#just one house that gave out full sized candy bars

[rararasputins-dick-mind-control]

i fucking.hate july. Why am i listening to vintage autumn music its not even fucking augusy.

[cardierreh15]

Double Stuffed

Oreo’s aren’t the only thing that are double stuffed around these parts 😌 enjoy

***I do not give anyone permission or my consent to repost, translate or copy my work!

Warnings 18+: 3️⃣ sum, Cursing , Voyuerism , Oral Sex (Male Receiving) , Nipple Stimulation , Squirting , Facial , Penetration (Vaginal 🤟🏾) PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

Pairings: Gus March-Phillips(Henry Cavill) x Black!Plus Size Female(Regina) x Anders Lassen(Alan Ritchson)

Special Guest: Betty 💕 @augustsprincess

Description: Regina has the time of her life!

Word Count: 3.8K

‘Oh girl c’mon it’ll be fun!’ Betty exclaimed as she tugged Regina’s hands, pulling her in the direction of the pub that was booming with country music, soldiers in uniform lingering about.

‘Betty!’ She snatched her hand away, watching Betty stumble before once again gaining her footing. ‘Girl, my daddy is in the service! What if someone saw me in there!’ She whined out.

Her small friend pursed her lips together hard, dusting off her polka dotted dress in frustration and running her slender fingers through her freshly done candy curls.

‘Your daddy-‘ she said the words with bitterness. ‘Ain’t here.’ She let out a loud sigh and placed her hands on her hips, ‘Look. I know you’ve been under the weather since the death of your fiancé and—‘

‘Oooh—‘ Regina rolled her eyes, interrupting Betty. She let out a humorless scoff, ‘is this what this shit is about?! Getting me out of the house?!’

Betty gave her a look in bewilderment, glancing to the side with her hands remaining on her hips, ‘Uh yeah? Listen, let’s just treat it as a girl’s night?’ She walked up to her friend and draped her arm across her shoulders. ‘Look at these tall, delicious specimens huh?’ She waved her free hand slowly in the air. ‘Sure you could take one home!’

She was challenging her.

Regina glanced over at her friend and clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, ‘Oh Betty, I don’t know. This is a bar full of… crazy, nut jobs … pent up from rage, exhaustion, … lust.’

‘Mmmhmm?’ Betty egged on with an encouraging nod.

‘M-maybe we should—‘

‘That’s my girl!’ Betty exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air before clasping them together happily. ‘See I knew you couldn’t stand a chance! Come on!’ Betty snatched up her friend’s hand and led the way towards the stairs. ‘I promise if you feel unsafe or it just gets too wild in here— we’ll leave!’

‘Mmph, say you swear.’ Regina retorted, stopping the both of them in their tracks. Her pretty brown eyes glistened beneath the pretty bulbs that hung above them.

‘Cross my heart,’ Betty turned halfway and drew an ‘X’ over her chest, ‘Hope to die. Now. Can we go inside?’ She jerked her head towards the door.

Her stoic glare instantly shifted into something lighter, her grin spread across her face, ‘OK fine let’s go.’

The two women walked inside of the bar, hand in hand. The place was only lit by some old lamps that were screwed into the walls, and one old rusted chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Honestly, if it weren’t for that old thing, you’d have to squint to look at folks.

‘Wow! Look at this place!’ Betty beamed as she placed her hand over cleavage. ‘It’s amazing.’

Regina’s brows tugged into one, ‘Are we looking at the same place?’

‘Oh Regina, don't be so judgemental! Look at all this … man meat.’ Betty giggled and glanced over at the bar. ‘Let’s go get a drink in ya? Help you… mellow out a lil bit.’

Without an ounce of warning, Betty led the way towards the bar.

It wasn’t until their stroll when whistles began to fill the air. Mumbling and cat calling could be heard throughout the loud hymns of the music.

Both of the women were beautiful in their own right. Betty was blonde, with perfect porcelain skin. She had a slender figure but the waist of her dress seemed to emphasize the curves in her hips and the one on her rump.

Regina had skin that was brown as terracotta. Glowing like bronze when in the path of the sun. Her hair was dark as the shadows of night, patterned with tight curls and coils that cascaded down her back. She wore a black velvet bodycon dress that also enhanced her curves, dimples and hip dips.

When they made it to the bar, the barkeeper seemed to be startled for a second.

‘Ladies—‘ he stammered and quickly placed the rag and glass down upon the bar top. ‘Aren’t you two beauties a sight for sore eyes,’ he spoke in a heavy accent. And by the knot in his bottom lip, his tobacco was the reason for his twang. ‘What can I do you for?’

Betty gave him a charming grin, batting her thick dark lashes. She was bashful and convivial by nature. ‘Hi there. Can you pour me and my friend somethinggg… pungent? Thank you.’

Regina snapped her head over at her friend, glaring at her with eyes of astonishment. ‘Betty!’ She hissed, quickly snatching her wrist up in her palm.

‘Whaaat?’

‘Pungent? Really? I would like to know how we get home, please.’ She muttered.

‘Oh please stop being dramatic! What’s the point of coming out tonight if we can’t make the best of it? Relax.’

Finally tearing her eyes away, Regina looked to her right to scope out the room. Men of all colors and sizes were either looking in their direction, laughing and gambling or drinking til their hearts were content.

This really didn’t feel like a safe place at all.

When the barkeeper brought their drinks back, Betty pulled up her small clutch, ‘How much do I owe you sir?’

‘Nothing at all ma’am.’ He said, raising his hand. ‘The gentleman over there is willing to pay for your tab.’

Both of the women looked back at the mysterious male, whose bright blue eyes spoke before his lips did. He sported a thick mustache over his lips with his dark hair combed back to perfection. He stood to his feet, adjusting his brown slacks around his hips. His coat was decorated in pretty devices and ribbons. Some big hot shot.

He looked like he wanted to snap her in half. She was small enough to make that accomplishment.

‘Oooh. Regina?’

‘Yeah?’ Regina said as she stared at the handsome hunk of man that approached them.

‘I think you might have to busy yourself for the rest of the night.’ Betty quickly scooted off the wooden bar stool and knocked back her freshly poured whiskey. And in no time, the gentleman was towering over little Betty like a skyscraper.

Regina gasped, ‘Betty—‘

‘Miss?’ The barkeeper interrupted.

She snapped her head over at him at his call.

‘It appears you have secret admirers of your own.’

Her thick brows pulled into one as she sat up straight. ‘M-me?’ Plural? ‘Admirers? Who?’

The barkeeper glanced over to the corner of the room.

Her anxious eyes followed his gaze to the far right corner of the room. There sat two freakishly large men beneath a flickering yellow light.

One donned a large beard with a curled and dramatic mustache. His hair was curly and pushed back except one strand that dangled against his forehead.

The other had a clean shaven face with dirty blonde combed back hair. A set of round lenses sat on the bridge of his nose.

If their gaze had been daggers, she’d be dead.

‘Both. Of them?’ Regina hushed out.

‘You see em both lookin’ don’t cha?’

She swallowed her spit so hard she thought there was a lump there. She looked over at Betty who was getting more than acquainted with her new beau. Giggling and smiling like brand new love birds. Their whispers and flirts couldn’t be heard over the music.

‘Betty? There’s two! What do I do!?’ She was quite the neophyte when it came to things like this. Often men, one at a time, had courted her but two?! What would she do with two of them?!

Well, she would soon find out that she could do a lot more with two than she could do with just one.

Her friend looked over at her and gave her a wink.

Before she could coax an answer out of Betty, she felt the heavy warmth of their presence standing behind her.

Betty let out an excited giggle as her attractive stranger nibbled on her exposed neck.

Regina’s back stiffened with her legs crossed, unknowingly arching and causing her rump to stick out beneath her.

‘Excuse our intrusion Miss… but it would be great pleasure if you accepted our invitation to join us in our room this evening.’

The English accent was thick yet, blended with pure charm. His voice settled and nestled in the crevices in her brain.

She swallowed hard once again and lifted her shaky hand to scoop up the whiskey glass. Pressing it to her lips, she thought for a second.

If she took a sip of this drink, there was no going back! Ain’t no telling what these two strangers planned on doing to her once they were behind closed doors.

But perhaps, maybe this is what she needed. Her late fiancé had been gone for 1 year now and she couldn’t hang on to that forever. During her stage of grieving, she’d worked tirelessly to keep herself busy.

She deserved it!

Even if it meant getting torn to shreds by these two … delicious specimens.

Regina smirked at the barkeeper and knocked back the whiskey that burned her stomach profusely. She blinked hard before swallowing down the pain and courageously spun in her stool.

When her eyes had finally met theirs, she felt a pang in her chest. By the Heavens! Bless their mothers for carrying such prodigious of boys.

‘Oh!’ She placed her hand bosom. ‘My— you are big men.’

A smile curled up on their lips before they looked at one another knowingly.

‘Do you accept our offer, Miss?’ The blonde one spoke up. His accent was much different from the original one she’d heard.

She looked over at Betty who was now sporting her beau’s service cap and locking lips with him.

Well, Betty was having the time of her life. What kind of person would she be if she took their free drink and left?

What would your daddy say?

Fuck your daddy.

You deserve this, Regina. Go have fun.

Uncrossing her legs, she carefully slid off of the chair and adjusted her dress at the thighs. ‘I accept.’

They grinned in sync, showing off their darling smiles. It caused a knot to tie in her gut. By God they had to be angels sent from up above.

They turned as they both lended her their arms for her to grasp. Heat bloomed in her cheeks and her neck as she reached out to grab their biceps.

‘Oh my—‘ she giggled as she squeezed them both. ‘Such strong men I got! I’m a lucky girl.’ Regina purred as she looked up at the bearded one. ‘Shall we?’

‘We shall.’

***

They stared down at her with a desire only men in this time could only have.

Regina gripped the silk sheets in her sweaty fists as their studious glares began to roam her curvaceous body. Starting from her pink painted toes, her thick thighs, her hips and tummy, her breasts and finally… her pretty round, chunky face.

The woman felt like she was under a damn microscopic lense with how they were staring at her. Her thigh bounced vigorously. She couldn’t tell if they wanted to eat her or dissect her. Regardless, it scared the shit out of her.

‘Lassen?’ The fellow with the beard said softly.

‘Yes sir?’

Sir? Did these two work with one another?

‘You may start.’

‘Wait— wait…’ Regina called out first as the bearded one walked towards the floral embroidered chair and shrugged off his coat. ‘Could I know your names? I mean— I would like to know who I’m letting into my lady bits.’ She said humorously.

The one known as Lassen looked back at his comrade. And they gave one another a firm nod in approval.

‘My name is Anders Lassen and this is Gus March-Phillips. What is your name lovely?’

Anders and Gus. Should be able to remember that.

‘My name is Regina Carson…’

‘Mmm. Very pretty name, for a very pretty woman.’ Gus said as he began to unbutton his dress shirt.

An enamored grin curled up on her lips as her tongue gently grazed her pretty smile.

Her eyes then darted up to meet Anders as he pushed off his suspenders and pulled his tucked shirt from inside of his trousers. He then pulled the fitted shirt over his head and dropped it to the side of the bed.

Good lord, he had the body of a God. Muscles ripped and tight. Her mouth went to salivating almost immediately.

Grabbing her hand, he lifted her up to her feet and brought her body flush against his. He lifted her chin, bringing her lips up to meet his in a kiss.

Regina’s eyes fluttered closed as she purred at the welcoming warmth of his lips. At first, it was just him testing the waters but she quickly fell into place; opening her mouth allowing him to invade as he pleased.

Anders snaked his hands behind her, finding the fine zipper and dragging it down.

Suddenly, she felt the warmth of another set of lips on the nape of her neck. Regina tore her lips away from Anders as he began to help her out the sleeves of her dress. Her head lulled back against Gus’ shoulder before he brought her mouth into a kiss next. And just like Anders, she opened her mouth nice and wide for him.

His beard and mustache tickled her lips and cheeks.

Before she knew it, the three of them were fully nude.

The both of them stroked at their members; aching to feel how warm she was from the inside out. But first…

Gus carefully forced Regina to her knees before them. Her eyes grew in slight shock at the size of their members. Both uncut, veiny and hard enough to slice through bricks.

‘You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, sweetheart.’ Gus said as his fingertips caressed her cheek softly before pushing her thick hair behind her ear.

‘No. I wanna.’ She shuddered out before sitting up on her knees, wrapping her hand around Anders cock and her lips around Gus.

Both of the men let out a pleasant groan in unison as she massaged one and sucked the other.

Careful not to show one too much attention though, she alternated and began to suck Anders off while stroking Gus. Anders’ knees buckled as she began to throat him just the same as she did with Gus.

‘Ugh, fuck.’

‘Just like that.’

The boys groaned at her teasing. She did everything she could to please them. Tightening up her lips, gagging against their cocks when they touched the back of her throat, squeezing and massaging their balls delicately. At her rate, they both would be making a mess of her in no time!

‘Stop.’ Gus grunted as he carefully pulled his hips away from her warm mouth. He shuddered before letting out a sigh. ‘Anymore of that and I’ll explode. Up.’

At his command, she placed her hand in his as she stood to her feet. ‘Anders… you first. I’d like to watch.’

‘As you wish.’ Anders said with a devious smirk.

Watch?! While she’s never done something this spontaneous and … sinful, she had no idea people were into watching other people fuck. But if it were to please her boys… she’d do whatever they asked.

She watched him walk over to the same chair and plop down; his hard dick swaying and slapping against his thigh.

‘Bend over, darling. Feel free to tap me if it’s too much. I will stop.’

Regina giggled as she bent over the bed. ‘Too much? Please.’

Spreading her thick thighs apart, Anders took a hold of his member and pressed it at her sticky entrance.

With a quick thrust, he stretched her against her will.

The poor woman let out a wail that was mixed with pleasure and undeniable pain.

Perhaps she spoke too soon.

Tears brimmed her eyes as she held her breath for a second, gripping the cool satin sheets.

Anders let out a blissful moan, holding himself deep inside of her as his large hands caressed up and down her curves and folds.

Gus had one leg draped over one arm over the couch as he stroked at his member, watching with excitement in his eyes and an intrigued smirk on his lips.

‘Fuck!’ Regina cried out before she felt him slam himself into her once more, his fingertips digging into her waist. ‘Dear God! Ah!’

A few thrusts and Regina was able to take this intruder comfortably now. With her eyes rolling to the back of her head, she thought she was seeing stars already.

Anders began to pound into her hard and fast before reaching down to grip her hair in his fist. ‘Yeah. Call out to him baby. He can’t save you now.’

She looked up at him through her thick lashes. ‘Ooooh— my god! Yes! Anders please!’ She pleaded as his body collided into hers relentlessly.

‘Oooh. Fuck, you feel so good baby. Take me. Take me baby.’ Anders hissed through his teeth.

‘Aaaaah yes!’

‘Fuuuck, nicely done Anders. Show her what you’re made of.’ Gus grumbled as he reached his free hand beneath himself and squeezed his tender balls.

Hissing through her gritted teeth, she looked over to watch Gus get himself off. His chest and biceps tense as he stroked his girthy, thick cock. Such a beautiful sight.

Anders pulled Regina’s hair, making her stand up straight against him. He wrapped his large veiny hand around her throat, forcing her into a disgusting kiss. His thrusts became a little slower and forgiven as one hand cupped her breast and his other arm wrapped around her waist, gripping her belly for stability.

When he broke the kiss, he began to ram his hips into her once again as her breathing hitched and strained. ‘Hoooo— yes, yes, yes!’

Finally, Gus stood from his seat and approached them. He landed a slap on Ander’s ass and jerked his head to the side. ‘Don’t be stingy, Lassen. She’s ours.’

Ours.

Anders groaned in dismay but obeyed. Landing one more kiss on Regina’s mouth, he retracted his hips and took place on the bed; propped up on his knees.

Gus looked down at the woman with gentle eyes, ‘tap out of it becomes too much sweetie.’ He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before sucking her bottom lip between his teeth gently.

Drunken with lust and pleasure, Regina dizzily plopped down on her back and spread her thighs for him.

‘Aren’t you a pretty sight? Might have to give you a son… or marry you? What do you think, Lassen?’

Anders laughed darkly as he scooted down so his still erected cock was pressed against her cheek. ‘Pretty indeed. Now open up doll… I wanna see you put those pretty lips to work while you’re getting fucked.’

His words caused her to writhe in excitement. Her core was aching to be filled once more. She lifted her head and parted her lips as she guided his cock back into the home of her mouth.

Gus sank his teeth into his bottom lip as he pushed her thighs back and pushed his tip inside of her and began to slowly roll his hips into her.

Closing her eyes, Regina hummed against Anders cock causing a vibration to rumble at the back of her throat. ‘Ohh—‘ his head fell back as his hand held onto the back of her head. ‘Fuck! You’re so tight.’ He swallowed as he reached down toying and pinching at her hardened nipples.

Gus began to pick up the pace, his finger tips digging in her plushy flesh tightly. Forcing her thighs back as he delved his hips into her once more. He then reached down and began to rub at her erected nub softly.

‘Fuck! You look so pretty with Anders dick in your mouth.’

Anders groaned as he thrusted his hips forward into Regina’s mouth; anglelessly hitting all the spots in her warm, wet mouth.

‘Mmmm—‘ Regina cooed as she pulled her lips away to curse, using her hand to jerk off Anders. ‘Fuck, Gus! Please!’ She begged, her thighs twitched at the creeping sensation.

Gus thrusted fast as he rubbed her clit in circles a little faster.

‘Gus! Oh, my god!’ Her thighs began to tremble as she felt her womb tighten up. Her body stiffened and her chest tightened. Gus stilled his hips and focused on her. ‘I’m gonna—‘ Her back arched and her toes curled as the heat in her body popped off like fireworks on new years.

She released a scream that could be heard throughout the hotel. And with that scream, came a sudden burst from her loins. She exploded like a damaged fire hydrant.

Gus looked up at Anders in surprise and Anders returned the glare.

‘Whoa—‘ both of the men laughed in darkly.

‘Have you ever done that?’ Anders asked with a grin spread across his lips.

‘Quite a few times.. you?’

‘Once.’

‘Well, we shall see if we can get a few more out of her, yes?’

‘I’m with you sir.’

While both of the men experienced this kind of mess, she never experienced a pleasure so great. Her head throbbed as she tried to process what the fuck just happened. Her cheeks remained hot to the touch, her trembling lips sore from all of their sweet, heavy kisses.

‘Brace yourself sweetheart. We aren’t done with you yet.’

Anders and Gus laughed beguilingly as their large hands caressed over her sticky, brown flesh.

A glint of thrill shown in her sex-crazed eyes. She was hyped. ‘O-OK!’

With the stamina of these two men, Regina was sure she lost enough weight to fit into her graduation gown from high school.

She was fucked into exhaustion and dehydration, so she was relieved when they both announced their arrivals.

‘On the floor baby. Yeah— fuck look at you.’ Ander groaned as the both of them helped her to her knees.

‘Open wide baby.’ Gus added as they both began to stroke their members until they reached their climax.

Regina’s eyes gleamed, her hands massaging their muscular thighs that tensed and squeezed beneath her touch. She opened her mouth, tongue out to capture those sacred drops.

‘UGH! Ba—‘

‘Fuuuuuck… yes!’

The two men groaned aloud as they emptied themselves upon her pretty face and mouth. Wrapping her hands around the both of them, she squeezed and coaxed the rest of their nut out of them.

Gus’ knees buckled as his eyes rolled back halfway. Then, she gave them both a kiss on the tip of their now flaccid dicks.

Anders let out an exhausted sigh. ‘Oh. What do we do with you now.’

‘Well…’ Gus added, ‘I have quite a few ideas.’ He trailed off.

Wiping her face and flicking off the sticky semen, she looked up at them in horror.

Now what?

2 years later…

Regina clamped her eyes shut tight as she rested her lower hand on her lower back. ‘Ooh… my days.’ She rubbed at the roundness of her belly with her free hand, as the other carried out a metal tray of fresh lemonade and a couple glasses of ice.

She walked out to the backyard to see Anders flipping burgers at the grill with his “Kiss the Cook” apron on while Gus tossed a football to Betty’s husband, August. Betty was bouncing her sweet baby boy in her arms, showering him with kisses and love.

This was the life.

A smile curled on her lips when Anders sweet, gentle eyes landed on her. ‘Let me grab this for you.’ He rushed over and carefully took hold of the tray and placed it on the picnic table. ‘How’s my girls huh?’

‘The same as yesterday, Lassen.’ She sighed heavily and rubbed her pregnant belly, ‘Tired. Aching.’

‘Aw. I know sweetheart. Just a few more weeks.’ He said before placing a kiss on her head. ‘Sit.’

Gus sat the football down in the lush green grass and jogged towards the deck. ‘There’s my girl. Hey, mama.’ He mused as he placed a kiss on her lips. ‘How are you feeling?’

Regina pressed her lips together and glanced over at her other husband.

Anders stared at Gus for a little bit and chuckled, ‘To save you from her wringing your neck … she’s feeling the same as she did yesterday.’

Gus sighed softly, ‘Oh my sweet. Forgive me for asking. Is there anything you need?’

She shook her head as her head fell back against the lawn chair. ‘No my darlings… I’m fine.’

Regina closed her eyes for a long second before feeling a sudden wetness in her bottom.

Her eyes flashed open.

‘Boys.. I don’t think I’m peeing myself again…’

Tags: @peternoonewantsthat @wa-ni @ellethespaceunicorn @milknhonies @the-kanamori @viking-raider

[joels-shitty-puns]

Could I make a request please?

Either a Joel or Pedro x Reader, where he is head over heels for the reader who is really bubbly and sweet and happy and a mom friend for everyone but who is oblivious to any romantic overtures whatsoever? And where Joel or Pedro catch them crying for the first time ever and they try and hide it and go back to cooking for the friend group or whatever and Joel/Pedro get the reader to open up about what made them cry and essentially it's that someone turned them down on a dating app and it's just further confirmation that the reader will never find love or actually be a mom? Plus-sized reader preferred but definitely not required? And your choice on if it's smutty or not.

I've been reading your plus sized reader x Pedro series and loving it!!! So much emotion and genuine positivity that I couldn't help but ask for more when I felt a bit down about this today.

All my best!

Dear @jenniferpendragon,

Hi!!! I've never had a request before, I didn't know what to do with myself. Thank you. And thank you so much for your kind words about my musician fic! I'm so glad people like it.

I'm sorry you were feeling down today. If by "this" you mean you experienced the dating app situation, I'm so sorry. Love is out there for you. I know how hard it is to wait, feeling like nobody wants you, but I know it'll happen. Hang in there. ❤️

I hope you like this fic! I liked your prompt and my mind ran wild. It's way longer than I thought it would be and also I'm unsure about it, but hopefully it makes you feel a little better.

___________

Cookies 'n Scream

Pairing: No-Outbreak!Joel Miller x Plus-sized!Reader

Word count: 4.3k

Warnings: 18+ ONLY!! MDNI. Poor body image, fat shaming, food guilt, food mentions, unprotected P in V, oral, kissing, fingering, pregnancy mention, baby making sex (?), I think that's all of it but if I missed something let me know.

Other stuff: Reader is AFAB. In case it isn't clear, italics almost always are the reader's inner thoughts!

This is the first smut I've ever written and published, yikes. Hope it's decent.

__________

"Look what I bought today," you chimed in a sing-song voice while waving the DVD in front of Joel. 

"No way. Zombie Slayer 6?!" Joel and Tommy yelled in unison.

"Yep! You know it!" you beamed. "I say tonight we pop this bad boy in. Tomorrow's Halloween, it's perfect."

"YES!" chimed in Sarah and Ellie, Joel's daughter and adopted daughter, roughly the same ages in their early teens.

"Absolutely not! You two are too young for this gore, you'll be up for weeks." Maria pointedly gave an eyebrow to her husband Tommy. "You guys watch the movie, I'll take the kids and we have a girl's night. We can watch Practical Magic and make cookies. Then tomorrow we'll all go trick-or-treating." The girls were pleased with this compromise and began running up to their bedrooms, chatting frantically about their costumes and which houses were allegedly going to have full-size candy bars this year.

"Really? Zombie movies? They're just kids. They aren't old enough to deal with that kind of thing," Maria said to you, judging your lack of parenting skills.

"Sorry…" you said sheepishly.

Truthfully, Halloween was your favorite holiday and always has been. You loved the spooky aspect of it, but you also loved that you could be anyone you wanted, if only for a night. For once you weren't just "the fat girl" or whatever other mean things people thought about you. You could be Wonder-Woman, or Ariel, the Grim Reaper, or a ghost. You could even eat all the sugary snacks you wanted and nobody questioned it, because Halloween was a time to indulge in candy.

If there's one thing you're sad you didn't get to enjoy on Halloween, it was the thought of being with someone you love. You'd always wanted someone to dress up in a couples costume together. Or go to a pumpkin patch for a cute little date and pick pumpkins together. You'd even dreamed about someday having a little pumpkin of your own. Picking out a little baby costume, taking them out door to door while they tried to say "trick or treat" but didn't quite know how to say such big words yet. The thought of them getting spooked by a scary decoration and running back to their daddy's arms. Your handsome brave husband, holding them close and shushing them, rubbing their little back to make it all okay. Finally the three of you would go home, tuck the little one in, sort through the candy and maybe take some for the parent tax. Then you'd flop down on the bed together before sharing a different kind of treat.

Knocking you out of your daydream, the girls ran down the stairs, backpacks on their backs, still loudly chatting about Halloween. You sighed, Maria taking the kids out towards her house.

Tommy clapped his hands together excitedly and grabbed his phone and keys. "I'm picking us up a pizza. You two better not start this damn movie without me," he warned, gesturing with his fingers from his eyes to yours and then across to his brother's before ducking out the door. You laughed and headed towards the kitchen, starting to make a quick batch of cookies before Tommy returned. Joel stood awkwardly trying to help, but mainly was just sneaking bites of dough. "Knock it off Joel! There won't be any cookies left with you around." You elbowed him while he popped another glob into his mouth with a laugh.

You rolled your eyes while he argued with you. "Whatever. My brother doesn't need these cookies anyway. He doesn't deserve your bakin', darlin'." He ate more dough.

You couldn't help but feel your chest flutter with butterflies at his nickname, but you tried to ignore them. "Oh yeah, and what about me?" You pouted up at him. "Don't I deserve any cookies?" 

He put his finger on his lip as if deep in thought. "Hmmm… I dunno darlin'. Not sure if I could handle you if you get much sweeter." He winked.

"But I guess you deserve some too.." he plopped a wad of dough into your mouth, running his finger on your lip as he pulled his hand away. 

You smiled, cheeks feeling warm, and chewing the soft, sugary dough.

"Oh, Joel. You're too much.." you avoided his eyes, looking down at the mixer and pretending to be busy with the cookies. 

Why can't I get a man like Joel? You thought to yourself.

Two years ago, you had moved into your new house and met your neighbors, Tommy and Maria, Maria still very pregnant at the time. The three of you became fast friends and it wasn't long before you met Tommy's brother Joel. You were instantly enamored with him. His curly brown hair, mixed with silvery gray streaks, and those deep, gorgeous chocolate brown eyes. Although he could be a grump at times, it was mainly with his brother or his job, and he never showed it towards you. To you he was as sweet as the cookies you were eating.

You instantly developed a little crush on him and it seemed like he was over at his brother's house, or yours, more often than not. The two of you spent time together alone as well, watching movies, talking, doing whatever. Things felt so simple with him, and you knew he would always be there if you needed help with anything. With him, you never felt fat. You never felt ugly. You didn't feel self-conscious. You were just you. He was just him. 

As your friendship progressed, your crush developed quickly into love. But you knew deep down there was no way he could ever feel the same. He was too handsome and charming to ever go for a woman like you, so you pushed down your feelings as best as you could, and even tried some dating apps to try and find someone else to fill the empty space in your heart.

What you didn't know was that Joel was absolutely head-over-heels, smitten with you, from the moment he laid eyes on you at his brother's backyard barbecue. Sure he loved his brother, but nobody wants to spend that much time at their sibling's house. He came over constantly, hoping to see you, until eventually you became close enough that he didn't have to make a scene at his brother's house to get your attention. He could just go to yours. 

Tommy constantly teased him about it, and Maria couldn't help but notice the way you looked at Joel either. Even the kids could tell. The girls loved you like a mother, though you'd never see it. It seemed that it was obvious to everyone but you and him. Joel would flirt, try to gently touch you, be sweet, but you never picked up on it. Although you never pushed away his attempts, you never seemed to reciprocate either, so Joel just figured you didn't like him that way. But he couldn't help flirting, touching, staring at you. And if you didn't protest, he didn't plan to stop. He couldn't if he tried.

While the two of you talked, the cookies, what was left of them, baked in the oven. Finally Tommy came in, two large pizzas in hand. "Now I better not see that movie playing! I warned you two."

He noticed the black television screen and wandered to the kitchen. "Good. You waited for me- oh man! You made cookies? My favorite," he said with grabby hands towards the first pan, still cooling on the stove. 

"Now, don't spoil your dinner. You just brought pizza home, let's eat." You shot a knowing look with Joel after the two of you were practically full already with cookie dough.

"Fine. Whatever, mom." Tommy took a plate from you, sliding a piece of pizza onto his plate and heading towards the couch.

_____ 

An hour into the movie, you were all full with pizza and dessert, Tommy in the sofa chair on the side, you and Joel settled into the love seat. You leaned towards his right side, his right arm over the back of your seat. A blanket covered the two of you, and his left hand was crossed over his lap on top of the blanket, hoping you would hold it if you got scared. Whenever a jump scare did happen, you didn't grab for him, but at the slightest flinch, he would palm your knee, rubbing his thumb over you to calm you down. Such a nice guy. I'm so lucky to have him as my friend.

Once when Joel did this, Tommy caught the sight out of the corner of his vision. He rolled his eyes and gave a gagging face. Joel gave him a quick angry brother stare that made Tommy turn back toward the film.

At some point, you felt your pocket buzz. Peering under the blanket at your screen, you saw the little heart notification, letting you know it was one of the dating apps you downloaded. Heart beating faster, you excused yourself saying you wanted to get a drink. Upon entering the kitchen, you quickly opened the notification with shaky hands. You had sent out at least a half dozen matches to people, all turned down the second they saw your profile. The most recent had sent a message as well. "Seriously? Ur gross. Good luck finding anyone to date you lmao." Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked down at your body and pinched the fat of your stomach. You had four apps and had sent countless requests, matches, and swipes. Even guys who were big themselves had turned you down. You looked in the kitchen at the pile of cookies, the mostly empty pizza boxes, the bowl of Halloween candy. If the boys weren't here, you'd toss it all in the trash. You suddenly felt self-conscious. Your clothes were tight, your body was heavy and flabby, and you almost felt nauseous. The first sting of tears welled at your eyes, and you dashed off to your bedroom, hoping to quell these emotions before anyone would notice. You weren't ready to go back to the living room.

After a couple minutes, Joel had paused the TV to wait for your return. "She probably had to pee or something. Said she was gettin' a drink." Tommy nodded and the two of them talked. After about ten minutes had passed, Joel began to worry. Even Tommy began to wonder and finally said "where'd your girlfriend end up? It's been a while."

Joel shook his head at Tommy's name for you, but got up off the couch. "I'll go see what's up." He walked into the kitchen and didn't see you, so he kept walking through the house before finally starting upstairs. "Darlin'? You okay?" He still didn't see you, but upon approaching your bedroom door, he heard a soft sniffle.

He gently tapped on the door with his index finger's knuckle. "Sweetheart?" Your sniffling stopped and you quickly wiped your eyes, trying to hide your tears as he slowly opened the door.

"Hey, sorry, I didn't mean to make you guys wait, I was just changing into some comfier clothes." He noticed you had switched from your favorite dress to some sweats and a baggy hoodie. You still looked beautiful to him, though he was a bit confused at the change. "I'll be right down, why don't you go start the movie again." He crossed the room to sit next to you on the bed. "I'm not going to start the movie. What's wrong, darlin'?" 

You pouted, trying to choke back more tears, but his gentle brown eyes made it hard to keep your emotions inside. Joel cupped your cheek, running his thumb gently under your eyes and catching a tear that made it past your walls. You'd never cried in front of Joel before. You made it a goal of yours to try and hide any sad emotions from people, especially him.

"I don't want to ruin the night, Joel. It's nothing. Let's just go back downstairs. I'll be right behind you."

Joel stood up and nodded his head, walking out the door and closing it gently behind him. 

You didn't think he'd actually leave. But it shouldn't surprise you. Who wouldn't leave you?

An aggressive sob ripped through your chest.

_____

Joel walked downstairs, joining his brother.

"You find her?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah I did. Look, she's not feeling too good right now. I think it's best we call it a night."

"Ah, man. She sick or somethin'?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah somethin' like that. I'll stay and take care of her. Can you maybe keep the kids tonight?" Joel answered, ushering Tommy out the door. Tommy gave him a look, but nodded and walked out the door towards his own house.

Joel closed the door behind him and walked back upstairs, stopping to grab a glass of water for you on the way. He knocked gently again before entering your bedroom, and you turned around, surprised to see him. "Joel? I thought you were watching the movie?"

"Nah, darlin' I could never leave you when you're upset. I sent Tommy home and he's gonna watch the girls tonight. Here, I brought you some water." He sat the water on the nightstand. "Now, you wanna tell me why you're cryin'?" He sat next to you, rubbing your back gently.

You took a sip of the water, set it back down on the nightstand, and sighed, looking down at your hands in your lap which held your cell phone.

"Well, I uh…" you cleared your throat gently. "I recently joined some dating apps..."

Joel's heart took a slight stab, but he pushed it down. You're the one needing comfort, not him.

"I guess, I dunno… I know it's kinda silly, but I've been feeling kinda lonely and y'know... I'm getting older. I'm running out of time to have babies. But, I really just want someone to call mine. Someone to laugh with and go on dates with and…" you tapered off, not wanting to admit your desire for cuddles, kisses, and love-making. 

"Oh, sweet girl," he held you in his arms. "That's nothing to feel shy or silly about. It's natural to want those things. But why are you cryin'? Did somethin' happen?"

"I just… I haven't gotten any matches. Everyone I've sent anything to has denied me, and-" you sniffled and Joel pulled you tighter. "Shh, shh, sweet girl, it's okay. Those people on those apps, they don't know what they're missin' out on. They don't see how beautiful and sweet y'are. They wouldn't know how to treat you right anyway. If they can't see how wonderful you are, they don't deserve to be with ya anyway."

"Thank you Joel…" you muttered. "But… it's not just that. I got a message when we were watching the movie and I went into the kitchen to read it, and-" you handed him your phone with a sniffle. Joel pulled away from you, holding the phone back a bit to read it with his bad vision. As he read it, his jaw and fists clenched. It may have been the first time Joel saw you cry, but it was also the first time Joel got angry when it was just the two of you.

"If I knew where this asshole little boy lived, I'd go over there right now and kick his ass for saying something like that to you" he seethed. "I can't believe anyone would say something like that to you."

You picked at a hangnail on your finger, still staring at your lap. Finally Joel took a breath and looked at you again. "Darlin'. You don't - you don't believe that guy do you?" He asked while rubbing your back again.

"Maybe…" you felt tears run down your cheeks. "I mean, he's right, isn't he? I'm not attractive or skinny. Nobody wants me, not even any of these guys on this app. Even the guys who aren't skinny don't want me either."

"Sweetheart. That's just not true. Look at me-" he lifted your chin with his left hand, right arm still holding you close. You hesitantly met his gaze, your wet eyes looking into his gentle browns. "Those men, if you even wanna call them that, they wouldn't know what beautiful was if it slapped them across the face. You're the most beautiful, sweet, funny woman I've ever met. Any man would be lucky to have you." He took a deep breath before admitting, "I'd be lucky to have you."

"What-?" You interrupted him.

"Darlin'... I never want to push your boundaries, but you don't see how often I flirt with you, tease you, and touch you? You don't see how smitten I am with you?" You frowned, brows furrowing as you picked through your memory. "I thought you were just a nice guy. Just a friend. I didn't… I didn't think you could ever like me as more than a friend, so I just ignored the butterflies I got around you." 

You searched his eyes, waiting for a joke, or your alarm to go off and wake you up from this dream.

"Sweetheart, I've been in love with you since just about the time I saw you walk across my brother's lawn towards me. I just figured y'wasn't interested in me that way."

"Joel," you laughed. "I've felt the same way."

He smiled, once again tilting your chin, yet this time pressing his lips to yours. The kiss was gentle, but held so much love and meaning, that the two of you couldn't help but smile in the middle of it. He pulled away, "and by the way, y'aren't old either. If anyone's old here, it's me. But if you want babies, I'll give you all the babies you want. But you already got two girls who love you. Sometimes I think they even love y'more than me," he laughed.

You smiled at him and nodded "I do love those girls like they're my own. But I would still like a little baby someday too."

He kissed you again, more passionately this time, licking your lip until you opened up and let your tongues dance together. He pulled away, running his nose across your jaw before stopping at your ear. "Only one way to give you that, darlin'." He gently bit your earlobe before kissing down your neck. 

You sighed. "Joel… please."

"Please, what darlin'?" He purred, kissing your clavicle through your baggy shirt. 

"Please, make love to me" you answered breathlessly, tipping your head back so he could better access your neck. 

"Take these baggy clothes off then, baby. Lemme see you," he gave you one last kiss on the lips before the two of you began undressing, stopping every few seconds to share grabby kisses. Once undressed, he pulled you into him and kissed you deeply, your hands on his chest. With a swift move, he tumbled the two of you sideways so that you were now on the bed, him on his back and you straddling his hips. You leaned down, kissing his lips, while the slight movement against his waist caused you both to moan at the feeling. "Baby I've wanted this for so long. Let me take care of you," Joel whispered, thumb stroking your cheek. He flipped the two of you over, slithering down towards your waist, where you spread your legs for him. He groaned, looking at how evident it was you wanted him, pumping his already hard cock a few times. Flattening himself on his stomach, he gently touched your thighs and began to kiss your legs. "Y'sure you still want this, baby?" 

"Yes Joel, please" you answered, tense with anticipation. Without a beat, he tipped his head down, licking a stripe up your slit. You let out a sigh, hips bucking toward his face. "I know baby, I know." His low timbre vibrated through your core. He gave a quick peck to your clit before swirling his tongue around it and heading downwards, licking between your folds while his nose continued to put pressure on your clit.

His fingers slid through, touching your entrance in a questioning way. "Yes, Joel, please" you cried, wiggling closer, your hands tugging at his hair. 

With your pleas, he inserted his finger, curling upwards before adding a second and finally hitting that spot inside you that made your breathing catch in your chest. He stroked, while still licking gently, occasionally sucking on your clit. Before long you were gripping the sheets with one hand, his hair in your other, as you finally tumbled into your orgasm. "So beautiful, baby" he coaxed, licking you through the waves of pleasure. 

"Think you're ready for me?" He looked up at you over your plush tummy. "Yes, Joel, please I'm so ready."

He stalked over your body, kissing his way up. He kissed your vulva, "I love this," he purred. He kissed your stomach, running his hands across your sides. "I love this," he licked. "I love these," he massaged your breasts, kissing each nipple. "I love you" he finally looked you in the eyes, kissing you on the lips deeply. 

"I love you too." You kissed him back, running your hands through his messy hair, down his broad shoulders and back. His hand snaked around, grabbing his cock and giving a few strokes through your folds until he was wet enough. Finally he pushed against your entrance, slowly entering you, giving you enough time to adjust to his size. Your fingers clawed at his back as he finally pushed all the way in, the two of you sighing in relief. 

Your body adjusted, and with a kiss to his nose, you prompted him to move. "Okay Joel, I'm ready."

Slowly, he began to thrust, pulling slowly out and gently pushing back in, eventually picking up to a pleasurable pace. He kissed you like his lips couldn't be away for longer than a few seconds, and it didn't take much before you were barreling towards your second release of the evening. "I'm almost there, Joel" you kissed, grabbing him around his back. "Me too, baby. Come for me." His thrusts were getting sloppy, but you could tell he was holding himself back for you. His fingers drifted over your clit, giving a few circular strokes and causing you to shudder around him, your eyes slamming shut with a moan. He followed right behind you, a couple messy strokes before pumping into you, filling you up and working you both through it. As the two of you came down from your high, he kissed you passionately, holding you like you were the only thing in the world. 

The two of you lay on your sides, you snuggled into his chest, his chin resting on your head before eventually he became soft and slipped out of you. You both sighed at the loss, but held each other until you rolled out to use the restroom and clean up. When you returned from the bathroom, you asked if he wanted to stay and he said yes. 

You lent him an extra toothbrush and the two of you stood side by side, brushing your teeth and stealing glances at each other in the mirror with matching lovesick smiles. Things felt domestic and comfortable as the two of you walked back to bed, sharing soft kisses snuggled to each other. Having completely forgotten why you were upset earlier, you fell asleep curled into his arms, full of love and hope for the future with a man you loved. 

_____

The next morning, you woke up to the smell of coffee brewing and breakfast cooking. You strolled down the stairs and saw Joel, wearing just his boxers and tee shirt, grabbing a slice of toast from the toaster. 

At the sound of your steps, he turned and smiled softly. "Morning, baby."

"Good morning, handsome," you replied, pressing a kiss to his lips. 

"I could get used to that," Joel replied, squeezing your ass and pulling his face away to look in your eyes.

"Joel! You devil," you giggled, gently smacking his arm. "You ain't seen nothing yet, baby" he nibbled your jaw.

After the two of you ate breakfast, you shared a shower, and he threw on a pair of extra clothes he keeps in his car. It would be hard to keep his visit a secret from his brother with his car still in your driveway, but as far as Tommy was concerned, you were sick and Joel was taking care of you.

The two of you made the walk over to Tommy's house to get the girls and participate in Halloween activities for the day. Walking in the door, Tommy pulled you into a hug. "Hey, we were worried about you! Are you feeling better? Were you sick?"

You looked up at Joel, sharing a knowing look. "I was just a little upset about something, but I'm feeling much better now," you smiled. 

Tommy gasped. "FINALLY!!!!" He threw his hands in the air while Maria grinned. 

"Cough it up Tommy!" Sarah held out her hand to her uncle. "You know I had October." He handed her a five dollar bill.

"You bet money on us?" Joel asked in disbelief, rubbing your back. 

"Obviously. You guys have both been pining since you first met," Ellie answered, rolling her eyes. "It was too entertaining for us to interfere though," Sarah added with a smirk.

You stared down at your shoes, feeling embarrassed, but Joel grabbed your hand. You smiled up at him and it felt like everything was aligned. "Yep, we finally took the step. And now I get to do this whenever I want," Joel pulled you into his arms for a deep kiss. 

"UGH. GROSS, DAD." Ellie and Sarah groaned, walking out of the room.

You both laughed, sharing a smile and heading towards the group to get ready for Halloween with your family.

[shankss-magnificent-ass]

Imagine taking UTA and Luffy trick or treating with Shanks

Shanks: thanks for doing this, I know you probably had other plans for tonight.

You: *a friend of Makino's who volunteered to take Luffy for the night* It's really no problem, my plans changed when my friend got sick and had to cancel her party, so figured I take Luffy for the night, so both he and Makino could have fun.

Shanks: A party? Is that why you're in costume? Well, Uta'll be pleased, she was very insistent about all of us dressing up for her first time trick or treating.

You: Oh it's her first time?

Shanks: yeah it's something that's only practiced here in the East Blue

Luffy: Hurry up you two, people are starting to go already.

Uta: Yeah! If you take too much longer there isn't gonna be any candy left!

Shanks: Yes, yes, we're coming.... I like your costume by the way, it suits you.

Uta: ( TT n TT) What about my costume?

Shanks: Yours is gorgeous my sweet.

You: *nods your head* I can tell you put in a lot of work into it.

Uta: whatever, I have candy to collect. *runs off *

An hour later

Uta: *notices the way Shanks is looking at you*

Luffy: *runs to you and jumps into your arms* Look! Look! That house was passing out full sized candy bars!

You: oh wow, never seen that in this neighborhood before.

Uta and Shanks: *come over from playing a game at a neighboring house*

Shanks: what's going on?

Luffy: Uta, this house is giving away full sized candy bars. Jumps down*

Uta: EHH! No way! I want one! *pulls Luffy towards the door and rings the bell.*

Old lady: *answers the door*

Uta and Luffy: Trick or treat!

Old lady: *looks between Uta and Luffy, before glancing up at you and Shanks* Oh my, how scary! Who do we have here?

Luffy: I'm a pirate

Uta: and I'm a pop star. *Throws up a peace sign and winks*

Old Lady: I can see, you're very sparkly, dear. *let's Uta pick out a full sized candy bar from a selection* Now I believe I already gave you candy bar.

Luffy: *grins and nods* he he, yeah, thanks, I just came to bring her. You've already paid the toll.

Shanks: *wraps his arm over your shoulders and sighs*

Old lady: *catches the red head out of the corner of her eye and hands Luffy two more candy bars* Why don't you take these to your lovely parents. *Gestures towards you and Shanks*

Uta and Luffy: *look over at you two*

Uta: That's my dad! Keep your hands to yourself!

Luffy: but he's the one touching them?

Uta: and you're not my brother *shoves Luffy and marches over to you*, and you're a stranger.

Shanks: *mutters* Hopefully not for long.

Uta: What was that!

Shanks: I mean, I know we've only met a few times, but I want to get to know you.

You: really?

Uta: What!

Shanks: yeah, *ignoring his child* if that's okay.

You: okay, sure.

Uta: This is not happening!

Luffy: what's the big deal, it's not like they'll be setting sail with you... wait! If they get to go, take me too!

Uta: *throws the first punch* You're not coming either.

Luffy: You wanna go, fine, winner gets to go with Shanks, loser gets to stay here with my Grandpa. *Dodges Uta's fist and throws a punch of his own*

Shanks: Uta, knock it off!

Uta: More like, knock him out, cause that's what I'm gonna do. *gut punches Luffy

You: Luffy, you don't hit girls.

Luffy: no, you don't hit people weaker than you, which makes her free game, because she's older and bigger, and she knows how to defend herself.

You: does she?

Shanks: yeah, I wanted to make sure she could stand up for herself, and others *Pulls them apart and has to wrestle back Luffy.* Stop moving, ya damn brat!

Luffy: Never! *Flails harder*

Uta: *knows better than to fight Shanks on this and sulks beside you,* He would never choose you over me.

You: I promise I would never ask him to choose me over you. Okay? *Holds out your pinky*

Uta: *hooks your pinky in hers* I'll hold you to that while making no promises of my own.

You: I want you to get to know me as well, for Luffy, you're an important friend of his. So that makes you important to me too.

Uta: Fine, I guess I'll be doing you a big favor, because I'm gonna be famous one day. I'm gonna become the best singer in the world.

You: Well I guess I'll have to get tickets to your concert when it comes to this island.

Uta: You'd come see me perform!

You: I'd love to hear you sing, you could even pick the song.

Uta: I'm performing at Makino's bar tomorrow night at three, don't be late. Oh, and ticket cost a candy bar.

You: Yes, you make have my bar, and I'll be there a two thirty, and you can tell me the tales of the adventures of Uta and Luffy.

Uta: *points* HA! They agree with me, Luffy!

Luffy: Wait what?

Uta: They agree with me that "Uta and Luffy" is a much better than "Luffy and Uta."

Luffy: What! (Y/n), you're my friend, you're not supposed to agree with her!

Shanks: Sorry kid, "Uta and Luffy" flows better.

Luffy: I'd suddenly rather be home with Makino.

List of Up-and-coming works

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[chloessleepystories]

A New Treat

Mind control, Drugged, Female/Female

"Trick or treat!!"

A common scene in suburban Anytown, USA. Small children running from house to house, shrieking, parents walking along behind them. And two teenage girls, with a bit of gore makeup and torn clothes - just enough to suggest zombie versions of themselves, but not so much that they weren't still attractive - standing on a porch, in the light of an open door.

“Well, what have we here?” the man said, leaning on the door frame with an easy smile. “The sexy zombie, an excellent choice.”

The blonde one giggled. “You think we’re sexy, mister?” she said, throwing out a hip.

“Don’t be gross, Jess,” muttered the other zombie.

The man laughed. “You guys look great. How old are you? Still in school?”

“We’re seniors. We were supposed to go to a party, but our friends bailed on us after we already had our faces on, so we thought we’d take a walk, get some candy.”

“Wise choice. You haven’t had too much of ‘Aren't you a little too old for trick-or-treating,’ I hope...”

“Nah,” said Jess. “Once or twice, but overall, people have been really nice. What’s the harm, right? It's Halloween!”

“Exactly. And better than a lot of things teenagers could be getting up to. Hang on."

The man turned, and passed his hand over the big bowl of little candy before reaching into the little bowl full of big candy. He handed the girls a pair of chocolate bars.

"Full size candy bars? Awesome! Thanks!"

"Happy Halloween, you two. Have fun tonight."

He smiled, showing his teeth.

They waved, and hopped down the steps, giggling as they headed toward the next house.

The man closed the door slowly, watching them go. On the back of the door was a small chalkboard, with a piece of chalk attached by string. He carefully took the chalk and added two tally marks to the marks already counted there ...

***

The leaves were crunchy underfoot as Jessika and Dionne crossed the quiet suburban street. It was dark enough that there were fewer kids out now. Most of the younger ones had been taken home.

“My bag is getting heavy,” said Jess.

“Oh, poor baby! I’ve got so much candy, I can hardly carry it all,” laughed her friend. “ ‘I can’t close my wallet cuz it’s too full of fifties, and my diamond shoes are too tight.’ ”

“Stop it.” She gave Dee a playful shove.

It was a nice warm night, warmer than average for Halloween. A nice night for a nice walk with her best friend.

“I’m gonna start eating my candy, I’m hungry.”

Then they both shouted, “Hungry for SUGARRRRR…” One of their many pointless running gags, whose origins were lost in time.

“So what’s your boyfriend doing tonight?” asked Jessika, rummaging in her bag.

“Oh, you know, nothing much. Just being useless. Call of Duty, I think, or one of those games that’s more important than going to a party with his – What?”

Jess had let out a squeal. “I forgot about this! Lookit that big-ass slab of chocolate…” She produced the bar from the man they’d dubbed “Mr King Size” – a nickname that had kept them in stitches for blocks. “I’m starting with this … “

It was some kind of off-brand chocolate – not a name they’d ever heard of before. But that didn’t matter, “Chocolate Fog” was exactly what she needed right then. She tore it open and broke off a piece, then moaned, in shocked exuberance.

“Holy cow, what am I eating?! My mouth just had an orgasm!”

“Gimme!”

“You got your own …”

“One piece!”

“Damn, it even smells good. Here, smell it.” She held the chocolate under Dionne’s nose, and was a little impressed – and a little aroused – when she saw her friend’s eyes flutter. Dee’s mouth hung open a little, and her eyes glazed for a second.

“Oh, fuck, that smells divine. Where’s mine …”

Dionne had to fight back a sudden impulse to dump the whole bag out just to find the candy bar. She got on her knees on the sidewalk and dug around with both hands and it didn’t take long to find the biggest piece of candy. In seconds she had torn off one end of the wrapper, broken off a square, and stuffed it in her mouth.

“Oh godd why is that so good …” moaned Dionne, lying back on the sidewalk. “Am I just that chocolate-starved?”

“Get up, you lunatic!” laughed Jess. She had already chewed up a second piece, and was licking her chocolatey fingers. “Mmmm, I’m definitely going to have to find some more of these at the store …” She sucked on her fingers, not wanting to take them out of her mouth, in case she found a little more chocolate taste. “Geffup,” she said indistinctly, giving her friend a gentle kick.

Dionne leapt dutifully to her feet, and they walked on. “Here, I’ll show you good I think it is,” said Dee. She peeled back the paper and sucked on one end of the bar, then started pushing it slowly into her mouth. Her moans took on a sexual quality.

“Eww you’re disgusting!!” screamed Jess, finally taking the fingers out of her mouth.

Dionne put a hand to the back of her own head, and pushed her head onto the chocolate, simulating someone forcing it deeper and deeper into her mouth. Jess howled with laughter as she broke off another square.

Dee had felt the chocolate hit the back of her throat, just for a second, and now, as she pulled the bar slowly out of her mouth, strings of drool hanging between it and her lips, she panted. A light sheen of sweat showed on her face as they approached the streetlight, and her eyes seemed a little out of focus as she gasped breathlessly.

“Here, watch this,” said Jessika. The square had been melting between her warm fingers for a moment, but now she held it up to run her tongue over and around the dark chunk. Around and around her tongue swirled, as she made oral love to it, watching her friend with a smirk.

Dee licked her lips as she watched, mesmerized … staring at the chocolate. Staring at her friend’s tongue. Jess popped it into her mouth, and Dee, still not smiling, just watched. Watched her lips as she chewed, the tongue that came out to lick the lips … Then her eyes moved to Jess’s chocolatey fingers.

With a sudden grab for her wrist, she sucked Jess’s fingers into her wet, warm mouth. Dee’s eyes closed and she shuddered a little as she tasted the chocolate. Waves of pleasure tremored through her body and she moaned, and kept sucking, working her tongue between the fingers, poking her fingernails into the back of her throat.

“Oh god,” Jessika breathed, open-mouthed at this performance. Dionne really looked like a zombie for the first time all night – heavy-lidded, dull-brained, drooling, and needy.

Having her best friend suckle on her fingers was sending warm tingles through Jess’s core. A fluttering in her belly … and lower …

“Hey … Hey Dee –“ she gasped, pulling her wet fingers back to grab the chocolate bar. She broke off a piece, then waved in front of her zombified friend’s face. Dionne’s eyes followed it back and forth, her mouth open slightly. Jessika put it between her own lips, holding it in place with her teeth, and smiled.

Dionne didn’t hesitate. She moved in, kissing her friend passionately. They bit the chocolate in half and each kept chewing and tasting while sucking on each other’s tongues, hands groping their clothing, their skin …

Jess’s hand pressed into Dee’s cunt.

Dee lifted Jess’s sweater to squeeze her breast.

Jess bit Dee on the neck, licking and sucking.

Dee hungrily brought her lips to Jess’s nipple, even as she squirmed against Jess’s insistent fingers.

Jessika pulled her tight little sweater and bra over her head, smiling.

Dionne pushed her friend back into a huge pile of leaves, and leapt on her, devouring her juicy tits, lifting her skirt, ripping off her panties, and diving tongue first into the first pussy she’d ever tasted. It was juicy, and warm, and delicious, and her mind swooned with flavor and desire and need.

Jess held her friend’s head in place, humping against her lips, knowing her turn was next, needing to give as much as she was receiving.

Dee growled like a werewolf.

Jess screamed like a banshee …

Later, as they rested in the crunchy pile of leaves – feeling like children, but not at all like children, resting from their play that was more than play – Dee stroked Jess’s hair as Jess cooed and smiled muzzily.

“That was amazing,” murmured Dee. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”

Jess looked up, kissed her friend’s mouth. “Let me take you home. I’ll sneak you into my bedroom for a while before you have to go home.”

Dionne bit her lip, thinking. Her boyfriend wouldn’t even miss her.

“We’ve still got some of that chocolate left,” Jessika sing-songed.

Dee grinned. “Deal.” And they helped each other out of the leaves and into their clothes, and walked off hand in hand, to enjoy more of this new treat they’d found … each other.

[galexystern]

wait for me

pairing; dad!steve harrington/reader

rating; T

warnings; ANGST, fluff, happy ending, pining, getting together, steve has a daughter, reader's nickname is Poppy

word count; 4.2k

desc; an examination of your and steve's friendship leads to something on a random halloween night.

a/n; this was based off a dream i had that contained the titular phrase as written in the fic

read on ao3 / masterlist

The metal chain squeaks as you gently rock the front porch swing back and forth. You watch neighborhood kids run down the blocked-off street, parents trailing behind and holding their coats, unable to coax the children into wearing them and covering up their costumes. It’s a chilly Halloween night, and when the various witches, ghosts, and angels come visit you for candy they have red cheeks, sniffing snot back into their noses. But they’ll be fine. Kids are resilient. 

You wave to a couple you vaguely recognize, as their daughter, dressed in a very elaborate princess costume, races back to them to show off her treasure. Steve’s house is known for handing out full-size candy bars, so the kids are eager to come here. Melissa used to complain about buying such expensive stuff just to hand it out to ungrateful kids, but you’ve always liked it. The kids of Hawkins deserve it after everything this town has gone through.

The front door opens next to you, and you glance over to spot the host himself, flushed and tipsy on wine. He spots you, grins widely, and walks over to sit on the swing with you, making it sway with his added weight.

“What’re you doing out here?” He asks, pushing hair out of his face.

“Just needed some air,” you reply, trying to project that everything is okay, that you’re okay.

Steve hums like he doesn’t quite believe you, but doesn’t push it further. You both watch as a pair of siblings come up the drive, adorably dressed as Batman and Robin. They stop a foot away from the swing.

“Trick or treat,” Batman, clearly the elder brother, says. Robin doesn’t join him, and Batman elbows him gently. “Go ahead.”

“Trick or treat,” Robin adds, very quietly, and you smile.

“You two look great,” you reply, and hold out the bowl for the boys to choose. Their eyes grow wide at the selection–they must be newcomers. “One for each of you, go on.”

Batman picks out a full-size Hershey’s bar while Robin goes for a Kit-Kat. “Thank you!” They chorus before leaping off the porch and running away. You and Steve both laugh. When it dies down, you let the silence linger, still half-inside your own head.

“Hey,” Steve says softly, and you look at him. You’re caught by his eyes, as usual, somehow always shining no matter the amount of light. You think they’d glow even in the pitch-black dark, and you’d get lost in them then too. You blink to keep from drowning and pay attention to the rest of his face. His expression is one of concern and worry, and your heart clenches. He continues, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you insist.

“Bullshit,” he shoots back, immediately looking around to make sure he hasn’t taught any kids a new curse word, and you huff a giggle. But it fades when he turns to you again. “I know you better than anyone else. I can tell when something’s up.”

“You do, don’t you?” You murmur. Steve Harrington still knows you best, maybe even better than you know yourself, even after everything. It’s kind of astounding. It was true when you were in school together, best friends from 7th grade on, ever since you shared Mr. Duncan’s science class and found company in misery. It was true when King Steve ruled the school, only talking under the cover of night when no one could see him interacting with you–which you gave him plenty of shit for when he was dethroned. It was true even when you left Hawkins and went off to college, Steve unable to follow, since you two had talked on the phone nearly every day, all four years minus the semester you studied abroad in Prague (you sent letters to each other instead). And it’s still true now.

There’s always been something between you, a tension, an electric current that you feel even now. You’d both danced around it, never quite acknowledging it, never doing anything about it. Sure, there was flirty banter, that’s always been around, but nothing physical. No kissing, no hand-holding, no cuddling–no matter how much you wanted to, or how many times the opportunity arose, or how many people asked when you two would get over yourselves and just get together already.

Being away from Hawkins and him was the cincher for you. You loved Steve as a friend, but resisted letting it blossom into romance. You knew you were leaving for a while and didn’t want the two of you to hold each other back, because maybe you’d find something better. You should’ve known–there’s nothing better than Steve. You realized your first year away. You thought about confessing your feelings, but never actually did, reassuring yourself that he would be here when you returned and if it was meant to be it will. 

But when you came home, ready to pick up where you’d left off, hoping to be something more, you’d found Steve seriously dating a pretty girl with a baby on the way. It’d thrown you for a loop. You two were meant to be. Why weren’t you?

He hadn’t mentioned Melissa or the pregnancy to you at all. You’d wanted to ask why, felt desperate with it, but he was panicking about becoming a father and needed his best friend more than a confrontation. Besides, clearly the ship had sailed. What did it matter if he hadn’t told you about her? He wasn’t yours anymore. You stayed by his side during the pregnancy, but after the birth he’d drifted, caught up in the joys of new parenthood with Melissa. You two had spoken here and there, phone calls that lasted a few hours every couple of months, but you didn’t really see him anymore.

You’d felt lost then, unmoored without the constant presence of your longtime best friend. Your “almost mine.” Your “it should’ve been you.”

Now, you look over your shoulder, into the living room through the window. Robin and her girlfriend Abby are on the couch, snuggling and talking to Nancy and Jonathan. Their kids are on the floor, sorting through their candy and trading away the ones they don’t like, Steve’s own Penny partaking. You watch as she trades a Snickers for an Almond Joy with Brian, Eddie’s son with his fiancée Natalie. Eddie’s absent from the room, but you know he’s in the basement with Dustin and all of them, playing D&D.

Melissa isn’t here. She and Steve broke up a year ago, too different to make it work. She didn’t like Steve’s chosen family and he didn’t like her real one; she thought he was a pushover and he thought she was a bitch. It wasn’t because of you. You have to keep reminding yourself that you didn’t break them up–a relief and a heartache. Relief because you weren’t the cause. Heartache because you weren’t the reason.

Steve had resurfaced after the breakup, and you’d guess Melissa hadn’t wanted you around, for reasons that are not entirely unfounded. She had you wrong though–you loved Steve but you weren’t going to do anything about it.

You’d liked her well enough. She was nice and a good mom to Penny and got along with everyone, but you weren’t surprised when the relationship ended. After all, you know Steve better than anyone else. You could tell it wasn’t working, but they made a valiant try, for Penny’s sake, who had taken their breakup much better than expected. (You suspect she’s just really excited for two of every holiday.) She’s one spoiled little girl, mostly because you like to spoil her. You love her to death–how could you not, she’s the spitting image and personality of Steve–and you’re thankful she loves you back. You once worried it was just because of all the presents you got her, but Steve reassured you that she loves hanging out with you and always asks when you’re coming over so you two can play. It still warms your heart every time she races for a hug whenever you arrive.

“Of course I do.” Steve snaps you back to the present, and you downplay your flinch. “Now tell me.”

You look at him. He’s quite serious.

“Why didn’t you tell me about Melissa while I was at school?” You ask.

Steve blinks at the unexpected question. It is out of the blue, but also a conversation long overdue. “I don’t know,” he replies, running a hand through his hair. “It just never seemed right.”

“You could’ve told me at any time. It didn’t need an introduction.”

“I know. I just…” He sighs. Looks out towards the street. You keep your eyes on him. “Whenever we talked, I kinda forgot about it.”

“Forgot about your girlfriend? Who was pregnant?”

“Come on, you know she was only a couple weeks along when you got back. Don’t act like she was about to pop.”

“It was a serious life event, Steve.” He doesn’t reply. “Okay, then just Melissa. How’d you forget her?”

“Just…whenever we talk, it feels like the outside world sort of melts away, you know? It’s you and me, in our own little universe. It’s hard to remember things outside of it.”

You nod. You know the feeling.

“And I think I always knew Melissa wasn’t right for me. But we were together and then she was pregnant and I couldn’t just leave her, I wouldn’t do that. You know I wouldn’t.” You grab his hand and squeeze, reassuring him that you do. “It felt wrong to tell you about it. You’d see right through it. I didn’t want you to.”

“Why not?”

Steve suddenly turns to face you, frustrated. “Why are you asking about this?” He huffs out. You tilt your head and admire his features in the soft light coming from the house.

“You were supposed to wait for me,” you eventually answer softly.

His face curls inward with anguish. “We never–that’s–that’s not fair.”

“I know.”

“You never said anything.”

“I know.”

“I didn’t know.”

“I know.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

You shrug. “Why didn’t you?”

“‘Cause I woulda just held you back.” He says it so quickly, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, like he’s thought about it a lot.

“No, you wouldn’t,” you reply instantly. You want to ask why he would think such a thing, but didn’t you think the same of yourself?

“I would have,” he insists. You open your mouth to retort, but he doesn’t let you. “Look, you were going places, you did go places. I wasn’t going anywhere, besides the mall for my dead-end job that only lasted like two months. I didn’t wanna be some kinda weight dragging you down.”

“You could’ve come with me.”

“You know I couldn’t’ve left with everything happening. With the Upside Down.” He sighs. “And you never asked.”

You nod sadly. “I didn’t. But I wish you’d been there.”

His eyes close, looking like he’s in an immense amount of pain. “Me too,” he whispers, voice breaking a little, making your heart break too. Then he clears his throat and blanks his expression. “Stop. I don’t wanna go down this road, of what could’ve been. It’s too painful.”

You brush away a falling tear with your thumb, trying to be subtle, but you know Steve catches it. He catches everything. “I understand,” you say quickly, to end the conversation. “I’m sorry I brought it up.” You can feel more tears coming, so you stand abruptly and take a few steps towards the stairs. “I’m just gonna go.” Steve says your name but you’re already turning away. “Tell Penny I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye, that I got sick or something. Tell her I love her.” He says your name again, more desperately, but you can’t stay here. You don’t look back, crying silently now, and just keep walking.

;

Steve watches you disappear from view and sighs, then goes back inside.

“Daddy!” Penny yells when she sees him, running over. He catches her in a leap. “Hi, baby.”

He tickles her side just to hear her laugh, and it raises his spirits a little. “Come look at all my candy!” She says excitedly, squirming to be set down.

Steve acquiesces and she darts into the living room, pulling him along. He squats next to her, admiring her haul. “You really got a lot, huh?”

She nods happily, then peers behind him. “Daddy, where’s Poppy?” That’s her nickname for you–you get a poppyseed stuck in your teeth one time—and Steve feels his heart squeeze in his chest, both at her question and the conversation he’d just had with you.

“She had to go, sweetheart, she wasn’t feeling well.” Penny pouts. “She told me to tell you sorry, and that she loves you.” That makes her smile, which causes Steve to as well. “C’mere, tell me all about your trick or treating.”

He sits in an armchair and plops Penny on his lap, who is already regaling him with a story involving the house that gave out floss instead of candy. He chuckles–must be the dentist. She keeps going–she’s a talker, a blessing and a curse–until she runs out of stories, their guests interrupting here and there to say goodbye and head out. When she’s finally silent, it’s just them in the house, and they’re watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

He can’t pay attention to it. He’s playing his conversation with you on a loop in his head. To be honest, it’d been a long time coming, and yet he’d still been caught off-guard. It was a topic he hadn’t allowed himself to think about all his life: what you and him really were.

It was innocent once upon a time. You two were just friends, bonding over your hatred of theorems and weekly Friday quizzes. He’d sit with you at lunch and make fun of the jocks and cheerleaders and their snotty attitudes. And then he became one of those jocks and he distanced himself from you to look cool. It worked, but he couldn’t let go of you completely–he made sure to see you at night, tucked away in the safety of your bedroom, or talk to you on the phone, always by himself. It was kinda miserable during the day, and sometimes he’d spot you in the hallway or across the cafeteria and remember how much fun you used to have together, how he wouldn’t have to pretend to be someone he wasn’t, and he’d miss you so much his chest hurt.

Then came Nancy Wheeler. She was partly something he wanted, someone he liked, and partly a distraction from the absence of you. She was pretty and nice and he’d found himself falling rather hard without trying, but she wasn’t you. After they slept together for the first time, all he could think about was how it should’ve been you, with him in that bed, and whether you’d lost your virginity already and to whom. He reminded himself he didn’t have the right to be upset about that, or even think about it at all, but it was true all the same. But when the Upside Down made its appearance, he was beyond thankful that you weren’t involved or anywhere near it, despite how much he missed you.

Once he was deposed as king and his relationship with Nancy went up in flames, he went running back to you. You welcomed him with open arms–along with some well-deserved anger regarding his behavior that he apologized endlessly for–and it was like nothing had changed. You two were back to how it was before, attached at the hip. Though this time, there was something else there—or maybe it’d been there the whole time, and now he knew what it was—a crackle that sparked whenever you stood too close or laid in bed face-to-face. There were a million times he’d wanted to lean forward and kiss you, but he never did. He never made a move because he knew you were leaving.

And you did, off to a fancy college where you excelled, as he knew you would. He was surprised when the friendship stayed strong, long phone calls that lasted into the night and pen pal letters while you were abroad. But four years is a long time, and he was plagued by the idea of you finding someone else. So he did it first.

It wasn’t his brightest idea, but when he’d met Melissa, he couldn’t help but try. She was sweet and funny and they could seemingly talk about anything together. It was a whirlwind romance and it felt so good to have someone again, someone he could kiss and cuddle and love, who loved him back in the same way. But when the honeymoon phase ended, he could tell they weren’t made to last–she never wanted to hang out with his friends and complained that he was “too nice” to them, for doing things they’d ask. But why would he say no to the people closest to him, his chosen family? Cracks were forming.

That’s when Melissa found out she was pregnant. It was a wake-up call for both of them, but also an opportunity to fix things. He always wanted to be a father. She wanted to keep it. They thought they should try. Which they did, for a while. He was lucky you came back when you did, near the beginning of the pregnancy, and stood by him once again. You were crucial to his confidence in parenthood and he couldn’t have done any of it without your unyielding support. And he fell in love with Penny as soon as he saw her, felt like he was floating on air whenever he held her.

When the parenting got tough, so did Melissa, and she demanded that he distance himself from you. It was just as heart wrenching as it was in high school, but he did it, because Melissa was his girlfriend and the mother of his daughter and you were…you. An enigma he’d never taken the time to figure out. And it was just as hard as in high school, but the infrequent long phone calls he had with you sustained him through the next couple of years. Years full of bickering and colic and arguing and ear infections and fighting and silence and loneliness.

He and Melissa called it quits last year, unable to even be in the same room without being annoyed with each other, and now she lives a few towns over. She’d graciously given him full custody, knowing how much fatherhood and Penny meant to him, and saw her daughter for a weekend every month and every holiday. Penny was sad, as expected, but she also bounced back faster than anticipated. Steve considers that it makes sense because Melissa was never the most present or caring mother, and because you were there.

Penny loved you more than you knew. She adored whenever you came over and cried when you left. She’d look at everything and wonder what you’d think about it, asking Steve if he knew. Thankfully, he could always answer easily, because the first thing he did after breaking up with Melissa was rekindle your friendship. You were with him once again, and he wasn’t going to let you go again. But he really wanted something more.

In the present, Steve watches as Linus sits in the pumpkin field and finally admits to himself that he’d never told you about Melissa because it wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to have been with you. He was supposed to wait for you. Dammit, he should’ve kissed you on your bed all those years ago. Steve would never give up Penny for anything, and he’s more than grateful that she’s here and she’s his, but you should be too. You should’ve been a long time ago.

Penny looks up at him from her spot on his chest. “Daddy?” He hums. “Are you okay?”

Damn, he thought he’d been hiding it well. But his daughter is one perceptive little girl, and she knows her father’s moods. “Just a little sad, honey,” he explains. He’s always as honest as possible with her.

“Why are you sad?”

“It’s complicated, baby.”

Her eyebrows furrow cutely. “No, it’s not. If something makes you sad, you fix it. Then you’re happy again.”

“Not everything works that way,” Steve replies gently. He doesn’t go any further, leaving the heavy topics of good and evil for another day, way in the future. “You can’t fix some things.”

She looks skeptical. “Well, can you fix this thing that’s making you sad?”

He’s about to say no when his brain stops him with an idea. “Maybe,” he muses. He looks at Penny intently. “Baby, do you wanna go see Poppy?”

“Right now?” She gasps.

“Right this very instant.”

“Yes!” She shouts, and then she’s off his lap, running for the foyer. He can hear her jumping to get her coat off the hook. “Come on, Daddy!” He laughs and follows her. Once they’re both ready to go, Steve’s about to open the door when she says, “Wait!” She runs into the living and then comes back out holding a lollipop. He raises his eyebrows. “You said they’re sick. They give out suckers at the doctor’s office.” Like it’s obvious.

His entire body warms with love for his beautiful daughter, and he kisses the top of her head before opening the door. They both race to the car, he makes sure she’s strapped in, and then he gets in himself. He tries not to drive like a maniac to your house, for Penny’s sake, and he succeeds but it’s a hard-fought battle. Penny’s out of the car before he is, and she’s knocking on your door loudly by the time he joins her on the porch.

You open the door with red eyes and a surprised expression. Before you can say anything, Penny is yelling, “Poppy!” and barrelling towards you. You catch and hug her, and then Penny’s leaning back and gifting you a lollipop. “So you can get better,” she explains, and your heart overflows with love for her.

“Baby,” Steve interrupts, “can you go inside for a minute? Daddy needs to talk to Poppy.”

Penny nods and you set her down. She scampers into the house, going straight for the toys she keeps here, and you look back at him. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Because we’re being stupid, you and I.” You go to protest but Steve continues. “We shouldn’t be worrying about how different everything could’ve been. We can’t change it. And I know neither of us would give up Penny for the world.” You nod in agreement. “So all we have is the present. And I don’t wanna spend another moment in it without doing this.”

Steve leans forward and kisses you. It’s soft lips and hands on hips and noses grazing gently. It’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of. It’s nothing you’ve ever felt before. It’s long overdue. It’s the perfect time. It’s what should’ve been. It’s what is.

You’re both breathless when he pulls away. “Let’s let go of the past. Let’s skip the guilt and regret and sadness. I don’t want anything to stop us anymore, because it’s always been you. It’ll always be you.”

You’re nodding before he finishes, and you’re kissing him as soon as he is. You both melt into it, grabbing at each other desperately, making up for lost time. Then there’s a loud, little-girl gasp, and you wrench away from each other; Penny is in the foyer behind you, staring with wide eyes. “Does this mean you two are together?” She demands.

You look at her with shyness, of all things. “Is that okay?”

A huge smile spreads across her face. “Yes!” She screams excitedly, and races for you. You’re laughing as you haul her up into your arms. She pulls away to look at Steve. “This is the best idea ever!”

Now he’s laughing as well. “I agree.” He gives you a sweet kiss.

“I need kisses too!” Penny admonishes, and the two of you kiss her cheeks at the same time. She erupts into giggles, and you and Steve beam at her.

“Do you wanna have a sleepover tonight?” You ask. 

“Uh, yeah!” She answers, like it’s a dumb question.

You look at Steve. “What she said,” he smirks.

You huff and gently kick his foot with yours. “Come on then.” You turn and go inside, already talking with Penny about who knows what. Steve follows with a huge smile, closing the door behind him.

He later finds himself sitting on the couch, you and Penny on either side, cuddling into him. Penny yawns and blinks up at him. “Did you fix what was making you sad, Daddy?”

He looks at you, dozing on his chest, before looking at Penny, just as angelic. “I think so,” he murmurs, smiling. He doesn’t think he’s stopped since he kissed you.

Penny smiles back sleepily. “Good.” Then she’s out too, head tucked into his shoulder.

“Goodnight, my loves,” he whispers, and kisses both of your heads.

[marvelmymarvel]

Halloween

Illumi Zoldyck x Reader

Synopsis: Halloween was something the Zoldyck kids never got to experience, that was until you came along... Much to Illumis.... Delight.

A/n: this is my effort to make my friend fall for Illumi....

Alluka ran around your legs, chasing Killua who was running away from her. Her fairy princess costume bounced with each step as she squealed for Killua to be her fairy prince. You smiled at them before continuing your trek towards the door where you hoped the tricker treaters would be. Your house was perfect for the Zoldyck kids to come by, mostly because it wasn't hidden in a forest where no one would find them.

It took a lot of begging on the kid's part to let them celebrate even just this once, and while you were excited for them to be here, Illumi was not. Not because he didn't like them, but because he hated this holiday. It didn't make any sense, why would someone dress up as a character that's not even scary? The doorbell rang and you opened the door to reveal a couple of kids in "scary" costumes. You jumped in fake fright, hand clamping over your heart to exaggerate your reaction.

"Trick or treat!!!!" The kids squealed out, and you chuckled at their already heavy bags "My goodness, you look spooky tonight!!" You stated cheerily as you handed out the full-size candy bars to each kid. They thanked you before running off to the next house, leaving you with a loving smile in their wake. You wondered how your kids would be on Halloween. Would they dress up as spooky ghosts? Or would a princess/knight outfit be their go-to?

A hand ghosted your side, causing you to jump in your spot this time out of real fear. "Jesus Illumi. Make some noise next time" you teased before lifting your head to give him a peck on the lips. The witch hat you wore bumped him in the head, causing him to huff out in annoyance. "I don't understand what you're supposed to be" Illumi stated bluntly, causing you to feign shock that he would most certainly take seriously.

Stepping back, you motioned up and down your body. His eyes traveled down the velvet black dress and orange and black stockings before landing on the black pointy shoes. His eyebrows furrowed, "Are those my shoes?"

"No. They're Hisokas"

His eyes shot back up to your face and you gave a sheepish smile before throwing your hands out in a "ta da" motion.

"I still don't know what you are"

You let out an exasperated sigh, these Zoldyck kids had no fun growing up, and it was painfully obvious. "I'm a witch! See, pointy hat! Pointy shoes!! I even have a broom!!!"

Silence followed as he examined the three things you just pointed out. "How does that make you a witch-"

"Oh my... Come here" you said finally, giving up on teaching your helpless boyfriend something that didn't matter. His eyebrows furrowed but he walked over anyway. You wrapped your arms around his neck and gave him a loving look, "I love you... But you need to learn some pop culture references"

"Pop culture?"

"Oh my G-"

"TRICK OR TREAT!!!" You broke away from him and clapped in excitement at the new group of kids. "Oh my goodness!! Your costumes are amazing." You exclaimed as you grabbed the bowl off the table. Illumi watched you, still confused about this holiday and why you were so excited. But he couldn't figure out what else he was feeling...

It was similar to how he felt for you, something along the lines of love but it felt, different. He focused on you and the way you interacted with the kids. Your eyes sparkled with pure love and joy and it had his mind reeling.

He didn't like the holiday, didn't understand anything about it. But looking at your excitement made him somehow enjoy it. Seeing the way you lit up at the excitement of the kids around you made his love for you somehow grow. He didn't think he even knew how to love, you quite literally had to point out that what he was feeling was love. It wasn't the possession he felt over Killua, wasn't the respect he had for his father.

It was something different, something deeper.

You waved off the kids before standing up straight. A small smile stayed on your lips as you awaited the next group of children. Illumi walked towards you, once more grabbing your waist and pulling you out of your thoughts. You hummed but didn't look his way. His fingers ghosted your chin and he urged you to look up at him.

He didn't like saying it, but he knew that his looks alone told you everything you needed to know. Your smile grew and your cheeks heated up, "I love you too, Illumi"

He pressed his lips softly against yours, and you braced yourself against his chest. He tried to deepen the kiss but you stopped him, he hovered over you still, lips mere centimeters from his. He didn't love the holiday, but he did love you.

"Happy Halloween Lumi"

[neonblessing]

9.

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT! ⚠️ Click here to read Neon Blessing from the beginning!

“Look, you don’t have to give me a map. Just point me in the right direction.”

“Shiv, kid, I get it. You want revenge. But-”

“I don’t want revenge,” she said. She wasn’t certain if it was a lie.

“Then what do you want?”

“Answers.” Hell, she didn’t even know the finer points of what the two of them had stolen. The house had been full of valuable art, they’d passed a poorly-hidden wall safe on the way to the owner’s office, and they ignored it all in favor of the data drive that had sat atop a messy stack of papers. Ornarch hadn’t told them what was on there, just that it would go for a hundred thousand credits at a minimum, or a million from the right buyer. Most drives its size were just something convenient to hold, with the data itself stored on a chip a few nanometers thick. Whatever was on that drive had been complex enough that the whole damn drive was dedicated to memory. A sphinx glinted darkly on its surface, mirror finish set into matte black. There was something captivating about its sheer scale and the precision of its construction. Something a little sinister, too. Then he had shown up, and the rest of the night was a blurry nightmare of burning, screaming, and blood.

Kooler pursed his lips. “And once you have those answers, what are you going to do?”

“My job. Ornarch wants me to-”

Kooler’s eyes narrowed, and he tilted his head. “Isn’t your job breaking and entering? At least, I think that’s what you told me the first time we met. Forgive an old man’s memory for its failings, but I think I would have remembered hearing a teenager call themself an executioner.” He suddenly sounded very old, and very tired.

“Maybe I’ve changed. Why do you care?” It came out a little colder than she’d intended it to.

“Sorry, sorry. You’re right. None of my business.”

“So you won’t help me?”

“Staying neutral is how I stay alive. Everyone knows old Kooler keeps his mouth shut.”

“That’s a no?” Her heart sank. She’d known it was a long shot, but even still, Kooler was the closest thing she had to a lead.

Whatever he saw in her face gave him pause. “I… offered them ten thousand for the drive. I don’t even have half the hardware it would take to decrypt that… monster. I told them I wasn’t paying a credit more than that for a piece of software I couldn’t validate, no matter what rumors I’d heard. They took their business elsewhere. I don’t know where.”

“Rumors?”

“Have you been online since you stole it?” She hadn’t. “Half of the criminals in the Diluvian District are hunting after that sphinx drive. It’s anyone’s guess what’s on there, but Ebrelurge put a bounty out on it and then a few gang bosses joined the bidding war. As of this morning, the best offer is 1.6 million.”

Lord of birds. One point six fucking million?

He went on. “I don’t know where they went, but I know someone who might. Don’t go telling everyone I lent you a hand, but you’re- you’re a good kid. Just- hear them out when you see them. Don’t rush headlong into being a killer.”

“Yeah.”

Kooler pushed off the counter, sending his chair on a practiced arc towards a shelf of folders in one corner of the shop. He returned bearing a business card, a thin sheet of crisp white plastic stock with “Club RED – 1191-3962” embossed on it in brilliant crimson. The back side of the card was decorated with a staring eye in the same shade. “Kurtz–the owner of Club RED–knows me, and she’s got a panopt. Ask to see Odie. If it can’t help you, no one can.”

Shiv grinned. “Thanks, Kooler.”

“I’d say ‘any time,’ but really I’d rather not stick my neck out again.”

“With any luck, you won’t have to!”

The door squealed as she left.

First Page – Previous Page – Next Page

[ejzah]

A/N: The Deeks family with the twins on their first Halloween.

***

Kensi: You know, they won’t remember any of this, right?

Deeks, cradling a twin in each arm: I know. But how many Halloweens are we going to get with them? Plus, they look absolutely adorable.

He glances down at the twins. Sophia is dressed up in a mini cowardly lion costume, and Caleb as the scarecrow, while Kensi and Deeks take on the roles of Dorothy and Tin Man.

Kensi, pushing the wagon the twins got tired of long ago: Yeah, they do. The question is, what are we going to do with all this candy? It’s not like they can even eat half of it.

Deeks, reasonably: Freeze it for those days when we feel like we’re going to die of exhaustion. Don’t pretend you don’t know the glory of a frozen Twix bar.

Kensi, shifting one of her pigtails: I guess I’m just surprised how much you wanted to go trick or treating. Over the years, you’ve never made that big of a deal about Halloween.

Deeks, shrugging: I remember having a lot of fun with my mom on the years she could take me out. Sometimes she was working and couldn’t. All my costumes were homemade, sometimes stretching the imagination, but I didn’t care. I guess these guys gave me a good reason to remember those days.

Kensi, tugs him to a stop and stretches up to kiss his cheek.

Deeks: What was that for?

Kensi: You’re pretty cute too.

Deeks, smiling: C’mon, I heard the house on the end is giving out full size candy bars.

[munson-blurbs]

Halloween idea anon here :) The first idea was Eddie and the reader doing the typical Halloween pranks (egging and TPing) on someone’s house and when they have to make a run for it to not get caught, when the light catches on their face, Eddie just thinks “yeah, I’m going to marry this girl one day”. The second idea was trick or treating with hellfire (because I cannot see Eddie ever outgrowing that and now they have freshmen in the club) and seeing the reader dressed as Galadriel or Arwen with the group she’s chaperoning and cutting each house visit short (much to the ire of Dustin) because he can’t let “the girl of (his) dreams” get away before he has a chance to talk to her after trying to work up the nerve all night. Sorry if neither of those are good ideas but thank you for letting me send them over!

Eddie falls head-over-heels for a fairy, but needs a little help talking to her.

Warnings: a little bit of language

WC: 990

A/N: This takes place in October 1986. Eddie & Steve are friends but obviously Eddie survived the Upside Down. Also, the LotR movies didn't come out till the early 2000s, so I decided to go with a D&D fairy costume! I hope that's all right!

--

Eddie Munson may be 20 years old, but he's not going to pass up the opportunity to go trick-or-treating. Dressing up in a sick costume and getting free candy? Sounds like a great time.

And now, he has a good excuse, since Dustin recruited him to drive the Hellfire Club (plus Steve) to the wealthier part of town. The kid had a whole plan mapped out based on the houses that gave the best candy in previous years. How could Eddie turn the poor guy down?

He’s dressed as a zombie rockstar, which consisted of an old concert t-shirt that he’d ripped holes in, ripped jeans, and some fake blood smeared across his face. He’d briefly considered bringing along Sweetheart, but didn’t want to risk any damage. 

“How are we always the goddamn babysitters?” Steve grumbles now, but Eddie knows he loves being adored by the kids. 

Before he can respond to Steve, something catches his eye a few houses down. A girl, about his age, standing behind two young kids, wearing a pair of fairy wings. But not just any fairy wings: she’s dressed as a fairy from Dungeons & Dragons.

“Holy shit,” Eddie breathes out. “Harrington, I think I’m in love.”

Steve meets his friend’s gaze, trying to keep an eye on the gaggle of children they’re somehow responsible for. “Oh, she’s cute.” He laughs at Eddie’s lovesick stare. “Go talk to her, Romeo.”

“W-what do I even say?” Eddie sputters, hands getting clammy. He clumsily wipes them on his pants.

Steve laughs, amused by Eddie’s nervous demeanor. “Why don’t you start with, ‘I like your costume’?” he says. “And, uh, try not to look like a total moron.”

“Okay, okay,” Eddie grumbles, turning to Mike, Lucas, Erica, and Dustin, who are waiting on line to get full-size chocolate bars. “Little sheep, let’s go! Put a move on it!” he yells out, waving them back.

“We didn’t even get our candy yet!” Erica laments. “I am not leaving until I have a giant KitKat in my stash, got it?”

Eddie huffs as he walks over. “There are a million other houses we can hit up,” Like the one where the girl of my dreams is standing, he thinks. “Come on!”

“Seriously, dude,” Dustin says, “what’s your deal?”

“Eddie's got a big ol’ crush on that fairy princess over there,” Steve teases, pointing in your direction.

“Don’t point at her, Harrington!” Eddie hisses, burying his head in his hands. “Forget it. Get your stupid candy.”

But the group has already snapped into wingman mode. 

“Eddie,” Dustin crosses his arms over his chest, “how many girls do you know are into D&D?”

“Um, Little Sinclair pretty much starts and ends that list.”

“Exactly!” Lucas exclaims. “So there’s a beautiful girl fifty feet away from you, who not only knows what it is, but likes it enough to dress as a character from it. And you’re gonna let her slip away?”

“No, but--” Eddie starts before Mike cuts him off.

“But what? You have no excuse; we’re not toddlers. And Steve can stay with us while you get her number.”

“Save my spot, or else,” Erica orders the boys, and they know to heed her warning. “C’mon, Munson. Let’s hurry this up so I don’t miss out on any candy.”

“Uh, okay,” Eddie stammers as Erica grabs him by the wrist and pulls him over to you.

“Hi!” she says to you, giant grin plastered on her face. “I just wanted to tell you that I love your costume! Is this your D&D character?”

You clasp your hands together excitedly. “Yes!” you reply. “Finally, someone knows where this costume is from. You don’t know how many people have called me Tinkerbell tonight.”

“Actually,” Erica says coyly, pulling Eddie in front of her, “this long-haired freak was the one who noticed.”

“H-hi,” Eddie bites the inside of his lip, cringing at how nervous he sounds. “I’m Eddie. Her, uh, baby-sitter.”

“Chaperone,” Erica corrects him.

“Right, Chaperone.” He softly kicks his foot into the grass. “I’m also Hellfire Club’s Dungeon Master.”

“You play, too?” Your eyes light up, taking him in. “Well, duh, of course you do, if you’re the Dungeon Master. I’m Y/N, by the way.” Pink creeps into your cheeks, and Eddie thinks it’s the cutest thing he’s ever seen. Plus, it makes him feel better about being anxious.

“Yeah. We started at Hawkins High, but when I graduated earlier this year, we just kept up the tradition outside of school,” he explains sheepishly. “Maybe you could join us sometime?”

He feels a kick to the back of his ankle before you can respond. “Ow!” he cries out, turning to Erica.

“That’s not a date, nerd,” she loudly whispers. “I am not missing out on rich people candy for you to half-ass this!”

Eddie hears you giggle and swerves back to rectify the situation. “Or, uh, we could go to that new café that opened downtown? I hear they have kick-ass food.”

You nod. “That would be great!” A small hand tugs on the hem of your green dress. “I have to get going,” you apologize, wishing you could talk to him all night. “I promised the kids I baby-sit that I’d take them trick-or-treating until our feet fall off.”

“No worries. It’s like the Cool Baby-Sitters’ Code,” he jokes, conversation flowing more naturally now. “Could I maybe get your number? So I can, y’know, call you?”

“Of course!” You reach into your purse and pull out a pen. When you realize you don’t have any paper, you grab his arm and write your phone number on it.

“I’ll call you,” he promises as you walk away and wave.

Erica stares up at him, clearly pleased with the situation.

“Thanks, kid,” he says, clapping a hand on her back. “You’re a better wingman than any of those guys.”

“Yeah, well,” she replies with a shrug. “I call dibs on bridesmaid.”

--

[thesunshineriptide]

Trick or treat!

Happy halloween!

You trick or treat to all the twst boys in their dorms. This is what they react with

Heartslabyul

Riddle: Riddle has prepared for some aspects of Halloween and not others, meaning the things he gives out for treats…is pencils. He gives out supplies relating to schoolwork (pencils, erasers, pens, notepads) and he has enough sense to make sure it’s the FUN ones, but it’s still just more work. He’s happy to let you pick which funky office supply treat you want. He never does tricks

Ace: Ace is the first on this list to absolutely SUCK at trick or treat prep. He hands you whatever’s in his pocket (usually trash but sometimes something fun like two madol) he plays it off like a trick but in reality he’s a little embarrassed and sad he couldn’t give you a good Halloween treat

Deuce: Deuce is actually great in his taste but not in his prep. He bought 20 full sized candy bars and then had to run off to get more candy, leaving him with just fistfuls of salt water taffy. Don’t worry, he made sure to get you, specifically, a full sized bar

Trey: you know this man is making his own fuckin candy. He’s going full suburban mom with cookies, chocolates, candy apples, little carved out oranges, and, of course, toothbrushes to hand out with it so you don’t get cavities. You earn a chocolate chip cookie and a dental care bag

Cater: Most normal. Went and got two giant bags of Halloween candy, sat with them in a bowl and played on his phone or talked to whoever was closest. He gives you some candy with a smile and a selfie

Savanaclaw

Leona: you’re getting a trick. The trick is that he doesn’t really wanna participate. He’s old and tired and tired of these damn kids (/j) no, but in seriousness, he’s carrying candy on him in his deep ass pockets. He mostly carries the shitty candy nobody wants, but he’ll give you a handful with a grin

Ruggie: Ruggie doesn’t carry candy unless there’s little kids, which there aren’t. Instead, you’re getting a trick - he’ll use his UM to make you hand over your candy bag. You have been robbed

Jack: doesn’t strike me as the type to normally carry candy, but he might. If he does, it’s probably on the less sweet side or hard candy, if he doesn’t, it’s a protein bar. But like, one of the good ones. He’s so happy to give you it though, you can’t even reject. Especially since he doesn’t follow it with a lecture (unlike Vargas or Sebek or Riddle or Trey or-)

Octavinelle

Azul: you think this man is giving shit out for free? No, no, you’re working for your candy. He’ll make you do some sort of imitation of your costume, or sing a little song, or do a few twirls. Then, and only after you’ve payed the toll, do you get candy. Good news though, Azul gives out the good shit

Jade: You’re getting a trick and a treat, in that order. He’ll give you a little spook (psychological, not physical. He’ll give you his creepy grin and make a comment on how he can help you become a ghost) and then you get a nice handful of candy and a smile. He also has normal candy, unlike…

Floyd: Another trick, then a treat. Floyd’s more into giving a scare by popping out of a bush or just going “boo!” And then following it with candy. Much like Azul, he has full sized candy bars, but, all of them are off brand, weirdly named candy bars, and some just have a sticker covering what they are. Which means you have no idea what he gave you, other than a heart attack

Scarabia

Kalim: you think Kalim doesn’t go big for Halloween? He’s giving every trick or treater a fucking buffet. He’s the one house that gives out gift bags with candy, toys, soda, popcorn, etc. you leave with a whole meal in junk food. He might throw money in some of them too, just for fun

Jamil: he’s in charge of doing all Kalim’s shit, so count them as a duo project. He’s exhausted and if you insist on getting candy from him alone, he’ll probably just frown and give you something boring (a pencil he got from Riddle)

Pomefiore

Vil: health conscious beauty guru giving out Halloween candy? Yes, actually. And autographs, and stim toys for those who don’t want sugar. Sure, he may not want the candy, and he may not approve of his underlings indulging too often, but…it’s a holiday. It would be cruel not to

Rook: … okay. Listen. He finds beauty in everything, soooooo…he gives out old people candy. Like, butterscotches and those really specific strawberry foiled candies, yknow the ones. Or lollipops. Alternatively he exclusively gives out exotic candies that like 5 people have heard of but are literally so good???

Epel: CARAMEL APPLE KING!! He made them himself, with apples from his family’s farm, and he spent HOURS getting it right. He also carves apples for trick or treaters (including you. You get an apple carved into a poison apple with caramel dripping down from the top)

Ignihyde

Idia: King Candy has arrived. He knows all the best candy and since nobody ever really approaches him, it was a great excuse to buy ungodly amounts and hoard it. He does happily share some of his favorites with you, even if he’s a little nervous

Ortho: Ortho can’t eat, but he does enjoy going around reverse trick or treating. He will give you a Twix bar and take note on whether you prefer left Twix or right Twix, because it is a question that’s absolutely fascinating to him

Diasomnia

Malleus: Malleus has no idea what’s going on. He will, instead, just straight up give out blessings and maybe some candy if Lilia is nearby. You leave with increased confidence due to one of his spells. Hooray!

Lilia: I’d say Lilia gives out old people candy but I think he’s just a bit too young for that. He gives out those candy blood bags, fake candy teeth, other gummy candies shaped like organs, etc. he’s more into the creep than the cutesy and that reflects in his candy choices

Silver: didn’t have time to prep, isn’t in charge of candy distribution. If you ask him for candy, he will give you a stray peppermint candy from his pocket

Sebek: “HOW DARE WAKASAMA AND MASTER LILIA’S BENEVOLENCE NOT BE ENOUGH FOR YOU- oh. Oh, sorry. Uh. Here…” he gives you a handful of jellybeans. They are not in a bag, they are just loose jellybeans from a bucket. They are not all the same flavor. It’s your guess as to what’s going down there

[just-barrow]

day 26 of @almost-a-class-act's War Is Helloween prompts!

SAS: Rogue Heroes - David Stirling/Doctor Gamal

Someone dropped the ball on buying Halloween candy or costumes and now they have to get creative.

They had put real effort into the decorations around their front door this year, carving pumpkins and putting up little bats that fluttered in the lamplight. There was even a full-size skeleton sitting on a rocking chair. The neighbors' cat had taken up residence in its bony lap. Everything looked perfect.

It wouldn't be long before the first trick or treaters would appear on their doorstep, all dressed up and ready to collect as much candy as they could carry.

David was putting out the bowls of carefully selected mini chocolate bars, lollipops, and other sweets when he realized.

"We forgot our own bloody costumes!"

Asim appeared in the doorway with another bowl full of mini KitKats. "Shit!"

"Do we have something? Anything?" David was quickly trying to think if there was an old costume they might have hidden somewhere in the back of a wardrobe.

"No?" Mild panic taking over, Asim helped himself to a snack and chewed nervously. "Kids will be here any minute," he said, waving about one half of a KitKat as he frantically looked around the room.

"Wait here." David bounded up the stairs and into their spare room. He knew it had to be somewhere… With a triumphant 'ha!' he pulled one of Asim's old lab coats out of a drawer. "Put this on," he said as he returned downstairs, not waiting for an answer and forcing his boyfriend's arms into the sleeves.

"A doctor's costume," Asim deadpanned once the lab coat was on, standing in the middle of their living room with his hands on his hips. "Really."

David made a face at him before grabbing a bottle from the fridge. "At least I'm taking initiative. Hold still."

With an impish grin he squirted ketchup all over Asim's lab coat, using both of his hands to create big red smears and handprints all over his pristine white outfit. Large blobs of ketchup dripped onto the floor.

Asim looked up at the ceiling and sighed.

The first trick or treaters were already on the other side of the street, and David was still dressed in his regular clothes. "Help me with these," he said, yanking open the first aid kit and taking out all of the bandages.

When their doorbell rang, they had just finished wrapping the final roll of bandages around David's body, covering most of his shirt and trousers. Asim, now starting to see the vision, enthusiastically squirted a few generous dollops of ketchup onto David.

They looked appalling. So did their living room floor.

Hurriedly grabbing a bowl of candy each–leaving bloody ketchup handprints everywhere–they opened the door and put on their friendliest smiles.

A small group of children was on their doorstep, all decked out in their little costumes. They stood frozen and stared at the two men before them, who looked like they had just walked straight out of a very gruesome horror movie.

The kids screamed in unison and ran off.

"Too much?" David said sheepishly, a glob of ketchup running down the side of his face.

Asim thumbed it away and almost licked it off his finger before grimacing and wiping the excess ketchup onto his lab coat. "Too much."

They spent a good hour cleaning up both themselves and the floor; it seemed like the group of children had told all their friends not to bother with their house, because the doorbell remained silent.

Their ketchuped clothes tumbled gently in the washer. Now in his underpants, David sucked on a lollipop and sat down on the sofa next to Asim, who was in a similar state of undress. "Shame about all that leftover candy."

"Yes. Terrible shame." Asim ate another KitKat and absentmindedly ran a hand along David's bare thigh. "By the way, I think we're out of ketchup."

"And bandages."

"Hm. I'll steal some from the hospital."

David gave his lollipop another suck before leaning in to mouth at his boyfriend's neck. "You're so sexy when you talk about committing theft."

Asim snorted, tilting his head back and pulling David into his lap.

With a smirk, David discarded his lollipop.

There were far more fun things for him to suck.

[obscure-imaginations]

Monster Mash

Vorador takes Umah, Sebastian, Marcus, and Faustus trick or treating! Mirrored on AO3.

"Sebastian! Stop running ahead!" Vorador called to no avail, the whelp dressed as a king continued to run ahead of his 'siblings'.

Umah sighed. "I'll get him, sire." The eldest went to capture him while the remaining broodlings argued.

"This is ridiculous! Faustus got a full-sized bar!" Marcus said, stomping his foot.

"So? You have way more candy than I do!" Faustus's eyes widened as he realized something. "SIRE! Marcus is using his gifts to get more candy!"

"Don't be ridiculous." Vorador said, dragging the bickering whelps along with him up to the next house.

Ariel answered the door. "Oh."

"Trick or treat!" The four broodlings chorused, holding out their bags, while Vorador stood behind, his arms crossed.

Ariel faked a smile and passed out treats, shutting the door as Nupraptor's complaints rose up from inside the house.

Faustus's jester bells jingled as he bounced excitedly. "Ooh! White chocolate."

Sebastian made a gagging noise and Vorador impatiently tapped the back of his head. Umah, dressed as a cat, chuckled. Marcus, dressed as a skeleton, led the group to the next house.

Umah bounded past him, reaching the door first. She grinned. "Mortanius always has the best candy."

When Mortanius opened his door, a dramatic cloud of smoke wafted out as well. He was wearing his skeleton robes, peering out at the vampires theatrically. "Who dares disturb my rest?"

"Hello Mortanius." Vorador said, nodding politely.

"Hmm. You invoke the necromancer for earthly riches? Very well then." Moranius passed out expensive chocolates to the four, and tossed one to Vorador.

"Told you." Umah said as they walked away.

A few houses later, Vorador groaned. "No. I am not doing a repeat of last year."

"Oh, come on." Faustus said with a grumble. "We got candy out of Moebius eventually."

"But it was all candy corn. What Vorador didn't eat, we gave to Kain." Sebastian said, looking warily at Moebius's poor attempts at decor.

"Buttering up Kain for the next time you break something of his." Umah said. She bravely led the group to ring Moebius's doorbell.

A pause ensued. Eventually, Moebius's voice sounded from behind the door. "No one's home! Go away!"

"You left your porch light on." Vorador called from the driveway.

The porch light flickered off. Umah rolled her eyes and rang the doorbell again. When more silence answered her, Faustus took initiative and slammed his hand on the door.

A strangled yelp came from Moebius as he tumbled away from the door. Finally, he opened the door a peek, tossed five candy bags on the ground, and slammed the door.

"Thank you for your patronage." Marcus said sarcastically.

When they solicited from Malek, tense eye contact occurred between him and Vorador. The brood took this opportunity to raid his candy bowl.

Bane handed out beef jerky, DeJoule handed out individually-wrapped caramels, Anarcrothe gave a generic candy mix, and Azimuth handed out glow-in-the-dark spider rings (which were complained about when they left).

Finally, they stopped at Kain's house. Vorador had to smack Sebastian away from the garden, the whelp moving to kick Kain's prize-winning roses.

Turel answered the door, the sounds of a party bellowing out behind him. "Kain's not here."

Vorador raised an eyebrow. "And you're trashing his place in his absence?"

"We're not trashing it-" Turel began, cut off by Raziel's screams as Zephon, dressed as a spider, pounced on him.

"Why didn't we have a party?" Marcus asked.

Vorador ignored him. "Hmph. I suppose he'll be the judge of that. Do you have candy for them or not?" He gestured to the four fledglings.

Turel pointed to the "take one" candy bowl on the porch.

Vorador looked at him, unamused. "It's empty."

Turel sighed. "Oh, those damned kids. No one ever just takes one. Here." He disappeared inside the house.

A few moments later, Rahab came out. "All we have is this." A shook a full bag of caramel popcorn, and Umah snatched it immediately.

"Thank you." Vorador glanced inside the house. "You'd better take care of that fire on the stove before Kain comes back."

[dragonmuse]

For a seasonal prompt, how about some classic trick-or-treating? Either way back in the timeline for Charlie and Alma, or maybe the Callahan Gang with Pickle?

(this one took some twists on me, but here's Alma age 12 and Charlie age 9, going out trick or treating with Eddy and Stede)

“Love, come on!” Eddy called from the bottom of the stairs. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Stede laughed, descending. “I can’t tell who’s more excited, you or the children.” 

“Definitely Eddy,” Alma giggled. “Dad, do you like it?”

She had made her own costume this year from her now too small flower girl dress from the wedding last year. Using shears, she’d put artful rips in the tulle bottom and torn the top layer of the corseted top to give her some breathing room. Fake blood had been liberally splashed onto it.  Eddy had been prevailed upon for makeup help and now she looked pale as the grave, a little blood dribbling tastefully from one corner of her mouth. A stunning corpse bride. 

“I love it!” He declared. “Do a spin for us.” 

Alma twirled, the skirt swishing outward. “I still say I’m too old for trick or treating though.” 

“Next year, you can stay home and give out candy,” Stede took out his phone, snapping pictures. “But you look too good to stay home this year.” 

“Can I stay up and watch a scary movie after Charlie goes to bed though?” 

“Yes,” Eddy said before Stede could put in his two cents. “I’ll watch it with you.” 

“I’ll read in bed. Where is Charlie?” 

“He was looking for his-” 

“I’m ready!” Charlie came out of his room.  

He was wearing a white lab coat, black rubber gloves, a white wig teased out at the ends, goggles and holding a green severed arm with a bone sticking out. 

“I thought you said you were going to be Frankestein,” Eddy said blankly. The arm, despite the color, was disturbingly realistic. 

“I am,” Charlie frowned. “Dr. Frankenstein. The monster’s name is Adam.” 

“It...is?” Eddy looked to Stede, who conceded with a nod. “But you wanted to be scary this year.” 

“He’s the real monster,” Charlie said solemnly. 

“He did abandon his creation,” Stede allowed. “The monster was just doing its best to survive after that. And it was understandably angry.” 

“Okay,” Eddy decided to let that go so no one here had to examine it. “Fun. Good job, Charlie. How’s your mad scientist laugh?” 

Charlie did something that sounded more like a hyped up nine-year-old laugh, but hey, also scary in it a different way. 

“Great!” Stede decided and took a few pictures of him, then one of the two kids together where Alma pretended to gnaw on the fake arm. “Let’s go!” 

They went out into the street. It was already getting dark and there were shrieks of joy going up and down the street. Alma and Charlie were both armed with pillow cases (“Why not bags, honey?”  “Pillow cases hold more. And it’s tradition.”)  

“Would I regret asking if you ever got to trick or treat?” Eddy took Stede’s hand in hers. 

“Likely,” he sighed. “What about you?” 

“Oh yeah, every year until I was in high school. My mom would piece a costume together with what we had around when I was little. I was a vampire a couple of times, had this pair of teeth out of one of those coin machines in the grocery store.” 

“And now you can be whatever you want, any day of the year,” Stede beamed. “My beautiful Kraken.” 

“I can,” they agreed with satisfaction. “Maybe next year we should switch for Halloween. Wouldn’t that be fun?” 

“I love it,” Stede said readily. “You would look amazing in the cream gown with the gold accents. I’ll need some training on the tentacles.” 

“Eddy!” Alma called from the end of the street. “This house gave out full size candy bars!” 

“Amazing!” She yelled back. “Wait at the corner.” 

“Okay!” 

They sped up, escorting the kids down the street. Charlie had clearly been sneaking treats early, his costume enhanced by the smears of chocolate around his mouth. Alma hadn’t even hid it, sticking a watermelon lollipop into her mouth, the red adding to her general bloody vibe as well as faint, but pleasant candy scent. 

On a stoop, there was a scarecrow decoration and right as the kids trooped up past it, it leaped to it’s feet with a blood curdling scream.  Charlie jumped back a full foot, eyes wide, a strangled cry in his throat. Eddy was about to give the guy a piece of his mind when Alma kicked him hard in the knee. 

“That’s really awful!” She shouted at him. “He’s just a little kid.” 

“Fu-” The scarecrow started.

“You better not be about to swear at my kid,” Eddy snarled. “What the hell is wrong with you? Save that shit for the asshole teens that’ll be out in an hour.” 

“Damn right,” Stede agreed, sweeping in to put an arm around Charlie. 

“Hey, it’s just fun for them, you know, laugh it off after.”

“I don’t think it’s fun,” Alma huffed. “I think it’s juvenile and cruel.” 

“What are your shoes made of?” The guy groaned, reaching down to rub his shin. 

Alma hiked up her puffy skirts to reveal her shit-kicker boots. “Steel toed. And I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kicked you. But you scared me.” 

“I.uh...yeah. Sorry.” The guy coughed. 

Stede took the kids onward and Eddy waited until they were out of sight. 

“M’am?” the guy asked uncertainly. 

“I know who you are,” she decided. “I hear you scared one more kid who doesn’t come up past your waist tonight and I’ll make sure your aunt knows who broke her ceramic planters stumbling home drunk last month.” 

The scarecrow froze. Eddy tossed her braid over her shoulder and went to catch up with her family. The kids got back in the spirit quickly enough and they did another few blocks. Eventually Charlie was dragging his bag and Eddy plucked it from him, tossing it over her shoulder. 

“Too heavy to carry means time to go home,” Stede decided. “Getting chilly too.” 

Back at the house,  they put on the Grim Adeventures of Bill and Mandy which both Alma and Charlie would still consent to watch. Two pillowcases were carefully spilled out.  Then the cutthroat trade deals began. 

“I will give you ten tootsie rolls for all five of your caramels,” Alma opened. 

“Four,” Charlie contended.  

“Done. Pretzel pack for cheetos.” 

“No way, I like cheetos,” Charlie pushed the pack out of her reach. “You can have the potato chips for the pretzels.” 

“Fine.” 

“Trade all hersheys for jolly ranchers?” 

“Except the watermelon ones.” 

“This is...good?” Stede ventured as he and Eddy watched from the couch. 

“Sure, they’re getting along,” Eddy decided. “How much are we letting them eat tonight?” 

“Five piece maximum.” 

“Ten,” Eddy contended. “They should get a little sick, that’s half the fun.” 

“If they get actually sick, on your head be it.” 

“Deal,” she laughed. 

Candy traded, consumed and tucked away from the next day,  Stede got Charlie scrubbed clean and into bed. Alma changed into her own pajamas, washing her face and sitting next to Eddy on the couch. 

“What are we watching?” 

“A classic.” Eddy assured her. “Ghosts and scares all over.” 

Stede emerged a few minutes into the viewing. Eddy waited for him to say his good nights, but he just stood there watching and eventually drifted onto the couch, sitting on Eddy’s other side, apparently taken in. With the first big jump scare, he grabbed their arm, but didn’t make a sound. 

“This poor boy,” he murmured.  

“Just fiction, love.” 

“Still.”

Meanwhile, Alma was reclining, eating her potato chips. “That headwound is gnarly.”  

“Right?”  

The climatic moment crested and Alma went “Ha! I knew it!”  Just as Stede said, “Wait. He was a ghost the whole time?” 

“The whole time,” Eddy nodded. “Mind fuck, right?” 

“I can’t believe it.” 

“I kind of guessed at the anniversary scene,” Alma shrugged. “It’s a good twist though.” 

“Twist? It’s horrific!” Stede protested. 

“Dad.” She sighed. “It’s a horror movie.” 

“...yes. Well. Excellent point, thank you. And now it’s bedtime, I think. For all of us.” 

Alma grumbled, but went. Eddy put her arm around Stede’s shoulders and kissed his temple. 

“You going to be okay?” 

“I know it’s silly to be more scared than a child, but-” 

“Love, this movie scared me so bad that I slept with the lights on for a week and I was 22 the first time I saw it.” 

“Really?” 

“Cross my heart. Every creak in the apartment gave me the creeps for weeks. Just know it now so it doesn’t get me.” 

When they went up to bed, Eddy noticed Alma had left her door open a crack. Just enough to let the light they left on in the bathroom streak over her floor. Guess she wasn’t so unaffected either. Stede picked up his book and Eddy just curled up beside him, head on his chest which was his cue to share. So he read aloud about some dry history until she fell asleep.  

Hours later, she woke and sat up. 

Something stirred in the house. She kept her eyes closed, pinpointing it. Not Alma, who would go straight for the kitchen to turn on the kettle so they could have hot chocolate with her if it woke them.  Not Stede, who was asleep beside her, breath barely creasing the air.  Unlikely to be Charlie who diligently went out like a light and wouldn’t rise until dawn when he’d settled himself somewhere with a book where someone was likely to trip over him. 

Something was awake. Eddy got to her feet and prowled downstairs, tense as a wire. Alma’s door was still cracked. Charlie’s was still closed. 

Eddy crossed the living room, sweeping, hand closing into a fist. 

But there was nothing. 

Just the wind maybe. Or her own dreams. 

Eddy stood, and listened for a long while anyway, suspended in that moment for longer than she’d like to admit. 

Go back to bed, sweetheart.  

Eddy whirled. No one there. Just a whisper that was probably the wind rustling leaves outside. No words said out loud at all. 

“Okay,” Eddy said back anyway. “I’m going” 

There was no hand on her cheek, no familiar lips on her forehead. Whatever may or may not have stirred in that thin veil was gone. Eddy went back to bed and fell into a deep sleep.

[3wisellamas]

SCC Halloween Week: Freeform

It was no secret that Cap'n had spent a LOT of time roaming the streets of Cyber City.  The boombox seemed to know every neighborhood like he'd lived there all his life, and especially like he'd spent every Halloween of his youth trick-or-treating there, with how he somehow seemed to know exactly where to go for the best candy.

His services didn't come cheap, however, and he held out his hand to his companions as they returned from their latest doorstep.  "Come on, pay up."

"Cap'n," K_K started as they passed a chocolate bar to him, which he wasted no time gobbling down in seconds, "why don't you just trick-or-treat with us?  It's a lot of fun!"

"Yeah!  Way more fun than havin' to pay your 'candy tax,'" Sweet sighed, passing him another candy bar and looking down the rest of the street.  Their bag still wasn't quite full, and with their hastily-made agreement to give the proceeds from every third building to Cap'n in exchange for his vast knowledge of the city, it likely wouldn't be for some time.

"Me?  Dress up in a silly outfit," he said, pointing out the frayed wires poking out of Sweet's scuffed case as part of his zombie costume, and the bolts and cheap wig on K_K's head, "and ring doorbells to beg for candy?  Please, I'm a businessman."

"You just have us do all that instead," K_K giggled.  They didn't mind Cap'n's candy tax as much as Sweet did -- there would be plenty to go around by the end of the night! -- and besides, dressing up and trick-or-treating was fun on its own.  They'd do it every day if there weren't only one day of the year it didn't get them strange looks, or chased off of porches with a broom like that one summer.

"Just do one with us, Cap'n?  Please?  I want someone to see your costume!"

Cap'n snickered.  "Costume?!"  He'd accompanied his bandmates in his usual hoodie and skinny jeans, the only addition being one of those paper masks from the concert the night before.  He literally looked no different from how he normally did.

"Yeah, your Cap'n costume!  I wish I'd thought of being you for Halloween too!"  Tugging on Cap'n's arm, the boombox reluctantly followed him to the next door, where the trio rang the bell and waited.  Eventually, an old Plugwoman opened it, the bowl in her hands overflowing with tasty treats which they gleefully helped themselves to.

The Plugwoman squinted up at Cap'n through thick glasses.  "Oh, you're another one of those kids who got the masks from the Trash Pile!"

"The...huh?"

"There's been so many of them tonight already.  I wonder who made all those masks, and whether they know how many people love them!"

Cap'n paused.  Behind his own mask, he blinked a couple of times, before finally pulling it off his face, replacing the sunglasses he'd been wearing over it.  "Well look no further!  Great resemblance, huh?"

The Plugwoman stared up at his face, adjusting her glasses, then belted out a laugh.  "Oh, you wore another one underneath!  That's very clever!"  She gave Cap'n another chocolate bar for the joke, and sent the three on their way, wishing them a very happy Halloween.

Glancing down the street at the other trick-or-treaters, Cap'n smiled -- about half of them were indeed wearing his masks, even over more conventional costumes.  Once again, he was a hit!  

Barely supporting himself as he leaned onto his knees, he spoke through laughter, "This is the best god damn thing we've ever done."

"Better than when we found that McDarknald's manager's house and egged it?"

"WAY better, K_K."  As they headed to the next house on the block, Cap'n caught them, warning that all they'd have were circus peanuts and apples, and recommending they head on to the next block instead, where a few of the residents were sure to have full-sized candy bars.

"Jackpot!"  Sweet held out their bag to receive one of those full bars, only to meet Cap'n's knowing gaze back on the sidewalk.  "What?"

"Candy tax!"  

"Come on, that was the second house!"

"We skipped the circus peanut house, remember?  That counted!"

"Oh, go make some more masks of your own face," Sweet shouted, picking up one laying on the street to throw at him.  It seemed that, as the night wound down, so did their popularity among the Darkner youth as well.  "...Man, I don't wanna be the one who has to clean all these up a second time."

As if on cue, a Werewire roughly tapped Cap'n's shoulder, motioning for the trio to face him.  At his side was a Poppup, wearing the same badge that designated them as a part of Queen's troops, specifically the division that policed the city for her, but unlike their companion they'd thought to at least put in a little effort for the occasion, slapping a bunch of star-shaped stickers onto their dolphin head, in the shape of some constellation or other.

"HOW ARE YOU GENTLEMEN?" they chirped, holding up one of Cap'n's masks, another one that'd been discarded by a trick-or-treater and left to float along the streets.

"Did you three make and distribute these around the city?" the Werewire signed with his long fingers, causing Cap'n to shudder, wishing he hadn't taken his off to lay claim to them.  "Do you know what the fine is for littering, especially all over the entire city?"

Raising his hands up to defend himself, Cap'n sputtered, "Yo, we didn't do any littering!  That was all those kids who wore 'em for their costumes!"

"We would rather track down three people than three thousand."  

Sighing, Cap'n shrugged, glancing to his bandmates for support, though they were just as taken aback by the entire situation as he was.  "Alright, ya got us.  What do we owe ya?"

"Normally the fine for littering is three thousand Dark Dollars.  However," he motioned to the stars on the Poppup's head, "given the holiday, Queen has decreed that fines may also be paid in candy.  Three large bags should do it."

Looking sadly down at their bags, the trio handed them over.  "We good now?"

"Yes.  You are free to go.  Be sure not to litter again."

"DONMAI, DONMAI," the Poppup giggled, turning to resume their rounds as they chowed down on a pouch of fruit snacks, and the instant the cops' backs were turned Sweet, Cap'n, and K_K all relished the chance to silently jeer and make faces after them.

Sweet couldn't do much aside from tugging at one side of their speaker, and instead turned to Cap'n.  "So, you...know any more good neighborhoods for candy?" Unfortunately, however, they'd pretty much canvassed the entire city, and one by one the streetlights dimmed.  "Or...maybe we could do something else tonight?  We could do a haunted house!"

"All we gotta do is go back to the shop," K_K replied, smiling, and the other two shivered.  "I heard the ghost again while you guys were sleeping.  I think they slimed our sound studio too."

"...We really gotta call somebody about that."

"Who we gonna call, Sweet?"

"I dunno.  Somebody.  Cap, you got any ideas?"

"Nah.  Let's just sleep on it.  If we can.  Those chains are loud."

[softquietsteadylove]

Could you write the Eternals taking Jack trick or treating and Thena scaring the shit out of someone while Gil just laughs and Phastos just questions why he even tries to deal with either of them?

"Trick or Treat!"

"Thena, stop eating the candy!"

Jack and Thena both looked behind them at Phastos, shaking his head with his hands on his hips. Jack - with his plague doctor mask pushed up on top of his head - shrugged. "I told her she could have some."

"Oh, sure, she can have some," Phastos huffed at the unfairness of it all, "but last time I asked you told me that you had to make it last all year."

Thena stared her brother down, popping another sour candy into her mouth. "The sweets are his bounty, Phastos. He may do with it as he pleases."

Ben just laughed, watching as Jack dug around for more candy he thought his aunt would like. "He's sharing, Habibi--it's a good thing."

"Yeah," Gil snickered to the other side of Phastos, elbowing him, "don't be so jealous."

Phastos raised a brow at his brother, "I don't see you getting any."

Gil shrugged, trailing behind them as Jack left Thena a few last pieces before joining his friends again. "More for her."

Despite his happiness to let Thena take what she liked of Jack's generosity, she drifted back to his side, selecting a green apple candy and slipping it into his pocket.

He looked at her, but she was concentrating on the tart candy on her tongue. He extracted the hand from his pocket to wrap an arm around her. "I'd rather have that one."

But Thena turned her head, letting his lips collide with her cheek instead of her lips. "No."

"No?" Gil feigned shock and dismay.

"I already gave you one," Thena eyed her husband with a sly grin. "This one was selected specifically for me."

"Mm," Gil mused, touching the tip of his nose to hers, "I could always find a way of slipping it away from you."

"I swear to all the stars in the sky, you two-" Phastos began ranting at the couple while Ben continued to laugh at his husband and his in-laws' antics. "The only reason you're here is because the other parents wanted more than just me and Ben to watch them all."

Thena popped another candy into her mouth while Gil settled for the one she had given him. "That's not true, Jack invited us."

He had--he had insisted, actually, that his friends meet his 'super cool' uncle and aunt visiting from Australia. Although he had been disappointed to learn that he was not allowed to show off their superpowers.

"Don't remind me," Phastos grumbled. The kids returned from the next porch, jostling each other and laughing. "Okay guys, come on, two more blocks and that's it, that was the deal."

"Dad!"

"Don't 'Dad' me, mister," Phastos wagged his finger.

"Aunt Thena?" Jack turned to his greatest ally, but she avoided his eyes.

She was doing it on purpose. If she looked at that cute little human face she would definitely defy Phastos' very strict rule about not watching his son without at least one other person present.

"Uncle Gil?"

"Sorry buddy, your dad was pretty clear about this one," Gil laughed as the kid ran out of options. "But after the two blocks how 'bout I make some special hot chocolate when we get back?"

"What's so special about it?"

"No, you don't even know," Jack shook his head at his friends, waving them along to the next house. "It's so good."

Thena unwrapped the last candy gifted to her, chewing it slowly as the children ran ahead again. "Are these available constantly?"

"I think so," Gil mused, examining the wrapper she was about to stuff into his waiting pockets. "We can always bring some with us in case they're not in Australia."

"Hey!"

The adults all looked up with alarm. There was a traffic jam of sorts at the next house--a big, beautiful, visibly well off house with nothing but a bowl on the front step. The owners were away on vacation and trusting people to be honourable about the full size candy bars they were taking.

"You can't take five, that's not fair!"

Thena was already walking towards the house. Gil gave the back of her dress a little tug, "easy."

Phastos adjusted his glasses, "whoa, guys, what happened here?"

"They're taking all the candy!" Jack belted, pointing at the offenders.

Thena examined the older boys, not even concerned with pleading their case. Her eyes narrowed. "I thought there was an age restriction on such an event."

"Whoa, Jack, who's the milf?" one of the older ones laughed, clearly some low number of teen.

"Yeah, you kids should probably stick closer to home."

"Okay, boys," Phastos grumbled, his own veins starting to itch with energy. He considered himself a reasonable man. But this was his child they were messing with (not even wanting to think about the comment on his own sister).

Thena wasted no time. She gripped the back of the leather jacket the tallest one was wearing. She shook him, making the bars in his pockets drop to the ground. "What else have you pilfered?"

"H-Huh?! I-I don't--put me down!" his voice broke as he flailed in the taller woman's reach.

"Let go of him, bitch!"

Gil picked up the next one, also holding him like a stray animal getting a little too aggressive. "Okay, that's enough, kids. Why don't you all just run home, huh?"

The other three didn't have to be told twice, already halfway down the walkway and pushing past Ben on their way. He sighed--he was going to have to handle the calls from angry parents.

"It's okay, guys."

Surprisingly, it was Jack who was the voice of reason, holding out his palms to indicate the teenagers be put down. Thena tilted her head at her sweet natured nephew. She shook the older human again. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, Aunt Thena," Jack nodded, watching the humiliation colour the older boy's face. "He's probably learned his lesson by now."

Gil looked at Thena, asking her what she wanted to do. But she nodded; if Jack was sure, then so was she. He nodded, taking the boy from her grasp the way he would receive a kitten by its scruff. He carried his two human nuisances down the walkway, away from Jack and his friends. "You guys better not go around bothering anyone else."

As soon as they were on their feet again the two panicked, scrambling away desperately.

Phastos sighed again, at his family more than his son. "Do you know how much I am gonna have to deal with now because of this?"

Gil rolled his eyes, patting Phastos on the arm. "Like you weren't going to teach 'em a lesson of your own for messing with him?"

"That's not the point, Gil." Of course he was going to.

"Why're you so strong?"

Thena looked at Jack's friend (she hadn't bothered to learn any of their names). She looked at Gil, waiting for them all to rejoin them on the sidewalk. "We have the same workout routine."

"That's so cool!"

Kids were so willing to accept things. Thena smiled as they bounded off the deck, each with a candy bar of their own. She slipped one of the stolen ones into Jack's bag on his way past her.

"Thanks, Aunt Thena," he gave her a shy, toothy smile, holding up a second one he'd procured just for her. "I knew it was a good idea to bring you along."

She loved this human boy so much. Thena smiled, accepting the chocolate gently in her palm. She walked beside Jack behind his friends, breaking the slab in half and handing it back to him without a word.

Jack bit into it with a grin, watching as she bit into her half, holding it in her teeth. But he did roll his eyes as she greeted Uncle Gil with it, him leaning in to bite it off while kissing her at the same time.