#i would draw everyone in their baseball uniforms if i could

[georgiapeach30513]

We’ll Meet Again

Summary:  You don’t want your best friend to leave for the war

Pairings:  1940s Baseball Player!Frank Adler X Reader

Rating:  explicit

Warnings:  unwanted kissing, explicit language, explicit sexual content, smut, unprotected sex, PIV sex, fingering, loss of virginity, going off to the war, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  2.3K

Frank Adler Masterlist

My entry for @syntheticavenger​ 11K In it to Win It Challenge

There wasn’t much you knew for sure, but what you did know was that Frank Adler was your best friend.  The boy next door that you couldn’t get enough of.  He knew what you were thinking before you did, and you two could finish each other sentences.  You loved him so much, but you were also in love with him, and didn’t want to risk your friendship, so you kept quiet.  Started dating another fellow just to get him off your mind.  

Frank was indifferent.  He still would meet you out on the porch to walk you to your hangout.  A big field in between your childhood homes where you would help him practice his swing.  Your best conversations were in that field.  And Frank had a bright future, until he was drafted.  

You had told Brock you didn’t want to go out, because it was Frank’s last night home.  He didn’t listen, didn’t give you a choice in the matter.  The band at Johnny’s was as expected, loud and fun, but that wasn’t the mood you were in.  Everyone was having fun, but your eyes kept drifting to the door and the clock.

Your parents sitting on the porch, just swinging away as they drank their tea, seeing that rusted beat up old truck coming up the drive.  Dressed in his uniform and looking extra handsome.  He nods his head at them, and looks through the open door, his eyes drifting up the stairs in search of you.

“She’s not here, Frank,” your dad says gruffly.  His body readjusting on the swing as he looks at the young man.  The young man he was for sure going to take you away from him.

“Oh, I just thought...I was gonna spend some time with her my last night,” his feet draw nervous circles on the porch, before he looks away from your parents.

Defeated he starts to turn and walk away.  Your dad tries to hold back your mom, but she won’t stand for this anymore, “She’s at Johnny’s,” Frank turns and looks at her, giving her a sad nod.  “He’s there, too.  But she wanted to see you.  Don’t leave without telling her goodbye.”

“It’s fine.  She doesn’t want to spend every second of the day with a childhood friend.”

“She does.”

“Judith,” your dad goes to protest.

“She does,” she tells your dad, giving him an angry look.  “Frank, it’s not over for you two.  She wants to see you.  So go to Johnny’s and go get your girl.  Now,” she adds in.  “If you don’t get her, both of you will regret this for the rest of your lives.”

“I think...ma’am, you’ve got the wrong idea,” he tells her, but your mom just smiles at him.

“And I think you’re an idiot, both are.  You go tell my daughter how you feel.  She doesn’t want to be with Brock anymore than I want her to be with him.  Please,” standing up, she cups Frank’s cheek and gives him a nod.  “Tell her how you really feel.  Everyone knows.  Go get your girl.  I won’t take no for an answer, and you won’t be getting any Rice Krispie treats, if you don’t.”

Frank’s face lights up with a smile as he jogs to his truck, giving a final wave before jumping in.  Filled with more confidence than he’s ever had.  Although, he can’t fight the butterflies that linger and beat around in his stomach.  Your mom was right, he can’t leave without at least seeing you.  

⚾⚾⚾⚾

He tries to calmly walk through the door, but it is more of a bursting through.  His eyes scan the small bar, until he spots you.  Of course you don’t see him, but he can see the distaste in your eyes for Brock.  Brock on the other hand, does catch sight of Frank, and brings you closer to plant a possessive kiss on you.

With the first sign of distress from you, and Brock not stopping, Frank moves quickly to your side, and becomes angry when you really try pushing him away.  Frank pushes through the crowded bar, music blaring, and all to get to you.  Irritated that Brock could ever think that he could disrespect you like that.

“Brock, get off!”

“You’re my girl, aren’t ya?”

“Get off!” Brock still pushes his luck, even when Frank sucker punches him.  “Frank?”

“She said, off, you asshole,” he looks at you quickly, apologizing before he’s back on Brock.  “You don’t treat people like that.”

“She’s my girlfriend, I can do whatever the hell I want.”

“I’m not you’re girlfriend,” Brock’s eyes finally turn and glare at you.  Disgusted that you would embarrass him, but Frank pushes you behind his body.  

“Rookie, you okay?” he asks you, his eyes still on Brock, when you answer with a meek yes, he stands at full height to Brock.  “She’s leaving, and you’re not going to come near her anymore, do you understand?”

Brock chuckles at Frank, rolling his eyes when he sees his uniform, “Who’s gonna stop me?” 

“I will,” the owner of the bar steps up with a bat in his head.  “You’re gonna leave ‘em all alone when they tell you to, Rumlow.  Now get outta my bar.”

Sliding his arm around you, Frank pulls you in for tight for a hug.  “Frankie, I wanna go home,” without a word, he walks you to that old Ford.  Opening your door to help you in.  But as soon as he jumps in, you slide over to him, laying your head on his shoulder, and sigh.  Content at finally feeling his warmth on you.

Not a word is spoken, not even when you bring his hand into yours.  Your fingers play around with his.  Before looking up at him, and you feel your cheeks heat up.  Your stomach in knots, “I don’t wanna go home anymore.”

Slowly he pulls over to the side of the road, and parks.  His eyes looking out the front of the window.  “You look handsome.”

He scoffs, finally turning to look at you, “Why are you dating such a jerk?” shrugging your shoulders, you’re the one to turn and look out the window.  Afraid to look at him now, and losing all courage.  “I went by and seen your folks.  They told me where you’d be.  Thought we was gonna meet for one last time, Rook.”

“Frank,” you finally look at him, and he tilts his head when he sees the tears welling up in your eyes.  “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I don’t go much say in the matter.  I got my papers.  Gotta report for duty,” your eyes drift down to his hand, still in your own, but his free hand lifts your face back up with your chin.  “What is it?  I can’t leave with my best girl upset like this.”

“I don’t want you to leave without kissing me.”

Frank chokes out a laugh, but his face becomes softer, "Weren't you just pushing some guy offa you for kissing you?" 

"That's because he wasn't you,” the two of you gulp looking at one another.  “I just...I didn’t know how to say that.  I...”

"You're feeling twisted because I'm leaving in a tomorrow evening." 

"I am, but I've always felt like this. I just didn't want to ruin our friendship." 

Those bright blue green eyes search all over your face.  Unsure of what this means for the two of you.  Unsure if he’s willing to risk the years that you have built up being as close as two people could be.  But with one more thought, he realizes, it’s worth all the risk, "Yeah?" 

"Yeah," you whisper.  Giving you a crooked grin, he pulls you closer to him, petting your cheek before leaning in for a chaste kiss. Starting to pull away, but you grip his lapels, refusing to let him go. The hand that still is intertwined with your own, you pull to your body.  Rolling your eyes up to gaze at him.

Frank struggles between looking at your face, and looking at his hand that you placed on your breast, "Rook, what cha doing?" 

"Giving you what's always been yours."

Frank becomes a nervous wreck.  Shaking his head uncontrollably, but never moving his hand, “Rook...we...I can’t.  We...we’re not married.”

“Yeah but….” your voice gets more gentle and sad, petting around his face, and sliding to his neck, “what if you don’t come home to me?  And I never get to feel what true love is.” 

“I’ll come back to you, Rookie.  I promise, I’ll always come back to you.”

"I still don’t wanna wait,” he shakes his head no, and you both hands to his cheeks, your thumb running across his lips.  “We’ll get married tomorrow, and then...I mean, if you want.  I wanna marry you, Frankie.”

His eyes flutter close, and he takes a ragged breath, "You're sure?" 

"It was always gonna be you.  I’ve never been more sure in my life.  Say you’ll marry me.”

“I’ll marry you.  Tomorrow,” you give him a smile, pulling his face closer to yours.  Finally, something more than a sweet kiss.  He crashes into with so much passion.  Your body already starting to lean back, pulling him on top of you, and never wanting to let him go.  

Your fingers go to undo all those stupid buttons on his uniform.  You curse the fact that he looks so good in it because in this moment, you just want to see what it looks like in the floorboard of the truck.  Hate that it’s what’s keeping you apart.  His own hands carefully undoing your dress.  With each button, he kisses the exposed skin.  Letting his lips tell you how much he adores you.  

Frank sits up, placing a knee in between your thighs, and you yelp at the moment it touches your covered mound.  “You sure, Rookie?”

“Yes,” his thick arms pull off his jacket and shirt, while you wiggle out of that dress.  Sitting up, to unbutton his pants, and he just smiles down at you.  Sliding his arms around you, Frank unhooks your bra, leaning back quickly, so he can remove it from your body.

You had never felt more beautiful than the way Frank was staring at you.  Smiling when you go tugging down his pants.  And when his cock bounces free, you look back up at him.  Your hands connecting to your panties, but he stops you.  Frank’s hands gently float up your thighs, connecting to the elastic of your underwear, before slowly pulling them off your body.  His eyes drifting from your face, to your fully exposed body.

“Frankie,” you pant, you knew he loved the nickname, but when his body shivers, you know exactly how much it affects him.  His hand moves back up your leg, before his fingers connect to your core.  Roaming around your weeping cunt, gathering up your arousal, before breaking through your entrance.  Calmly adding a second finger, and he begins scissoring inside of you.  Knuckles deep as he stretches your tight hole, preparing your needy body for him.

With another whisper of his name, he removes his fingers, and you give him a nod.  Lining himself up, you both take a deep and calming breath.  His body trembles as he pushes through.  Biting on your lip, you hold tight to his arms.  “I’m sorry.”

“No, no.  Don’t stop,” you tell him when he starts to pull out.  “You’re all I’ve ever wanted,” with a smile, he sinks deeper.  His lips kissing all over your heated and sticky skin.  Not stopping again until he’s fully sheathed.  The two of you, finally connected, and in the way that both of you wanted.  

Slowly he draws himself out, before sliding back home.  His body completely melting onto yours, “I love you,” Frank’s voice shaky and nervous, but you respond with an airy I love you, too.  His body picks up pace, now knowing that your whimpers are not from discomfort, but pure ecstasy.  Your tummy heats up, and you feel a coil tighten in your gut, clinging tighter on to him, as he stabs into you.  

Not even caring when the two of you simultaneously you moan through your orgasm, and his spend fills you up.  “You come back to me.”

⚾⚾⚾⚾

Frank lifts up your hand, to kiss on the ring that he saved to buy.  Looking extra sexy in his uniform, enough to give him a swat to his ass, but too many people are watching.  He gives you that crooked grin looking up at you through his lashes,  "One little kiss before I go out? For good luck?"

“Didn’t you already get a good luck kiss?” you ask pulling him closer to you, he squeaks out a yes, before you close the gap.  Pressing your lips firmly on his.  The crowd gives a few whistles and yells before you pull back.  “Make me proud, Slugger.”

“Ugh.”

“Always, Rookie.  Alright, Cracker Jack, you think you can handle bat duty today?” Frank squats down to get eye to eye with his second favorite person.  “Mama’s gonna be in the stands watching, okay?”

“Maybe next time, you don’t kiss?” 

Frank looks back up at you smiling, standing back up for his hand to rub over your swollen belly.  Thinking about how he missed all this the first time.  He thought he was coming back from the war to be with his best girl, and to play his favorite game, but he got to come back to the sweetest little boy, who loved the sport as much as he did.  “I’ll never stop kissing your mama.”

Frank holds out his hand for Jack, and the two of them walk to the dugout, their jerseys with the number eleven on display.  And just for good measure, Jack turns around to give you a thumbs up, while you blow them both a kiss.  That adorable little boy of yours grabs up a bat, and smiles up at his dad, ready to play ball.  Life was good, and he came back to you.  He came back to both of you.

Masterlist

[achliegh]

The Major League

Masterlist

TW: Drinking, swearing, food, gross love, mentions of odd media titles. If there are more, please let me know!

Baseball Boys meeting and falling in Love

What could go wrong… ;)

Beta: @punkkkkboi

Most Characters belong to: @lumosinlove

Chapter 6

Marauder Stadium, Hogwarts 2020

Remus was warming up, tonight's game was one that has always been close to his heart but he would never tell anyone that. This game that they were playing tonight against the Snakes was Pride Night, which means all numbers and names on jerseys were switched from normal black or white or whatever colors to a flag of their choice. Most people just go with the usual pride flag because it matches the sponsored logos on their sleeves. 

Remus and most of their team has the usual, actually recently updated, pride flag for their uniforms. Leo and their center fielder John Stelfer were the odd ones out, Leo having the trans flag for his and John having the lesbian flag on his to show support for his sister. 

Practicing his wind up and throwing it to wherever Leo’s glove was as the Swede squatted behind the plate. He was feeling good, he was throwing smoothly and easily. This was going to be a fun game, the air was light hearted and the stands were all in different rainbows and flying different flags.

It felt nice.

Sirius was watching Remus’ warm up pitches in the box with a bunch of families of players and his own teammates. Finn and Logan were talking to two people he had never seen in his life before, James was fawning over Lily as usual. So he stood by himself and just watched. Remus’ pitching has always been said to be almost perfect, he sees that now. He wanted to get back at his… Well he didn’t really know where he and Remus’ stood but he wanted to get back at him for the texts he sent at Sirius’ last game. 

He was sipping on his water looking out onto the field when his ears perked up. He heard his name from somewhere over yonder, he tried to listen in a bit more to find out who was talking to him. He heard his name again and turned towards the voice. It was a Man a few inches shorter than him with a really thick well trimmed beard with an Eagles jersey on standing next to a woman with long blonde hair and a Snakes jersey on. They were talking to Logan and Finn, laughing at something someone said. His eyes meet the woman’s and she smiles at him, he nods back and she waves him over. He didn’t want to go over but then Finn and Logan also waved him over. 

“Oh Sirius, we were just talking about you and Remus in the media.” Finn puts his arm around his shoulders and jostles him a bit. “This is Eloise and Wyatt, Clay and Leo’s parents.” 

“Nice to meet you.” He goes to shake both their hands but instead is pulled into a tight hug. He felt like he couldn’t breathe for a moment, taking in as much air as he could without drawing attention to it when they pulled away. 

“Nice to meet you too!” Wyatt pats his shoulder and smiles, his canine tooth is crooked otherwise his smile is basically perfect. Finn puts his arm back around Sirius and smiles at him. Sirius notices for the first time that on Finn’s cheek is the blue gay flag, he looks at Logan and sees a sloppy demisexual flag on his cheek as well. Huh, bold. 

“We were just talking about how homoerotic the media paints your rivalry. Like look at these titles.” Finn pulls out his phone and shows him three titles. 

“Black Stares Deeply at Lupin’s Perfect Pitch…” Logan snorts as he continues reading. “Lupin Comes Hard at Black.” He cringes and reads the last one. “Lupin Spouts ‘Black Can Suck My Fat One’ to Reporter After Heated Argument. Did he really say that?”  Everyone is shaking their head as they giggle and he sighs. 

“You are very adorable and so is Moony so I see why people want you to be queerbait.” Elosie smiles at him, her thick accent making it slightly hard to understand. 

“Thanks?” 

“You’re welcome!” The two Swedes say at the same time. He smiles at them, he definitely sees how Clay and Leo turned out so nice. He hands Finn back his phone, shrugging off his arm from his shoulders. They chat for a bit until two other people who neither him or the other two teammates in the conversation have ever met. He bids his goodbye and goes back over to his spot in front of the box to watch the game. 

He felt the ball leave his hand and smirks a bit as Snape completely misses the ball, giving him his third strike and giving Remus his fifth strike out of the game and it's only the second inning. He was on a roll! But he knows what's coming, there are two outs and three people on base for the Snakes. Tom Riddle on first, Evan Rosier on second, and Regulus Black on third. 

Clay walks up to the batter's box, on the left hand side. Remus knows he's a switch hitter, being able to bat from both boxes successfully, but he is an actual left handed person so he was looking for a hit. Leo and Clay are both miced up because they are brothers on opposite teams so it makes for great entertainment. 

But the catch is that they also speak Swedish when they talk to each other… so most people have no idea what they are saying. It did sound aggressive when they spoke but Leo told him one night that they make it sound mean on purpose so people think they are arguing but in reality they are just joking around with each other. 

“Siktar du mot staketet?” Leo winks at Remus who can’t help but let out a small laugh as he kicks dirt off his mound. 

“Kanske inte stängslet, men jag vill få hem Reg.” Clay has one foot in the box and his bat is resting on his shoulder as he looks out to the field. Analyzing. 

“Bor ni inte ihop?”

“Han är en riktig snygging vad kan jag säga, alltid vill ta hem honom.” They both burst out laughing as Clay puts his other foot into the box, now that he has two feet in Remus is allowed to pitch. Winding up he hears Clay speak to Leo against right as he is about to let go of the ball. “Titta här.” Remus sees Leo’s eyes widen. Then Clay strikes the ball with a loud crack and takes off towards first as the ball sails over the back wall into the crowd. 

Grand Slam… what Clay was known for. Fuck.

The umpire gives Leo a new ball that he tosses to Remus as Tom, Evan, Reg and Clay all pass home one at a time. Snakes taking the lead by four points. The next batter gets out on first and they switch. Eagles going to bat and Snakes taking the field. 

It was horrendous, it was almost like the Snakes knew everything that was going to happen before it was going to happen. When they got so good, Remus would never know. It was infuriating though. He and Tom have never gotten along, just like how Sirius and Remus have never got along but at least they were working on it for James’ kid. He had no desire to get on Tom’s good side, his freakishly yellow eyes give him the hebejebes. 

They ended up losing the game.

Remus was getting dressed after his shower, Leo sits next to him sighing just in a towel because Leo was always the last to get dressed. He was picking at his arm wrap that was always under his compression sleeves that goes from his wrist to basically his collar bone. Remus never understood why he showered in the tape but Leo was already a weirdo so he never questioned him. Especially not after he found him raiding the fridge one night with three frozen fish sticks in his mouth. 

“We got our butts kicked.” 

“Good observation Leo.” Remus smiles a little at Leo's offended face and finishes pulling on his socks before slipping on his slides. “Are you going out with your family tonight?”

“Mhm, and two of my friends from back home… and Finn I think.” Leo took the towel from his shoulders and ruffled his hair a bit with it before leaving it on his head. 

“Finn is going? Poor kid is gonna be so confused.” 

“We will speak english tonight, well most of us. Cam will try his best.” Leo starts changing into his clothes starting from his socks and working his way up. Putting on his tight long sleeve last and peeling the tape off after it was on… Oddball. 

“You know you can take the tape off before you put your shirt on… right?” 

“Yeah but I’d rather not, don’t want to show off my tattoo yet.” Remus is one of the only people who has ever actually seen Leo’s tattoo, it's kind of a creepy one but the way Leo explained it really made sense. It still stunned him when he saw it sometimes because it's such a rare sight. They grab their bags and walk out together to the lounge and part ways when Leo gets basically tackled by his doppleganger. 

Remus makes his way over to James and Lily, hugging Lily. He was going home after this but was going to chat with them a bit before he left. They start talking about how weird the game was but also how James was barely paying attention because he was playing 8-ball on his phone with Sirius the whole time. Speaking of, Sirius comes out of the bathroom and walks over to them. 

“Did you win?” Remus asks him, feeling tired and probably not looking any better. 

“Win what?” Sirius’ confusion was plain on his face.

“8-ball, duh.” James snorts.

“No, I’m terrible at that game.” Sirius crosses his arms and sighs as James starts fully laughing now. 

“He tries so hard too! I don’t even aim!” Lily rolls her eyes and shares a look with Remus who smiles. 

“Well, I think I’m gonna head home. I’m tired and Leo won’t be there so its going to be like paradise.” He bids them goodbye and walks out to his car, yawning. He wanted to watch something on the tv but he knows as soon as he sits on the couch he's gonna pass out. So he’ll just watch something in his room. But first he needs to eat, then walk Dani, then feed Dani, then let her in his room so they can snuggle. Oh and give Dani her meds, Leo took her to the vet and found out she has some genetic thing that makes it so she needs expensive medicine and if she doesn’t get it then things can go south really quickly. 

He drives home, annoyed by the terrible traffic but it was after a major sports event he played in so it was in a way, his fault. Parking and getting out he makes sure to block the entrance to the house with his leg so Dani doesn’t just sprint out the door into the concrete jungle to get lost. He sets his bag on the ground and kicks off his shoes before picking up the large puppy and walking to the kitchen. 

“What should I eat, Dani?” She is licking the side of his face much to his dismay but he’d let it slide tonight. Making himself a few slices of toast with butter he decides this will hold him over for a bit before he orders something. They really need to go grocery shopping. Making the mistake of holding the piece he was munching on in the same hand connected to the arm he was cradling Dani with, she snatches it from him as he scrolls on twitter to see commentary of the game. 

“You’re scarily like your dad…” He sets her down and fills her bowl, letting her eat while he grabs her leash and puts on his sneakers. Getting her situated after she walks away from her bowl, she tugs him around the neighborhood before tiring herself out once they get a few steps away from the apartment. They settle down for the night watching some random show on his small tv in his room. Falling asleep not long after laying down. 

Forgetting to ever order his food.

Marauder Stadium, Hogwarts 2020

Clay walks out of the locker to be picked up over Finn’s shoulder and carried over to his family with everyone cheering him on. He can’t help but laugh, being put down in the middle of his friends and family he turns a bit pink from the attention on him. Kissing Finn’s cheek he is dragged into a crushing hug from his two best friends. 

“Cam! Cecil! Jag kan inte andas!” His friends laugh and pull apart, Cma ruffling his hair like he always does. “Has your English improved?”

“Kind of?” Cam’s clunky words fall out of his mouth and Cecil snickers. Cam, not turning away from Clay, punches his Swedish-Korean friend in the shoulder. “I try.” 

“I know. Where's Leo?” Speaking of the devil Leo walks up to them and a chorus of ‘CCCCLLLLLEEEEEOOOOORRRR’ breaks out from Cecil, Cam and Clay. Leo being the only one in their friend group without a C starting name, has earned himself the title of Cleo but everyone says it in that way that the characters from H2O Just Add Water do. All because they pirated the series back when it was big and watched it together. 

“Yes, yes hello. Can we go? I’m starving!” Cecil pats his back.

“Oh Cleo, aren't you always hungry?” 

“Yeah? Why?” With that they all head out the door, getting an Uber XL and making their way to Olive Garden, Clay looks over at Leo and notices how… sad he looks. He was going to say something but his attention was turned towards Finn who was basically vibrating out of his seat from excitement. He wanted some fucking breadsticks and Clay was so confused as to why he was so excited for bread. Clay puts his hand on Finn’s bouncing knee to stop it and looks at the red-heads face. 

“Sorry, I’m just excited.” 

“It’s cute.” They share a chaste kiss hearing protests from the back where the three degenerates were messing around. He looks back at them and sticks his tongue out, which he knew was a bad idea because anytime anyone does that in the vicinity of Cecil… they get their tongue grabbed. Luckily he pulls his tongue back in before Cecil is able to grab it. 

Getting to the restaurant Wyatt gets out of the van first to make sure no one trips on the way out because said van was full of accidentally prone people. Clay and Finn were the first ones out, walking into the garden of olives Finn goes to the little stand in the middle of the room and tells them the name that the reservation is under. 

Once they are all inside they are brought to a table secluded from the rest of the restaurant which was a great choice because they are not only accident prone people but also loud. Sitting around the table starting with Wyatt and Eloise on each end and everyone else filling in, Clay ends up between Finn and Cecil. They all got glasses of water and a pitcher that was hopefully not going to get broken. They all stuck with water and the hostess left them to look at the menus. Leo and Cam decided to arm wrestle after finding out they wanted the same dish because it is tradition that no one can order the same thing. 

Leo won, Cam cursed and started looking at the menu again. After a couple more minutes of catching up while Finn looked confused because he couldn’t understand anything besides what Clay would translate for him, their waitress walks in. 

“Noelle?” Finn and Clay say at the same time as she walks over to the table. 

“Hey guys.” She gives them a little wave and then introduces herself with some scripted thing that she was trained to say before taking everyone's orders. She winks at Clay before leaving the area again and he can’t help but smile a bit. 

“So, I take it getting her and Thomas together is going well?” Finn looks at him with a teasing smirk making Leo laugh a bit, leaning forward on the table Clay looks at his brother. 

“No way, from what Logan told me Noelle would never go for Thomas.” He takes a drink of his water and yelps when a straw wrapper is blown into his ear. “Cam!”

“Cecil said too!” Cecil was silently dying of laughter beside Clay, laughing hard enough that a couple tears streak through his little ace stripes on his face. “No, don’t ruin! Those took me hours!” 

“Hours? For three stripes?” Clay laughs a bit and looks at Cam who just shrugs. 

“It took him so long because I kept laughing at his stupid face.” Cecil speaks up wheezing after calming down from his fit. “It was so funny! Look.” Cecil pulls out his phone and shows Clay the picture of Cam with flared nostrils and his tongue poking out of his mouth. Clay smiles. Cam was the most painfully straight man he has ever met but he was also the most supportive ally he has ever met as well. Always joining the Knut family during Stockholm pride events. They were lucky to have a friend like him. 

Noelle takes a breath, she does everything she needs to do to get the orders to the kitchen and leans against a table. It was a really slow night, ten tables max… plus the party table that is Clay and his family. It really took her by surprise when she walked into the party area to see Finn’s arm over Clay’s chair while the shorter man whispered translations to the clueless ginger. They were cute together, she wasn’t going to deny they were and have always been really sweet on social media. 

But seeing them all coupley right in front of her, it was weird! She can’t hide it anymore its fucking weird! Finn was and has always been in love with her brother and she was trying so hard to get them together and then Finn just goes off and picks up some Swedish guy who is basically Logan but two inches taller! She has been chatting with Clay over messages for the last few days and he's an absolute doll. Unlike Logan who is annoying as hell. She knows she shouldn’t get involved but she also felt like she should get involved… Wonder what Thomas thinks about all this? She wants to send him a text but that will have to wait until she is able to go on a break because one of her small tables food is ready for her to take out.

God, she hates Italian food. 

Thomas was at the bar with Logan and a couple of his teammates. He was having a nice chill night chatting away with Benji, their second baseman, about the different types of crystals they have been collecting together for fun, but it kinda turned into a whole informational thing that they now love. 

“Why crystals?” Logan asks between them after finally looking up from his phone. “Like that seems kinda, I don’t know, culturally ambiguous.” 

“Wow, big words for such a small body.” Thomas laughs a bit at Logan’s glare and he ruffles his hair, messing up his half up hair-do going on. “We don’t mean any harm and we don’t try to convert people to crystals. It’s just something we like and enjoy learning about. Also, I think they are pretty.” 

“Hmm, just watch yourself. Okay?” Thomas and Benji both nod. 

“So, I went to go watch your sister's ballet the other day with Clay and honestly, I don’t see why you hate him so much.” 

“I don’t hate him.” Logan states a bit confused, getting both Benji and Thomas to give him a questioning glance. “What? I don’t!”

“Logan, you talk shit about him all the time. You rant about how annoying and self centered he is.” Thomas watches Logan’s face, he looks guilty. 

“That's because I didn’t really… want to know him for a long time. Finn just talks about Clay non-stop and it was so annoying that I couldn’t help but pick out every bad thing about him before even getting to know him. I went over to his house a couple weeks ago with Leo, Finn was there too. Watching them together was weird because I’ve never seen Finn act like that with anyone except…” Logan pauses and takes a drink. “Anyway, I ended up having a really nice talk with Clay while sitting on a counter and drinking some hot alcoholic drink that I can’t remember the name of. He was really nice and actually listened and understood why and what I was talking about. I think we are on the road to being friends now and it feels like a boulder has been lifted off my shoulders.” 

“That’s really great. I never thought you’d ever get along with him.” Benji smiles at Logan and pats his shoulder before getting up to go get another drink. 

“I still feel really bad when I talk to him.” Logan looks up at Thomas and he honestly doesn’t know how to respond to that, so he does the only thing he really knows how to. He pulls Logan into a tight hug and for once, Logan doesn’t struggle to pull away. 

“He wants to get to know you, Logan. He wants to be your friend. Just let him.” Logan sighs, sounding a bit sadder than he was earlier. 

“Can I tell you something?” They pull away, Thomas keeping his hand on one of Logan’s shoulders. 

“Of course you can, I’m always here for you… Brother-in-law.” That makes Logan roll his eyes and smile.

“She’s never gonna fall for you. Anyway, So… You know Clay’s brother.”

“Yeah, he’s my teammate. Funny as hell too.” 

“Well, he and I have kinda been flirting and umm.”

“Did you sleep with him? Not gonna lie, I could see you two together.”

“No! We haven’t slept together, but we have made out and I think I’m really starting to like him. Do you think I should go for it?” Logan has so much wanting in his eyes and the expression on his face contradicts that by looking worried. 

“If you feel in your heart that Leo is someone you want to be with, then I don’t see an issue with you dating him.”

“But, I’ve never been with a guy before. I mean I almost dated someone else but I rejected them because I was scared that the media would tear us apart.”

“Well, as we see from Clay and Finn the media doesn’t care and I don’t think many people in the league even really bat an eye at two guys being together. Lucky for us, we don’t live in the early days.” 

“Maybe I’ll go over to his place tonight, just to talk some things over. Also, I’ve never been inside his apartment and I’m curious to see just how Swedish it is.” Logan smiles a little, relaxing enough that the tension leaves his shoulder. Thomas takes his hand off him and crosses his arms on the table. 

“It’ll all work out in the end.”

[heyitsyn]

RANDOM SEIJOH HCs ACCORDING TO GIGI

a/n: this is a thing i cooked up between doing trig exam and ap gov review akdsjfldskfj

IM PRETTY SURE I ALREADY USED THIS GIF BUT IM WANTING TO RE-DO MY ENTIRE PAGE AND MAKING BANNERS SO THIS IS A TEMPORARY THING AJDJDJJD ALSO I DONT KNOW HOW TO DO THE KEEP READING THING ON THE APP BYE

oikawa def listens to indie music just bc he wants to feel unique and the 'iM diFfErENt fRoM oTHeR gUrLs' vibes

i FIRMLY BELIEVE IWAIZUMI HAJIME IS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO CHOMPS ON HIS ICE CREAM BC HE LIKES TO FEEL THE COLD ON HIS TEETH AKSJSKSKSK

meanwhile kunimi eats a kitkat like its pizza just CHOMP

makki caNNOT sleep without a pillow between his thighs LIKE LISTEN he has 2 sisters and they all told him its so comfortable and at first he was like,, ??,, then he tried and now cant sleep without it

bUT MATTSUN LIKES TO SLEEP WITH PILLOWS SURROUNDING HIM bc it makes him feel safe and like there are two body pillows on either side of him and hes kinda trapped in the middle aksjskdk

when kyo was younger, he was really short and although he had other pants, he loved this one pair but they were really long on him and he wore it all the time and the part of the pants that touched the ground is torn in shreds

kindaichi steps on the sofa before sitting LIKE puts one foot on the cushion then the other until hes literally standing on the couch before folding to sit with his knees up to his chest (i do this)

watari sniffs his food before eating it no matter if its something he eats all the time or something new, he still sniffs it either way

yahaba is really particular with his feet and he likes to get a really big tupperware (duh one only meant for his feet) and fill it up with warm almost boiling water and he just soaks them

oikawa has sleep paralysis and he oftens hallucinates about aliens in the corner of his room

kunimi does this thing where he makes weird noises with his mouth like sounds of his mouth opening LIKE when youre tastinf something new and you do that sound with your tongue (I DUNNO HOW TO DESCRIBE IT AJDKSKKD)

makki bends his knees just to crack his ankles

iwa sneezes a ton but he has those sneezes where theyre quiet that you dont even notice or really loudly that it just echoes throughout the gym

kyo sleeps with one sock on bc his feet gets cold easily but both socks make him feel really hot so only one sock is perfect

for a tall and hunk of a guy, mattsun is a very light walker like his footsteps are very light and if he wants to, it can be practically silent

watari actually hates vegetables ajssksksk he particularly hates zucchini, eggplants, any vegetables that are that shape

kindaichi likes to stick or lean against walls because to him, they feel cold and can decrease his body heat

oikawa stands and places his feet at V position like \/ instead of ll because his sister did ballet and he was taught that was the right way of standing and it was considered graceful

yahaba has a fear of cactuses

mattsun does so badly in the heat because his body temp runs so high and the hot surroundings make him feel so uncomfortable and so he takes a lot of cold showers

iwa cannot swim like he freaks out immediately when his toetips can no longer feel the bottom and he panics with thoughts of drowning

watari has really small feet that he still buys big kids shoes to save money

kyotani considered playing baseball because he thought baseball bats were cool but he got angry and threw tantrum after missing his first pitch

iwa chomps on a whole raw chili while eating ramen akskksks

oikawa actually hates sweets bc when he was younger, he had cavities and iwa showed him a cartoon of cavities eating his teeth and will make him toothless

kindaichi really really likes hugs but hes too awkward to ask them even from his parents

yahaba chomps on mints so he goes through boxes of them in a week

i feel like theres a boy in the team who doesnt brush their teeth everyday and rubs a towel on their teeth to make it look clean and take mints to hide their bad breath

iwaizumi is actually iron deficient so he bruises super super fast and he even developed iron defiency anemia when he was younger bc his parents didnt catch on which caused him to be put on strong medication for months and still takes it now

WAIT,, OIKAWA IS LACTOSE INTOLERANT BUT HE LIKES MILK SO HE EATS MILK BREAD TO MAKE HIM FEEL NOT SO BAD OR GUILTY OF CONSUMING STRAIGHT DAIRY

seijoh four bonding time is watching gordom ramsey shows and yelling and screaming 'YEA! EXACTLY!' as if theyre also cooking genuises

watari used to eat grapes all the time until his mom got worried and told him if he doesnt stop, he will eventually turn into one. he only eats it every few weeks

when he was younger, kunimi cried because he had befriended a chicken on a trip to a farm and his mom took him to eat fried chicken after and he thought it was Chicky (his chicken friend :"))

kyotani used to stick out his tongue when it was raining so he could taste the raindrops. they taste better than bottled water

one time, during a seijoh sleepover, they dared oikawa to wear his sisters old uniform, skirt and all, and it backfired so everyone turned red and couldnt look at him in the face

their pregame ritual is touching each other's shoe tips

they tried doing yoga at yahaba's house before by watching yoga youtube videos but everyone ended up having to go to the chiropractor after (how did makki even turn into the human pretzel?)

the local gym gets so scared when they see the team coming through the doors bc these men are so LOUD like they HYPE EACH OTHER UP SO MUCH THEYRE SO ANNOYING AKSKSKDK

also never take them to an all you can eat sushi place. if you do, bring them earlier of the day like 30 mins after opening time so the cooks can cook enough for them without running out of ingredients (even then sometimes they still run out)

oikawa used to eat his mom's roses from her garden because he thought it would make his farts smell good like roses

takahiro is a surprisingly good artist like he draws really cool action fighting scenes in the corner of his papers and stuff

in my work: it's canon that iwa is half filo and his nanay used to dress him up in a barong all the time during halloween bc she wanted him to showcase his heritage

yahaba drinks a lot of milk because he hopes to one day grow strong and bulky like the 3rd years instead of being seen as a pretty boy

kindaichi's mom is a hairstylist and she always scolds him for using a lot of gel bc she's always the one who washes his hair

makki never learned how to do taxes and hes had the government knocking on his door a handful of times (BOKUTO AKKDJSKKS)

kyo has a dog: a chiweenie

there's someone on the team who wears those socks with individual pockets for toes

their pinterest is so different from what they look like for example, mattsun has a board of different flower decorations and arrangements

kunimi throws up during intense horror movies

watari's celeb crush is emma watson

the team alternates from different music genres like from ateez and bts to mxmtoon and beach bunny

they still dont know how to pronounce camila cabello's name

theyre all active in social media but only oikawa is on it 24/7 and in all platforms while the others have insta and snap

mattsun has twins as little siblings and he used to get them mixed up all the time that he used to draw a sharpie dot on the girl's forehead to determine she was his sister

watari hates sitting on the floor bc his butt bone hurts really easily so he can only sit on cushions for long periods of time

the team was supposed to have a party but everyone didnt know what to bring so they proved they shared the same braincell by bringing the same thing: a box of pizza

makki's an old soul and prefers to play records on a record player or watch old movies

kyo is surprisingly good at giving massages because he really pushed hard on those tense muscles

kindaichi knows how to crack necks so everyone goes to him a lot to do it (a friend of mine does this and can i say its terrifying yet so good?)

the only one who has a license is matsukawa and thats because granny needs to go to the doctor a lot and he hates her walking by herself and cabs are expensive

kyotani and yahaba are actually,,, lowkey close,,, not like best friends but theyre nice to each other and they got a stick and poke together (yahaba's was: :) while kyo's was: >:))

watari has a collection of mangas (some bl maybe 👀)

WARNING SAD: mattsun’s future job is a funeral person right? he ends up taking care of granny’s funeral free of charge and he had to take a week off because it was really painful for him

oikawa learned spanish SUPER fast to the point he forgets japanese sometimes but there are moments where he forgets both languages and hes just,,,, ???

makki’s unemployed yea but he rooms with mattsun in exchange of cooking because makki’s surprisingly good at cooking

iwa is practically the nutritionist of the team because he knows everything about proteins, carbs, iron, and needed vitamins so they all go to him to know what to eat and what they need

kunimi has lots and lots of shoes but usually only wears 2

kindaichi has a habit of pretending hes chewing gum even though he doesnt have gum, his mouth just chomps and moves with air akasldfjkf

there was a clown phenomenon in america but in their city, they had a mascots and seijoh 4 went around scaring kids :”(

oikawa never manspreads he gets too insecure to spread out like that akdjfkd

kyotani can easily sleep anywhere like he would be standing and just fall asleep or he sleeps with his eyes open

yahaba’s parents own a restaurant somewhere in the city and he works there sometimes

IM REALLY GOING TOO MUCH ABOUT THIS YALL AKSDJFKL

SORRY IM WRITING TOO MUCH I FEEL BAD THAT I HAVENT UPDATED BUT IM IN A CAR RIDE RN AND I WAS ABLE TO WRITE AGAIN AND MY EXAMS HAVE FINISHED THIS WEEK IMMA CRY

PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO REPLY WITH ANY OTHER HCS YOU GUYS KNOW OF SO I CAN PUT IT IN HERE AND CREDIT YOU WITH IT SO WE CAN HAVE LIKE A HCS BOOK FROM EVERYONE BUT THIS IS WHAT I STARTED WITH

oikawa screams a lot according to gigi but he’s actually a really quiet guy and not easy to scare

OKAY YOU GUYS DONT KILL ME I SWEAR IVE BEEN SO TERRIBLE AT WRITING BUT YOU KNOW WHO TURNED ONE TODAY? THIS PAGE!!! MY BABY IS ONE ALREADY 😭😭😭 ANYWAYS, HOPE THIS CAN MAKE YOU GUYS SMILE TODAY AND SCHOOL ENDS NEXT WEEK AND IM ALREADY AT 132 DRAFTS AMSJKSDKSK SO OH MY GOD THERES GOING TO BE SO MUCH COMING AND IM SO EXCITED TO GET THEM OUT 😩😩

[ohheyitsokay]

concessions

part 2 of the ‘hey batter batter’ series

pairing: Francesco Morales (Frankie, Catfish) x reader

wordcount: 2.4k

warnings: none (yet)

summary: it’s a Triple Frontier baseball AU - trust me, you don’t need to know anything about baseball.

In this chapter, you run into the guys outside of the stadium and they promptly decide you’re going to be friends with them.

>>

Your friend was twelve minutes late. Not overly long but you could already tell what was going to happen.

It had been a long shot, anyway, an old classmate with little lasting connection. You had been trying to push yourself outside of your comfort zone anyway, why not? When she had originally reached out you’d been full of hope, enough to foolishly order your favorite appetizer as a ice breaker but the effort was in vain.

Fingernails gently clicking against the table, you caved and allowed yourself to look at your phone. It brought instant comfort, to escape the exposure of sitting alone in a restaurant, but you couldn’t stay. The air was cold as you sucked it through your teeth, weighing your options. The confidence it took to eat alone after being stood up was facing a strong competitor: your general policy not to waste good food and good money.

Shifting, you tried to settle, tried to pose yourself like you were in control, looking around the room as nonchalantly as you could. It was silly, your urge to keep moving, your feet on the ground, your hands on the table, your eyes on the other patrons, but you couldn’t help it. It was a nice place, nothing fancy, just a hole in the wall restaurant, filled only with a few locals.

Until your appetizer came around the corner, followed by a much more handsome man than you were prepared for.

His already smiling eyes met yours, and you looked away, startled, maybe blushing a little. He was familiar, too familiar. You tried to focus on the young lady waiting on you, and the steam coming from the plate in her hands.

Just focus on the food, you scolded yourself silently, thanking her and not ordering anything else. He was not your friend, he didn’t even know you, really. There was no need to make him feel uncomfortable.

Except, he wasn’t really worried about that, because he was sliding into the seat across from you.

“Hi,” he was grinning, confident and friendly, and your instincts raised no alarms other than confusion.

“Hello,” you replied, wondering honestly if you were dreaming. This was one of the men you’d met before, in that chaotic, over decorated room in the baseball stadium. He had been in front of you maybe fifteen total seconds, talking to James, before melting back into the sea of uniforms and caps. There was no reason he should remember you much less… be doing whatever was happening now.

The man mistook your expression for panicked forgetfulness and reintroduced himself.

“I’m Ben, Ben Miller? We met a a week or two ago,” he was searching your face for recognition, which of course was not the problem at all. It was sweet, how bashful he was when he pointed to the picture of the team’s logo on the poster by your table, and mouthed “the shortstop?”.

It seemed like he wasn’t trying to draw extra attention to himself, which was almost comical. Even with his casual tshirt and jeans he was easily the most noticeable person in the room – that’s how good he looked, and a testament to the visible confidence of men like him. He was all limber muscles and strong jaw and kind eyes and it wasn’t easy to just tuck that away.

“I – yeah,” this was awkward. “I’m sorry for staring at you, I just don’t normally see … non-locals here.” You smiled, weakly.

There was something in his voice and a glint in his eyes as his blue eyes glanced behind you.

“Would you believe it if I said we were locals?”

All of a sudden his looks were commonplace, because there was another man next to him who was a little broader and a little rougher around the edges- but surprisingly similar in casual masculinity. The “we" clicked into place.

“What’s this?” the first-baseman said, his expression more or less mirroring your own.

A handful of other men followed him and you wanted to melt into the chair. It was too much, too weird. They were all peering at you, dark eyebrows and cool toned cloth stretched over broad chests and it was the most bizarre thing. You weren’t really shy, per se, but stuff like this didn’t happen to you. Fidgeting you stared back at them, feeling helpless.

Ben came to your rescue again, guilty, but far too friendly to stop, like runaway dog at a park.

“I was just telling her that Will and I are from town! And we love it here,” he grinned, winningly, still failing to explain why he was seated with you.

Their hellos were amused and charismatic, for the most part, save the man in the back. It was… Francisco. Or rather, Mr. Morales.

Your heart thumped the same thump that you’d been feeling whenever you thought of him.

His voice was quieter, eyes reaching into yours like he had questions to ask, before he fixed them on the surroundings instead. They were crowding the area, all tall and much to large to fit in between tables. It would have been annoying if this were a busier place.

“You guys go on, I’ll be right there,” the shortstop across from you ushered them away, out of politeness or something else you weren’t sure. It was sad, to see him go again but the absence of attention made you breathe again. You waved, sure you looked ridiculous, and wondering if other women would be dying to be in your stead.

“Sorry, I just wanted to say hi,” Ben seemed earnest again, and you couldn’t help but relax. It was charming, the way his eyebrows dipped and he fidgeted, just a little. “You looked… lonely,” he added, hesitating before standing up with a gentle slap to the table. “Come join us if they don’t show, I’m sure the guys wont mind!”

You nodded, still more or less in shock, and he walked off, strides long and easy, like there was hardly anything weighing on his shoulders.

If they hadn’t been but 20 paces away, you would have shoved the plate aside and replaced its spot on the table with your face, and groaned aloud. You barely registered your food as you ate, wondering at the whole thing in awe as you took out your phone again to text James.

-

Frankie tried not to watch you. He really did. He loved his friends and they seldom got a chance, just the five of them to eat somewhere so homey and casual, without the whole crew, or fans and cameras, or other things to attend to. They’d been close for a long time, happy they enjoyed one another and trusted one another more than the rest of the team. It was what made them so good in the starting lineup – their communication and comradery off field translated into their game.

For awhile he was doing well. He wasn’t watching as you finished your food, hardly noticed the way your hands ran through your hair, barely registered when you stood up, brushing crumbs off your legs, and walked towards the front to pay.

But he did notice when you slid over to their table and… he couldn’t tear his eyes away as your hand touched Benny's shoulder. The movement was smooth and gentle and there was a sharp feeling in his gut.

“Thanks for before,” your voice was quite, more composed than before, now that your feet were under you properly. It wasn’t meant for him, wasn’t his to hear, but he listened anyway. The group was seated at one of those round corner booths, and really, there was no escaping it – they were on the ends.

Benny was saying no problem and Frankie took a long sip of his drink trying to cool down before he was choking on it as his friend invited you to join.

The idea of you sitting here was… a double edged sword. On one side, the chance to talk to you, be around you even in the low lights of the restaurant neons – was too good to be true. His daydreams of you hadn’t slowed down nearly as much as he had hoped after you were gone. And on the other… of all the men here, he didn’t stand much of a chance. The flicker of warmth your little wave had given him began to fade and he tried too late to get in control of his facial expressions as you considered the offer.

When Redfly reached across Ben, though, shoving the younger man to grab your hand, suppressing the growl in his throat was more important than the glare. Next to him, Pope eyes were sharp, catching everything unsaid. His friend was as tense as he was, feeling the charged energy fill the booth.

Some ridiculous part of Frankie was wanting to pull you away, tuck you under his arm, and keep you all to himself. But he couldn’t, wouldn’t, shouldn’t. He didn’t even know your name.

Then Will was pulling Tom back with laughter that didn't reach his eyes and Santi was apologizing, saying smooth words and coaxing you to reintrodunce yourself and pull up a chair and hang out.

Frankie would never know how Pope was so good at these things, how his passion made other people relent and reconsider and made them feel safe, but he was grateful for it. He tucked your name away, sure he wouldn’t forget it again. Especially because you pulled your chair up by him, and his heart swelled with something akin to pride as you leaned towards him, more than even Ben.

It could have been politeness, making room for the waitress, it could have been a coincidence, or that you wanted to be further from Tom, but he could quite bring himself to care. Having you close felt good, so much better than it should’ve, given the circumstances.

Even more than normal athletes, the Miller boys ate like they were hollow, and had ordered enough food for a week. There was plenty of talk and teasing and tossing of rolls, and it took you no time at all to settle in.

You found out you had some mutual acquaintances with Will, which helped, as you launched into comparisons of the town and laughed over shared observations. It made you feel at home, with him and Ben, and you understood how the brothers made everyone feel like family. Apparently there was girl Benny liked, who worked with the team’s athletic trainers. None of the boys had wheeled it out of him, but it took you less than fifteen minutes, your smile brighter as you sorted through his intentions.

Santi had a quick tongue, and you matched it. There was respect in his eyes as you leveled with Redfly, efficiently and effectively putting him back in his place. The older man head leaned back, nonchalantly, with raised eyebrows and low whistle, but Pope knew when Tom was embarrassed. There was an almost indiscernible bite onto the inside of the outfielder’s lower lip, a child’s tell.

He watched everyone, really, especially Frankie. They’d been playing together the longest and saw the best and worst of each other. It was fun, for him to watch his friend watch you. When you puckered your lips to suck a bead of water off your finger, Frankie’s jaw twitched. Like he was thinking of tilting his cheek towards you as you leaned in to kiss it – and Santi grinned, the gears in his mind turning.

For being as confused and awkward as you were before, it was crazy how well you fit.

Frankie liked your laugh, easy and pure, and the glint in your eyes when someone said something clever. He liked how friendly you were, even to Tom, and how you treated them like people. You never once stepped into the role of flirtatiously asking about the sport – or about being professional athletes all, and it was a breath of fresh air. Most outsiders would have their fingers tracing the curves of the muscles on Pope's arm as they asked him about pitching or would be tugging down the necklines of their shirts as they tried to be subtle about salaries. He liked how you talked about the food, asked them what they were up to that day, and actually listened when they answered. It was graceful, more that even Ironhead’s throw, how you managed to give each one of them attention, without controlling the conversation.

What Frankie liked best of all, though, was when yours eyes would meet his. They were narrow with laughter, and it was almost as if he were an hour away from know exactly what you were thinking. You’d lean towards him, just a hair, and under the thrum of conversations you would tell him little things, jokes or confessions like you were the best of friends.

When you murmured, “I actually don’t know anything about baseball,” he choked on his drink again, mind filled with unreachable moments. The boys were laughing at him, but he ignored it because they hadn’t heard you and... he could almost feel it – you against his chest as he showed how to swing a bat, your hand in his as he leaned in close, explaining, and him spinning you around in a victory hug.

All too soon the plates were being cleared and everyone was arguing over who should be paying. It made them smile, how earnestly you were offering, but there was no way in hell. 

You thanked them all verbally, but when Santi ended up paying, he got a quick peck on the cheek and that sharp feeling in Frankie’s gut returned with force.

As you left, before they could walk you out, you cherished the experience like a drop of honey on your tongue, confident this was a once in a life time thing, and excited to tell James about it. Of course you had texted him – he was the one who told you if you didn’t sit with them he’d never forgive you.

Then men behind you continued to talk, each silently thinking of their own reasons for being sure they’d see you again soon.

And when you walked past the window by the corner on the way to your car, a pair of deep brown eyes found yours through the glass. You waved, goodbye, and this time, the ache in your heart was aligned with the ache in his.

Thank goodness that old classmate never showed up.

<<

taglist:

@fangirl-316 @scribbledghost @writeforfandoms 

hey batter batter taglist:

@icanbeyourjedi

[stellar-imagines]

SCENARIO REQUEST: ❝stubborn rashes.❞

[ Fandom: Diamond no Ace ] [ Characters: Miyuki Kazuya ]

「 Scenario of Miyuki comforting his S/O who has flare rashes.」

MIYUKI KAZUYA

It was the familiar crunch of sand that resounded throughout the field that drew your attention. You shifted your eyes towards the baseball field where the Seidou team was having their daily practice after classes. It was a routine for you to come after your classes and sit by the benches to watch the team play while reading your book. You weren't a part of the team but having a boyfriend there made you come here more often. There was something comforting about sitting by the benches and listening to the boys do their usual thing. The sounds of their bats swinging and the balls connecting with their mitts were just very nice to you. The usual spot was always open, almost everyone knew that it was your spot. The managers will come and join you just to accompany you while they do their work.

Miyuki Kazuya finds himself glancing at the bench occasionally. Whenever he finds the chance to catch his breath, he will definitely look at you and give you a small wave. He notices something different with your today. Being in different classes always meant that he never got to see you unless it was during lunch breaks or joined classes. Most of the time, you would come by and watch him practice. Afterward, Miyuki would walk you back home which was only 5 minutes away by foot. It was the jacket you had on that drew his attention. It was slightly windy here but it wasn't windy enough for you to put on a jacket to begin with. 

"Why are you wearing a jacket, [First Name]-chan?" Haruno asked you while you flipped through the book you were reading.

"Oh, this? I just felt a bit chilly that's all." you replied with a smile. 

Though of course, that was a lie. It was just recently that flare rashes begin to show up on your arm and just the sight of them makes you frown. Your parents told you that it was nothing you should worry about and that it was probably because of stress or allergies. At the moment, you didn't even care what the cause of it was, you just wanted it gone. And all you could do now was to hide them from view. The only way you thought of was to just put on a jacket to hide them from everyone. It did draw attention from your classmates since the weather didn't seem suitable. Not only did it drew attention, it just made you feel much more uncomfortable.

Miyuki approached you after the coach called it a day. Instead of going to the training ground to catch some balls for Sawamura and Furuya, he decided to come over to you. He gave you his signature smile, giving you a small peck on your check. The managers excused themselves and decided to give you two some privacy.  You closed your book and rose from the bench, smiling back at your boyfriend. He took a seat next to you, using the towel around his neck to wipe off the sweat gathered on his forehead. He looked at you with a small frown but not one that expressed worry, one that expressed slight confusion.

"Are you sure that you wanna keep that jacket on, [First Name]?" Miyuki questioned you.

"Yeah, it's fine. It's starting to get a bit cold for me." you replied with a smile.

Miyuki eventually noticed that you began to wear a jacket more often, no matter how hot it was. After a hot day of practice, the catcher caught himself looking at you talking with the first-year players who came by to greet you. And you were there, dressed in the same way he saw you for the past 3 days. The school's signature tracksuit over the uniform you wore every day. The teachers had asked you the reason behind this but you simply mentioned that you were feeling a little bit cold. However, Miyuki didn't seem to be convinced that it was the case.

"Why don't you just take it off? I can see you sweating a bit you know." your boyfriend poked at your cheek and handed you a bottle of water. 

"And you got a little something here." Miyuki pointed at a spot under your chin. You raised your hand to touch whatever he was pointing at, it surprised you that your rashes showed up on your face. Out of reflex, you pulled up the collar of your tracksuit in an attempt to hide your face.

"Come on, don't be so embarrassed. Show me." the brunette urged. You shook your head, refusing to do as he said.

"No, don't look at me, Kazuya." you whined, avoiding his eyes. He gently put his hand over yours, slowly removing them and noticing the flare rashes on your neck. Miyuki was a smart guy, it didn't take him long to realize what was up with you. Now that your secret was out, you decided to just let it go.

"Do these hurt?" Miyuki asks, gently tracing his finger on the red patches. 

"They're just itchy but sometimes they hurt." you muttered.

Your boyfriend placed a few kisses on your face and around your neck. You let out a small giggle when his hair tickled your neck and chin. Miyuki smiled gently and helped you take off the jacket, only to reveal a few patches of red on your arm. He gave your arm the same treatment, peppering kisses all over the red patches. A gentle smile replaced your frown, you almost felt stupid for being so insecure of yourself. It was dumb of you to assume that Miyuki only liked you for your looks.

"Don't be insecure of them, baby. These will go away, I'm more concerned whether these things hurt or not." he spoke.

"I'm fine, Kazuya. It's just that they're so ugly you know." you rubbed at the rashes with a small pout.

"You have nothing to be insecure of. What do you say we go to the clinic tomorrow to get these treated? I remember that there's a small clinic near your house, I'll take you there after practice." Miyuki offered.

"Thank you, Kazuya. You're the best." you kissed his cheek.

"Though, it kind of reminds me of that one time my classmate dressed up as a zombie. He had patches all over his arms and legs―" you cut him off before he could finish his sentence, punching his arm. Miyuki let out a loud laugh when he saw that your face turned red as a result of his teasing.

"I'm just joking, [First Name]! You know I love you!" he followed you when you didn’t respond to him.

“Come on! I’ll give you all the cuddles and kisses you want!”

Total: 1133 words Published: 12.07.2021

Thank you for requesting! ｡٩(ˊᗜˋ)و*｡ We hope you liked it! ― author Lou

Thank you for requesting it! Hope you enjoyed this! ― author Natsuki

Requests are closed! Matchups are closed!

Please do not mind the grammar mistakes and typos.

[writer-akihiko]

...i would like to request a part 2 of the Kennyo×Reader×Y!Nobunaga plz only if you want to I understand if you cant/dont want to I just loved it so much 😣💘❤

All For Her - Yandere!Nobunaga X Reader X Kennyo PT 2

PART 1, ALTERNATE ENDING

Not gonna lie to you, it was so hard to pick an ending for this. I enjoyed writing the conclusion to this work that I'm sad to see it end. Don't worry, I have many Yandere works I'm still working on!

Because you requested for a second part, I decided to make this a bit of a more hurt/comfort type since I wanted to give you some happiness in this work.

TW: Yandere, Self-Poisoning, Hurt/comfort

"How would you like to rule the world by my side?"

Those words…

Those words were your death sentence.

~○~

"Your death will surely be my greatest victory," Nobunaga cried, swinging his sword at the monk. "The people would find it heroic how I rescued my bride from the Ikko Ikki's leader―"

"You defiled her!" Kennyo roared, unsheathing his staff. He blocked the rampant parries of the Devil King. "And you think that's love."

~○~

"This will be the last time you hold her, Kennyo."

He roared, howling at the pain of the sword. Kennyo fell to the ground, the stab to his shoulder numbing all of his senses as the blade cuts deep into his flesh.

"Perhaps YN would cast you away if I scar your face once again… Oh… How adorable she'd look to you in horror with the new scars I give you," Nobunaga teased, his menacing tone only edging his sword. "Or, I should kill you right here, and your head should be my bride's present…"

"Not so fast, Nobunaga."

A uniform of dark blue came to view, and two twin shining katanas.

"Masamune… Should I consider this a betrayal or a duel?"

"Consider this your loss," Masamune confidently chided.

"Why... Why do you defend a demon One Eyed Dragon?!"

Masamune struggles against Nobunaga's sword, pushing him away and giving distance between them. "Abbot... I'm not defending you. I'm doing this for her," He said, smiling at the man who won his Kitten's heart. "I'll let her be happy with you. Anything, just anything away from the Oda. Now go."

"You'll be in my prayers, Date."

Kennyo hung onto Ranmaru, the swishing of swords and cries of confusion dying down as Ranmaru escorts him away from the battlefield.

Masamune heaves out, taking a large blow to his chest as the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven holds a sword to his neck.

"How would you like to lose the other eye for treason, Date Masamune?"

SHING

"Apologies Lord Nobunaga."

"You owe me one, Masamune."

Ieyasu and Mitsunari raised their swords at Nobunaga, blocking the oncoming attack from reaching Masamune's neck.

"Oi, Date Dragon, don't fall just yet…" Keiji said, holding onto Masamune, with Kojuro trying to stop the bleeding from Masamune's armour.

"I won't Keiji… Not until I see her happy…" He said, passing out from the fight.

~○~

"Kennyo!" You were frightened by the red stains on his kimono as Ranmaru brought him in from the battlefield. Before you confronted Kennyo, Sasuke bowed to you, joining up with his group.

"YN, I'm glad we meet again but I must go on with Kenshin's plan."

You bowed to both Sasuke and Ranmaru, appreciating their help.

You tried to wrap and dress his wound as quickly as you could, salvaging any amount of salve you could. Kennyo winced in pain, enduring it for now.

After dressing his wound, you couldn't stop shaking. He was weak at the moment, barely opening his eyes. You could feel his hand reach out to yours, and you brought it to your cheek.

"YN… I'm sorry I couldn't protect you…" He said, trembling under the thought of the battle.

"He… He did this to you…" You whispered, frightened of the thought of Nobunaga and the terror he brought on to the battlefield.

Kennyo tapped your palm once again, bringing you to listen to him. "The Date Dragon saved me, YN… For that I am grateful…" He coughed, pressing his hand down on his chest. You quickly cleaned up any saliva that seeped out, begging him to take rest.

Enough was enough, you thought.

You couldn’t afford anyone else to be hurt.

Be it your friends in the Oda; Masamune, Hideyoshi, Ieyasu…

Or be it your friends you met through Kennyo; Kenshin, Ranmaru, Yukimura…

You couldn't.

Not for your selfish reasons.

Once Kennyo had passed out, you kissed his temple, whispering your affections and apologies.

"My love… I'm sorry… Live for me, won't you?"

~○~

You ordered one of the guards to carry you on horseback as swiftly as the horse could to the battlefield. You clutched the napkin carefully, your eyes searching for the warlords.

Without hesitation, you jumped off the horse, running up to where Ieyasu and Mitsunari were holding off Nobunaga.

Ripping off your hood, you revealed yourself to the warlords. "NOBUNAGA! I CALL TRUCE!"

Nobunaga saw your face, and he blocked off his allies, reaching out to you.

"She said, she called for truce," Kenshin said, standing next to you and guarding you.

Once all the troops had returned, you allied yourself with the Uesugi-Takeda warlords as the warlords of the Oda alliance reluctantly sided with their commander.

Nobunaga spoke first, "Now, my Princess, did you call truce to willingly return to me?"

You firmly replied, casting away your anxious subconscious at the sound of his voice, "I'd be a fool."

"Instead," You spoke again. "Let the Uesugi-Takeda leave. Let me stay with them, in exchange for the Oda claiming this land and the resources here."

They did not word it, but Kenshin and Shingen stood by you with no rebuttals. Your heart stilled at their silent agreement and support.

Shingen added on, "Consider the Princess collateral for your war, Nobunaga. With her, the alliance has reason to believe you won't be a threat to us."

Nobunaga was unimpressed, reaching for his katana. "What half-assed words… There is no benefit to the Oda in this arrangement."

The other warlords of the Oda were dumbfounded. Hideyoshi spoke up, "My lord! This is considerably generous-"

"Do not cross me."

You shivered, remembering the cold tone of that voice. No, this was not the time to give in. You threatened the warlords, revealing the needle closer to your skin. "Let me go, or you will have nothing to live for, Oda Nobunaga."

Those manipulative eyes quickly looked in horror as you pricked yourself, the poison quickly drawing into your system.

"YN!" Sasuke cried out. Yoshimoto quickly caught you, but you stopped Yoshimoto from touching the wound.

"Suffer as I did, Nobunaga."

The Devil of the Sixth Heaven, in front of his vassals, fell to his knees.

"Ieyasu!" He roared. "Heal her!"

The Tokugawa lord did not budge an inch.

Ieyasu curtly responded. "Call off the war, then I'll do it."

"Too little too late, Nobunaga," Masamune said, sheathing his katana. "Your allies will abandon you if you go on with this war."

"Lord Nobunaga, no, Nobunaga," Hideyoshi claimed. "Return the admirable lord I served, not one who falls so easily."

Kenshin chipped in, "I will retreat my troops as well, Oda. You're not a worthy opponent now, so fight me once you've gained your honour."

The Uesugi-Takeda warlords stood behind you, as Yoshimoto clutched your poisoned body.

"Foolish girl, you knew this would finish him," Yoshimoto whispered, trying to discretely draw out the poison.

"It's done. The Oda will retreat."

The moment Nobunaga said those words, Ieyasu rushed to your side, immediately drawing out the poison from your blood. "Honestly, you're such an idiot after all this time," He scolded, a tear or two slipping down his cheek.

"And not one of you has changed," You said. "Ieyasu, everyone, thank you…"

All you saw was your dearest friends crying out for you as the world turned black.

~○~

Days later, you woke up in your room at Kenshin's place. Nothing but seeing Kennyo entered your mind, as you raced to his room.

"Kennyo!"

"YN?" He was well and up in his futon, being visited by the Uesugi-Takeda group.

You jumped into his arms, finally being able to feel his warmth.

"I heard what you did, my dear…" He said, sitting you on his lap. "Thank you."

You shook your head, "It was for you, for everything you'd granted to me. My freedom, my livelihood… and love," You said, looking up to your lover. "For that, Kennyo, may I marry you and can we stay together until our time ends?"

Kennyo himself was shocked, not expecting such words from you. He turned red, and unexpectedly the warlords still didn't leave the room.

"C'mon old friend! Your lovely lady proposed to you!" Shingen cheered on.

Sasuke and Yoshimoto nodded. "What a wholesome ending," Yoshimoto added on.

"Gosh, why do I have to witness th-"

Yukimura was quickly silenced by his lord and his best friend. Kenshin simply smiled, drinking his sake in response.

Kennyo hugged you, his tears soaking your kimono. "My love… I will. I will live for you and stay with you until our time ends."

"You swear on it?"

"Of course, it’s all for you."

~○~

"LN Kenta! Are you listening?!"

The boy slumped his head to the desk, reiterating the history lesson, "-And the leader Ikko Ikki was rumoured to have escaped the battlefield with Lady LN YN but no proof has ever been found except for a bear made by Lady LN left in Kennyo's temple…"

"Right!" The history teacher exclaimed. "Next test will be about Oda Nobunaga's married life, including the tale of Lady LN and all relating battles…"

Kenta shuffled out of the classroom, slinging his jacket over his shoulders and then and there, he saw his lover Mai waiting for him.

"You could've eaten on your own…"

She smiled at her boyfriend, leaning on his shoulder. "Well, food's better when you're around people you love!"

Unbeknownst to the couple's eyes, a stalking figure of the captain of the baseball team watched them, his gaze envious at LN Kenta.

"Oi! Oda-senpai!"

"Oda Nozaki! Hurry up!"

The dark haired boy shifted away from his hiding spot, putting on his cheerful façade in front of his kouhai and friends. "Guys! I'm here…"

"Sheesh… Took you long enough…"

"I bet Oda-senpai was staring at the Drama Club's tailor again… Katakura Mai-san right?"

Nozaki shushed his teasing kouhai, shoving their caps straight on. "Hey, don't waste your time on gossip. We've got a war to train for."

"It's just a friendly match Nozaki!"

As the group went ahead, Nozaki trailed behind, taking one more glance at his beloved Mai.

It's alright, my little fireball. This rivalry between me and Kenta…

It's all for you.

[athena-is-a-chaotic-lil-shit]

Of Ice and Blood

Part 4

Welcome back! Hope you enjoy✨

Pairing: Tai'chi Kashharzol (Orc) x Pearl Blackbell (Human OC/Reader)

Warnings: Violence, cursing, shouting, and fighting. No blood mention. Just broken bones and stuff.

2.1k+ words [originally 1.6k but I revised it and added more details!]

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 5 Part 6

Sensing another one behind me, I went low and struck his leg with mine, using his fall to punch his chin with my right fist this time, being careful to use a controlled amount of force or else the nerve I hit will result to permanent brain injury and can be fatal.

I got up, swift in my actions as I saw the guy with a raised baseball bat heading towards me from my left flank, and the other one from the right, fast.

On reflex, I leaned back, the bat that was aimed at me hitting his comrade on the shoulder instead. Guy's lucky, actually. He would have suffered internal bleeding if it bashed the side of his skull.

Four down, two to go.

I took my stance once again to ready myself. This dude was a foot taller than me, with muscles packed with raw strength, but even so, pale in comparison to Tai'chi's p—

Stop thinking that! Focus!

"Smash her head Dan!" The man behind him yelled.

This 'Dan' went straight to me with his bat raised with intent once more.

Breathe in.

Everything slowed down. I let my heart rate decelerate, my hearing sharpened, my sense of smell heightening even further.

I closed my eyes, letting the rest of my senses take over. Years of practice, days of pain from training, each motion engraved to my entire body with purpose. To defend not only myself, but also those who are looked down upon, discriminated and stepped on like dirt. My parents had always taught me to defend myself. Me. Don't get me wrong, my parents are good people, albeit wary of the other races in our community. But the moment I left the roof of my home, I knew it was time for me to defend someone other than myself. I don't give a damn about where we come from or what kind of blood flows within our veins. I will protect those who need protecting, and set anyone straight and down to the ground when they deserve it.

Breathe out.

At the last few moments, with my eyes still shut, I changed my form. I followed his aura and pictured out the shape that was drawing up to land a serious blow to my head. Dan is solid and heavy, but everyone has at least one weakness. And this guy is not spared from that.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

I opened my right fist, right foot forward and relaxed my arms, my legs serving as a firm foundation for my upper body. With the bat inches away from me, I smoothly dodged to the side, using my palm to push away the hand holding the weapon and punched a vital pressure point right under his bicep.

I bent my legs even lower and struck the center of his ribs with my thumb, closing my hands as I jabbed his sciatic nerve on each side at the same time, both located in the middle line of the thigh between the groin and the knee. A solid blow to those nerve points will cause intense pain and shock to the person, along with a temporary immobility of the feet.

a/n: Self defense 101! Remember that dear readers♥

With the support of my left leg, I went behind the man, standing straight and proud. Calm, I opened my eyes when I heard his fall, staring right into the fearful ones of the moron that started all of this.

"Y-You- You killed them!"

Is he that dumb?

"Correction, I didn't. I knocked them unconscious is all. And the fellow that attacked me first? Well, he passed out from the pain of his now funny-looking arm." I stated flatly as I trudged to where he was standing.

"S-Stay away from me! Monster! Freak!" He stumbled, his ass on the ground and away from me until he felt a tree trunk on his back.

I scoffed and withdrew my knuckle dusters back under my baggy sleeve.

"You wanna know who the real monster is?" I stopped and held him in place with my scrutinizing gaze. He was trembling like a wimp at this point.

"It's you.

"You and your disgusting racist friends.

"You, along with all the people who view and treats anyone other than humankind as lowlifes and pests that are meant to be squished and eradicated from the society.

"No, it's you, and the ones who have the same mentality as you, who are monsters under the guise of a human."

I paused, not even blinking as I bore holes into his skull.

"I am human, down to every inch of my being. But unlike you, I respect and treat everyone, regardless of kind or gender, and to those who deserve it, fair and right."

Before I could continue, I scented new people coming into the scene. It was the teaching staff, along with the uni's guard.

Shocked of what they have seen, they turned towards me, angry, surprised, confused expressions on different faces.

"What have you done?!" A female, human instructor, looking to be around her late 20s shouted.

"Ma'am, if you would just let me explain—"

"You are hereby expelled from this institution, young lady!"

All the color of my skin left me as I heard the words I have dreaded even before I set foot in the campus grounds.

"Now let's not go straight to conclusions. We need to deal with this professionally AND properly Miss Holson. You are also not in authority to suspend this student." A heavily bearded dwarven professor, clad in a brown suit and Oxfords, told her off firmly.

"What are you saying Mr. Dulrik? Look at her! Look at this! She murdered students and oh my God, is that the dean's son?!"

For the love of— she blind? Why does everybody think I killed someone???

"Ma'am they are—" I was about to tell her but got cut off, again!

"Helpmehelpmehelpme!" He scrambled away from me and ran to the group of teachers and hugged the young instructor. "I don't know what came over her! She just attacked us out of nowhere!"

The audacity of this fucking bitch!

"Pardon me? Attacked you? YOU were the one who followed me out here! You and your" —I gestured to the bodies laying flat on the ground— " buddies over there!"

"She is lying! The orc was with her and and and—"

It dawned on me that I almost forgot about Tai'chi. My eyes widened, and I frantically scanned the area around for him. And there he was, standing by the oak tree, right where I told him not to move.

He seemed...irritated?

Oh no. At me?

"I have not moved an inch from where I am standing ever since I planted my feet here." He said with his deep baritone voice, turning to confront the staff. "What she's speaking is the truth. They were the ones who followed her here and attacked her, first."

"And how can we be sure you are telling the truth, orc?" Miss Holson replied spitefully.

Even the teacher, huh? Her odor smells like vomit. I mean, I knew she was...foul, but I thought it was because of the situation. Guess not.

Tai'chi did not respond. Instead, he moved to look at me in the eyes. His gaze, searching, but not in an awful way. Was he asking me what I'll do?

"How about we discuss this in the office, shall we?" An elderly professor spoke. She was wearing the university's formal teaching uniform together with black, flat, closed toe sandals. "And Miss Holson, please quiet down. As Mr. Dulrik said, we should not jump into baseless conclusions."

Miss Holson fumed and shut her mouth, holding the coward in her arms.

"Now then, Miss...?"

"Blackbell."

The woman paused. I caught a smell of surprise and... astonishment?

She cleared her throat "Well, then Miss Blackbell, please follow us to the Dean's office, along with your, companion."

Weird.

"Oh and Mr. Smith, kindly call for assistance and take the unconscious students to the infirmary to be treated and looked unto. Thank you." She told the guard. With that, she and the rest of the faculty started walking back.

I glanced at Tai'chi once more to find him, again, staring. I approached him warily, expecting him to be mad at me.

"Uh. Hi?"

I let out a long exhale when he replied, with a slight tug of his lips, his tusk jutting out. "Hi."

I fidgeted, trying to come up with words to explain myself.

"I uh, uhm. Are you mad?"

With his brow raised, "Why would I be?"

Yeah why would he be?

"I-I never told why I keep wearing my mask." I stuttered, "You see I—"

"You two! Start moving before I force you to." A teacher yelled at us from a distance.

"We'll talk later, Pearl. For now let's get this resolved first. I know for a fact that they won't expel you unless they ignore the ill intentions of the ones who attempted to harm you first. But better be safe than sorry, he was the dean's son afterall."

"Yeah... Thanks. We should.. go." I turned and started walking along his side.

******pov shift for a bit*******

Little did Pearl know, he was thinking about how...nice, yeah that's the word, definitely not sexy, you were when he witnessed your skills in combat. It awakened something in him that it took a lot of control not to get aroused there and then, which was the real reason why he stood there, unmoving from his place. Not once did he leave his eyes from you, almost jumping to help you when the guy with the baseball bat was closer than we would have liked. But oh no, he was not surprised, he was astonished and shookt , amazed when you pulled that last technique, sending the human plummeting to the ground almost soundlessly. And the way you stood right after, he knew he was smitten. That proud and intense aura you gave off was enough to make him bow down at your feet. He could feel it. He could smell it. That was his secret, he can scent people and catch any mood shift they make. Even though he told her that her eyes and brows gave it away, it was not entirely true as he could smell, literally, you and the changes on your scent.

Oh but little did he know you could to. Just not as observant as he is.

:>

*******************************

Wow— when I copy pasted the original thing from my notes to my drafts in Tumblr I was like "okay, so. I should read it AGAIN before I post it if I wanna avoid more unnoticed mistakes and keep editing it again and again even though I posted it already! " And I never though it would lead me to adding almost a half thousand words and a pov shift— which i found interesting and really nice! Should I do it more often? Like little inserts of what Tai'chi or another characters thoughts in second pov in between fics if necessary? It's just, nice, to put them in and write all out about what they were thinking outside of Pearl's pov! Let me know what you think and I hope you enjoyed reading❤

Tags: @kokokatsworld @crackinanutshell

[13uswntimagines]

Baseball Showoffs (Rose x baseball Player!Reader)

Request: reader x rose, maybe the reader is a baseball player and is up against the Braves aka Mr. pugh and then maybe the team hosts a watch party for the game

Authors Note: Hey dudes, so I might have gone a bit crazy with the baseball terms. I also happen to be a big Yankee’s fan, so if you don’t like them, you can totally switch the teams. I hope you enjoy! Feel free to send me feedback or just hit up my page if you wanna say Hi! 

Team bonding was a normal occurrence for the national team. It was typically a time filled with movies, stupid games like truth or dare and Dawn approved snacks. But today, it would be centered around a different kind of game. 

It was the Atlanta Braves taking on the New York Yankees, or as far as the team was concerned, you verses Dansby Swanson (more like Rose vs Mal, but everyone was too afraid to say it).

“I didn’t think you two liked baseball,” JJ muttered from beside Rose, tossing a handful of popcorn into her mouth. The woman in question rolled her eyes. 

“We don’t, but Y/n looks hot in the uniform, and her little celebrations are adorable,” The midfielder smirked, wiggling her shoulders as if to prove her point.  The two of you had been dating for 4 years, and in that time you still couldn’t convince her that baseball was remotely interesting. She only watched to see your bat flips and dance moves. You had recently been traded to the Yankees in the hopes that you could bring them the winning spirit from the Nationals (which they had lost after Jeter retired, or that at least what you told her).

“Y/n has been killing it this season. She has like a .370 batting average”  Ashlyn snorted, shoving popcorn in her mouth. She wasn’t a giant Yankees fan, but after the Braves defeat of the Marlins, she couldn't support them in good conscience. 

“Dansby isn’t bad either though, it’s like a .33,” Kelley argued. She wasn’t a huge baseball fan, but she had to rep for her state. 

“Yeah, but y/n has 16 home runs, and it’s only their 12th game, Mr. Pugh is going to have his hands full for sure,” Alyssa countered with raised eyebrows. Sure she didn’t like the Yankees as much as she liked the Cubs, but almost anyone was better than the Braves. 

“No offense to y/n, but my money is on the braves,” Kelley said nudging Rose, who nodded in understanding. 

“That’s right, gotta rep our home team,” Emily nodded back, giving the frat daddy a high five. 

“Aren't they away this week?” Mal asked with furrowed eyebrows. . 

“Y/n isn’t in grey so yeah,” Rose nodded. The only reason she knew that was because she thought you looked sexier in the blue pinstripes than the ugly grey one (though she much preferred the red uniform of the Nationals).

“Is that how it works?” Megan questioned, suddenly interested now that the fashion choices were the center of attention instead of batting averages or whatever. 

“Yeah, the home team wears white pants and bats 2nd” Kelley nodded, returning her attention to the TV where the 1st inning came to an end after a strikeout. 

“Y/n has got a damn good batting average and home team advantage, so she’s going to crush Dansby,” Rose mumbled and Mal rolled her eyes. There was no way that you were going to beat her boyfriend. 

“Well Dansby’s up to bat, so we’ll see just how they match up,” JJ laughed, enjoying how riled up the team was getting for a sport that everyone claimed to not like. 

*****

The New York sun was bright as you paced back and forth in the area between 2nd and 3rd base waiting for the next batter to be ready. You were frustrated that Dansby had managed to get into first, and with Riley up to bat, you were sure you were going to be getting some action soon.

You squared up to home plate, crouching slightly as Garrett got ready to throw the next pitch. The ball came off the bat like a rocket, slicing towards you as Dansby ran towards 2nd. Just as he rounded the base You caught the ball and tagged him as he passed you for a double play. 

“Couldn’t have given me that one?” He winked at you after the 3rd vase umpire called him out. The two of you were pretty close considering you hung out at lots of USWNT matches. 

“Not a chance, now stop trying to impress your girl and play smart, shoulda stayed at second,” You smirked back, tapping his chest with your glove. 

“Ooh, like you aren’t doing the same thing,” He laughed back.

“Never said I wasn’t, but it seems to be working out a little better for me, I just made an amazing catch” You held up the ball to prove your point. 

“Maybe you should go for something a little less subtle,” He shrugged back good-naturedly. Your girls weren’t big into baseball, but you were sure that your leaning catch would at least draw you a “good job” from Rose. 

“We’ll see, there’s a time and a place for everything,” You smirked at the man, shoeing him back towards the dugout. 

******

The team watch with bated breath as you edged your way off of second plate. It was the bottom of the 7th and your team was still frustratingly tied with Dansby’s (as your 2 run homer had been matched by 2 individual runs from the other team). 

“ the braves better be careful, Y/l/n has the highest stealing average in the league,” Ashlyn chimes in, and right in cue you made a break for 3rd base. 

The pitcher had been onto you, sending the ball towards Dansby, but you were already one step ahead, leaping over the man and landing safely on the plate. 

“God she so cute,” Rose sighed dreamily as you stuck your tongue out at Mr. Pugh. 

“She just stole a base and that’s what you say?” Kelley snorted. Yes her team was losing, but she had to admit that you had some serious skill. 

“She’s got dirt in her nose,” Rose shrugged, smiling wider when you did a little happy wiggle as your teammate stepped up to bat. 

******

The team crowded around the TV, far more interested in the outcome of this game than they thought they’d be. It was the bottom of the 9th, the bases were loaded and your team was down by 2. You needed to hit a run to win. 

The women watched as you tightened your fingers on the bat, the commentators mentioning how your famous left-handed swing was similar to Rose’s. 

“They should change the names on their jerseys, none of the fans call them by their own last names anyway,” Julie snorted, as the commentator went on about how this matchup was ingesting because you and Dansby were dating USWNT players. It didn’t help that you and him kept interacting every chance you got. 

“Y/n and I have the same number, so they don’t wanna confuse the fans,” Rose retorted with an eye roll. 

“She’s batting lefty?” Sam asked surprised. Every other time you were at-bat, you had hit righty. It was strange to see you switch it up. 

“Yeah, she’s a switch hitter. It’s probably to trip Soroka up,” Kelley shrugged. Their pitcher was known for having issues with lefties, and you guys needed a hit to win, so that was most likely your motivation. They just switched Anderson for him, so you changed that is too. 

“Soroka is solid. There’s no way she’s getting another hit off of him,” Emily fired back. The dude had one of the highest strikeout rates in the league, there was no way you were going to get anything more than a double. You were dangerous at-bat, and had already scored big, it was probably why they put him on the mound. 

“10 bucks?”  Kelley asked with a raised eyebrow, holding her hand out for a shake. Emily snorted, slapping the hand. 

“Deal,”

*****

You tightened your hands on the bat, your eyes taking in every detail of the pitcher. The bases were loaded, you were down by two, you needed a hit to keep your team alive. Soroka nodded at the catcher, winding up for the pitch. You had watched enough of his games to know what that windup meant. The ball seemed to move in slow motion as it left his fingers and screamed its way towards home plate, right down the middle in his famous fastball. You took a deep breath and swung the bat, a crack resounding throughout the stadium when it made contact. 

You watched the ball as it sailed towards the wall, standing frozen on home plate as it went. The fans roared when it came to a stop on the second deck of the stadium, a wide smile breaking across your face. You flipped your bat high and began the long trot around the bases, the fan’s cheers and the stadium’s fireworks the soundtrack to your success. 

“Now that’s how you impress,” You smirked cockily at Dansby as you rounded 2nd base. He was a good friend to you, but scoring a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 9th was the ultimate euphoric moment and it totally deserved a little bit of cockyness. 

“Whatever Y/L/N” The man smiled back shaking his head and low-fiving you as you passed him. You had beaten him in your competition to out show off to your girls this time, but he’d get you next time. Somehow, some way. 

As you jogged towards home plate, the camera zoomed in on you. You tapped your number, and blew a kiss towards it, hoping that Rose knew that you had hit that grand slam for her, to impress her. (unknown to you she caught the kiss through the T.V. and put it in her pocket). Sure she didn’t like baseball, but she loved you. 

[believingispowerfulmagic]

“We All Will Be Together” Chapter 6: Happy Father’s Day

"Alright, class, please settle down," Miss French said, trying to get the attention of her second graders. It was nearing the end of the day and there was a warm breeze blowing through the nearest window, beckoning them all outside. Even Henry was having trouble focusing – all he wanted to do was go outside and play.

But school was still not yet over and he was stuck inside with everyone else.

"Class, I need your attention," Miss French repeated. "Or else we'll never make our Father's Day cards."

Henry sat up straighter, excitement filling him. This was the first year he had a father to make a card for – usually he ended up making a card for his Uncle David instead – and he looked forward to making something for Robin, his dad. He tried not to bounce in his seat as Miss French told each row to go get their art boxes. When his was called, he grabbed his and returned to his seat as quickly as possible so they could get started on the cards as soon as possible.

She placed several piles of construction paper – sorted by color – onto the bookcase under the blackboard. Turning back to the class, she smiled. "I want you to figure out which animal you want to put on your card and then when I call your row, you can come up and take the colors you need."

Biting his lip, Henry debated what he wanted to make. He considered a horse but that seemed more appropriate for his mother. And he knew that Roland would make monkeys – he loved them. Dad seemed to like all animals so that didn't help him make a choice either. As Miss French started to call up row one, Henry panicked as he tried to make his decision.

Dog? Cat? Horse? Lion? Dragon?

What was he going to pick?

"Row four," Miss French said, moving to stand in front of Henry's row. "Your turn."

Henry waited until everyone else filed past him before he headed up to the front. Miss French frowned, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Henry, is something wrong?" she asked.

"I don't know what animal to choose," he said. "Nothing I've thought of feels right."

"Okay," she replied kindly. "Well, what's your dad's favorite animal?"

Henry panicked, his eyes widening. "I don't know."

"Okay, okay," she repeated, soothing him. "Well, do you have a favorite movie to watch with him? Maybe something with animals?"

"Yes," Henry answered, relief flooding through him as he thought of the past couple weeks. "We've been watching Robin Hood together."

Miss French smiled. "I think you're getting an idea now, aren't you?"

He nodded. "Thank you, Miss French."

"You're welcome," she said. "Now go get your paper so I can call up the next row, okay?"

"Yes, Miss French." He quickly picked up some orange, white and green construction paper. Clutching them tightly, he returned to his chair as the next row went up to grab their supplies.

Once the last row – Roland's row – went and got their supplies, Miss French stood in front of the classroom again. "Alright, you're now going to draw the animals you chose – one big and one little. Does anyone need me to draw your animal on the board for you to copy? If so, please raise your hand."

Henry raised his hand along with a few others. Miss French asked the other children for their animal, smiling when she came to Henry. "And you?"

"A fox," he said proudly. She nodded, writing it down in her list before moving on. Excitement filled Henry – he was going to make the best fox dad and son ever.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** 

"How does your card look, Henry?" Roland asked, falling into step with his brother as they left the classroom. "Can I see it?"

Henry shook his head. "Not now. I'll show it to you when we get home."

"Alright," Roland replied, shrugging. "I can show you mine too. I'm really proud of it. Do you know what I drew?"

"Monkeys," Henry said, smiling. "You love them."

Roland grinned as they exited the school building together. "I do. And I like that you chose foxes. Papa is going to love it."

Happiness surged through Henry – Roland certainly knew their father better than him so he trusted his brother's judgment. Grinning, he said: "Good. I want our first Father's Day to be perfect."

"Papa's not going to care about that," Roland replied, frowning. "All he wants is to make sure we have fun. If we do, then he's happy."

"And if we don't?" Henry asked, worried that something would go wrong and ruin the day for his father.

Roland shrugged. "I think Papa's happy just being with me. And now he'll be happy with me and you."

"I guess," Henry replied, still wanting to have an amazing Father's Day. "It's just…I've never really had a father to celebrate with before. Uncle David and Uncle Archie just aren't the same."

"Well, I can help you celebrate," Roland told him with a smile. "We'll have a great Father's Day!"

"What are you two conspiring about now?"

They looked up to find Dad standing over them, smiling. Henry blinked once before throwing himself at his father. "Dad!"

"Hello, my boy," Dad replied, hugging him tightly. He then held out his other arm. "I've got room for you too, Roland."

Roland then hugged him as well. "Hi, Papa!"

"Hello," he repeated. "Did you two have a good day at school?"

They nodded and he smiled. "Wonderful! So, why don't we head home and let you get out of those uniforms? You must be hot."

Both boys cheered and Dad led them toward the car. Roland looked up at him. "I didn't know you were coming to pick us up, Papa."

"It was a last-minute decision," he replied. "Things were slow at the store and your Uncle John assured me that he had everything under control. So I told your mother I would pick you up and spend the afternoon with you."

"I like that," Henry said, giving his father's hand a squeeze.

Dad squeezed his hand back before also squeezing Roland's hand. "So, what do you two want to do?"

"Can we go to the park?" Roland asked, bouncing as they approached Robin's familiar truck.

"I think the park sounds fun," Dad agreed, looking down at Henry. "Do you want to go to the park?"

Henry perked up at the suggestion, nodding. "Can we practice baseball?"

"Of course we can," Dad replied, helping them into the backseat of his truck. "Any other requests?"

Roland grinned. "Ice cream?"

"Please?" Henry added, also eager for the sweet treat. Especially on such a warm day.

Laughing, Dad nodded. "Okay. We'll go have a nice game in the park and then we'll get some ice cream. Hopefully your mother doesn't kill me for ruining your dinners."

They chuckled as he closed the door. Henry settled into his seat as he buckled up and Roland did the same. "We're going to have a lot of fun today," Roland said.

"I know," Henry replied, grinning. "This is going to be the best weekend ever!"

"That's the plan," Dad said, getting into the driver's seat. He buckled himself up before looking back, smiling at them. "Here we go!"

Both cheered as he turned on the car and then pulled away from the school, heading back to the house so they could change and grab their gear. And then they would climb back into the truck, head to the park and have some fun before getting ice cream.

TGIF, indeed.

Continue reading on FFN, AO3 or Wattpad

[pl-panda]

To Marry a Vigialnte: Part 16

MASTERLIST || First || Previous || Next

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 16

-----------

Chloé couldn’t believe it! They forced her to stay in Gotham Academy’s girls’ dorms. That witch Lila managed to talk Madame Bustier into stopping her from leaving. Marinette had her mother’s permission to stay elsewhere, but apparently, the change in accommodation plans invalidated Chloé’s father’s permission. She would resolve it with a single phone call if someone didn’t steal her phone . She of course tried to report it to Madame Bustier, but her teacher declared that she must’ve lost it somewhere and she shouldn’t be shifting the blame on others. 

That woman’s picture should be in every dictionary, right next to the definition of a hypocrite.

She turned the corridor. She could sleep one evening there and tomorrow Marinette would let her borrow the phone. She could try with one of the girls, but it’s not like she remembered every phone number in existence! She regretted that the akuma attack ruined their plans for the afternoon, but Damian had sword-fighting practice tomorrow and she would have her friend all to herself. 

“You’re Chloé, right?” A blonde cheerleader asked. The Parisian immediately recognized her as Erica and narrowed her eyes. There were five of them and one of her. 

“And you’re the Queen B. of this school. For now .” 

The Gothamite princess had the guts to actually laugh. “You can’t even touch me. You’re just some foreign student that came here on a whim of the Ice Prince.”

“Oh, right. You’re the golden princess of this school.” Chloé mocked her. “Lemme tell you something, Erica. I’ll offer you an escape deal. You leave Damienette alone and you can keep your position on top.”

“Yeah. Like you could be a threat.” A new voice joined. From behind the cheerleaders, a new girl walked. Lila now wore the cheerleader uniform too. “You’re just a walking akuma factory. It’s really no wonder that people avoid you. You caused more possessions in Paris than everyone else combined.”

“And you hold the record for times being akumatized.” The Parisian blonde retorted. “Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! You think you can take the Chloé Bourgeois?”

“Oh! We don’t think…” Erica started.

“We know.” Lila finished. 

“The deal is simple. You will stop your friendship with Maribrat and we will let you keep some dignity.” 

“Or we will make you a social outcast. Not only at school, but in the whole of Gotham.”

Inside, Chloé was raging. She wished she could show them what Cass taught her, but she quelled the idea quickly. I definitely spend too much time with Sabine and the Waynes… She thought to herself. Instead, she grinned. “You know the difference between a threat and a warning?”

“What are you babbling about?” One of the cheerleaders snorted. 

“A warning is a threat that will actually come to pass. And I warn you. You’re messing with fire here. Damian was raised very old-fashioned. He will draw blood to defend the honor of his angel.” She decided that they could receive a warning. It’s not like they would listen. “And Marinette’s aunt is very well connected.” Then, she decided to drive the nail deeper. “Plus, MDC’s client list is quite long and none would appreciate that you try to bully their favorite designer.”

“Like that doormat…” Lila started, but Chloé tested the glare Cass taught her. It worked well enough. 

“You’re not dealing with Maribear. You’re dealing with me. And I’m not going to lose.” 

“What’s going on here?” Allegra walked toward them and stood next to Chloé. 

“Scatter.” Lila snapped at her. 

“Funny. I was about to say the same thing,” she retorted. Now she stood side by side with Chloé and both stared at them. Allegra had an aura of confidence around her. 

“Be careful who you stick with, Kane. You’ll do well not to antagonize me.”

“Just because your mother married a famous baseball player doesn’t make me respect you more, Boyle.” 

“It’s Layton ,”The angry cheerleader corrected. 

“Right. I must’ve forgotten. She does change her last name a lot…” Allegra smiled. 

“You’re in over your head, Kane. You’ll do better to stay with your little outcast club.”

“Nah. I’m good. Also, don’t you have practice in five minutes? I heard the coach is in a mood today.” The mayor’s daughter smirked. “It would be a shame if he made you run around with the players.” 

This made all the girls quickly scatter to get to the practice, leaving Lila and Erica alone. “You’ve just made an enemy, Kane.” 

“You’re an inconvenience at best…” She dismissed the threat. Lila decided to cut their losses and dragged the fuming Erica away, sending the two blondes a murderous glare.

“Thanks for the backup,” Chloé started. “Of course I didn’t need any, but still.”

“No problem. I always hated that self-appointed princess.” 

“And have you seen her hair?” The Parisian huffed. “Utterly Ridiculous!”

“And I’m pretty sure her dress is too short by the school standards.”

Chloé smirked. “I think we’ll get along just fine.”

-----------

After Bruce returned, they tried to figure out what was taken from the inside of the vault. Out of various precious weapons, documents, several property deeds, the only thing that was missing turned out to be the content of the wall safe. 

During the night patrol, Marinette and Damian scoured the city for potential akumas. While he dealt with criminals, she often stopped by the victims to calm them and gave some support. After serious butt-kicking for the criminals. It just wouldn’t do for Damian to get all the fun. The superhero/vigilante duo (nobody was sure which one, not even them) made a positive first impression on the city. Citizens seemed to like them, both for their efficiency and how they always stopped to talk. 

After, Marinette noted that their transformations could hold for much longer now since they were together in this. When asked, Tikki explained that now that she had Chat Noir that was mature and they were technically both adults as far as magic was concerned, she could start developing her full potential. 

After the short report to Alfred, the teens left the Batcave to change into pajamas. Marinette fell asleep almost immediately, but Damian stayed awake for a bit. He swore he would protect his Habibti. No matter how far he would have to go. 

-----------

Marinette and Damian had roughly half of their classes together. Sadly, she didn’t share too much with her best friend, since Chloé was more into business management than arts and fashion. It was mostly the problem of the level. Classes that Marinette had at beginner, the Parisian blonde had at a higher level and vice-versa.

When she arrived at her class, Claude and Jon were saving her a place between them, which would help to protect her from the classmates that ended in the same group. There were also several GA students that she would rather not sit close to (Erica’s bunch). Generally speaking, the first part of her day went well. 

The same couldn’t have been said about Damian. He, Chloé, and Allegra were saddled with the class. And to his utter dread, there were no free places next to each other. They tried to ask some students to move. Well, Damian tried to threaten them, which worked, but too late. The teacher entered and decided to put Damian between Alya and Lila. It was as if the universe was punishing him for something. He suspected that Mister Scarlet did that on purpose to egg him. With this one, he had no idea what he did to make him dislike the Wayne heir. But the way he acted toward him made it clear that he took pleasure in the situation Damian was put in: Between Alya’s nagging to leave Marinette and ‘return’ to Lila, and the Liar who kept whispering stories about their common past. 

Finally, after they got to go for lunch, Damian stormed out of the class. Everyone in the corridor made way for him. His scowl was enough to deter anyone from trying to approach him. Well, anyone but Maps.

“Damian! You’re back!” She leaped at him and it took all of his willpower not to draw a sword. 

“Tt. Mizoguchi. It’s not the best moment.” He growled. 

“But you’re back! Did the headmaster cancel your expulsion!?”

“No. He just forgot to file the expulsion files within the week of the offense. Ergo, I was never expelled. I just joined the exchange program.” He explained. 

Her eyes practically shined. “Coooool.” 

“Tt. Can you let go of my arm?” He was really hoping it would work. 

“Nope. I just met you again. We’re glued.” 

“Sup Dames?” Claude chose that moment to appear.

“Tt. I’ve got a parasite.”

“That I can see!” The other boy laughed. Most people were still steering clear from Wayne and whoever was with him. They valued their health for the most part. 

“I’m not a parasite. I’m Maps!” The girl greeted Claude, who in turn made an exaggerated bow. 

“And I’m Claudius Chase. But please call me Claude.” He made a mock fighting stance. “Like Jean-Claude Van Damme.” 

“More like Jack Clown van Lame,” Damian muttered. “Your stance is all wrong. I could take you out in seconds.”

“Of course you could. You’re b…” The Wayne heir covered her mouth with his hand. 

“Tt. Not here. Now if you would let go of my hand, you parasite, I’m sure Habibti is waiting for me.” 

“Habibti?” She asked after letting go.

“His girlfriend.”

You could actually see Maps’ eyes form into twin stars. “Can I meet her? Can I meet her?”

“Since when are you into fashion?”

“Huh? Who said anything about fashion. She’s your girlfriend though, which means she must be sooo cooool!” Maps was practically vibrating. 

“Hero worship much?” Claude joked.

“Tt. Fine. Let’s go.”

The three arrived at the Cafeteria, where Allegra, Chloé, Jon, and Felix were already eating. They had lasagna that day. Quite a lot of people were whispering when Damian appeared, more so than usual, but nobody dared to look at him. When he sat at the table next to Marinette, they did their best not to stare.

“Grumpy Cat?” She asked, a bit worried. “You’re… tense.” 

“Tt. Because of that socially-inept, talentless, petty bookworm,” he seethed, “I had to sit between Rossi and Cesaire.” 

Immediately, Marinette pulled him into a tight hug. “Oh, my poor Kitty.”

This caused some of the gathered, who knew Damian from the previous year, to immediately tense. Some of the students sitting nearby (mostly females) even grinned, thinking that here died the relationship. There was no way that Ice Prince would allow anyone to refer to him as Kitty. Getting him on the first-name basis was considered a privilege allowed only to the family (and strangely Claude). 

To their immeasurable surprise, Damian didn’t explode. Instead, he melted slightly into the hug and some of the anger left him. It wasn’t a long hug, but after it, he was now acting less like a walking grenade looking for its pin. At least three people awwed at them. It was just too pure.

“Whoah!” And then there was Maps, who had the subtlety of a steam-train speeding through the Wild West. “You’re so cute together!” She zoomed next to Marinette to get a better look.

“And you’re…” Marinette eyed the overly energetic girl. She was short, with hair that reached barely below her ears. 

“Mia Mizoguchi. But you can call me Maps. I’m Damian’s friend.” 

“Tt. More like a stray.”

“Damian! Don’t be a Grumpy Cat.”

“Besides, isn’t collecting strays kinda a Wayne Tradition at this point.” Felix deadpanned. Everyone started laughing. Damian gave a dignified smirk. The blond proved to be able to match him in intellectual discussion, which gave some basis for mutual respect between them. 

The group talked a bit more about their classes. Marinette and Chloé compared every detail of their experience in the States with what it was like back in Paris. Maps was a fountain of questions, even if some of them were a bit… strange. But Marinette still felt she would like the little girl. That she was in the same class as her surprised her. 

After lunch came time for more classes. When they finished, Damian was supposed to stay for training while Marinette and Chloé would go shopping. They were already outside the gates when three rather packed teens from the year ahead stepped in their way. 

“You think you can steal Erica’s man and then threaten her?” The one in the middle asked. It was clear he was angry and not exactly thinking clearly. “Gotham Academy Grackles stay together. If you think you can just prance here and take over, you have another thing coming.”

“Um… Sure.” Mari just nodded. “Now excuse me while I go away.” She tried to move past them, but one decided to make a fatal mistake of trying to grab the front of her shirt. She raised her left arm under the grip, lifting his hand slightly. It exposed his stomach for the moment, which she took full advantage of and delivered a knee-kick to his liver. When he folded in half from the pain, as much as he could with her still supporting his hand, she then used her right arm to deliver a cutter toward the back of his head.

The boy was out cold in less than five seconds. 

Seeing their friend attacked, the other two charged at her. Marinette ducked under the punch from the first one and headbutted him in the stomach. She then wrapped her arms around his left legs and lifted him up. He fell on the ground and tripped the slower one. When they both were down, Marinette stomped on the hand of the one on top. There was an audible crack that signaled she managed to damage the bones. He would not be fighting. The one under tossed his pained friend away and jumped on his feet. He managed to get Marinette in a chokehold, but she pushed her arms between his extended arms and spread them apart. When he was exposed, she jumped up and kicked him with both legs. While she landed without any injury, the bigger player crashed into his two friends. 

“The police are on their way,” Chloé informed, putting away the phone that mysteriously found itself in her possession earlier that morning, giving more credence to the theory that she simply misplaced it. 

“What’s going on here!” A harsh voice boomed behind them. Hammerhead was standing there in all his glory. “To my office. All five.” 

“Maman’s going to be here in just five minutes,” Mari informed him. She was still full of adrenaline. 

“I don’t care.” He seethed in response. 

The only conscious boy helped his friends stand up. First the one with a broken hand, then they lifted the unconscious one together. They limped through the campus toward where the office was located. Behind them, Marinette and Chloé walked with heads held high. Tomorrow, the school would be full of gossip, but the bluenette was all too used to it by now and the blonde would run her PR magic to change it into something positive. Chloé loved playing the crowd. 

--------

“I’m here.” Sabine practically stormed inside the office. “Now could you explain, sir, what is it about?”

“Your daughter got into an… altercation with older students today. Right in front of the school.” Headmaster Hammer started.

“Ah. And you’re curious if we’ll be pressing charges?” The woman asked, cocking an eyebrow. 

“Charges?” She managed to baffle the man. 

“Attempted assault?”

“Madame. You misunderstood me. Your daughter…”

“Defended herself. Yes.” Sabine cut in, her eyes filled with cold fury. “Unless I’m mistaken, Self-defence is not a crime.”

“You can’t call self-defense stomping on…”

“To prevent further fighting? Debatable. She is smaller, physically weaker, and was outnumbered. A good lawyer would argue that it was necessary for her to act that way for her safety and to avoid further fighting.” She stared down at the headmaster. “As for the charges…”

At that, two officers walked in. Hammer recognized the first one as Renee Montoya. The other was a blonde officer wearing a tactical vest.

“Sorry, it took so long. We’ve been a little short-staffed since the mess with akumas started.”

“Don’t worry. Luckily, my daughter managed to defend herself. Now, officer, what must we do if we wish to press charges?” Sabine asked with a cold voice, never breaking eye-contact with the headmaster. 

“That…”

“I’ll explain everything while officer Sawyer takes the attackers into custody.” 

“Thank you so much.” The older woman finally broke the eye-contact and turned toward Montoya. She smiled with her usual peaceful smile, but the fire was still in her eyes. “My daughter is part of the exchange program while I’m visiting my niece.”

Marinette was stunned by how well her mother could take control of the situation. She wasn’t sure what precisely she was doing, but it was definitely effective. 

“Foreigners?” The officer asked, surprised. “I could hardly hear the accent. France?”

“Yes. Paris.” Sabine smiled. “Neither I nor any of my charges are really familiar with the procedures here.”

“I will walk you through it. Headmaster?” The policewoman finally acknowledged the elderly man in the room. “Were the parents of the culprits notified yet?”

“Not. Yet.” He muttered through clenched teeth.

“We will take it from here.” She smirked at the headmaster. “You will be notified if any further input is needed, sir.” She started to walk away and motioned for the three women to follow her. 

Outside, Damian was waiting with a sword. Luckily, there was no blood on it. Yet .

“Hello, Kitty. Don’t worry. I’ve managed it.” 

“Tt. I’ll still challenge them to an honor duel.” He scoffed. 

“You will probably have to wait a bit. I don’t think…” The officer took a glance at Sabine, who even with her smile looked like she was ready to fight God on equal footing. “They probably won’t be coming back to school this year.” 

“They won’t.” Chloé, Sabine, and Damian said at the same time. But they probably had different things in mind. Or maybe just Chloé…

------------

  Masterlist // Next

[thetriggeredhappy]

How about the team agreeing to play baseball with Scout for his birthday? Because they always admired how happy and free he looks when he's running. (SniperScout in between if possible would be great)

pushed up in the requests backlog for reasons. team bonding fic is best fic

(warnings for alcohol mention and passing non-graphic cartoonish violence)

-

“The hell is he so excited about?” Demo asked, raising an eyebrow and glancing over his shoulder towards where Scout was laughing his way down the hall.

“No idea,” the Engineer said, shuffling the deck neatly. “Been all high-energy high-spirits the whole damn day.”

“Unfortunately,” Medic agreed, a little bitter. That garnered several more raised eyebrows from around the table.

“Twice in one day Doktor has to fix broken leg in fighting,” Heavy explained, placing a placating hand on Medic’s shoulder. “And Scout takes many bad risks. Overconfident.”

A questioning noise from within Pyro’s suit. “I’d sure like to know why, as well,” Engie nodded. “Tryin’ out some new energy drink, maybe?”

“High spirits and hubris from consistent victory?” Soldier suggested.

“You’re joking,” Sniper suddenly cut in, glancing around the table, who all looked right back, surprised to hear him cutting in on the usual gossip. “...You lot really didn’t remember?”

A snort from Spy, a vague shrug from the rest of the table.

“It’s his birthday tomorrow.”

A pause, then noises of surprise, shock, and from some of the table, alarm. “A repeat of last year, how very unfortunate,” Spy hummed, taking a sip of his drink.

Pyro shouted something with no small amount of conviction that might have been along the lines of “this is terrible!”. Demo seemed to agree, from the shock on his face, the widening of his eye.

“Oh no,” Heavy rumbled, looking legitimately worried. Medic’s eyebrows were furrowed.

“I can’t believe you,” Sniper deadpanned, glaring at all the other mercenaries sitting there. “First year, you don’t bother wishing him a happy birthday. Second year, he plans a whole damn party for himself so you lot wouldn’t forget again and half of you don’t plan ahead and we get scheduled out on a mission and leave the bugger all alone all weekend. And you promise you won’t forget again. And one year later, here we are.”

Pyro appeared to be in a state of panic, pacing at high speed behind their chair, tugging at various points of their suit in high agitation. The Engineer’s face was largely hidden behind the hardhat and goggles and the hand clamped over the bottom part of his face.

“Perhaps he won’t be upset,” Medic suggested. “We all simply wish him a happy birthday and have drinks.”

“We do that every other weekend,” Demo pointed out. Soldier murmured in the affirmative.

“Sniper has remembered,” Heavy noted, looking at the man in question. “Maybe team helps with plans?”

“I already got him a gift,” Sniper mumbled, fidgeting with his hat. “But I don’t think we’ll manage to pass it off as from the whole team.”

“He’s gonna be so disappointed if he finds out that we forgot again,” Engie sighed, head in his hands. “It’ll break his damn heart.”

“So once again, it seems that I’ll need to step in and save you all,” Spy drawled, putting his glass down and reaching into his jacket, pulling out and unfolding a sheet of paper. “With your collective track record regarding this specific event, I assumed you would all forget again, and so took some steps to ensure that there would be a backup plan when the event arises and we wouldn’t need to deal with moodiness and general malaise from the team for the next several weeks.”

The Engineer took the paper, holding it so Medic could read it at the same time as him, Heavy leaning to try and get a look. Eyebrows began to rise. The paper was passed around the remainder of the table.

“You think this’ll work?” Demo asked suspiciously.

“Obviously. Well, and to be fair, you don’t exactly have any other options.”

He had them there.

-

“—Just totally can’t believe you talked Miss P into lettin’ us do this that’s just the coolest shit in the world lemme tell ya, like seriously that’s completely nuts and I can’t even believe it, she’s the best—!“

Scout had only stopped talking long enough to breathe over the course of the entire walk from the base to the makeshift baseball pitch that the Engineer had propped up overnight, absolutely bubbling and more high-energy than any of them had assumed to even be possible—even for him. And most of them had anticipated already hating the idea by the time they got to the pitch, but so far things were actually going rather well. The uniforms that had been shipped in (in their team colors, obviously) all fit them correctly and weren’t nearly as embarrassing as expected, in particular since most of them opted to keep at least one part of their usual wardrobe in the mix, such as masks or helmets or hats. Pyro, for one, just put the baseball uniform on over their entire flamesuit, but nobody was particularly surprised.

They crested the little ridge and got a look at the pitch, and for a moment, Scout went silent, eyes wide and mouth agape. Demo elbowed the Engineer to get his attention and flashed a thumbs up, making him grin and fluster a bit, mumbling about how it was nothin’ special, really.

“Alright,” Scout finally said, turning to them with his hands on his hips, taking on an authoritative tone. “So who here knows how baseball works?”

The Engineer and Soldier raised their hands. After a moment, Sniper and Pyro tentatively did the same. Demo made a so-so motion with one hand.

“And who knows how sandlot baseball works?”

Everyone but the Engineer dropped their hands, and even then, he looked a little doubtful.

“Alright,” Scout said, scrubbing a hand through his hair. “So we don’t exactly got enough people to make a real team—need twelve for a standard six-players-a-team. So we’re gonna be improvising a little bit.”

He looked around, and started addressing each of them with a pointed finger.

“Heavy,” he said, and the giant raised an eyebrow. “You’re catcher, all you gotta do is stay behind first base and catch the ball so it doesn’t roll away. I know you’re not gonna flinch when you see somethin’ speeding at your head, yeah?”

Heavy nodded thoughtfully.

“Cyclops, first base,” Scout said next. “Fucks with your blind spot the least, and you know how to throw shit. Mumbles, you’re on second, Helmet-Head on third.”

Demo flashed a thumbs-up, Pyro clapped their hands together, and Soldier raised an arm in a sturdy salute.

“Doc, right field. Odds are, none of these chuckleheads are gonna hit anything too far to the left or right of normal, but if they do, you’re like practically as fast as I am and can handle it. Spy, you hang out back there in left field. I know you’re probably not gonna catch shit if it comes at you, but hey, it’s worth a shot and you won’t gotta deal with much anyways.”

Medic nodded at the compliment and Spy raised an eyebrow at the insult.

“And Snipes, you’re the pitcher,” Scout concluded, hands returning to his hips.

There was a snort from Demo. Sniper elbowed him.

“Figured you know how to throw shit and won’t straight up brain anyone,” Scout continued, not noticing the squabble. “And I’ll be first up to bat, and we’ll cycle through everyone in that same order, starting as soon as you guys can stop me from running all the bases, then we’ll play normally from there, how’s that sound?”

“You’re sure talkin’ yourself a big game there, son,” the Engineer observed, eyebrows raised.

“Damn right, I’ve been playin’ this shit since I was three,” Scout said, grinning wide. “This is gonna kick ass.”

-

Indeed, the first eight pitches went by in pretty rapid succession. Two because they fumbled and hesitated and miscommunicated in their pitching and couldn’t beat him to the bases, two after that as Scout scored home runs, another general fumble, another home run, one where the ball landed a few feet away from Spy who outright didn’t attempt to catch it, only kicking it closer to Medic as he rushed up to get it, and then one where Scout didn’t notice until he was back at home base that Soldier had unintentionally thrown the ball directly into the side of Pyro’s head (who was distracted by drawing shapes into the dirt at their feet).

They just barely managed to get him out on third, and then it was Demo’s turn.

Overall, by the first circuit through the whole team, they were surprised to find that they were actually having fun, even and especially with the odd shenanigans that ensued during the course of the game. There was one point where Soldier full-body tackled Demo at first base (just slightly confused about a few of the contact rules), and another where Sniper thought it would be funny to throw a hard ball of clay from at his feet, sending the team laughing as it exploded all over Pyro’s suit and they needed to stop to wipe the lenses on their mask clear. Demo surprised all of them with the first bunt of the game, and the Engineer with sending the ball soaring nearly into a homerun, with him sheepishly asking if using the Gunslinger to swing was allowed after he’d already run the bases. Then there was Pyro calmly stealing their way to third after the team thought their turn was over, and Heavy accidentally cracking the bat, and Medic absolutely eating shit as he tried to take off towards first. And nobody for sure knew how to react to the one time that Spy actually caught the ball, all but diving to catch it and send it to second just in time to get Soldier out. And of course, all of them were left just slightly in awe as Scout sent home run after home run sailing towards the stratosphere.

They finally had to stop when it was getting dark and Heavy informed them that they didn’t have any more baseballs left in the bucket for all the ones sent sailing far foul or off into the distance with a homerun. Soldier and Demo promised to go pick them up the following day and they all began their trudge back to base, covered in the bright orange loam of the desert and already slightly sore and feeling like they were in much higher spirits than any of them had expected. Scout, most of all, seemed... contented. Not just cheerful, not just bubbly, but contented, satisfied. Happy. He seemed so very happy.

Several of them, glancing around between themselves, considered telling Scout the truth, that they hadn’t put in nearly as much work as he thought they did. But most of them just settled in for saying happy birthday a few more times over assorted bottles of booze and maybe even a movie.

Sniper, for one, was a little fidgety on the way back to base. Halfway there, he took Scout by the shoulder, pulling him to slow down just a bit.

“Had, er,” Sniper said once they were a good few meters trailed behind the team, eyes averted. “Heavy said we were out, but. Had, er. Had one ball left.”

He pulled the baseball in question out of his pocket, unfolded it from the handkerchief it was in, passed it over, a little sheepish. Scout took it, confused, turning it over in his hands.

He stopped dead in his tracks. The rest of the team slowed and turned as they realized two of their party weren’t with them. Scout’s mouth was agape.

“Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmyGOD—“ Scout babbled suddenly, eyes widening, practically starting to vibrate in place. “—is this a real actual serious legitimate gen-u-ine real signature? Snipes please tell me you’re not fuckin’ around right now ohmyGOD.”

“Nah, yeah, from the actual bloke,” Sniper agreed, scratching at the back of his neck awkwardly. “Yats-rem-key, something like?”

“Only just jersey number eight, left fielder for the Boston Red Sox, five-time All-Star four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time batting champion, Triple Crown winner and overall MVP in the entire American Major League of baseball, Carl Michael motherfuckin’ Yastrzemski!”

Sniper faltered under the sudden weight of the entirety of Scout as he was all but tackled in a hug, Scout continuing to babble excitedly on about the man whose signature was on the baseball in his hands. There was a general chuckle and rolling of eyes from the team as they watched the scene unfold.

“And we’re sure Sniper’s not the catcher, then?” Demo asked lightly, and with Sniper not there to elbow him, the Engineer took his place, making Demo snicker.

“If you would please cease embarrassing yourselves,” Spy called over after giving them a solid minute, which made Scout look up and apparently notice the entire team looking at them, flushing red and promptly trying to pretend he didn’t just do all that. “I believe that Heavy has prepared some kind of cake and I for one would rather not eat it after Pyro has covered it in candles and torched them all.”

Indeed, Pyro by then had a good head start on the team, who all hurried to catch up. And they all bumbled their way through at least five nationalities’ rendition of a Happy Birthday Song, and each very nearly got through their slice before the first scrap of the night began and the rest of it was lost in the mayhem, and overall, Scout would remark the next day through the haze of his hangover that actually, that was easily one of his favorite birthdays in a long time.

[athenawrites-stuff]

Of Ice and Blood

Part 4

Pairings: Tai'chi Kashharzol (Orc) x Pearl Blackbell (Human OC/Reader)

Warnings: Violence, Fighting, Use of curse words, and shouting.

Word count: 1.8k + words

*

Sensing another one behind me, I went low and struck his leg with mine, using his fall to punch his chin with my right fist this time, being careful to use a controlled amount of force or else the nerve I hit will result to permanent brain injury and can be fatal.

I got up, swift in my actions as I saw the guy with a raised baseball bat heading towards me from my left flank, and the other one from the right, fast.

On reflex, I leaned back, the bat that was aimed at me hitting his comrade on the shoulder instead. Guy’s lucky, actually. He would have suffered internal bleeding if it bashed the side of his skull.

Four down, two to go.

I took my stance once again to ready myself. This dude was a foot taller than me, with muscles packed with raw strength, but even so, pale in comparison to Tai'chi’s p—

Stop thinking that! Focus!

“Smash her head Dan!” The man behind him yelled.

This ‘Dan’ went straight to me with his bat raised with intent once more.

Breathe in.

Everything slowed down. I let my heart rate decelerate, my hearing sharpened, my sense of smell heightening even further.

I closed my eyes, letting the rest of my senses take over. Years of practice, days of pain from training, each motion engraved to my entire body with purpose. To defend not only myself, but also those who are looked down upon, discriminated and stepped on like dirt. My parents had always taught me to defend myself. Me. Don’t get me wrong, my parents are good people, albeit wary of the other races in our community. But the moment I left the roof of my home, I knew it was time for me to defend someone other than myself. I don’t give a damn about where we come from or what kind of blood flows within our veins. I will protect those who need protecting, and set anyone straight and down to the ground when they deserve it.

Breathe out.

At the last few moments, with my eyes still shut, I changed my form. I followed his aura and pictured out the shape that was drawing up to land a serious blow to my head. Dan is solid and heavy, but everyone has at least one weakness. And this guy is not spared from that.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

I opened my right fist, right foot forward and relaxed my arms, my legs serving as a firm foundation for my upper body. With the bat inches away from me, I smoothly dodged to the side, using my palm to push away the hand holding the weapon and punched a vital pressure point right under his bicep.

I bent my legs even lower and struck the center of his ribs with my thumb, closing my hands as I jabbed his sciatic nerve on each side at the same time, both located in the middle line of the thigh between the groin and the knee. A solid blow to those nerve points will cause intense pain and shock to the person, along with a temporary immobility of the feet.

a/n: Self defense 101! Remember that dear readers♥

With the support of my left leg, I went behind the man, standing straight and proud. Calm, I opened my eyes when I heard his fall, staring right into the fearful ones of the moron that started all of this.

“Y-You- You killed them!”

Is he that dumb?

“Correction, I didn’t. I knocked them unconscious is all. And the fellow that attacked me first? Well, he passed out from the pain of his now funny-looking arm.” I stated flatly as I trudged to where he was standing.

“S-Stay away from me! Monster! Freak!” He stumbled, his ass on the ground and away from me until he felt a tree trunk on his back.

I scoffed and withdrew my knuckle dusters back under my baggy sleeve.

“You wanna know who the real monster is?” I stopped and held him in place with my scrutinizing gaze. He was trembling like a wimp at this point.

“It’s you.

"You and your disgusting racist friends.

"You, along with all the people who view and treats anyone other than humankind as lowlifes and pests that are meant to be squished and eradicated from the society.

"No, it’s you, and the ones who have the same mentality as you, who are monsters under the guise of a human.”

I paused, not even blinking as I bore holes into his skull.

“I am human, down to every inch of my being. But unlike you, I respect and treat everyone, regardless of kind or gender, and to those who deserve it, fair and right.”

Before I could continue, I scented new people coming into the scene. It was the teaching staff, along with the uni’s guard.

Shocked of what they have seen, they turned towards me, angry, surprised, confused expressions on different faces.

“What have you done?!” A female, human instructor, looking to be around her late 20s shouted.

“Ma'am, if you would just let me explain—”

“You are hereby expelled from this institution, young lady!”

All the color of my skin left me as I heard the words I have dreaded even before I set foot in the campus grounds.

“Now let’s not go straight to conclusions. We need to deal with this professionally AND properly Miss Holson. You are also not in authority to suspend this student.” A heavily bearded dwarven professor, clad in a brown suit and Oxfords, told her off firmly.

“What are you saying Mr. Dulrik? Look at her! Look at this! She murdered students and oh my God, is that the dean’s son?!”

For the love of— she blind? Why does everybody think I killed someone???

“Ma'am they are—” I was about to tell her but got cut off, again!

“Helpmehelpmehelpme!” He scrambled away from me and ran to the group of teachers and hugged the young instructor. “I don’t know what came over her! She just attacked us out of nowhere!”

The audacity of this fucking bitch!

“Pardon me? Attacked you? YOU were the one who followed me out here! You and your” —I gestured to the bodies laying flat on the ground— “ buddies over there!”

“She is lying! The orc was with her and and and—”

It dawned on me that I almost forgot about Tai'chi. My eyes widened, and I frantically scanned the area around for him. And there he was, standing by the oak tree, right where I told him not to move.

He seemed…irritated?

Oh no. At me?

“I have not moved an inch from where I am standing ever since I planted my feet here.” He said with his deep baritone voice, turning to confront the staff. “What she’s speaking is the truth. They were the ones who followed her here and attacked her, first.”

“And how can we be sure you are telling the truth, orc?” Miss Holson replied spitefully.

Even the teacher, huh? Her odor smells like vomit. I mean, I knew she was…foul, but I thought it was because of the situation. Guess not.

Tai'chi did not respond. Instead, he moved to look at me in the eyes. His gaze, searching, but not in an awful way. Was he asking me what I’ll do?

“How about we discuss this in the office, shall we?” An elderly professor spoke. She was wearing the university’s formal teaching uniform together with black, flat, closed toe sandals. “And Miss Holson, please quiet down. As Mr. Dulrik said, we should not jump into baseless conclusions.”

Miss Holson fumed and shut her mouth, holding the coward in her arms.

“Now then, Miss…?”

“Blackbell.”

The woman paused. I caught a smell of surprise and… astonishment?

She cleared her throat “Well, then Miss Blackbell, please follow us to the Dean’s office, along with your, companion.”

Weird.

“Oh and Mr. Smith, kindly call for assistance and take the unconscious students to the infirmary to be treated and looked unto. Thank you.” She told the guard. With that, she and the rest of the faculty started walking back.

I glanced at Tai'chi once more to find him, again, staring. I approached him warily, expecting him to be mad at me.

“Uh. Hi?”

I let out a long exhale when he replied, with a slight tug of his lips, his tusk jutting out. “Hi.”

I fidgeted, trying to come up with words to explain myself.

“I uh, uhm. Are you mad?”

With his brow raised, “Why would I be?”

Yeah why would he be?

“I-I never told why I keep wearing my mask.” I stuttered, “You see I—”

“You two! Start moving before I force you to.” A teacher yelled at us from a distance.

“We’ll talk later, Pearl. For now let’s get this resolved first. I know for a fact that they won’t expel you unless they ignore the ill intentions of the ones who attempted to harm you first. But better be safe than sorry, he was the dean’s son afterall.”

“Yeah… Thanks. We should.. go.” I turned and started walking along his side.

******pov shift for a bit*******

Little did Pearl know, he was thinking about how…nice, yeah that’s the word, definitely not sexy, you were when he witnessed your skills in combat. It awakened something in him that it took a lot of control not to get aroused there and then, which was the real reason why he stood there, unmoving from his place. Not once did he leave his eyes from you, almost jumping to help you when the guy with the baseball bat was closer than we would have liked. But oh no, he was not surprised, he was astonished and shookt , amazed when you pulled that last technique, sending the human plummeting to the ground almost soundlessly. And the way you stood right after, he knew he was smitten. That proud and intense aura you gave off was enough to make him bow down at your feet. He could feel it. He could smell it. That was his secret, he can scent people and catch any mood shift they make. Even though he told her that her eyes and brows gave it away, it was not entirely true as he could smell, literally, you and the changes on your scent.

Oh but little did he know you could to. Just not as observant as he is.

*************************************

Thank you for reading<3

I've already written Chapters 1-6 so stay tuned and check them out in my pinned post. Stay safe and healthy!

[dragonrajafanfiction]

Rebel King

Dominic hid in the parklike green space that separated the Halls Norton and Amber from the rest of the campus, but he couldn’t stay here long. It was meant to emulate the green spaces of Cambridge where Students could escape the radiant heat and public works could be tastefully concealed by bushes. It was a popular place for art galleries and yoga sessions. It was one of the few places to hide and he could be easily surrounded here. He just needed a moment to catch his breath. Running up the stairs from the ceremony, fighting Tjark, and then fleeing here, all at breakneck speeds stressed even his stamina. This was only the first leg of his journey. He had to save strength. He took slow deep breaths, leaning on a massive oak tree and listened. He could hear distant shouting and the voices were growing louder. He’d shot several people and now was going to be his only chance of escape for a while. This little rest was enough and all he would be getting. It was time to move. He chose to direct himself perpendicular to the voices. With luck, they would run right past him. He kept himself low to the ground and broke into a jog.

His foot suddenly caught and something pulled hard at his shin. It was as though he were lassoed. The noose tightened hard around his ankle and he heard his pants tear. He tried to keep himself from falling but then his other foot was caught and he fell face first into the dirt. He groaned, the wind knocked out of him. Cutting pain burned into his lower legs.  The moonlight reflected off two invisible filaments stretched between two trees. How could she still be alive? Rage filled him. He had shot her pointblank in the chest! She should be dead, bleeding out on the floor of Amber Hall!

He looked up in fury at the woman who stepped out from behind a tree. Her long thin form was like a ninja. She moved in complete silence. He heard she trained in Japan with a family of covert operatives and it certainly showed. She knew he would be here and she just waited. He could see where the bullet had shredded the uniform right over where her heart should be. Sylke. He hated her. She never wanted to hurt him, only stop him or slow him down. She was effective with a monofilament weapon, long invisible threads that she kept hidden on her wrists. The strings themselves weren’t deadly but he had run into them and blood was soaking his socks. At the right tension, she could have severed his legs completely. Still, he climbed to his feet and staggered towards her.

“You can’t run.” She said softly. “So now you're going to fight me? Adrenaline is dulling the pain but those cuts are going to need stitches.”

Where were the other traps? If she had anticipated he would come here, then she had to have set more. He stopped and looked around for them but those ultrafine, ultra strong fibers were nearly impossible to see in the dark without the aid of rain or fog. Like spidersilk, you didn’t see them until they were right in front of you. 

She was looking at him with wide, concerned eyes. “You need to stop, Dominic. You can’t escape here.”

She didn’t have a weapon he could see, but that didn’t mean anything. She was adept at hand to hand combat. Now that she was closer, he could tell that she was wearing a protective vest so he couldn’t shoot her easily. He could try for a headshot but that might miss. Her reflexes were on par with his, lightning quick and without thought. He took a step back. He’d already triggered the trap behind him, so that area was safe.

“Dominic… please. You don’t even know where you are. You know you’re not on the island any more. But you’re not even in Europe. You’re in the United States,” she said, still not moving.

The United States? He fell asleep on the island monastery and woke up in a hotel, then he was told to get dressed and show up at this campus with other people his age. Everywhere he looked he saw luxury and yet he felt threatened. He didn’t know where he was or why he was here, only that the purpose was to slay dragons. This place was Cassell College and he’d been enrolled here for unclear reasons. All he could do was pay as close attention to his surroundings as possible with a view of escaping. He knew there was a train. He could follow the tracks out. Then he could find an embassy and hopefully sanctuary back to the Netherlands. 

She was still talking, but she was smart enough to keep her distance. He always attacked when people got close to him. If he could land a good hit, he could escape. He was still armed with that black alchemy sword. It was at his side and he had demonstrated that he could use it without getting corrupted by its power. “Do you think your father would leave you some place you could escape? The only reason you’re here now is because he couldn’t hold you any more.”

He looked up. A sturdy branch was right above him. It was a little far out of reach, but he could use the adjacent tree to jump off of and reach it.

“Dominic!” She lunged for him.

He jumped towards the adjacent tree, and pushed off from that trunk and hooked his hands around the branch, as nimble as a gymnast. He swung as far as he could, hoping to overshoot any more traps, and then hit the ground and rolled. He got up, hopping on his painfully wounded ankles and broke through the cover of the trees, leaving a trail of blood. He was limping badly and wouldn’t get very far at this rate. He still had his gun but he didn’t know how many bullets he had left.

He ran into an open courtyard. A large building was in front of him with a series of steps in front that lead to a bike rack. There were no lights on in the building, the windows were boarded up. It was open air, but no one was around.

Sylke followed him but didn’t try to touch him as he headed for a motorized scooter that was not secured to the rack. “You’re not listening. Our family is full of people with weak and useless genes. You’re the most powerful person we have in our family. That’s why you’ve been able to completely overpower everyone. But that’s not the case here. People here are your equal, and probably a few are above you. If you keep acting out like this… I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Dominic reached the scooter and leaned on it, no keys, no way to turn it on. His ankles were stinging him badly now and Sylke was being so annoying. She was no better than anyone else. She was part of the system that held him captive and she dared act like she cared about what happened to him? He swung the scooter at her head like a baseball bat and knocked her to the ground. He looked down at her coldly unmoved by her so-called concern. Until now, he wasn’t going to waste another bullet on her. But he’d switched past trying to escape now. He pulled his pistol and fired once. This time striking her in the head. She was still and a stain of red rolled past her temple. But she was still breathing, her skull didn’t break apart. Bullet fragments had shattered instead. The ammunition wasn’t lethal! He smashed the pistol to the ground and it broke apart. She had tricked him, even at the last!

If that was the way it was going to be, then he might as well just use his sword and slit her throat while she was down. He reached for the hilt of the sword to draw it and as soon as he gripped it it felt like holding on to a live wire! It’s power overcame him for a moment and he had to forcibly regain control of his body. He gasped for air for a second.

“Your Royal Highness!” A man was coming towards him, waving jovially.

This guy. Of course he’d be here. The most competent fighter he’d ever come in contact with, over six feet tall and just about as wide. And yet he was still wearing that Cassell Uniform. Was it custom made? Wouldn’t surprise him at all. The man was built like a tank. This living wall of muscles was smiling at him. “You really are something. Let’s go back. I’ll take a look at your legs.”

He hated this man more than he hated Sylke. Even if Dominic was uninjured, this guy was extremely hard to land hits on, and the hits he landed barely phased him. He suddenly regretted smashing the pistol. He could have used it against this guy.

“Look if you want to take it out on me, you know I can take it,” He said, opening his arms. “Go ahead.”

Why would he do that when he could just kill Sylke? He wasn’t going to get out of here anyway, one less guardian would give him a better chance later on. He took a step forward and drew the sword, as though taking him up on his offer, only to spin on the ball of his foot and strike downwards. 

The tip of the black blade clanged off another metal blade.  Dominic only had time to look up into a furious blue gaze before a fist cracked against his eye socket, blinding him and knocking him back. He tilted backwards and staggered, nearly falling down the hard concrete stairs.

“No way to treat a lady,” a voice snarled.

Dominic could only see stars but his body knew how to get his balance. He scrambled to back up, open some distance between him and this new attacker. He raised his arm up to block an attack he knew was coming but it hit hard enough to bruise the bone. 

“Royal Highness huh? What kind of monarch tries to kill their own subjects?” The frigid voice came again.

Still stunned, Dominic danced to one side and the air stirred next to his ear. And he caught the scent of tobacco and alcohol. His vision cleared. A blond haired man with icy blue eyes was fighting him completely shirtless and was still far too close for comfort. Dominic had lost the blade under the assault and was now completely unarmed. The best he could do was cross his arms to take the boneshattering blows that were coming at him. Even though this person looked to be his age, the force of his strikes reminded him of his false father’s silverwood cane.

The six-foot tall body builder came to his aid, grabbing the other man by the shoulder and pushing him away. “Enough! This doesn’t concern you.”

The shirtless man’s gaze was without temperature. “It concerns me when a man tries to kill an unconscious woman.”

“Sylke knows the risks.” The bodybuilder man held out his hand. “The name’s Gerrit! I’m a freshman. We’re from the Netherlands.”

The man’s eyes flicked between Gerrit and Dominic in angry confusion. Dominic figured that if he strayed too far from Gerrit, this man would attack him again and he was frankly, too worn out to fight or run any more. Taking up the sword took more out of him than he expected. 

The man finally relaxed and shook Gerrit’s hand. “Caesar Gattuso.”

“Gattuso! The famous family from Italy.” He chuckled jovially. “Don’t worry about us. We’re used to Dominic’s behavior. I can understand while you’re alarmed though.”

A sudden thunder of footsteps was coming closer and closer. Men with pistols surrounded Caesar and Dominic and Gerrit. “Hands in the air! The use of firearms and alchemy weapons are strictly forbidden! Hands in the air! Now!”

Dominic looked down at his bloody torn pant legs. He could practically feel his eye swelling shut. He was probably bruised up from his fall in the woods as well. He wasn’t getting out of here tonight. Just like little miss Sylke said. But now he was curious. She said these people were his equal and may even surpass him right? This was a place he couldn’t escape from, according to her. What would they even do to him? It couldn’t be worse than the terrible beatings he’d received at the monastery, could it? If they killed him, wouldn’t that be a sort of escape? And then that way, even his parents would be free from threat.

Gerrit raised his hands. “Please calm down, the young master is unarmed you see?”

The barrel of a gun was shoved into Gerrit’s face. “You shut up!”

Dominic turned away from the officers of the disciplinary committee. “Do your worst.”

For a moment, no one moved. The words weren’t said with any bravado or pride. They were soft but everyone heard them in the empty hall. The members of the disciplinary committee were suddenly wondering what their ‘worst’ was. He wasn’t holding up his hands. They had to do something. The leader cleared his throat and raised his gun again. “What is your Student number! If you don’t comply you will face demerits!”

“Hey!” A sharp female voice shouted. “What are you doing? It’s not midnight yet. So it’s still technically Freedom Day right?”

The loud clocktower on the campus suddenly started to toll. A red haired woman had approached the fray in nothing but her bathing suit. The disciplinary students' eyes went wide and filled with the sight of her voluptuous figure in full view. “Nothing he did was against the rules. Things got a little rough but everyone’s injuries are minor. Are you really that quick to go back to work?”

The crowd of Disciplinary committee members suddenly lowered their guns and scratched their heads, red in the face.

Nono approached him and hooked her arm in his. “Come on, the party is still rocking.”

“Freedom day?” Dominic had no idea what she was talking about. But apparently on Freedom Day it was okay to shoot people.

“How hard did you hit him?” The red haired woman looked into his eyes a little closer.

“To be frank, I was trying to knock him unconscious.” Caesar rotated his wrist. “His head was harder than I expected.” His smile had returned but his eyes were still filled with that cold fire. He left Dominic with Nono and went to check on Sylke.

“I can get you patched up in Amber Hall…” She whispered with a knowing grin. “You don’t want to be around these guys do you?”

Dominic’s heart suddenly lifted. This was the first time since his father’s stabbing his kidnapper that someone had actually offered to help him escape. They were just turning away from the scene when there was a loud clearing of the throat right next to him. The shadow of Gerrit blocked out the light of the overhead lamps and a heavy hand laid on his shoulder. “I think we’ll be taking care of him.”

“And you are?” Nono looked up at him with innocent eyes.

“Gerrit. We’re long time friends.” That heavy hand tightened on his shoulder. “Right?”

Nono looked him in the eyes. “Do you want to go with them? Say it. Yes or no.”

Gerrit suddenly spoke in Dutch. “You know what could happen if your father calls and you don’t answer. The people who raised you are alive because you cooperated.”

Dominic’s ears were ringing and a cold feeling spread down his spine. He let go of Nono. Gerrit beamed. “There’s a good lad!” he said gently. “We'll take care of his injuries!” 

He froze. Nono looked him right in the eyes with a fiery gaze. Gerrit coughed. “I’m sorry, we’ll join your party another time ya?”

Nono crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. “Ya. Sure you will.”

[thatfanficstuff]

Impossible - Chapter 7

Pairing: Eric Northman x reader

Warnings: canon typical

A/N: Why yes, all the things do happen in this chapter. It’s a long one. Enjoy. 

***

Your phone ringing around noon a couple of days later was not how you wanted to wake up. Especially after staying up until sunrise talking to Eric. You sat on the edge of the bed and ran a hand down your face as you answered. “Yeah?”

“Hey, Y/N. It’s Sam.”

You grunted in acknowledgement. “What can I do for you?”

“Actually, we’re a little short handed around here. I was sort of hoping you could help us out tonight.”

You glanced at Eric sleeping behind you. He would be annoyed, but he could just deal with it. You needed to check in with Sookie anyway.  “Yeah, sure, Sam. No problem.”

He huffed out a breath. “Thank you. You’re a real lifesaver.”

“So, I’ve been told.” You hung up and shifted so your back was leaning against Eric’s headboard. He’d brought you to his house to stay due to your lack of furniture. And while you’d fallen asleep in his arms every night, that and a few kisses were the extent of your intimacy. Well, that and the blood exchange. On some levels that was more intimate than intercourse. You brushed Eric’s hair back and ran your gaze over his face.

A week ago, you would have thought waking up beside him ever again an impossibility. You weren’t about to take the time with him for granted. Never again. You leaned your head back and closed your eyes as you ran through the list of things you needed to do. Your father had finally arranged for someone to deliver your furniture and Eric was having someone meet them so you didn’t need to be there. There were some things left in your apartment you wanted. A couple of hours and you could probably have it all packed up. You might as well get it over with.

You got dressed, opting for wearing the dress shirt Eric had worn the night before and your jeans. Sam could just deal with you not wearing the Merlotte’s uniform. You’d probably be behind the bar anyway. You jotted off a quick note to Eric and headed out the door.

***

As you’d predicted it didn’t take long for you to pack the rest of your things. The furniture and things you didn’t care for, you left for Sam. He could get more renting out a furnished apartment anyway. You’d loaded everything in the cab of your truck and grabbed a couple of more hours of sleep before heading into the bar.

Sam frowned at your clothes but didn’t say a word. Smart man. You were filling in where needed for the night, switching roles if necessary.

Sookie greeted you with a grin and a hug. “Y/N, it is so good to see you. It’s a great day. Isn’t it a great day?”

You lifted a brow and your lips twitched. Your gaze landed on the scarf at her neck. Bill. As much as you disliked the man, as long as he was making Sookie happy, you’d cut him some slack. “I missed you. How have you been?”

“Just fabulous.”

“Well, aren’t you in a good mood,” Arlene said as she joined the conversation.

“Yes, I am.” Sookie grabbed her tray and spun away, her hips swinging as she went. Sam and Arlene both looked from her to you.

You shrugged. “What? I just got here. I know nothing.”

The door opened to the bar opened and three of the biggest jackoffs in Bon Temps walked through the door. Sam must have noticed the look on your face because he turned to see them as well.

“Shit. Cover the bar, would you?” He hurried off to intercept Lafayette without waiting for your response.

You glanced beneath the bar to make sure the baseball bat was still where you’d last seen it and pulled a beer for the customer at the end of the bar. At least you wouldn’t be bored.

***

“Sookie has been with that vampire,” Arlene told her boyfriend instead of delivering the two beers you’d pulled for her.

“Ah, that’s just bar talk.”

“She told me so herself.”

Well, that certainly got Sam’s attention. Your jaw tightened but you stayed quiet. For the moment. You had to resist the urge to roll your eyes when Arlene mentioned Sookie getting pregnant and babies with fangs. Seriously?

Sam ripping the scarf from Sookie’s neck was your cue to get involved. You grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him away from her even as she shoved him. You watched silently as she said her piece. She was right it wasn’t anyone’s business what she got up to with Bill. And as much as you liked Sam, he hadn’t bothered to make a move until someone else was interested so he could go to hell too.

When she stormed off, Sam turned to you. “You can’t honestly tell me you’re okay with this?”

You smirked and flipped the collar of Eric’s shirt to the side so the bite on your neck was visible. “Course, I haven’t fucked mine. Not lately anyway. But she’s right. It’s none of your business. She was in a good mood. Why’d you have to bring her down? You really suck sometimes, Sam.”

You went back to your spot behind the bar, ignoring the eyes now fixated on you. If it took some of the attention off Sookie, so much the better.

***

Eric tapped his fingers against his thigh. He wanted to call you. Or at least send a text just to make certain you were all right. Which was stupid. He could feel you. He knew you were fine if slightly irritated. He also knew you were in Bon Temps right where you’d told him you’d be. No, the truth was, he missed you. Now that you were back in his life, he wanted you by his side where you belonged.

Pam appeared beside him and leaned one arm on the back of his chair. “Having fun yet?”

The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Always.”

“I may be able to brighten your evening. See the blonde male by the bar? The sweaty, nervous one?”

Eric ran his gaze over the crowd. “The one that is obviously detoxing?”

She made a sound of agreement. “Name’s Jason Stackhouse. He’s Sookie’s brother.”

“And why do I care?” Pam wasn’t one for idle conversation so there was obviously a point to this.

“Because, if I recall correctly Y/N said she was hit because emotions were running high. And as he’s here looking for V, he would have been strong enough to leave that bruise.”

Eric leaned forward in his seat, all of his focus now on his target. “I’ll be in my office. Bring him to me.”

***

You handed Sookie a pitcher of beer for the three assholes and watched her as she went to deliver it. As you predicted, they immediately started to give her shit about Bill. Before you could intervene, the front door slammed open and the three figures that entered drew everyone’s attention.

These three were trouble. You’d looked into them after Sookie had an encounter with them at Bill’s house. Malcolm, Liam and Diane. Their only purpose here would be to cause trouble. You undid a button on your shirt and pulled the collar wide so Eric’s bite was on display. If they knew what was good for them, they wouldn’t fuck with you. Somehow you doubted things would go that smoothly.

The three of them slunk around the bar like the slime they were. Diane got in one of the customers faces and Sam stepped out to confront them.

“Get us three True Blood’s,” Malcom ordered no one in particular.

The only person that moved was Sam who took a step forward. “You need to leave. This is a family establishment. Locals only.”

While Malcom explained that they’d just bought a house in the area, you grasped the handle of the bat beneath the bar and pulled it out. Resting it on your shoulder, you stepped around the end of the bar and onto the floor. Liam’s gaze followed you the entire time.

You merely lifted a brow and gave him a nod. He didn’t scare you.

“Discrimination against vampires is punishable by the law in the great state of Louisiana,” Malcom said in response to Sam telling him to leave a second time. “Not that I give a fuck, but I am thirsty.”

“He’s telling you to leave because you’re an asshole. Not because you’re a vampire,” you piped up to draw his attention to you. “Discriminating against assholes isn’t against the law. Though, I wish he’d do it more often.”

All three vampires put their full attention on you. Malcom opened his mouth to respond but Sookie caught his attention first. He gasped. “How nice to see you again, Sookie. You are looking delectable as always.” He sauntered toward her, ignoring you completely. Obviously, he didn’t consider you much of a threat.

Idiot.

You allowed his moment of…whatever the fuck he was doing with Sookie. She’d only get pissed if you intervened before she needed it.

“I am his,” she declared and you resisted the urge to roll your eyes. She had no idea what that meant. Not really.

“Well, he’s not here, is he?” Malcom said with a tilt of his head. “And when Bill is away, Malcom will play.” He extended his fangs and you moved forward. You placed the end of the bat on his chest and pushed him away from her.

“That’s not how that works and you know it. Behave.”

He snarled. “And just who are you?” He glanced at his companions and huffed a laugh. “And just what do you think you’ll be able to do with that?” His hand grabbed the end of the bat and shoved it aside.

You allowed him to do so. “My name’s Y/N and you’d be surprised.”

“Well, Y/N, I’m going to drain you so slowly, you’ll be begging me to kill you.” You weren’t impressed.

Suddenly, Terry Bellefleur charged forward and was tossed through the air for his efforts. He slammed into the ground. Sam grabbed a pool cue and broke it over his knee.

Malcom pointed at him. “You are a dead man.”

“Sam.”

His gaze shifted to you. Apparently, he understood what you were trying to tell him because he smirked. “Maybe so, but you’ll have to go through her first.” He tossed you the cue and you dropped the bat to snatch it from the air.

***

Eric leaned against the front of his desk with his arms crossed over his chest. It didn’t take long for Pam to appear with the human. He stank of desperation and Eric’s lip curled in response.

“You, uh, wanted to talk to me?” His gaze darted around the room, never settling anywhere for long.

Eric dismissed Pam with a lift of his chin. When she’d left the room, he gestured to one of the chairs in front of him. “Sit.”

“I’m good.”

Was this human always this oblivious or was it worse because he was in need of a hit? Eric sincerely hoped it was the latter. “I wasn’t asking.”

“Oh.”

The other man sat and Eric moved around his desk to take his own seat. He folded his hands together and leaned forward. “I understand you know Y/N Y/L/N.”

Stackhouse licked his lips. “Yeah. Kind of, I guess. She’s friends with my sister.”

“Well, I have a problem with Ms. Y/L/N that I’m hoping you can help me with. Maybe then we can help you with your little problem.” Eric maintained the neutral expression he’d spent centuries perfecting.

The man in front of him leaned forward eagerly. “Sure. Anything.”

“She has a bit of a reputation as a troublemaker. When she came to the bar the other night, she had a bruise. Here.” He ran his finger across his cheek to indicate where her injury had been. “I’m certain she was causing trouble but I could get her to admit to nothing. Do you happen to know what happened?”

Stackhouse huffed and waved a hand through the air. “That was me. She wouldn’t let me in my gran’s house to talk to Sookie. Ain’t nothing for you to worry about.”

Eric gripped the other man by the throat and lifted him into the air before he could even blink. “You dare?”

Wide confused eyes were the only answer as hands gripped Eric’s wrist, looking for mercy.

“You dare touch what doesn’t belong to you?” He wanted to snap his neck. It wouldn’t take much effort. A twist of the wrist and this human would bother you no more. But something told him you wouldn’t appreciate the gesture. In fact, you were likely to make his life hell for even considering it. Eric released his grip.

Stackhouse fell back in his chair. His feet scrambled trying to put more distance between him and the vampire before him but there was nowhere for him to go. Eric simply looked at him with the same blank expression as always.

“As she didn’t kill you herself for the indiscretion, I can only assume she wishes you alive for some reason. If you touch her again, I won’t care. Do you understand?”

He nodded frantically. “Yeah, yeah. I understand.”

Eric placed his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned into the other man’s space. “And as for the vampire blood, if I even catch a whisper that you tasted it, I will remove your balls with a rusty spoon. And I have ears everywhere.”

Eric couldn’t refrain from smirking when Stackhouse folded in on himself. His hands covered his groin on instinct. The vampire straightened and took a step back. “Remove yourself from my bar, Mr. Stackhouse, and don’t bother coming back.”

If the man moved any faster, Eric would have thought him a vampire. A beat later, Pam stepped into the office with an amused look. “I take it the conversation went well.”

He hummed in agreement just as a flash of emotion went through him. Anger and anxiety with a dash of fear. You were in trouble.

***

Liam charged and you spun away, tripping him in the process. You shoved the stake into his chest, purposely missing his heart. He stared at you in confusion as he gasped in pain. You kicked Diane, sending her stumbling back when she came to his rescue.

Malcom took advantage of the distraction she posed and grabbed the cue from your hand. He launched it across the bar and it embedded in the wall. When you swung at him, he grasped your wrist and squeezed. If you’d been fully human, it would be broken. He pushed you backward into the bar, his free hand on your chest.

“Stop this.” Bill had apparently arrived.

Neither you or Malcom were impressed. He glanced over his shoulder at the other vampire. “Not now, Bill. I’m having a conversation. Don’t interrupt.”

Malcom turned back to you, his fangs fully extended. You’d expected him to be furious but he looked more intrigued than anything. He let go of your wrist and gripped your chin. He turned your head to the side to expose the line of your throat. “Is this Bill’s work as well? Has he been greedy with the local offerings?”

You scoffed. “Fuck Bill. And fuck you.”

His eyes narrowed. “Oh, I’m counting on it, sweetheart. But you really must tell me who you belong to. After all, I’ll need to offer my condolences.”

“That would be me.”

Malcom went still and you grinned. Eric always did have impeccable timing. He released you and took a step back, his hands held up as he turned to face your vampire. Eric looked past him to run his gaze over you. You gave him a little wave and his lips twitched.

“Why, Eric, it is lovely to see you again.” That false placating voice rubbed your nerves raw. “I wasn’t aware you were claiming your food now. Had I known—”

“Y/N is my mate.”

The other vampires in the room shifted their gazes between the two of you. Mates were rare. Rarer still that both parties weren’t vampires. You were just as shocked as they were but you did a better job of hiding it. At least you hoped so. Not that it mattered. Eric would feel it through your bond. But damn it, he couldn’t just spring shit like that on you. Stupid vampire.

“Why are you bothering these people? You’ve been warned about this behavior before,” Eric said, shifting the focus off your relationship.

“We were just saying hello to the new neighbors. That’s all.” Malcom’s voice had lost its confident edge.

Eric’s jaw was tight and you knew he was biting back much of what he wanted to say. He needed to placate the humans in the bar, but they didn’t need to know details. “We’ll discuss this tomorrow. Bill will accompany you to ensure you don’t get lost on the way home.”

Bill stepped away from Sookie’s side with a nod. The four vampires headed toward the door, not bothering to look anywhere but at their sheriff. Eric stopped Malcom with a hand on his arm as he passed by. He lowered his voice but you could still hear him, though you doubted most of the humans could. “If I were you, Malcom, I would do my best to ensure I didn’t fuck this up anymore than I already had.”

Malcom didn’t respond beyond jerking his arm away and following the others outside. Eric crossed the bar in several long strides until he was standing beside you with his arm around your shoulders. “I apologize for the disturbance, everyone. I assure you that they will not bother you again.”

“Everyone go back about your business. Next round’s on the house,” Sam announced as he came over to the two of you.

“Eric, this is Sam Merlotte. He owns the bar. Sam, this is Eric Northman, he owns Fangtasia,” you introduced them.

“And you, apparently,” Sam added with a look of distaste.

You straightened your spine. “Really, Sam? Who do you think you’re talking to? After everything…No, you know what. Forget it. It’s not even worth it. You’re welcome by the way, you ungrateful bastard.” You stepped behind the bar and grabbed your bag. “I’ll see you later, Sam. Sookie.”

Eric wore an amused grin as he fell into step behind you and followed you out the door.  

[blog-brett-matthew-west-gazette]

Banked

(I wrote this fictional Short Story for a contest in response to the prompt "I put on my mask and entered the building.")

I put on my mask and entered the building. A mid-thirties blue swan on a blank canvass. That's what I felt like. But, as Colonel Kilgore famously stated, "How I love the smell of napalm in the morning." Offensive, the mixture reeked and stuck tenaciously to targets.

That sentiment came straight from my military days. I didn't have a flamethrower, but you can bet your goat stinking ass I carried an incendiary ker-boomer in the pack I wore on my back. No more of the 9 to 5 rat race for me.

All dolled up in her ritzy pink chiffon dress, you should have seen the look of bewilderment on Marianne Morrissette's balloon-shaped face. The boo-hoo drops in the corners of her beryl-green eyes did not faze me. Upon hearing my demand the Brazilian femme fatale trembled.

Her expression brought a smile. I watched Marianne's admired sense of humor drain from her vivacious body. I always hated that pretend personality she flashed. Everyone saw right through her attention-drawing come on act.

For six long, going nowhere years, Marianne and I had been co-workers at the Titan Bank and Trust Compny. Hell, I knew all the workers there that Saturday afternoon. The clock on the wall by the front sliding glass doors would have told you it was half past one.

In lickety-split fashion, I warned Marianne, "Not a sound. I have a bomb. Place all the greenbacks in your drawer in a pouch. No dye packs. Then, in silence like I'm not even here, hand me the parcel. Do not notify anyone else or push any alarm buttons. Perhaps if I'm feeling real generous, you might live to see your muchacho tonight. Unlike Little Mario, I have nothing to lose."

"Why are you doing this, Tommy?" Marianne whispered.

My pistol in hand, I answered her, "Because I can. Besides, we'll never get rich slaving in this quagmire. So, I found a new motivation. Take what I want. Don't stall. I'll drop you where you stand! Just do what I told you."

Coal black, and part Cajun, from Gretna on the West Bank of New Orleans, I called Darnell Roundtree "Chocolate Thunder". His preferred name for me became"Coullion". The traded barbs nothing more than in-shop jests between friends. Many nights Darnell and I shared drinks and good times at Miller's Draft House. We counted on the affable giant to keep us protected. The only other gun in the place, Mister Rent-A-Cop became a threat to my well-being. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Darnell had to be eliminated.

I held no alternative when I heard the big man's booming "STOP!"

Darnell reached for the shiny Smith and Wesson 9mm in his suede-lined Safariland holster. I wheeled in his direction and squeezed off one round. A clean shot. The bullet from my pistol entered Darnell's forehead. Blood splattered against a near wall.

I know my ability with a weapon. I had been an Army Ranger for almost a decade. Darnell died before his head slumped on the desk where he had been seated. Six feet away, Type A Personality Extraordinairre Twila Jorgenson screamed a bloody squawk that brought all the other employees to the lobby.

I should have hightailed out of the bank while I could, but I had a long-standing feud to settle with our Loan Manager, Fred Thompson. He rode me like a horse. It was my turn to even the score with the unsympathetic bald-headed woodpecker.

Thorough through and through, Fred bent down and checked Darnell's pulse. He placed two fingers on the carotid artery in Darnell's neck and the arrogant menace announced, "You killed him!"

I slipped my backpack off. The canvass draped over my left wrist. I said, "You're next, Fredaroo, unless you strap this pack on your back like a good little boy. No cookies for you. Do it! Now!"

Fred balked. He told me, "Tommy, you are not going to get away with this. The police are on their way so you better get out of here."

I placed the barrel of my gun tight against the supervisor's temple. Fred took the bag out of my hand and placed the harness over the shoulders of his snow-white Oxford that still looked like he'd steam-pressed the garment that morning. Truth be told he probably did.

I grinned uptight in Fred's mug and remarked, "Pray I don't detonate the explosive, partner. You just stay seated right there in the middle of the room."

Large beads of sweat covered Fred's fat head. You could have swam in them. My comment left the rest of the crowd in wonder. Full of suspicion, they gawked at him. The double-cross felt good.

"Wouldn't bother me to see Monica a widow. Don't know how she's put up with you for twenty years. Even your step-son Kirk can't stand your guts. None of us could," I continued.

I sat the timer on the bomb and assured Fred, "You have thirty minutes to breath air. That is if you don't jostle the pack. If you make that mistake, you got a real short life expectancy."

Outside, I observed a sea of cruiser lights and considered Twila for a human shield. I allowed the notion to pass, steadied my nerves, and started for the door.

"Hold your fire. He's coming out," One uniform called to the others.

As I saw, my options were limited to three choices: suicide, death by cop, or rot in some prison cell. None of them appealed to me.

Instructed to drop my gun and put my hands high in the air, I walked on. Tucson Street and Downtown were to my left. Off the other direction laid Laramie Avenue ad the expressway out of town.

"I said drop your gun and halt!" The loud voice rang out again.

I raised the barrel of my pistol and pointed the weapon at the nearest officer. A hail of gunfire erupted as several well-placed rounds penetrated my torso. I crumbled to the littered pavement and saw a MIckey D's French fry container. Ants crawled after the grease in the red holder. Many cops circled where I fell.

The last words I heard were an exchange between one of them I assumed was the Lieutenant-in-Charge and a news hound who had managed to weasel his way in on the action, microphone at the ready.

"Know who he is?" Bob Murphy asked the officer.

"Tommy Newsome. Everyone in Farmingdale knows him," he was informed.

Murphy wondered, "You mean tell four time State Champion star pitcher for the high school baseball team a few years back? There's never been an athlete like him in this town before. His statue is in Lions' Park."

"Yeah, he had it made," the policeman answered in disbelief. He shook his head and stated, "Thing is, his father owns this bank." Then he scoffed, "Go figure."

Welcomed death closed my eyes.

[wordynerdygurl]

Costumes & Kittens

Summary: You convince Loki to dress up for a Halloween party and then enjoy a private after party.

Loki x Reader

Warning: SMUT, Funny, Loving Loki

"Are you really going to put on a costume?" Sarcasm dripped from every syllable Loki uttered over the idea.

"Heck yes! And you are too! Right?... Right?" But the look on Loki's handsome face explained exactly what he thought of the idea. Begging him you continued, "Oh, come on! It's so fun!! You get to be someone... or something else for a night."

Waiting for the walk signals to change, Loki looked up and down the street but not at you while saying, "I understand the custom. The appeal of it... but isn't this just child's play? Nonsense?"

You shrugged. "So what if it is? What's so wrong with letting your inner child out to play?"

"My inner child is a miniature frost giant with daddy issues and a desire to conquer... I don't think that's a costume one buys at Target, dearest."

You laughed, he wasn't wrong, really. "No, I guess not... but maybe you're looking at this all wrong. Maybe the question is, 'If Loki Odinson could be anything, what would he be?' Ya know what I mean?"

Shrugging Loki replied, "Anything? I'd be King of Asgard. Or the Universe."

"Be serious for a minute?" It's a tiny bit exasperating trying to explain these kind of things to Loki.

"Serious about a children's fancy dress party?" His eyebrows lifted archly.

"No. Serious about the question. What does Loki want to be when he grows up?" Punching his strong arm playfully, you drive the point home by batting your long lashes at The God of Mischief. He pulls you into a one armed embrace and kisses you sweetly.

"You know I'm over a thousand years old, right? I'm technically over grown at this point." Loki reminds you as he pulls open the door to your favorite restaurant.

"Funny, you don't look a day over 800." Loki nods, chuckling at your quick wittedness. You lean against him, waiting for the hostess to acknowledge your famished existence.

"So, you're going to dress as what, exactly?" Curiosity had Loki caught in its web. Reaching up on tiptoes you kiss his cheek and reply, "That, my dear, is a surprise, unless you want to do a couples costume? Like Doc and Marty... or Westley and Buttercup?" Loki scrunched his nose up.

"Ok. Too soon... so, what about you? Any ideas of what you'd like to be?" The pair of you are flirting like a teenagers as the restaurant hostess finally smiled at you. Leaning into your neck Loki nips your ear gently then husks, "The man who makes your quim quiver."

"How many?" The hostess, slightly put out by your public display, is looking at you with impatient eyes. Your mouth has gone dry with lust so Loki answers, "Just two, dear."

---

"This party is amazing!" You shout to Wanda over the pulsing music. She looked so cute as a rainbow unicorn, her golden horn bobbing in time with the 'Monster Mash'.

"You look so good! Oh my goodness, how funny!" Doubling over, Wanda was in tears at your costume, and you had to admit it was pretty hilarious. "Nat! Come here!"

"Noooo! This is great!! Loki's gonna lose it!" Natasha clutched her flapper's boa closer as she giggled.

"Thank you guys! I worked really hard on it!" You were incredibly proud of your look tonight. Black boots laced over your calves to your knees. The armour you'd pieced together from leather scraps and duct tape hugged your torso in green and gold flaring into a matching skirt. The best part was the flowing emerald cape that had started life as a satin sheet but now followed behind you like a green shadow.

Recreating Loki's horned crown had taken weeks of meticulous papier mache, sand paper and gold spray paint but damn, you felt like Asgardian royalty. Did Loki have this sense of power all the time? You shivered a little at the thrill of it.

Knocking back a long swig of your beer, laughing at Sam and Bucky dressed in those tuxedos from Dumb and Dumber, you realized this party was in full swing. Maybe that's why you were taken by surprise when a low, familiar voice crooned in your ear, "My queen."

Spinning on your heeled boots, you found Loki at your side, hands behind his back, smirk firmly in place. His eyes swept over you, taking in the details of your costume with a raised eyebrow, causing blue flames of excitement to curl low in your belly. You felt a creeping blush rise over you and channelling your inner God of Mischief you defiantly raised your chin Loki's direction.

"Yes... kitten?" Now, Loki called you kitten almost everyday, and it never failed to make you purr. Tonight, you used the endearment because the Trickster was dressed in a jet black three piece suit, black shirt and tie, with two tiny ebony cat ears on his head. His cheshire grin didn't hurt his ensemble at all.

"You look... well, almost as good as I do in that suit." His tone is light but you read a touch of approval in the mix. With a hand over his heart, Loki adds, "I'm honored that you went to all this trouble, little one."

Feeling emboldened by the role you're dressed for, you look down your nose at Loki, just like you'd seen him do countless times before. "Trouble? Not at all. This was something I had lying around. I thought these mortals would appreciate seeing a goddess in all her splendor."

Laughing, Loki replies, "Well you are certainly fearsome, my lady. And may I say, you have excellent taste."

You laugh too, "You may! Come on, let's get you a drink!" Grabbing Loki's hand in yours you pull him towards the bar. The crowd thins a bit as you get further from the music so it's easier to chat. Once you each have a cold beer, you perch on the countertop while Loki leans against the kitchen counter, again looking you over.

"I would be a beautiful woman." He stated wistfully. You snort, almost spitting up your suds. "I don't know about that, but you're a pretty sexy cat, Loki." You reached out and flicked one of the furry ears.

After a sip from his bottle Loki counters, "Of course I am." Curling his free hand into a claw, he does his best feline impression, "Meow!"

With a wide smile you casually say, "You dressed up. I wasn't sure you would."

"You said I could be anyone or anything." Loki's lip lifted into a knowing half smile. Nodding, you concede, "I did." Clinking the necks of your beer bottles together you flash Loki a slow smile. You draw your bottom lip between your teeth as you look at your black kitty cat, practically purring yourself. Loki watched your mouth move, his own lips parting slightly, as he leaned towards you.

You closed your eyes in anticipation of Loki's lip lock when you heard, "Reindeer Games! That is not an acceptable costume!! You can't just wear your battle gear..."

Tony stopped short when he saw your head snap around, golden horned crown bobbing slightly with your movement. Loki peeked at the intruder over your gossamer green shoulder. "Oh. My mistake. Great outfits. Party on." And with that Iron Man, dressed in a perfect replica of Elton John's glitter baseball uniform, swiped a bottle of vodka, and swaggered towards the noise.

"Wanna dance?" You're hopeful that he'll say yes because Loki is great on the dance floor, and he knows it. Grabbing you each a fresh beer, Loki nods, "Yes, my liege." And you laugh again at his deference to your implied title. "Then let's go!" Impatiently you stride back to the waiting crowd of friends singing and partying the night away.

The night passes in a blur of dancing, drinks and laughter. Everyone gets a kick out of you as Loki. You play up the role, ordering people to kneel like he would usually do, cracking sarcastic comments and snide remarks with regularity. You're overconfident and you're high on the bossy bitch this get up brings out in you.

"Kitten, grab me another, will you?" Rubbing under his chin like you'd do to a real little black kitty cat, you stroke one of Loki's velvet ears sweetly before brushing a kiss over his lips. He moans softly at your gentle petting and murmurs, "I think this kitten is ready to call it a night, darling."

You catch his eye and see what he's really saying. It's bedtime, not lights out, something that causes a blush to rise over you. Swaying away from Loki you tease, "You got it, cool cat."

Goodbyes take forever because all of you are well over the tipsy line. Wanda squeezes you for five minutes, unwilling to part from you, trying to tell you a story that she swears is hilarious but you just can't seem to follow. Tony tries to steal your crown but you wrestle it away just in time, blocking Steve from snatching it back again. You wave at Natasha but she's got Bucky pinned under her on the sofa, his orange top hat perched on her head and his hands on her ass.

Loki was waiting for you at the elevator, doors open. "How did you leave everybody?"

"Natasha and Bucky are totally hooking up tonight!" It spilled out of you with a drunken laugh as you stepped inside the mirrored moving cube. Pushing the down button with a skeptical smile Loki asked, "Really? Any other odd couples come out your costume convention?"

Suddenly serious, you step into Loki's space saying, "I'm going home with a black cat. That's fairly odd, since, ya know... I'm allergic to cats."

"I promise you, this tom cat is hypoallergenic. No mangy fur... no troublesome litter box." Boxing Loki against the reflective wall, your eyes lock on his ice blue ones, "And is he well behaved? I don't want a naughty kitty in my bed."

Swallowing thickly, Loki husked, "Maybe just a little." You pushed your body into his, collapsing the space between you, kissing along his throat. Loki lifted his chin with a hungry moan as you nipped his Adam's apple, leaving your mark on his pale skin. Grazing your lips over his strong jaw you make sure to pay extra attention to that sensitive spot just under his ear, where tendon and muscle meet.

"Good kitty." Your whispered praise makes Loki blush faintly, his trousers tighter now, as his body responds to your devious teasing. Pushing away from him when the elevator dings, you clasp his hand and drag an excited Loki into the night air.

With your heavy boots and swirling cape it seems like your stride has widened. There's a power in you that dressing like The Trickster has released and it made you feel other wordly. If you were behaving like your god, cocksure and dominate, then Loki was a mewling furball right now, content to be led wherever you went. You lace your hand to Loki's and start steering you both through the neighborhood, back to your home.

It takes a little bit longer than normal as the streets are full of Halloween party people enjoying the chance to be different for a night. You have your keys ready so it takes no time to slip it into your lock. As you bend over, ready to turn the knob, you feel Loki at your back. His strong hands roam over your hips tugging you into his hard, honed body.

"Uh uh little kitten. It's not time to play just yet." You admonish him while forcing him to release you. "Darling!" It was a whine. You'd never heard Loki beg before and the sound of it made your core clench, unchecked excitement coursing through you. Stepping inside, finally, you didn't pause for a drink or a trip to the ladies room. No, you stomped right into your bedroom, Loki in tow.

There's a moment right before snowflakes start their fall when all the world waits in quiet silence for the flurry to begin. A beat, maybe two, where the balance of nature breathes before being tipped one way or another.

This night, when you faced Loki across your soft carpeted floor, dressed in a replica of his armor, you felt that peaceful pause. Loki stood beside your closed door, eyes snapping with unreleased heat, looking sweet as homemade sin, in that black double breasted suit with pointed pussy cat ears and a hungry grin.

To him you looked like a vision come to life. Where Loki was long and angled hidden in that leather and steel, you were curvy and soft. The corseted costume accentuating your bust, those tall boots lengthening your legs, even the helmet looked sexy and dangerous framing your sweet face.

"Loki..." Reaching out a hand to him, you felt the world tip into frenzy as the flurry started.

It took him two steps to reach you. One hand wrapped around your waist, tucking you into Loki's side, the other curled around your neck, supporting it, as your mouths met. Feasting on your lips like a starving man, Loki deepened the kiss when he buried his hand in your hair and pulled your head back firmly. You felt his other hand brush over your ass cheek before Loki squeezed down hard.

Moaning, "Loki... Loki..." you were being driven out of your mind by his talented tongue. His hand followed the hem of your skirt and you moaned when you felt Loki's fingers slide under the elastic leg of your panties.

Placing a flat palm against Loki's chest, you push away from his embrace. He lunges for you once more but you wiggle free of his grasp, cheeks enflamed and breathing hard. You stop to straighten your helmet before asking, "Little kitten... your goddess has a question for you. Why is no one licking my thighs?"

Loki growls, sounding like an actual rabid animal, as he stalks over to where you're standing by the bed. He shoves you down to the mattress, following you into the soft surface, and kisses you deeply again.

"Be gentle, little kitten..." You teasingly remind the dark prince who is laying between your parted knees. Looking down at you like a cornered mouse, your black cat promises, "You're going to find out that kitties have claws, lovey."

Without pausing, Loki's palms push roughly over your long leather boots. You sigh when his rough skin connects with the smooth satin of your inner thighs. He follows the path blazed by his hands with his moving mouth. A lick, teeth tasting, thumbs kneading, trailing closer to your apex, warm and wet and waiting. Loki switches sides, searing his route to your molten core into your memory.

Reaching for him, you run your hands through his long dark locks, fingers connecting with those little furry triangle ears. You groan when Loki yanks down your underpants, pulling them free over your footwear. Echoing your need, Loki chuckles, "Look at this... my queen, wet and writhing before me. Being me for a night did this?"

Eager to get Loki back to business you counter, "Yes... it feels... amazing."

Rich laughter bounces around your bedroom as Loki says, "It certainly does! Listen, I really like this suit, so give me a moment, won't you darling?"

Sitting up on your elbows, cape bunched beneath you, legs open obscenely you stare at Loki, already loosening his tie. "Um... your queen is NOT ok with taking a break. Get over here and finish what you started!"

One arm free from his dark coat, Loki freezes. "To do that I need to be unencumbered by these clothes, my lady."

Huffy now, you grumble something about rotten timing and shimmy your skirt off without leaving the bed. Loki's shirt buttons are abandoned as he watches you, naked below the waist, corset and cape still shrouding you, helmet on but askew. It's ridiculous and righteously sexy.

"I'm just gonna do it myself. Don't worry Loki, I've got it." You move your hand down your soft tummy, closer to your throbbing clit, anticipating the firmness of your arousal.

"Wait! That's not fair!" He has one leg out of his trousers, hopping around, trying to get them off so he can get back to getting you off.

"Fair schmair, kitty cat." Your fingers spread your lower lips, sweetly dipping into your wetness, the friction making you shiver. Loki, naked except for those ears, locked a tight hand over your wrist. "Allow me."

You try to shrug him off but Loki is able to bring your hand to his lips. Slowly he draws those tasty fingers into his warm mouth savoring your flavor. Blue eyes piercing yours, Loki drops your hand, saying "Now... my troublesome little dictator, this kitty thinks you need a tongue bath."

It's your turn to growl. Loki's strong hands fan over your hips, sliding seductively over your legs. You gasped when he jerked your booted knees over his broad shoulders bringing your liquid center closer to his hungry mouth. Exhaling a hot breathe against your aching cunt, Loki chuckled lowly as you thrust forward, searching for his touch.

Your sigh of frustration turned into a squeal of pleasure when Loki licked firmly through your drenched skin. Flicking his tongue over your clit with tiny licks, like a cat lapping at milk, Loki had you near to climax in minutes. His cat ears tickled the rarely touched place where your pelvis meets your thigh, sending shivers through you. With a rough bite to your straining nub, he pulled away. "Loki! Keep going!", you practically shouted.

But you needn't have bothered. Slowly circling your fleshy pearl, Loki drew it between his soft lips, sucking lightly. You bucked against this delicious torment but Loki's grip on you tightened. His thumbs opened your dripping slit, giving him full access to plunder your depths with his articulate fingers.

Rocking your hips against Loki's hand, his mouth still taking nips and nibbles of you, your orgasm gains power. Your breathing catches, happy hums streaming out of you, as your inner walls tighten around Loki's driving digits. "Loki...... I'm going to cum..." It's a warning and a promise.

"Oh, sweetling, let go. Let me feel the power of your pleasure!" When Loki pressed down on your clit while curling his fingers against your velvet walls you lost your battle with control. First your muscles locked together in glorious, bone cracking tension, then you fell apart like a puppet with cut strings.

Loki stroked your silken skin through your climax, easing your body back to earth. Instead of stealing your energy, your release made you want more. Rolling up onto your knees you reach for your little kitten, tangling a hand in his ebony locks, before forcing your lips together.

You rush your hands down Loki's strong core, over the corded muscles of his abdomen, stopping at the heavy length of his cock. Through gritted teeth Loki sighs, "Careful darling."

"Would you be careful, my kitty cat? I don't think so." Sliding your soft palm along his steel length, you add a touch of pressure, and rub your thumb across his glistening head. Stroking Loki, you kiss him again, your tongue working against his mouth to the same rhythm as your hand.

Loki breaks your grip with a strained groan. "Inside you. I have to be inside you.", he whispers as he drops his forehead to yours, staring into your eyes.

Tenderly you sigh, "Fuck, Loki. That's hot."

Smiling broadly, he nods, "I know, Right?"

Before you can respond, Loki's laid himself on your bed, back resting upon the headboard, his erection proud and ready. "Come here!" Patting his lap, excitement evident, he's in a rush for you to join him.

Pausing to unzip the restricting corset you've been in all night, you let it and the satin cape slide off your shoulders but you keep the boots on. Loki's eyes drink in your gorgeous body, his bottom lip held in anticipation. You reach up to remove the paper helmet hugging your brow only to stop when Loki hummed, "Keep it on."

Giggling softly you nod. There's something carnal about your near nudity which makes you feel emboldened. It's that same power you had in Loki's costume, the feeling of infinite possibilities, all uniting for you. The thrill of it makes you slick with need for the wicked man you're straddling between your thighs.

Your pelvis streched over Loki's, his straining cock pressed between your bodies, those large hands of his molded to you hips. Stroking his length once more, you raised up on your knees and guided him into your tunnel. Loki pushed down on your curves, driving himself inside of you with glorious purpose in one stroke.

Stuttering out a curse word, your head fell back, exposing your neck to Loki and his ravishing lips. With his strong arms pulling you tighter, you rolled your being onto his, taking more and more of Loki's body each time.

When his lips found your breast you groaned. Out of instinct you gripped Loki's head and pulled him closer. His hands drifted down your spine, over your ass cheeks, and hugged you tighter than you thought possible. Your nipples were covered in wet kisses, faint impressions of Loki's teeth were red on your skin, and still you wanted more from him.

Grinding together, your sensitive bud rubbing so deliciously against Loki, your body nears the peak of its passion. His grip on you drags you down, harder and harder, spearing your spiral of desire. Your tender walls shudder around the hard heat of his member. "You're going to cum, little one. I can feel it. Please, please cum for me."

The humid breath of his broken whisper in your ear sends your body into bliss. Shuddering around Loki's bones, you hear him grunt and hold your hips wide over his own as he spills his sexual release into your receptive skin. Gripping him hard enough to bruise, you're locked together, sharing a single body... a single breath.

It takes you both a long while before your breathing returns to normal. Never taking his precious blue eyes off of yours, Loki brushes a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "I hope my queen is satisfied..." he teases.

"Hmmmmm... yes... yes she is... and my scary black cat?", you ask as you flick one of the flocked ears, now slightly askance. "Oh, he'd purr in pleasure... if that were possible."

Loki stirs inside of you making you jump. "Wait... please. Just a little longer, Loki." You're not ready to let go of his body, his spirit, his heart, just yet. Wrapping your arms across his shoulders, you rest your chin in the crook of Loki's neck and idly play with a lock of his hair.

"Loki?" You murmur, drowsy and still a teeny bit tipsy.

"Yes, darling?" He turns his bright eyes to yours.

"Next year we're going as Westley and Buttercup, from The Princess Bride..." You yawn and slide off Loki's lap, wrapping the comforter around you both.

With a gentle smile, Loki answers, "As you wish, little one."