#maybe if he was balding I’d respect him more

[millidew]

sometimes I forget dabi mha isn’t actually missing patches of hair on his head in a what-could-be-loosely-defined-as-an-edgy-diy-undercut-but-is-really-more-because-of-his-burnt-skin sort of way

[thursdayinspace]

"Tooms" is an episode to unpack, oh man.

First Skinner (with CSM lurking in the background) telling Scully that she and Mulder have to go more by the book. Scully's answer (requesting the cases be reviewed with an open mind, pointing out their above-average case solution, "however... conventional investigation of these cases may decrease the rate of success.") . . . That's probably the closest the Scully at that point in her life gets to telling Skinner and CSM to go fuck themselves and it's a delight to watch.

Mulder trying to convince the court that Tooms is a 100+ year old genetic mutant serial killer. I mean. He knows nobody will take him seriously. But it's the truth, so he sticks by it. And jokes about it when Scully shows up. "You think they would have taken me more seriously if I wore the grey suit?" Sigh. It's impossible not to love him, isn't it?

What REALLY stands out to me in the episode, maybe more than anything else, is what happens after Scully tells Mulder about her meeting with Skinner, and then reminding Mulder that what he's planning to do is not by the book. Mulder's answer to her seems like one of the most significant moments in the entire episode. "Look, Scully, if you're resistant because you don't believe, I'll respect that. But if you're resistant because of some bureaucratic pressure, they've not only reeled you in. They've already skinned you."

If she doesn't believe, that's no big deal, they disagree all the time. But what makes them great partners throughout all of it is that the truth is more important than anything. That's their common ground. That's the foundation they build on from the very beginning. That's what he puts into words here. And it's very clear that she agrees with him. Above all, they care. And what they care about is the same thing. Bottom line: they want to know how things work and to make the world a little safer for everyone. As long as they share that, they don't have to agree on everything else.

Of course there's the 'rewind and watch again five times during every rewatch' part. Mulder: "I don’t really care about my record, but you’d be in trouble just sitting in this car. And I’d hate to see you carry an official reprimand in your career file because of me." Scully: "Mulder, I wouldn’t put myself on the line for anybody but you." Shippy af? Yes. But also? Truth is not the only part of their foundation. This is the other ingredient. Trust. Love. I mean, that is what it is, right? Even if that's a root beer in that bag and not an ice tea.

Oh, and Scully flat-out lying to Skinner about having been with Mulder at the time Tooms was admitted to the hospital? Skinner: "Agent Scully, you wouldn’t be lying to me, would you?" Scully: "Sir, I would expect you to place the same trust in me as I do in you." She's on a roll in that episode with her fuck yous to authority. I love her. (Poor Skinner. He's trying. It'll be okay, Walter! *pats his bald head*)

Mulder's "A change for us. It's coming" in the final scene . . . Somebody please give them a hug, they deserve one.

[kaicheri]

lights, camera, action…?

sub camboy!beomgyu x afab reader

warnings: streamer au, mommy kink, handjob, dirty talk, edging, ruined orgasm

wc: 2.2k

a/n: repost #???

>>>>

“ughh this is sooo boring just fuck alreadyyyy”

Oh, God. Beomgyu didn't see that comment too...right?

This isn't the first one that you've seen. In fact, it was one of the thousands pestering you two to fuck each other. The sexual tension that you and Beomgyu have been trying to sweep under the rug? Couldn't be worse than now.

Well, you can’t say for sure the feeling’s mutual, but on your side of the grass, things haven’t exactly been greener since he’s moved in with you two weeks ago.

Why?

Because…never mind, it’s nothing—he’s still your roommate, don’t think. Just don't.

“Oh, you stream?" he gasped hopefully and shook your hand fast, "Holy shit, me too!”

He might've come off a bit strong, but at least he was enthusiastic enough to introduce himself raw.

“Oh, really?” You asked, “What do you stream?”

You, for example, are an influencer who regularly reacts, and indulges in video games here and there—but apparently, your new friend decided to skip past the talking stage and fly right into it, feeling more than comfortable to admit that he was part of a much…ahem-

…naughtier community.

“You—you do porn?” you tried to hide the heat in your cheeks, and the surprise in your voice. or excitement, rather. you’d be lying if you said you weren’t curious. or turned on.

You’d expected a gamer at the most… but a camboy? No way in hell.

It's just...he doesn’t really...look the part? Well, they’re usually always old, bald, or just plain unattractive (in which they’d opt for faceless camming). But maybe you were just exposed to the wrong ones.

“Uh, sorta?” scratching his head, Beomgyu frowned like he, too, was questioning himself—as if it was that hard to explain. “Not exactly, I…I haven’t actually fucked anyone on camera.”

…Or ever, actually, he wanted to confess. He's still a virgin dipping his feet fresh into the welcoming, warm waters of porn, and touching toes with his sexuality. Of course, he thought it’d be fun!

Plus, who doesn't like sex?

And as a young guy who claims to be “pretty on cameras and sexy on the main,” he’d decided, why not?

“Guys, it’s not what you think. We are not fucking,” you awkwardly chuckle, hands up matter-of-factly.

Well, you could…and it’s not like you haven’t ever thought about it—but still!

Point is, you still have a bit of respect for your roommate, so these intrusive thoughts gotta stay low.

…which is getting harder and harder to do, especially when there's always some extremely descriptive commenter fantasizing on the screen every five seconds.

You might as well just fuck him now in front of everybody so that they’d finally shut up about it. After all this isn’t even your audience—it’s his.

“never thought i’d see urdaddyy/n69 here lmfao”

“whats she doing with a camboy lol”

“nah they dating fs”

Sighing, you ignore the comments flooding onto the screen, continuing to interview the boy beside you—just about the system and how it works—in the event that your own streaming career does a one-eighty and flops all of a sudden.

“So...you just sit here and…touch yourself?”

“N-nah,” Beomgyu laughs, face bashful, “Well, I mean—yeah…but there’s more to it than that...”

“Like what?”

“Like, um, interacting with the fans!” He spreads his hands out towards the monitor to address said audience, “And asking how their day has been going, if they’ve eaten yet…you know, s-stuff like that.”

“Uh-huh…” you raise a brow, but he understands why you might question it.

“I-I know it seems like that’s the last thing they come on here for, but…they’re actually pretty nice,” he tries to explain softly.

“And you mentioned that you record…voice memos or something like that?”

“Oh, yeah. Sometimes, I record the audio only and post it onto Baetreon—which they also support! So I’m grateful for that,” he gives a thumbs up to the viewers and a precious smile.

“Y’know,” his voice softens, “as a pretty small streamer, I can't help but be thankful. The viewers…they mean the world to me.”

As you would’ve guessed, with his ability to be irresistible at all times, and the whole boyfriend-this-and-that image, it’s no surprise his marketing strat is so effective. The boy is smart, and knows exactly how to play the game.

That’s impressive, and you’ll admit kinda hot. Maybe you could, um…help him gain the recognition he deserves.

“Well, I have an idea. How about we give them a show?” you suddenly offer.

“What—what do you mean?”

“I’ll help you get off.”

“Wait, w-what??”

The chat goes wild.

“I said I’ll help you-“

But he has to hear that again to make sure, so he tugs on your sleeve and brings you into a whispering exchange behind his hand, hoping that the viewers can’t hear what’s next.

“Y-y/n, that’s,” he gulps, “that’s too risky!”

Well, yeah. A pretty well-rounded, medium-seized creator such as yourself would get into a load of shit because of this—but to be fair, what streamer hasn’t gotten into a scandal?

“Wouldn’t that ruin your career??” he whispers, obviously concerned.

“If it does, I’ll just quit streaming and join you instead.”

The last bit shocks him and he’s unsure of what it means.

“It means you won’t have to do solo shows anymore,” you chuckle, shrugging nonchalantly, “Plus, streaming sex does sound pretty fun. And… I get to fuck you as much as I want, right?”

Beomgyu’s jaw drops, surprised by how calm you are after so casually letting that slip.

“What?” you breathe out, almost laughing, “So…is that a no?”

“N-no, I mean—“

He takes a moment to calm himself, inhaling and then, exhaling sort of dramatically.

“W-what I meant to say was…I’m not opposed to the idea,” he admits quietly and lowers his gaze, scratching his neck. You didn’t think his blush could deepen.

“But are you sure you wanna…do this? Like, you’re being serious, serious right now?”

“Yeah,” you sigh, impatiently pulling his chair closer to yours, and Beomgyu completely freezes when he feels your arm snake around his precious, little waist.

“I mean, you’re always pleasuring yourself alone,” you whisper saccharinely, so dangerously close to his ear, “Why don’t I pleasure you this time?”

—————

“What do you think about when you touch yourself, pretty boy?”

He gulps, “I…I just read, a-ah, c-comments—“

“Pfft, the comments?” you scoff, “How pitiful.”

The poor boy hisses when you slightly tighten your grip on his cock, continuing to slowly—painfully—drag a mixture of his precum and your own sly spit all over him.

“Why read the comments when…I could be right here, next to you?” you lean in closer to his ear, “touching you just like this…”

Your hand swallows up his swollen, too-abnormally-fat-of-a-tip, and makes him whine out loud, all pathetic for everyone watching to hear.

“Aw, is it too much?” you pout and coo, clearly enjoying yourself as you put him through a different kind of torture.

“N-no-” Beomgyu shakes his head, brows knit and eyes shut tight like a stupid anime character.

“No, who?”

His whimpers and gasps are so, so fucking cute that you can’t help but grind a little on your chair, just watching him try to push words beyond his tight throat.

“N-no, mommy,” he swallows hard, “keep going, p-please…”

“Good boy.”

He deserves a little bit more, doesn’t he?

“God, you’re so…” you hiss in through your teeth as you loosen your grip to focus on increasing your speed, “so fucking good for me…”

Beomgyu’s mouth drops wide open and his back delicately arches against his gamer chair, giving you the perfect opportunity to pull his side up against your torso.

Face fucked out and parallel with the ceiling, he squeezes your thigh as to hold onto something—something close and comforting to level himself.

But at the rate of which you’re going on his pretty, little cock? There’s no way he can come down from the clouds now.

And especially when Beomgyu’s the master of edging himself, having the ability to control his pleasure levels and think about grandmas in time to prolong his pleasure is completely useless now that you have him in the palm of your sadistic hand.

“Too…too fast, mommy—“

You find him trying to hold back his moans and whimpers all silly. Oh, you’re gonna milk this boy until he’s gone.

“Aw, scared of cumming too soon?” you chuckle, “how embarrassing.”

You peek at the monitors, only to see all of them egging you on. Like yourself, the viewers want to see this poor boy become a cum-spurting mess—crying and squirting his children-carrying juice everywhere—all over your hand, keyboard, monitors, himself.

“No, you’re gonna hold it in for mommy, okay? No cumming until I say so.”

How could you put him through such…torture? It’s delicious—the way he looks, sounds, and smells like flowers. There’s nothing wrong with weeding out the bad in his cock.

But unfortunately, that would mean you’d have to pull at his precious, little petals, and tease up his leaves a bit. His lovely viewers deserve to see him suffer just as much as you do, facing his ultimate demise, the beginning of the beautiful end—an orgasm denial.

One that would leave him shaking and crying all pretty for the world to see.

The boy’s so stupid and desperate—so gullible and easily controlled—he has nothing else, but the various sensations of his cock driving him. He’ll do anything to cum at this point.

“I-I…I’ll hold it in, mommy, promise!” he blurts out, realizing that you slowing down might be worse for him, “Just…don’t s-stop, pleeease…”

He’s trying so hard to keep himself at bay with the kind of pace you’re using on him—and fuck, it’s so cute—obviously showing his efforts in the form of prominent neck veins, a deeply reddened face, and tears beginning to seep out from under tightly closed eyes.

“Baby, you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself.” He knows you’re fucking with his mind, even more so by leaning in close to press soft kisses on his neck where the veins are out.

“Poor, poor baby…“

“M-mommy, I- nng, can’t!” he cries out, feeling a fever kick in and his cock becoming numb from it all, “Please, I can’t…h-hold it anymore—“

He grabs onto you and his armrest tight, chest heaving and breathing so dramatically. It’d be a miracle if he doesn’t end up fainting by the end of this.

“Not yet,” you breathe out, speeding your strokes up, “just a little more for mommy—“

“Oh, mommy, please- let me cum, p-please!!” he squirms frantically in his chair, throbbing heavily in your wet hand.

Without saying a word back, you quicken your pace, putting him to the test—

Fine. If he can’t take simple orders like a good boy…

Beomgyu gasps and cries out loudly, hips beginning to thrust off the chair and into helpless sobs.

It’s only a matter of time before he finds out he’s fucking nothing but air.

Because bad boys don’t get rewards.

“Mommy, n-no!”

It’s too late.

You had already loosened your fingers around his crying cock, and now, the poor thing is pathetically swinging around in the air along with his needy hips, dripping of the tinniest essences that have failed to be milked completely.

He could’ve used his own hands to finish it off, but both were quickly held back by yours.

You have yet to release his dainty wrists from your tight hold, letting him whine in absolute tears. It wasn’t easy, but you were able to pull his shaking body back down into his chair again before he could fuck something random—anything in sight—but considering his position, he desperately tried to rub his thighs against his cock.

But there wasn't any use. Now, he’s left with tears staining his cheeks and a pitiful gaze down at his own swollen cock. Nothing but a few droplets on his trembling thighs.

It’s obvious he’d never had a ruined orgasm in his life, even when his audience has paid thousands in request. Poor Beomgyu just needed a push. So admittedly, the satisfaction was at least shared among you and his loyal fans.

“that was so fucking hot holy shit”

“couldn’t even last five mins”

“can u be my mommy too”

The reactions are all too good to your ego. And you’re glad to see that for the most part, everyone seems to have enjoyed it. You should definitely do this more.

Was he that much of a brat that the donations popping up screen have now doubled—no, tripled in size?!

There’s one comment that really catches your eye, though:

“i’ve seen every one of his streams and holy fuck…glad u put him in his place lmfao”

And here, you thought he was a good boy. Tsk, tsk.

Beomgyu’s not exactly…happy about the situation, but he knows this was a very deserved humiliation. And on the bright side, from what you've seen from his streams (secretly), he loves being humiliated, regardless.

“I should join your streams more often,” you tease, face pulling a grin that could devour him. “Mommy’s gonna play with your pretty, little cock for a very long time..."

Just then, the door swings open and presents yet another tall, young male you’ve never seen before, frozen in place with Starbucks cup in his hand and his mouth covered with the other.

"O-oh, I’m sorry," You turn to the frightened boy next to you, "Uh, Gyu, who is this-"

“Yeon-yeonjunnie hyung?”

[ozimagines]

Hello, I was wondering if you had any thoughts on a NSFW alphabet for Enrique Morales? If not thats totally fine. I hope that your recovery is going smoothly! Thank you

I am honestly so happy people find David Zayas as attractive as I do. Would love to write Morales more often. ❤️❤️

(And thank youuuuuu! It’s going alright. Bent my knee 90°!!)

NSFW Alphabet with Enrique Morales…

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

I think he’s a gentleman so after sex he wouldn’t be too mushy but he’d be genial. Toweling you off. Getting you a glass of water. Asking if you’re okay. Just a decent guy. There wouldn’t be sweet nothings until very far into the relationship, and his “sweet nothings” mostly amount to “you know I’d kill for you right”, and kinda takes you out of the mood.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

His face. He thinks he looks like Casanova with his mustached and trim hair. Plus he always liked his stocky build. Gave him an aura of respect.

On his partner, his favorite body part would be their back. Nothing like a nice slender or broad shouldered person, smooth skin and just so kissable creases. Often kisses their back during sex. Just can’t help himself.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He’s a gentleman but he’s also a man lol. His favorite place to cum is breasts and asses. He’ll never complain about coming inside someone though. The one thing I will say is affable evil here will still never come in hair. Good man.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Wanked it to Fiona a few times. Well… maybe more than a few. (But c’mon who can blame him, it’s fucking Fiona St James.)

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Medium experience. He’s handsome enough but people are mostly attracted to his money and status. He uses it to his advantage and has had serious partners in the past where he’s gotten experience, but I don’t think he’s carving up the town like Chico Guerra. 😂

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Layer cake or stacked snakes I’m calling it. Anything full body contact, when he can feel your warmth. Prefers stacked snakes because he likes looking at your back and ass as he rams into you and kiss the back of your neck whenever he wants. Also lets him pull your hair.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Very. Very. Serious. Will take it personally if you giggle in bed. Like will get angry and sulky if he thinks you don’t take him seriously or respect him. That’s what it’s all about for Enrique Morales; it’s about respect and power.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Actually no, because I don’t think there is a carpet. Like maybe a few hairs but I think he’s bald bunny ain’t got no fur down there. He is very well groomed though and his hygiene is impeccable.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

I think he tries to be romantic. It comes off a little creepy/aggressive at times but he’ll most certainly try. It’s mostly for himself though. Likes his reputation to be one of pleasuring his partner, or perceived to be good in bed. He’ll kiss you and whisper things to you, but they’ll be a little generic at first.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Doesn’t really jack off all that often. Sometimes he’ll give himself a tug just to wake himself up as it were, but really finds that most of his pleasure is him having a partner present.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Power play is one of his kinks. Like teacher/student, doctor/patient, things like that. Also into ass play on his partners. Into the mostly non messy things. Like not piss play or blood play. It’ll get on his suit.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Likes private locations. Bedrooms and offices and such. Places where he can really get in his mindset and concentrate. Isn’t an exhibitionist in the slightest. Prefers a good bed, but will settle for a counter or table. Will NOT do it on a couch though. Fucks up his back.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Ear stuff. Kissing his ear, licking his ear, sticking your tongue inside. It’s lewd and he’ll admonish you but it won’t be long before you’re in the bedroom, because he just can��t help himself anymore.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Wouldn’t be degrading towards his partner. Like even if you wanted to hear something filthy and mean, he just wouldn’t be able to say it to you. Like calling you a slut. You’re his, and what you are is a reflection on him, so you’re the most perfect creature in the world in his eyes.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Prefers receiving oral. Loves a good be, his hand in your jaw, or tangled in your hair, gently guiding your head on his. Isn’t the kind of guy to buck or push you into him. He’ll be kind. And when he gives oral, he prefers giving it to people with vaginas, but I think he’d make an exception for someone he cares about. Slow and steady with blowjobs.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Slow and sensual but almost painfully so. Like the kind that just drags out and you’re panting and sweating by the end just begging for release, but he’ll slowly and steadily work it out of you.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Doesn’t appreciate quickies the way the other guys do. If he’s doing it, he’s doing it RIGHT. How you do anything is how you do everything. That’s his motto.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Game to experiment within reason. He wouldn’t try ANYTHING once but he would be open to suggestions on new ventures. You have a to approach it like a business meeting though. A proposal and field questions at the end. He’s formal, so what?

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

I think two rounds but two LONG rounds. Like hours. Make a say of it. (Pack snacks, lol) He knows his shit and can stave himself off if necessary for his partner. He’ll be breathing really steady and deep, but he won’t cum until you do.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

I think he doesn’t own any toys but would like to. Take this man to a sex shop, stat! Likes paddles and ropes mostly. And sexy lingerie. Like costume lingerie. Sends him over the edge if you come out dressed like a sexy doctor or schoolteacher.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

LOVES to tease his partner. LOVES to be teased. For him, it’s all about patience. And he’s got patience. Patient for touches and words of affirmation and release. His personal best is a week of no release followed by the best orgasm of his life.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Quiet. Very quiet. Even when he speaks it’s in that low, serious tone of his. “Come on, baby, you’re doing so good.”🔥 Lots of; “like it like that?”. Some almost silent growls, like purring.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Into role play. Especially with a power element. He is the one with the power I. This scenario. He won’t go over the top with props and shit but a little dress up never hit no one. (Don’t get me wrong, only thing he’ll wear is his suit, YOU have to dress up. Although you got him to dress like a mechanic once. It. Was. Glorious.)

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Wow. This question I just want to add a picture of all the guys in solitary but they’d take away my account lol. He’s a stocky guy, thick in the waist and the face. Actually likes his dad bod. Makes people take him more seriously. Dick, moderate length, above average thickness. Hairless balls.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

I know I’m answering moderately for a lot of these but he’s a sexual guy who can hold his thirst when necessary. When he’s in the mood, he’ll start to give you back massages or kiss your neck standing behind you.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Moderately fast. Will do the whole “how was it for you” thing and put your head in his heart afterwards so that the beating lulls you to sleep. He’ll fall asleep right with you, both of you drifting off at the same time. Bliss, in his mind.

[abbatoirablaze]

Angels & Demons, Chapter 15

Word Count: 2.1k  

Warnings:  angst, manipulation, emotional torment.

“Everybody leaves you, Dean.  You notice?” the version of his mother asked, ”mommy?  Daddy?  Hannah...even Sam...because that’s all you are to them, Dean.  A burden.”

“Dean...”

“You ever ask yourself why?” she taunted, “maybe it’s not them.”

“Don’t listen to her, Dean!” she begged, pulling on his arm, “she’s not your mom.”

“Maybe it’s you!” she smiled.

“Easy now, kitten!” Zachariah teased as he joined the version of Mary.

“You did this!”

“And I’m just getting started!” he smiled, “I mean, guys...did you really think you could just sneak past me into mission control?”

“Son of a bitch!”

“You know, I’d say the same thing about you, Sam,” Zachariah teased, “but I have actually grown quite fond of your mother.  Or at least the blessed memory of her.”

He leaned in and pressed a few soft kisses to her neck.  Dean and Sam visibly flinched and averted their gaze, while Aria glared at Zachariah.

“I think we’re gonna be logging a lot of quality time together,” he smirked, “I’ve discovered she’s quite the...milf.”

“You can gloat all you want, you dick.  You’re still bald.”

“In heaven I have six wings and four faces, one of which is a lion,” he explained, “you see this because you’re...limited.”

“Stop torturing them, Zachariah!”

He frowned and snapped his fingers.  Mary disappeared.

“Let’s brass-tack this, shall we?” he asked.

“What, you gonna ball gag us until we say yes?” he teased, “Huh, yeah, I’ve heard that tune.”

Zachariah threw a punch into Dean’s chest, and he grunted as he doubled-over.

“DEAN!”

“I’m going to do a lot more than that,” he taunted, “I cleared my schedule.  Get him up.”

He hit Dean again and Aria fought against her captor, “leave them alone.  Leave Dean alone, Zachariah!”

“Let me tell you something,” he chuckled, leaning into Dean’s ear, “I was on the fast track once.  Employee of the month-every month.  Forever. I’d walk these halls and people would AVERT THEIR EYES!  I HAD RESPECT.  And then they assigned me you.  Now look at me.  I can’t close the deal on a couple of pathetic flannel-wearing maggots.  Everybody’s laughing at me.  And they’re right to do it.  SO yes, don’t say yes.  I’m still gonna take it out on your asses. It’s personal now boys.  Let’s start off with a little teaser, shall we?”

“What are you going to do to them?”

“Oh, I’m not doing anything to them,” he smiled, “You.  Dean cares about you, Aria...but does Sammy know just how deep it goes?”

Dean looked at her, and she averted her gaze. 

In front of them was a motel room.  A much younger Dean, and sixteen-year-old Hannah were sitting on opposite beds. 

“Stop!” Dean growled, glaring at Zachariah.

“What the hell is this, Dean?”

She stopped her braiding and looked at the older man, “Dean...”

He didn’t pay her any mind, and she frowned. 

He looked at Aria.

How had he never noticed that.

She crawled off of her bed and went to his bed, crawling over his frame until she was straddling him.  Dean watched her, unable to move while she grabbed his beer and took a swig of it.  Setting it down on the night table, her face screwed up into one of disgust.  Dean’s eyes widened in shock, “what are you doing?  M-My dad will kill me if-shit.  Your dad will kill me-”

Sam noticed his brother’s hands twitch at his sides, the younger Dean forcing himself to not move. 

“What the hell is this?” Sam asked.

“Ask your brother,” he chuckled, “this was one of his fondest memories after all.”

Sam watched as Aria started playing with his flannel and bounced up and down on his lap, “come on, Dean.  I’m bored.”

“Y-you’re always bored!”  he stuttered, trying to ignore her.  He reached away and grabbed the remote as she continued to bounce suggestively on his lap, “Hannah...”

Her hands braced themselves on his chest and he pushed himself back against the headboard so that he was in a more seated position and grabbed the bottle, taking another drink. 

“Oh god,” she groaned, her features smushing in disgust as she watched him drink it without problem.  Dean shuddered as her hands stopped at his belt line, “how do you like that stuff?”

And suddenly it wasn’t a scene that the three of them were watching. 

Aria’s eyes lit up, horrified as she found herself in the bed, straddling Dean, while bouncing up and down on his lap.

She’d remembered the emotions she felt when she looked at him. 

She remembered how much she wanted him.  How she wanted to be his everything.  How she wanted to give him everything.

Dean’s eyes worked themselves over her body. 

The glass had already fallen to the ground, and she was hovering over him as he held a firm grip on her to stop her from falling. 

Her hips were peeking out from her shorts. 

Her breasts were heaving in his face. 

His hard-on was poking her thigh. 

“I-I’m sorry!”

“Don’t be!” he whispered, tilting her chin down towards his until their lips met in a heated kiss. 

Sam’s eyes went wide as he watched Aria and him making out on the bed.  Zachariah chuckled, “what, Sam?  Didn’t know big brother was doing things with the little Nephilim when she was still playing in the kiddie pool?  If it makes you feel better, she’s actually hundreds of years old…so it’s like she’s the one taking advantage of him.  Kind of how you and Dahlia are…you Winchesters…you seem to have an affinity for older women, don’t you?  Mommy issues?”

“Make them stop!”

“Can’t,” he shrugged, “they have to re-live the memory to completion.”

“That’s bullshit!” he growled, “make them stop, damn it!”

“What?  Seeing big brother and his little crush like that make you feel sick to your stomach?  That’s just a taste of the torment I could put you through.  I know both of your deepest secrets” he growled, snapping once more.  Aria and Dean were back in the arms of their captors, looking beyond embarrassed, “see what I can do?  I could force the two of you to relive the memories that you share.  It’s not like when you’re walking in here on your own.  I can make you reenact them like puppets.  I can do that until the end of time up here.  You’re my god-damned marionettes.  What do you say, Sam?  Want to relive how you and Dahlia slept together?  Sure big brother would love to see how you got your rocks off with Lucifer’s daughter.  Or do you want to see the memory that made little Hannah run off?  I’m sure the two of you remember that moment, don’t you Dean?  Remember how Hannah was ready to give you her virginity and you turned her down because she was ‘just a kid?’  You didn’t have that problem when she went down on you!”

“What do you want?” Dean growled, angry at having been used and exposed. 

“Funny...now you care,” he chuckled, “when beforehand, it seemed like you idiots were going out of your way to piss me off.  But now you see. The last person in the history of creation you want as your enemy is me.  And I'll tell you why-Lucifer, he may be strong.  But I-I'm petty.  I'm gonna be the angel on your shoulder for the rest of eternity.” 

“Excuse me...sir?”

“I’m in a meeting!” Zachariah said in an annoyed tone, gesturing to Aria, Sam, and Dean.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, apologizing nervously, “I need to speak to those three.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s a bad time, I know.  But I’m afraid that I have to insist!”

Zachariah scoffed at the man, “you don’t get to insist jack squat.”

“No, you’re right.  But the boss does.  His orders.”

Aria gasped, recognizing the angel, “Joshua.”

“You’re lying.”

“Wouldn’t lie about this.” the man explained, “look.  FIre me if you want.  Sooner or later, he’s gonna come back home.  And you know how he is with that whole ‘wrath’ thing.”

Zachariah looked back at the Winchesters, before disappearing.  The three of them looked at the man, and a garden appeared around them. 

“You’ve done well in following my instructions, Aria!” Joshua smiled at her.

“Y-you.  You’re the voice.”

He nodded, “I am.”

“This.  This is heaven’s garden?” Sam asked.

“It’s nice.  I guess.”

“You see what you want to here.  For some it’s god’s throne room.  For others, it’s Eden.  For you two, I believe it’s the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.” he explained, “you came here on a field trip once.  It was the most beautiful bit of nature you thought you’d ever seen.”

“You’re Joshua.”

“I’m Joshua.”

“So, you...talk to god.”

“Mostly, he talks to me.”

“Well, uhm...we need to speak to him!” Sam explained, “it’s important.”

“He knows about what’s going on down there...and with our little sister, Caitlyn,” Dean added in, “Where is he?”

“On Earth.”

“Doing what?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you know where on Earth?” Sam asked.

“No, sorry.” he apologized, “We don’t exactly speak face to face.”

“I-I’m sorry, I don’t get it,” Dean frowned, “God’s not talking to nobody, so...”

“Why is he talking to me?” He asked.  Dean nodded, “I sometimes think it’s because I can sympathize-gardener to gardener.  And between us, I think he gets lonely.”

“Well, my heart’s breaking for him!” Dean said sarcastically.

“Well, can you at least get him a message for us?”

“Actually, he has a message for you!” he frowned, “Back off.”

“What?”

“He knows already-everything you want to tell him.” he replied shortly, “he knows what the angels are doing, and he knows that the apocalypse has begun.  He just doesn’t think that it’s his problem.”

“Not his problem?” Dean asked.

“God saved you already,” he replied, “he put you on that plane.  He brought back Castiel.  He’s allowing your sister and his spawn to exist.  He’s granted you salvation in heaven.  And after everything you’ve done too.  It’s more than he’s intervened in a long time.  He’s finished.  Magic amulet or not, you won’t be able to find him.”

“Wait...did you say, our sister and Castiel’s spawn?” Sam asked.

“But he can stop it,” Dean argued, missing the former information, “he could stop all of it.”

“I suppose that he could.  But he won’t.”

“Why not?”

“Why does he allow evil in the first place,” Joshua asked, “you could drive yourself nuts asking questions like that.”

“So, he’s just gonna sit back and watch the world burn?”

“I know how important this was to you, Dean,” Joshua sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“Well forget it.  Just another deadbeat dad with a bunch of excuses,” Dean growled, “I’m used to that.  I’ll muddle through.”

“Except, you don’t know if you can’t this time,” Joshua admitted, “you can’t kill the devil and you’re losing faith.  In yourself.  Your brother.  And now this.  God was your last hope.  I wish.  I just wish that I could tell you something different.”

“How do we know that you’re telling the truth?”

“You think that I would lie?” he asked.

“But it’s just-you're not exactly the first angel that we’ve met.”

“I’m rooting for you boys,” he argued, “you, and your sister.  And even you and Dahlia, Aria.  I wish I could do more to help you.  I do, but I just trim the hedges.”

“So, what now?” Dean asked.

“You go home again,” he acknowledged, “I’m afraid this time won’t be like the last.  This time...god wants you to remember.”

He held up his hand, and they were surrounded by a white light.  And when they came to, they were back in the hotel room.  Sam and Dean gasped as they shot forth from the beds, “You alright?”

“Define alright!” Dean frowned as he reached for his phone.  He dialed a number and not much later Cas had appeared.  He hadn’t dared to look at the brothers as they packed up.

“Maybe...Maybe Joshua was lying.”

That’s when the two stopped, remembering one of the things that he’d said.  Sam took a few steps forward, “I don’t think that he was, Cas.  He told us...things...things about Caitlyn.  Why were you so intent that we get to Joshua and ask about her?”

Castiel took a few steps away from the wall he was leaning on and sighed, “I-Caitlyn and I...we...”

“Say it, Cas!” Dean growled. 

“I fathered a Nephilim with your sister,” he admitted slowly, “I-during the showdown we’d had...we fought.  I called the baby inside of her an abomination...and the baby. It-it took her away from me...I haven’t been able to find her since.  I was holding out hope that they...they could tell me.  Faith...but...i need to find her, Sam...Dean...she-she’s an alternate vessel for Lucifer.  If you don’t say yes, he’s already made his intentions clear.  He’s going to use her.  And she-I fear that she might have already agreed!”

“Cas, we can-”

But the angel was gone, wooshing out of the room without any hope left.

Chapter 16

[silver-rings-and-rabbits]

Open Heart - Chapter 8

The PITA

A few weeks later, Matthew woke up very early and went into work with Landry, who apparently always got in an hour before his shift was due to start. The hospital was surprisingly peaceful, the break of dawn giving it a layer of tranquillity. Matthew had a good feeling about today: a glorious August day, he had woken up naturally for once, he’d had a run of successful cases, and had even remembered to cook in bulk last night and now had a supply of leftovers to last several days. To top it off, the latest rankings had been posted and Matthew had risen to eighth position. He read his name happily.

“What the—” Landry spluttered. “How did I drop to seventh?” He gaped at the list in shock.

“Have you made any mistakes this week?” Matthew asked, and Landry looked awkward.

“I guess I almost mis-diagnosed a case the other day…but that was only because I didn’t know the patient had changed her daily routine!” He added, indignantly.

“Wait,” Matthew frowned. “Don’t you talk to the patients? It’s fairly easy to keep track of their routine.”

“I talk about symptoms and medical history, of course. But small talk is such a waste of time,” Landry tutted. “If I spend ten extra minutes to hear about grandkids, how many more people have I missed out on? I’d rather cure them and have them out the door.”

“I like talking to my patients. Everyone has a story...”

“Well I’m not here for stories.” Landry shook his head and Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Good thing I got here early: I have to get to work!”

He beetled down the corridor without a second glance. Matthew watched him sadly. Even Dr Ramsey knew that a patient’s personal life could contribute to a diagnosis as much as their symptoms could. Landry needed to relax every so often.

Still, he didn’t let it bother him and dove into his casework. His good mood seemed to rub off on his patients who chatted and joked during consultations. Matthew took a little extra care to listen. One of his patients had her wife and little girl staying the night; Matthew snuck a pudding cup for the daughter. He even had the chance to grab a cup of coffee with Danny, who had heartily enjoyed hearing about the bachelorette party. August’s film was Casablanca, which was more promising.

Around lunchtime, Matthew was sought out by Dr Mirani.

“Valentine! New admission in room 712. Dr Ramsey wants you to handle it.”

“Dr Ramsey asked for me?”

“By name.”

That sounded very promising. “Really? Why?”

“Gee, I dunno, Valentine!” Zaid’s smile was straight out of the uncanny valley. “Maybe I should be like you and badger my superiors with incessant questions.”

Matthew took the hint.

He checked over the patient’s chart before putting on a smile and walking into the room.

“Good afternoon, Mr Platt! What can I do for—”

The patient in bed burped so loudly that Matthew nearly jumped. He was a middle-aged man, overweight and balding, with a round, red face.

“You can start by turning down the AC in this goddamn hospital! I’m not a polar bear!” he barked. “Then you can send in my doctor. Enough nurses, show me some goddamn – buuuuurp! – respect!”

Matthew was slightly taken aback but kept up his smile.

“Mr Platt, I am your doctor—”

“Like hell – buuuuurp! – like hell you are! You’re a teenager, you don’t look qualified to wipe my ass! Get me a real doctor!”

“Mr Platt, I am highly qualified—”

“Anyone can be certified in anything now, thanks to the – buuuuurp! – internet!”

“Mr Platt, I’m one of the best doctors in my year, nationwide,” Matthew said, firmly, remembering his final grades at med school and his Edenbrook acceptance. “You’re in good hands.”

Matthew smiled through gritted teeth as Mr Platt glared at him. He couldn’t help thinking that if Mr Platt didn’t shout so much he probably would have aged better.

Despite Mr Platt’s distrust of the internet and Matthew’s medical degree, he was convinced that his chest pain was a sign of a heart attack because that was what the internet had told him. Not even the definitely-not-a-heart-attack-symptom of hair falling out could convince him otherwise. Matthew referred him for an ECG to rule out the heart attack and finally stepped into the hallway, trying to relax. He ran a hand through his hair as Mr Platt’s belching echoed down the hall.

Matthew found Dr Ramsey a little while later in the ER. He had an amused smirk, clearly aware of the kind of patient Mr Platt was.

“Ah, Dr Valentine. How’s Mr Platt getting on.”

“He’s…a little difficult,” Matthew said stiffly. “He won’t listen to me, he’s calling my credentials into question, and he’s kind of…rude.”

“People are rude, Rookie,” Ramsey shrugged. “You won’t be best friends with every patient who walks through the door.”

“I know that. But I couldn’t help wondering if you had assigned him to me for a reason.”

Ethan looked at Matthew, his eyebrows slightly raised. Matthew realised he was expected to elaborate and wasn’t sure why he might have been assigned this particular patient, but it couldn’t have been anything good.

“Maybe…as a joke,” he offered lamely.

Dr Ramsey went very still as Matthew realised he had chosen the worst possibly phrasing.

“Do I strike you as someone who uses patients as a joke?” He asked. His voice was dangerously calm; Matthew was in danger.

“No, Dr Ramsey,” he said humbly.

“Good.” Ramsey nodded and the danger passed. For the moment.

“I did assign Mr Platt’s case to you for a reason,” he continued. “You need to figure it out.” He left the ER.

Matthew cursed under his breath, ripping a hand through his hair. His good mood from this morning was almost gone.

“Hey, are you ok?”

Matthew turned to see Rafael, which just about salvaged his mood. At least he wouldn’t judge him for being annoyed.

“I just…I kind of feel like Dr Ramsey’s punishing me.” Why the hell hadn’t he given that reason to Dr Ramsey a minute ago?!

“Why on earth would he be punishing you?” Rafael asked in surprise.

“Oh man, I don’t know. He has a temper, maybe I annoyed him without realising.” Matthew’s brain searched for possibilities…and he came up blank.

“Do you need to vent? Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a fantastic listener.” Rafael smiled at Matthew encouragingly until Matthew’s lips flicked upward. “Want to grab dinner after work?”

“God, I’d love to but tonight I’m going out for dinner with a bunch of other interns.” Just his luck. Except… “Do you want to come with us?”

“Me? And a bunch of hotshot doctors?” Rafael forced a laugh, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m not sure that’s really my scene…”

“Come on, it’ll be fun! You can meet my awesome friends.”

“Haven’t I technically already met them?”

“An emergency situation doesn’t count. They’re a great group of people. They’ll love you,” Matthew said earnestly. He very much hoped Rafael would come with them. He wanted them to get along, for Rafael to share his support group. He wanted Rafael in the inner circle of his life so badly.

Rafael hesitated, but agreed with a smile on his face.

Matthew stumbled home at the end of the day, tired and frustrated. The first thing he did was collapse along the length of the couch, face first.

“That good a day, huh?” Elijah laughed at him.

“Want to trade patients?” Matthew moaned into the cushions.

“And take that PITA in room 712? No thank you!”

Matthew propped himself up on his elbows. “The what?”

“PITA. Pain in the ass. The nurses say it.”

It was a very apt description of the man who had spent the day belching, shouting and belittling Matthew as every test came up negative. Still, he had it better than some of the nurses. Mr Platt believed they were all beneath him, especially Sarah who was a black woman (though he had had no problem when a blonde woman had walked past his room; Matthew had closed the blinds). Ramsey had no problem with taking Sarah off the case if she wanted, it was just Matthew he wanted to suffer.

“Roomie dinner! Roomie dinner!” Sienna chanted as she came out of her room. “You two lazy boys need to get ready if you don’t want to miss our reservation. The others are meeting us there.”

Matthew tumbled off the sofa, suddenly energised. “I invited Rafael to come tonight as well.”

“Your paramedic friend! Nice!”

Matthew quickly changed into a light blue silk shirt and black pants, and brushed hair. He’d pulled at it so much that he now looked like he had been dragged through a hedge backwards. Sienna kept pace with him as they left the apartment.

“Don’t feel obligated to stick with us if you and Rafael want some time together or anything.”

“Let’s just see what happens,” Matthew said, airily.

The restaurant was just off back bay, an independent Italian that was draped in flowers outside and had a rustic interior with soft lighting. An elderly gentleman crooned Italian songs from the piano in the corner.

“It’s so cute!” Sienna gasped as they went in. “It’s smaller than in the pictures.”

“The portions better not be,” Elijah grinned, thanking a member of staff who moved a table out of his way.

The door swung open and shut: Landry and Jackie had just joined them. Matthew tested the ice by asking Jackie if she was looking forward to dinner…only to receive an eye-roll and sarcasm in response.

“Geez, Jackie,” he groaned. “Can’t you at least pretend to care that we used  to be friends?” He was starting to lose hope that they would actually go back to normal.

“Matthew, we’re still—”

“Your friend’s here, Matthew!”

Matthew looked over to a large table in the corner where Rafael was sitting and his hurt was forgotten. Rafael was looking nervous – his eyes darting, his fingers restless – but when he saw Matthew he sat up a little straighter and gave a bright smile. Matthew walked over as he stood to greet them.

“Hey! Sorry, I was afraid I’d be late…and ended up getting here half an hour early,” he admitted with a chuckle.

Matthew laughed with him and introduced his roommates. Jackie and Landry were polite enough, Elijah lead him in a fist bump, and Sienna beamed up at him as her hand was swallowed in the handshake. They settled into seats, though they were still waiting for Bryce. Matthew had Sienna on one side of him and indicated for Rafael to sit on his other side, which he did gratefully.

“How did it go with your patient today?” he asked, relaxing a little.

“Don’t ask,” Matthew winced.

“Sorry,” Rafael smiled, contritely. “Let’s pretend I didn’t.”

“Am I late?”

Bryce had just strutted over, flicking his hair out of his eyes and taking the spare seat opposite Matthew.

“Hey Rafael, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” he said, in pleasant surprise.

“Matthew invited me.”

“Excellent!” Bryce announced, as the server came over and they all ordered large pitchers and mounds of food.

“So, hang on,” Elijah said as the server walked away. “Do you guys know each other?”

“Rafael brings a lot of patients who need emergency surgery so we end up seeing each other in the ER quite a lot.”

“Bryce comes over to say hi if he sees me in the cafeteria as well,” Rafael added. Matthew thought of all the days he hadn’t seen Rafael, when Bryce had apparently seen him quite often. He suddenly had an odd wish that he had trained in surgery.

“Anything cool happen to anyone today?” Bryce addressed the group. Landry opened his mouth to say something but Bryce answered his own question. “I rejoined a large intestine. Solo. It was insane.”

“Sienna and I got to work on a paediatrics case. We diagnosed a little girl and now we’re working on a treatment plan,” Elijah said.

“I hate all of you,” Jackie groaned. “I had two bad cases of the flu and a weird rash that turned out to be poison oak. Eight years of Harvard to smear cream on a guys ass because he pooped in the woods.”

Matthew had gone quiet, not wanting to talk about Mr Platt, but couldn’t help sniggering with the others at Jackie’s statement as she took a large gulp of wine. Rafael had gone quiet as well.

“Rafael, did you have any interesting call-outs today?” he asked, when the table went quiet. Everyone turned to look at him.

“Oh, not by your standards. Most of my call-outs were for non-emergent problems.”

“What, like people who can’t tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack?” Jackie asked, and Rafael nodded.

“That’s actually a common one.”

“Doesn’t that bother you?” Landry asked.

“No,” Rafael frowned, looking a little wary. “Why would it?”

“Well, it delays the system, doesn’t it? Ignorance delaying aid to people who actually need help.”

Matthew bit his lip, his stomach squeezing a little. Bryce, Sienna and Elijah looked on with caution, but Rafael seemed to take it in stride.

“I see what you mean, but they never do it maliciously. They’re just scared. And it’s like you said; they don’t know. Not everyone has a medical degree.” He held Landry’s gaze, but Landry seemed too surprised to say anything else. He hadn’t thought of that angle.

Luckily the silence was dispelled by the arrival of food: Bryce had ordered steak, Jackie had a pepperoni pizza (with jalapenos), Sienna had a chicken calzone, Elijah ordered carbonara, Rafael had butternut squash risotto, Matthew had lasagne, and – much to Matthew’s disgust – Landry had ordered salmon. At least he was sat the furthest away.

“So!” Sienna announced, as they dug in. “I did some research last night and found…this!”

She presented them her phone, showing an old photo of Landry dressed in an elephant onesie, passed out drunk. Everyone laughed as he blushed a deep red and admitted it was the result of trying to down nine jaeger bombs. The conversation moved onto everyone’s med school experience, where Bryce had joined the Stanford tradition of playing a drinking game the night before each exam: one shot for every question you got wrong. Consequently, he had thrown up during his first exam and had to pass it off as food poisoning. Sienna told them about the parties she and Wayne had attended at Princeton, going above and beyond for fancy dress. Stiff, snobbish Wayne was the last person Matthew would expect to see at a fancy dress party, and from the looks on everyone’s faces, they agreed.

“What about you, Matthew?”

Matthew shook his head, good-naturedly.

“I was at University of Colorado, med campus. I was focused on my studies, mostly just going to post-exam celebrations.”

“Wait, you didn’t go Ivy-league?” Bryce asked.

“I could have done, but I didn’t want to go out-of-state at the time.”

“Shame you didn’t come to U-Chicago with me,” Elijah said. “You could have watched Rocky Horror at midnight with us!”

“What was your school like, Rafael?” Sienna asked.

“I was just at Beacon Hill College Campus. It has a good EMT program. Plus it let me live at home whilst I was studying.”

“That sounds nice. You must be close with your family?”

Rafael suddenly laughed. “You’d think so, but my grandma will still tell you I’m not around enough.”

Conversation flowed easily throughout the rest of the meal. Apart from Jackie, who had studied at Harvard, and Sienna, who had visited Wayne in the city plenty of times before moving in with him, no one knew a huge amount of the city. Bryce liked to explore and had discovered some secret spots and of course Rafael was all too happy to provide recommendations. He didn’t mention the night market, but he gave Matthew a private smile: it was their secret.

After dinner, they piled onto the street. Matthew glanced back at the restaurant, bathed in evening glow, and reached for his phone to take a picture. He turned around to find Rafael waiting for him.

“Fan of architecture?” he asked.

“I want to draw it later.”

“You’re an artist?”

“Well…”

“That’s so cool! I had no idea!”

Matthew was flattered. “It’s just a hobby. I mostly draw still-life, or from photos. I drew one of our group selfies and Sienna got it framed for the apartment.”

“Could I maybe see it sometime?”

A small thrill rushed inside Matthew that Rafael wanted to see his drawings, though he was worried Rafael’s expectations might be too high.

“You two coming or what?” Jackie called. The two of them had fallen behind the main group.

“Donahue’s are having a karaoke night. Landry and Elijah are gonna sing ‘The Room Where it Happens’ with me!” Sienna added.

Matthew looked at Rafael hopefully, but was concerned at the apprehension on his face.

“I’ve got an early morning, but you guys go on ahead. Matthew, thank you for inviting me tonight.”

He lightly touched Matthew’s elbow as he walked away. His head was bowed slightly.

“Rafael, wait.” Matthew hastened to catch up with him. His friends looked on, slightly impatient. “Did we do something to upset you?” He didn’t think they had, but maybe he hadn’t noticed. Maybe he had been so desperate for Rafael to fit in with his friends, he hadn’t stopped to consider that Rafael might be too uncomfortable with everything.

“No, of course you didn’t! Your friends are really nice people,” Rafael said, surprised at the suggestion. He swallowed, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s just…I don’t have much in common with a group of doctors.”

“What?! Of course you do.”

“It’s OK, I’m not looking for pity, honest. We come from completely different worlds. But…if you ever feel like seeing how the other half lives…” He tapped on his phone with a smile, and Matthew’s phone pinged a second later: Rafael had texted his address.

His breath caught as he tried to figure out what Rafael was getting at. Jackie called him over again.

“You should go.” There was a touch of sadness in Rafael’s voice. “Have fun with your friends. I’ll see you at work.”

Rafael turned and started walking away towards the station. His eyes were cast downward as he tried not to be too disappointed. It was only the natural way: Matthew was a good doctor who would go on to do incredible things, and Rafael had his humble community. He had seen so many incredible doctors passing through Edenbrook…just none of them had been so warm and accommodating as Matthew. No one had smiled at him quite so tenderly. Rafael just wished he had more to give.

“You guys go on without me!”

Rafael turned to see Matthew walking towards him, the rest of his friends going in the opposite direction.

“What are you doing?” he asked, hardly daring to hope.

“You’ve seen my world. Now show me yours.”

Before he could stop it, Rafael broke into a smile and hope had blossomed in his heart, practically lifting him off his feet.

“Come on. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

The two of them hopped onto the half-empty subway carriage and sat side-by-side. Matthew was excited that Rafael had wanted him to meet someone, anxious as to who it was, but before he could ask more, Rafael turned to him.

“I meant to ask – and sorry if I’m intruding here – but did something happen between you and Jackie?”

“Not really. We just made out in a supply closet, but that was on our first day. There’s nothing…” Matthew trailed off at Rafael’s surprised, amused look and broke into a sheepish smile. “You didn’t mean romantically, did you?”

“Actually it looked more like you’d had a falling out. But now you have to tell me that story,” Rafael smirked.

Matthew laughed as he recounted his disastrous first day and how he and Jackie had cleared the air with a make-out session.

Rafael laughed with him. “I’ve heard of doctors getting overly-friendly in enclosed spaces…is that what they meant?”

“Apparently it’s an Edenbrook tradition. Rumour has it, Chief Emery did it once.”

“Where did you here that?”

“Just around. Hospital rumours, nothing confirmed of course.”

Matthew would have loved to stick with hospital gossip, but his face fell when he thought of Rafael’s original question.

“Honestly though, Jackie’s been freezing me out. Have you heard about the rankings for a fellowship competition between the interns?” Rafael nodded; he had seen the lists. “Jackie’s very competitive and once said part of the fun of the competition was the satisfaction of beating me. Except I outranked her once and she gave me the cold shoulder and has barely spoken to me since.” The hurt was rising up again. “It’s getting annoying now, especially since she doesn’t seem to have a problem with the others.”   

“Surely she’ll come round. Maybe try talking to her in a situation she can’t back out of.” Rafael looked sympathetic. “You deserve an explanation after all.”

Matthew nodded thoughtfully. Maybe he should try talking to Jackie at home. But he didn’t want to waste time with Rafael by thinking about things that upset him so he asked Rafael what he thought about the rest of the group.

Rafael had been surprised at Bryce’s forwardness: medical staff didn’t usually interact with paramedics beyond patient care, so he was surprised when Bryce decided to sit with him in the cafeteria, and now a genuine friendship seemed to be forming. There was nothing to suggest he and Bryce were more than friends, and Matthew was a tiny bit relieved.

Rafael thought Sienna was lovely – Matthew whole-heartedly agreed – and he got on well with Elijah. Rafael had played Castle Crashers with his college friends, which turned out to be one of Elijah’s old favourites. Matthew suggested Rafael join them for a game night sometime and when Rafael said it sounded fun, it sounded like he meant it. However, there was something else Matthew had noticed that night.

“Did I detect a bit of awkwardness between you and Landry?”

“I’m sorry, I know he’s your friend but I felt like he was implying that some patients are more important than others and I hate that way of thinking.” He looked almost apologetic. “Don’t get me wrong, if someone’s in a life-threatening condition, they will take priority. But if an ambulance is called, the bottom line is that someone is in need of help, and probably scared, and my job is to provide that help. Besides, if someone’s confused their panic attack with a heart attack, we can teach them how to deal with it and they’ll be able to handle it next time.”

“I think you’ve got the best perspective,” Matthew said softly. “I’ve worked with Landry, and I’ve had to tell him to be careful with how he speaks to patients: truth doesn’t need to be cold and harsh.” He smiled at Rafael. “I’m sure your patients would be glad to have you fighting for them.”

“Well…” Rafael dropped his gaze, flustered, but Matthew caught a shy smile. He grinned back.

“Right, so, who am I meeting? This isn’t the part where you tell me you have a wife and child is it?” He was joking, but suddenly had a panicked thought about what he’d do if that were the case. Luckily, Rafael burst out laughing.

“Oh, god no. I haven’t been with anyone in…over a year, actually.” He pulled himself together and said shyly. “It’s ok if you don’t want to but…I was hoping you could meet my grandma.”

“Is this the grandma who says you’re never around enough?”

“That’s the one. She asked if I wanted to come over but you had already invited me out. She said I would be welcome to bring a friend over afterwards.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve told her about you.”

There was something almost magical in the train carriage as Matthew pictured Rafael telling his grandmother – who was clearly so important to him – about Matthew, and Rafael wanting to introduce Matthew to his life.

“I’d love to meet her.”

The two of them left the train and Rafael led them to a residential area of small houses and apartments. Matthew looked around with interest. People of all ages were socialising in the streets. Someone sat by their open window, playing a guitar whilst her neighbours listened. Every so often, they passed an open window that had a delicious smell wafting out of it.

“So this is where you live.”

“All my life.”

Rafael would cheerfully greet people in Portuguese as they passed, more relaxed and confident than Matthew had seen him. He even got to meet Lucas, Rafael’s friend who volunteered with him at the civic centre. Tonight would have been samba night had Rafael been able to go. Apparently there were a few old ladies who loved the handsome young men, and had been disappointed that Rafael hadn’t been able to make it. Lucas casually mentioned that Matthew would be popular, though Matthew doubted that: he was standing next to Rafael of all people.

He wasn’t the least surprised that Rafael would volunteer his evenings to keep the elderly company. He liked learning about his life, everything he had heard so far made him better. Matthew himself had only volunteered once: the Christmas after his sister died and his parents were separated. His mother had had some wine and started getting upset so Uncle Tony left her in the care of his partner whilst he took Matthew out of the house. They had just driven around aimlessly until they drove past a soup kitchen, where they stopped to ask if they needed any help. Matthew had spent the afternoon with people doing the best they could in horrible situations, and it had overall been a good experience, though he wished it hadn’t come as a result of looking for a distraction.

“We’re here,” Rafael said happily, snapping Matthew out of his thoughts. They were standing in front of a small, red-brick house, with a couple of steps leading up to the front porch. They walked up and Rafael pressed a buzzer and said something in Portuguese that Matthew couldn’t understand.

“Hope you saved some room for dessert,” Rafael smiled at Matthew over his shoulder as the door opened to reveal a small, wrinkled woman. She had shoulder-length grey hair and large glasses, and beamed up at Rafael with a huge smile.

“My gorgeous boy!” she said happily, as Rafael greeted her with a warm hug.

“Ola, Vovó,” he said, kissing her cheek. As he straightened up, he pulled Matthew forward. “This is my friend, Matthew. Matthew, this is my grandma, Juliana.”

Juliana eyed Matthew curiously as Matthew smiled and held out a hand.

“It’s nice to—oh!” Juliana had ignored his hand and gone straight in for a hug, reaching up to pinch his cheek as she pulled away.

“No, no,” she said, knowingly. “He’s too lovely to be just a friend.”

“Vovó!” Rafael groaned as Matthew laughed nervously, a blush heating his face. Juliana winked at him before waving him into her cosy living room and pushing him onto a battered loveseat.

“Do you want some tea?” Rafael asked him, with his kind smile.

“Please.”

As Rafael joined his grandmother in the kitchen, Matthew glanced around the living room. The furniture was old and well-worn, and the hardwood floor was covered with a large circular rug that had roses patterning the edges. Family pictures adorned the walls and Matthew’s eyes settled on a professional one of Rafael at his college graduation, his proud parents on either side. His father was tall and broad, but his face was the image of his mother.

“So Matthew, how do you know my grandson?” Juliana asked him from the kitchen.

“From work, Vovó,” Rafael said, patiently. Juliana rolled her eyes.

“Of course, the hospital. His whole life is that hospital.”

Matthew laughed; Juliana couldn’t keep the pride out of her voice.

“I’m afraid he and I have that in common,” he chuckled, with a pointed look at Rafael who gave him a sheepish smile as he handed him a mug of hot tea and sat beside him.

“Well, you’re in luck today, Matthew. I made brigadeiros in the hope that my Rafael would show up tonight.”

“What’s that?” Matthew whispered to Rafael.

“Chocolate truffle desserts. I really like them,” Rafael whispered back.

Juliana came into the living room, carrying a plate filled with little chocolate balls in paper cups, which she set on the coffee table.

“Eat!” she encouraged, settling into an armchair. Rafael instantly took two of the chocolates and handed one of them to Matthew, who popped it into his mouth.

“Oh wow,” he gasped as the rich, creamy chocolate flooded his tastebuds. “Juliana, that’s incredible.”

Juliana beamed at him. “Thank you, darling. It’s a recipe I perfected years ago.” She took a sip from her tea and had one of the chocolates herself. “So, Matthew, you’re the nice doctor Rafael keeps telling me about it. How does it work, are you still in training?”

Rafael flushed a little at Juliana’s suggestion – he had told her a lot about Matthew – but Matthew didn’t appear to notice as he started telling Juliana about his four years at med school and his three-year residency at Edenbrook. Rafael sat back comfortably as Matthew answered Juliana’s questions as much as he could, his face lit up with enthusiasm. His love for his work couldn’t have been clearer and it was a joy to see.

“There may be further study after three years, depending on what we want to specialise in,” Matthew was saying.

“Do you know what that would be?” Juliana asked. Matthew frowned in thought.

“Maybe oncology…” he murmured.

“What would that entail?”

“The study of tumours. But it also includes the study and treatment of cancers.” He cleared his throat and shook his head. “Honestly, it’s just an idea. I haven’t thought about it deeply. I’ll probably change my mind several times.” He brushed it off with a laugh, though Rafael thought it sounded a little hollow. He gently touched his arm and asked him about life in Colorado.

Matthew remained a little cagey when he talked about living with his uncle and his mom, but he perked up when he talked about the horses; horse riding was something he had missed since moving. This then led to a conversation about pets.

“Has Rafael told you about Coco?”

“Who?”

“My cat.”

Rafael flipped eagerly through his phone and showed Matthew a picture of a fluffy black cat, sitting up majestically on the counter.

“I was ten and I found her in the park, where she’d hurt her paw, so I rescued her.”

“He’d been out longer than usual and we were starting to worry he had been kidnapped,” Juliana said. “Instead he surprised us all by turning up at the door with a kitten in his bag and begging us to help her.”

“Dad took us down to the vet and I stayed with Coco during her treatment. My parents agreed to keep her until she was better…”

“And she’s been with you ever since?” Matthew guessed.

“She grew very attached to her rescuer,” Juliana explained. “And no one had the heart to separate them in the end.”

Rafael flipped through a couple more photos: Coco stretched out in a patch of sunlight, an adorable one of Rafael laughing as Coco sat in his arms, licking his face, a selfie of Rafael lying on his stomach with Coco sat on his back, and another sweet one of Rafael sleeping on the sofa with Coco curled in his lap.

“I miss her, but my current landlord doesn’t allow pets,” he sighed. “She still lives with my parents, but I visit often.”

“If anyone was going to rescue and adopt a sick kitten it would be you,” Juliana said. Rafael looked slightly embarrassed, but Juliana had a twinkle in her eye as she turned to Matthew. “My Rafael is always ready to help someone in need.”

“I know,” Matthew said tenderly, meeting Rafael’s eye. Rafael couldn’t help giving him a soft smile back.

“He’s never hesitated to help us in the family. He’s stepped in to look after his young cousins if a babysitter was needed last minute. He spent a weekend helping my daughter and her husband move house, then built them a shoe-rack as a welcome gift.”

“I didn’t build it from scratch, I bought it and assembled it,” Rafael pointed out. Juliana ignored him.

“You know, Matthew, my husband passed away six years ago, and Rafael stayed with me for the entire week.”

“I didn’t like the idea of you being alone,” Rafael said, playing it cool.

“It meant the world to me,” Juliana said lovingly. “You have no idea how much it helped.”

Matthew was extremely touched by the interaction. He had known Rafael had a heart of gold but, somehow, hearing Juliana’s account was even better. He glanced at Rafael with an impressed smile, wondering how someone like him could be real.

Later that evening, the two of them sat on Juliana’s porch, watching the world go by. The westward sky had faint remnants of sunset, but the streetlamps gave good light. Further down the street, a group of kids played rambunctiously. In another direction, upbeat music was playing.

“Is it always this busy in the evening?” Matthew asked.

“I guess so, when the weather’s nice. And the school’s are off for the summer so I suppose some families relax their curfews a bit.” He turned to Matthew with a smile. “Anyway, thanks for being so great with my grandma.”

“Thanks for letting me meet her. And for letting me see your neighbourhood.” It was very uplifting to know that Rafael had specifically wanted him to see this part of his life. It felt sacred.

“Pretty different to yours though, right?”

“Well, yeah,” Matthew admitted, thinking of his intimidating apartment block that, sat in the city centre, most definitely didn’t allow for kids to play safely in the street. In fact, he didn’t recall seeing many children living there. Perhaps he was wrong, but most of the people he had seen around his apartment were childless couples, or singles like him and his friends.

“By the way, is everything alright?” Rafael asked delicately. “You seemed a bit off when you talked about studying oncology.”

“Right.” Matthew’s face fell. “I genuinely haven’t thought about it deeply but…I guess that came from the fact my sister died of leukaemia.”

Rafael froze in shock as he realised why Matthew might have handled certain conversation topics cautiously.

“I had no idea…”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, there was never really a good time. It’s not exactly an easy conversation.”

“I understand. You need a time and place.”

Matthew smoothed his hair flat as he turned to Rafael.

“Can I tell you about it now?”

“Of course.”

They sat close together as Matthew explained how his sister’s illness had slowly infiltrated his family life, causing irreparable tension between his parents and a lot of heartache over his sister’s suffering. He had been pulled out of school early the day she died. As soon as he got to the hospital, he had climbed straight into Holly’s lap and they held on to each other tightly as Casey’s life slowly slipped away forever.

“Dad…took it badly,” Matthew muttered, his eyes darkening as he remembered. “Maybe it was the grief talking but he essentially blamed Mom for what happened.”

“What?!”

“Yeah. He seemed to get it into his head that she should have noticed the signs earlier. But none of us noticed, not even Casey!” Matthew swallowed hard. “Besides, sometimes it doesn’t matter. Casey was a young Caucasian female, in good health and fitness. She even did gymnastics! Everything was in her favour but…” His voice trailed off and he wiped his eyes. Rafael rubbed his back, providing a small source of comfort.

“What happened after that?” Rafael prompted.

“Mom and Dad weren’t staying together. I mean, would you stay with someone who blamed you for your child’s cancer?” Disgust coloured Matthew’s voice. “Mom went to live with Uncle Tony and I wanted to go with her, since Dad just started working super-late all the time. He didn’t even argue.” Matthew rolled his eyes. “So we left. Practically started over completely. But Tony and his girlfriend were extremely accommodating and were even willing to cover the costs of a course of therapy…and we got through it, somehow.”

“I’m glad you did,” Rafael said gently. “Do you still live with your Uncle?”

“He actually helped build a small house for us near where he lived. I think it was just after the first anniversary when Mom had finally started working again and he gently suggested we should have a place of our own again. So we had a cottage built near where he lived and she’s been there ever since.” He smiled. “She’s got a couple of part time jobs in the town and then they started up a riding school together. I’m really proud of her.”

“I’m sure she’d say the same about you,” Rafael said, warmly. “Are you…still in touch with your dad at all?”

“No. He never apologised for how he treated Mom. I think he preferred to pretend it never happened. Last I heard, he had a new girlfriend and I figured I’d let him start over with his new life; I got this far without him.”

Matthew went quiet, twisting his fingers together. Rafael waited patiently for him to continue.

“I actually made friends with a cancer patient,” Matthew said quietly. “Kyra. She came in with a broken arm that I had to cast and we bonded. And then it was terrifying knowing that she was having to have a cancer operation that she might not survive.”

Rafael felt sick. “She didn’t…?”

“Oh god, she survived the op, no problem! But if I couldn’t handle her case professionally, what hope do I have if I did want to specialise in oncology?! I really want to prevent people from suffering the way my family did…but what if I can’t?”

“Don’t think like that,” Rafael said desperately. He wrapped his arm tightly around Matthew’s shoulders and Matthew leaned into him. “You’re a brilliant doctor and you care so much about your work. I’m sure you give your patients the best care you can.” He sighed. “God, I’m sorry. I just wish I could comfort you properly.”

“You are,” Matthew said, quietly. Sitting and sharing his warmth in Juliana’s bright home was a comfort he hadn’t imagined. He thought of the empty days that followed his sister’s death, that he could barely remember. He remembered Sienna curled up next to him as she listened to his story, and how his roommates had offered gentle sympathies when they learned about his sister. And now he was sat with one of the sweetest people he knew and it didn’t hurt quite so much anymore.

“Thanks again for inviting me out tonight,” he said.

“You’re welcome, but I should be thanking you,” Rafael smiled. “Your friends are good people.”

Matthew was glad to hear that, but frowned slightly.

“Do you really believe you don’t have much to offer us?”

“Oh!” Rafael looked surprised. “It’s just…you’ve come from all over the country with these crazy impressive medical backgrounds and now you’re at the best teaching hospital to learn from top doctors. I’m just a paramedic who applied to a nearby hospital and got in by luck of the draw. You were hand-selected on merit; you’ve got the brains and the talent to go as far as you want.”

Rafael was looking at Matthew earnestly, but Matthew shook his head.

“Rafael, you’re the guy who ran into a burning building to save a pregnant woman, and you think you’re not good enough? Forget school. You’ve got more courage and strength than anyone I know. And you’re humble, and down-to-earth and you take care of your family. Your grandma clearly adores you.” Matthew squeezed Rafael’s arm. “That’s what makes a person, not where you went to school.”

“Well…” Rafael looked surprised, but genuinely pleased. “I guess you’re right. And…when we’re together, it never felt like we were that different.”

He dropped his gaze. Matthew felt a little jolt of excitement.

“That’s because we’re not that different where it counts. I wouldn’t have told you all that stuff about my family if I didn’t trust you.” Matthew spoke in a gentle voice. “Please don’t ever feel that you’re not worthy. Because you are.”

Rafael met Matthew’s eyes, wide and vulnerable. He couldn’t speak for a moment, trying to process the fact that Matthew Valentine held him in such high regard.

“You are more than enough,” Matthew said, quietly.

Rafael blinked, his heart pounding. He had a lump in his throat, but the last thing he wanted to do was start crying so he didn’t even try to speak. He would have happily stayed on that porch just gazing at Matthew forever.

A shout came up from the street, where the children had started a rowdy game of tag. Rafael cleared his throat, and Matthew dug his phone out of his pocket to check the time, sighing in relief.

“You good for time?” Rafael asked.

Matthew nodded, and then gave a sly grin. “You mentioned samba dancing earlier…there’s still time for a lesson.”

Rafael laughed and stood up, offering Matthew his hand.

“Come on. We’re doing this.”

“What about music?”

“We don’t need music, trust me. We’ll feel it in our movements.”

He put one hand on Matthew’s waist and guided Matthew’s hand to his shoulder. Their spare hands were linked together.

“So we’re in position?” Matthew asked, trying to focus on Rafael rather than their proximity. “Now what?”

“Usually the man leads, but in the case of two men it comes down to who’s better at it.”

“That would be you,” Matthew grinned. “Lead away.”

“OK. First rule of samba, it’s all about the hips.” Rafael started counting a beat and rolled his hips expertly. Matthew did a double-take. He was really good at this.

“Try and copy me,” Rafael was saying.

Matthew blushed and started trying to match his step.

“Sorry, I’m not exactly god’s gift when it comes to dancing.”

“You’re doing great,” Rafael reassured him. “Everyone starts somewhere.” He shyly started to sing to help Matthew keep time, his voice rich and smooth.

“Holy crap, you can sing!” Matthew said in surprise.

“I haven’t had lessons or anything,” Rafael shrugged bashfully. “It’s just a little fun.”

“Maybe you should take lessons. I reckon you could go far with that voice.”

Rafael blushed again, but shook his head.

“Keep up the beat and I’m going to spin you. Ready?”

“Go for it?”

Rafael pulled Matthew into a spin. Matthew stumbled, Rafael instantly caught him round the waist and steadied him, both of them laughing now.

“Sorry, I’m so clumsy…” Matthew grinned, then looked up at Rafael’s face, inches away.

It wasn’t a massive height difference between them, and they were close enough for Matthew to see his brown eyes sparkling with pleasure under the light of the streetlamp. His lips were full, his teeth pearly-white. Matthew couldn’t quite remember the end of his sentence.

“Something’s on your mind, I can tell,” Rafael was saying, with a cheeky grin. “What is it?”

“I…” Matthew couldn’t help wondering if Rafael’s lips were as soft as they looked. “I’m thinking about kissing you.”

Rafael’s eyes widened. He inclined his head ever so slightly. Matthew leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against Rafael’s for a brief moment before pulling away.

“Better now,” he whispered, glancing up at him anxiously to gauge his reaction.

Rafael let out a rush of breath as he broke into the biggest smile Matthew had ever seen. He dropped his hand to slide his arms around Matthew’s waist.

“Do that again?”

Matthew barely had time for his own smile before their lips met again hungrily, more passionate than before.

To Matthew’s delight, Rafael’s lips were in fact softer than they looked. He tasted faintly of chocolate and smelled of home-cooking. Keeping one hand on Rafael’s shoulder, Matthew ran the other through his thick, curly hair, kissing him hard. He had wanted to do this for so long, and it felt like Rafael had wanted it too.

Rafael was holding Matthew close to him, kissing him tenderly, not quite able to believe that he was kissing such a talented, clever, handsome man. Matthew had a scent like coffee and old books and the chemically clean smell of hospitals which – somehow – smelled good coming from him.

Matthew finally broke away from Rafael’s lips to leave a trail of tiny kisses along Rafael’s jawline. He laughed quietly and nuzzled Matthew’s neck.

“I’m so glad you came after me tonight,” he sighed.

“Me too.”

They continued to just hold on to each other for a few minutes. Everything suddenly seemed to be glowing in a way that Matthew couldn’t describe. Just like the setting sun washing the city in gold, Rafael brought with him an exquisite light that just couldn’t be put into words.

“Will you show me that hip thing again?” Matthew asked shyly.

“Of course.” Rafael resumed their samba position. “It’s like this…”

The two of them continued to dance, laughing together as Matthew slowly got the hang of samba basics. The sky grew darker as the stars twinkled above them. Samba music played only in their heads…

[decimadragonoid]

"An exiled Yiga of his own accord. To the regular Hylian, Fenwell seems to pose just as much of a threat as any normal Yiga Blademaster, but ironically, he seems somewhat disinterested in such mindless combat, preferring to live life as a hermit. Beneath his cold exterior, it appears that Fenwell harbors a deep curiosity and desire to unveil the secrets of Hyrule from many years past. But for what purpose? A curious fellow indeed. Perhaps there's a way to persuade him to explain what his motive is? The decision is entirely up to you." I made a Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Yiga OC last year with no clear purpose, so I thought I'd build up on this next OC and provide some more background into him. Introducing... Fenwell, the Lone Yiga! Imagine if he became a character in Breath of the Wild before its release! Or even an interactive NPC in the upcoming Tears of the Kingdom entry! Anyway, here's a little background behind Fenwell! ======== Fenwell is a self-exiled lone Yiga Blademaster who left out of a disinterest in killing and recruiting new Yiga members in the name of Calamity Ganon, an enemy the Yiga once opposed before their defection from the Sheikah. While some Sheikah respected the Royal Family’s wishes to bury any trace of Guardian technology and reconvene in Kakariko Village as farmers, and others defected to become the militant Yiga Clan to serve Calamity Ganon, Fenwell decided to follow his own path undeterred by Master Kohga and the Yiga’s orders and eventual rejection. Either Fenwell was simply bored of the indiscriminate assassination of Hylians, or he didn’t see the point in taking innocent lives or rejecting the possibility that Hyrulean technology and advances could benefit the continent. Regardless, Fenwell maintains a calm, lone wolf personality. He shows great skill with the Yiga weapon, the Windcleaver, but morally, he doesn’t entertain the idea of engaging in combat. Instead, Fenwell considers himself more as a scholar, viewing others as inferior to him. If encountered by Link, he brushes him off and wastes no time stating that the Yiga mean nothing to him and walks away. If encountered again, Fenwell initially attempts to shoo Link off, but then decides to take him on as an apprentice (or in his case, an underling) if he is willing to take on several tasks and trials he set up. Some include searching for important Guardian parts or other items of interest, gathering info, halting any advances of the Yiga Clan, etc. Fenwell can also teach Link to control his weapons so their durability won’t waste away as fast, among many other things. ======== [Misc.] 1.) Fenwell's name is slightly taken from the name of the mythological wolf of Norse legend, Fenrir. 2.) Fenwell's Windcleaver does not have any slits in the blade like normal Windcleavers, but it's still capable of releasing giant air waves when swung. 3.) The Norse wolf Fenrir's name means, "He who lives in the marshes." Soooo... maybe Fenwell would live in seclusion nearby Uten Marsh in East Necluda? 4.) Fenwell's most likely bald! XD ======== Please do not hesitate to leave your thoughts and critique in the comment section, as it really helps me think about and improve my style! ======== The Legend of Zelda belongs to Nintendo. Fenwell by me, DecimaDragonoid

[jaggedwolf]

pll rewatch 2x13

Our first Halloween special, sending us back to 2008

Ali tells a creepy twin story to some kid Hanna is babysitting

Hanna would not be a good babysitter

Let me attempt to collate all the times I go awww at these two-years-younger versions of the liars so that I don’t keep doing that for the rest of the post. (1) Aw at everyone being so excited to go to Noel’s party (2) Aw at Emily and Toby interacting (3) Aw at Spencer’s Giant Nerd Glasses and her eagerly explaining her Mary Queen of Scots costume while no one cares (3) Aw at Hanna and Aria having fun getting scared together at the party

Ali tries to get the liars to pick whether Hanna should be Cute Britney or Bald Britney and the liars are like...obviously Cute. I wonder how long they’ve all been friends, it’s a couple of months into freshman year.

Toby saying “she gets what she wants” about Jenna....he doesn’t even know the worst of it yet :( 

All this time I’d remembered Emily’s costume as explicitly “Pocahontas” but no, everyone calls it “Indian Girl” or “Hot Indian Girl” and that is so much more yikes.

Ali tries to intimidate Jenna out of also being Lady Gaga for Halloween, except she insists on saying “Lady G” the whole time and that really downgrades the threat level

Oh god, alive Ian, gross.

Melissa is saying many nice things about Spencer’s class president speech and Spencer is adorably pleased by her sister’s praise

Ezra aside, Aria full-on sprinting through Hollis to get to her dad’s office is endearing, you can tell she’s been here all the time

Wait actually, on the topic of Ezra, I’ll take the opportunity to be judgy about him going to the same school for his undergrad and his master’s. 

Ugh at Wilden driving Ashley home, makes his stuff with her even grosser

Aria is like, ready to go beat up Ben for telling his bros that he slept with Emily. She’s very gung-ho here.

Which makes me realize that by the time of Halloween 2008, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna are already diminished by their life circumstances or Ali or both, while Aria isn’t. Not really

Aria’s having a grand time outside of the group, maybe Ali’s a little mean sometimes but hey, who isn’t, and it’s the events of these Halloween days that spark her own downslide

On Mona, Ali says “If you ignore it, it’ll go away”, though the girls don’t appear to be tempted to acknowledge Mona even before that. Does remind me of this gifset comparing Ali to Davie from PLL:OS. 

Jason, who must be around 20/21 here, asks his 14/15-year-old sister for beer money, what a loser

Ali puts the threatening note in the same box that we saw Aria get from Jason

Poor freshman Spencer is about to cry at the idea of not winning some dumb school election because her parents have already planned the party :( 

Ali works very hard here to convince Spencer that Melissa isn’t her ally but an enemy. Why? Is she against Melissa because of her own feelings for Ian, because she doesn’t like Spencer having an ally that isn’t Ali, because she genuinely does detect animosity on Melissa’s part for Spencer? Or all of the above...

Regardless, I’m convinced Ali doesn’t actually rig the election but merely convinces Spencer she does so to “strengthen” their relationship

Byron sucks so fucking much. Staring at Aria’s baby photos and telling her not to tell Ella to protect Ella?!? Saying he’ll respect her decision either way?!?!

That is a kid Byron go man up and tell Ella yourself you coward

I do think Aria is more of a mommy’s girl but up to this point I think she really looked up to Byron...literature kid with literature prof dad...

Ali does her usual shtick of implying Lucas is intersex to insult him and you know, Lucas never even poses a hint of a threat to her to prompt this. I begrudge Lucas many things, but I can never hold destroying the memorial against him

Ali goes Full Blackmail Mode when Aria wants to skip one (1) Halloween party. Ali must’ve been thrilled, she finally figured out how to sink her claws into Aria and Emily within a single day

Mona introduces herself to Jenna as confident Catwoman. Do you think Jenna sees Nerdy Mona at school for the rest of freshman year and goes ????

Love that Ali’s Gaga wig is worse than Jenna’s.

Ali implies to Spencer that Hanna didn’t vote for her. I’d be impressed if flashback!Hanna even voted in a school election, I am 100% certain she was about to forget till one of the others went to go vote and took her with them

Emily’s eyeing up of Jenna...don’t think Emily knows she’s gay yet. She’s uneasy enough about Ben that she feels the need to let his lie go, confused by how transfixed she is by Jenna dancing, and even more confused by Ali’s mocking “cherry chapstick” comment. 

When the girls charge into the haunted house after Ali, Emily leads the way, with Spencer later coming up beside her. Emily will later pick up a literal stick as weapon when the girls think Ali’s in danger. Interesting. To me, anyway, given the passivity of flashback Emily. 

Ali has soooo much fun pretending to play the dramatic self-sacrificing hero going out into the hall to call the cops. It makes it fun when the show flips it in on her, with Noel saying it wasn’t him pretending to attack her in the house

AU where the liars are sick of Ali’s shit after Halloween, unionize, and stop being friends with her. Would be amusing to me if Ali miscalibrated right when she’s getting creepy texts!

[novumtimes]

My boyfriend kept saying I wasnt as attractive as other women I was fed up & got revenge now his familys not happy

AN angry woman stood up for herself after her boyfriend insulted her appearance. She got her revenge after he repeatedly put her down during their travels. 1 A woman shared how she exacted revenge on her boyfriend (Stock photo)Credit: Getty Redditor Anonomonomoly shared her relationship problems in a viral post. She explained that she had been excited to travel to Florida with her boyfriend — that is until the insults started rolling in. “Throughout the trip, he kept comparing me to other women,” she said. “Let’s be honest, women in Miami often look like they just stepped off a magazine cover.” “Now, I don’t wear a lot of makeup, and I’m comfortable with my natural look. “I believe in embracing authenticity and loving myself as I am. However, my boyfriend seemed infatuated with these women who looked like models. “He couldn’t stop mentioning how much better I’d look if I put in more effort like this girl right here or that girl over there, which made me feel inadequate and insecure. “Hearing your boyfriend of 3 years say, ‘You’d be more attractive if you looked like her.’ Doesn’t make a woman feel good at all.” At first, she tried not to let the comments get under her skin. Her boyfriend, however, wouldn’t let up. I catfished my long term boyfriend when I was pregnant to catch him out cheating “The tipping point came when we were at a restaurant, and he started telling me about how much better I’d look if I wore some more makeup and maybe showed a bit more skin,” she said. She decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. “I decided to switch up the scenario and told him that if I’m expected to look better, then he needs to lose some weight and maybe work on getting ahead of his hereditary male pattern baldness, courtesy of his father,” she said. “After this, he had a loud outburst, essentially berating me for not looking as attractive as the women around us. I refuse to be with someone who values superficial appearances over genuine connection and respect. Redditor Anonomonomoly “I was crushed. Here I was, trying to enjoy a vacation with someone I cared about, only to be publicly humiliated for not fitting some superficial standard of beauty.” She decided to exact her revenge, as she had paid for not only the hotel room but also their plane tickets. “Feeling hurt, disrespected, and utterly fed up, I made the decision to cancel his flight and flew back to California alone,” she said. “I refuse to be with someone who values superficial appearances over genuine connection and respect.” The move angered her boyfriend’s parents, who urged her to take pity on him. “Now, his family is pressuring me to pay for his accommodations and flight back home because he has no money,” she said. “They seem to think I owe him something for his outburst, but I can’t shake the feeling that I made the right decision for my own well-being.” People told her to stick to her guns. “The dude can dish it out but can’t take it. The manchild is not your problem,” said one commenter. “Maybe a modelesque girl in Miami with lots of makeup on can pay for his hotel and flight. Also, tell him good luck,” said another. “Serves him right. If his family is so concerned, let them pay for a flight or send him some money,” said a third. Source link via The Novum Times

[lilxberry]

Hardly Burglar Material - Bilbo Baggins

Requested by: @donniethescienceguy���

Helloooooooo! Can I have a Bilbo x hobbit wife reader where after Thorin insults him (in the beginning when he arrives) she defends him and Thorins like: are you sure it’s the male Baggins we want?

I mean, I still did as what was requested but man, did I not know where tf this was going lmao

I followed quite a bit of the manuscript of the film, the only alteration is when reader confronts Thorin

Warnings: Nothing really. Asshole Thorin. Terrible writing lmao. 

Words: 1,796

Pairings: Bilbo Baggins x Reader (female reader) (wife!reader)

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You hadn’t expected your quiet evening meal with your husband to be interrupted but when a dwarf, a big, burly, tattooed, balding, towering one at that knocks your door, there certainly isn’t much you can do.

After the dwarf, who introduced himself as Dwalin, had entered your home and devoured your husbands fish dinner, to which you offered Bilbo your own meal, more and more knocks sounded at the door, each one miffing your husband further and further until he had finally had enough.

“There’s nobody home!” he shouted as another sound came from the front door, arms holding up the abundance of weapons the two brothers’, Fíli and Kíli, loaded on to him.

You felt terrible, watching as your husband becomes frustrated, not knowing what to do other than spectate in concern.

He tossed the items down out of his arms as he stormed towards the door, shouting at whoever was on the other side. “Go away and bother somebody else! There are far too many dwarves in my dining room as it is.”

Bilbo closes in on the door. “I-I-If this is some plotheads idea of a joke,” he laughed in disbelief before grasping the door handle in his hand. “I can only say, it is in very poor taste.”

With that, he pulled the door open and in comes tumbling through the doorway a cluster of dwarves, all grumbling and whining at the other to get off of them. Bilbo and yourself, who stood a few steps behind, looked down at the mess of moving bodies on the floor before his feet, dumbfounded expressions on both of your faces.

Movement behind the pile up caught both yours and Bilbos’ attention, and once the tall figure bent down ever so slightly to reveal himself, your face twisted into that of utter confusion as your husband sighs in exasperation.

“Gandalf.”

_______________

Although you were concerned for your husband, you couldn’t help but find the whole situation quite amusing. You found some of the dwarven folk that had invaded your shared home to be quite a fun, entertaining bunch.

Of course, you were concerned about the possessions within your home, hoping that the dwarves leave your home relatively untouched and that your husband wouldn’t have some sort of mental breakdown.

Your uninvited guests had pillaged the pantry of its food. The race of dwarves certainly did have quite an appetite. Even Gandalf had nibbled on quite a bit of food.

The rowdiness of the dwarves had calmed slightly, if only for moment when they downed whatever drink they had. Even the ridiculous and frankly disgusting belching afterwards was calmer than their initial arrival.

Yet that was quickly replaced with plates, platers, knives, forks, and spoons were tossed from one dwarf to another as they sang a merry tune. Bilbo was quick with demanding caution and for things to be put down. Even you were slightly worried for your kitchen utensils.

The dwarves released hearty laughter when you and Bilbo peered into the kitchen and had seen that everything was clean and stacked, Gandalf chuckling along with them as both you and Bilbo simultaneously release sighs of relief.

Then, the atmosphere became tense as three, loud knocks sound at your front door for a final time that night.

The laughter died out instantly and Gandalf spoke quite ominously. “He’s here.”

_______________

You couldn’t really pinpoint what exactly was unsettled you so much when it came to the dark-haired dwarf who sat at the head of the table. Maybe his stature. Possibly his stoic expression.

Most likely the look behind his eyes.

Well, you certainly didn’t like him all that much whenever he addressed your husband.

Most of the conversation between the dwarves and Gandalf became muffled when reaching your ears, certainly seeing no point in listening in on their talk. The second your husbands voice rang out through the room though had piqued your interest and your attention was brought to the conversation.

They spoke of The Lonely Mountain, the dragon Smaug, how they were on a quest to reclaim their home. Gandalf had produced not only a map of some forts but a key, a key the dwarves seemed to become quite excited about.

You also happened to admire the young dwarfs’ courage. Ori.

Then, the topic of a burglar arrived.

“That’s why we need a burglar,” Ori spoke.

“Hmm, and a good one too. An expert I’d imagine.” Bilbo moves back from peering down at the map, holding on to his suspenders.

“And are you?”

Bilbo glances around to behind him before looking towards the dwarves once more. “Am I what?”

“He said he’s an expert!” Oin spoke cheerily. Of course, the dwarf with the horn to aid his hearing would say as such.

“Me? No, no, no, no, no,” your husband started, eyes darting to each dwarf, hoping his point would get across. “I’m not a burglar. I’ve never stolen a thing in my life.”

You nodded your head in agreement. As much as you love your husband, he is quite the stickler for following rules.

“I’m afraid I have to agree with Mister Baggins,” Balin was next to speak. “He’s hardly burglar material.”

You supressed a chuckle as Bilbo, although relieved that someone agreed, looked the tiniest bit offended.

The group of dwarves began to chatter and raise in volume, no words could actually be comprehended by yourself, it all a jumble of noises. Then Gandalf raised out of the seat slightly, his voice booming over the racket the dwarves created.

“ENOUGH! IF I SAY BILBO BAGGINS IS A BURGLAR,” he lowered his voice with each following word. “Then a burglar he is.” Bilbo looked as if he wanted to protest but no words left his mouth.

“Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet,” he continued. “In fact, they can pass by unseen by most if they chose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of a Hobbit is all but unknown to them which gives us an distinct advantage.”

The whole discussion about your husband was unnerving for you. You disliked how your husband was talked of like a ploy in some silly game.

“This quest is no place for gentlefolk.” Thorins’ tone was as if the words left a vile taste in his mouth, clearly showing his disgust for your husband. “He probably wouldn’t last 5 miles away from his precious little home. Look at him, Gandalf! He isn’t made for such things, it’s as clear as day. His big feet and rounded belly would slow us down. Your little Hobbit would cry out for home within a day.”

Your blood boiled with each word he spoke, an anger rising in you which you desperately tried to keep down. Your nails dug into the palms of your hands and your jaw was clenched tightly shut, but enough was enough.

“HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF MY HUSBAND LIKE THAT?! NO LESS WHILST YOU ARE IN HIS HOME AND IN HIS PRESENCE!”

Your outburst caught the attention of every soul in the dining room around the table. Their eyes settled on your figure that stepped closer and closer to them up to the point where you stood glaring down at Thorin right beside his seat. Even Bilbos’ eyes were wide and looked almost ready to pop right out of their sockets.

“My husband may not be a fighter like you…you BRASS DWARVES! But he deserves no less respect. I will not stand for someone speaking down on my Bilbo in such a manner, even if they are some king,” you all but spat out.

Some of the dwarves looked offended that you spoke to their leader in such a way, others looked thoroughly shocked, surprised that a small thing as yourself had such a fire in you. Gandalf smirked as Bilbo looked like he genuinely feared for your safety. He had witnessed outbursts from you that scared him before, which were quite rare, you barely losing your temper, but for once, he was terrified of the consequences seeing as it wasn’t at him nor a fellow Hobbit.

But it was Thorins’ reaction that had you confused. He seemed…impressed?

Thorin turned towards Gandalf, a smirk of his own forming on his face. “Are you sure it was Mister Baggins you had wanted to join our quest?”

Gandalf chuckled and looked towards you and your husband, you now joined your side, who was silently scolding you with his eyes but nonetheless remaining the concerned, dotting husband. “I was certain on Mister Baggins being the 14th member of your company, but I would highly recommend you take a 15th as I believe Misses Baggins certainly has something of her own to bring to the quest.”

“They both have a great deal more to offer than any of you know, including themselves. You must trust me on this,” Gandalf finished.

Thorin looked at Gandalf and Gandalf at he for a moment, Thorin evidently mulling it over within his head before finally, he spoke. “Very well. We’ll do it your way. Give them the contract.”

Both yourself and Bilbo began to protest as Balin produced the document. He handed it over to Bilbo who unravelled the parchment and began to scan over the words, your eyes peering over his shoulder to read it for yourself.

As Bilbo and you busied yourselves with reading over the document, Thorin had leant over towards Gandalf to whisper within his ear. “I cannot guarantee their safety.”

“Understood,” Gandalf hummed in acknowledgement.

“You’ll be left responsible for their fate.”

“Agreed.”

Bilbo began to read aloud the text, brow furrowed out of concentration, your own face screwed up slightly, straining to peer at the words.

“Terms; cash on delivery up to but not exceeding 1 14th for total profit, if any. Seems fair, uhh-“

“Shouldn’t it be changed to 1 15th if I were to join?” you questioned aimlessly.

Bilbo nodded his head in agreement before continuing. “Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a government, thereof including but not limited to; lacerations. Evisceration?” He unfolds a piece further, reading before looking towards the group with a look of disbelief. “Incineration?!”

“Oh, aye. It’d melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye,” Bofur quipped with ease.

Many more ‘encouraging and reassuring’ words were spoken by Bofur, unnerving both yourself and Bilbo, though you hid it extremely well. The moment your husband passed out, was when Bofur seemed to finally relent.

“Oh dear.” You looked towards your husband laying on the floor unconscious with concern before turning towards the others with a worried expression.

Valar forbid you allow him to go with those dwarves and that conniving wizard alone.

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I mean, I don’t really have anything to say sooooo

If you want to be added to a taglist lemme know

Anywho, I hope you enjoy

As always, constructive criticism and requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated :D

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LOTR / The Hobbit taglist:

@iwazoomingouttahere​ 

[regrettablewritings]

Look, if it helps y’all feel any better, try imagining Actor AU.

Personally, my idea of Actor AU includes:

Hunter’s actor is actually goofy and leans in hard to the dad vibes. His hair is, in fact, quite real, much to the dismay of his cast mates. Omega may have recorded BTS snaps of everyone and his included attempting to play dad rock on a guitar he keeps in his trailer.

Wrecker’s actor is actually the Smart Guy, having a degree in something complex like biochemical engineering or something. He’s also quieter and a lot more gentle than the character he plays, preferring to spend his time off-camera reading.

Echo’s actor likes to crack jokes a lot, specifically about how he’s the guy who always has to be in the makeup chair “at the crack of dawn’s ass”. Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair get an earful of playful fussing if he hears them whine about sitting still for their tattoo or scar makeup. Actually has a prosthesis, though his is for one of his legs.

Tech’s actually got a degree in English (“Why else would I be acting?”) and while he’s also on the spectrum, he’s a bit less rigid than the character he plays. He sometimes wishes his character was more forward about things but ultimately respects the sass. His Kiwi accent is a bit stronger outside of the role.

Crosshair’s actor . . . is ironically nearsighted. Initially, the reason he always seemed to be glaring was because he was trying to get used to the contacts he was given for the first shoot the Batch ever appeared in and it just suited him. Surprisingly chill guy otherwise, very aware of how intimidating he can come off as by looks alone.

Omega is the most like her on-screen character. Just a really cheery, outgoing girl! She brings her homework to do on set sometimes, and asks Wrecker for help since he’s the one who’s best at math and science.

Everyone is always joking about the hair situation: Hunter’s hair is real, they keep having to shave Echo’s hair, Wrecker prefers to be bald, Tech’s hair is actually curly and he hates how it constantly must be jacked up for the sake of his character (think Cillian Murphy’s feelings a la Peaky Blinders), and Crosshair made jokes about how he was so used to dyeing it that he no longer remembers what his hair color actually is. Then when they made him bald (even if by use of a bald cap), Echo and Wrecker chanted “One of us! One of us!” Omega’s hair is naturally blonde and cute so the costumers left it that way.

Once, Omega snapped a pic of Echo in the middle of his makeup regimen all powdered up. Fans saw and quickly began to compare him to a baby covered in powder. Echo liked the image and comparison so much that he printed it out and taped it to his mirror. Now, a common meme that he happily plays around with is “Echo is Baby.” Sometimes, he’ll even deepen his voice and go, “I  a m  B a b y” just to get a laugh out of someone.

Interviewer: So one of the things that makes the Batch stand out is how they’re generally unafraid of experimenting with their appearances, tattoo-wise in some cases. Are there any tattoos you’d perhaps like to get? Anything like the characters you play? Hunter: Oh, not at all! A face tattoo?! That big!? I’d pass right out right in the chair! Crosshair: Same. I think Crosshair’s tattoo is more about intimidation, and frankly I think I’m scary enough. That, and I don’t know what the guy was on to be able to withstand a tattoo to the face, but I don’t have any of that on me so I doubt that’s ever gonna happen. Hunter: Yeah, the closest thing I think I could do is maybe something on my arm. Maybe my child’s hand print or something of that nature. Crosshair: Ooh, a good old dad classic. Hunter: Yeah! Wrecker: I actually haven’t thought about getting a tattoo since, like, my university years. But hey, who knows? I’ve been told I have plenty of real estate for it! Echo, sheepishly laughing: I like the idea of tattoos, but needles freak me out. Yeah, I know it’s a different type of needle but like?? I don’t like pain!! I think the best I could do is just keep applying one of those temporary tattoos to the same place over and over to create the illusion of having actual ink on me. Maybe mess around with people and skip a day or two. Or better yet: Change out the design! One day there’s a dolphin on my neck, the next day it’s a tiger! Omega: Mum says no tattoos until I turn 18. But I’d like to get a Batcher helmet as commemoration! Tech: I actually have a tattoo! I mean, it’s nothing like what Tech would probably have. I feel like if he ever got any ink, it’d probably be something geeky like his favorite equation, or something symbolic of the galaxy bottled up into a formula of some kind. I imagine that if he wanted something artsier, he’d probably outsource to someone with more artistic skills. Tech: Anyway, my tattoo is of a turtle! Everyone: *is either looking at him or snickering* Crosshair: . . .  A turtle. Tech: What’ve you got against turtles?

Omega convinces the guys to participate in some TikToks and such “for media purposes”. This ends in Wrecker, in character, saying, “Hunter: Omega’s trying to sneak around. But I’m dummy thicc, and the clap of my butt and meaty fists keep alerting the guards!”

Yes: Everyone wishes they could have a lightsaber. Yes: Everyone would most definitely make the lightsaber noises if they had one. And yes: Everyone makes do with their blasters, but they do revert into children who go “pew pew!” every time they pull the triggers. Even Crosshair’s actor, who more so goes “pow” or “bang”.

Interviewer: How are you like the characters you play, if at all? Hunter: I’m a cool dad with awesome hair. Omega: We’re both very curious! Wrecker: I don’t think we -- Oh, you know what? We both love Lula! Echo: You mean aside from a prosthesis? Uuummm . . . Ppprobably . . . We both love a godawful pun! Tech: I think we both like to collect knowledge for the sake of it. And also, we drive like crazy. Crosshair: We can both be a bit catty

Tech’s actor is constantly fumbling his lines simply because of all the technobabble he has to say.

I do not know why but the image of Crosshair’s actor being a surprisingly good juggler haunts the cinema of my mind’s eye.

And also . . . They are most definitely Maori or of Maori descent, so jot that tf down.

Don’t know how it’ll help, but Actor AUs are simply The Best™️ so that in and of itself has my stamp of approval for cheering up!

[boldlyvoid]

CONGRATS ON 800, LOVE! IM SO SORRY I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO SUBMIT SOMETHING EARLIER (this is shemarmooresfedora but from another acct because mine has been shadowbanned for some reason)

i’ll do ❤️🤡💄🛏 please and thank you

maybe like spencer invites you to something as his date and you’re both crushing on each other but it’s not official until the reservation only booked one room

I LOVE YOU DORY!!! i am so sorry you're shadowbanned that is so weird? i hope this cheers you up a little! thank you for all the love and support, and for helping me create little Jo in Amoreena <3

cw: flirting, fake married, mutual pining, high school reunions, assault, love confessions, one bed, implied sex, kissing,

1.4K

When he got the invitation in the mail, he thought nothing of it. He left it in the pile on his counter and went off to work the way he always would. He hasn’t been back to his old high school since he was 13, the 15 year reunion was coming up and he was invited.

He wasn’t going to go. He never went to any event unless it was a CalTech alumni event. Because there he was respected, there he was Doctor Spencer Reid, the FBI’s asset and excellent graduate. He was a nobody, a kid and a loser in high school.

“You okay?” Y/N notices he’s quieter than normal, he’s staring off past his desk and she’s worried for him.

“Huh?” He turns to her, “I’m fine.”

“Doesn’t look like it,” she whispers, “come get a coffee with me down at the kart?”

He nods and stands silently, following her out of the room and away from all their friends, in the elevator she knows he’s more comfortable.

“What’s going on, Spence?”

“My high school reunion is coming up, and I really want to go and prove to them that I’m not a dork anymore…” his voice is low and his eyes are fixated on the floor.

Her face drops, she pulls the emergency button and wraps herself around him. “You have never been a dork, Spencer. You have always been magnificent and they’re too dumb to see that.”

He holds her in return, settling as he rests his chin on her shoulder. She feels nice and warm, her hair smells like apples and her laundry detergent is all over her shirt.

“Would you come back to Vegas with me and pretend to be my girlfriend? Say things like that and make them think I’ve got it all?”

He cant see how much she smiles while they hug, “yes, I’d love to be your girlfriend for the day.”

—

She buys the nicest dress imaginable, they fly out to Vegas together and she’s so excited she forgot to ask for her own room. Or at least that’s what she tells him because she really wanted a chance to sleep with him, in more ways than one.

Even to just cuddle with Spencer Reid would be a gift, so she goes all out to seduce him. She looked impeccable, He was thinking it was her way of helping him show off… he was so clueless she was going to have to be the smart one when it came to getting him to see her as more than a friend. She wanted him, she was going to show him just how good she would be to him if she was his.

Her dress hugs her in all the right places, she wraps an arm around Spencer’s middle and holds him close. They walk in like they own the place, everyone is taking turns looking at them as they walk to the name tag table.

“Hi, Spener Reid,” he smiles, “and my plus one.”

“Hi,” Y/N waved at the woman behind the desk.

“Hello,” she smiles, “here are your name tags, Mr. and Mrs. Reid.”

“Oh we’re—“

“Thank you,” Y/N smiles, she takes the name tags from the woman. “Newlyweds, my rings getting resized, he’s still adjusting to the title.”

“Ah, my husband was the same, called it wedding bell shock,” she smiled, old enough to have a husband with shell-shock as well.

“Can I have a pen?” Y/N asks, “or a marker?”

“Here,” she hands her a sharpie.

Y/N leans onto the table to scratch out the Mr. and replace it with Dr. “He has 3 Ph.D.’s you know? My husband is the smartest man in the FBI.”

“Oh,” she looks shocked, “thank you for your service sir.”

He blushes and nods, “thank you.”

Y/N peels the sticker off and sticks it to Spencer's chest before leaning in to press a kiss to the tip of his nose, she gets lipstick on him. She smiles and wipes it off, “there, still cute.”

The rest of the night is much of the same; she hangs off him, telling all the people who used to bully him that she was so madly in love with him, he was super smart and he was so strong and sexy on the job.

She slips away from him to get a drink while he explains how profiling works to his crowd of new fans. She’s filling her cup with punch when a weird, balding man slides up beside her, his hand touching her waist. She looks at him quickly, recognizing his name from the worst childhood story Spencer ever shared with her.

“Hey there, hot stuff,” he tried to hit on her.

She puts her cup down calmly and takes his hand off her, bending his arm behind his back and slamming him face-first into the punch bowl. She pulls his face back up by his hair, “that was for touching me.”

Then she slams him onto the floor where he coughs out punch from his lungs. “And that was for what you did to my husband as a kid, he was a Kid! You may have peaked in high school, but at least Doctor Reid doesn’t have a widow's peak, like yours. He is the smartest, sexiest, and most wonderful man in the world and you're nothing but a loser.”

Spencer turns around at the sound of her voice, “oooo” echos around the gym as everyone looks at the scene unfolding. Patrick, the asshole quarterback that traumatized him as a child, was on the ground covered in red juice as he complained about a sore arm.

Y/N smiles at him and waves before rejoining Spencer, “he doesn’t know how to keep his hands to himself.”

“Let’s get out of here,” Spencer suggests and she is all too eager to skip out of the room with him, right past Patrick.

—

She slams him against the wall as soon as they’re inside the hotel room again, kissing him with more desperation than she’s ever felt in her life. She needed him, he was her last piece and then she’d be complete.

She breaks the kiss to move down his neck as she loosens his tie and unbuttons his shirt. “Are you sure we can be friends after this?”

“I’d hope my husband was my best friend,” she whispers against his skin.

He pulls her away from his neck, hands on her cheeks so he can look at her and read her expressions as best as possible, “I’m serious, I don’t want to do this if it’s going to make working together hard.”

“You’re an idiot,” she smiles, “I have been in love with you for months Spencer. I want this, I have wanted you for so long…”

His breathing changes as she explains her feelings, leaning in to kiss his neck again and make her way down his chest. “I’ve thought about this for so long Spencer, you have no idea how many dirty thoughts I have about doing things like this with you.”

“I got 1 bed on purpose,” he gasps out, “I wanted to sleep beside you… I hoped—

She smiles against him, “I know. That’s why I didn’t tell you to get 2…”

“You’re really not kidding?” He sounds so desperate it’s almost sad.

She stops her kissing and looks at him again, “why is it so hard for you to believe all the things I’ve said about you tonight? I’m not just trying to impress them, I’m telling the whole fucking world that the person I am in love with is the smartest man they will ever meet. People should bow at your feet, Spencer, let me appreciate you for how incredibly wonderful you are and stop doubting my feelings.”

“You love me?” Tears well in his eyes and he feels like a complete idiot, “why didn’t you just tell me?”

“I wanted you to admit it first,” she whispers, equally as embarrassed. “I have a huge crush on you Spence, it’s not just that I love you, I never want to stop. You’re so nice and kind and funny? And you make me smile every day and I laugh even on the worst days ever because you’re there, and when I think about the future and reunions and events like this that I have to go to one day, and all I want is to bring you along and show everyone that you’re mine.”

She rambled more than he did, “so please, will you unzip my dress and join me in our one bed, husband?”

“Absolutely, my beautiful wife,” he turns her around, moving her hair off her back, he kisses her shoulder softly.

He moves the zip down as slow as possible, kissing every inch of newly exposed skin as he did so. When he reached the end, she pushed the straps off her arms and let the dress fall to the floor.

Mission accomplished.

[bump1nthen1ght]

Pack Tactics (Werewolf x Reader)

Pairing: Fem!Reader/Male!Werewolf

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Established Couple, Angst with a happy ending

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2896 words

Summary: You are in a wonderful relationship with your sweet partner, Gray. But this far into the relationship, you’ve yet to tell him you have no intentions ever of having kids. You can’t help but wonder, how will your child-loving werewolf boyfriend will react?

Request: I live for very specific comfort! No pressure if this doesn’t inspire you or if you just don’t want to write it obvi.... but could I have a f!reader x m!werewolf where the reader is 100% sure she doesn’t want to have kids ever never ever in any capacity and is worried about how her werewolf bf is going to react, worried she’ll be dumped or something (ya know cause idk I feel like werewolves are built with a breeding kink and like into the whole having a lot of pups) there can be smut if you want!! I love me some dramatic angst comfort :)))))))

A/N: Sorry this took so long y’all, school and stuff has been kicking my ass. But writing this sweet little fic has been a nice reprieve from my work. Hope you enjoy!

“Alright, I’ll get the chicken, the asparagus, and the pasta. You’ve got the wine and the dessert?”

“Sure thing.”

The two of you nod, Gray stepping away from the grocery cart before you call out to him.

“And not one of those huge tubs of ice cream.”

Gray emits a dramatic whine, pouting.

“But the big one is 25 cents cheaper than those little pints. It’s practically free!”

You furrow your brow and pat him on the shoulder.

“Not if we don’t finish them, they aren’t. Now go.” Gray rolls his eyes, clutching his heart and throwing his head back. You playfully push him, walking away with the grocery cart and towards the deli section. You can see the top of Gray’s wild brown hair as he moves into the next aisle, his 6’5” form towering over all the little old ladies who usually crowd the store.

You’re browsing the chicken, trying to decide between 2 breasts or a full rotisserie, when a familiar sound reaches you.

“Oh! If it isn’t ____.” You forcibly paint a smile, fingers automatically clenched around the stellafoam package as you turn to see your next door neighbor Mrs. Star. Her teased, bleached blonde hair teeters on top of her head, bobbing back and forth with the clack of her neon blue heels. While you can respect the 60-year old for digging her feet in and refusing to update her wardrobe from the 80’s, her pension for gossip is a little less admirable. “Shocked to see you out and about, what with that big ol boyfriend of yours.” She says, blue eyeshadow crinkling into a wink and nudging you with your elbow. You wheeze a bit, quickly covering it with a laugh. “Back in our honeymoon phase, Richard and I barely left the bedroom. And he was half-way balding back then, not the babe-a-rama you got going over there.” Mrs. Star’s laugh reaches a pitch almost too high for your human ears to pick up, maybe even giving Gray 2 aisles over a headache.

“Well, y’know, gotta keep our energy up.” You wince, immediately berating yourself for that comment. Mrs. Star throws her hand up in a “oh, you” gesture, letting out another half-whistle half-screeching chuckle.

“Oh I do, honey, I do.” She sends you another dramatic wink, which you return with a shaky smile. The corner of your cart bumps into hers as you begin walking along the meat aisle, trying to forcibly end this interaction. But Mrs. Star pulls off an impressive turn with her cart and strolls alongside you. She does little to hide her wandering eyes, trying to piece together any juicy info from your groceries. “So, are you two trying for kids yet?”

The wheels squeal to a sudden stop, forcing you to choke on your saliva as the shopping cart’s handle digs into your stomach. You keep your gaze locked on the frozen steaks  and turkeys, already way past the chicken you meant to grab.

“Uhhh, no. We’re not really in the phase of our relationship yet.”

Mrs. Star clicks her tongue, pressing her hand to her chest in a show of embarrassment. “I’m sorry, dearie. Old habits you see, whenever a new couple moves in together I assume they’re halfway to the wedding already. You young kids like to take it slow, huh?”

You nod, hastily grabbing a package of buffalo wings, hoping for an excuse to escape this conversation.

Mrs. Star continues to walk by you, her cart blocking off any convenient means to leave unless you significantly pick up her speed. Her eyes glance over the sweats sat in a display in the center of the aisle, humming a small tune.

The end of the aisle is approaching, you’re almost home free! You ready your feet to book it with an excuse, but Mrs. Star clears her throat and begins to speak.

“Now dearie, I don’t mean to pry-”

What do you call these last 3 minutes, Star?

“But I’d at least pop on a ring on that finger soon. Someday someone’s going to snatch that boy up like a piece of meat, saying all the right things. Men got all those suspicions about over-the-hill pregnancies, his eyes might start wandering. That’s how my first divorce went, so I should know.”

You pull your cart to a stop, breathe catching as you look at Mrs. Star, shocked. You can handle some inappropriate questions, but to question your boyfriend’s loyalty and insulting your relationship is crossing another line. Your brows furrow with a simmering anger, your cheeks heating up as you're ready to let loose.

“Well, Mrs. Star, if you must know I have the most wonderful boyfriend on this side of the planet, and unlike your deadbeat first husband, he’s as loyal as they can be.” Mrs. Star looks at you, eyes widened and right hand halfway to grab a pack of oreos. You huff, pushing your cart away from hers and towards the cash register. Right before you leave her sight, you turn back to her with a simpering smirk. “Have a great day, Mrs. Star!”

Your heart is heaving with anger, prepping a rant to Gray about the horrible interaction you just had. On the other side of the store, you spot Gray, his curly hair all tussled, holding a large Rosé and a package of ice cream sandwiches. Just the sight of his back calms you a bit, excited for some delicious food and late-night cuddles. You jog a little towards him, but slow down when you see him crouch down, looking at something hidden from your sight.

You turn your shopping cart slightly, trying to peer behind his massive form, and freeze.

Gray’s sticking out his tongue, pushing up his nose, and making many more silly gestures to a baby in a stroller. The baby laughs, it’s chubby cheeks bright red as Gray blows another raspberry, thrashing its arms up and down with joy. The dad is laughing at Gray’s antics, leaning down and patting his kid on the head.

Gray promptly stands up, sending another big smile to the kid, before waving goodbye. The six-month-old waves back, uncoordinated and decidedly adorable. Gray laughs, turning away and walking towards you.

Your feet feel cemented to the floor, heart down in your stomach.

He’s a natural, you think, nausea building up in your throat.

Gray was the oldest of eight, not a large number for a werewolf family. You adored them, and they you, but Gray had a way of dealing with his youngest siblings. Whether it was letting them climb all over him like a jungle gym, or attending imaginary tea parties, Gray was a pro. He was the guy to cram himself into a tiny chair at the kids table, eating tiny cookies and cracking jokes. ‘Dad’ seemed to be stamped into his very being, the cuddly werewolf with a love of children. He’s any mother-in-law’s dream.

But all those sweet things turn sour when you think about what Mrs. Star said. Gray, moving on without you.

Gray’s eyes light up when he sees your cart, jogging over and holding up the bottle of wine like a prize.

“Hey!” He says, quickly sliding an arm around your waist and giving you a peck on the cheek. “I got your favorite, and those delicious mint-chocolate sandwiches.”

His happy voice and comforting touch help abate whatever it is your feeling, but the way Gray’s brow furrows tells you your  discomfort is present in your eyes. “Is everything okay?” His large hand comes up and rubs your shoulder. You give him a shaky smile, fighting away negative thoughts with a bat.

“Yeah, let’s go home.”

---------

Wet fur presses up against your bare neck as you lazily stir the boiling water, Gray’s shifted muzzle now snug in the crook of your shoulder, the white flecks across his dark fur peeking into your periphery. Your free hand instinctively goes back to scratch between his ears, causing him to let out a satisfied huff, hot air blowing across your chest.

“That smells good baby.”

“It’s just salt and water Gray. The pasta’s barely al dente.”

Gray laughs, turning his head  slightly so he can press a small kiss onto your cheek.

“You could make even that taste delicious, ____”

You dramatically roll your eyes, pushing away his chin as he continues to peck and nip at your neck. After showering Gray always made sure to rub in some cherry-blossom leave-in conditioner into his fur. The artificial perfumes just lightly touch your senses, but the mental connection they have to Gray make them smell that much sweeter. You turn and give him a quick kiss on the lips, patting his shoulder once more.

“Do you mind setting the table? Maybe get started on those messy dishes?”

“No problem.” Gray mumbles, reluctantly pulling away from you and tugging up the towel that hangs loose on his hips. He barely needs to reach for your fancy plates on the top shelf, his chest muscles flexing and bicep taut. Even with his thick fur, you can see the bone of his clavicle which accentuates his long neck.

God, he’s so hot.

You think, smirking a bit as you continue stirring.

And all mine.

You hum, but the cheery mood you’re in quickly sours once you remember your conversation with Mrs. Star. That small seed of doubt seems to grow and leech from your chest.

2 years into this relationship and the two of you have only danced around the conversation of the future. You of course had agreed on living together, what your career paths looked like, even the potential of getting married in a couple years, but never kids. As two 20-somethings, you felt like you had all the time in the world.

But the thing was, you didn’t really need all the time in the world.

You didn't want kids. Even with your family or your neighbors needing that your opinion “might change some day,” you were confident in that decision. Not that you hated them, you just could never picture yourself being a mom. A fun aunt, maybe, but never a mom. It wasn’t even a point of contention in your own mind; The picture of you, your partner, and maybe a couple of pets thriving into your elders was bliss enough.

You sneak a glance to Gray, now clothed and back turned to you as he sets the table. He’s diligently folding the napkins into  fun shapes, a ritual he does every date night. From the hole in his jeans you can see his tail wagging, content as he hums to the low radio playing on the window sill.

A smile crawls onto your face, a small giggle escaping you as you watch Gray’s hips bob to the beat, silently mouthing the words. You snort as he does a dramatic little shoulder shift, Gray’s head whipping back towards the kitchen as you throw your hand over your mouth.

“What, don't you like my moves?” Gray says, shimmering his shoulders again, a large grin across his face.

“They could use some work, Kevin Bacon.” Gray clutches his chest, throwing his head back in mock pain.

“You wound me. After all these years, you would cut me so deep?”

“Sure would.” You turn back towards the simmering pasta, setting the wooden spoon on the rim and brushing your hands on your jeans. “Oof!” You squeak as you yanked away, Gray wrapping his arms around your waist, twirling you in a stumbling circle.

“And how ‘bout now, m’lady?” Gray simpers, eyebrow cocked. Your hands slap his chest as you laugh. He lets your feet back down on the floor, but keeps his arms locked around your waist. The two of you slow dance to the beat, and when the chorus hits, Gray gives his worst rendition possible. You bemoan and feign plugging your ears, but find yourself singing along anyway.

Everything about Gray is warm and bright, from his goofy grin to his excitable tail to his two left feet. He adds that pep of energy to your daily routine, pulling you out of an exhausting cycle for a quick jog to the beach or an episode of your favorite drama. Gray fills out all of those little spaces, makes them a little less gray.

Your head rests against his chest, feeling the fur through the fabric of his t-shirt as the two of you sway back and forth.

You want it to stay this way.

But that pestering weed squeezes your heart again, forcing images of Gray with a kid on his shoulders. Showing up to little-league football games with a big cooler and a “#1 dad” T-shirt. All those little moments, all without you.

You can’t fight the deep sigh, pressing your face even deeper into Gray.

Just let me have this. Just this moment, just for now.

-------

“Ugh, I think my stomach is going to explode from excess-pasta.”

Gray huffs, laying his head on your lap as the two of you slump onto the couch. His tail wags lazily, flickering back and forth as his legs swing over the coach's side, his long torso bunched up as he curls into you. The fur of his head is soft as you twist your fingers into it. “But I gotta say, what a way to go out.”

You giggle, losing your thoughts in his soft fur. Gray lets out another deep breath, nuzzling his face into your hand. You brush over his cheek with your  thumb, admiring the cheekbone you feel just underneath.

But that burning question refuses to leave your mind, and you ask it without even thinking.

“Do you want kids, Gray?”

Gray’s eye’s stay closes, his posture relaxed as he sinks into your massaging fingers.

“Hmmm, maybe. Never really thought too much about it. Why?”

Your throat dries up, mind reeling. It wasn’t even a definitive yes, but your heart is still reeling. Your fingers pause and Gray's eyes open. He shifts his head when he sees the look on your face, concerned. “Babe?”

You nod, eyes still wide, trying to fight off the inklings of a panic attack. Gray pushes himself up on his elbows, paw quickly coming to caress your cheek. “Baby, is everything alright?”

You find the energy to breathe, and suck in deeply. Your heart begins to slow down as you look into Gray’s yellow wolf eyes. You dig your cheek into his large palm, smelling the perfume of his conditioner.

“Yes, sorry, I just-” You pause, taking another deep breath. “I ran into Mrs. Star in the grocery store, and-I’m sorry I’m overthinking things.” You mutter, patting yourself  on the cheek as to snap yourself out of your mood. Grays other hand rubs the back of your neck.

“It’s okay, baby, I’m here. Did she say something?”

“No-Well, yes. It’s silly, typical Star things. She just brought up how ‘ought to get started having kids, and it just-” You let out a shaky sigh, pulling away Gray’s hand with your own and looking him straight in the eye. “I don’t want to have kids, ever.”

In Gray’s eyes, you expect to….something. Confusion, disappointment, maybe? But instead, all you see is relief. Gray rests his paw on your thigh, squeezing it.

“_____, is that what you’ve been worrying about?” You nod, throwing your eyes back down, but Gray tilts your chin towards him. “If you don’t want kids, we won’t have kids. Simple as that.”

Your eyes widen and you pull your face back.

“Seriously? But-what if-”

“____, I grew up with eight siblings. I’m going to have to deal with more nieces and nephews then I can count on my fingers and my toes, I think I can handle not having kids.”

A weight lifts off of your chest and you slump forward into Gray, pressing your forehead against his clavicles as you let out a long, relieved sigh. He laughs, patting your back and kissing the top of your head. “I’m sorry you had to deal with this all day, I didn’t even realize you were so upset.”

You slap his chest, letting out another frustrated sigh. With him? No, but yourself, and Mrs. Star, for stirring up nightmares for no damn good reason.

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine for being so paranoid.” You press your chin up, pouty lips admiring your boyfriend's face. “I’m sorry for freaking out. She really got me into my own head.”

“No apologies needed baby.” Gray says, giving you a small peck. You send him a cheesy smile, chasing after his lips with a couple of small kisses. A low rumble growls out from his chest as you nip at his jawline. Behind him, you hear his tail begin to hump on the floor.

“Hmm, does that mean you feel better?” You nod, pressing another kiss into his pulse point.

“Yes, thank you for letting me get that out.” Another kiss, now on his Adam’s apple.

“Welp,” Gray says, quickly adjusting himself. In another second, you yelp as he picks you up by your butt, legs quickly wrapping around his waist, “Let’s give Mrs. Star something to talk about, hmm?”

You throw your head back with a laugh, clinging tight to his chest as Gray blows a raspberry into your neck. “That good with you, my lady?”

You nod, giving him another kiss on the lips as he carries you off into the bedroom.

Yeah, you have it good.

[decadentenemyturtle]

Broken heart t'was made of wood

Part 3 - Not here

Words: 2505

The full serie

Bilbo sat next his dining table, cold tea and apple pie forgotten a little further from him, which really was rare of him. Right in front of the hobbit was a small, wooden box. It had played a very beautiful melody, very similar to a lullaby. And for a moment Bilbo had marveled for dwarven engineering and craft. But then he had learned from Thorin, that it was made by (Y/n), as a gift for the dwarven king...

... along side with wooden statues of his family.

Bilbo had, of course, been rather angry when he also learned that Thorin had ordered them to be destroyed. Weeks, maybe even months worth of work, destroyed in few hours by his right hand man and best friend, along side with two best jewelers and crafstmen of Erebor.

"Well, what can one expect from dwarves, who only see beauty in diamond's, gems and stone" Bilbo had sneered, seemingly angry for the king, and for the bald warrior standing a little further from the table. Thorin had stared down to his hands, looking rather quilty, whilst Dwalin didn't look anywhere near the hobbit after that comment, whatever being offended and angry for him about the so called insult or because of the quilt he felt for helping to destroy the statues. Or both.

Bilbo sighed and lifted his eyes from the box to Thorin, who was spacing out, staring the half empty teacup in front of him, but not really seeing it.

"She had a reason to leave, and I do not blame her" Bilbo starts, waking Thorin from his thoughts. His pearsing blue eyes turn to Bilbo, still showing the quilt and sadness in him. Bilbo knew he was sorry for what he had done, and he understood perfectly well that Thorin wanted to apologie and make amends. But there was only one problem. "It just that... I have heard that Gandalf did visit Buckland some few weeks ago, he just never came to visit me. And I also believe that he was alone, like he always is when he comes to our lands, since there were no rumours of young woman travelling with him. And do believe me, if woman - at any age - had travelled with that blasted wizard, word would have travelled trough our lands faster than a wind"

Dwalin sneered and glanced to a dwarrowdam next to him, who in turn galred a hole to the warrior, whilst Thorin was frowning and staring somewhere behind Bilbo. Bilbo looked at them with pity. He felt bad that he had nothing else to offer, and that the married couple seemed to have their own guarrel, seemingly about (Y/n), and he wasn't helping it at all. If anything, Bilbo felt like he was making it only worse, since he had no information about the young woman.

And still Bilbo wondered, how did other's mistake, his loyalty to his king and to his duty, to his job cause such a hatred between them? No, not hatred, they still did love each other.

Bilbo lowered his eyes to the small musicbox. Both of these dwarves loved their king and (Y/n), but where Dwalin was loyal to Thorin and his best friend, Olka was loyal to (Y/n). They might not be best of friend's, not quite yet, but Bilbo could see that in near future Olka would be (Y/n)'s right hand man, or rather woman.

And then he knew that it was that loyalty what was causing all the disagreemend and problems between them. And Bilbo was sure that they would eventually sort it out. Maybe it would even help them, if they had good new from (Y/n). And just then Bilbo had a rather good thought, if one was to ask from him.

"Did you look for her from Rivendell?" Bilbo asked, lifting his eyes from the musicbox to Thorin. Bilbo knew it might be futile to ask it, but, well... You never knew when was talking about dwarves and elves. And the way how Thorin sat a little straighter, more kingly like, how he tried to extend the time before he answered, gave Bilbo the answer he needed. And he gave Thorin a small, tierd yet knowing smile.

"We came straight here. I had no business in Rivendell" Thorin replied, looking Bilbo with emotionless face. The same face he used in council room and pretty much in every situation and conversation he didn't want to be part of and which he wanted to end as quickly as possible, if Bilbo had to guess.

"Expect trying to find yer one" Olka grumbled, glaring the king. And Bilbo smiled a little, trying to hide his grin with his hand maybe a tad too late, for he had been meaning to say the same thing. Thorin and Dwalin looked openly annoyed by the fact that (Y/n) might actually be in Rivendell and not in the Shire, in good hands with their bulglar.

With a small sigh, Bilbo rose and went to collect now cold tea and food from the table, taking it back to the kitchen. All the while he did so, he cursed his adventurous side of the family tree. Those Took's never knew how to live peaceful and normal life, like any respectful hobbit would.

When he returned back to the dining room, Dwalin and Thorin were grumbling something quietly a little further in the room, while Olka was staring out of the window with a little frown. When Bilbo stopped next to her, the dwarrowdam turned to look at him.

"She might be anywhere" she whispered. Bilbo only nodded, turning to look at the two dwarrow a little further away from them.

"There's a change she is in Rivendell. Lord Elrond offered her a place and home from his halls back when we were staying in Rivenell" Bilbo confronts the dam. Dwalin and Thorin stops their quiet talk and turn to look at Bilbo and Olka, and for a while they are all quiet.

"And if she's not in Rivendell?" Thorin finally asks. Dwalin's intence stare almost seemed to drill through Bilbo. Back at the time before the quest he's stare had been intimidating, but now Bilbo could easily brush it off. The dwarves could easily intimitate others if they so wished, unless you knew them well. And were enough stubborn and hot head to not to get worked up and threatened by them. And now that Bilbo could feel himself being unaffected by Dwalin's glare.

"Then she does not wish to be found" Bilbo said, smiling a little sympathetic. "Because in the end, it is her choise what she does with her life, not yours. And you made it pretty clear that you did not have any interest for her" Thorin lowered his head, and swallowed. He knew Bilbo was right, of course he was. Thorin's quest to find his One was almost as trivial as trying to find his father all those years ago, and he had died before they could meet eachother again.

"And since you are going to meet the elves, I believe you are going to need someone who has good relations with them and who can talk to them without offending them" Bilbo said with an ease, moving from the dining room to lobby and from there to his room, muttering to himself. The dwarves look at each other with confusion. Then, Dwalin turned to look at the direction Bilbo had walked, still utterly confused.

"But the wizard is Mahal knows where!" he half shouted so that the halfling could hear him. And as soon as the words had left his lips, Olka sighed, half facepalming and half messaging her temple, while Thorin turned to look at he's best friend. Then Dwalin turned to look at the two and he made silent "oh" sound as he understood what the halfling had meant.

After 15 minutes Bilbo came back to the room after leaving an ragback to the lobby, wearin a travel fit clothes on him. He walked straight to the kitchen, not paying any attention to the dwarves, and after 10 minutes or so, he came back with a small bag full of something and another bag hanging over his arm, empty. Again, Bilbo passed over the dwarves, not looking at them or paying any attention to them, as if he had already forgotten that they were still there. Dwalin and Thorin exchanged looks, while Olka was staring after the halfling with keen interest and a little smile over her lips.

After 10 more minutes or so, Bilbo appreared back in the lobby, now looking at the dwarves, smiling little to himself. He had big bag full of something with him, which he lowered to the floor next to his travelling bag.

"I have a newly wed relatives that I'd like to watch over Bag End while I'm gone, so if you don't mind a little delay, I'll go and fetch them" the hobbit said. Thorin and Dwalin only nodded, a little puzzeled by their little friend's eagerness for travelling. Compared to last time, this was a huge change. But, then again, this time they were only travelling as far as Rivendell and there was no dragon looming at the end of their travel. Olka, instead, was nodding with approval.

"Of course, master Baggins! We can't leave your home without someone watching over it. And not to forget your garden!" she said, still nodding. And Bilbo smiled. She was the first dwarf he liked from the moment they had met. And there were quite many dwarves he had met!

  Draco and Primula Baggins were more than happy to watch over Bilbo's home, and they even promised to throw a small party to few of their friends to epty Bilbo's pantry - for they had claimed that since it was just the two of them at the moment, they simply couldn't eat all their own food and Bilbo's food before atleas half of it would spoil.

Happy for the situation, Bilbo started his new adventure with the dwarves. They had to get him a pony, since the dwarves only had three with them and they all rather travelled alone on a pony, even Bilbo. And this time the ponies hair didn't bother him, he had remembered to take - not one but three! - handkerchief with him! Bilbo still missed Minty sometimes, but his new pony, Rosabell, was as sweet as the late pony. And as beautiful with her dark brown mane and chocolate and white fur. So, Bilbo was more than happy to own her, and he was sure that he would go riding more often when he would return back home from Rivendell.

Their traveles went on well without any incidents until they stopped at familiar, destroyed farm house. Bilbo let out a long sigh after seeing the house and regocnising it. Thorin threw a quick look to the hobbit, before orderin Dwalin and Olka to look some firewood. The two left rather quickly with muttered "Aye", while Thorin and Bilbo stayed behind to mend the ponies. When the two dwarves were far enough, Thorin turned to look at Bilbo with a small, reassuring smile.

"This area is safe now. Myself, Dwalin and Olka camed here on our way to your home, and we made sure that there are no more trolls in the area" Thorin reassured Bilbo with a small smile. Bilbo sighed, relieved to know that. He still remembered too vividly their encounter with the three trolls.

"That's good to hear. But still, if you don't mind, I'd rather still be on quard than take it easy" Bilbo said, still being a little tense. He already feard how many nightmare's he would have. Or, how little sleep he would have. Thorin squeezed his shoulder and gave a symphatetic smile to the hobbit.

"No need to be sorry, Bilbo. It's good to be on your guard at all the times, even when one tells you there should not be any danger" Thorin said and then he left Bilbo alone with his thoughts as he went close to the old farmhouse. Bilbo stayed a while with he's pony, still feeling uneasy. After Dwalin and Olka came back with the firewood, Bilbo sighed and gave a quick kiss on top of Rosabell's snout. Then he joined sitting with the small company. And soon after Dwalin had gotten the fire going, Bilbo started to prepare their dinner. Yet again. Dwalin and Thorin weren't that good of a cook's and Olka rather enjoyed the hobbit's food. Even the green one. Sometimes the dam offeren to help the hobbit, sometiems she rather sat close to the hobbit to tell him stories.

That night Bilbo had nightmares of the jorney to reclaim Erebor, and more specific, of the evening they had encountered the trolls. (Y/n)'s scream echoed in he's ears as one of the trolls had grapped her and the terror was still fresh in his mind as Olka woke Bilbo. After reassuring the dam that he was fine, Bilbo lay there on his bedroll, unable to sleep for the rest of the night.

Why was here, again?

  Bilbo was leaning to a white fence, staring to one of the beautifulest scenery's he had ever seen. And yet, he still couldn't see it. He's mind was apsent, blank. He could only, still, hear Thorin's heartbroken cry. The elves would escort him home the next day, while the dwarves would... go back home, back to Erebor, if Bilbo had to guess. Then Bilbo lifted his eyes, finally somewhat focusing to the scenery.

Not here.

The second Elrond's face dropped, turned serious, Bilbo knew the truth. How the elf lord lost all the emotion's from he's face.

She was not here.

How convenient that Gandalf was here. From all of the places. And how nice of him to deliver the news to the group. Not. Yet again, the wizard being there seemed to be more of an joke than usefull thing.

She was not here.

It was a miracle that lord Elrond and Gandalf were still alive, given the circumstances.

She's with her family now. Lord Elrond and king Thranduil, of all the elves in the all the Middle Earth, had found a way to send her back to her world. She was where she wanted to be, where she belonged. And why ever Gandalf hadn't dropped by Bilbo's home when he had been visiting in Buckland and informed the hobbit about the new was still a mystery to the hobbit.

Bilbo's eyes finally found a lonely person standing in a far balcony. Alone, broken, and a small wooden box on his hands, playing a lullyby his mother had hummed to him when he had been a pebble. A roque tar dropped to Bilbo's cheeck as he heard Thorin's wistfull voice, how he remembered his longing look.

"One day, I wish to play this to our pebble. Mine and (Y/n)’s"

Not here.

[chaoticallysapphic]

Oh my heart

Summary: Lin never expected to have a soulmate, in a world where your mark appears whenever your soulmate is born she grew up completely blank. So when she’s thirty and it finally etches itself around her arm, she vows to never be with the one meant only for her. 

A/N: there is an age gap so if that's not your thing, then please don’t read. This will be a two, maybe three parter and the reader is Korra’s older sister who is also a waterbender, besides that I’ve tried to keep any physical descriptions of her as vague as possible.

Word count: 4k

Lin was terrified. Something she had longed for her entire life had finally appeared but at the worst possible time, those strange words etched onto her forearm stared back at her in a taunting manner, making fun of her new attempt at happiness. You wished for me all your life, aren’t you pleased? The voice in the back of her head taunted, but she wasn’t. A moment meant to be filled with joy was one drenched in dread. Lin had finally accepted her feelings for Tenzin, despite him having had his soulmate mark since he was sixteen. Her glances grew longer, her smile seemed reserved only for him, and she finally felt happy, until now of course. Thirty, that’s how old Lin was, which meant she was thirty years older than her soulmate which seemed wrong, disgusting even, so Lin did what she thought best, she burnt it off. She blamed it on a work-related incident when asked, a pesky firebending criminal got a little to close and she paid the price. No one knew she did it to herself in the darkness of her apartment with tears on her face, a hint of regret gnawing at her heart.

Two months later, Tenzin asked Lin out on a date and despite that nagging feeling that this was so wrong, she accepted. After a few months Tenzin made her forget about the burnt skin on her forearm, the shameful secret she’d take to the grave. She felt happy, so happy, she felt loved and accepted, like maybe she had a shot at a happily ever after despite his mark and her own. Lin knew he’d choose her, knew he loved her, and had nothing to worry about, so she laid her head on his chest as they basked in the sun on Air Temple Island.

                                                            -----

“You can’t force me into wanting kids!” Lin shouted, her hands waving around as she glared at Tenzin, his usual calm demeanor seemed to crack, his voice rising as he shouted back “I’m the last air bender there is! I have to keep the line going, I have to repopulate my kind!”

“I would be a terrible mother, I hate kids and I’d have to leave my job for at least nine months, I just made Chief!” Tenzin pinched the bridge of his nose, his pale complexion turning red with frustration, he loved how dedicated she was to her job, but it seemed to be all she cared about since getting promoted.

“I think we need a break from each other, maybe a week or t-”. Her eyes widened in horror at his words, her hand's grip at her hair in frustration as she cuts him off “fine, but I am coming back in a week and we are working this out for good, I’m tired of this argument.” Without letting him say another word, she stormed out and made her way back to republic city.

As the week dragged on, Lin put her colleagues through hell. Slamming doors so hard the glass on them shattered, an even shorter fuse than normal, she even fired two of her best detectives for trying to ask her what was wrong. Her apartment seemed cold, her nights seemed never-ending and an undeniable sense of dread clawed its way into her heart like she knew he was slipping away. Maybe she could have one kid, to make him happy and keep the air benders going. If it was an earth bender then fine, she’d have another, but she wouldn’t quit her job, wouldn’t loosen up on the hours and Tenzin would understand, right? He’d just be so happy to be a father that he wouldn’t care, he’d always respected her work before, what was to stop him after a kid or two?

She caved, she decided to go back to air temple island on the fifth day, a sense of determination to fix their relationship fueled each step and she tried to dismiss any fear she had of becoming a mother as she made her way up the steps to where she’d known Tenzin would be. In her state, she didn’t notice the pitying looks the acolytes sent her way, all she cared about was finding him. When she found him in the courtyard, she thought nothing of the young woman speaking to Tenzin with a wide grin but when she put her hand on his shoulder mid-laugh, Lin paused. Tenzin noticed her then, a million emotions flashed through his eyes before his shoulders sagged and a sorrowful expression settled on his face, and somehow, she knew.

Who could blame her when she wreaked havoc on a place she once called her sanctuary, when she wished misery on him before leaving her destruction behind, her fists clenched tight as the best thing she ever had slipped through her fingers.

                                                           -----

“Korra!” a feminine voice shouted from behind Tenzin, you pushed past him and ran forward to hug the avatar in the interrogation room, murmuring something to her in a furious tone. Lin rolled her eyes as she looked over at Tenzin who said smoothly “Lin, you are looking radiant as usual.”

“Cut the garbage Tenzin” she replied in an annoyed tone “why is the avatar in republic city? I thought you were supposed to be moving down to the south pole to train her.” you, who came in with Tenzin let go of Korra and walked over to stand by him, your arms crossed over your chest.

“It was too cold for his bald head” you answered right as Tenzin opened his mouth to speak “now why is my sister in so much trou-”. Lin tuned the rest of her words out as shock slammed into her like a rock wall. No. This wasn’t meant to happen, she’d scorched off any chance with her soulmate twenty years ago, or so she thought. But this… this twenty? Yes, a twenty-year-old water tribe girl with brows furrowed, and an expectant look on her face was it. You were what sometimes kept her up at night when she was so lonely it felt like the feeling would surely eat her up as Lin imagined some faceless figure who loved Lin with all their heart, someone who would never leave her.

“Lin?” Tenzin asked, putting his hand on her shoulder which successfully pulled her out of the raging ocean that was her thoughts, no not ocean, definitely nothing water-related. Lin looked into Tenzin's eyes, completely ignoring her one chance at happiness.

“Just get her out of my sight and keep her out of trouble” she practically growled out before storming off. Her heart was racing so fast she’d thought it’d surely give up any second now, maybe she should have known that her hasty decisions from her past would one day come back to sucker punch her in the gut.

“Well that was weird” Lin heard you say behind her as she continued to rush away from you before she accidentally said something. Lin vowed then that she would never say a single word to you. It was better this way anyway, who would want her? Bitter, old, scarred Lin who was practically married to her job and hated all things romantic ever since Tenzin crushed her heart beneath his shoe.

                                                           -----

She learned that your name was y/n a few days later, she heard Korra call out to you at the gala and when Lin followed Korra’s excited figure and her eyes landed on her soulmate, the wind was successfully knocked out of her for the second time since meeting y/n. You were wearing a deep blue satin dress that went down to the floor with a blue sheer shoulder shawl that had silver snowflakes embroidered onto it. Your hair was down instead of up, and you had a small amount of makeup on, just a bit of rouge and red lipstick. Lin thought it was the perfect amount, any more and it might distract someone from your beautiful eyes, or your enchanting smile. Her heart began to pound despite her desperate attempt at keeping her emotions in check. A large part of her hated this, hated you, and what this feeling blooming in her chest meant.

When Bolin came up to you and threw an arm over your shoulder, which caused you to laugh, Lin remembered that it would never happen. She shoved her feelings down and turned away from you as her thoughts went from how beautiful you were to how you would never love her.

Later on in the evening, Tarlock calls Lin over and she sees you peek around Korra to eye her curiously, a look of intrigue settles on your features as Lin pushes down any feelings she has at the fact that you’re looking at her and it feels like her whole body is on fire under your stare. “I believe you and avatar Korra have already met” Tarlock looks over at her with that sly look of his that she’s already determined means he’s up to no good.

“Just because the city is throwing you this big to do, don’t think you’re something special. You’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve this” she says to Korra, leaning down a bit to glare at the young avatar. Your curious gaze turns to one of annoyance as you glare at Lin. “Hey! Who gave you the right to be mean to my little sister,” you step in front of Korra almost protectively, as you stare her down. Don’t speak to her, look away, don’t reply, she tells herself. Lin turns on her feet and walks off, trying to seem as if she doesn’t care about what you said. “Why does she always ignore me?” she hears you say in an exasperated tone before she loses your voice over the loud music playing nearby.

                                                           -----

When Tenzin stands next to Lin at the pro-bending arena with you by his side, she’s not surprised. It seems the universe has decided to continuously throw you in her face, dangling you teasingly despite knowing her decision regarding your bond. You're holding a bag of fire flakes as you eagerly watch your sisters match, but soon your once excited expression turns to annoyance once the game starts. The Wolf Bats tipped the referee off. Lin wants to go beat the referee up until he starts being fair, just to see you smile once more.

“C’mon! This is bullshit” you shout as the Wolf Bats gain another point. Lin can’t help but notice the way your nose scrunches up as you continue to shout at the referee or how your hair which originally was pushed behind your ears has come loose and is framing your face so beautifully. Her left hand unconsciously grazes over her armor where her burn mark is as she watches you, completely tuning the game out. As Tenzin goes to shout something alongside you, his eyes catch Lin staring at you with a look of longing, he takes a step closer to Lin causing her to tear her eyes away from you and back to the match.

“Lin....” Tenzin begins but she clears her throat and mutters out a sharp “drop it.” To which Tenzin does, for now. Later on, as the match intensifies, Lin says “I can’t believe your sweet-tempered father was reincarnated into that girl, she’s tough as nails.” Lin doesn’t see it, but you smile at her words before deciding to tune out the rest of the conversation between the two, too focused on your sister to care.

You're practically seething at the outcome of this botched game, fire flakes are flying out of the bag as you shout in anger, not noticing the figure approaching with sinister intentions. By the time you do, it's because you're in excruciating pain as something electrifies you, your vision blurs and you make out Lin dropping onto the floor. The figure who electrocuted you steps over your body, you reach out to the Airbender, trying to warn him but nothing comes out of your mouth as he falls to the floor beside you. Soon your eyes droop closed due to the pain despite trying your hardest to stay awake.

When Lin awakens her muscles feel like they're about to give out and she lets out a weak groan as she slowly goes to stand up. Her eyes land on you the second her vision is no longer a blur and her heart fills with panic as she sees an equalist take you into their arms. She stumbles forward, not fully awake, and catches the attention of your capture. You let out a pained groan, in your unconscious state, the sound tugs at her heart and she’s suddenly filled with boiling rage. The equalist is shaking as he continues to stumble backward, another appears to help him take you away and without a second thought Lin shoots out her wires and wraps them around both of their ankles, she gives them a harsh yank which causes them to fall to the ground with a loud thud, for good measure she cuffs them to the floor, warping the metal of the floor beneath them around their wrists and ankles. You land on top of your capture, your eyes begin to flutter behind your lids and you finally stir awake. Pain wraps around your muscles, in your head you think maybe it's best to just lay still, momentarily forgetting about your situation.

You let out a whimper, knocking Lin out of her frozen state as she had gazed at you. Lin rushes forward and wraps an arm around your waist as she pulls you up onto your feet, you open your eyes, blinking the blurriness out of your eyesight. Lin takes you over to the railing as Tenzin also begins to regain consciousness and she props you up against the metal railing. You stare up at her in confusion, your mind is buzzing a mile a minute, not only at the situation at hand but at how her arms felt wrapped around you. “Uhm… Thanks for that.”

“Amon probably ordered them to kidnap you to hurt Korra” she replies, not realizing what she’s just done. Your eyes widen in shock at her words but before she can even notice your shocked state an explosion sets off behind you, sheets of metal from the bending platform go flying and she wraps her arms around you, forcing you to duck down so she can shield you with her body. You pull up a wave of water to protect you from oncoming flames. The heat of the steam from the water causes you both to begin sweating before the flames from the explosion recede only seconds later. You let go of the water, suddenly the discovery of Lin’s secret doesn’t seem so important as you think of your sister. When you passed out she was in the water below, surely she’s somewhere safe, right?

As if to answer your question, Korra appears as she hurtles herself up into the air with a large twisting waterspout. As it begins to falter and then completely goes out you let out a shout filled with terror “Korra!” Lin quickly gets up and shoots her metal wire out towards the roof to send her flying across the arena towards the avatar, before Korra can hit the fiery platform below, she shoots out a second wire to her waist and with all her might yanks her up into the air.

You stand beside Tenzin with wide eyes and bated breath, suddenly the two most important women in your life, I mean Lin has been ignoring you and you’ll have to figure out why later but she is your soulmate which does make her incredibly important to you, are out of your sight and dangerously fighting above as you uselessly stand there with your water bending abilities that won’t get you up there to help fight off equalists. Not being able to just stand by you summon water from below and create an ice bridge to the platform, if you can’t fight, you can try to put out the raging fire caused by the explosion.

“Y/n, wait!” Tenzin calls after but you're long gone. If you just stand there you’ll go insane and you have powers that can help, even if you don't get to kick some equalist ass.  Up above Lin finally lands on the glass dome and immediately sets out to take down as many people as she can at once, Korra watches in amazement for a moment as she wraps her wire at some guys foot and slams him into the roof before she gets knocked off the rope and lands onto the dome with a loud thud and the crackling of the glass starting to break below her.

It’s a collision of fire and electricity with metal wires flying towards the men and from below where you are using all your strength to put out the fire, it looks almost beautiful with the sparks of blue and flashes of red if not for the current circumstances. Tenzin has taken to help you with the fire by trying to use air to snuff it out. Suddenly glass from above sprinkles around them and you look up to see your little sister free falling once more.

“Tenzin can you do something with your air?!” You shout and he goes to try and send a force of air to help slow her down but she's going too fast, she’s flailing and if she doesn’t do something soon she’ll most likely die from the impact. As you run to the edge of the platform to try and save her yourself, Lin appears from above Korra and shoots a small wire to her so she can hold onto it like a rope.

Your shoulders sag in relief as you stumble away from the edge and use everything you’ve got to summon a massive wave to once and for all put out the fire. It works and the force of the water has it crashing into the stands taking with it some of the seats and any trash left behind in the frenzy. When you see Lin and Korra land  you race off towards the now soaking wet stands, using the water below as a set of frozen stairs to reach them. When you do, Lin has her hand on Korra’s shoulder and is saying something but you don’t make it out before you crush them both in a hug. Some sort of strangled sound of relief bubbles up through your throat as your hold on them tightens.

Korra wraps her arms around you, softly saying “thank the spirits you're okay” as Lin stays perfectly still. As her adrenaline slowly leaves her body and she realizes you aren’t in danger, she suddenly can’t be touched by you. She remains frozen until you pull away, you know it's not the time to bombard her so instead you offer Lin a thankful smile, too worried about how she’d react if you did anything else.

                                                           -----

A few days later you finally let Korra out of your sight, letting her run off to deal with her boy problems as you head towards the main police station. You tried to casually ask Tenzin what kind of tea Lin liked best, to which he’d furrowed his brows and said “why?” You simply shrugged and repeated your question. Apparently, it was jasmine, which was a favorite of yours as well so you stopped by your favorite tea shop and grabbed two to-go cups. As you enter the station you square your shoulders and give yourself a little pep talk “You can do this, you just need to march in and figure out why, maybe butter her up with the tea first of course, and then ask why, that’s if she lets you into the office…” you trail off once your eyes land on the door of Lin’s office, the words “Chief Beifong” are written in gold on the glass door which has a blind pulled down so you can’t see inside, which your slightly grateful for.

“Chief Beifong doesn’t want anyone to disturb her” one of the cops called out, but you ignore him and open the door, who cares, you deserve answers.

“I said I wanted to be alone, how brain dead are yo-” her words cut off as you walk in, balancing two cups in one hand so you can shut the door. You swallow, suddenly being in front of her has made most of your bravado slip away, along with your original plan, leaving you speechless. She doesn’t say anything, seeming to forget that she already spoke to you in the arena. You set the cups down and lift your shirt, which causes Lin to blush but you don’t stop until she can see her own words.

“I used to hate them… y’know,” you say quietly before dropping your shirt back down, Lin glares at her desk. “I used to be jealous of Korra and all the attention she got, so imagine growing up with her name etched onto your skin.”

She goes to open her mouth to speak, most likely to spew out some lie so you beat her to it. “I don’t know why, exactly, you kept it to yourself, I asked Tenzin the other day and he said you didn’t have a mark which is odd seeing as you are my soulmate." You pause, your voice softening, "you could have just told me straight away that you didn’t want me, didn’t want this instead of ignoring my existence and leaving me to wonder what I'd done to offend you.” Finally, she looks up from the desk and you make eye contact with her. You're trying so hard not to cry as you try to figure out what's going through her head, will she kick you out? Is your soulmate going to reject you?

“I thought…” Lin begins, she looks away from you, not being able to look you in the eyes anymore. “I thought I was doing you a favor, I’m old, and I’m not the most personable or charismatic person, I thought maybe you’d want someone your own age, maybe someone like your sisters' teammates.”

“So someone who is young and a guy? Did you think that maybe you should let me decide what I wanted instead of just assuming?”

“Look I gave up on the idea of having a soulmate years ago!” Lin shouts and you flinch away in surprise, “thirty years is a long time, do you know how I felt when those words suddenly appeared on me at thirty?”

“Oh, so you do have a mark!” You let out a disbelieving, angry laugh. “So you just went around telling everyone you didn’t have one, pretending the idea of me, of us, didn’t exist.” Tears cloud your vision and you let out a frustrated groan as you quickly gaze up at the ceiling in an attempt to keep them from falling. Lin’s gaze softens and she slowly stands from her desk.

“Y/n… I thought about it every day, but… We can’t be together, I’m far too old and I’ll just hold you back.” You scoff and aggressively wipe at the tears falling down your cheeks, your heart feels like it's beginning to crack.

“Your mark?” You croak out and cringe at how you sound. Lin hesitated before using her bending to take off the armor on her right arm. On her arm is a massive burn scar, you keep staring at it, not knowing what to say. Did someone else do that to her? As if she can read your thoughts, Lin says softly “I did it to myself a few days after it appeared.”

Oh. So this is what it's like to have your heart cleaved into two, what you felt just minutes before seems like nothing compared to the pain wrapping so tightly around you that it seems hard to breathe. She hated the idea of you so much she'd rather hurt herself and lie to everyone in her life. Without another word you turn your back on your soulmate, despite the sound of calling out to you, just like she did to you twenty years ago.

[donutloverxo]

Smooth

Note - This is a birthday gift for my babie🥺🥺 Amber aka @sweater-daddiesdumbdork. I'm sorry Steve's as hairless as a seal😔 at least you have Ari Mike and Colin!

Summary - You're surprised to find just how smooth Steve is.

Pairing - Steve Rogers x reader

Warnings - smut, unprotected sex, loss of virginity, name calling, captain kink, rip steves pubes lol.

Word count - 2.6k

Masterlist is linked in the bio!

“What the fuck do you mean you haven’t done it yet?!” You cringed pushing your palms on your ears to block out Ella’s screeching. Maybe it was a mistake to tell her that you still hadn’t hit that supersoilder-golden-boy-next-door.

“We’re just waiting for the right moment you know?” You murmured. You couldn’t tell her the real reason. That Steve had never been intimate with anyone. Even if she was your best friend that was Steve’s secret to tell, not yours.

“When will the right moment come” She shook her head “I’m disappointed in you. You get to date that hunk of a man, and how long has it been a year?”

“Six months!” You defended yourself.

“As if that makes a difference” She scoffed.

“We will do it soon when we’re both ready.” You said ironing out the wrinkles on your dress which you were showing her.

“Alright I just want you to be happy” She rolled her eyes finally giving in “but why're you dressed as a nun?” She looked you up and down confused.

“I’m not a nun! I’m supposed to be snow white. Steve will be my prince.” You couldn’t help the love-struck grin that appeared on your face. You really were living out your best fairy tale with him.

“Wouldn’t you rather wear something traditional” She suggested.

“Hm?” You asked looking at your reflection in your dressing table mirror. You were covered head to toe. Your hair done up like that of snow white with a red headband. “How is this not traditional?” You wondered. It seemed like an okay, albeit cheesy but you were a cheesy couple, costume for Halloween.

“I meant traditional for our generation.” She snickered. She would never say it in front of Steve, but she loved making fun of you for dating someone who was old enough to be your grandpa and how you liked older men. “like a slutty snow White” she continued.

“Nope” You said popping the p and going back into your closet to take off the uncomfortable and restricting dress. You had no idea how you will spend an entire night in that thing. “I don’t want to ruin Disney Princesses for him. He likes them a lot” you shouted so she could hear you. It was so cute how he liked to hum or even sing along with the musicals sometimes. He appreciated the art and the vibrant colors. The idealistic happy endings appealed to the romantic in him.

You came out of your closet taking in deep breathes of fresh air, your torso no longer restricted “That doesn’t mean you can’t still be slutty” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at you.

“What do you have in mind?” You were curious. You were excited to be Steve’s princess. But you would trade that if you what you truly wanted.

Steve groaned looking at himself all done up in his 'prince' costume. Yeah it was his idea to be Snow White and her prince but you were the one who suggested doing a costume together! He couldn’t say no when you looked at him so expectedly. When you gushed so much about this being your favorite holiday.

He looked... ridiculous. There was no other way to put it. From the neck up he was fine, his clean shaven face and golden yellow hair pushed back. He looked like his normal self. But then his pale blue shirt with the balloon sleeves, the dark vest over it and his huge black boots, all topped with a sword strapped to his hip. It reminded him of his army days, when he was nothing more than a monkey.

He contemplated all the teasing he would probably have to endure from his friends the whole night. It would be absolutely worth it to make you happy. With his mind made up he left his apartment and headed towards yours, just across the hallway, to pick you up for the party at the tower. He did lose the sword. That was just too over the top.

He knocked on your door, giddy with excitement to see you in your snow white dress. He made sure to treat you like a princess, how you deserve to be treated by everyone, but to actually see you dressed as one would be something else.

His jaw dropped on the floor as you opened the door and he got a good look at you. You were dressed in... lingerie? You were a white lacy bodysuit that hugged your curves in all the right places. Leaving your legs completely bare. If that wasn’t enough you were wearing a tiara attached to a veil.

He couldn’t stifle the damn near animalistic growl that escaped his throat. He averted his gaze from your pushed up titts to your face. Your make up all done up, from the neck up you almost looked like a bride. “What the hell are you wearing doll?” he grumbled.

“Oh you don’t like it?” you clucked your tongue and looked down at your sexy costume “What a shame. It only costs like 500 dollars” Yeah maybe you were an idiot to spend so much money on a costume but if it worked you’d be seeing stars tonight so it'd be worth it.

“What happened to being snow white? What are you even supposed to be?” You moved to the side so you could let him into your apartment. He ran his hand through his hair plopping down on your couch, his eyes never leaving your body.

“I’m a slutty bride” You twirled in front of him to give him a nice view of your, barley covered, ass.

“That’s lingerie doll. You can’t go out dressed like that” He raised his hand to touch your ass, maybe give it a little squeeze but you quickly turned around.

Your hands on your hips you asked “Why not?”

“Because” He paused pulling you into him by grabbing at your hips “only I get to see you like this” His hand reached at your backside and he groaned squeezing your ass before giving it a light swat. He chuckle as you yelped from the sudden slap.

“Well then what do you suggest I do with this?” You asked nonchalantly playing with your veil “Are you saying I don’t look pretty?” You gave him your best mock puppy eyes. You could clearly see just how much he liked that on you. But you needed him to say it and to do something about it.

“You know that’s not true” You yelped as he flipped you into the couch, trapping you under him.

“I don’t know Steve. You don’t seem to be a huge fan of it. I thought you’d like me being your slut.” You brought out the big guns, jutting your bottom lip out. You knew he’d melt on the spot.

“Fine. You can be my slut.” He couldn’t believe he actually said that word. His mother raised him in a certain way. To respect women and to never ever use those words to address a woman. And he did respect all women and you. But she also taught him to be passionate and give his all to everything he did. So it would only be fair that he fucked you, respectfully, with everything he has got and gave you everything you asked for.

He grabbed your hair and pulled your head back. Biting and sucking on your neck and then trailing down your clavicle. Making sure to leave bruises so everyone could see who you belonged to. He kissed your throat and revelled in the vibrations caused by your moans. Your hands in clutching onto his head and completely messing up his well done hair. He finally let up and admired his work. The white and red marks that would soon turn a dark shade of violet.

He hauled you over his shoulder walking towards your bedroom. As you squirmed and then laughed in his hold.

He had to struggle a lot to off his clothes. They were so intricate, with the buttons and buckles, reminded him of his stealth suit. He pulled off his boots and crawled onto the bed, kneeling between your legs only in his tight black boxer briefs.

He looked at your face and frowned at the puzzled expression it held as you stared at his nude body. He suddenly felt self conscious. All the insecurities, from back when he was the little guy came back to him. He thought women liked him now. Even you were so entranced and attracted to his bulky figure. Which he couldn’t help but be proud of.

But right now, for some reason you didn’t look impressed. He sanked back to sit on his calves. He had completely given himself to you. What if you rejected him? He had no idea how he would deal with that blow.

“Oh!” You exclaimed as you noticed Steve’s defeated state. In your ogling and processing you didn’t realise that you might’ve hurt his feelings. “Stevie?” You knelt before him caressing his cheek. “I’m just taken aback a bit okay?” you tried to reassure him.

“Why?” He finally met your gaze looking into your guys.

“I mean...” You trailed off running your hand down the smooth and vast expanse of his chest. “You’re so smooth? You don’t have any hair.” You struggled to get the sentence out. Suddenly realises just how ridiculous it sounded.

“I – yeah that’s how I’ve always been. I thought that’s what women wanted” He murmured cutely tilting his head “You don’t like it?” His voice wavering with nervousness.

“Steve. What kinda question is that?” And you cringed as he reminded you that you did the same thing just moments ago. “I was kidding! Steve there is nothing about you that’s not to like. Yeah I do like a bit of fuzz but I’d love you just as much even if you were bald.” You said and he looked as if he was processing your words. “You are my dream guy. My prince.” You beamed trailing kisses down his flushed torso. “How about I show you?” You didn’t wait for his answer, taking off your veil and your tiara with it. You rolled his briefs down his hips and he helped you take them off. You looked in shock at his beautiful rosy cock, which was almost hard, and his lack of hair....

You quickly whipped your head up knowing he would assume the worst “Steve! It’s the most beautiful cock I’ve ever seen” You said stroking his length and licking the tip, which was oozing with precum, to prove it. “It’s just unexpected. That’s all.” You took him in your mouth. Just as you anticipated, he was too big, you could barely fit his tip in your mouth.

“Well you know the...” He bunched your hair in his fist, struggling to keep from pushing you down further.

“What?” You asked as he slipped out of you.

“I thought that’s what people did nowadays” He was turning redder every second “I didn’t... In the pornography...and I thought tonight you and me..”

You snorted and out a hand on your mouth to keep from laughing. “Steve! Porn isn’t real. You can do whatever you want with your body. But you’re in for a rude awakening.”

“What do you mean?” he asked trying his best to ignore his aching cock and your wet swollen lips.

“Just wait till it grows back” You grimaced “it’s gonna itch like crazy. That’s why I uh... never you know do it. Just warning you” You chuckled nervously.

“Enough talking” He groaned at the thought of your wet pussy and how much he had been fantasizing about it for the last several months. He pushed you on your back and quickly worked on removing your bodysuit. When you laid completely bare in front of him. He swore you were the more beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

He trailed down your body settling his broad shoulders between your legs. He groaned at the sight in front of him. You weren’t lying and he indeed preferred this. He dove right in licking and sucking to see what you like best. He had never ate a woman out before but he had been doing his research. Porn was too gratuitous and was clearly only made for the male gaze, reading women’s magazines and some more ‘sex for dummies' books he bought as discreetly as he could.

Which is where he got the stupid idea that everyone liked shaved dicks now. Which was only backed up by his friends and the locker room talk about ‘manscaping'. Tony and Clint were classic over sharers. He wouldn’t be surprised if they purposely misled him. He didn’t have much hair on his balls to begin with, but he expected to give himself to you tonight, so he carefully put the razor on his balls and shaved it all off. The things he would do for you and the lengths he would go for you.

From your moans and the way you were pushing his head harder into your core, he could tell that he was doing a good job. You thrashed and squirmed as he held you down by pushing down on your stomach. You came gushing all over his face and he made sure to drink it all up, not wasting a single drop.

He loomed over you, his cock nudging at your entrance. You both moaned in unison as he sinked into you, groaning into the crook of your neck as he bottomed out.

His hands greedily squeezed your hips, your breasts, your ass, whatever they could get a hold of as he slowly rocked his hips against yours. He knew if he went any faster he would blow his load right then and there.

“I’m gonna cum Steve.” You wailed and if he didn’t know any better he would think that you were in pain.

“You gonna cum? Go ahead” He harshly shaved his cock into you “Be a good slut. Cum all over your captains cock.” He felt his own release not far behind, not with your tight wet cunt milking him for all he’s got. He gasped when you raked your nails into his shoulders, crying loudly in his ear. He lost his rhythm. Lifting your hips up to fuck him like the animal you’ve turned him into. His hips stuttered as he came deep inside you.

He stayed inside you and on top of you for a minute. Catching his breathe he finally pulled out of you and laid down beside you, pulling you into his chest.

“I’m on the pill.” You mumbled into his chest. Not wanting him to worry about that. You smiled against his chest laying a kiss over his soft nipple. There were plenty of benefits to being so smooth and hairless. You could trace those hard abs of his with your tongue for hours. You changed your mind. You liked them smooth and silky now. Or maybe because he was so hairless. You didn’t know and it didn’t matter.

“I think I like seeing you as a bride.” He said his fingers idly playing with your hair, curling a strand of it.

You only muttered something as a response. Probably too far gone into slumber. He traced your smooth skin for a while before joining you in it. Completely forgetting about the party you were both supposed to be at.

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