#it was just gold accent with orange plastic over the lights

[forgotn1]

Some pics of my Christmas tree this year! The tree itself is an artificial tree with black leaves. The ornaments are all painted with fluorescent paint and the lights are UV fairy lights. It looks so dang cool all lit up at night.

[falcor-thee-luck-dragon]

Dark Shenanigans - Nandor x (f)reader

Summary: It’s Nadja’s something hundredth birthday, with that said, you’re on a mission to make it great.

Warning: fluff, general vampire nonsense

Masterlist

“Yeah being a half vampire half human does have its perks. I mean for one I can do all that cool vampire shit and I can go out in the sunlight...so that helps for when they’re all being really annoying.” You admit with a casual shrug to one of the documentary cameras before turning to an isle of party supplies. “So anyways we’re at this store.”

The camera shifts to the multiple arras of supplies and materials at the local supermarket in Staten Island that you and your vampire lover’s human familiar, Guillermo, currently are. Specifically on the hunt for birthday decorations for Nadja and ghost Nadja who’s possessed a strange looking doll for the time being.

Since the other four actual full vampires can’t shop for themselves at this time of day or really in general, you and Guillermo have been given such an honorable task in making Nadja’s birthday the best one yet. Considering she’s the most well balanced in the head out of the four of them and is the only other lady of the manor.

“Hey Y/N, how’s this look?” Wonders Guillermo as he holds up a bunch of Mardi Gras beads of yellows, purples, and greens. “Comments, questions, concerns?” He adds with a small smile.

Eyeing up the beads, your head shifts over to the other various colors, “Hrmm, G I’m feeling the vibe you’re going for this year and I like it, but let’s go with Nadja colors.”

Guillermo’s dark eyes light up at your positive suggestion, “Right! So the red and black ones then?”

“Yup. She’ll love that shit.” You state with a satisfied nod of approval, “Let’s get some black and gold confetti from over there and oh, those masquerade masks look cool as fuck.”

You pick up and test out various masks in the background as Guillermo adds some bits of dialogue for the documentary crew, “Um yeah she’s really cool isn’t she.” He says with a smile while glancing at you then back to the camera, “Which is kind of odd since Y/N’s been with Nandor since 1793 so you’d think she’d be a little more like them but no, she’s super chill and really nice.” Suddenly his face goes a bit serious as he leans in to whisper, “But she did kill a whole street gang once when they threw a slur at me so I wouldn’t mess with her. For your safety.”

The camera pans back over to an oblivious you who’s put on a masquerade mask and is swinging a plastic light saber around with a whole lot more accuracy and grace then would a normal person. The camera then pans back to Gullimero, “Um, I’m just gonna....make sure she doesn’t smack anyone.”

——

Arms full of groceries of food for you and Gullimero, as well as random party decorations for Nadja’s birthday tomorrow night, you use the bottom of your boot to skillfully open the door as the documentary crew and Guillermo follows suit. Guillermo now on the verge of falling over with the large heart shaped pillow in his arms that’s covering most of his body.

You don’t feel tired in the slightest due to your half vampiric abilities so this is nothing to you, “Alright.” You state, turning on your heel to face the crew and Guillermo, “They’re asleep so we gotta be extra sneaky now, I don’t want Nadja catching us with all this cool spooky birthday shit. Everyone to the attic!” You whisper yell before leading the charge to the attic.

They all follow as quietly and as quickly as they can and then soon enough in no time are you and Guillermo back outside in the sunny garden trying to figure out if you should blow up the giant sea monster pool floaty.

“I mean it would look cool as hell and no doubt out-do whatever the fuck boring thing Lazlo probably has planned.” You quip with a shrug while the two of you stare thoughtfully at the small gloomy dark pond. “He’s got no chance with us. I’ve won best decorator and card maker for two hundred years in a row.”

Guillermo side eyes you in honest amazement, “Wow that’s a lot of years. And cards.”

“I know. I was an artist in the 12th century but my no good terrible good for nothing piece of garbage trash sexist human husband, who I was forced to marry when I was only sixteen, took all the credit for my artwork in that era.” You confirm with a growl, “But it stings less because once I finally grew into my powers and strength at eighteen I simply made his untimely demise look like an accident.” You add with a smirk.

“Oh, wow.” Mutters the intrigued familiar.

“Precisely. The old fool was thrown off his horse because I told Philip, the horse, to throw him off. And he did. Which killed the idiot so I got the house and all of his money.”

“That’s......neat.” Mutters Guillermo as he shoots the camera crew from behind you and him a nervous look. “Uh the suns going down so I should probably help Nandor out of his coffin.”

Raising your head to the sky you immediately see how the sun has begun to paint the clouds in beautiful colors of oranges, reds, light pinks, and darkening purples. “Oh, how bout that. Yeah alright let’s get inside.” You nod to Guillermo before turning to walk towards the manor’s giant mahogany doors.

——

Turning the handle and walking a couple feet into the large main room that holds itself as a sort of crossroads for all the other various connecting hallways and staircases. You don’t make it even three more steps towards the left ascending staircase before you hear the highly recognizable voice of your one and only.

“Y/N! My lovely wife and favorite person still ever so lovely!” Announces Nandor loudly with a grand smile showing off his pearly white fangs, “How I have missed you and your morning kisses. Where have you been off to?” He wonders softly as you smile a big dumb love-struck grin right back up at him, you’d absolutely die to hear that accent one last time.

“I can’t tell you right now it’s a secret!” You whisper yell back, causing his thick dark brows to scrunch up in confusion.

“But I am your lovely strong puff dragon Y/N.” Whines Nandor adorably as you roll your eyes at the cameras before looking back up at him.

“Fine. Come here then.”

In an instant he’s at your side, excitedly awaiting what secretive news you will tell him, “Okay, so we know it’s Nadja’s birthday tomorrow right?”

“Yes. I remember because she hasn’t shut up about it.”

“Right. So me and Gullimero got some fun surprise birthday party decorations and they’re in the attic and we can’t tell Nadja.”

Nandor gives you a knowing look of affirmation as he leans in closer to you, his demeanor suddenly shifting into a more saddened one, “You went shopping without me?” He says quietly.

Leaning up to give him a quick peck on the cheek your hands instantly find his, “Just for a little while, but I still need to find more stuff so....you wanna come?”

Nandor’s big dark eyes light up with joy as you hand him a kind smile, “Yes! Let us go in search of unknown treasures for our lady friend Nadja so she will not be mad at us for terrible dull gifts of friendship.”

Laughing you give his hands a playful squeeze, “Come on I’ll race you to Party City!” You say before leading him past the camera crew and Guillermo who simply watches the two of you leave, glad to have an hour of peace.

“There’s a whole city for partying? Y/N why have we never been to this place?”

——

“Y/N there are no people partying here.” Whines your vampire lover in puzzlement as he follows you from the entrance to a side isle. “You said this was a city for partying.”

“That’s just the name of the store Nans.” You retort with a small chuckle as he looks from right to left at all the color coded party plates and napkins galore.

“Well the title is very misleading.”

“Agreed.”

Turning to the right you guide him towards the decretory pirate themed isle in search of something that will peak his interest. Also you wanted so badly to make it to this spot but Gullimero was a man on a mission so your intention was thwarted for when you had Nandor with you.

Speed walking down the pirate themed isle you quickly halt all movement as Nandor’s large body stops within less than an inch from your back. Smiling brightly you snatch the desired object in front of you and as swift as a cat turn to face him.

“Have you come for a dual my old enemy?” You speak slyly, eyes narrowed as you hold the foam sword right in front of his face. “I sense a nervousness about you. Tell me, are you ready to face your inevitable bloody end?”

Staring at the pointy foam, his dark puppy eyes shift over to you as an adorable fangy grin breaks out across his pale face, “Seems you have come prepared, oh radiant and alluring seductress. Well, so have I!” Shouts Nandor before grabbing two foam swords from off the rack and swinging them in both hands like a mad man.

Taking a cautious step back you hold your pathetic five dollar sword in both hands like a true warrior ready for battle, “Only one shall leave this place alive.” You affirm with a smirk, “And it’s not going to be you.”

“Arrrrrggg.” Bellows your lover as he charges you like the true conqueror that he once was. But all to soon do you swiftly duck under his arms and swat him over his stomach with a confident thwack sound.

He makes a puny little “oww” as you turn around to face him once again, “Y/N you hit me kind of hard.” He complains, looking rather defeated and genuinely hurt that you could have intentionally injured him on purpose.

Bringing the plastic weapon down to your side once again, your face suddenly softens as you walk over to him, “Come here you big baby.” You quip sincerely as he leans down so you can give his cheek a quick kiss.

Rising back to his full height, Nandor almost blushes as the corners of his eyes crinkle into a happy smile, “Actually it didn’t hurt at all I just wanted you to kiss me.” Reveals the vampire with a proud grin as you simply roll your eyes.

“Should have known.” You add before turning and snatching up four more plastic foam pirate swords for the others. “Alright let’s get outta here, follow me my love, to the checkout line we shall purchase our weapons of war and partying on the high seas.” You announce with gusto as Nandor stands proudly at your side, ready to follow you anywhere.

“Yes. To check out.”

——

Kicking open the unlocked door, Nandor bursts into the vampire residence with bags full of goodies for Nadja’s birthday party. You right behind him but less dramatically, “We’re back!” You shout to no one in particular as Colin Robinson suddenly appears from out of nowhere, looking ready to leave with his funny little hat and usual beige jacket.

“Oh hey guys,” He starts with a friendly nod, “I’m just heading out on the town tonight. I guess there’s a fair or something in the park and I wanted to test my skill at the ball toss. I’ve been reading up on the body mechanics and how the game is set up which seems pretty basic all in all. Also I really want to win a stuffed bear this time, it might add a little pizazz to my room. Welp see ya’round.” Adds Colin before walking past the two of you without another word and out into the night he goes with some of the camera crew following close behind.

Nandor turns to you with a look of annoyance, “Jeesh I thought he would never leave. Let’s go to your room I want to kiss you some more now.”

“Why my room?”

“Because since you are half vampire you get to sleep in a bed and because I am a full vampire I sleep in a coffin.” Inquires Nandor while looking at you with those big beautiful dark eyes of his, “And my coffin is too small for cuddles so your room will suffice.”

“Yeah that’s a fair point.” You shrug before following him to your room.

After many cuddles leading to other more rated R type activities that lasted until just about sunrise, you finally got some well needed rest while the sun shone high in the sky until she began her dramatic descend back into oblivion. Opening your eyes you slowly rise from out of your comfy bed, already missing the presence of your obsidian eyed lover.

He gets too nervous about your closed windows for fear that the sun might burn him which would be impossible because you black out the glass. But alas, he’s very cautious about these types of things and won’t risk it for anything, though he feels bad about leaving you in the morning, you understand.

Suddenly it dawns on you that today or perhaps tonight, is Nadja’s birthday and you completely forgot to set up any decorations. Shit, how stupid. Throwing the blankets off of you, your feet move quick as you speedily change yesterday’s outfit for something a bit nicer and more clean.

Racing out of your room and into the dimly lit manor hallway, you make a bee line for the attic but before you’re able to reach the steps, Guillermo runs into you, just about knocking you into a wall of various stolen ancient weapons. Sharp ones at that.

That was close.

“Y/N are you okay!” Worries the familiar as you quickly gather your bearings.

“Guillermo! The decorations! Nadja’s birthday!” You whisper yell as the human man simply smiles. “Why are you smiling, this situation does not call for smiles.”

“Don’t worry. While you were sleeping I set up all the decorations.” He replies with a shrug, “No problem.”

“What? But that must have taken you all day, you could have asked me for help. I would have come.” Your brows furrow as he shakes his head, though you still feel bad for not helping with anything.

“Well I did try, but um,” Gullimero awkwardly clears his throat, giving the camera a quick glance, “Nandor was with you and last time I asked for you while you and him where having alone time he threatened to carve out my eyeballs and force feed them to me.”

Pinching the bridge of your nose in annoyance you take a deep breath, “Sounds like him. Very creative when he wants to be, alright, well....where’s everyone?”

“Oh, they’re not up yet. I was actually on my way to get you. I made blood popsicles and the pool floaty is all done and in the pond.” He says with a sense of pride for his decorating skills. “I think she’ll like what we’ve come up with this year.”

-

Standing in the living room with your three fellow immortals you search a dresser for her card, “Oh shit where’s my card? I could have sworn I had it yesterday on my dresser but I don’t remember seeing it there in the morning. Maybe it’s in this one?”

“Witches!” Hisses Nadja as you huff in frustration, where the hell did you put that damn card?

“Oh, Y/N my love,” Intervenes Nandor with a gentle tug of your sleeve, “I took it with me when I left your room before sunrise because I wanted to put my name on it too so she would know it’s from us.”

“What?” Replies Lazlo dramatically, “Now hold on just a damn minute, this card competition is individually scored so I won’t be having any of this nonsense. I worked really hard on mine this year.”

“Oh lick a donkey’s arse, look here,” You retort with, quickly holding up the card for Nadja, “there are two separate drawings on ours so either way if one of us wins she gets both our pictures. So you better hope your drawing doesn’t resemble a night clubs bathroom wall.”

“Yeah.” Mutters Nandor, who’s hiding behind you while resting both hands on either one of your shoulders as you glare at Lazlo.

“Fine.” Agrees Lazlo begrudgingly, “And mine will be amazing, this bitch of paper took me a whole six months to plan and produce. Can’t get quality this good anywhere else I guarantee it.” Adds Lazlo with a firm nod of self approval as you glance at the nearby camera.

“Right, okay everyone sit it’s time for presents. I want to know what you all got me.” Beams Nadja excitedly as she smiles a fangy grin in delight, plopping herself down in one of the arm chairs. Lazlo quickly finding the other one while you and Nandor seat yourself on the large couch. Colin and Guillermo finding somewhere to sit close by respectfully.

“Well, all I can say is hold onto your socks my dear cause this is going to blow you away.” Smirks Lazlo as he pulls a small box from out of his jacket pocket.

“If it’s a self made business card that says invitation to sexy town I will puke.” You deadpan while Nandor laughs from beside you, causing Lazlo to lose his smirk as Nadja hides her amusement the best she can manage.

“He he, sexy town, nice one Y/N.” Mutters Nandor with a proud grin as you raise a brow at Lazlo who’s giving you a hard glare.

“Oh, my dear pumpkin pie love, don’t listen to Y/N I will love anything you gift me.” Encourages Nadja with a bright welcoming smile, no doubt immediately boosting Lazlo’s once irked mood.

Rolling your eyes you shift a bit to find yourself leaning into Nandor’s body as Nadja opens up the rest of the vampire residents various gifts. A joyous fangy smile gracing her pale features every single time, revealing this birthday party was a thrilling success.

After much more fun that just about lasts throughout the whole night, and some rare but hilarious attempts at dancing between the five of you vampiric individuals. You’re feeling rather sleepy and you can tell Nandor is ready for a trip to dreamland as well.

Swaying to the lowly playing record instrumental, you hold Nandor tight while simultaneously enjoying the feeling of him so close, him doing just the same as he keeps you firmly pressed against his chest. His long dark hair tickles your face as he presses his head to your cheek, doing his absolute best to keep the flow without tripping up.

Sensing his growing fatigue, you gently squeeze his hand, “My love the sun will be up soon, let’s get you to bed, yes?”

A small lazy smile tugs at the corners of his lips while he looks down to meet your gaze, “But my dark angel I’m not tired. I want to dance with you a little longer.” He whines adorably before failing to conceal a big yawn.

Giggling, you lean back to slowly lead him towards the door, “That yawn says otherwise.”

“That wasn’t a yawn Y/N, I was just smiling really big.” He protests, though he still follows your lead to the door.

“I’ve never seen anyone smile like that.” You add with a raised brow.

“Well maybe that’s just how I smile.”

Letting out a breathy snort, you pull away from him to at last take his one hand, “Come. I can’t have a single ray of that dreaded sun to get a taste of your precious skin. Not on my watch.”

Glancing at the closed front door, Nandor squeezes your hand, “Well um, now since you’ve mentioned the sun...I think I’d like to go to my crypt now.” He says, the flash of worry crossing over his face for only a brief moment.

“You sure? I mean a sunrise is pretty beautiful if I’m being honest and I know you never get to see them...”

“Not funny Y/N. And not fair, you know I can’t because I am full vampire.”

“And you’re missing out.”

“And I’d like to stay alive Y/N.”

“Aren’t you dead?”

“Yes and I am your only husband so I need to stay not burnt to a crisp.”

Chuckling, you follow him down the hallway, “Oh really? Don’t want me finding myself with another vampiric lover? Some new beast to sweep me off my feet and take me away into the night.” You tease.

Side eyeing you, he frowns, “No. Don’t I sweep you off your feet?”

Stepping into his crypt you stop him with your hand against his bicep, “Always.” You whisper sincerely with a quick wink, causing him to break out into a big fangy grin.

“Good. And if anyone would try and whoo you I would make sure there would be no more whooing again!” Exclaims Nandor, making the candles rise in flame for only a short second at his rise in emotion for how much he loves you.

“I don’t doubt they would fall by your blade. Not for a second.”

[thewritingginger]

Birthday Surprise

Word count: 1850

Pairing: Satan x Fem! Reader

Warning(s): Fluff, Pet Name (Kitten)

A/N: This isn’t technically a Halloween prompt but it does have some elements to it. But either way it’s one of my babes Birthday so I write.  And it’s in October so ... 🎊 And this is my 100th post on this blog!  🎊

Enjoy ~

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Sighing in relief, you stand back. Looking up at your work of hanging the birthday banner - that took way too long to put up-. The black and orange letters still slightly crooked, you wave your hand dismissively at the finicky paper. ‘Whatever. He’s just gonna have to deal with a wonky banner!’ You think to yourself as you make sure the table has everything it needs.

On the round table in the kitchen rests a small square cake you had made. Frosted in jet black, contrasted with green lettering scrolling “Happy Birthday Satan!” across the surface punctuated with a little messy heart. And last but not least, a couple small presents you have gotten him.

Happy with your work you go to sit down on a cozy chair by the fireplace. Enjoying the little human world cottage you and Satan decided to rent for a few months to get away for some quality time. It’s the perfect size for just the two of you. It has little kitchen and dining area, a quaint living space complete with a fireplace and bookshelves, a bathroom with a nice bathtub, and a bedroom with a comfy bed. Everything a young couple would need in a space. Your wondering thoughts are broken by the sound of heavy boot steps on the porch. ‘He’s here!’ You jump up from your cozy spot and dash to the door to greet him.

Standing to the side, he opens the door. A shiver travels down your spine as a gust of cold air invades your warm sanctuary.

“Happy Birthday!” You exclaim, having already said that the moment he woke up, he laughs. “Thank you, Kitten.”  Pulling you in by your waist, he places a soft yet passionate kiss upon your lips. Entranced by his touch, you look up at him warmly. You see him crack a smile once again but this time accompanied with a raised brow.

“What’s all this for?” He says confused, “Well cause it’s your birthday silly! Now come here.” You say, excitedly guiding him by his hand over to the little party area. Plopping him in one of the wooden chairs at the table he looks at the cake and laughs a bit. “What are you laughing at?” you ask playfully-stern. Making him chuckle more, “It’s nothing I’m just admiring the cake you made.” “Yeah, you better be.” your words punctuated with a soft flick of your fingers to his head. Your actions cause him to grab your wrist at lightning speed, gently pulling you down to hover over his back. “Watch it.” He warns with a chased kiss to your cheek. You giggle as you stand back up.

“Ok birthday boy, time for the festivities to begin!” Your words make him sigh an amused ‘oh, here we go.’ “Yes, here we go!” you announce as you bestow upon him a ridiculous sash that in bold letters writes, “B I R T H D A Y  B O Y”. “Oh, Y/~” cutting him off before he can convince you from putting him through this, you shush him. “Oh babyy, we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.” you whine, giving him puppy eyes. He sighs once again, “Fine~” he shakes his head at how a little human like you can make him bend at your will. Giggling with joy you quickly kiss his cheek as you grab the gold plastic crown on the other side on the table. Placing it on his head, you stand back. Covering your mouth to contain your laughter. Knowing that if you laugh too hard he might just take it off. “Ya’ happy now?” he asks, trying to seem upset. Seeing through his act you walk over and sit on his lap. Kissing his lips like he did before, “Yes. Very!” you smile.

After about an hour of talking, you and Satan decided to begin making dinner. Taking off the stupid crown he began prepping the food as you worked on clearing the table. After fixing the table for dinner you went over to the living room to turn on some music. Soft jazzy notes begin flowing through the air, bringing a gentle sway to your walk. Sitting on the table is two glasses of wine Satan had poured for the both of you. He pulls out your chair a bit, “Why thank you kind sir.” You say with a slight accent. “The pleasure is all mine.” He chortles back. “Not that I’m complaining, but aren’t I supposed to be giving you special treatment?” you ask. “Well if you want, I can get up and let you pull my chair out for me.” He says cheekily as he takes a sip of his wine. “Ha ha, very funny.” You sass back crinkling your nose.  

Sitting on either side of the small table, the lights are dimmed, jazz playing in a low hum. Enjoying conversation over a pasta dinner, everything is great. But the night isn’t over yet.

“So how about we do cake and then presents.” You say cheerfully. He responds with a soft chuckle. After cleaning up the mess from dinner, you plant Satan back into his chair as you go to light the candles. Once lit, you turn around, cake in hand as you begin to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. All he can do is just smile at you and your human traditions you bring him into. 

“🎶Happy Birthday to yooou.🎶 Ok now make a wish!” You cheer. He blows out the candles as you clap, “Yay. Now time for your presents!”

Satan can’t help but notice how you’ve been very energetic and excitable through out the evening. “Why are you so quick to do everything? You know you don't have to jump around for me.” He leans back in his chair, amused. “What, your girlfriend can’t be excited and want to give you a good birthday?” You retort. “Ok, fine. Go ahead and jump around for me then.” He laughs.

The cake pushed to the side, you place the 3 small, cutely wrapped presents in front of Satan. Sitting next to him, chin resting in your palm you obverse him as he begins to unwrap his gifts.

After all have been unwrapped, a small pile of paper on the floor. In front of him lies an Incantation book he has had his eye on for a while, a few nice bookmarks and a bag of his favorite human world coffee. “Thank you so much for all of this Kitten, even though it was unnecessary.” He says as he leans over to kiss you. “Nonsense, I wanted to get you these.” Getting up to throw away the wrapping paper scraps, you turn around as if you just remembered something. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have one more gift for you.” You say as you dash away. Before Satan can respond you were already going up the stairs.

You return with a little black present box with a emerald green ribbon tied in a nice bow. Standing next to him you place it in front of him. Eagerly waiting for him to open it, he gives you a suspicious look. “Should I be nervous to open this?” He asks jokingly, causing you to swat his shoulder. “Ok, ok.” He laughs. Pulling the tail of the ribbon, undoing the bow. He opens the box and pulls out a little orange onesie with a jack-o’-lantern face printed on it. Satan is puzzled for a moment till a thought hits him in the face..

Looking up at you, then to the fabric in his hand, then back to you. “Ar- are you pregnant?” He asks, stunned. “Yeah…” you say with a shy smile.

He just sits there. Silently. Just staring at you. Only making you more anxious as you bite your lips.

“Hmm” He hums. Sitting back, arms crossed.  “I thought you smelled different.” His words nonchalant. You finally burst. “What do you mean, ‘I thought you smelled different’?” You ask. “That’s all you have to say?” Looking at him surprised, unsure if maybe the situation hadn’t fully sunk in for him.

“Well yeah, for the last month or so your smell had changed a bit but I didn’t put much thought into it.”  “So... you’re not mad?” You ask, testing the waters. His gaze softens a bit. Realizing what you’ve been feeling in the moments leading up to this. Turning his chair to face you, he pulls you closer to him by your waist. Hands resting on your hips. Looking up at you he speaks, “Y/n, why would you think I'd be mad?” His brows furrowed. You sigh. “Well because this wasn’t planned. And I mean we have talked about kids once, but I wasn’t sure how you would react.” Your honesty makes him think for a moment. “True, we have only talked about it once, and yes this certainly wasn’t planned. But if you remember in that conversation, I told you that you were the only woman I’ve seen myself having children with.” Hearing him say those words again makes your heart flutter the same it did that day.

His eyes travel down your body, landing on your tummy. “And besides when we first met, I never expected you would change my life the way you did. It’s only fitting that this would be a surprise as well.” He says, lightly caressing your sides.

Combing your fingers through his blonde locks, you can’t help but let out a small laugh. “I guess you’re right, but now what? I mean has a human and a demon ever done this?” You ask.

“Well It is possible that it has happened once before but I haven’t read anything too in depth about human-demon relationships.” He says.

Standing up, Satan looks down at you. His eyes warm, lips beginning to curve slightly. Bringing a large hand to rake through your hair, resting it on your cheek. Turning your sight up to his. He speaks again, “But whether or not this has been seen before is irrelevant. It’s happening now and I’m sure it’ll be fine. Now, I can’t promise that it will be easy but what I can promise you is that I will be here for you every step of the way. And not just you...” He says, gazing down at your gifted womb. 

“I promise to be there for you too.” 

 His words, almost a whisper like they weren’t yours to hear. You smile at the demon's gentleness. His loving eyes returning the favor, basking you in a calming warmth. Reassuring you that everything will be fine with him by your side.

“Why don’t we cut your cake now.” you state with a smile. “I see the pregnancy cravings are already in full swing.” You swat him at his joking words. “Watch it.” you playfully say as you begin to cut the cake. Wrapping his strong arms around your waist, his hands resting on your belly. “As I suspected, this is going to be fun.” his words punctuated with a soft kiss on your shoulder.

Yes it will be.

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AHH I hope you enjoyed this! 

I knew I want to write a little something for is birthday and I am really soft for Daddy Satan and I hope you are too :3 

But who doesn’t love soft dad AUs!?!? 

(P.S. I was tired while editing this so forgive me for any odd occurrences  😅)

💛 ~

[thesuitkovian]

The Avengers (and Co) and What Their Color/Texture Combo Is

Disclaimer: This is not some sort of synesthesia thing. I do not have synesthesia nor will I pretend to have it. This is just my overactive imagination at play

~~

Bruce Banner

Bruce himself is a light tan/beige/coffee color, a little bit rough like worn sandpaper

Hulk is lime green with darker green undertones, smooth and almost too taut like a sheet pulled too tight over a bed

Bucky Barnes

The Winter Soldier is chrome, the texture of metal too

TFATWS Bucky is a dark forest green and a soft cotton shirt material, one of those shirts you’ve had around forever

Bucky in between the Winter Soldier and TFATWS Bucky is a mix of burgundy and maroon, and a bumpy texture like braille almost

Carol Danvers

Sunset orange. Almost a sherbet orange. Smooth creamy texture, like coffee creamer.

Clint Barton

Leafy green. Like a dry spinach green. Spinach leaf texture as well.

Gamora

Dark grey with cool undertones. Expensive leathery texture

Helmut Zemo

Red. Like a Dahlia red, or crimson. Soft fur texture.

John Walker

Navy blue. Simple wool texture.

Lemar Hoskins

A soft yellow, like the sunrise or the inside of a banana. But a wood texture, like freshly sanded wood.

Loki

A dark, bitter green of the deepest parts of the forest. Hard metallic texture.

Natasha Romanoff

The colors of fire. Fierce reds, oranges and yellows. Silk material, specifically a silky bathrobe material.

Nebula

Soft, lavender purple. Leather texture too, but one worn from being touched so much so like a leather knife handle maybe?

Nick Fury

Black, rough leather texture with off-white stitching.

Peggy Carter

Cream colored silk, with a layer of transparent rayon fabric over it.

Peter Parker

Blush red, plaid texture

Peter Quill

Paint brush texture, a blue-purple color. Like a dark indigo.

Pietro Maximoff

Pale seafoam green, bubbles texture (like soap bubbles)

Sam Wilson

Dark blue. Like a deep, far out in the middle of the ocean dark blue. A hardened clay texture, a little chalky.

Scott Lang

Bright, vibrant yellow. Like a sun yellow. And a flat, smooth texture. Like dried hot glue.

Sharon Carter

A dark but see-through transparent red/purple color. Like hibiscus tea. Adda dash of milk, and that would be the texture too.

Shuri

Gold. Just straight up gold, polished so nicely you can see your own reflection in it. Smooth texture, like plastic.

Stephen Strange

Purple. Like a deep purple with dark green accents. Cheap silk material, so still smooth but a little rougher than the good silk.

Steve Rogers

A light blue. Like a sky blue or a baby blue. And the same texture as really short fur. Like if you were to pet a cow or a horse, or a short haired cat.

T'Challa

The texture of gold leaf but royal purple.

Thor

Cold metal texture. A normal grey color, but with light blue undertones. So maybe more like a light slate color.

Tony Stark

Not to be obvious but suit material. And a dark maroon color.

Valkyrie

Blue. Just straight up blue. And a scratchy material. Like a burlap sack material.

Vision

Again, not to be obvious. But a light yellow with a crystal texture.

Wade Wilson

Light red and soap bubble texture. Like Pietro!

Wanda Maximoff

Dark storm grey. Soft fluffy texture like cotton candy but not sticky. So maybe pillow stuffing?

[alias-b]

angel cake.

Summary: Former enemies, now friends and maybe lovers, Billy Hargrove and Evie Fenny start teasing in a church confessional. Things take a turn for the heated when Billy's imagination gets away from him. ~Also posted on my AO3

Billy/plus size!OC. Fucking in a confessional. Sin. Filth. Thanks for reading. Weird to write them romantically bc the start of the fic is Rough. They have work to do. Billy Being Nasty In Church. Teaser at later stuff for my new enemies to friends to lovers Billy/OC Fic, Sins of My Youth, that I want to start posting. XOXO.

Billy Hargrove x Evie Fenny

angel cake. 🍰

   “You really have to go to this thing?” Billy’s Camaro roared into a church parking lot. Looked out of place there. Multicolored tulips swept against the spring wind, too pleasant before the fender.

   “Told mom I’d help out. I’m not staying for the festivities, they just need extra hands setting up the food and Easter egg hunt.” Aviators flashed at Evie in the passenger seat.

   Billy with his arm propped in the window. Denim jacket and white button down tucked into tight jeans. Cigarette dangling out his lips. Exceptionally pretty, even against all the pastel flowers and banners set for the holiday. 

   “What a good daughter. Santa ought to put you on the nice list for sure.” He plucked the smoke out to exhale as she brought the car mirror down.

   “Hell, I forgot I had red on today.You have napkins in here?” She opened the glove box to sift through papers. Billy extended his arm.

   “Use the jacket, give me something messy to remember you by.” A wink followed before she took his wrist and smacked a ruby kiss into his forearm, printing the light wash. Eyes flicked as some of the red lipstick got swiped away, leaving a more pink tint behind.

   “Thanks, I guess.”

   “Red is the devil’s color,  Evangeline.” Came some mocking in a horrid southern accent. She scoffed with her eyes elsewhere.

   “You could always come help if you’re going to pout.” She dug around her purse.

   “Not pouting. Churches and I don’t mix. It’s the one thing dad and I agree on.” Billy pulled his shades down and folded them into his front pocket with the cigarettes. 

   “Well, pick me up in an hour, we’ll go catch something scary and sinful.” She applied chapstick and rubbed her lips together.

   “Sinful? I like that.” Billy’s fingers squeezed her thigh, hot on skin and just barely under the little black suspender skirt. Evie wore a brightly colored tee with sunflowers all over it. Her usual green bomber jacket covered in patches. “That new?”

   “The chapstick? No, it’s tinted and smells like watermelon though.”

   “Let me try.” Billy saw her offer the tube and instead pulled her in by the collar for a kiss. Mashing their lips together. He flicked his tongue out for good measure and heard her gasp against his ferocity. It still managed to catch her off guard. A light smack when he parted, tonguing his bottom lip. “Mm, tastes like watermelon too.”

   ���Billy, there are people over there.” She pushed his wandering hand out of her skirt.

   “I’d like to see Jesus himself come out and...what the fuck is that?” Billy’s finger lifted so Evie followed it to see the Easter Bunny leaving a lone side door. Lavender fur with white tufts, huge goofy grin.

   “Yeah, they have someone dress up every year for when the kids arrive, which is in about sixty minutes, so I gotta go.” Evie had Billy’s wrist again to check the time. Pecked his cheek and shifting before he about howled. “What?” Her body jumped at the sound.

   “No fucking way!” Billy was scrambling out because the bunny head had come off so a quick smoke could be snuck around back. “No way! Hey, Harrington! That you, amigo? What’s up, doc?” 

   Steve spun on his heel, holding a cigarette in one hand and the bunny head under his other arm. His head fell back with a groan because Billy was leaning up against his chair, bent over to belly laugh.

   “Hargrove?” Steve looked mortified, but played tough. “Are they really letting you within five feet of a church?” Billy was too busy cackling to retort. Fist clenched and head resting upon his arm on the Camaro.

   “The fucking tail.” Billy wasn’t stopping so Evie crossed her arms.

   “What happened to Gary?” Evie approached Steve, head cocking. “Ignore Billy.”

   “I try to… And food poisoning. I dropped Dustin off at home yesterday to help Claudia out and she begged me last minute. I’m getting fifteen bucks for it though. Not bad for the Saturday before Easter.” He flashed a half smile. “Suit kinda smells like potpourri, I-...Is he gonna stop or what?” 

   “He’ll tucker himself out eventually.” Evie turned her head to see Billy unable to get air. “Billy, take a breath already before you pass out!” A huge gulp followed. More wild laughter. “Jeez.”

   “I’m never gonna live this down, shit.” Steve mumbled around his smoke, flicking it. “Asshole.”

   “Might want to get back in, Pastor will have a cow if he catches you smoking in the suit.” Evie took the head to help Steve back into it.

   “See you, Hargrove. Remember to breathe, dick.” The bunny snuck back in the side door. Another round of laughs at the sight of the puffy tail.

   “I wanna kick his ass so bad. You don’t understand.” Billy stretched out, eyes watering and cheeks blushed. Freckles glowing.

   “You short circuiting still?” Evie peered down at her boots.

   “I don’t know what Easter is about, but that...was the best shit I’ve ever seen.” Billy snickered like a little boy with his hand in the cookie jar. Evie only rolled her eyes.

   “New beginnings, Billy.” Heels clicked up behind them so Billy straightened quick to get his composure.

   “Hey, mom.” Evie leaned out from behind the boy.

   Mona Fenny appeared from the main doors, her arms full of bags. Brightly colored plastic eggs packed with treats about to spill out. Hair pumped, unable to move, with a short 60s sheath dress clinging to her body. Yellow and orange print. Something that was definitely noted by the men around. Single and ready at all times. Evie felt her cheeks heat at her mother.

   “New beginnings, Miss Mona?” Billy repeated, one hand sliding into his jean pocket.

   “That’s what I always thought, sugar.” That southern twang thick beyond all reach.

   Billy always liked to poke fun at Evie, she had the slightest Louisiana touch to her voice that came out when she was in a more fiery disposition. She swore it wasn’t true.

   “Evie, they’re trying to get the dessert table set up. I didn’t realize Billy was joining us.” Mona continued.

   “Oh, I-”

   “You know, Billy was actually telling me he’s never been to a real Easter gathering before. Not a church event.” Evie’s sly smile crossed and he shot her a look. “I’m sure those big, strong arms you got would really help out setting up.” Evie came to him and gave his bicep a pat.

   “That’s lovely, Billy. You know the kids just love this event, fun in the sun and more food than you’ll ever eat. Go on inside, you two. We have decorations to get going.” Mona clicked away, peppy in stride.

   “I had a hair appointment.” Billy hissed through his teeth when Evie’s mother was gone.

   “You want to tell my mother that you’re going to get your hair done somewhere that isn’t her salon?” Evie’s lips pressed. Billy’s face scrunched because she had him there. “I panicked, the people here are too much. Please stay.”

   “Your mom never turns her volume down, does she? Looking more like a brunette Sharon Tate than a Dolly Parton.” Billy locked his car, stuffing the scorpion keychain into his pocket.

   “Been like that since dad left, she’s...on the market. Trying to feel good. People notice and they say some not great stuff. She went from dressing like a nun to a model overnight.” Evie was holding her arms close to her chest still, making this unconscious patting motion Billy always noted like she was trying to console herself.

   “Really bugs you, what people think.”

   “It’s a small town, it bugs everyone.” Evie turned, skirt flitting while her curls bounced. “Don’t like all these guys ogling my mom.”

   Doesn’t like that one might replace her dad. Evie peered back at Billy, lips pushed up to appear brighter. He decided he wanted to see her happier without force.

   “I’ll stick around. You owe me.” Steps followed. One hand gave her bottom a firm pat.

   “You know, the Easter Bunny has to do a dance before the festivities begin?” She whispered then. “It’s tradition.”

   Billy perked up like a dog.

   “Right, so, decorations?” He waltzed ahead with a giggling girl in tow. Spotted the moms passing boxes off. All stilling to see him there. Wind sweeping his blond locks like a beefcake out of a romance novel. Shirt open with his saint chain glinting upon his tanned chest. “Ladies.”

   “Hi, Billy.” Came the chorus.

   He ate that up a little. 

   Sunlight was barely felt through the spring breeze. Balloons and streamers glowed every direction. Twisted around Evie’s manicured fingers as she passed them up to Billy to be tied around the banner.

   “Feel like I might float away here.” The wind swept up her unruly curls as she smiled below when Billy peered to see her. Pink and violet balloons. Yellow streamers. She looked like a piece of decadent candy there. “What?”

   Billy snapped out of it.

   “Why do I have to be on the ladder?” He snatched another bundle of strings from her to tie them up.

   “I wore a skirt so I wouldn’t have to be.” Came the cheeky reply. Hawkins residents hurried all over to set up the grassy field.

   “Let’s switch. Although, the view here ain’t half bad. I can totally see down your shirt.” His tongue swept over eager lips as eyes lowered to her breasts. Brows furrowed to glare at him. It was striking how cute she was, even angry. High, apple cheeks and pillowy lips. The sun brought some gold into lush, dark curls. 

   “Jerk.” An arm hanging with streamers covered her chest. “We’re standing next to a church. Behave yourself, you’re fixing to get smited.”

   “God’s got bigger problems than me.” He shrugged, caught his tongue in teeth. Smirked. “Fixin’ to. Your Louisiana is showing.”

   “Shut it, I got too much family down there still. Sometimes it jumps out. I don’t have an accent.”

   “You so do. Just saying it’s cute.” He caught her cheeks flooding all strawberries and cream.

   “Hey, I have to keep my clinically unapproachable ice queen reputation. You’re not helping.”

   “Damn cute then.” Billy’s head cocked. A wink of those sinfully, long lashes. “Hand me another one.”

   Evie’s hand came to his to offer a new bundle of balloons.

   Green grass swept about as parents worked to hide eggs all over and a full spread of picnic food was set out on blue gingham tables. Kids started to pile in so Billy decided it was time to hide around the building after snagging the biggest piece of apple pie he could. Alone, they watched the crowds play beyond a row of vibrant tulips.

   “One fork?” Evie leaned up against the wall.

   “You had my tongue in your mouth this morning, don’t complain about sharing a fork.”

   “Fair enough.” She let him feed her a bite. “That wasn’t so bad, time flew. You want to jet?” A bouncy tune played as Billy craned his neck around the corner after a huge bit of pie. Evie followed his line of sight.

   “Easter is my new favorite holiday.” He let Evie snag the fork to finish off the slice, tossing the plate into the trash. Genuine laughter as Steve Harrington did a jig in his costume across the open field. Billy’s arm slid over Evie’s shoulders. “You think I can pay one of these kids to kick bunny in the nuts?”

   “We’re leaving… Before you traumatize some child.” She tugged at his wrist to sneak in a side door. “Left my coat and purse over here.”

   Absolutely empty and dim save for the morning sun spilling into stained glass. They passed rows of pews to the tables covered in empty boxes. Evie went for her purse and realized she already lost Billy, curiously rooting around.

   “Hey, don’t touch that.”

   “They actually have one of these things? I thought movies made this shit up.” Billy poked his head around the little confessional booth. Hardwood and sleek to touch. Ornate and out of place against bright blue wallpaper. Two doors on either side. “So, everyone’s planning on staying outside right? Should be entertained a few hours, hm.”

   He went in and a lock clicked.

   “Billy, hey.” Evie felt the urge to keep her voice low. “Get out of there. They actually don’t really use this thing anymore.”

   “Doesn’t get use, eh? Too bad.” His snicker was muffled. “Get in the other side, Angel, confess your sins.”

   “I’ll confess that I think the nickname is still silly.” She wiggled the handle and poked her head into the opposite side. Saw Billy’s pretty silhouette through the tiny mesh window. Both sides were cramped like an airplane bathroom.

   “Roomier than I thought.”

   “Some of us have hips here.” Evie huffed at him, the door shut while she slid inside. “Kinda creepy actually, let’s go.”

   “You gotta confess first, it’s the rule.” His wild curls flicked so she plopped into the wooden bench.

   “This is not even sexy, I feel like I’m about to be murdered here.” She pressed her hands on either wall.

   “Better confess quick in that case,” Billy leaned in, she saw his lashes flutter, “what color are your panties today?”

   “Billy.” She covered the mesh with one hand.

   “Do they match the bra?” He continued, voice lowering.

   “I’m not doing this.” Evie lifted her skirt and shifted a lacy pair of shorts aside to see. Billy’s breath drew heavier. “What’s it matter if they match?”

   “If they match, you walked into this church thinking you’d be getting some later.” He said that far too matter-a-factually. “Sinner. What color? Describe them exactly.”

   “You’re being gross.” She knew he heard the band of her little biker shorts snap. Caved. “Purple. Like a lilac.”

   “Cotton?”

   “...Satin.”

   A lengthy hum from Billy at that.

   “And the bra. I’m assuming the same.” He already heard Evie shuffling to check.

   “Ah, shit.” She let her shirt go and he chuckled. “I didn’t even plan that. I wasn’t thinking about it.”

   “Your subconscious knew, Angel. No denying it.” Billy propped his arm up.

   “Okay, what do you have on?” The challenge was easily met.

   “Nothing under the jeans, currently. You should try it.”

   “In a skirt? Without my little shorts? My thighs would rub, I’d be miserable.” Came a whine.

   “I’d massage your poor thighs, maybe blow the hot skin to cool it off if you like.” His suggestion wasn’t helpful. “Spread them and rub some ice to make you feel better. Few kisses all the way up.” That damn low baritone lingered upon the syllables like he might lick them. Evie gave a silent snort out her nose. “You’d probably squirm a little bit like you are now.”

   “I am not squirming.” Evie’s chest lifted, eyes turned to Billy’s outline.

   “Now, Angel, you can’t tell lies in here. The sins are just piling up for you today.” Billy peered around, couldn’t see much in here. Spotted her lips parting, but sound came out. “Betcha, you’re already soaked through those satin, lilac panties.” His purring was met with hard silence before a forcibly huff.

   “Billy...quit it.” She bit her lip this time sounding like she’d smiled. Billy spotted her cheeks lifting, full and blushed all pretty he figured.

   “I’ll confess, it took every ounce of fight in me to get you here on time. Lot of places in this town to stop and...park at for a bit. The one charming thing I discovered about this place.”

   “How sunny side up of you.” She hummed.

   “You would have let me have it because we would have parked for awhile. You’d be late. Probably left your wrecked panties in the backseat and walked around here with fireworks still going off under your skin. We both know it.” 

   “Probably wouldn’t have made it here at all.” Her slow reply was uttered and Billy grinned.

   “See, I behaved.” He got closer to the window. “Confess, Evie.”

   “Confess that you’re a total horn dog.” She drew in to meet him.

   “Confess what you want me to do to you in there.” Billy murmured. She blew a curl out her face at that. “I got it, I want you to be my first.” He’d offered that with huge, glittering eyes she’d caught the glint of. Eyebrows jumped.

   “What? Literally yesterday, we-”

   “I never fucked in a church before.” He got her eyes rolling hard, almost to the back of her skull.

   “Jesus Christ, Billy.” She covered the mesh again, heard him laughing on the other side.

   “Not the name you need to be moaning right now.” Billy smacked the window closed and came out. 

   “Finally, we can go-” Evie had the door open. Still blushing. Chest puffed. 

   Billy appeared from smoke, had his hands on either side before he pushed in. Catching her lips on the way until the door could shut behind them. Cupping Evie’s face so she pressed into the wall. Back of her legs hit the bench and managed to not buckle. Palms felt around the hardwood for something to grab for until fingers bunched up Billy’s jacket.

   She broke for air. Gulped on it before his tongue was back into her mouth.

   “We should…” Lips swelled with kisses. “Go to the car.”

   “Will you make that walk? I know I won’t.” Came the hushed reply. “We could cross something big off the bucket list.” Persuasive lips were already working on her neck, teeth tugged her ear and grazed back down. Billy got a handful of her tits and hummed.

   “Not...Not sure it’s on my bucket list.” She just held onto him. Knees wobbling as Billy massaged through the bra.

   “I’d add it now while you have time.” He pecked her throat. Felt the pulse under tender skin racing. “Confess.” It was a sinful purr. Evie’s head tipped back. Lungs starting to sputter. Billy made her heart a pile of volcanic mush.

   “What if someone comes in?” She let him tuck her curls aside. Lips on her cheeks and jaw. Finding her mouth again. Tasting sweet sugar from the apple pie they shared.

   “We’ll just have to keep it down and pray the party is entertaining enough to keep people outside.” He mumbled, coming out to pull the shirt from her skirt up over the pretty bra she had on. 

   Hands pulled her suspenders forth until Evie molded into him. Kissed back with the same fierce vigor he gave. Felt the chain around his neck while her fingers slipped under the collar of his shirt, four buttons already undone.

   The hard lines of his body sweltered with fire. Whatever resolve she might have had melted away completely. 

   Evie liked how he always cupped her face to look at her features close between steaming kisses. Fingers trailed to work her bra down just enough for her to spill into his touch. Into his mouth. Bruising suckles. Teeth edging across silken skin. Tongue swirling one dark, rosy nipple than the other as she tried to quiet herself and ran fingers into his gold mane. A hiss and Billy’s eyes lifted. Evie’s head was turned aside, teeth in her bottom lip. Eyes shut.

   “Cute when you try to hold it together.” Cool breath against her hard, wet nipple sent a vibration down her spine. Billy licked up her chest to inhale that amber perfume, a floral scent with a touch of vanilla from her lotion. Smelled lush to match him. She pushed his face back into her cleavage, partly to quiet him because he was too cocky.

   Chuckling and breathless, Billy came up to tease her lips. Twisting her nipples just so to elicit a sigh. Low and even, Billy ran his finger over her mouth.

   “Just confess, Angel, it’ll feel so fucking good when you do.” He caught her bottom lip and let it go.

   “Promise?” Evie’s lips parted involuntarily at his touch, let his finger stroke her tongue and slip out. 

   “I promise.” That same hand already hiked her skirt to tug at shorts until they came down. His finger inched under the waistband of her panties, teasing sensitive skin. She pressed into his body, vibrating for more. Swaying. Arms snug around his shoulders to stay upright.

   A shameless sound when her lips collided with his. Thigh hitching around his hips in a needy motion. Not shy about what she desired for one beat because he knew how to coax that side of her out. Billy teased lighter kisses, let his deft fingers dance along her inner thigh. Evie was stubborn and she knew what he wanted. 

  Confession.

   A growl rippled out her tense vocal cords. Trying to reel sound in despite Billy’s inherent ability to make her see new sparks of vivid neon colors here in pure darkness.

   “Okay…” She panted, pulling for him until their foreheads touched. “Okay.” A drunken moment where eyes could close. One beat of peace in obscenity. His free arm tightened around the small of her back so they were flush together. Perfect fit. Every curve to her body sloped easily into him. An almost Biblical fate because of how good they felt together. Evie parted her mouth to ghost it over his. “I sinned.”

   “Yeah?” Billy’s palm inched up to reward her sighs. A smirk crossed. “How’s that?”

   “Because I was hoping you’d pull over on the way here. Would have seen the new underwear in a better light. And I squirmed the whole way. Your loss.” All that cheeky strength simmered down when fingers pushed between thick thighs. Wet satin fabric slipped deliberately against her and Billy moaned at the mere feel. Rock hard.

   “Fuck, you’re soaked, Angel.” His tone thickened.

   Evie wasn’t able to articulate. Face in his chest with her needy fingers tight on his jacket. She played her demure self again. Billy felt her legs tremor, nudged them further apart with his boot.

   “All for me? I wouldn’t call it a loss. You gotta hold yourself up a bit longer, open that mouth again.” He gave her two slick fingers to suck so he could kiss down her tits some more. Plucked and nipped at every sensitive part of her body. “Fucking god damn it, I might give religion a shot after this.”

   “Yeah?” Evie licked the pads as Billy slunk down to marvel. Thought about taking her skirt off, but he decided he liked the way the straps framed her breasts partially spilling out of the bra.

   One hand forced her thigh up until her foot hit the bench. Evie was curved back into the wall, holding the side frame and gripping Billy’s shoulder.

   “Long as I get to go where you’re going, I don’t give a shit about anything else.” A chuckle warmed her leg as he pushed her skirt up out of the way.

   “That sounded oddly sentimental.”

   “Maybe I’ll bring you down to my level instead. Sinner.” Billy’s mouth placed one open kiss against her wet panties. Tongue following the hard swell of her bud. She decided she’d let him there in darkness. Every muscle in Evie’s body jumped at full attention. His divine and equally wicked mouth hummed blissfully. She craned to dig teeth into her own arm. Fists clenching.

   Billy maneuvered her leg over to get the ruined fabric down. Tucked them into his coat pocket and she figured she wouldn’t be seeing them again. Kneeling, Billy scooted closer and pushed her thigh back up, baring her to his mouth. 

   A cry hitched, snuffing out immediately as he tasted her. Filthy, open mouth kisses until her fingers tangled into his hair. Pulled. Billy moaned into her folds. Squeezed her thighs and loved the feel of them. God, he really couldn’t get enough of this girl. Every whine she let him have. Every nerve that wanted him. Needed him to ease the frays and sizzling. He just couldn’t get enough and was fine with following her into the dark.

   “Don’t stop.” Evie whispered. Hair falling into her face while her breasts rose and fell. She licked her lips and savored him.

   The dirty sounds he made against her that barely carried outside the booth. Billy squeezed her breast once he was certain she could stay up so she covered his hand. Craned to suck fingers. A gasp left. Evie’s hips rolled into his mouth. Asking for even more until two fingers pushed inside. 

   Billy moaned when her walls clamped. Pumped through the resistance to massage her nice and deep. Evie was quivering there. Using both arms on the sides to stay up. Shameless working into him now. Billy made a vaguely amused sound and gave an obscene pop around her clit, leaning out with arousal slicking his pink lips. It was music, the sounds her body let flow into crisp air.

   “Damn, no wonder you don’t go here anymore. Fucking yourself so hard and pretty on my fingers like this. You couldn’t make the nice list if you paid.” Being eye level with the sight had his cock twitching almost painfully. Evie’s head was tossed back. Clearly getting herself closer so Billy pulled away. Silenced her whine with a kiss. Let her suck and nip at his bottom lip. “See how fucking good you taste?”

   Evie’s hands were opening his belt. Quick and eager. Billy hitched as one palm slipped in, fingers ghosting trimmed blond hair to ease him out of the denim.

   “Confess, Evie, how bad you want me to fuck you right here.” He spoke as if he still had the upper hand.

   “Bet you I can do it without words.” Evie had his hips, guiding Billy to switch so he could sit. The question died and buried itself the second she sank down to lick precum pooling at his tip. Billy’s hips thrust up, eyes heavy and hooded.

   “That bad?” He shuddered, legs opening so she could lean into him. Evie unbuttoned the rest of his shirt to kiss the steel muscles. Twitching and molten. Nails scraped his skin. Stopped to stroke him idly. Kissing his abdomen, thighs, and tip. Evie traced the lines of vein and muscle. Down his shaft and back up his chest. So many sharp angles to explore.

   Little butterfly kisses while she leaned in until his cock slipped snug between her breasts. Spit slick and beading clear arousal. Billy moaned at the sight and gave a rut as she noticed and started to come out. 

   Hands latched to her shoulders. Billy hummed and rolled her nipple. Felt the weight of her tits and pushed them to squeeze his shaft. Idle fingers stilled to tuck her hair back in a way that was almost tender.

   “You’re pretty like this,” he said thoughtfully, “you’re pretty every which way.” Teeth tugged at her bottom lip. A shy kiss followed. Sometimes, he got so bold, she sank. Learned to savor it. Billy whispered against her. “Have I ever told you my cock looks great between your tits like that?” Frankly, he’d be happy to get off rubbing between her breasts or thighs alone. Fingers digging into supple skin. Evie had become a drug to him. Vanilla and amber immersed him in a high.

   “The occasion hasn’t really crossed.”

   “I’ll have to fix that next time I can lie you down.” Billy let her stroke him again and come up. Hesitating so he had to encourage her. “Get in my lap.” He was already pulling her into him. Smoothing hair back sweetly for lingering kisses.

   She long stopped worrying about feeling too heavy for him. Billy threw her around a mattress like it was nothing. Spread her legs, bent them up how he liked. Marveled at her flexibility. Kissed her obscenely and told her how pretty and blushed she looked. She liked when he was ample with her body. The boy certainly lifted enough weights, a fuller girl with hips was nothing to that. Jeans shifted lower as she straddled him. A kiss before she sank down.

   Billy moaned. A low honeyed sound into her ear. Almost musical. Arms wrapped tighter. Evie thanked God for birth control and moved at his coaxing.

   “C’mon, fuck me. I want it.” Billy kissed her fiercely. Nipples. Collar. Throat. Jawline. Mouth. And each time, he felt that same thrill rush his bones. A palm smacked her ass, squeezed it. Got drunk off the pulsing and little whines she gave him as if they were gift wrapped. “Confession. I want pictures of you. Spread out with my cock in you every way you like. They won’t beat the real thing, but fuck, I can’t...stop with you. Don’t want to.”

   Billy looked vulnerable when he moaned so pretty.

   His knuckles traced the curve of her cheekbone. Evie bounced, gripped his shoulders to stay upright with her spine curving. Unable to respond to something so passionate. Billy had that mode on him, sometimes it came out in odd ways. Filthy words to match his obscene way of caressing and worship. His manner of making Evie feel bold and sexy. Cute. Pretty. Fierce. Desired. The fact that sometimes he’d lie still for once and seek out her fingers across his curls and her lips on his cheek.

   Evie Fenny was a drug and cure to him, all at once. She gave back. Made Billy feel full and light. Made him feel present. Like he could shed his fangs. Lie back and feel the sun on his skin.

   “Confession,” Evie said between quick kisses with her thumb tracing the edge of his jaw, “I want more of you too. After....”

   “After?” He scoffed. “Like tonight?”

   “Just… After.” She slowed to rock into him. Deep thrusts that made them both moan in sync. So close. “After what’s next for us. Life. High school. Whatever. I want you to be apart of my after.”

   He could blame the sex for short circuiting her brain, he’d given it to her pretty hard.

   “I don’t know what I’m saying.” She rubbed her eyes, laughed because it felt silly. Felt Billy swoop in to kiss her. Wordlessly validating it wasn’t silly at all. That was another thing they did, pumped life into hopeful hearts and dwindling thoughts of something more. Something that was waiting...after.

   “We’ll deal with the after.” Billy skimmed a hand between them. Stroked her until she gave a cry into the denim of his jacket. A beautiful note. Evie thought she heard the twinkling music from outside, joyful and airy. Realized that maybe it was just playing in her head. “Right now, I want you to come.” He pecked her parted lips. “Cum for me, Angel.”

  “Billy.” She found his mouth again. They shared a godly nectar in one kiss. He worked her hips into his as she climaxed. Lungs heaving with a great arch. Billy watched her tits bounce and found his own release quick. Let her slip into him as he fell back to the wall. Lungs tried to find some peace. That New Orleans accent laced her tone again. “God damn it, Billy.”

   “Still a church, Fenny.” He massaged her thighs. Eyes shifting while she breathed even and fixed her bra. Tucked her shirt back in.

  “I need a bathroom. This is about to be a mess.” She slipped off him, pulled her undershorts back on because he wasn’t giving her panties up. Thighs hummed, sore and blissful. Billy tucked himself away to fix his own clothing back. Evie poked her head out. “Coast is clear.”

  Without thinking, she laced her hand in his. Hurried him out to the bathroom to pee and wash up. Saw her patchy, red cheeks in the mirror and huffed. Patted cold water on them. Billy finished at the sink and lit a quick cigarette by the window. That chipper music lingered outside.

  “Your mom is going to be here awhile. I vote your place.”

  “Movie on the couch.” She flicked hair aside. Billy flashed a smile, nodding as he snuffed the smoke out.

  “To start, maybe.” Two fingers grasped her chin, angled Evie’s mouth for a slow kiss. Tasted sweet, obscene, and smoky all at once. Made her dizzy.

  “I’d come back here under certain conditions.” He passed to go out with Evie behind him. She found her purse and coat again.

   “Let’s go, you had your fun.” She chuckled as they rejoined the event outside. Wind and all.

  “Uh, I think you did too.” Billy’s arm hung around her shoulder. Easy with their height difference.

  “You two leaving?” Mona had called, edging from her conversation to cross once the teens were outside. Evie pressed her legs together. Smiled. The Pastor who’d been speaking to her mother followed too. Plastic grin upon his face.

  “Ah, yeah, I’ll see you later, mom.” Evie had replied.

  “Thanks for coming to help.” Mona beamed. “Pastor Ray, you know Billy. Our neighbor. He was kind enough to help out.”

  “Mr. Hargrove. I’m surprised to see you here.” They shook tense hands.

  “Only thing I like more than Jesus is Christ. Who doesn’t want to turn water into wine.” Billy’s sarcasm was almost charming. He got a flat look in return.

  “I see...”

  “Evie, can you take some of the food home, honey? We’ll feed the neighbors.” Mona grasped Evie’s arm to pull her forth. “Just put it in the fridge. I’ll organize later.”

  “Sure.” Evie started to follow.

  “Be sure to grab the cherry pie if there’s any left. The ladies outdid themselves this year. Billy, you’re free to take some food home, son.” The Pastor addressed him kindly again. Billy’s grin flashed shiny teeth.

  “I love a good cherry pie, but I filled up on angel cake.”

  He caught Evie’s head whipping toward him as she went. Eyes ablaze which made his smile bigger.

  “Oh?” Ray’s head cocked. “I didn’t see that over there. Must have went fast.”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe, sir.” Billy patted the man’s shoulder and sauntered by. “Nice church, by the way. Pointy.” Evie hurried to his car with her arms full of Tupperware and boxes. Settled them in the backseat.

  “You’re so dead.” She looked sweet, waving at her mother across the lot. Billy laughed, starting his car. “I pick the music.” Her hand swatted his and a groan followed as she tuned the radio to some Etta James. Billy revved out of the parking lot, turning some heads as he went.

  “Admit it, you wouldn’t change what you did today. Sinner.” Billy’s free hand found her leg out of his usual habit. “Made my first church going experience special.”

  “Don’t turn on the waterworks just yet.” She teased back, sucking her cheeks in without looking at him. “Still mad at you.” A smile pulled her forcibly grumpy expression. Billy came to a stoplight. Tugged at a curl to let it bounce so she peered at him. Nose crinkling when she broke to chuckle.

  “Admit it.” Billy gave her thigh a squeeze, vibrant eyes flickering.

  “Make me.” Evie said, facing the road. “Later.” Lips lifted before the light turned green. His Camaro lurched forward.

  “Happy to.” Billy caught the song change. “Hey.”

  “Hm?”

  “It’s that song you’re always singing to yourself.” Billy turned it up. Irma Thomas. “The mushy one.” Her favorite. He played like it was a careless thing, but Evie stared at him. Warming. Reeled in too easily.

   Anyone…

   Anyone…

  “Shocked you paid attention to that.” She offered after a beat.

  “I have to hear it every day I see you, Evie.” Billy snorted, ocean eyes intent on the road. Evie knew better. “Not like I have a choice. Singing and plucking that guitar constantly.” He peered at the trees. “That stuff you were rambling about during the sex high about after.”

   “Sex high.” She scoffed.

   “Was that the fucking making a mess of you?” Billy asked slower. “Used to hate me.”

   “I didn’t hate you,” Evie paused when he shot her an unconvinced look, “we weren’t agreeable.”

   “Agreeable? Okay, now you sound like that prissy Austen chick you like to read.” Billy’s retort made her giggle. These little details he picked up about her that stuck with him. It was true, their relationship used to be in the negative for good reason.

   “I like when we hang out.” Evie shrugged. “Labels. Whatever. I just meant, we should...keep hanging out.”

   “After?”

   “After.” Evie produced simply. Billy twitched amusement at her, turned a corner.

   “Well,” he parked, “I don’t know, good. I guess”

   “Fine.”

   “Great.” Billy cut back in, challenged.

   “Wonderful.”

   “Fan-fucking-tastic.”

   Evie grasped his jacket, shut him up with a kiss. Made the boy breathless there. Billy’s blue eyes glimmered at her. Calm seas for miles. The sun shined into his car. Made the teens glow.

   “Movie?” She unbuckled to get out with him following. “Gotta get this food into my fridge.”

   “Only if I pick.” Billy stood there and let her set boxes into his arms before she grabbed the rest so they could walk up the driveway.

   “Sure. Our tastes align.” Evie peeked back at him with doe brown eyes. “I trust you.” She’d offered that too casually, Billy stilled at the door to watch her unlock it. Blinked.

   That was the thing about them, how nonchalant their hearts beat together. A totally on purpose accident. Billy remembering Evie’s quirks and her reluctance to show certain petals sprouting from her stem for fear the world might not like the colors. Budding to flash them with some fire and vibrancy because she had a boy who encouraged them despite it all. And she teased this incandescent quality back out of him with ease. Made him work to be still and feel the world turn once in a blue moon. Billy gave this little smile to himself without her noticing and followed Evie into the house.

   They hadn’t trusted each other before. And now it was approaching the after. Whatever that meant. Evie glowed to beam at him there and few things were mattering today. New beginnings.

   Billy let himself hope that the after would last.

[elsanna-shenanigans]

October Contest Submission #3: Don't be Late

Setting: Modern AU Lemon: Yes (Non-graphic) Warnings: Mentions of Major Character Death

-

Tick…Tock…Tick…Tock…

An old grandfather clock swayed with a steady, consistent beat of the pendulum. Anna’s bright cerulean eyes focused on the dial, watching the shorthand of the timepiece click over another minute. The young redhead bit into her bottom lip, feeling as if the world around her was moving at an agonizingly slow pace. It was fifteen minutes past eight.

“Where are you?” Anna thought, worriedly.

A short distance behind the girl, Anna’s roommate Kristoff carried a large platter topped with an enormous roast turkey over to the dining table. He sighed with relief as he placed the dish on the tablecloth surface, surrounded by a multitude of other Thanksgiving dishes. He wiped his brow and took a breath. The last bit of Anna’s requested preparation was now complete and the man stood tall as he observed their apartment. 

Kristoff’s hazel eyes scanned over the orange glow of candles that filled the room with a pleasant earthy scent and comforting warmth. Each section of the apartment had been decorated for a special holiday. 

The kitchen was covered in fake cobwebs, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes lined the countertops, plastic cut outs of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins hung by fishing line from the ceiling and a large plastic bowl of candy sat patiently on one of their bar stools.

The fun, silly kitchen decor melted into the dining room, where October became November. A scattering of green gourds and acorn squash laid down the center of their large dining table and were accented with orange and red flowers. The meals Anna prepared throughout the day were ready for a delightfully robust dinner that was sure to leave plenty of leftovers. 

Kristoff’s eyes continued glanced towards the living room and the man cringed at the sudden shift in decoration. A healthy, yet small pine tree fit right into the corner of the room. The tip of the tree was topped with a glittering star and matte ornaments of red and gold coated the pine. The blinking lights of red and green entwined within the branches almost hurt the young man’s eyes, and the particular scent of Christmas starkly contrasted with the rest of the apartment. Then again, he couldn’t complain. Today was important for Anna. 

Kristoff turned his head towards his roommate, watching her sit completely still in front of the grandfather clock. He could see the worry that filled Anna’s brow and decided to wander over to the woman.

“She’s probably just running a bit late.” Kristoff spoke, hoping to ease the tension of Anna’s thoughts.

Anna turned her head slightly and smiled at the man’s attempts to lift her spirits.

“I know. I’m overthinking things.” 

Kristoff placed his hand on Anna’s shoulder.

“I’m sure Elsa’s just finishing up some work at her office and she’ll be right over.”

“Yeah…” Anna murmured in agreement. 

Kristoff gave the best comforting smile he could muster and walked over to their Bluetooth speaker perched on the TV stand. He whipped out his phone from his jean pockets and scrolled through his music playlist, searching for ambient songs to brighten the mood. Elsa hardly ever had time to visit. In all the years he’s known Anna, he could count on his fingers how many times he’s actually seen the blonde woman. Elsa was hard working, and almost never had time to meet with her younger sister. Despite that, Kristoff could tell the two sisters loved each other. When Elsa was around, Anna had the most brilliant, unrelenting smile on her face. 

He wasn’t completely sure, but Kristoff assumed the sister’s connection was strengthened by the death of their parents. Anna mentioned it a few times in passing and it seemed like a touchy subject, but he could tell that Anna and Elsa had a much deeper relationship than him and his siblings. He wondered if their loss brought them together in ways he couldn’t quite understand.

“You know…” Kristoff started, “It’s been what, two years since I’ve seen Elsa. I’m excited to see her again.” 

Anna swiveled her head to look at the blonde man. 

“What? What about last year?” 

Kristoff shook his head, “Wasn’t here remember? I was visiting my family in the mountains.” 

“Ah.” Anna mused aloud, “Well she’s gonna be in BIG trouble for being late. She knows I don’t like it.” 

The mischievous shine in Anna’s eyes had Kristoff chuckling. 

“I’m sure you’ll-” Kristoff began.

*Ding Dong*

Anna suddenly dashed to the door in a flurry of movement that had Kristoff blinking in shock. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Anna move that fast. With a quick twist of the door lock, Anna flung the door open and revealed the dark October night. Anna’s wide eyes took in the form of her sister, gently smiling underneath the porchlight and her worries melted away. 

“Elsa!” Anna breathed, before leaping at the blonde woman’s beautiful form and enveloping her into a tight embrace. 

Elsa wrapped her slender arms around Anna’s frame just as tightly as the redhead held her. It was so refreshing to finally be able to see Anna once again. 

“Hey you.” Elsa murmured into their hug, while inhaling the alluring aroma of Anna’s perfume and the mouthwatering scent of a home cooked meal from inside. 

Anna sighed happily, feeling Elsa pressed into her. It was like all was finally right in her world. She could forget about her worries and responsibilities for the night and just enjoy Elsa’s presence now. Albeit, she had less time with Elsa since her sister decided to show up late. She vocalized her thoughts the moment the two separated. 

“You’re sixteen minutes late.” Anna huffed while crossing her arms over her chest, closing her eyes, and tilting her chin upwards. 

Elsa dipped her head with a small smile before producing a bottle of fine wine within her grasp. 

“Forgive me?” The platinum blonde asked. 

Anna’s eye peeked open and she suddenly swiped the bottle from Elsa’s fingers. A quick glance over the bottle’s label revealed expensive taste and Anna nodded her head. Elsa was always good at offering gifts she’d enjoy. 

“It’s good to see you Elsa.” Kristoff’s voice echoed from the apartment before he came into sight at the doorway.

“Yes.” Elsa nodded, “It’s been too long Kristoff. How are you?”

The two shared a brief hug before walking into the apartment.

“Oh, you know, spending my days making sure Anna stays out of trouble.” Kristoff smiled cheekily.

“I appreciate it.” Elsa giggled while Anna made a whiny noise of protest at the man’s statement. 

As the three entered the apartment, Elsa sighed and let her shoulders lower in relaxation. She scanned the room and grinned at all the effort Anna and Kristoff put into decorating the area. Although, it certainly seemed like Anna’s design plans had gone overboard yet again. 

“Do you like it?” Anna’s voice meekly asked from beside her. 

Elsa shifted her weight on the balls of her feet to lean into her sister. 

“It’s perfect. Thank you.” 

Anna smiled and leaned into Elsa as well. She was so happy that Elsa appreciated the effort of decoration. It wasn’t often she had the chance to celebrate with her sister. She wanted the time to be as special as she could make it. 

“Not too much?” Anna asked.

“Umm…”

“It’s too much isn’t it?” Anna placed her hands over her face in embarrassment, her next words muffled from her palms resting over her lips. “Ugh, I knew it was getting out of hand.” 

“Anna. It’s amazing. Really.” 

Kristoff placed his arm on the kitchen counter and used his other hand to grab a quick piece of candy from the Halloween bucket.

“For the record…” Kristoff paused to pop the candy into his mouth, “I told her she was taking it too far once we started the Thanksgiving decorations.”

“Hey! It’s a great idea.” Anna barked before turning towards her older sister. She found Elsa’s pale digits with her own. “I just…I don’t get to spend most holidays with you. I thought it’d be nice to…you know…celebrate them all.”

Elsa felt the smile on her lips pull downwards once she heard the saddened tone of Anna’s voice. It really did hurt that she couldn’t be with Anna as much as she could in the past. Things were much more difficult now, but they tried their best to make it work. 

The mute silence that filled the room caused Kristoff to suddenly cough and clap his hands together, redirecting the attention back to himself. Hopefully, to lift the current mood in the apartment. 

“Well Elsa, I hope you’re hungry cause we really went all out for dinner tonight.” The blonde gripped the edge of the plastic bucket, “And we got plenty of candy for dessert. That is, unless Anna eats it all like she did with the first bag I bought.” 

Anna’s eyes widened at the revelation and quickly spun to her sister to argue her case.

“First of all, he didn’t even buy a large enough bag to fill the whole bucket. That’s like standard Halloween practice! Secondly, I didn’t touch a single Milky Way bar, so you don’t have to worry about not getting some. I know that’s your favorite.”

Elsa quirked her eyebrow upwards. It was nice to see that in their time apart, Anna really hadn’t changed a bit. Still the same, energetic little sister she’d grown to love. And Anna’s relationship with roommate seemed to be just as solid as she remembered. Elsa was glad. Anna deserved a good friend like Kristoff.

“Well, I am rather hungry.” Elsa answered.

“Great, let’s eat then!” Anna cheered and the three made their way towards the dining room table.

Dinner went by smoothly. The food was delicious and plentiful conversation brought the familiarity of friendship and family into the apartment. After cleaning the table and packing away many of the dishes into the fridge to be eaten later, Elsa, Kristoff and Anna retired to the living room.

Anna flung herself onto the couch and sprawled across the cushions. 

“Can’t. Eat. Anymore.” Anna groaned while patting her bloated stomach. 

She watched as Kristoff took a seat in his own personal chair and the young man flipped the lever of the recliner. He closed his eyes and released a large breath, hoping the food that had been packed in his stomach would be digested quickly. 

Anna’s eyes traveled towards Elsa, still standing and seemingly unsure of where she could sit. Anna outstretched her arms and motioned for her sister to come closer.

“Cuddle time.” Anna said with a sleepy undertone in her voice.

Elsa’s eyes glanced over to Kristoff warily, watching to see if the man took notice of any peculiarities with how she and Anna acted around each other. She wasn’t entirely sure the man was as dense as he seemed and that made her nervous.

“Elsaaaaaaa.” Anna whined and made the motion for her to come cuddle once more.

“Coming. Coming.” Elsa smiled. She figured that it wouldn’t seem too weird for sisters to want to cuddle after spending so much time apart. Kristoff surely wouldn’t think anything was suspicious.

Elsa sat on the couch and Anna moved her body to wrap around the older woman. The feeling of Anna’s body pressed against hers brought a flurry of emotion into Elsa’s core. It was a feeling so wonderful and missed that Elsa couldn’t help but close her eyes and focus on nothing other than her sister.

“You’re so unnaturally cold. Where’s that blanket we have?” Anna murmured into her.

Elsa’s eyes widened at the statement. Her mind already thought of the many ways Kristoff could interpret Anna’s words. 

“Under the coffee table.” Kristoff’s lazy, monotone voice responded.

Elsa let out a single breath, realizing that the blonde was far too tired from his current food coma to care. She was clearly overthinking the situation. An annoying habit she’s kept over the years, even now.

A sudden ‘woosh’ of fabric caught Elsa’s attention as she and Anna were suddenly enveloped under a warm, fuzzy blanket. Elsa leaned her head against Anna’s in a sudden need to show affection and the quick, content sigh that passed through the redhead’s lips made it clear that the girl was perfectly happy in the moment. 

“Should we put on a movie?” Anna asked quietly.

“Let’s watch something scary.” Kristoff commented, “It’ll get me outta’ this food coma.” 

“Noooo.” The younger girl whined in response, “I don’t like horror movies.” 

“It’s Halloween.” Kristoff deadpanned, “The one time in the year when werewolves are hunting in the night, spirits are walking about, demons makin’ deals and all that. Gotta watch a horror movie. It’s the perfect time.”

Anna’s eyes opened to look at Kristoff’s and then glanced towards Elsa. The blonde woman saw the worry in Anna’s cerulean eyes and Elsa decided to offer her own suggestion that steered away from the Halloween theme.

“What about a classic movie? Like the Lion King?”

“I’d be down.” Kristoff commented, “Used to have nightmares about those damn hyenas when I was a kid so it’s kinda like horror.”

“Really?” Anna smirked while glancing over at her sheepish roommate. 

“Don’t judge me.”

So, the trio began watching The Lion King on their TV. Anna’s eyes slowly opened as the movie played, her mind starting to function at a faster and faster pace. She also couldn’t help the tingling sensation that filled her body with energy once she felt Elsa’s cool hand casually rest over her thigh under the blanket. The redhead bit her lip as she snuck a glance towards her sister. Their eyes connected and they shared a silent conversation that had Anna giddy for the future of the night. 

Once the movie ended and the credits started rolling, Kristoff groaned while peeling himself out of his leather chair. 

“Hell yeah, you’re the man Simba…or…lion?” Kristoff mumbled groggily, while taking slow, sluggish steps towards the hallway.

“Everything alright?” Elsa asked, sensing that Kristoff was particularly lethargic. 

“Just…really tired. I’m gonna…I’m gonna head in for the night.”

“Okay goodnight!” Anna responded and Elsa caught the chipper attitude that seemed to come out of nowhere from the redhead. 

Elsa listened to the heavy footsteps of the man and the sound of his bedroom door opening and closing before quirking an eyebrow upward and looking at Anna. Kristoff’s strange departure caught her attention, but it seemed that Anna was actively ignoring the behavior.

“What’s up with him?”

The redhead gave a guilty chuckle and scratched the back of her head. Of course, Elsa was immediately suspicious of her sister. It was always easy to tell when Anna was up to something. 

“I may have slipped him a little extra melatonin in his meal.”

“Anna-!”

“Not a lot!” Anna exclaimed, “Just enough for…uh…him to get a little sleepy faster.” 

“You drugged your roommate.” Elsa stated bluntly, her eyes narrowing in judgement.

“Okay, I wouldn’t say drugged…just coaxed to bed faster. I used the recommended dose and I know for a fact he could stay up if he wanted to.” 

“What ever happened to my innocent little sister?” Elsa teased while squeezing Anna in a way that had her squirming and giggling.

Elsa pushed her body over the redhead, trapping her underneath and quickly tickling her. Anna gasped in protest and tried to maneuver her body in a way that would get Elsa’s wandering digits away from her sensitive skin. 

“Stop hahaha stop it!” Anna laughed and thankfully her sister pulled away.

Anna took the opportunity to flip their positions and now she had the blonde trapped beneath her. She gripped Elsa’s thigh just above her knee and squeezed, waiting for Elsa to jump, yet the blonde never did. 

“I’m not ticklish Anna.” Elsa smirked.

The younger girl’s freckled face twisted into a pout.

“You used to be.” 

As a sudden silence settled over the two women, Anna lowered herself to lay over Elsa and wrapped her arms around the blonde. She sighed while resting her cheek above her sister’s bosom. The coolness of Elsa’s skin felt calming and Anna smiled against pale skin. 

“How have you been?” Elsa whispered as she rested her arms around the small of Anna’s back. 

“Good.” Anna answered quickly, “My internship with the Arendelle Animal Hospital last year went well. They offered me a position once I graduate.”

“That’s incredible. I’m so proud of you.” Elsa smiled. “I knew it would go well.”

“It was really stressful sometimes, but it was totally worth it. I feel like I can do so much good there.” 

“I’m sure you can. I can tell you’re really passionate about your career.” 

Anna nodded before turning to glance at her older sister’s bright blue eyes filled with warmth. She couldn’t help the addicting pound of her heart as she stared into Elsa’s loving pupils. 

“What about you?” Anna asked.

Elsa’s head tilted at the question and the redhead realized her question was pointless.

“Right. Same as always.” Anna chuckled lowly while shaking her head. “Well you’re here now, and we got the whole night together.” The tail end of her sentence hinting at something more intimate.

The platinum blonde smiled and nodded. With smooth movement of her neck she lowered to place her lips against the crown of Anna’s head. The younger girl responded by pushing her chin upward and the two connected with a gentle kiss. 

The feeling of Elsa’s perfect, soft lips against her own stole Anna’s breath away. The light pressure of the connection dissolved the nervous weight in her stomach. Her tanned nose brushed across Elsa’s cheek and she couldn’t help but press deeper into her older sister. The magical feeling of Elsa’s cool breath danced on the tip of her tongue as Anna parted her lips. 

Each gentle touch of her tongue against Elsa’s spurred a growing heat in her belly and her fingers slipped into light blonde hair. The silky threads within her grasp had Anna shivering with delight. In all the ways her life had slipped from her control, having Elsa here seemed to be the only constant that filled her with passion and love. 

“I missed you.” Anna murmured against glistening lips.

“Mmmm.” Elsa moaned, “I missed you too.”

“Shall we head to my bedroom?” The question was filled with lust and hooded eyes.

“Lead the way snowflake.” The older woman smirked.

The two separated for a brief moment before Anna entwined her fingers within Elsa’s and slowly walked towards the bedroom hallway. Elsa giggled at Anna’s eagerness to get into the privacy of her bedroom while also trying to sway her hips seductively. Although, the blonde’s eyes couldn’t focus on anything other than the sight of Anna’s rear and freckled thighs, so her little sister’s tactic was absolutely working.

The moment they crossed through Anna’s door and into her bedroom, it was as if the very fabric of reality had shifted. Anna noticed the feeling, mesmerized by the shimmering moonlight streaking through her blinds. She glanced back towards Elsa, frozen at the glimpse of something angelic. Elsa’s pale skin and deep, oceanic eyes glowed under the light and the redhead couldn’t imagine a sight more beautiful. 

The upward curve of Elsa’s lips had the younger girl reaching for the blonde, desperate to return to that intoxicating connection the two shared. Anna took deep breaths. She could feel the tender love of their bond permeating through the air as if it were something truly tangible. The erratic pulse that flowed through Anna’s veins was making the younger girl dizzy.

It wasn’t until Elsa placed her hands on her waist that Anna could find some sort of stability. She was tied to the older woman, only grounded by her gentle touch. As Elsa’s fingers slipped into the waistband of her shorts, Anna closed her eyes. It’s been so long since she and Elsa had done this.

One by one, articles of Anna’s clothing dropped into a growing puddle of fabric onto her carpeted floor. Each piece of her outfit slowly, steadily, easing her into weightlessness. The feeling of the cool air of her bedroom against her freckled skin made Anna’s spine tingle.

She reached out, placing her digits between one of the many buttons of Elsa’s collared shirt and plucked the piece of plastic out of its hold. It was her sister’s turn to strip bare and reveal every inch of flawless, perfect skin.

“You’re so beautiful.” Anna murmured as Elsa’s shirt began to slide off her body, highlighting the soft curves of her shoulders and her smooth, prominent collar bone. 

Elsa released a breathy moan as Anna bent forward to place a light kiss at the base of her throat. She pulled her younger sister into her, feeling the heat of Anna’s skin against her own. The warmth of the contact seemed to melt into her, slowly flowing over her entire being.

 Anna slid Elsa’s pants to the floor while the two shared a pleasant kiss. The slow pace of their actions was starting to increase with each passing second. Careful, thoughtful touches blurred into feverish needs. With their bodies fully exposed underneath the moonlight, Anna took Elsa by her shoulders and spun until the two fell onto the waiting bed.

Anna crawled on top of the blonde, her movement was slow, but precise. Her mind raced with all the ways she could convey her limitless love. She showered kisses wherever her lips could find purchase. Her palms trailed over pale skin that felt cool to the touch, like marble. 

“Anna…” Elsa gasped, and it sounded like music to the redhead. 

Two bodies merged on top one another. The question of where Anna began and where Elsa ended became impossible to fathom. They were too close, too tightly bound to each other. With gyrating motions of Anna’s hips and the entanglement of limbs, Anna released ragged breaths. 

She was grinding against Elsa’s thigh, each thrust becoming more and more desperate for pleasure. Anna wasn’t sure when she lost control of herself. She didn’t recognize the moment she became undone. But when she did, her vision blurred, and the world around her seemed to shine with a captivating brilliance.

Anna collapsed above Elsa, their sweaty skin sliding against each other. And when Anna recovered her bearings, when she lowered from the incredible peak that Elsa had taken her…Only then did she notice the feeling of warm tears sliding down freckled cheeks. 

“Don’t go. Don’t go. Don’t go.” It took Anna a second to realize that she was the one repeating those fragile words while she clutched Elsa desperately. 

The distance between the two sisters was sometimes too much for Anna to bear. She was pleading for the woman to stay, just a little bit longer. Whatever shame she felt by asking Elsa of this request was quenched by the burning desire to keep her sister as close as possible.

Of course, Elsa was silent. The blonde didn’t know what she could say. Anna knew better than anyone that Elsa just couldn’t spend time with her as much as she did in the past. But, Elsa held her tightly, trying her damndest to comfort her sister. There wasn’t a single moment in her life that she didn’t love Anna and she wanted to make sure the redhead always knew it.

“It’s okay Anna. I’m here.” Elsa whispered tenderly against the crown of her head. “I’m here.” 

Elsa’s words seemed to connect with Anna. Her rapid breaths slowed and with a sharp sniffle the younger girl gained control over herself. 

“I’ll always be here.” Elsa whispered while using the pads of her thumbs to soothe Anna’s tear-stained cheeks. The blonde placed her open palm over Anna’s chest, searching for the pounding sensation of the girl’s heartbeat. 

Anna’s lips curved into a smile. She nodded her head at Elsa’s words and lowered to tuck her head under her sisters chin. The emotions that filled her body were causing a powerful wave of exhaustion to spread over her. She sighed.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Anna mumbled into Elsa’s cool, moonlit skin.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” 

As Anna felt her eyelids grow heavy, she wished she could dismiss the growing need to sleep, but she relaxed as Elsa’s arms wrapped themselves around her frame. With each passing second, the timing between her blinking eyes grew longer and longer. 

As Anna slipped into the world of her dreams, she just barely caught the distant murmur from Elsa’s lips.

“I love you.” 

It wasn’t until the sound of chirping birds and an annoying sliver of sunlight passing through the bedroom window, that Anna woke up and blinked the sleep away from her eyes. Her face fell at the sight of the empty space of the mattress where Elsa had slept the night before. Her older sister’s scent and the imprint of her body still lingered on the bed. 

Of course, Anna knew Elsa would’ve been gone by the morning. The blonde always left before the crack of dawn. She replayed the memories of last night in her head and smiled. There was always a silver lining to be found in Elsa’s short visits and the love they shared last night was truly special.

With a groan and stretch of her muscles, Anna rolled out from under her covers and started her day by getting control of her unruly red locks. She wandered out into the apartment spotting Kristoff whistling as he began to reheat some of the food left over from the previous night. 

“Mornin’.” Kristoff smiled as he turned towards his roommate, “Did Elsa already head out?”

Anna nodded her head.

“Man, that girl is too busy. You should remind her to take a break every now and then. I’d love to see her around more often.” 

Anna’s eyes shimmered with the briefest moment of unshed tears before smiling.

“Yeah…I’d really love that too.” 

The day progressed and Anna had a chance to drink a quick cup of coffee and prepare herself to head out into the daylight. As she gathered her purse, car keys, and phone, she stopped in front of the orange plastic bowl still sitting on the kitchen bar stool. She snagged a Milky Way candy bar and proceeded out of the apartment. 

After a quick drive, the redhead arrived at one of her most important places. She put her car in park and swung open the door. Setting foot on a neatly paved concrete sidewalk, Anna made her way down a familiar trail, inhaling the scent of freshly cut grass. 

She paused once she reached her intended destination, finally able to glance around her surroundings and make note of all the gravestones around her. Her parents were buried here. And…She tilted her head down as a frustrating tear slid downwards from the corner of her eye. Through blurry vision she could just barely make out the words of the gravestone beneath her.

   Elsa Snow 

 [1992 – 2013]

“I had an amazing time last night Elsa.” Anna spoke through trembling words, “I’m so glad we could be together just like we used to.”

She fished the Milky Way out from her purse and placed it on the top of the marble block.

“You forgot this…and next time don’t be late. You know I don’t like it when you’re late. I worry too much.” Anna sniffled and smiled sadly, “I’ll see you next Halloween. 8:00pm sharp.”

Anna turned to offer one last silent prayer for her family before turning around and leaving the cemetery.

“Love you.” 

-

[tanzanite-zircon]

Collabwithmyself Chronicles: Phoe-nix Chapter 2

                                         Chapter 2: Just an Average Day  

“Put on your Sunday clothes,

There's lots of world out there

Get out the brillantine and dime cigars

We're gonna find adventure in the evening air

Girls in white in a perfumed night

Where the lights are bright as the stars!

Put on your Sunday clothes, we're gonna ride through town

In one of those new horse-drawn open cars

We'll see the shows at Delmonico’s

And we'll close the town in a whirl

And we won't come until we've kissed a girl!”

The Hello Dolly show-tune definitely does not describe the current state of the Earth. The beautiful shades of blues, greens, browns, and whites of the entirety of Earth have been dulled to a murky brown. The atmosphere surrounding the planet is littered with satellites and other space debris. Once you actually penetrate the pea soup-like smog that drapes the landscape, you can make out the outlines of the beautiful mountains … of trash … if you squint. Buried under and surrounding these mountains are decommissioned wind turbines, nuclear power plants, factories, telephone and power lines, and long abandoned cities and buildings. A truly depressing and eerie sight to behold.

The bubbly show tune and the sound of wheels crunching paper, glass, metal, and plastic are the only sounds that can be heard within the sickening silence of the abandoned street as Phoenix skates his way through the pathways, carrying Trucy on his shoulders. Phoenix was wearing dirtied, light brownish-orange jumpsuit with grey sleeves and gloves, had black accents on his arms, and black boots. He also had a pair of goggles resting in front of his spiky black hair that aided him whenever a little, or big, dust storm ever picked up. Trucy had brown hair tied up into a side ponytail and was wearing a little black dress with gold buttons, white gloves and boots, a light blue cape, and a red ascot tied around her neck. Trucy looked like a magician, as she was programmed to know magic tricks in order to entertain children. Trucy had started to come with him to work after a few months of becoming a little family. While she couldn’t really help with compacting and sorting trash, she did keep him company and help find new trinkets to add to their collection back home. Since Phoenix was the only Fen-10 unit with a ‘soul,’ the rest were not much for conversation.

Once arriving at his destination, Phoenix knelt down to let Trucy, who was carrying the small, portable cooler they had for storing new treasures, off as Phoenix removed his backpack-slash-trash compactor and placed it on the ground. He glances at his surroundings, seeing the huge skyscrapers of trash cubes he and his fellow Fen-10 units created over the centuries. Despite many of these trash towers being taller than most of the abandoned buildings, he and the other androids barely made a dent in the sea of trash. This task has only been harder ever since the last Fen-10 broke down nearly three centuries ago. Phoenix couldn’t help but give out a sad and tired sigh as he gently rubbed the side of his face where a noticeable scratch lied. He turned back to the section of trash and fastened his gloves.

“C’mon Phoenix, just do a few more cubes and you’ll be done for today,” he whispered to himself. With Hello Dolly still blazing through his portable radio, Phoenix scoops two armfuls of aluminum cans, paper cups, and other miscellaneous pieces of trash into his compactor and starting it up. The loud sounds of the machinery crushing the trash muted out the song until the trash cube came sliding out once the machine was done. All that was left was to carry the cube to the stack and do it over again, and again, and again. As he and Trucy trekked up the already very tall structure of trash cubes, Trucy noticed a new treasure.

“Hey daddy,” she chimed, “look at this!” Trucy pointed to a silver disk that was lodged within one of the trash cubes as Phoenix began to tug it free. The two androids stared at disk, trying to figure out what it could be used as, when it began to reflect the light of the sun as it began to set, shimmering within its light.

“Wow, it’s so pretty,” Trucy stated in awe, “Can we keep it?”

“Heh, I don’t see why not,” Phoenix replied, “But it looks too big to keep in the cooler with the other things we found. I’ll carry it in the compactor until we get home.” With that, Phoenix places their newest trinket into his compactor before turning off his radio.

“I think this is enough for today,” Phoenix tiredly sighed, “Let’s go home sweetie.” Phoenix put his backpack back on and helped Trucy and the cooler up onto his shoulders. He then activated his retractable skates and carefully made his way back down the newest trash-scraper. The size of this paled in comparison to the others that Phoenix had created over the many years. Countless mountains of trash have been made by Phoenix over the years, and it look that there would only be even more in the future.

________________________________________________________________

The trek back home gave the two androids the full tour of the abandoned city that they lived in. They once again passed the huge Buy N Large Ultra Store that they have become all too familiar with. The store was absolutely massive and used to carry practically anything a person could need or want. It was as a great place to find supplies, tools, or just fun treasures to take home. The android family then passed by the gas station with one too many pumps and then the bank, which had many ATM’s and had the ground littered with abandoned currency. There was even a speaker that was still playing the Buy N Large theme song, as it was solar powered like Phoenix. Next was the ‘hall of advertisements,’ as Phoenix would playfully call it. Nothing but BNL advertisements of varying products and sizes as far as the optics could see. Phoenix and Trucy then made their way up a broken-down escalator, making their way to the monorail system. Phoenix paused as he approached the rail, checking to make sure it was safe to continue. His demeanor saddened as he knew that they would soon be approaching ‘the graveyard,’ the sight where hundreds of other Fen-10 units broke down. It was always hard to come this way, seeing basically himself lifeless. His daughter knew this all too well.

“Will you be okay Daddy?” she softly asked, “We can go a different way.” Phoenix snapped out of his thoughts and turned to her.

“No, it’s alright,” he replied, “This is the fastest way home. I just … need a moment.” He took a deep breath and gently shook his head.

{Just take it slow Phoenix. You’re going to be ok.} Phoenix squeezed Trucy’s hand, letting her know that he was alright. He then reactivated his skates and carefully made his way along the rail. The deactivated androids soon came into view. Large piles of Fen-10 units surrounded the monorail system, with each droid caked in rust and dust. Phoenix tried to focus on the rail or at the sunset, trying to avoid seeing what he would look like if he ever went offline. Suddenly, just when they reached a patch of solid ground, Phoenix’s deteriorating treads finally gave out. Both androids began to feel the quick, shaking movements of Phoenix’s broken treads unevenly traveling on the path. Phoenix carefully came to a stop to check on Trucy and the condition of his treads.

“You alright Truce,” Phoenix asked.

“I’m fine Daddy,” she replied as she slid off her father’s shoulders. Phoenix lifted his ped to inspect the damage, only to groan in frustration at how bad it was. There was no way to fix these treads with the tools back home, they were completely destroyed beyond repair. He needed a new pair to tread boots. His optics then landed on an offline Fen-10 unit slumped to his left, with a pair of tread boots in perfect condition. Phoenix looked between his destroyed boots and the unit’s boots. Phoenix sadly sighed and looked at the downed unit with guilt.

{… I’m sorry}

________________________________________________________________

After switching the boots, Phoenix and Trucy got back on the rail that lead them back to their bunker. Taking equipment or parts from the other Fen-10 units was always difficult, but sadly necessary. The factory where Phoenix was built ran out of parts practically in the first or second century. The plans, equipment, and supplies needed to recreate the parts Phoenix could need were lost or destroyed. This left Phoenix with no choice but to use the countless androids that littered his home. Since there were so many and the droids were built with durability that would make a cockroach jealous, Phoenix practically had an endless supply of equipment and parts that he would ever need. Even though they were never really ‘alive,’ he would always feel a bit guilty after taking the parts. He took some comfort knowing that Trucy will not have to deal with that. The local Tru-3 factory still has parts and they were able to secure the plans and equipment if Trucy ever needed new parts. The android family carefully continued on the rail, passing by abandoned apartments and destroyed factories and equipment, before finally coming to the downtown transit station. As Phoenix skated on the terminal floor, he passed an automatic advertisement that displayed exactly how the human population left the Earth.

“Too much garbage in your face,” the voice asked, “There’s plenty of space out in space! BNL Starliners leaving each day. We’ll clean up the mess while your away.” The advertisement had four individual screens, each showing a different scene when Phoenix moved passed them. The first was just an animated growing mountain of garbage, the second showed the BNL Starliner, the Axiom, soaring past the Earth, the third screen showed two Axioms taking off from their docking points, and the fourth one displayed about six Fen-10 droids doing their jobs as another Axiom takes off in the background.

{I guess it’s more like “I’ll clean up the mess while you’re still away” these days.} Phoenix and Trucy made their way to the end of the platform and pushed through the exit terminal gates. Just then, another, larger screen appeared above them with another advertisement of the Axiom.

“The jewel of the BNL fleet, the Axiom,” the voice exclaimed, “Spend your five-year cruise in style! Waited on 24 hours a day by our fully automated crew while your captain and auto-pilot chart a course for non-stop entertainment, fine dining, and with our all-access hover chairs, even grandma can join in the fun! There’s no need to walk! The Axiom, putting the star in executive starliner!” This advertisement showed hundreds of humans being pampered in a number of ways by all kinds of androids, be it by massages or by cooking hibachi-styled meals. It also showed the captain at the time and his android auto-pilot. Phoenix was always put off by the auto-pilot. He had slicked back grey hair, striking yet cold red and black eyes, and a stern face with noticeable wrinkles, making him look very old. It was almost as if that android could see right through your hardware. Phoenix’s paranoia about the auto-pilot android was interrupted by the image of the CEO of Buy N Large, Shelby Forthright, appearing on the screen.

“Because of BNL, space is the final fun-tier,” Forthright cheered as he waved to another Axiom taking off into the stars.

{I just wish you all would come back from that final fun-tier.}

______________________________________________________________

After a few more minutes, the android family finally arrived back at their bunker. It was set up on an abandoned, half-finished highway with a few deteriorating cars and construction vehicles in front. The bunker was designed as a place where Fen-10 units could power down after work, but Phoenix and Trucy made it into a suitable home over the centuries. Phoenix gained a good knowledge of machinery, electronics, and energy from reading books and downloading memory files, which helped him set up a small, yet sufficient home. Phoenix was able to fix the solar panels on the outside of the bunker to power everything in their home. They had working lights, heating and cooling systems, mechanics, and even an entertainment system with a DVD and VHS player, iPod that functioned as their television screen and sound system, and a few gaming systems. Phoenix was even able to repair a transceiver and screen that was capable of communication with a person in space if it linked with the other signal code. While they have never been able to reach anyone in space, they could still use its screen for their gaming system. Phoenix pulled up to a control panel, allowing Trucy to a lever that activated the door to their bunker. As the door slowly began to open, the sun’s light shown on the multitude of treasures they have collected over the years, be it a chandelier made from miscellaneous junk, a birdcage full of rubber ducks, or even a collection of clocks of varying types and sizes.

{Home sweet home.} Phoenix grabbed a power strip and flipped its switch, activating the lights in their bunker. Phoenix’s mood brightened as he stared at many treasures that he and Trucy collected over the centuries. Each item was a cherished memory he shared with his daughter. Phoenix helped Trucy off his shoulders before zipping off the top part of his jumpsuit, revealing the white undershirt underneath, and tying the sleeves around his waist. Phoenix began to hum the Hello Dolly show-tune as he strolled over to the entertainment system, taking the copy of Hello Dolly on VHS out of a decommissioned toaster to continue watching from the night before.

To say that phoenix loved Hello Dolly was an understatement. While there were other movies or shows that he and Trucy could watch, Hello Dolly had a special place in Phoenix’s core processor. The joyful music, lovable characters, and mesmerizing dance numbers always helped Phoenix and Trucy cheer up after a long day of trash sorting, treasure hunting, and seeing how badly the world keeps deteriorating. Moreover, this was her favorite musical. The favorite show of the Phoenix’s first and only human friend before every person evacuated the planet.

Phoenix placed the tape into the player and adjusted the large magnifying glass over the iPod’s screen, making the image of the town’s people in the scene bigger to see. With the familiar tune playing in the background, Phoenix and Trucy began to sort their new treasures, starting with the silver disk. As Phoenix turned what now appeared to be a hub cap from a car, he turned to look at the screen and took notice of the hats that the towns people were using in their dance number. Phoenix began to turn the disk above his head, mimicking the choreography of the scene.

{Well, that’s one thing we can use this for.} Phoenix placed the disk into one of the many shelves that lined the wall of the bunker. Trucy then opened up the cooler to take out the other treasures they had found throughout the day. Inside the cooler was a spork, a Rubik’s Cube, a hand-powered mixer, a light bulb, and an old BNL lighter. Trucy took out the spork and Rubik’s Cube, admiring the strange objects she found near the Ultra Store earlier that day. She placed the cube in a section that also housed one of her father’s art sculptures, which was a red clay heart with a spiked dog dollar around it on a spring. Trucy then moved to the section next to it to place the spork, trying to decide on whether to place it with their collection of forks or spoons. She eventually decided to put it in between the collections, as it was a fusion between the two. As Trucy placed the spork in its section, Phoenix pulled out the BNL lighter.

“What made you want to take this Trucy,” Phoenix questioned, “We must have nearly one hundred of these things by now.”

“Oh, it has something in it” Trucy replied, “I heard liquid inside when I picked it up. The others we have are empty. What do you think is in there?”

“I’m not sure,” Phoenix declared, “I don’t remember reading anything about these in our books or memory files. Let’s just put it with the others we found for now.” Phoenix moved to the end of the shelf and pressed the lowest button on its control panel, making the Ferris-wheel like mechanism begin to rotate the shelves until it reached the one with their collection of lighters. After placing the newest lighter in with the others, Phoenix’s audio receptors picked up a familiar sound. That song was playing again.

“And that is all, that loves about.

And we'll recall, when time runs out...”

Phoenix was always captivated by this song and scene. Seeing the two humans sweetly sing to each other, intertwine hands, and stare lovingly at each other made Phoenix’s core processor swell with happiness, but he also felt hints of jealousy and sadness. Phoenix let out a quiet sigh, surrounded in love and loneliness that Trucy managed to hear. She looked over to the screen, and anticipated her father’s next action.

“That it only,

Took a moment,

To be loved...

Whole...

Life...

Long.”

As the song began to end, Phoenix intertwined his own hands, mimicking the two humans on screen. There is was. Her father always held his own hands whenever he watched that scene. The scene was beautiful, but it also unintentionally rubbed what the two characters had that her father didn’t: Love.

This was not to say that Phoenix did not love her, extremely the opposite. Ever since Phoenix found her in the landfill her original ‘family’ left her in and re-activated her, he has been the greatest father she could ever ask for. He was always thinking of her and would do anything for her. He helped her recover and cope with her feelings of abandonment, shared with her everything he knew about the world, and would always make time for her for whatever she needed. Phoenix loved her with every ounce of his processor, no doubt about it.

But this was a different type of love. The two characters shared a romantic type of love, and her father did not have someone to share that kind of love with. He would try to hide his sadness over this from her; he did not want her to believe that their bond did not make him happy. Trucy understood how he felt, she did not have someone to share this kind of love with either. While she didn’t feel that strong of a desire for romantic love, probably due to her programming, she could see that her father wanted to experience that kind of love for himself, and not just watch it from movies. Trucy slowly walked over to her father and placed her hand on his arm.

“Daddy,” she carefully whispered. Phoenix slightly jumped at her touch. He looked over to her and then his hands, slowly separating them.

“I’m doing it again,” Phoenix softly mumbled, “I’m sorry Pumpkin, I …”

“Please don’t apologize Daddy,” Trucy reassured as she cupped her father’s face, “It’s not a bad thing to feel sad over this. You told me years ago that we have to feel what we need to feel. So please, if you need to feel sad, don’t hide it. Not even for my sake.” Phoenix held Trucy’s hands and gently pressed his forehead against hers. He knew that she was right. He shouldn’t be ashamed of his emotions. She’s not a naïve little android; she has changed and grown over the centuries. He shouldn’t be afraid to feel sadness around her, but he practically conditioned himself to in an attempt to spare her from feeling any undeserved guilt. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and cupped her face.

“What did I do to deserve the world’s most perfect daughter,” He softly asked.

“Saved me from becoming one of the many trash cubes you have to make,” she jokingly replied.  Phoenix couldn’t help but giggle at her clever comeback. He hugged her close as they turned toward the screen, watching the two characters walk off, hand-in-hand. Phoenix hugged Trucy tighter as the sadness and jealousy seeped back in. Trucy placed her hands on her father’s, staring up at him to see what he would do next. Phoenix sighed and turned his head towards her.

“Trucy,” he began, “I know that you already know this, but I love you. Without you, I’d be so miserable here. But … I wish we weren’t the only two beings left on Earth. I wish we didn’t have to do the same things all day, every day. I’m so tired of cleaning and making trash cubes. I’m frustrated that I’m the only Fen-10 unit still working. I’m angry that I was the only one alive. I hate that there is still so much trash left, and we have to take care of it ourselves. I wish that the humans were back. I wish that there were other androids we could interact with. I wish that…”

“Easy Daddy,” Trucy interrupted, “Don’t overload your processor. Just take it slow.” Phoenix’s voice was getting faster and higher in pitch. Anymore and he might have needed to change his voice box. He took a deep breath to collect his thoughts.

{Easy Phoenix, you don’t have to say everything on your mind right now. Like Trucy says, take it slow.}

“… I want more out of life Truce,” he continued, “I don’t want to sound ungrateful for what we have now. Having you with me, collecting treasures together, making art, … it does make me happy. You make me very happy. … But that scene … it reminds me of what we could have … or what we never may have.” Phoenix knelt down to be at eye level with his daughter, placing his hands on her shoulders. He tried to speak again, but his melting pot of emotions made him stop to think about how he should say what needs to be said. However, Trucy caught on to what he wanted to say.

“I feel the same way Daddy,” Trucy revealed, “I love going with you to work and treasure hunting, but … I also want to do more. I want our lives to change.”

Change. Change is something that many people often fear. After all, fear is the result of not knowing something. But when you have been doing the same things for centuries, you might welcome a change of pace with open arms.

“I want to do the things that the humans in the movies can do,” Trucy added, “I want to meet people. I want to go on picnics, go to the beach, travel the world. I want an ..”

“Adventure,” Phoenix interjected. Phoenix gently sighed, feeling a weight lift off of his shoulders after sharing his frustrations, and remembering that he does not need to hide anything from his daughter. He couldn’t help but quietly laugh at how he fell for the cliché plot of hiding his true feelings to spare another’s; one of the curses of having a human ‘soul’: you have human flaws and make human mistakes. Phoenix pulled Trucy into a gentle hug.

“Truce, I really am sorry for hiding how I’ve been feeling, but I’m happy that you finally got it out of me,” Phoenix apologized, “I should have known that you were feeling the same way.”

“I’ve been hiding it too Daddy,” Trucy replied, “I was worried that I would hurt your feelings if I told you how I was feeling about this.”

“But this …. This is good. It feels good to talk about this. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk to each other about anything like this anymore. Trucy … if you ever feel unhappy, frustrated, or anything, never be afraid to talk to me about it. And I promise to do the same.” Trucy wrapped her arms around her father’s neck, tightening their hug. Phoenix felt his core processor swell with relief and happiness, knowing that the unneeded burden of hiding their true emotions was lifting. He knew that it would take some time to break this habit, but they took the first step. With more open talks and support, they can and will cope with their situation.

{An adventure would be nice. It would be great to do something else, go somewhere new … Wait a minute! Somewhere new!} Phoenix straightened his posture as an idea entered his mind.

“I think I know a little adventure we can have,” Phoenix exclaimed, “There’s a section of the city that we haven’t gone to, not even once! I think it’s called Sector 358, South-West from here. I’m supposed to finish Sector 174 tomorrow, but how about we skip it and go there instead!” Trucy looked up at her father in surprise and excitement.

“Really, a new sector,” Trucy thrilled, “You really mean it?”

“Of course. I’ll still be doing my job, but we’ll have a change of pace. What do you say?”

“Y-yeah! That sounds great! Think of all the new treasures we can find! This is gonna be awesome!” Trucy began to pace around the bunker, happily listing all of the new things she and her father could do and see. She began to speak faster and her voice raised in pitch. Phoenix waved her down and then spoke.

“Heh, take it easy Pumpkin! Now you’re gonna overload your processor. But, I’m glad your excited. Why don’t we plan out what we can do at the sector while we finish sorting our new treasures?” Trucy took a deep breath and calmed her excitement. She then joined her father by the cooler, trying to find a fitting place for the hand-powered mixer.

________________________________________________________________

The sun had finally set and the night sky began to sparkle with the lights of the stars … is what one would see if the smog wasn’t blocking the atmosphere. Phoenix and Trucy had finished Hello Dolly and placed their new treasures in their collection. Trucy was on top of the bunker trying to catch a glimpse of the stars while her father was carefully banging the cooler on the ramp of their bunker to clean out the dirt and dust from the day.

“Hey Daddy,” Trucy called, “The smog is clearing a bit! You can see the stars!” Phoenix looked up to the sky as a grin grew on his face, joyful to see that his daughter was right. It was a small hole in the smog, but it was enough to see the silvery dots speckled across the black darkness of space. The beauty of the sight made Phoenix couldn’t help but think back to the song “It only takes a moment.” The soft lyrics and melody did fit the sight of a calm sky well. Phoenix pulled out a tape recorder and pressed the play button. The song, which Phoenix had recorded earlier began to play as Phoenix continued to stare at the night sky. Phoenix sighed as the beauty of the song mixed perfectly with the calmness of the shimmering stars.

However, the song was only able to play the first line as the smog once again covered the sky. The sound of the song was then replaced with the blaring siren of Phoenix’s alarm system. Phoenix stiffened and gasped at the sudden change of sound and quickly pulled his goggles over his eyes to see what and where the danger was. Phoenix’s line of vision fixated directly in front of him.

[WARNING! LEVEL 3 DUST STORM APPROACHING!

SPEED: 249 MPH

ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME TO CURRENT LOCATION: 30 SECONDS

SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!]

“Oh no,” Phoenix quietly gulped before turning to warn Trucy, “TRUCY! SANDSTORM COMING IN FAST! GET INSIDE, QUICK!” Trucy quickly sat up upon hearing her father’s cry and scrambled to her feet. She quickly climbed down the bunker’s side ladder and sprinted into the door. Once she was safely inside, Phoenix flipped the switch on the power strip to close the door. Phoenix and Trucy moved to the back of the bunker, watching the door slowly close. They hugged each other and held their breaths as they saw the storm quickly approach. Once the door finally closed and locked, they let out a sigh of relief.

{These storms are getting more and more common. No matter how many we face, it never gets easier.} Phoenix and Trucy stayed silent for a few seconds, listening to the wind blow around their bunker and the song. Trucy was the first to notice that the song was still playing and began to giggle at the unfitting music after narrowly escaping the dust storm. Trucy’s giggles alerted Phoenix to the song and he couldn’t help but laugh along with her. As he pressed the off button, Trucy let out a yawn. She pressed the button that held her cape together and checked her stats. Her energy was low.

“Heh, it is pretty late,” Phoenix chuckled, “We should get some sleep. We’ve got quite a day tomorrow.” Phoenix and Trucy made their way to the very back of the bunker to their beds. Phoenix was able to hook up Trucy’s charger to her cot so she could be charged when she went to sleep. Trucy removed her cape, gloves, ascot, boots, and pulled her hair out of the pony tail while Phoenix completely removed the top part of his jumpsuit and pulled off his boots. After Trucy settled into her bed, Phoenix strolled over to tuck her in.

“Good night sweetie,” Phoenix cooed as he kissed her forehead.

“Goodnight Daddy,” Trucy yawned. It only took a few seconds for Trucy to power down and fall asleep. Phoenix softly smiled as he made his way over to his cot and pulled the quilt over his body. Phoenix stared up at the ceiling, letting his body relax after the long day.

{Just an average day. … With a few changes.} Phoenix closed his eyes and allowed himself to power down, letting himself drift off to sleep.

________________________________________________________________

                                                       Author’s Note

Man, I did not mean for this to take so long.

As you can see, this au follows the story of the Disney and Pixar movie Wall-e. If you have seen the movie, then you know around 85% of the story’s plot. If you have not seen this movie, then this will contain spoilers for it. But I am adding new scenes to the story to keep it interesting, so I hope you all continue to enjoy it.

The scene with Trucy and Phoenix in the bunker was difficult to write. I wanted to write that scene in a careful, honest, and respectful way. Being someone who suffers with depression, I know first-hand how important it is to one’s health to talk about one’s emotions and feelings. If you are struggling with your emotions and how you feel, please talk to someone you trust or seek out a therapist or councilor. And if you know or see someone struggling with this, please help them in the best way you can. You could save a life. Your feelings and mental health matter, always remember that.

So, can you guys guess which Ace Attorney character is Auto? If you remember what Auto does to Wall-e near the end, then you should get your answer.

And who is this mysterious woman that Phoenix befriends? Who is the woman that Phoenix has the highest regard for? See the next chapter to find out!

[vannahfanfics]

Romance Dawn

Category: Mild Romantic Fluff

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Characters: Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia

Requested by: @searchfortheonepiece (Tumblr)

“-Happy birthday dear Luuuuucyyyyy! Happy birthday to youuuuu~!”

Lucy’s cheeks were glowing an animated, happy pink as they hollowed for her to suck in a breath, then inflated as she released it to extinguish the sputtering little flames ornamenting the handful of candles that were decorating her birthday cake. As soon as the fires were diminished, Lucy’s eager fingers plucked the wax constructions from the cake; the sooner she could have that mouthful of delicious confection in her mouth, the better! Mirajane’s cooking and baking skills were both legendary, and the creamy texture of the buttercream icing and the flecks of moist cake dropping from the ends of the candles had Lucy’s mouth nearly drooling. Mirajane, seeing her squirm in anticipation, chuckled and wasted no time in carving a large sliver from her creation. No sooner than it dropped down on a plate in front of her did Lucy dive into it was a plastic fork. She nearly melted into a puddle on the spot.

“Oh my God, Mirajane, it’s delicious!” Her compliment was a bit distorted from the square of cake that was bulging in her cheeks, but Mirajane received it well enough.

“Why, thank you, Lucy. Happy birthday!”

As per tradition, the guild had orchestrated a massive birthday party to celebrate Lucy turning one year older. Following the eating (or, absolute destruction of) the birthday cake, the members participated in a number of fun, zany party games that of course took a turn for the deadly as the more monstrously powerful mages got a little bit too competitive. Juvia had to put out at least four fires that Natsu started, Natsu and Gray got in no less than seven fistfights, and somehow poor Wendy got suspended by the back of her dress from the chandelier and cried until Gajeel got her down. It was no less than what Lucy expected from a Fairy Tail party, and she thoroughly enjoyed it; however, even she had her social meter, and thus when everyone was occupied watching Cana and Erza in a beer-chugging contest, she stole out of the front entrance for a brief moment of respite.

They had been at it since about ten in the morning. As she closed the guild’s door quietly shut behind her, she was a little amazed that the sun was setting already. How time flies, she marveled silently. The sun was only halfway down the sky, a thin streak of blue hovering over a cascade of yellow, orange, then deep red as the burning ball of light encroached on the cityscape that housed the Fairy Tail guild. The buildings were thrown into deep shadows as they eclipsed the roiling sun. Violet began to spill down from the north, slowly seeping into the slimming trail of blue sky like ink traveled down a page. A small, content smile was on Lucy’s face as she leaned up against the outside wall of the guild watching the beautiful sunset. Life really was all able the simple pleasures. One by one, the stars blotted into existence, little glittering diamonds on a fluttering cape of night.

“Hey, Lucy. What’re you doin’ out here?” Lucy’s brown eyes tore away from the splendorous display as she was suddenly address. The wooden door clicked shut behind Natsu as he stepped out onto the cobblestone street, looking at her with curious green eyes slightly offset with the tilt of his head. Before he could ask if she was dissatisfied in some way, she gave him a light, reassuring smile.

“Ah, I just came out here to get some fresh air, that’s all! Who won the drinking contest?”

“Cana did, of course. Now Erza’s sloshed,” he answered. The sag in his shoulders and weary expression combined with the faint rumbling of upended tables and slung chairs echoing from within the massive building indicated that Erza’s rage had been released upon the poor denizens of the guild. No wonder Natsu snuck outside too; he was sure to be caught up in it in one way or another if he lingered too long. His face only held that uncomfortable frown for a moment before it brightened to that beautiful, sunny smile that Lucy loved so dearly. Lucy loved so many things about him- that cotton-candy tufty hair that she so longed to run her fingers through, his magnetically energetic personality that seemed to draw her in so powerfully, those green eyes that shone like a grassy summer meadow threaded with emerald flowers… Yet, it was that smile that always captured her, so pure and alight with unbridled joy and child-like affection. Seeing it always made Lucy’s heart clench in her chest- both from the absolutely absurd adorableness and the fact that Natsu likely didn’t see Lucy in the way she saw him. Ugh, don’t think about stuff like that right now… It’s your birthday, dammit!

“Wow, it’s gettin’ dark fast,” Natsu commented as he walked over to lean up against the wall beside her, hands slipped into the pockets of his baggy shorts. He was entire head taller than her, so she had to crane her neck to look at him; the way he was intently staring up at the setting sun made her suck in a small breath. The light played over him beautifully; his sharp jawline was accented into a ridge sharper than Erza’s blades as the shadows passed over his body, and in other areas his skin took on a golden hue from the intensity of the sun’s final moments. His green eyes sparkled with hidden flecks of treasured gold, while his cotton-candy hair seemed to burn all the brighter atop his head, almost the color of azaleas. Lucy’s cheeks flashed that color as his green eyes flickered to meet hers; she was all but caught red-handed gawking at him like a lovestruck teenager. His canines flashed at her as a smug grin spread across his features. “Anyway, Lucy, I have a present for you.”

“Oh?” Her embarrassment was immediately forgotten at the promise of a gift. He turned such that he was propped up against the wall at an angle, large bicep molding into the grain of the wood as his other hand fished deep into his pocket. Lucy’s eyes widened as, with a triumphant grin, his arm flew up to reveal a fist wrapped around the slightly swaying silver chain of a pendant necklace. A couple of little star charms hung on the end of the necklace, and the celestial mage immediately felt her heart swell to the point of bursting with gratitude. “Oh, Natsu… It’s so pretty…” she whispered as delicate fingers rose to run over the white enamel decorating the little silver star shapes. Natsu grin was brighter than the setting sun overhead.

“Lemme put it on for you!” he said with a motion for her to turn around. Lucy did as bid, her hand smoothly sliding her blonde pigtails away from the nape of her neck to allow him unrestricted access. She could not hide the sharp inhale of breath as his fingers ghosted over her skin, raising the small, light hairs at the base of her scalp at his feather-like touches. His nimble, sure hands attached the clasp at the back of her neck and the charms fell down against her chest, and Lucy thought that would be that; however, her entire body stiffened as she was greeted with an unexpected and riveting sensation- Natsu’s lips, pressed against the small patch of skin just above where the chain wound around her slender neck. The tension of the chords of muscles in her body prompted him to push his lips further against her skin and give a sultry murmur of her name.

“N-Natsu,” she stammered and compulsively reached up to enclose a hand around the star charms dangling at her neck, though she hadn’t the faintest idea why; perhaps, she was in desperate need to ground herself on something corporeal, lest she float away from the sheer amount of helium-like bliss bubbling up inside her body. Natsu seemed to realize that she was in no way resisting. Lucy audibly evidenced that as she breathed a deep, shaky sigh at the feeling of his hands returning to her neck, one steadying over the pulsing beat of her jugular while the other slid forward to gently cup her chin, slowly pulling her face back over her shoulder. Lucy’s hazy brown eyes were met with emerald pools of yearning desire and she lightly parted her lips on complete reflex. “Natsu,” she breathed again, an open invitation.

Natsu didn’t waste it.

A low moan hummed in her throat as his mouth enveloped hers. His lips were softer than clouds and sweeter than honey, melting over hers like the finest chocolate. The fluffy pink fibers of his hair weaved into her own long, trailing blonde strands as he moved rhythmically against her, like he wanted to feel every centimeter of her mouth and then some. The hand resting at the side of her neck slowly crept forward to push over the hand that was holding the star charms in a white-knuckled grip, slowly teasing her fingers apart to entwine them tightly with his. When they finally broke apart, they were both a little winded, their huffing pants for air mingling in the very thin stretch of July air between their faces. Lucy’s eyes fluttered as she remained momentarily suspended in the lusty haze, while Natsu beamed broadly and rested his forehead against hers.

“Happy birthday.” After the fog had finally lifted from her brain, Lucy blinked before giving him a sweet smile.

“Hehe, thank you, Natsu. I couldn’t have asked for a better present.”

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon to allow the curtain of night to fall, it signaled a new romance dawn for Lucy and Natsu’s relationship…

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

[collapsingintojupiter]

Sunshine and Storm Clouds - Chapter 10

 Catch up:

Chapter 1  Chapter 1.5  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5  Chapter 6  Chapter 7  Chapter 8  Chapter 9

___

Guess who swam up out of the void to bring y’all a Halloween special?

It ME

SO!

---

Characters: Logan, Virgil, Baby!Patton, Remy, Roman, and Emile. 

Pairings: Analogical as usual along with a lil Romile (Roman x Emile) for y’all.

Warnings: Food mention, and other than that...I don’t think so? Let me know if you’d like me to add one though.

___

The doorbell rang. 

“Hey babes, where’s my son?” a dramatic voice asked as Virgil opened it. 

“Patton’s ours, Remy. Get your own.” Remy smirked. 

“No, that’s my nephew.”

“Roman’s on his way, Rem,” Logan called from the kitchen. A few minutes later he appeared, wearing a lab coat over his usual attire. 

“Mad scientist again, huh?” Remy asked as the trio met in the hallway and started for the living room, Virgil with a sleepy Patton in his arms. He was wearing the little pumpkin costume Remy had gotten him earlier, and Virgil was dressed in all black with a mask over his nose and mouth. “You need to let me fix your hair, Lo. And let me guess Virgil...you’re a bandit.”

“Sure, close enough,” Virgil’s voice was muffled under the mask, and Remy grinned at him as he sat down on the couch. “Now you,” he said, pointing to Logan. “Come with me.”

“Why?” Logan automatically backed away, but Remy grabbed his arm. 

“I’m going to fix your hair, now come on. You can’t be a mad scientist with it all neatly combed, for Starbucks’ sake.”

“Oh no you don’t,” Logan growled, but he didn’t pull away from Remy, a sour expression resting on his face. “I like my hair how it is.” 

“Too bad!.” Remy grabbed his hand and started pulling him down the hall. “We’ll be right back Virgil!”

“Gee thanks, steal my husband why don’t you,” he called after them, but the pair had already disappeared. “Total anarchy in here Patton, you see that?” he asked the little infant on his lap, who smiled up at him and tugged  on his little orange cap with one hand. 

The doorbell rang again. 

“Welcome to McDonald’s, how can I help you?” Virgil asked as he opened the door. 

“Hey Virgil! Happy Halloween!” Roman grinned at him as he opened the door. “Nice costume! Are you an assassin?”

“Yeah.” Virgil smiled even though Roman couldn’t see it. “Come on in, kid.”

Roman was wearing a white shirt with a red sash across the front, and little accents of gold on the sleeves. A little crown sat on top of his head, and he was holding a sort-of sword-shaped stick in one hand. 

“Where’s Logan?” he asked as he came in. “And Remy? He said he was gonna--”

An eruption of shouting from down the hallway stopped him in his tracks, and he turned toward the sounds in bewilderment as Remy and Logan crashed down the hallway, Logan shouting and staggering while Remy ran after, fighting to keep the teacher’s hands away from his hair. 

“There!” Remy shouted, shoving Logan forward. He stumbled to a stop in front of Virgil, automatically reached up to smooth down his hair, and stopped when Remy glared at him.

“Wow...it’s, ah, very messy,” Virgil commented, and Roman burst out laughing before he saw Remy and stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened. 

“You’re...a dragon...and a witch!” he gasped, looking up at the older man in awe. Remy grinned and spun around, which only earned him a glare from Logan. 

“Indeed I am! The Dragon Witch!” he answered, twirling around a second time.

Majestic. 

That was the only word Roman could think of when he saw Remy.

A purple robe with shiny green accents and a dragon scale design hung from the barista’s shoulders, matching a long sequined dress of the same colors underneath it. A flawless scale pattern had been painted onto his cheeks as well, and two horns curled up over a dark purple witch’s hat that also seemed to shimmer when the light hit it just right. And when Remy turned around--for the final touch, a small black pair of bat-like wings were somehow attached to his shoulders. Roman had no idea how he’d pulled it all off, but one thing was for sure--it was incredible. 

“You ruined my hair!” Logan hissed, and Roman giggled at how spiked it was and how awkwardly Logan wore it as someone who always considered himself to be both serious and professional. 

“No, now you’re a proper mad scientist.” Remy corrected, straightening his dress and looking over at Virgil. “Now! Are we ready to go get ourselves some sugar?”

“Yeah!” Roman said, holding up his sword in a salute, while Virgil nodded and Logan groaned. 

“Great! Let’s get going then!”

The group went out into the dark street and started down it, Remy leading at the front with Roman while Virgil hung behind with Logan, holding his son carefully and looking out for anything that might potentially scare Patton. The little boy had woken up a little in the chillier night air, and now clutched at his father’s shirt front while Logan held up a flashlight to light the way so he and Virgil could see.

“Here goes the last of my dignity,” Logan muttered as they approached the first house (they’d gone in the opposite direction of Mr. D’s house, of course) and went up the steps. Virgil snorted. 

“There was a point when you had dignity?” he asked, and Logan glared at him before the expression melted into an almost-reluctant smile. 

“You’re not wrong,” he answered with a dry laugh. Virgil smirked, though his expression remained invisible, and then Roman was knocking at the door. 

It was a pleasant little house, nicely decorated for fall without much of the halloween-specific decorations that would scare Patton. Little orange lights were arranged around the door, and Patton cooed and reached for them with his little hands, wiggling his fingers in excitement. 

“Pwetty,” he said, over and over again. “Pwetty.” 

“They are pretty, aren’t they Patton?” Virgil asked. Roman held up his “sword” in front of them, letting the little lights play on the wooden blade as the wind played with the strands and made them move. Patton seemed to like that, watching the lights in amazement as they danced over the wooden surface.

The door opened. 

“Ooh, hello dearies!” said a cheerful old voice, and Roman lowered his sword as an elderly lady came to the door, wearing a little pointy witch's hat and matching black robes. 

“You look lovely, dear,” she said to Remy with a smile. “And you, young man! What a handsome prince! Let me go get my candy and--oh! Who’s this little one?” she asked, looking at the child in Virgil’s arms with a bright smile

“This is Patton,” Logan said, unable to keep a smile off his own face like the proud father he was. 

“Oh what a darling! Patton!” The lady stuck her head inside. “Harold! Come on out, there’s the sweetest couple here with a little boy! And bring the candy bowl, will you?” 

A few minutes later, a wrinkly old man with white hair and a hunched back came to the door, holding a little plastic bowl of candy in his hands. A straw hat was perched on his head, and he wore overalls and a plaid shirt--a farmer, Roman guessed. He, like the old lady, radiated a certain kind of warmth and friendliness that he’d noticed under Virgil and Logan’s tough and professional exteriors. 

The man’s old gray eyes lit up when he saw Patton, and he passed the bowl to his wife before reaching his shaking hands towards the little boy in Virgil’s arms. 

“May...may I?” he asked in a soft voice, and Virgil exchanged a hesitant look with Logan before carefully placing Patton in the old man’s arms. He held the little boy ever-so gently, smiling at him and cooing when Patton reached up for his hat. 

“Hat!” the little boy said excitedly. 

“That’s right, I do have a nice hat,” The old man answered with a smile. “Do you like it?” Patton smiled and wiggled his fingers, and the old woman looked over her husband’s shoulder at him, smiling too. 

“Oh, you have such a precious little child,” she said as Virgil took the boy back. “Thank you so much for coming by and letting us see him.” She held up the bowl. “Butterfinger?”

“Bu-erfiner!” Patton said, and reached for the bowl. Virgil let him take a butterfinger and Roman also took a few, putting them in the pillowcase he’d brought to hold the candy. Remy declined with a smile and a head nod. 

“Thank you, but seeing you two dears was more than enough for me,” he said when the woman offered up the bowl to him. The couple beamed at the group, and then they were back in the dark street again, on to the next house.

“Wow, they were really nice,” Roman said aloud after a few minutes. 

“They were,” Remy agreed with a nod. “They’re some of the sweetest people I’ve met.”

“I almost have faith in humanity again,” Virgil commented.

“Halt!” someone suddenly shouted, leaping from the bushes and pointing a plastic sword at Roman’s heart. Roman tilted his head. 

“Be ye princess or prince?” he asked dramatically, letting an accent take over his voice. “I can’t see ya in the dark there.”

“I am but neither; I am a pirate!” the other character answered. 

“Scout? Is that you?”

“Hell yeah it is!” they answered, and coming closer Roman could see them grinning in the dark. “I thought I’d find you up here! How are you?”

“Good!” Roman answered, and turned to the others. “Oh! This is my friend Scout, they’re one of my best friends at school. Scout, the Dragon Witch over there is Remy--” Remy curtsied, and Scout saluted him with their sword-- “The mad scientist is Logan--” Logan nodded curtly-- “And the assassin/bandit/whatever Virgil is is Virgil. The baby’s Patton.” Virgil nodded as well, and Scout nodded to all of them. 

“You’re right, Patton is cute as hell,” they said. Roman’s cheeks blushed red, and Logan and Virgil both turned to him. 

“Well that’s precious,” Remy said after a short pause, and laughed. “Patton sure is adorable.”

“That he is,” Logan agreed. “Shall we continue, then? You’re welcome to join us if you wish, Scout.” Scout shrugged.

“I mean sure, but only if--” they paused and ran back a little they way they’d come, returning with someone’s arm in theirs. “--only if he can come too. Can he come?”

“Who’s this?” Remy asked, clearly amused. 

“I’m a ghost!” an excited voice answered, a bit muffled by the white sheet draped over his head. “It’s a little hard to see in here, though…”

“Emile!” Roman gasped. “I didn’t think you’d be out here!”

“Well, I don’t really know where I am, it’s a little hard to see through the sheet…” Emile giggled. “My mom wouldn’t let me cut holes for eyes, so Scout’s kinda...looking out for me, you might say.” Roman laughed, glad that it was dark so the others couldn’t see him blush. 

“They’re actually pretty good at it too. I’ve only run into one car so far.”

“You ran into a car?” he asked, alarmed. “Oh my gosh! Are you okay?”

“He wasn’t going that fast when he hit it,” Scout explained, pulling him forward as the group started walking once more. “He’s fine.”

“Yeah!” Emile chirped. “I’m fine!”

“You concern me.” Roman laughed, shaking his head.

The three friends chattered with each other as they walked, only going quiet when they came upon the next house. This one had a much spookier theme than the one before it, with horror-type decorations and lights everywhere. Scout quickly took the lead, pulling out their sword. 

“Roman, come with me,” they ordered. “We’ll make sure it’s clear for Patton.” Logan and Virgil exchanged looks of surprise (and perhaps amusement, though neither would admit it), but didn’t protest as the two went up to the porch. Remy stayed by Emile’s side, watching over him in case he managed to somehow hurt himself while waiting for his guide to return.

Both teens held their weapons in front of them as they went up the steps to the home--Scout holding their plastic sword while Roman clutched his wooden one that was more stick than sword but probably sturdier than Scout’s anyways.

A rigged spider let loose and shot down a wire over their heads towards Scout with an alien-like screech, but they batted it away with their weapon and a growl. Roman was amazed--they hadn’t jumped or screamed or anything, like they’d been expecting it all along. Like they weren’t surprised at all. 

No, he wasn’t jealous. 

And no, he most certainly did not have a tendency to scream like an wounded rabbit when startled.

“That was close,” he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. Scout simply nodded, and continued on up the porch steps without a word. The door was closed and the lights inside seemed to be off, all except for one on the porch that illuminated a bench leaning against the house’s side. On the bench was a large scarecrow decoration, and in the scarecrows hands was a bowl of candy and a sign that said “Take 2.” Roman started to reach for the bowl, but Scout stopped him with the tip of their sword. 

“Wait,” they said. They tossed their sword to Roman, who caught it and gave them his wooden one in return. They placed the point of the “blade” on the scarecrow’s chest. 

“I’ve seen these tricks before,” they growled. “And we got a little kid coming, so don’t scare him. Got it?”

“Okay,” said a muffled voice, and the scarecrow nodded its head. It held up the bowl. 

“Candy?”

“Alright, it’s safe!” Roman called back, and Remy grinned at them as he and Virgil and Logan approached, Logan now with Emile in tow. 

“Thank you dear,” Remy said to the scarecrow as he took a Kit Kat from the bowl. “You have a lovely evening scaring the other youngsters, alright?”

“Yes, sir!” the scarecrow answered. “And I love your costume, by the way.” Remy beamed and twirled around in a circle in front of them.

“Thanks! I made it myself!” The group started back down the porch, Scout helping Emile down the steps while Roman hauled his bucket of candy for him.

They visited several more houses before returning back to Virgil and Logan’s house, as Patton was beginning to get fussy and Emile had managed to run into not one, not two, but three mailboxes even with Scout and Roman both trying to guide him. Logan was afraid he was going to get a concussion before the night was over, and after a bit of convincing Scout and Emile agreed to come back to the house at his invitation.

“Don’t worry,” Remy had said cheerfully, “I’ve got plenty enough sweets for the both of ya!”

That had been enough to get Emile to agree, and as his guide Scout eventually decided to come along as well.

“This has been our Halloween tradition for years,” Logan explained as they started up the driveway towards his and Virgil’s house. “Every year we’ll get some candy, and then come back to the house and watch The Nightmare Before Christmas while snacking on the stuff Remy brings along. He usually has cider as well.”

“Don’t worry babe, I didn’t forget it,” Remy said with a laugh. “It’s here in the car. Roman, would you mind helping me bring the stuff inside?”

“Sure!” Roman hurried to Remy’s car with him, getting the two large jugs of what Remy said was fresh-pressed cider while he followed with a bag of...well, it was a surprise, he said. Roman would get to see it after they started the movie. He hurried up the steps eagerly, through the open door, and into the living room, where he put the jugs down on the coffee table next to the cups Logan and Scout had set out. Emile sat on the couch, having finally taken off his sheet, and blinked at the room as he tried to adjust to his new surroundings. 

“So which one was Logan and which was, uh, Mr. Virgil?” he asked as he looked between Virgil sitting on the couch next to him and Logan, who was in the kitchen helping Remy set out the snacks. 

“Mr. Logan’s the one in the kitchen,” Roman explained quickly, “and he’s Virgil. He doesn’t like it when you call him sir.”

“That’s cool,” Scout commented, flopping into the sofa by themself and leaving the space next to Emile free so Roman could sit there. He gave them something of a grateful look and poured two glasses of cider, offering one to Virgil and one to Emile. 

“Thanks,” Virgil said. Emile smiled cheerily and took the cider, thanking Roman as well and sipping at it while Roman poured himself some and sat next to him. 

“Wow, this is really good!” Emile held up his cup in amazement. “Try it, Roman! You’ll love it!” 

Roman tried it. He did love it. He grinned and Emile laughed at the look on his face, and Virgil chuckled at how their cheeks both blushed red when they looked at each other. 

Logan and Remy came back a few minutes later, and Logan went to put in the movie while Remy made his way to the center of the living room, clapping his hands together to get everyone’s attention.

“Alright!” he said. “Everybody’s snacks are in the kitchen, take whatever you want. We’ll start the movie when you all get back.” Scout barely waited for him to finish talking before they got up and bolted into the kitchen, and Roman’s eyes widened as he watched them fill up an entire plate with candy corn. 

“You’re going to make yourself sick,” he said as he got up. Scout only shrugged. 

“A worthy price to pay.” They went to their seat and flopped back down onto it, digging into their snacks while Roman shook his head. He turned to Emile. 

“What would you like?” he asked. 

“Um...surprise me?” Emile asked a bit shyly, wrapping the sheet around his shoulders. “I’m kinda cold…”

“Say no more!” Roman made his way into the kitchen, coming back a few minutes later with cocoa, several cookies, and a caramel apple arranged on a large plate. 

“Here!” he said, passing the cocoa and plate to Emile and sitting next to him. 

“How did you know these cookies were my favorite?” he asked in surprise, taking one and biting into it. “Mmmm...thank you!”

I heard you tell one of your friends that once and never forgot. 

“Oh, just a lucky guess!” Roman laughed. 

The two leaned against each other as the movie started. So did Logan and Virgil. Remy cuddled Patton on his lap. Scout sat by themself, curled up on their seat with a blanket; they didn’t seem to mind that they didn’t have a cuddle buddy. Emile looked over at them anyways, then motioned for them to join.

“C’mon, please?” he pleaded, when Scout shook their head. 

“Come join us, Scout!” Roman agreed. “There’s enough room!”

“Where, exactly? On your lap?” Roman and Emile exchanged glances. 

“Why not?”

An hour later the three had fallen asleep, Scout arranged awkwardly on Roman and Emile’s laps but comfortable, they’d promised. 

Virgil just smiled.

[harieltaj]

Your mother has convinced her friends to bring their kids over, "for a get-together," she says. "Give the kids a chance to know themselves."

You listen as she makes the call, the date is set and you pray they get food or get in an accident so you don't have to see or interact with them. You flash her a smile when she tells you you're going to love Nduka, her best friend's son. You pray Nduka gets sick, or falls into a well and isn't rescued until the day after the get-together. You realize you're being mean, so you pray the trailer falls on you instead, or you fall into a well and aren't found until the event is over.

You're a pretty girl with large brown eyes. Emeka the potter said it makes you look cute and that was when he kissed you. Inside his room that smelt of burnt clay, you let him fondle your breast. But then you had to leave because your mom had called. That was the last time you saw or spoke to Emeka. He left for his uncle's place in Onitsha and changed his number.

You're short and your petite height is just an added feature to your overflowing beauty. If only you knew Bankole spent all his time reading poems and trying to write one, maybe you'd have been able to see through his bluff and refuse him the chance to place his warm mouth on your breasts. You didn't know and the next time you saw him, he told you he got a message from the Lord; you're not it for him.

Your small mouth is beautiful and your cocoa-colored skin is a work of art drove you to Hassan's hand. It was the accent he spoke with, your belief that love knew no religion or tribe, and the way he paid attention to your every word that made you fall for him. He had the brightest eyes and all these dreams he wanted you to be part of. But then, he had to go abroad and you broke when he told you not to wait for him.

Your sense of fashion is explicable and enviable, the way you let your skirt stop just before your knee is an art only goddesses can achieve. You are a goddess. Vanessa was the best friend you've ever had. Everyone compared her to pawpaw, so yellow and edible. Same height and you both had a great connection; it would have been weird if you didn't end up as friends. She was your hype woman. She cared about you as you did her. Then you walked into Gideon's house, the boy you were dating, and found them tangled in the sheets, going at it like spent swimmers.

Bose was quite the sympathetic soul. She cursed Vanessa and Gideon on your behalf and shut down any attempt they made to talk to you. You were grateful for her; she was heaven sent. Your money ran out quicker than water in the desert. You had to buy for two. She guilt-tripped you whenever you didn't buy for her or said you were broke. She reminded you, in case you suffered amnesia every now and then, that your parents were well to do whereas hers put the poor in poverty. When you didn't give her the money she had asked for, she called you a bad person and told you to prepare yourself because there was no way hell would pass by you. And when you get to hell, because you would, she won't give you a drop of water even if Father Abraham begs her to. She slammed the door after saying you deserved every heartbreak you got.

Samson was your strength. He told you he admired the way you held your head high. He said you were the strongest person he knew because after having your heart broken and used like that, you still put on a brave front and smiled like you didn't have the weight of the world on your shoulders. He said you were a hero and with so much sincerity in his eyes, he said you reminded him so much of his mom. Boys preferred women who reminded them of their mom, everyone said so. You felt like you've hit a gold mine. He was the one for you, but you held out just in case. You gave it up when he told you he loved you in a way only writers could describe.

It was in his apartment. He had kissed you with so much intensity that shook your knees and the only witness was the blue bulb that tried to light up the tiny room. He had raised you up and placed you on the table which, happily, was wood. Plastic wouldn't have been able to support the wave of intensity that was crashing through you. The way his tongue invaded every corner of your mouth made your body go wild. His lips were on your neck suffocating every reasonable thought you could form. He nibbled dedicatedly on your neck, writers would say he was marking you as his. You could still remember thinking that he was about to turn you to a vampire, a clear sign that he was in it for the long haul.

Then he pulled away and kissed you even harder on the lips if only bulbs could narrate. You felt everything he wanted to say. He was in between your legs and your shirt was hitched really high. Your bodies were pressed together and he had one hand on your cheek, holding your face to him, while the other made miracles on your nipple.

He pulled away and placed his forehead on yours. Both of his hands rested on your face and you exchanged air. You watched his eyes close as he struggled to catch his breath. He swallowed a lot and you knew he was trying to control himself. His eyes opened and you felt trapped in the want and love that resided in them. There was lust, plea, and something else. He opened his mouth to say something and shut it back up. You're breathing heavily, anticipating his words, and then finally, he spoke.

"Somto, I love you. I really do. The thought of you consumes me so much that it actually hurts. I can't function without you; you're invading my thoughts."

Your heartbeat could be featured as drums in punk rock. He kissed you, and by Aphrodite, you couldn't form a thought that didn't involve sex. Romance authors should see you; you finally found your prince charming. He unclasped your bra and you whisper his name.

"Samson."

His hand was out from your shirt and resting on your waist. He brushed his lips against yours.

"I need you. Please, don't make me stop."

How many times have you read those words wishing they'd be said to you? Like the million characters you've read about, you gave your book worthy reply.

"I don't want you to."

Your shirt came off as did his. Soon, you were going at it like cavemen. Not on the table, goodness no, Samson couldn't afford to replace it if you ended up breaking it. On his small bed, you gave yourself to him. Funny, the romance books didn't mention that he would cut all forms of connections from you. Maybe they did and you didn't read that part. You were confused and hurt, even more, when you found out it was all a bet and he didn't know his mother. He grew up in an orphanage.

Your self-esteem gave way for insecurity. There had to be something wrong with you. Maybe a curse that made people want to hurt and abandon you. There was no sunshine in your world and gloom and darkness lead you on. You couldn't trust anyone. You faked and pretended your way through it all. at school, premarital hell was condemned. At church, you were announced a candidate of hell. At home, your mother condemned the girls whose stories came out. You could barely breathe.

You're sitting in the dining room and everywhere is packed. Your mom's friends and their kids have arrived. You're watching them talk and exchange pleasantries. The girls in your age grade are sitting close to you at the dining table chatting, but you don't join in. You have your eyes on your siblings, both boys, watching them play host. They're talking with boys and flirting with girls and being cute with kids. One of the girls says the younger boy, the one you're older than, is cute. You say nothing, you smile. You don't tell her he has plans to be a priest because something about people didn't work well with him. The glass of orange juice feels like royalty as you pay it all your attention.

You hear your name and you find your mother and her best friend beckoning for you. You walk over to them, a fake smile in place. Your mother tells you he's here. She points to the young man standing with your older brother. Your mother hands you a mirror and you stare at your twenty-three-year-old face and wonder when the pimples showed up.

Your mother hurries you to him, her and her friend dishing out instructions. You catch only one.

"Be yourself. Nduka doesn't like pretenders."

As you make your way to him, you know Nduka isn't going to love you so much. You search your head for who you truly are. You push past your demons and personalities and you find her sitting by the corner, her knees to her chest, her hands wrapped tightly around her knees. She's crying and hoping the walls she had built won't crumble. She doesn't want to get hurt again. Your brother smiles as you reach them.

As he introduces you to Nduka, you reach for your charming personality and slip it on. Your brother comes up with an excuse and leave. You see your mothers grinning.

"I'm Nduka," he says even though you just been introduced. You flash him a smile and shake his outstretched hand.

"I'm Somto."

When your hands connect, you see her raise her head. Your personalities are thrilled as they rush around prepping to be slipped on. She shakes her head furiously and your personalities are asking her to shut it. She's refusing the idea of him and in your head, you hear her recite her mantra about how she can't take another hurt. You tell her you understand. She doesn't have to worry.

Nduka smiles at you and you smile back. You already know this is a fruitless venture, this wasn't going to lead anywhere. As Nduka tells you the reason you haven't been seeing him around was that he was abroad. You tell her it's okay.

Not today, not ever.

[for-bucks-sake]

Low Hundreds.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Bucky Barnes. Word count: 3.5K. Warnings: Fluff! All the fluff! And also smut. Summary: This year, Captain America will not be celebrating his birthday with America, or in America. But with his boyfriend. Far, far away. A/N: I am beyond fashionably late, but that idea started to form solidly literally two days ago. I’m so soft for vacation!Stucky. And Greece is really cool. I think the boys would appreciate its old fashioned vibe, (although I haven’t been there a good couple of tears, so I might get something wrong.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAP! Thank you so much for reading, hope you enjoy! Btw, requests are open! 

Gif’s not mine.

They flew out of the states yesterday. Leaving New York behind for the sake of a place that was the embodiment of peace and quiet, providing them with complete anonymity.

Waves of sand collided with real waves, cerulean blue met gold as they reached the shore, looking at the beautiful act of nature.

Bucky glanced at Steve, smiling, putting his bag down conspiratorially, “last one to get to the water is a little bitch!” He shouted, speeding up a little too fast for it to look natural, hands all but tearing his navy t-shirt off.

No one could see them there, and Bucky didn’t know if it was for the fact they were completely alone, or just the reassuring presence of Steve next to him, but for the first time in a long time, he felt safe.

“Guess you can call yourself a bitch now.” Steve had a shit eating grin on his face, making Bucky literally eat sand as he ran past him so swiftly on the soft, grainy ground, it came flying backwards. Right into Bucky’s face.

“Fuckin-“

The loud splash of a body hitting water told him the competition was over. Bucky found he didn’t care much as he watched Steve’s perfect form swimming quickly, receding from the shore on to the bottomless blue.

He too entered the welcoming ocean, skin shivering at the new sensation of cool wetness and warm breeze, chasing deeper right into the arms of a welcoming lover.

“Punk.” Bucky muttered as Steve pulled him closer, easily finding his waist through the clear waters.

“And what about it?” Steve smirked, leaning in for a kiss. He brushed Bucky’s full lips with his. Bucky tried to nudge his head closer, but before he could, Steve pushed his full weight on top of him, forcing them both to sink back into the sea.

Steve could see Bucky’s wide eyes when he realized what had happened, a determined look replaced the tenderness in them as he moved hastily, using his metal arm to work through every law of physics as he forced the water out of his way, chasing Steve yet again while the latter tried to get away as fast as possible. This time he was short handed;

Bucky caught one of Steve’s legs, jerking him back forcibly so he could grab his waist. Air didn’t seem to run out even then; calloused palms met rock hard stomach, legs working overtime to keep them afloat, bubbles that could be hot breaths surrounded them, nothing was heard but that muted silence you could only find underwater.

Steve buried his hands in Bucky’s floating hair, closing the left distance between them and connecting their mouths. He could taste the salt on his lips, water infiltrating their kiss when Steve adjusted his palm and brought it to cup the stubbled jaw. Bucky squeezed his waist softly, tongue slowly licking its way deeper into Steve’s mouth, meeting his in a stinging briny mix.

They left early, successfully avoiding any troubles that may be caused by the Forth of July rush. Steve was reluctant to agree, anxious as always for the fate of the world, only backing down after weeks of creative persuasion; if it wasn’t for the years Bucky spent perfecting a stubbornness that only matched Steve’s - they would still be in Brooklyn right now. A break was well deserved, and they accrued enough vacation days for nine lifetimes, anyway.

Bucky pushed them up in a single swift motion, lips still connected as they moved above waters like a single body instead of two, the change in scenario embracing them with a hit of a fresh breeze, sounds that only echoed through under, were now ringing pleasantly in their ears.

The subtle shift of the waves on top of each other created an impossibly calming rhythm, their strong bodies giving in to the ripples and letting the ocean guide their movements, happily complying as they drifted closer to each other.

Steve moved away and gasped for oxygen, inhaling a lungful of clear air only to sink down again, emerging a moment later a few meters away from Bucky, almost as if he couldn’t leave him alone for too long. He shook his head, letting the new acquired droplets fall from his bright hair down to his angled face, the small drops parting from his skin when they met his clean shaven chin, falling back to their source.

It was as if some divine entity decided to interfere, making Steve stop at the exact spot and the Sun to appear just behind him, lengthening its rays far enough to reach and shower his body with a yellow, afternoon light, illuminating him golden.

He looked overwhelmingly beautiful, untouchable, even.

Wet strands of his hair desperately tried to hung off his forehead, only few succeeding, lips scarlet from kissing and salt, so aesthetically pleasing over the background of his perfect skin, resembling blood stained white silk.

His cerulean eyes stared back, actively stealing all the color from the water, soaking it in to make his eyes even bluer, as if he needed that.

Bucky forgot how to breathe. And not as a cliche everybody says. He genuinely forgot how. Maybe everyone thinks they can’t breathe anymore, but he was the only one to actually witness Steve Rogers looking like that.

Steve’s lips were slightly parted, staring at him in awe, the left corner of his mouth curved into half a smile.

Bucky licked his lips and exhaled as he rediscovered the ability to breathe, flashing a toothy grin when Steve swam his way to him, closing the distance one last time and not looking away from his eyes.

His hair reached his shoulders, less dark somehow as he grew it longer. Steve couldn’t tear his gaze from the couple of skies that settled inside Bucky’s orbs, looking stunningly alike the origin above them.

And water drops on metal, he soon found out, looked exactly like stars when the sun hit them.

Steve approached the sky full of stars in front of him, getting painfully close without touching. There will be a lot of touching, later. For now, he was content with just watching.

As Bucky inhaled, Steve exhaled. They worked like a well oiled machine, doing nothing but drinking in each other’s appearance, absorbing where they were and what they did, living the proximity they were so comfortable staying in, forever.

-

Summer days were longer, but still so short. Whether they were spent by the beach, on the local market, or just in bed - everyday, the colors outside seemed to soften before they could notice;  Neon yellow surrendering its place for the sake of low oranges and pinks that in time, were slowly fading away as well, replaced by midnight blue.

In those moments Bucky didn’t miss home. He didn’t miss seeing the national flag everywhere, he didn’t miss tensing every time a loud noise would go off, he didn’t miss the stares that followed him wherever he went, he didn’t miss America.

All he wanted was to stay here, in that little piece of heaven they somehow managed to find, keep it close to their chests and never let go.

Maybe never was a big word, but so was love. -

Greece was kind to them, for sure. Peaceful as always, even on the night of the Third.

After a long day inside their private ocean they decide to walk around for a while, showing off their impressive tan lines and sun kissed cheeks.

“Let’s enjoy the last night before you turn a hundred and…something years old!” Bucky announced with honest to god enthusiasm.

They missed more birthdays than they could count, so they simply stopped counting. Age was meaningless to them and time could never catch up. They were beyond time.

Always have been, when you think about it.

They strolled around the local businesses spread around a nice area, also near a beach; there was a beautiful stand of homemade jewelry, mostly colorful beads made of wood that decorated thin threads. Near that there was an actual store full of shabby manakin torsos, dressed in all kinds of graphic t-shirts.

In a fluent Greek and a perfect accent that both surprised and didn’t surprise Steve, Bucky purchased him a cheap looking tank top with a cheerful logo on it that ironically said, “Captain Greece.”

“You are…” Steve began, nostrils flared as he smiled and shook his head,

“Spoiling my boyfriend for his birthday? You’re damn right.” Bucky nudged his shoulder and continued walking, pulling at Steve’s hand that was intertwined with his.

They walked past a boutique that was filled with fake designer bags, and about three sunglasses stands covered with SALE signs written in English before Bucky decided it’s a sophisticated scheme to make him want to buy shades he didn’t need.

He ended up buying three pairs. Immediately pairing up Steve with ones that had a plastic frame covered with the American flag.

“You realize that joke is getting old, right?” Steve snarked, adjusting his new glasses on the top of his head.

“Not nearly as old as you, pal.”

“Are you hungry? I’m starving, that thing over there smells delicious!”

“Don’t ignore my awesome bur - that actually does smell good, c’mon.”

-

Ethnic street food is amazing and cheeseburgers suck, they decided then (well, maybe they don’t suck, but they’re nothing compared to the festival of flavors their tastebuds experienced). As they were snacking on what was left of their greek dessert filled with rich cheese and sweet syrup, Bucky glanced at his watch only to realized it was nearly midnight. They had to return to the small cabin they rented before the clock hit twelve. Deep inside he knew, that hour had no real meaning, but it was a principle. He will celebrate Steve the birthday he deserves, even if it’s just the two of them. Especially when it’s just the two of them.

“C’mon old man, hurry up now, we need to get to our place as soon as possible.” Bucky hurried him, half jokingly but mostly not.

Steve licked his fingers from the sugar and butter that coated the tips, muttering a tired “yeah, yeah’, but moving faster nevertheless, matching his pace to Bucky’s.

They approach the place they grew more and more comfortable with everyday, Bucky reached for his pocket and drew out a single key, shoving it into its place and opening the door with a creak.

“Stay here, baby. I’ve got somethin’ for you.” Bucky ordered Steve to stay in the small living room space, disappearing inside the single bedroom they shared.

“Oh, so I’m baby now?” Steve cocked an eyebrow just before Bucky turned around, “seriously though, Buck, we said no presents, please! This vacation is more than enough, I swear t-“

“Hey Stevie? Shut up.” Bucky shouted from the room, the amusement evident in his voice, “you’re gonna like it. Promise.”

After low rustles and a soft thud, Bucky was near him again, hands behind his back and a face decorated with an undeniable giddiness.

They waited in silence for the hands behind the glass to collide, Bucky refusing to do anything but glare murderously at the clock, urging it to move just a bit more to the right. The enthusiasm of a child took over when it happened, it was finally midnight and the date subsequently changed. Bucky shifted his arms, bringing the neatly wrapped present from behind his back, placing it in front of Steve, who was sporting a small pout and shiny eyes when he saw its size -

Never really getting over the complex of hating to be given anything but being too excited to refuse it. It reminded Bucky of old times, when neither of them could even dream about what they had now. Birthday gifts were a luxury, something they could rarely afford, even once a year. He wanted to give Steve the world he deserved ever since he met him. Now he actually could. Out of all the things about the future, that - he will never forget.

Steve sat cross legged on the sofa, stance as straight as always, almost like he waited for permission to open the thing.

Bucky was flustered just the slightest, still standing up, now stepping near Steve and looking at him expectedly.

“Happy birthday, Stevie.” He said hoarsely, a sign of upcoming tears he tried his hardest to fight.

Steve looked up to the towering frame above him, after so many years he could recognize every single crack and hitch in Bucky’s voice.

“C’mere.” Steve grabbed the back of his thigh, pulling him over to his lap.

Bucky gladly complied, once adjusted on the comfiest sit in the world, he grabbed Steve’s face, attaching their lips.

“It’s so much.” Steve whispered, unwrapping with that neat politeness his mother thought him.

“Nothin’ is too much for you.” Bucky whispered back, squeezing Steve’s bicep reassuringly.

Steve placed the large box on Bucky’s lap, caressing his thighs with every movement he made, lingering his touch when he removed the wrapping paper from the bottom of it.

Bucky huffed but didn’t say anything, the knots inside his stomach stretching out and restraining him from speaking. Anticipation overcoming his primal instinct to tease Steve back.

Steve’s breath hitched when he opened the simple box. He could feel that lump of air stuck in the middle of his throat, unable to move up or down, shocked just as he was because he knew exactly what these were.

He stared at the leather journals for so long Bucky thought he did something wrong. And when Bucky got nervous, he started talking.

“I thought…well, I thought I should try and get them back.” He scratched the back of his head, “didn’t even read ‘em again. Didn’t want to because I was afraid I’d read something there that would make me regret givin’ them to you.”

The pain in Bucky’s voice must’ve woken up Steve from his trance. He picked the first notebook from the top of the stash. Opening a random marked page slowly, only to meet his own face looking at him back. Just like all those years ago.

“You’re probably not gonna like most of what you read in there. But there are some good memories, too. It’s mostly a mess and there are too many and I’m pretty sure there are solid three pages of me rambling about your eyes but, it’s me.” He took a deep breath, “it’s another part of me whether I like it or not. And I want you to know it.”

“Is it double sided?” Steve spoke after a long moment.

“What?”

“The pages about my eyes. Are they double sided?”

Bucky begrudgingly lost the battle against his tears. Barking in relief as his whole body started to shake. 

Steve laid down the journal to his right and wrapped his arms around the man on his lap.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. I love it. It’s the most beautiful gift I was ever given. Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you.” He held him firmly, not quite knowing what to do but to stay like they were.

“It’s not everything.” Bucky snuffled and raised his head from Steve’s neck. It wasn’t stained with tears, and somehow, it was worse, “there’s more.”

“Oh god, Buck. You really shouldn’t ha-“

“It’s at the bottom of the box.” Bucky shuffled closer, as to watch even closely Steve does open it.

He looked under the three additional journals that were inside, all completely identical, and found a cardboard box. Way smaller, and long. Like one you’d put jewelry in it.

“Buck…”

“Go ahead.”

Steve opened the cover gently, looking at another fragment from his past. Their past.

“I thought they were at the museum! How did you get them?”

“Turn it over.” Bucky smiled sadly.

“Holy shit.”

“The museum had a replica, I think. A fake. These are our real tags. And they’re yours. Oh and, open them.”

Somehow, Bucky had their dog tags connected together and the edges, what ultimately had turned them into a locket.

Steve unlocked it carefully, revealing a picture of the two of them. It was taken recently, for sure. Bucky’s hair was long like it was now, and he was smiling wide. His own face was beardless, also twisted with a smile. The breathtaking landscape of Wakanda was in display behind them, arms wrapped around each other’s waists.

“I thought, with all the things from the past, you could use something from now.”

“Does that make me your girl now, serge?” Steve smirked and closed the necklace, putting it on, the hint of tears in his eyes as well.

“I sure hope not,” Bucky grinned mischievously, hoisting himself up from Steve’s lap and kneeling between his legs, “‘cause then I wouldn’t be able to suck your dick.”

Steve swallowed, intensely watching Bucky unzipping his pants and pulling them down along with his boxers, revealing his already hardening cock. He wrapped his left hand around the base, and Steve, responsive as always, twitched at the new sensation, breath rugged as he was stroked, slowly. 

Steve eyes shot open when he felt Bucky’s tongue on his tip, joining his hand on working him wet and filthy. He groaned and leaned back, trying to get more of himself into Bucky’s mouth.

“Relax, baby. I’m gonna make you feel good.”

Steve didn’t question it for a second, relaxing his shoulders but then tensing up again as Bucky licked the side of his cock, down from his balls and up to his tip again - tracing strips of spit all over Steve’s impressive length.

“Shit, Bucky.” He moaned, hands trailing down to the brunet’s hair and weaving through it, slightly pushing him forward.

Bucky was always a tease, even today he couldn’t help it. But he got the hint, lovingly kissing Steve’s underside and fitting half of him inside his mouth.

He started to work on Steve’s cock, up and down, swirling his tongue around the sensitive skin. The wet sounds his mouth created in sync with his movements made everything feel even dirtier.

“Just like that Buck, yeah, just like that.” Steve sighed with pleasure, pushing Bucky’s head a little bit farther up. His cock hitting the back of Bucky’s throat.

Bucky hollowed his cheeks, staying completely still beside swallowing, creating the vacuum sensation he knew Steve loved, drawing salty precum from him.

Steve let a delicious, desperate sound as Bucky released the cock from his mouth with a loud pop, grazing his teeth on a particular thick, visible vain on the way out.

“Fuck, Bucky.” His moans went straight to Bucky’s own hardening cock, getting rather uncomfortable trapped inside his jeans. He gripped at Steve’s strong thigh with his right palm and massaged the inner part, composing himself.

Steve grunts were getting louder. He clutched the couch and inhaled sharply; Bucky’s mouth never seizing to work wonders on him, and he was close, he was so close.

He moved his bare foot to caress Bucky through his trousers, giving him at least some of the relief he knew he needed.

Bucky hummed on his cock, exhaling a rugged hot breath from deep inside his throat, and Steve was done for.

He came with a string of curses, a mouth as dirty as a soldier’s, shooting load after load of warm cum into Bucky’s willing mouth.

Even then he didn’t stop sucking. Still working on milking the birthday boy out of every drop and every whine he had. Only to ruin him all the same minutes later.

“My ears,” Steve breathed heavily, chuckling at Bucky’s stained beard, “are fucking ringing.”

At least it’s not from fireworks. Bucky thought.

“Oh, you think we’re done yet?” He cocked an eyebrow, shoving that thought far away and taking off his clothes quicker than Steve could blink. His shirt was off by the next second as well - leaving them both completely naked, raw.

-

“Mornin’ birthday boy.” Bucky hummed, covering every inch of his face with kisses, gradually leaving a trail of sloppy pecks down his neck, and collarbone. He was about to get even farther under the blanket before Steve stopped him.

His eyes blindingly bright, one long finger tilted his chin up.

“Am I going to get another one of your famous blowjobs?”

Bucky smirked, “oh, so they’re famous now. Why? Who told you about them?”

“I dunno. About ten, twenty guys.”

“Now that’s a relief!” Bucky let out a loud phew, “‘cause I stopped counting at the low hundreds.”

Steve shoved his shoulder, then guided him back up to capture his lips in a kiss, “you’re a jerk, you know that?”

Bucky nodded in agreement, laughing into Steve’s mouth.

[missbrightsky]

Velaris National Park

Fics Masterlist

Chapter 1

Green light filtered through the canopy, patches of gold peppering the road ahead. Rolled down windows allowed the late spring air weave through the car, carrying the scent of growing things and warmth to wrap around us.

Elain had some 2000s pop station pouring from the speakers, all of us belting out the familiar words to our audience of Mother Nature. Nesta had called shotgun at the beginning, leaving me to have the back seat to stretch out, propping my feet on the bag that held our borrowed tent.

It was May in Prythian, warm and good and green. I had just graduated from my master’s program in Art History, my whole future stretching out ahead of me. Elain had insisted we celebrate but all of us were in educational debt and couldn’t afford to fly anywhere. Ever the florist, she found a state park a few hours away that boasted the largest collection of wildflowers in the country, one especially that bloomed once every three years. And because Elain was always lucky, this year was one of the few that it blooms in full.

A few days after graduation, she managed to wrangle Nesta away from the publishing house and me away from my couch and stuffed us all into her 2005 Honda.

Velaris National Park

Turn off 5 miles

Elain’s singing broke off mid-verse, a squeal replacing the lyrics as she pointed out the sign. I could only smile at her excitement; camping was never really our family’s thing, but her happiness was too infectious. At least I had managed to throw my sketchbook and watercolor pencils into my bag before she dragged me out the door. It had been a while since I had done some wildlife sketching, there was not a lot of green space or biodiversity in the city.

She turned down the music while Nesta and I straightened in our seats, ready to hop out of the car and get blood flowing back into our legs.

Even Nesta who normally tolerated Elain’s antics had a ghost of a smile playing around her lips, the fresh air loosening her iron grip on her emotions.

Elain slowed the car, turning right before the massive stone wall that announced the entrance to the park, gravel crunching under the tires.

The rough road weaved with the terrain, up and down and curving around hills and patches of meadows that peaked through the trees. We even rumbled over a wooden bridge that spanned the banks of a sparkling stream, the water throwing shimmering rainbows into the air.

A low log cabin-like building greeted us, its small parking lot only holding a Jeep with the park logo on the side and another car.

Elain turned the car off and all of us popped our doors open, slightly stumbling as our legs reacclimated to moving. Small groans slipped out of our mouths as we stretched feeling back into our lower halves, taking in the new environment.

A small sign in the window informed us of the park’s office hours and the emergency phone line. Elain pushed in first, a petite ding announcing our arrival.

The inside was a simple, square room, half the room stocked with souvenirs and anything campers may need in a pinch. A long, low counter ran along the back wall with an open doorway hinting at the back room. This was where a perky blonde emerged, greeting them with a bright smile. Her long hair was braided down her back, a forest green polo stamped with the logo somehow accented her curves instead of looking dorky and too stiff.

“Hi! Welcome to Velaris National Park. I’m Mor, what can I help y’all with today?”

“Hello! I’m Elain and these are my sisters Nesta and Feyre,” she gestured to each of us in turn, we all shook her hand, surprised to find it calloused and strong.

“How long do y’all plan on staying?”

“Two nights, please. And if you can point out on a map where the Starfall flower will be blooming?”

Mor laughed, a grin splitting her mouth. “I should’ve guessed, this is some of our busiest weeks of the year. Well, you’re in luck, we have only a few campsites left. Any preference to where?”

“None at all, we’re not too picky.”

“Perfect, how about y’all take site 20. It’s near the trailheads and not too far from the bathrooms.”

Elain turned to confirm with us, we each nodded back. Our lack of experience had us indifferent to where we camped, as long as it wasn’t out in the middle of nowhere.

Elain and Mor exchanged money and maps, paying for our spot and pointing out the major landmarks of the park.

“We do allow fires, as long as they’re in the designated fire pits. Please use the trash cans we have all along the park, anyone caught littering can be fined up to 200 dollars along with not being allowed to revisit the park. No glass or alcohol on park grounds. If y’all need anything, please don’t hesitate to call up to here the main office, and the numbers for our rangers are on the maps, along with the emergency line. Further into the park, cell service can get a little spotty, but as long as you stay near the trails, our rangers can spot you if you get into trouble. A little tip, don’t feed the wildlife, we have them on a diet,” she finished with a laugh and a wink. We laughed along with her, it was easy to feel a friendship forming with the bright woman.

“Well if that’s all y’all need, just keep following the road and you’ll see the signs pointing out the campsite. Parking gets a bit limited so try not to double park.”

We thanked her and headed out to pile back into the car.

As we were pulling out and getting back onto the road, I spotted one of the rangers on top of a horse.

The animal was tall, taller than any of the horses I had ever encountered before, and blacker than the deepest night sky. Its rider was sitting perfectly still, used to having to blend into the background.

I stifled a gasp. The ranger was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. I was too far away to see the color of his eyes, but they peeked through the leaves, boring into mine. His shoulders were broad, covered with a khaki shirt, he gripped the horse with powerful legs clad in dark green pants that were tucked into wore brown boots.

Our car soon turned a corner, breaking my gaze from his, banishing me of the spell he had cast.

More gorgeous forest passed us by, feeding my artist's mind with texture and light and color. Maybe this trip would replenish my weary mind after years of rigorous study. I loved every minute of my classes, but it left little free time for drawing and painting.

Wooden signs ticked up, eventually indicating where our sight was. Once again parking, we exited the car and took in the scenery.

We were to share a small common area with a few other campers, picnic tables and grills dotting the grassy area. Two cars were already parked there, brightly colored tents peeking out from the bushes that gave each sight a bit of privacy. Under a massive oak tree, there was a ring of rocks that held gray and black ashes from prior fires, stumps surrounding it for us to sit and enjoy the company.

I grabbed the tent from the backseat and slung my pack over my shoulder, leading the way to the small clearing that would be our home for the next few days. It was simply packed dirt, slightly raised from the rest of the ground so that if it rained, our tent would not get flooded.

I had never set up a tent before but with the instructions from the bag combined with the store owners’ tips, it was soon popped up in no time. Maybe only slightly leaning to the left but that would be a problem for later.

Nesta had pulled out our coolers of food, prepping sandwiches for a late lunch. Elain was already off in the surrounding area, making notes of the greenery and wildflowers that grew nearby. It was not the elusive Starfall but it did not take much for her to get wrapped up in flora.

Satisfied at my work, I tossed our bags into the tent and zipped it up. We could unpack after a bit of exploring.

Joining Nesta at the table, I swiped one of the completed sandwiches, ignoring her protest to wait for Elain. She was the one who refused to stop for lunch so she would just have to get the next one.

My fingers itched to start drawing the massive oak tree, its complex branches and multicolored leaves begging to be noticed and put onto paper. My stomach, however, told me it can wait.

Nesta somehow pulled Elain away from a blue flower, convincing her that it won’t disappear in the next 15 minutes.

“So, what’s first on the agenda, sis?” I asked her.

“Well it is getting a little late so I don’t want to go too far before it gets dark, but I thought we could start with one of the short trails!” Elain radiated energy, feeding off the teeming forest around us.

I smiled back at her, excited to start cataloging the world around us. We finished off the sandwiches and repacked the coolers into the car. One thing we all learned from watching TV was to not let wild animals get into a camper’s stash of food.

A quick trip into the tent had us changed into t-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes with light jackets tied to our waists. Even with Prythian warming up, the nights could still get a bit cool.

Elain consulted the map Mor gave us, confidently leading us to the first trailhead. It was only two miles long and would introduce us to the wildlife we could see in the park.

Every few hundred feet, plastic signs would pop up, listing fun facts about the park and giving an example of some of its inhabitants. Some would show a burst of color followed by the flower’s common name, scientific name and any medicinal or historical facts about it. Others would tell you how to spot an animal camouflaged in the surrounding foliage.

We all talked and joked with each other, with no tension that usually accompanied us when we got together. Nesta told us a story about an author that tried to sneak in her friends’ manuscript that turned out to be an awful rendition of Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey. By the end, all of us were in stitches and barely able to walk, clinging onto tree trunks and each other in an attempt to stay upright.

Just as the sky was glowing orange and pink, the trail delivered us back to the beginning of the campsites, all we had to do was follow the gravel road back to ours.

The smell of meat and potatoes set our stomachs growling, the sandwiches from earlier long gone from the hike and laughter.

The other campers that were out earlier had returned.

“Howdy!” one of the men shouted at us waving his arm. He looked to be in his late fifties with combed back salt and pepper hair, sporting cargo pants and a navy long sleeve to ward off any wayward cool breezes.

We all gave back nervous smiles, unsure of who our neighbors were.

“Kevin,” a voice scolded, “you can’t just yell at unsuspecting young girls.” The source of the admonishment appeared from the bushes.

“Sorry about my husband, he’s just excited to have more company,” a man apologized. He also looked to be in his fifties, a bit shorter than Mike but leaner. Dark brown skin was covered in matching cargo pants, but a faded Prythian U sweatshirt covered his torso.

“I’m Raymond, this is our third night at the park.”

We tried not to look too relieved as we shook his hand. All of us had experience taking care of ourselves but we were in the middle of a national park with the other nearest humans about 50 yards down the road.

Kevin looked appropriately sheepish as he came to greet us. “Sorry about that, I am excited to have more company. The couple that’s over there just keeps glaring at us and avoids us like the plague.” His words were playful enough but there was a deeper sadness buried in his eyes as if he was used to this sort of treatment.

“Well it’s awesome to meet you,” Elain gushed, ever the social butterfly. “I’m Elain and these are my sisters, Nesta and Feyre. We’re here in celebration of Feyre graduating!”

“Congratulations! Where from?” Raymond asked.

“Well you’re actually wearing my college right now,” I replied with a smile. There were tons of people who went to Pryth U but it was always fun to meet someone who graduated there in the past.

I fell into conversation with Ray, who insisted on using the shorter version of his name about the campus and how much it has changed from when he was there. He was an engineering major but still asked me a million questions about the art history department and why I wanted to get my masters there. Elain roped Kevin into a debate about botany and the best soil for growing tulips in. It sounded like he was also in the flower business and was here to see the blooming of Starfalls.

Nesta was never one to make easy friends and opted to start our dinner, taking over the grill next to Kevin’s. Tonight was burgers with potato chips and then s’mores for dessert that would be roasted over the campfire.

Dinner was full of lively conversation under the night sky. We were far enough away from the city’s light pollution that we were able to make out constellations that we had only read about and see the dusting of galaxies that spanned the sky.

“And that’s when the professor realized he had designed a system that looked exactly like a dick!” We burst out laughing at the end of Ray’s story from his time in college, even Nesta couldn’t keep her giggles contained at the raunchy tale.

Our cheeks were rosy from the fire that crackled happily before us, the smell of burnt marshmallow filling the air. As perfect as Nesta was at everything, it took her a few tries to get the timing and distance right for roasting.

“Sounds like I missed a hell of a tale,” the new midnight voice sent shivers down my spine.

“Ah! Rhys! I was wondering when you would show up,” Kevin greeted the newcomer. “Where are Cas and Az?”

The figure stepped into the ring of light and perched on an open stump beside Feyre. I forced myself not to freeze and stare at him. It was the same man I saw on top of the horse.

Closer up I could see how his dark hair shone blue in the firelight, no longer hidden beneath the Mountie hat he wore earlier.

He shifted his body to angle slightly towards me, catching my eyes with his. They were so blue they seemed to be an impossible violet, sparking with hidden laughter at an inside joke. “They’re right behind me,” he said without breaking eye contact with me.

I forced my eyes to drop to the page I was intermittently sketching on. I was lucky that I had started a new outline of the stream we passed on the way in instead of still having the sketch of him on his horse open. Hopefully the blush that was already on my cheeks hid the new blood that was rushing there.

“What was all that laughing about? I hope someone was making fun of Rhys,” another male voice called out as he came into view. He was tall and even more well-muscled than the man beside me but had his dark hair pulled into a low bun on the nape of his neck and his eyes glowed amber.

Rhys broke his stare at me to twist to the man, “No, I was telling them about the time you got stuck in what you thought was quicksand but turned out to be just a massive mud pit,” he shot back. The group laughed at the retort, including me while trying to shake off my embarrassment.

He pouted at the memory, “Aw com’on, you promised you would stop bringing that up.”

“Never in your dreams, brother.”

“Cas, come sit by me and have a s’more, I’m sure you thought you were right at the time,” Kevin teased, offering a marshmallow already speared on a stick. Cas threw one more sulky look at Rhys and walked over to where Kevin and Nesta were sitting. Nesta sized up the addition, bracing herself for interaction.

Cas saw her reaction, immediately forgetting his brother’s teasing. There was a new opponent to spare with. He aimed a feral grin at her, spurring her to narrow her eyes at his assessment.

A final figure, presumably Az, emerged from the dark, almost as if melting from it. He nodded a polite greeting to the group opting to stand near Ray and Elain. It took no time at all for her sister to draw him into a conversation about what all she can see at the park and if she was allowed to take any wildflower clippings home to preserve.

I turned back to my book, darkening the path the water took over, around and through the stones on the creek bed. The weight of Rhys’s gaze settled over me, making me tighten my grip on the pencil.

“You’re a good artist,” he remarked.

I smiled slightly in his direction. “I would hope so, I staked most of my career on it.”

“You do this professionally?”

“Well, I hope so someday,” I admitted, “I just graduated with a master’s in art history.”

“Really? Congrats. What’s next for you?”

He finally succeeded in pulling me away from the drawing, meeting his gaze again, looking for any sign of mockery at my chosen path. Most heard the words “art history” and assumed I would become a starving artist or elementary art school teacher.

There was no trace of judgment in his face, only open curiosity.

“In my dreams, I would open up my own studio, maybe a few galleries. For now, I’ve applied to a few museums as a curator and I have an interview with one of them next week.”

“I hope it goes well, anyone who can draw that well must know a thing or two about Picasso.”

I barked a laugh at his statement, “I can’t even begin to tell you how wrong you are,” giggling my way through the sentence. “You won’t believe the number of students I met who couldn’t tell the difference between Picasso and their own ass.”

His eyes flashed with surprise, followed by laughter rich and clear as a bell spilling from his mouth. “I can believe it, I’ve met my fair share of idiots in this world.”

“I bet, being a park ranger must set you up for a whole slew of idiots who watched one episode of Bear Grylls and thinks they can survive out here with nothing more than their wits.”

His face jokingly darkened, “Do. Not. Get. Me. Started.”

“Please, start,” my sketch was now long forgotten, pulled into his expressive voice and body. He wove the tale of a couple that thought they could go all Naked and Afraid only 20 feet off the trail, managing to get as far as cutting down a few trees to start a shelter before another camper contacted them and they were able to stop them from scarring any more people.

My cheeks hurt from the constant smiling and laughter, unable to stop myself from leaning closer to catch every detail.

By the end of his story, our knees were brushing each other every few seconds, both of us catching our breath. He paused at the end, taking the small bubble we had trapped ourselves in.

His eyes dipped to brush my lips before meeting mine again. My breath caught in my throat at the intensity of his gaze, heat blooming across my cheeks and down my neck. Our shared air was sweet with chocolate and heavy with anticipation…

A hiss startled us apart.

Across the fire, Nesta looked to be about two seconds away from slapping Cas, fury twisting her face into a knot. Cas looked like he was the cat that got the cream, lazily reclining against the stump, looking up into her wrathful face.

“And that’s our queue,” Rhys muttered under his breath. “It was wonderful to talk with you. I’ll see you around the park.”

I blinked a few times, mentally shaking myself out of the trance he put me in. “Uh, yeah sure, see you around.”

“Cas, Az,” his voice was sharp, “We need to go to the next campsite. Thank you for the s’mores and have a good evening everyone.” He pulled his brothers away, retreating into the dark. From the blackness came the sound of a sharp slap and angry words being whispered.

Everyone exchanged awkward looks at their departure. Nesta was still fuming, glaring at the direction they disappeared in. Feyre and Elain knew better that the question her on what Cas said, knowing it would only infuriate her more.

“It’s been a long day, and we have a lot of hiking tomorrow,” I broke through the tension, “I’m off to bed.” Elain and Nesta got up to join me, bidding Kevin and Raymond good night and that they’ll see them for breakfast.

Elain and I exchanged worried looks behind Nesta’s back, but it would be better to let her sleep it off. She was quick to anger but given time, could squash it back down.

We all climbed into the tent, leaving our shoes by the door. It was colder away from the fire, so we didn’t waste time layering on warmer clothes and crawling into our respective sleeping bags.

I fell asleep with purple eyes burning behind my eyelids, chasing me through my fitful dreams.

Next Chapter

[willowdrabbles]

“Better with you” 1/2

So I saw Jesse Mccartney in concert the other day, and though everything is burning hot and muggy, I started thinking of fall and all the wonderful things coming soon. So this snippit is thanks to Jesse Mccartneys “Better with you” 

She was a damn coward.

Glancing at her phone again, she bit her lip and shook her head, yanking her backpack out of the locker to put back her washing supplies. Again she glanced at her phone on the bench in the locker room, a sigh racking her body as she snatched it up and shoved it in the pocket of her shorts. 

‘Damn coward.’

There was nothing more she could think of besides texting Eagle. He had messaged her not long after they exchanged numbers at the bar, and they had a short casual conversation about meeting up again. Now she couldn’t bear to message him again. 

Terrible self loathing thoughts constantly filled her head. What if he learned about her quirks and hated them? What if they pushed the line of friends and he wasn’t attracted to her afterwards? Len had been single for so long it was terrifying to think someone might want to break that single streak. He seemed so eager to spend time with her, what if she disappointed him? It would break her heart. 

It would hurt less if she broke her own heart first. 

Len slammed the locker closed and marched out, nodding to the only employee, the only soul, in the gym as she made her way out. Her favorite part of working out at dinner time was the lack of people. 

At least inside. Outside there was still plenty of people roaming the streets, enjoying the night air as it was slowly starting to turn crisp. She took in the beautiful sight of the stars and sucked in a deep breath. Fall was just about here, her favorite time of year. Halloween decor was in stores, leaves were very slowly turning. Soon it would be time for sweaters and spook houses, not long after that would be ice skating and snow. 

Speaking of, though the night wasn’t necessarily cold yet, the air nipped at her arms and legs. The telling sign of the season change. Normally she was perfectly content in a tank top and shorts after the gym and a shower. Not so much tonight. 

Tucking her arms around her she began the long walk home, dead set on not taking the subway for as long as possible. Alternatively, she decided to take the scenic route by the park this time. Cold as she may be, She wouldn’t miss a single evening of her favorite season. 

Though her apartment was far, the nearest park was not. And to her absolute delight, the park entrance was illuminated with gold and orange. As she got closer her joy grew as she noticed the park entrance was now appropriately decorated in fall designs, straw sprinkled and wrapped everywhere. The wonderful scent of sunflowers and damp hay filling the air. Once in front of the entrance she stopped, a smile spreading on her face as she read the plastic sign strung up across the entrance labeled “pumpkin patch and corn maze”.

“Awesome!” She sighed to herself, taking in the soft bulked lights dangling in crossed lines across the sky, from trees to light poles, just enough light to illuminate the entrance, and faded away as a wall of corn in the back covered the beginning of the maze.

A loud snarl and a heavily toothed face covered in blood and slime suddenly filled her vision, and Len jumped back while letting out a small squeak. Her back slammed into something warm and firm. 

“Ahahaha! Would you two like to purchase tickets to our maze?” the man in the mask chuckled darkly with a fake gurgle in his voice. Len tilted her head back as a hand rested on her shoulder. 

‘Oh for fu-’

“Yes two please.” Eagle said with a smirk down at her, passing the masked man a few bills. 

“Wait I-” Len feebly protested as she was ushered into the small pumpkin patch area, Eagle gently guided her through the aisles of orange squashes, big and small round and oval, until they came to the hole in the wall of corn that marked the beginning of the maze. 

“You didn’t have to-” Len trailed off, rubbing her arms as she eyes the creepy maze entrance, fake spiderwebs dangled from the corn, but more than that, looking in the direction the corn maze went, it grew to pitch black. A few flickers of light, most likely for distraction, but it was dark. Her body hummed in excitement.

“Your eyes were giving off fireworks.” Eagle chuckled. “Besides I... well I haven’t seen you in a while. I was glad to run into you... And find out you like this sort of thing.”

“Oh I love them!” Len beamed, her fists coming to her chest and shaking. “I love the thrill of being scared, I love horror movies and mazes and oh gods everything halloween!” She turned her grin on him, but it faltered when she saw his expression. 

“You.... Do you not like this stuff?” Her smile turned slightly wicked as a blush crossed his cheeks. he awkwardly laughed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“I-It’s not that I don’t like it! It’s... I’m... Well I don’t hate them or dislike spooky stuff... I just...” Eagle sputtered to phrase what he wanted and Len let out a small giggle. Forgetting completely her reservations the past few weeks she slipped her hand into his and gave his warm palm a squeeze.

 “Don’t worry I’ll take point.” She promised, slightly tugging him inside. “Oh wait...” Eagle stopped, and she felt slightly disappointed as he pulled his hand from hers. Was he going to back out entirely?Nope nope nope, all the worse, Eagle slipped his jacket off his shoulders, and Len felt her mouth go dry at the sight of his fitted t-shirt. She had felt his muscles a little bit when they danced together, but the shirt did things for her eyes. Clinging to his shoulders and biceps, the gray cotton accented that he definitely took his physical health seriously. And the way the cloth hugged his pecks, leaving just enough slack to not be tight against his abs which if she pictured-

‘By the gods stop oogling him like a parched dog!’ Her face burned as she slightly turned her head, trying to hide her expression in the shadows as he stepped closer to drape his jacket over her shoulders. The small action caused a waft of air to bring his smell with it and her mouth went from bone dry to almost drooling. He smelled like newspaper and like a fresh car engine, just.... utter man smell  and it was completely her thing. Slipping her arms easily through the sleeves of the jacket, she felt butterflies as she felt the waterproof fabric tickle the backs of her thighs even with the backpack still settled underneath.

Eagle quickly slipped his hand back into hers as soon as her hands were free and he gave her a small smile “Lead the way little miss.”

[agentmarymargaretskitz]

Roommates AU: It was a Mash

The belated Halloween fic for the Roommates verse that @incendiaglacies and I have which she has been so patient with me about.

AO3

              Gideon blinked a few times as the contact lens slipped into place. Felicity had made sure she knew how to this a week ago with personal instruction instead of relying on a YouTube tutorial. Despite having practiced a few times, it still felt strange to be putting something right on her eye. Glancing up in the mirror, she shuddered a little at the bright green irises of her reflection. Creepy as it was, the contacts were what she needed to sell her Halloween costume.

“Wow.”

Gideon turned around to see Felicity, already decked out as Daenerys Targaryen, standing in the hallway. “You like it?”

“Yeah,” her friend nodded. “I knew what you were going for, but it’s a little freaky.”

“I’m sorry to frighten you,” Gideon replied, tilting her head as robotically as she could.

Felicity shuddered. “Now it’s freakier.”

“Perfect.”

              The two walked out to the living room where the others were waiting for them. Caitlin was sitting on the couch, Schrodinger purring and stretched across her lap. Cisco was perched on the other end of the couch, trying not to look at Lily. Gideon didn’t blame him for that. This year, her friend had decided to dress up as Medusa and looked about as terrifying as the mythological woman herself.

“You’re definitely going to scare someone with that,” Gideon told her as she walked past her.

“This is not the scariest thing someone could see tonight.”

“It’s up there though,” Felicity told her. “You actually look scarier than Gideon.”

Caitlin shook her head. “Gideon doesn’t look very scary. It’s just the contacts that are unnerving.”

“They are,” Lily agreed.

“I just appreciate that Caitlin, Felicity, and myself are not out to terrify the children tonight,” Cisco chimed in, crossing his hands over his puffy vest.

“Halloween is allowed to be spooky,” Lily defended. “I might have gone sweet last year, but this year I will not let you guilt me about being scary.”

“I already got my scary in last year,” Caitlin shuddered, smoothing out the blue gingham material of her dress. “I thought I was going to have to walk around with white hair until it grew out. Plus, I can bring Schrodinger with me.”

“You can’t bring animals to the museum,” Gideon told her. “Sorry, Caitlin. I already told Felicity she couldn’t put him in the dragon costume.”

Caitlin’s face fell. Schrodinger batted a paw at the basket next to Caitlin as Felicity patted her shoulder. “Dorothy had a dog anyways, not a cat. And he was all black, not black and white.”

“Well, this Dorothy will have a cat until she has to leave,” Caitlin cooed, lifting the cat up to place in her basket. “How long until Rip and Jonas come over?”

A knock on the door answered her question, and Gideon got up to answer it. “Come in.”

“Hi, Gideon,” Jonas chirped as he bounded in wearing red and gold plastic armor, followed by Rip wearing a suit.

“Hey, Iron Man,” Gideon smiled down at him as Jonas lifted the mask. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Yeah. Oh, and thanks for letting us come to the museum tonight!”

Rip smiled. “He’s excited. It’s all he’s talked about this week.”

“Well, everyone’s happy to be putting it on,” Gideon replied. “And what are you supposed to be?”

“The secret agent accompanying Iron Man,” Rip told her. “How about you? And what did you do to your eyes?”

“A Synth, and they’re just contacts.”

“She went on a binge watch of Humans a while ago,” Felicity told him.

“It was a rewatch, Felicity.”

“I haven’t watched that in a while,” Rip remarked.

“Well, I bet Gideon wouldn’t mind watching it with you-hey!” Cisco winced as Caitlin stood up and stepped on his foot.

“And the rest of you…” Rip looked at the other occupants of the apartment. “Dorothy, Marty McFly, the one lady with the dragons, and…Medusa.”

“Daenerys Targaryen,” Felicity corrected as she stood up. “Are we ready to head out? Ray and Oliver are going to be meeting us there.”

“Great,” Caitlin let Schrodinger out of the basket. “We’ll be home too, kitty.”

Schrodinger meowed and made a beeline for Felicity’s room as the girls, Cisco, Rip, and Jonas left the apartment. The museum Gideon worked at was having a Halloween event on the weekend open to the public. Gideon had to work a few shifts and managed to talk the others into going. There would be kids’ activities for Jonas to do and things that would keep the adults interested. Plus, the entry fees were going to help fund a new exhibit angled around STEM for kids, so it would be worth it.

              On the way down in the elevator, they stopped at the floor beneath theirs. The doors opened to reveal a mother and her son, who was dressed as Spider-Man. He looked nervously at Gideon but let out a scream when he saw Lily’s snake-filled hair and makeup. The mother pushed him behind her back, sending a murderous look at Lily. Felicity quickly shot out her hand and pressed the button to close the doors.

“Well, you’re definitely scary,” Cisco remarked to her as they kept going down.

“Thanks,” Lily nodded slowly, but looked less happy than she had a moment before the doors had opened.

~

              When they all arrived at the museum, Ray and Oliver were waiting outside the front entrance for them. Ray was wearing a sort of toga, a necklace of shells, and had a trident in his hand. Felicity smiled happily when she saw Lily relax, glad that she had told Ray about her costume a few days ago and suggested he find away to coordinate. Then her eyes turned to her boyfriend, who was dressed in a suit and bow tie. He looked extremely dapper and more like he was going to the red carpet than a museum event.

Felicity lifted the hem of her dress a little to hurry up the last set of stairs to him. “Hey, you.”

“Hey,” Oliver grinned and kissed her. “You look amazing, Mother of Dragons.”

Felicity smiled, glad the plush dragon she’d attached to her shoulder was staying in place. “Thanks. You do too as…”

“Bond, James Bond,” Oliver replied in a British accent. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“No problem. You’re part of the friend circle now that you’re dating me.”

“Hey, Oliver,” Cisco waved from beside Caitlin. “Nice to see you again.”

“Indeed,” Gideon nodded as they all walked together inside. “I have to go and work the trivia booth, but I’ll try to meet up with the rest of you later. Have fun, guys.”

She took off in another direction as the group admired the museum. All of them had been in there at least once before, but not during Halloween. Huge spiderwebs were strung up in the corners and high up in pillars. Orange pumpkin-shaped lights were positioned all over. A fog machine was spilling out smoke that created a spooky vibe in the place. It was spooky, but not spooky enough to scare any of the little kids too badly.

“Wow,” Ray exhaled as they all took maps of the booths offered for the Halloween event. “This is awesome.”

“Daddy, look! I can put a skeleton together!”

With that, Jonas was running off with Rip on his heels. Cisco slipped off towards a table about the history of Halloween films while Caitlin headed to the bathroom. Ray and Lily ended up following Rip, curious to get a good look of what else the event had to offer. Felicity and Oliver were the last two left, both still unsure of where to go first.

“Want to just walk around and see what’s fun?” she asked him after they’d been standing there for a few moments.

“Sure,” Oliver smiled down at her as they started walking. “This is a lot different from last year’s Halloween.”

“Well, we are still having a party for Cisco after work on his birthday,” Felicity told him. “And you’re welcome to come along. After all, you’re officially part of the friend group.”

“And to think last year I’d only met you a few times,” Oliver said.

“Now we’re dating,” Felicity stepped around a boy wearing a horse head. “Did you expect that when we first met when I came into Verdant to get Caitlin’s earrings back?”

“I wasn’t sure I’d see you again,” Oliver admitted. “Caitlin was already pretty mortified by the time Rip brought her home. I figured she’d never go back again and you’d stick with her on that.”

Felicity chuckled. “That was a bad night for them. They decided to take all those years they didn’t party in college and put it as much of it into that night. Caitlin wanted to distract Lily from ever finding out I had been set up on a date with Ray, which neither of us really wanted to go on but coworkers happened.”

Oliver looked relieved. “Well, if it wasn’t for her, then I would never have met and fallen in love with my girlfriend.”

She stopped in front of a station with a dartboard covered in balloons. Felicity had to replay the conversation over in her head twice. She and Oliver had been going out for a while, but he hadn’t used the ‘l’ word yet. For a while, Felicity knew she loved Oliver, but she wasn’t sure he was ready to hear it.

“Did you just say you loved me?” she asked as they each picked up three darts handed to them by the lady working the booth.

“I did.” He threw one of the darts at the board. A balloon in the dead center of the board popped.

“You love me?”

Another dart popped the balloon next to the first. “I do.”

Felicity smiled. “I love you too, Oliver.”

Oliver’s final dart hit a third balloon right below the second. Felicity set her darts down and kissed him as long as she could.

“Happy Halloween, Oliver.”

“Happy Halloween, Felicity.”

~

Nate was smirking at her again, and Gideon had finally had it. “What’s so funny?”

“You seem eager to get out of this,” he told her.

“No, I’m not,” she denied as she passed the pint-sized Peter Pan his prize for completing the trivia game she was monitoring. “I’m just seeing how much time I’ve been here for.”

“Uh huh,” Nate nodded. “Gideon, I know that look. You want to go see someone.”

Gideon flashed him a glare. “That’s preposterous, Nathaniel.”

“Now you’re getting extra British. Definitely a sign that you brought a date.”

“You all are so certain that I’m British,” she said in an Australian accent. “And it’s not a date. I just came here with my friends and my neighbor and his kid.”

“That kid who you once brought in because you were watching him and his dad was busy, right? Not a lot of people would do that. Is he the one you like?”

Gideon didn’t say anything.

“It is, isn’t it?” Nate sounded overjoyed. “Aw, Gideon, that’s great. Look, how about you take off early? You’ve only got three more minutes anyway. That’s nothing.”

“No, Nathaniel, it’s fine,” Gideon tried to assure him. “You don’t-”

“Nope,” Nate shook his head. “You work hard enough the rest of the year. Now go have some Halloween fun. I can finish up the shift. Go find that guy, Gideon.”

As annoying as Nate could be, he could have his moments of pure kindness. Gideon grinned at him and walked out from behind the trivia booth. “Thank you, Nathaniel. I’ll see you later.”

              It took a little while to track down Rip in the throng of parents and children in the museum. She ran into Oliver and Felicity, thankful she wasn’t interrupting a moment, and managed to find out where Rip and Jonas had last been seen. Finally, she found them in the main atrium of the museum where Jonas was being unwrapped from toilet paper by a little Moana under the watchful eye of Rip and one of Gideon’s coworkers. Ray and Lily were nearby, chatting away about plans for Cisco’s birthday party in a few days.

Rip was the first one to notice her. “Gideon, you’re off work?”

“Three minutes early,” Gideon shrugged. “Nate convinced me to take off early to enjoy some time with the people I brought here.”

Lily overheard that and winked at her. Gideon decided to ignore her as Jonas came over, now free of toilet paper.

“Gideon, you’re back!” he cheered, hugging her legs. “We didn’t get to see your booth.”

“Well, I’m sure your dad will still take you to the trivia booth,” Gideon told him. “I’m glad to see that you’re having fun here.”

“It’s all fantastic,” Rip told her. “You’ve helped create something for the people who live in the city and are promoting the museum at the same time.”

Gideon grinned. Ever since the custody battle over Jonas had ended, both father and son had seemed much happier. “I’ll have to tell everyone else that. This has been such a success that I’m hoping we have a repeat next year.”

Over to the Latin America wing, there was a stand with colored lighting shining up at the ceiling and a DJ working music. A few adults were dancing together in the space of the atrium. There were also some other children dancing or weaving through the adults. Gideon found herself starting to sway back and forth to the music a little. She didn’t notice Rip start smiling at her.

“Daddy?” Jonas asked. “Are you going to dance with Gideon?”

Gideon jolted in place a little as Rip looked down at his son. “Jonas?”

“Gideon’s dancing alone,” Jonas pointed out. “I’m too short to dance with her. She’s closer to your height than mine.”

“Well, you might be her height in a few years,” Rip teased.

Gideon rolled her eyes. “Yes, I know I’m short. But that just means I’m more down to earth.”

Lily laughed while Ray cracked a big smile. “Hey, you two can go dance for a little while. We can watch Jonas for you.”

Rip looked over at Gideon. “Well, if Gideon wants to…”

“I mean, if you want to.”

“Oh, just go,” Lily scooted Gideon closer to Rip. “At least for one song.”

Rip looked over at Gideon and extended a hand. She smiled and took it, letting him lead the both of them out to the middle of atrium.

“I haven’t done a lot of dancing before,” Gideon told him. The last time she’d ever done this was a ballroom dance class offered in college, which had been miserable with a six-foot three partner who had two left feet.

“It’s been a while for me,” Rip admitted. “But I can still remember the steps enough. Just follow my lead.”

“Yes, sir, Agent Hunter,” Gideon smirked as she mirrored him.

Rip shook his head. “Last year, it was Captain Hunter. This year, it’s Agent Hunter. Are you going to have a title for me very Halloween, Gideon?”

“Perhaps,” Gideon shrugged before he spun her around. “It all depends on what you’re wearing next year.”

She was going to have to find a way to thank Jonas for this. If he ever wanted a birthday party here, she could pull the strings to make it happen.

~

“Daddy and Gideon are good at dancing,” Jonas said when he looked up from the pumpkin he was painting. “Maybe he can teach me how to dance.”

“I’m sure he could,” Lily said. “And Cisco knows some really good dance moves too. You’d be the hit of the party with them.”

“Yeah, I want to know how to dance with Sara,” Jonas sighed.

“Sara Lance?” Ray frowned, twirling his foam trident. “I think she’s a little old for you, buddy.”

“No, Sara Diggle,” Jonas smiled before picking up another paintbrush. “We can’t go to school dances until middle school, but when we get there, I want to ask her to a dance. Sara’s the fastest girl in my class. She’s really smart and funny and she sits next to me at lunch.”

Lily put her hands over her heart. “That’s so sweet, Jonas! She sounds really great.”

“Thanks, Lily!”

Ray smiled at her before a round of shrieks came from behind them. She and Lily whirled around to see a cluster of children shielding their eyes.

“It’s Medusa!” a princess cried out. “Don’t look at her!”

“You’ll turn to stone!” an astronaut added.

“Run away!”

The kids took off in another direction. Lily’s shoulders sunk down and she stared at her sandals. This costume has been a horrible idea. All night long, kids had been covering their eyes to avoid looking at her and running off screaming. She’d had at least three mothers approach her and tell her off for choosing such a horrible costume. It had brought her spirit down quite a bit.

“Don’t listen to them, Lily,” Ray told her. “It’s not like you’re actually Medusa.”

“I might as well be with the way I’m scaring all the children,” she sighed. “I just wanted to do something scary for once, and I went too far. I’m terrifying people.”

Ray shook his head. “You haven’t terrified me.”

“Well, you actually know me, Ray. But even the rest of the girls were freaked out at first.”

“That didn’t change how they thought of you though. They still see you as Lily, their brilliant and creative roommate.”

Lily’s lips turned upwards a little bit. “Thanks, Ray. And despite all the crappy things Poseidon did in Greek mythology, I’m glad we’re kind of a matching set again.”

“Yeah, about that…” Ray scratched the back of his head. “This is the first time I purposefully coordinated with you.”

“What?”

“Felicity talked with me a few days ago and might have told me who you were going as. She also decided to mention that I try to find a way to match with you in the event of your costume not getting well received.”

“Okay,” Lily nodded. “So this is the one year you matched with me and meant to do it? Every other year-”

“Pure serendipity,” Ray told her. “But I’ve always been happy to come over and see that we coordinated with each other somehow.”

“Same,” Lily looked back at Rip and Gideon dancing. “They look happy out there.”

“Yeah,” Ray murmured, following her gaze. “They really do.”

Lily straightened back up. “So, have you gotten Cisco’s present finished yet?”

“Almost. Can you meet me tomorrow at Palmer Tech to help work out the last few bugs?”

“Absolutely. And I’ll bring Jitters.”

~

              Caitlin had lost track of Cisco for a while after they arrived at the museum. All of them in their group had splintered off at various points during the night. However, she’d spotted Felicity and Oliver sticking close together for most of the night. Not to mention that she’d caught Rip and Gideon dancing together while Lily and Ray kept an eye on Jonas. Only now did Caitlin realize she hadn’t seen Cisco in a while and began to look for him.

It took some time before Caitlin was finally able to pick out his orange puffy vest on the second floor. She made her way over to him and leaned on the banister beside him. For a while, they watched the crowd below, picking out Rip dancing with Gideon.

“Everything okay?” she asked as Cisco turned towards her.

He nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. You?”

“I’m great,” Caitlin smiled. “I lost track of you for a while.”

“We all branched off. Don’t worry about it.”

He might have been fine about everyone separating over the course off the night, but there was still something wrong with Cisco. Caitlin knew all too well about hiding things that were bothering her. It had started after her father died and peaked when she was with Hunter. Right now, Cisco needed to know that she was someone he could trust with whatever was bothering him, and that she would take the appropriate steps to deal with the information. That was what Lily had told her that night when Caitlin hadn’t been able to get on her jacket soon enough.

“Something’s bothering you,” she said. “Cisco, you can tell me anything, no matter what. You know that, right?”

“Yeah,” he sighed. “But it’s going to sound really stupid.”

“Then we’ll go somewhere private,” Caitlin told him, taking him by the hand and leading him around the corner where no guests were milling about.

“You can’t tell anyone about this.”

“I swear not to,” Caitlin vowed. “Now, what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing wrong,” Cisco explained, pushing his hair back. “You know that puzzle box that I got from the renaissance faire a while ago?”

“You got as a stress relief thing,” Caitlin smiled at the memory.

He nodded. “It’s been sitting next to the television lately with the Stargate model lately. A few days ago, I got home from work and decided to mess around with the box while waiting for Barry to come home. So I decided to solve it and then put it back together. But when I finished the last step to open it, a ring fell out.”

Caitlin’s jaw dropped. “Like an engagement ring?”

“Exactly. And then I remembered that Barry was fiddling with it the other day. Only one of us is dating someone seriously right now, and based on the evidence, it can only mean one thing.”

“Barry’s going to propose to Iris soon,” Caitlin smiled happily. “Good for him.”

“Yeah,” Cisco agreed, but he still looked sad. “I’m happy for him. Except it means that I’m going to lose a roommate and I’ll be on my own. Which is fine, I can make rent and everything. But I always hoped I’d have found someone like that by now.”

“Oh, Cisco,” Caitlin put her arm around his shoulder and hugged him sideways for a moment. “You’ll find someone.”

“What if I don’t? Look down there! Felicity’s found Oliver. Sooner or later, Gideon and Lily will realize they’ve met their soulmates. And me? I don’t know if I’ll ever find someone like that.”

“I know you will.”

“And if I don’t.”

“Well, I think you will,” Caitlin twisted a braid. “Tell you what, if ten years pass and both of us are still single, how about you and I give it a shot?”

Cisco looked at her. “Are you for real?”

Caitlin nodded. “You’re not the only single person in doubt they’ll find love. Besides, ten years is plenty of time to still have hope for both of us.”

“Yeah,” Cisco chuckled. “I mean, ten years. Oliver and Felicity will definitely have tied the knot by then.”

“Not to mention Ray and Lily.”

“And of course, Rip and Gideon. Leaving us.”

“Yup,” Caitlin nodded. “But if we don’t find anyone else, if in ten years we don’t find our soulmates, then I’d be happy to spend my life with you.”

Cisco’s smile spread slowly across his face and gave Caitlin a warm feeling. “I would too. Shall we shake on it?”

Caitlin pulled her arm off his shoulder so she could shake his hand. “Ten years.”

“Ten years,” he repeated. “Thanks for listening to me, Caitlin.”

“You’re my friend, Cisco. I’m always going to be there for you.”

Cisco shrugged his shoulders, as if pushing off the weight of knowing his roommate would be moving out soon. “Want to go rejoin the crowd? There’s a contest to see how many lollipops are in a jar that I think I might be able to win.”

“Not if I win it,” Caitlin teased as they walked back to the festivities. “But if I do, then I promise to share.”

~

              Half an hour later, the nine were making their way out of the museum. Oliver had his arm around Felicity’s shoulder as she asked where he’d gotten so good at darts. Ray was twirling his trident as Lily walked next to him and set a reminder on her phone to meet Ray to finish Cisco’s gift. Rip was staying back with Jonas, the little boy tired from all the fun he’d had tonight. Gideon stuck with them, talking to Jonas to make sure he remained awake. Cisco and Caitlin each had a lollipop in their mouth, ones that Jonas had given them after winning the lollipop contest.

“So is the museum going to do this next year?” Ray asked Gideon as they approached their cars.

Gideon shrugged. “I don’t know yet. Maybe we’ll go next year if things work out.”

“I wouldn’t mind going back,” Felicity told her. “It was a good night.”

“Yeah,” Caitlin agreed as she looked over at Cisco. “It really was.”

[wichmann75sullivan]

hermes pochette kelly 23

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[tyrone13n340064-blog]

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