I can’t break the circle of thoughts. Vodka, liquor store, vodka, liquor store, vodka—

Can’t he stop looking at me? Can’t he stop looking at the sweat beading on my forehead? Just quit analysing the way I’m biting my nails off, finger by finger? Can’t he just stop looking? Before I fucking combust?

It’s hard enough to admit to myself that maybe—just maybe—I’m not just jealous of pretty girls. And maybe—just maybe—it’s not all that dissimilar to how I look at pretty boys. Because there are a lot of girls that are pretty. Ethereal. Too fucking hot for me to form a coherent sentence.

How is this unobservant idiot going to take the news? I didn’t take it well, and I admitted it to myself!

Here we are, sitting on this ragged old couch—the one that he nearly had a coronary over when I told him I’d got it over Craigslist—imprinted with the pair of us. What am I going to do if he doesn’t take the news well and I have to stare at this couch every day? What am I going to do with a reminder of the friendship I’d lost?

“Y/N? Am I speaking Korean again?” he asks again and I swallow in acknowledgement. If I just move my head. Come on, Y/N, just look at him. There’s no point though; if I look at him, I have to actually tell him. Actually come out of the closet. I haven’t thought up a good joke yet to ease the inevitable pain.

But he’s Dr. Freaking Spencer Reid, FBI profiler! Shouldn’t he be able to see right through me? He should know. It would be so much easier if he just knew. I want him to be able to read my mind and tell me what I should tell him.

“It’s not Korean,” I finally manage to force out. His eyebrows furrow, his cheeks tighten, his brain is working three million miles an hour to determine if I’m dying.

It’s not dying, it’s...wanting to shrink back into the couch cushions so I don’t have to work up the courage. The courage I’ve been trying to work up for weeks. The courage that is keeping my eyes on the screen even as the credits begin to roll.

He nudges me with his elbow. “Are you—are you okay? You seem kind of shaken up.”

I chance a glance at his adorable, concerned, puppy eyes and think about crying. This is Spencer—my best friend—and if he doesn’t know already, then maybe I should just stay in the closet.

What if I shattered our relationship? I mean, I know that Spencer isn’t going to hate me over this, but my brain is throwing a fit. I feel like I could run or puke ‒‒even before I’ve had the chance to drown my worries with an entire liquor store‒‒ or god, maybe both. My brain is screaming that he’ll laugh, make some comment about a threesome. I mean, what if Dr. Spencer Reed was secretly some dude-bro in a…fantastic disguise?

Peeking over, he’s definitely not a dude-bro. The rose-coloured tie is hint enough.

Spencer was so adamant about routines, distrusted change, thrived on reliability. We’d been having the same ancient fight over who was the better Doctor for at least eight years. If I changed, would he recover? Let alone, would I recover if this changed our friendship? Could I still live up to his expectations? Would he still just see me as me? Would I no longer be Y/N, but attention-seeking, indecisive Y/N?

Jesus Christ, they don’t tell you that coming out is way too fucking nerve-wracking at Orientation to Not Being Heterosexual.

“Earth to Y/N,” Spencer sing-songs, “what’s going on?”

Oh, yeah. Gotta use actual real-life words. “Oh, right, yeah. Sorry, I just—I’m just—why is this so freakin’ hard?”

Spencer groans, whines, and then drops his head into his hands. “Morgan was right, right? You’re in love with me or something and I just—“

“What?” I turn entirely towards him. Don’t even bother keeping the shock off my face. “Derek thinks I’m in love with you?”

I can’t help the laugh that bubbles out. Even when he blushes and stutters and can’t look me in the eyes anymore. It’s a blinding change of pace. He runs his fingers through his hair, tries not to let his voice wobble too much. “Are you?”

I laugh harder and wipe the tears from my eyes. “No, I’m not in love with you, Spencer. You’re like my brother.”

The relieved sigh he lets out can be heard around the world. The ‘thank god’ is harder to miss.

“Dude, I can’t believe Morgan thinks I’m in love with you. Out of everyone on your team, I’d totally be screwing Elle.”

The silence is deafening. Oh shit.

Even with the air sucked out my lungs, I fill the fucking silence royally well. “I mean—I was—there—I was going to tell you that—that—that I think I’m bi—bisexual, I mean—you know? Women and men. Men and women?”

I glance over to Spencer—jaw dropped, eyebrows furrowed, nose pinched. I know it’s him just processing the two tons of information I’d just thrown at him. I know he’s just being Spencer about it, trying his best to think before he speaks. But Jesus, would it kill him to say something?

“It explains a lot,” he bluntly snorts. A truly unhelpful tidbit of information. I groan and think about curling into a little ball. He pauses to smile to himself, nudging my foot with his. “It’s not bad! Garcia just keeps talking about how much you smile at Elle and the whole cuffed jeans thing—it just—it just makes sense.”

It was my turn to drop my jaw, but he doesn’t stop trying to prove his point that everything is starting to make sense. If anything he gets more excited. “And did you know that 3.4 women identify as lesbian or bisexual? Or that 3.6 men do? Or that Americans are more likely to report same-sex attraction but not identify as part of the community?”

“So you aren’t weirded out?”

“No,” he answers, “Why would I be? Did you think I’d be upset? Is that why you’ve been weird?”

I scrub my hands over my face. “Um, yeah, Spencer. Usually, it’s pretty hard to come out of the closet. Especially to people you respect.”

He muddles over what I’ve said. His fingers keep digging at a crease in his pants. Maybe thirty seconds later—a long thirty seconds—he cocks his head to the side and states, clear as mud, “I would’ve thought it’d be easy because you know me. I mean, you know that about me.”

“Know what about you?”

“I thought you knew that I’m sexually attracted to men and women.”

My throat constricts—not because I’m freaked out about it—but because I’m freaked out. “Did I miss this conversation?”

“I mean, I told you about how hot the main character of the movie is. And about how his girlfriend is really hot too. Did you miss that part? I spent nearly the last half hour—”

“Korean, Spencer,” I sigh. “It was in fucking Korean.”

“Oh!” he chirps and squirms like a puppy. “In that case, we get to talk about it again!”

“English, please,” I beg, and everything seems as it should be. Even if seeing the indecisive nature of our Swedish fish and sour patch kids popcorn bowl means something a little more.

[ghostiewriter]

Hi! I came across your blog today and I'm absolutely in loveee with your obx content! So I hope this isn't too much to ask but could you maybe write some Jiara headcannons about Kiara coming out to JJ as pan? I could totally see it being accidentally too, like they're out in public and Kiara sees a really pretty girl and being like: "Damn she's hot." And JJ completely being shocked (because he was surprised to hear her say that) and being like: "Kiara? Something we need to talk about?"

Hi, welcome!! Sorry this took me so long to answer but I wanted to wait until I had more time to answer it!! But it definitely isn’t too much to ask, send in whatever you please!❤️

It’s not that Kiara was necessarily secretive about her sexuality, she just never saw much reason to mention it or bring it up

She doesn’t even really view herself as pansexual, she thinks there isn’t much point in the label—she will like whoever she likes

BUT THAT IS A RANT FOR ANOTHER DAY

So whilst she wasn’t actively avoiding telling anyone her sexuality, she also didn’t go out of her way to tell them

Unlike Kiara, most people knew about JJ being bi and he was pretty open about it

It took him a while but he was soon comfortable and proud in his own skin and he sure as hell let everyone know that

That is why it shocked him so much when Kiara came out to him because they had been dating for a while, plus friends for so many years before that

It took him by surprise because she had never mentioned it once

They were out on the mainland, her parents had some errands they wanted her to run and JJ decided to tag along so they could make it like a casual date

They were chilling outside a cafe, just chatting away and doing their usual people watching

Then Kiara found herself muttering, “fuck me, I’d let her do what she wants with me” as this gorgeous woman walked past

JJ didn’t think much of it and just laughed as he responded, “willing to let me watch or am I at least invited to join my girlfriend and this other woman?”

Kiara rolls her eyes but she’s smiling when she casually comments, “hey if you weren’t in the picture, I’d be swooping in to make a move, who wouldn’t?”

And then JJ pauses as he takes in her words

Not because he think she would leave him or anything, maybe once upon a time his insecurities would’ve acted up but JJ is very sure of his relationship with Kiara

But it’s mostly because of the lack of sarcasm in her voice

It makes JJ realise she is damn serious

Kiara thinks nothing of the comment until she realises he’s fallen quiet and turns to him with raised brows

“You good there?”

And it takes JJ a moment to kinda process before he eventually just blurts out, “do you like women?”

There’s a pause

And then Kiara is kind of laughing like, “what?”

But JJ isn’t much better when he speaks up again

“I mean like…do you like women in a ‘oh she’s pretty’ kinda way or a ‘I wanna fuck her’ kinda way?”

There’s no judgement, just pure curiosity

But the silence returns

And JJ gets nervous he’s offended her

BUT THEN SHE BURSTS OUT LAUGHING

And if anything, he’s more confused now

Then she hits him with this whopper

“Jay, you know I’ve hooked up with other women before, right? Like, you aren’t being serious, are you?”

NOW JJ IS BLUSHING OF EMBARRASSMENT

And thinking back to all the keggers they went to, wondering how many times he saw Kie with a girl and just assumed they were being friendly and chatty

He also wondered how many times her disappearing off with someone for the night was to be with a girl

He then bashfully speaks up again like, “I…I don’t know, you just never mentioned it so I…didn’t assume, I guess…”

She smiles and shrugs and says that she never really goes out of her way to tell people

“So you’re bi?”

“Well, if you wanna put a label on it then I guess I would be pansexual”

“You’re attracted to pans too?”

THAT MAKES KIE LAUGH HARDER

But he then smiles and he’s like, “you know, despite my clear dumbassery today, I think it’s pretty cool you’re pan…and like, it doesn’t change my view of you…well—”

She frowns and urges him to continue, “well?”

And then he just flashes her a mischievous grin like, “well I guess you’d be more up for a threesome than I would’ve thought because I agree, that girl was fucking hot”

She just laughs and rolls her eyes, maybe even playfully shoving his head

But also

they probably did wake up the next morning with that girl in their bed and it was a hell of a night💀

[aros001]

Read through light novel vol. 8. Random thoughts.

It's funny that what's made me the angriest thus far in this series is Priestess getting her clothes stolen. Closest was Wizard Boy's arrogant ignorance. With the goblins I feel horror and disgust and yeah there's anger there too, but for whatever reason I had just such a strong reaction of "That bitch!" when the girl stole the mail from Priestess and made her cry.

The news that the first princess had been kidnapped by goblins was enough to make the king stand up from his throne.

Okay, I was mad but not that mad!

“About, that...” Witch, who had produced her pipe from nowhere, gave Priestess a heavy-lidded look. Erk... Priestess felt her heart skip a beat; she put a hand to her chest. Would she be able to have this effect on people someday? It was going to be a long time coming...

That does make me wonder, has there ever been a design for Priestess as an adult, be it official or fan-art? She is only 16, so even if she doesn't get much bustier she should still reasonably grow a bit. It's interesting to imagine her and Goblin Slayer anywhere near a similar height.

Also, this is me probably looking too deep into things, but between Witch, Sword Maiden and even a lot of her interactions with Noble Fencer, does anyone else ever get the feeling Priestess might be bisexual? I hesitate to say that because usually I dislike how often I see people insist that a deep friendship/connection/admiration immediately equals love, but how the narration sometimes describes how Priestess is thinking about some other women makes it sound a lot more like attraction than just envy over body proportions. I say bi and not just gay because she does seem to have at least some romantic feelings for Goblin Slayer, even if it is just a desire for his attention and approval.

That aside, I do really like that she wants to be more like Witch, or at least how she perceives Witch. Cool, powerful, knowledgeable, elegant, stacked. I've always had a soft spot for characters who have another person they admire as their goal to be like and are so humble that they don't quite see the positive effect they already have on those around them. The person who admires someone for their positive qualities not yet seeing that they too are admired for similar qualities.

The skin her vestments revealed was perfectly white, almost translucent, as if untouched by the sun. It meant that the tinge of rose in her cheeks was probably not just from the light. She almost seemed like a harlot—and there were temples that kept sacred prostitutes.

What the f**k is a sacred prostitute?

Given that we know High Elf Archer sleeps in the nude, that's twice in this book Goblin Slayer just barges into a woman's room while she's not dressed, first with Cow Girl and then with her to wake her up.

“I know it’s hard,” Goblin Slayer said with utmost seriousness. “When I was a child, I would lay in bed trying to find out how long I had to keep my eyes closed before it would be morning.”

Again, one of the big draws of this series for me and why I think it works is that it takes trauma seriously. The raping goblins aren't just a gimmick to make the series seem edgy. It addresses that these creature would really mess a person up and that the lingering trauma is treated with understanding, never like it's cowardice or foolishness. How this series handles Sword Maiden especially is something I really respect. She comes in to save the day at the end but it's clear it's taking everything she has just to be there. How she froze up when she was called on in the court to deal with the goblins and the relief like a bright light when Goblin Slayer came in to take the job. The position she's in of being powerful enough to face the Demon King but unable to fight "mere" goblins and no one aside from those who've personally experienced the sheer horror of the goblins able to understand, adding to her feelings of isolation and helplessness. It's really good stuff.

I remember when I first started with Goblin Slayer and I saw some people complaining that the series was kind of dull because he never fights anything other than goblins. One, that's just flat-out not true, as he's fought many non-goblin creatures. He just has no interest in fighting anything that's not a goblin. But even when it's just the goblins, I think this series does a good job at making the goblins always feel like a threat and shaking things up often enough. Giving them new tactics, new leaders, new bases of operation, even new breeds like the Goblin Paladin. Every time they're doing something even slightly different from the norm for them it always sparks some dread about what's coming. The moment this volume mentioned a band of goblins with identical tattoos marking them it was just an instant "Oh, that can't be good" from me, which leads into the Goblin Priest, a big cause for alarm given how useful Priestess has proven herself to be, which led into the weird demon arm thing. It's like complaining that a character never fights anything other than humans or dragons or vampires. The power level doesn't matter if it's the same kind of human/dragon/vampire every time. Be it the things that use goblins as their minions/followers or the goblins themselves, I personally think there's enough variety involved to keep things interesting.

A nice moment with Priestess visiting Wizard's grave (so this is the leaked image that got the false rumor started) and, something I'm really hoping for, the possible return of Fighter, even if it's just Priestess eventually finding the courage to see her again at least once. Again, the reason the goblins work is because what they do isn't just a gimmick. Several volumes after her first party's wipe, Priestess is still thinking about them, lamenting their loss, thinking about what could have been, and how difficult it'll be for them to see each other again after what happened. They weren't just Priestess' origin story, they were real (albeit fictional) people, taken before their time and violated in the worst way possible and they shouldn't be just a footnote. Be it for Priestess and Wizard's brother, they should and do still matter.

She strengthened her barriers as an attack came from a strange angle; Sage was thinking fast. It seemed likely that this thing, this shade—if it could be called that—learned by absorbing other living things. They were simply lucky that the creature it was trying to parasitize at the moment was so incredibly stupid. But... Sage gave voice to the obvious question. “How did the corpse of a goblin drop onto a mountaintop...?”

Holy shit, that's hilarious. And the best part is, there was build up to it. Back in vol. 6 when Goblin Slayer used a scroll to flood a nest he did believe there were some goblins he wasn't able to get. Throughout the series it's been noted he doesn't like using the same tricks too many times in a row in case the goblins learn from him, thus the importance of making sure every goblin he encounters he kills. If some escaped, yeah, it makes total sense he'd change to a different type of location for the Gate scroll, just in case he ever meets up with goblins whom are expecting a flood to pop out.

Second only to this with how good the set-up was has to be Priestess turning the blood from the Goblin Priest's ritual into water, ruining its sacrifice to the dark gods. She discovered she could do that last volume but it seemed like she never would again because she's forbidden from using her miracles to deliberately harm another living being (even a goblin). This was a very clever way of bringing it back, having her learn from her experiences while still being devote to the Earth Mother.

Priestess noticed that her hand was still clinging to his and blushed. She made to disentangle her fingers—hesitated—brushed his hand softly and, finally, pulled hers away. She was humiliated, pathetic, pitiful...and yet. I want to be... ...a source of strength to him. That day, she stored up the smallest of prayers in her heart. One day, she swore, she would be.

All shipping and such aside, this is something I really hope to see someday. That point in the series where Priestess is no longer Goblin Slayer's sidekick but rather his partner. Someone he can have truly walk and fight beside him as an equal, easing the burden on his shoulders, until the day all goblins are gone.

What kind of world is it where I'm thinking "Thank goodness, the princess was only severely beaten and nearly sacrificed to a dark god"?

Original Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoblinSlayer/comments/g4llnd/read_through_light_novel_vol_8_random_thoughts/

[liron-ao3]

Happy reading

Human AU Malec & Destiel Oneshot

Dean lets his eyes run over the spines of the library books in front of him. He knows that he has likely read all the historical novels in their small town library at this point, but it doesn't harm to check for new arrivals.

He spots a cover he hasn't seen before, well placed on a small tablet stand—a new accession. Awesome. He reaches out to get it, but before he can grab it, a large hand with black nail polish beats him to it, and Dean curses inwardly.

The other man follows the hand invading his view and scrutinises Dean with black-rimmed eyes. "Sorry. Were you interested in this one?"

Dean needs a moment to take the man fully in. He is a work of art from the black cowboy boots right up to the blue-tinted tips of his spiked up hair. Dean has to clear his throat. He's never seen anyone like him in their little town. He's probably from the new settlement up the hill. Many New Yorkers moved here, much to the villagers' dismay.

Mr Perfect-Style raises a questioning eyebrow, and Dean realises that he hasn't answered for too long. "Um, yeah. It's from my favourite author, and I haven't read it yet."

The other man smiles. "Same."

Dean likes the other man's voice. And his confident posture. And his taste in books. Dammit! He hasn't looked at a man for years now. Hook-ups with women are safer. But he's settled now, and Dean is pretty confident that the man gives off queer vibes with all the makeup and shiny clothes.

Dean feels courageous today and decides to check his hunch. He leans against the bookshelf and puts on his most winsome smile. "What do I have to do for you to give me way with this book? I'm a fast reader."

Two sentences without stammering. This must be Dean's new record regarding gay flirting. He's nearly proud of himself.

The other man raises the single eyebrow even higher, eyes sparkling with mirth. He gives Dean a once-over, and his lips pull into a wide grin. "I'm not sure if I should hit that," he says, and Dean freaking blushes, the smirk gliding off his face instantly.

Suffering a rebuff is bad enough. But he never hit a wall so quickly before he could even reveal all his charm. Not with women though, so...

He straightens himself and nods. "Gonna make a reservation then," he says and turns around, leaving the library without new reading fodder.

***

"Here, Mr Winchester. Happy reading," the librarian says.

Dean smiles at her as he takes the book after she scanned it together with his library card. "I'm lucky that it was returned so quickly. Two days. That's impressive."

"Maybe the other reader didn't enjoy it," she supplies with a shrug. Dean doubts that very much. He nods nonetheless. He's still a little miffed. Usually, he's so smooth when it comes to flirting with the ladies, but men still give him a headache. All those contradicting signals.

He walks out to the bus stop, and when he finds a seat in the last row, he opens the book, unable to wait a minute longer now that he has it in his hands. At the beginning of the first chapter, he finds a scrap of paper. No. It's handmade paper adorned with beautiful handwriting. Dean furrows his brow. And reads the short note.

Sorry if I was too harsh on you on Tuesday. I would like to atone. Do you have plans for the spring fair?

Dean stares at the delicate letters and numbers, then he lets out a snort and pushes the paper into the pocket of his jacket.

***

"A date would do you good," Alec says and pushes a bottle of ice-cold beer into Dean's hand. "Is he good-looking?"

Dean snorts. "Not my usual type."

"Your usual type is women. You haven't been with a single man since you came out."

Dean shrugs. "Men are intimidating as fuck." Alec snorts at that. "You have no right to make fun of me. How many men exactly did you date in the last two years?"

"That's different. I don't need a man," Alec says and slumps on the other side of the sofa.

"And I do?"

Alec scans him from head to toe. "Most definitely." Dean huffs a laugh and doesn't dignify him with an answer. "What do you have to lose? We wanted to go to the fair anyway. Ask him if he has a nice, good-looking buddy who's interested in men, and we're going on a double date."

Dean laughs out loud. "Just a second ago, you said you don't need a man."

"I don't need a partner. But a nice flirt? Why not?" Alec shrugs.

Dean shakes his head. "I won't go out with that guy just to get you laid."

Alec rolls his eyes. "Come on, man. Maybe he knows where the hot, secretly gay people are hiding in this town."

"They are assembled in this room, Alec." Dean takes a swig of his beer and shakes his head. "Wouldn't it be easier to simply be fuck buddies?"

Alec screws up his face in disgust. "You're like my brother. Don't even—urgh."

Dean giggles and plops into the sofa cushions. "Okay. I'll text him."

***

"You owe me. Big time," Castiel grumbles. "I don't care that we've been friends since kindergarten. If my date is a stupid meathead, I'm killing you."

Magnus chuckles. "Now and then, a meathead is exactly what one needs, Castiel. It's not always about finding your one true love. You know that I'm a romantic by heart, but sometimes you just need a good, mmpf," he says as Castiel covers his mouth with his hand.

He pierces Magnus with his eyes. "I know you are a bit of a lothario, but not everyone needs that to be happy." He pulls his hand away and looks at it in disgust before he cleans the lipgloss away with a handkerchief that he pulls out of his trenchcoat.

"Sorry, darling. I should've known better than to say that. But I'm sure he'll be nice." He looks at his watch. "They must be here any second. Oh, there." Magnus waves wildly at two approaching men and shouts Dean's name.

"Which one is supposed to be mine?" Castiel grunts.

"The one with the neck tattoo," Magnus smirks.

"Of course it's him," Castiel says and rolls his eyes.

***

"So, you're afraid of heights," Castiel asks Dean, who eyes Magnus and Alec in the line for the Ferris wheel.

"Yeah. Since childhood. And you?"

"I kind of fell from the sky once. Don't need a repetition of this experience."

Dean chuckles. "I can imagine. So, you and Magnus, you never…?"

Castiel looks at him in disgust. "Oh no. He's way too sexual for my taste." His eyes widen when he realises what he just said. "I mean, I love him, and he is a great guy. Smart, funny. Stylish, I guess." He squirms under Dean's piercing gaze.

"I wouldn't have expected someone like you when he promised his best-looking friend," Dean says, grinning from ear to ear.

Castiel snorts. "That's because Ragnor is on the other side of the pond, and all his other male friends are straight or heteroromantic."

"What?"

"They are asexual but like women romantically."

Dean raises his eyebrows but doesn't comment on it. Who wants to look like a complete idiot in front of a handsome guy like Castiel? Not that Dean would look at him that way. He's on a date with Magnus, after all. Magnus, who smiles at Alec in a way that Dean wasn't graced with until now.

Dean pulls his gaze from the two other men and turns to Castiel. "So, you're a professor? Of what exactly?"

"Church history." Great change of topic, Winchester. "Are you a martial arts instructor like Alec?"

"No," Dean chuckles. "I train in my spare time, but I'm a car mechanic and teach the next generation."

It's the first time that Castiel's frown smooths out this evening and a tender smile plays on his lips. "Teaching is such a great vocation, don't you agree?"

Dean thinks of his trainees and nods. "It's pretty rewarding, yeah." Dean can't take his eyes off Castiel's beautiful lips. Alec will kill him.

***

"Oh, you must go to the London Eye, should you ever be there. It's magnificent."

Alec chuckles. "I will remember that the next time I portal over."

Magnus hits his arm playfully. "I'm just so happy to finally be on a Ferris Wheel again. Castiel is such a—no, that would be mean to say. He has his reasons."

"I like people who don't feel the need to belittle others," Alec says, seemingly apropos of nothing.

"I think everyone has an intrinsic value. No matter their strengths or weaknesses." Alec smiles at him. Magnus quirks an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing," Alec smirks. "You're just really beautiful." Magnus' lips part in surprise. The sight is very distracting. "Sorry. I guess that was inappropriate. You're Dean's date after all."

Magnus looks down at his date standing suspiciously close to his friend, who usually hates it when people do that. "I don't have the feeling he's truly interested in me. Are you sure he's gay?"

Alec laughs out loud. "He's a disaster bi. Can get every woman he wants, but let a man flirt with him and he switches into panic mode."

"I figured that. I was playing hard to get and he turned the other way."

Alec chuckles. "I can imagine that. But I'm happy that you tried to get to know him anyway. Although I don't think that you two are a good match."

Magnus smirks in amusement. "Is that so?"

Alec nods and moves over to Magnus' bench. "Yeah," he says when the cabin has finally stopped swaying. "I wish you were my date."

"Why? Because we have so much in common?" Magnus snorts.

Alec shrugs. "Opposites attract." He leans in, to Magnus' ear. "And I saw you checking out my ass," he whispers over the noises of the fair.

"You have a very nice ass, Alec. Who would blame me?"

***

"Sonofabitch! I can't believe he's kissing my date!"

Castiel chuckles, and the sound worms itself into Dean's chest and settles in his heart. "They look cute together, though."

"I guess they'll take another round, huh?" Dean laughs.

"Seems that way. Would you like to walk over the fair with me?" Dean smiles at him. He intertwines their fingers and relishes Castiel's answering smile. Alec will likely not use Krav Maga on him.

[seb-owns-these-tatas]

Tickle My Pickle (Bi!Tj Hammond x You)

Characters: NSFW. Needy!Bi!TJ Hammond x You

Summary: You were in the midst of reviewing for your exams and Tj barged into your home with a need to tickle his pickle. But, then you asked where his pickle was and everything turned upside down. Including you. ;)

Warning: A LOT of sexual references. Tj being one needy hottie. Tj being pranked by his friends with some certain type of drug. Wink wink nudge nudge. No smut yet, but words are straight to the point in this one. 

Words: 1,371 words. Short. I know. Heehee. I plan to cockblock y’all.

A/N: IF YOU’RE NOT 18+ PLEASE LOOK AWAY SMOL TATER TOT.  

Oneshot Taglist: @anxiousamandapanda @hopefulfangirlblr​

Disclaimer: GIF'S and PNG'S aren't mine, however the whole one shot and edits are rightfully mine to begin with.

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME. ALSO, DON’T FORGET TO COMMENT AND REBLOG, TATER TOT!

"God, I need to tickle my pickle,"

 Tj Hammond blurted out loud as he deeply let out a sigh. Exclaiming his exasperation at everything happening around the world.

The handsome baby boy was slouched opposite of you. Top part of his body was unclad; wearing nothing but a pair of black, tight, ripped jeans. He sat with his back lazily behind the couch and at the same time, Thomas was fiddling with the pendant dangling around his neck. The silver, stainless object being one lucky charm at having the moment of its life by getting the opportunity to lay on Tj's lean, protuberant chest that you've loved to caress.

You've audibly huffed. Eyes solely on the annoying pendant that Tj has been fiddling since the moment he got there. Thus, you got no other choice but to sit in front of the cute, white, table with legs crossed while you tried to get a full on review for your test tomorrow.

You've lifted your head prior to nose diving on your notebook. A questionable gaze falling back towards your huffing baby boy who had his Crimson lips in a cute pout. There was a small smile urging your face to contort, "Your what? Tickle your what now?"

The latter huffed another audible sigh, grumbles left his lips as he shook his right leg up and down in an anxious manner or rather in a sense that he was having filthy thoughts inside his head that looked like he was riling himself up. You knew him and his ways, even knew his minimal gestures and your boyfriend seemed to be in a thirsty state that only you could satiate.

"My pickle," Tj grumbled with a tight crease of his perfectly shaped brows, voice turning gravel-like and a lot more frustrated as his leg swung faster like he was nervous or something.

"Where's your pickle? What pickle?"

Thomas didn't know what to do at that response and it just urged him to chuckle so lowly that your response made him thwart even more. He tightly bit his lip and unconsciously spread his legs apart. Manspreading at it's finest and it made you snap your eyes towards the center of him where a bulge began to tent since the moment he arrived. Nape languidly falling on the back of the couch as he momentarily closed his beautiful baby blues with a leg still swinging up and down like he was trying hard not to take off his clothes for you.

You've inspected his actions, the way he was swinging his leg up to the part where he had a prominent bulge wanting to come out of his pants. Did he seriously just took something to make himself suffer?

Your stressed out baby boy sighed a deep one, unconsciously smoothing his hand down his clothed thighs with his damp hands, his thumbs giving a swipe on the apex of his thighs before closing and manspreading his legs apart. "--And the most dumbest woman goes to...drumrolls please," Tj uttered out loud with emphasis, hands clapping together like an idiot which made you give him the stink eye, "Y/N Y/L/N!"

Now that the notebook was forgotten. A point was ticked for a man who had a mission and you noticed him grin with his eyes closed. You turned your book shut and frustratingly inquired, "What? I don't even--whatever, Hammond,"

With your hands behind your back, you've scanned your troubled baby boy. He was now sitting up right, head lifted off the couch and his set of pretty baby blues focusing on you. He licked his lips and eyed your over sized shirt. Taut nipples could be seen and he knew you were beginning to be distracted; to be turned on.

You boyfriend managed to drop a hand in the middle of his clothed thighs, thumbs softly caressing the fly that was bound to be opened. He subtly groaned to himself and just wanted to have his release since the moment he'd been on Tone's party, the latter couldn't stay put. Especially when he had received a drink from the birthday boy himself. He didn't forget to leave a loud cuss back in Tone's home because a little while later after he'd taken his drink, Tj began to sweat and feel so hot. The type of hot that he needed to quench and he didn't need those male model or women who was invited to relieve the itch he'd been feeling. That was Tone's mission, but his was different. His friend probably didn't even know that his relationship with you was actually serious. In Tone's perspective, how will it even be serious when he's a thirty year old man and you're a college student who managed to run into him in the supermarket where he had first seen Sean.

Tone has been telling him not to be serious in this relationship he had with you because what if history repeats itself and Tj unfortunately had his heart up his sleeves again?

It's like the memories brought back memories because what happened back when he saw Sean, eventually happened when he ran into you. He was scared at first because his first thoughts was that maybe it'll be a repeat of the disaster he'd had, but once he began to feel the happiness you always bring, those negative thoughts slowly went away. Slowly but surely.

"Did you just take some Viagra or something because you look bothered?"

The tone in your voice was a complete cringe. You were straight out staring at his straining bulge that seemed to stress out of its confinement, eyes squinted at the tent raging inside his pants. You reluctantly stood on your feet, planning to see if the bulge was even real. But, the truth is you just wanted to touch him.

It's been days since he hadn't visited you. Especially that you were having your exam week and you've restricted him to visit you in the midst of your review because god knows how he was a complete, utter distraction for you.

Says the feet that unconsciously went to where he sat.

Your question has been ignored by the latter, Tj didn't know how to tell you that he was pranked by one of his closest friends. Offering him a drink but actually had Viagra inside of the liquor. He couldn't help but groan at how stupid he was for not noticing his friend's grins when they offered it to him. Now, he was left all hot and bothered. Too hot and too bothered. "You are seriously the most ignorant little thing," he gravelly spoke as a matter of fact. Teeth subtly biting his lower lip as his mind simply went downwards. He could just imagine you licking his balls for all he care.

Damn, yes. He wanted you to lick his balls with all your might.

He groaned out loud and whined like a baby who haven't been giving the candy he'd been asking, "Are you even my girlfriend? Think I need to find a boyfriend too so he could tickle my pickle? Get it?" a chuckle left his lips and it grew an invisible blush on your face once you've realized what

"Oh," you wanted to smack yourself on the head for being stupid, "Oooooh, you meant--"

Your Tj nodded a huge one. Humming as he does so and his pretty baby blues met yours in a longing and devouring state, his face contorting into a grin as he languidly got his back off the couch, leaning closer and grabbing a hold of your hand. Beautiful pair of eyes gazing back up, completely naive from the salacious proposal of giving himself to you. His thumbs slowly caressed your burning knuckles, both of your bodies hot for the itch that was bound to be scratched. He languidly maneuvered your knuckles to where his lips rested, tenderly giving it a kiss. The provocativeness of drawing his kisses till the tops of your wrist created a ball of knotted butterflies in the pits of your stomach as you noticed Tj's pupils dilate in a manner that could get you kneeling before him in a hot second.

"Yeah, I meant I wanted to master bate, get my cock sucked or maybe if I’m lucky enough, you’ll let my pickle inside that exceptionally tight jar of yours, Love."

RAW AND UNEDITED. NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY TJ. TSK. 

DO Y’ALL HAVE BLUEBALLS NOW--LOL. HAHHAHAHHA. IF YOU WANNA BE UPDATED WITH MY POSTS, GO FOLLOW ME AND TURN ON THE NOTIFICATION BUTTON OR SEND ME AN ASK/DM ME IF YOU WANNA BE TAGGED WITH EVERY ONESHOT I POST! NOW, WHO WANTS TO TICKLE TJ’S PICKLE? HEEHEE! GO COMMENT, REBLOG AND GIVE THIS ONESHOT A HEART!

[mint-chocolatey-chip]

IDK, I think only considering lesbians when at least one of the points is about not liking unwelcome advances from men is misogynistic as hell, and when within a discussion about comphet as that is, also pretty biphobic. You just have to hate women in general to think only lesbians aren't comfortable with a man pushing himself on you and you REALLY have to hate them to actually put that down into a document that pretends to be about helping questioning women.

Firstly thank you for your input!

So I went through the doc and I have the feeling that you’re referring to this?

Nervousness and Blushing

A ton of romance media and common cultural tropes have this idea that you know you’re attracted to someone if you’re nervous or blushing around them. Because of this, you might feel like you must be attracted to a man if you feel nervous around him, just because you’re experiencing the physical bodily response you’ve been told to expect, not because you actually want to date him.

Actual Attraction: You’re nervous because you’re excited to get to know someone. You find them attractive first and because you’re thinking about your attraction to them, you get self conscious because you hope they might like you too.

Compulsory Heterosexuality: You’re nervous because you are aware that he is attracted to you, and because he’s paying such close attention to you– especially if he’s pushing boundaries or getting too close into your personal space– you become self conscious because you know he’s watching you. You blush because you’re uncomfortable.

So on the initial reading your concern is valid. This is something that i’m sure every woman experiences when in a situation with a man who is pushing boundaries — blushing, nervousness, etc.

However, I think we should consider:

The author is giving context to why a woman might blush even if they’re not attracted to the man who is causing it. Yes, this applies to all women, but this isn’t saying that only lesbians experience it. For a lesbian, they don’t know what real attraction to men feels like, so they will assume that this uncomfortable feeling IS attraction. This part is telling them that no, it’s not. Trauma victims and I think certain women of any kind will have a similar reaction (as in thinking it counts as attraction), and the same thing applies: no, it’s not attraction, it’s nervousness.

This section isn’t one of the “you’re probably a lesbian if you experience this” but rather “experiencing this doesn’t stop you from being a lesbian because this isn’t attraction (and even if you were attracted to men in general this nervousness still wouldn’t be attraction.)” I think this should be explicitly stated, but it isn’t, which leads people to see it as claiming that it’s only a lesbian experience.

The author is a lesbian. This is why I think a bisexual perspective should be involved, because most lesbians simply don’t know what genuine attraction to men is like. There’s not a sincere description of genuine attraction. Even if those words were taken from a bisexual speaking in another context, a lot of bi women would have more to say about that section. A bisexual woman could add a comment to that about what genuine attraction to men feels like (because attraction to men for many bisexual women is different than attraction to women because of the power imbalance or other things), and what it’s like when a man you’re attracted to makes you uncomfortable (or a man you’re not attracted to, showing that it is indeed a common experience and not just for lesbians)

I don’t think it’s biphobic to leave out the bisexual perspective there, or misogynistic. I just think that the author has a specific and narrow perspective due to being a lesbian and NOT attracted to men and so they simply can’t cover it all themselves.

And like I said before, the author wasn’t suggesting that lesbians are the only ones who experience that, though it’s easy to make that assumption when you read it. Again, I think having a bi woman or multiple chime in would solve that issue — saying “yes, we do experience that as well and this is what it’s like for us:”

Again thank you for replying to my post!