#moth doin a speak

[bohemianblasphemy]

Patience

Billy Butcher x fem!reader

i hope you enjoy, idk how good this is lmao✨

CW: Daddy kink,some spanking and aftercare, unprotected sex, bit of fluff at the end✨

The clock on the wall ticked away the day, your patience was wearing thin as you waited for Butcher.

He had been working longer hours for the past two weeks, his mission with the Boys vs. Vought and The Seven had taken up a lot of his time which in return made you feel neglected by him.

you’d wait up through the late hours of the night; hoping for some loving from Billy- only for him to stumble home at god knows what time and go straight to bed; only to be up again a few hours later and back out the door, leaving you with a quick kiss and a “have a good day”.

His authoritative nature drew you to him like a moth to flame- the countless nights of him absolutely railing you till you came hard on his cock, moaning his favourite word ‘Daddy’ into his ear brought a throb to your heat- but lately that buzz had mixed in with loneliness and it ate away at you. it made you act out, become brattier than ever.

The door to the apartment flung open, the familiar sound of heavy boots echoed on the wooden panels.

“hello love… Daddy’s home.”

Butcher had come back early for the first time in weeks and was met with you, sitting on the couch, pouting. He raised an eyebrow in suspicion as you said nothing, which is unusual as you’d be jumping right into his arms- but you sat still with your arms crossed, leering at him.

Billy walked over to you- standing in front of your seated frame with his arms crossed. His face showed a glimmer of concern and frustration as he studied your demeanour. “what’s goin’ on with ya?” he questioned, you shrugged your shoulders.

“i don’t know… oh wait! i know! maybe it’s the fact that you have given me nothing these past 14 days!” you remarked sarcastically, venom cursing through your words.

Billy stared at you- he knew that it had been a long time since you both spent quality time together. there wasn’t a day in the office that went by that he didn’t think about you, needing you like oxygen.

“i know that you’re busy and the Boys are important to you, but what about me? why aren’t i getting attention too?” your face grew hot in frustration.

Billy’s eyes widened and he smirked. “oh lovey…” his nonchalant voice stirred anger within you. you huffed and went to stand up to leave the room, only to be stopped by your boyfriend who had a grip on your forearm. “nup… you’re staying right here.” his tone was a lot more stern this time, turning you to face him.

“i know it’s been hard these few weeks… believe me sweetheart, i wish for nothin’ more than to be here with you instead of doin’ the shit that i’m doin’ with the Boys...” you resisted looking at him, but not before he raised your chin to face him with his index and thumb.

“i just missed you… that’s all. jus’ needed you and you were gone all day and night and im sick of it!” You wanted to protest some more, but before you could speak he places a finger on your lips as to shush you.

“but- don’t give me that bratty attitude. ya know what happens when ya give me that, baby…”he knew which buttons to push, wanting to shift the tension in the air to something a bit more intimate.

“well… what’re you gonna do about it, Daddy?” He saw the cheeky glint in your eye as a small smirk spread across your face, you cocked your head to the side and batted your lashes at him.

in a swift movement, billy had you by the waist, sitting down on the couch and draping you along his lap. your body shivered with anticipation feeling Butchers hands run up your thighs up to your ass, his fingers running agonisingly slow against your skin. “i think a lil’ punishment is in order love, set ya brattiness straight…”

A rough hand smooths over the globes of your short covered buttocks. “10 spanks. and you’re gonna count them down f’me yeah?” you nodded and giggled- shaking your ass for him. a deep groan erupted from Butchers throat as his pulled your shorts off you and felt your warm skin on his palm, eyes fixated on your ass.

his hand struck down on your left ass cheek, sending a ripple through your skin. you gasped loudly, it stung but it felt so good at the same time. “one…” you muttered breathlessly, earning a chuckle from Butcher. Another slap to your rear rang through the apartment living room. “t-two…”

….

“good baby… just a two more f’ me…” Billy’s hand smoothed over your red raw skin. your breathing had become jagged, breathless from his cruel yet exhilarating actions.

You were jolted back to reality as his hand came down sharply on your cheek once more. "N-nine..." Tears welled in your eyes, a mix of desperation for the punishment to end and a conflicting part of you that didn’t want it to stop. Billy smirked before place the last smack on you, hearing you cry out “ten!” slumping over his lap and panting.

“that’s a good girl… such a good girl f’me.” billy gently rubbed your sensitive skin with his hands, leaning down to give soft kisses to your ass cheeks.

“sit up f’ me.” you obeyed and got up from his lap, seeing him get up to the bathroom to find lotion to sooth your sore backside- he returned and gestured you to lay back on his lap to rub the cool gel on your skin. a shiver went up your back you whimpered softly as he took care of you, but your desire for more was still stirring in your stomach.

you sat up carefully to look into butchers eyes after he taken care of the aftermath of your punishment, seeing desire still glinting in his dark pupils, your hands snaked up to his face, bringing him in for a deep kiss.

he licked you bottom lip, wanting to invade your mouth with his tongue which you gladly granted him. he grabbed at you, pulling you back onto his lap straddling him. you pulled away from his lips, looking into his eyes. “i want you Daddy…” you whispered, witnessing a sly smirk appear on his face.

“alright then love… lead the way.” he whispered, placing a quick kiss to your lips. you smirked and got up from his lap, walking through the lounge to the bedroom. Butcher soon followed suit; removing his clothing and scattered it along the floor, leaving a trail behind him.

standing at the foot of the bed, you waited for butcher- not for long as his frame comes into view. his naked body stands in front of you, his hard cock on display.

Billy’s eyes bore into the sight before him, his dark gaze filled with insatiable hunger for you sent shivers down your spine. “get on the bed pet…” he growled, his accent sent tingles through you. “on your hands an’ knees for Daddy.” his order rang through you, immediately obeying him and crawling onto the mattress.

you arched your back as you positioned yourself on all fours, presenting yourself to him like prey. Butcher approached your body, watching it tremble in anticipation. his hands smooth over your still red arse, making sure to be gentle.

Pushing your underwear to the side, Butcher started hungrily at your glistening pussy.

“look at ya… so fuckin’ wet f’me…” his fingers traced along your slit, collecting your slick on his digits, making you moan. using the excess slick from you, he pumps his cock slowly to lubricate it. bringing his cock to your entrance, he drags his tip along your slit, teasing your hole and clit.

“f-fuck Daddy… please, please fuck me…” you begged, looking over your shoulder at him. Billy smirks at you, loving the desperation in your voice. “who am i do deny my baby huh?” his voice is low and drenched in desire as he plunged into you, his thick cock filling you deliciously.

the sound of his hips slapping against your filled the room, mixed with the cries of pleasure coming from your lips. “oh… Daddy you feel so fucking good…” Butcher relished in your wails, his powerful grip on your hips as his quickened his thrusts. your body rocked against his perfectly. "Fuck, you feel so good, pet. " Billy grunted, his voice strained with desire.

your senses were overstimulated by his agressive thrusts and the strong sent of sex that filled the room, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. Your body was stumbling to the edge of your high, ecstasy was just around the corner.

Like a tidal wave, pleasure fell over you and your loud cries filled the room once more- “fuck! Daddy yes!”

your knees shook, nearly bucking beneath yourself as Butcher kept thrusting, relentlessly pounding into your pussy until he too reached his peak. With a deep groan, he spilled his seed into you. his cock pulsing as he filled you deeply.

The grip on your hips lightened, feeling him pull out of you with a sigh. “you’re so fuckin’ good f’Daddy darlin’…” he grinned as you turned around, laying on your back in exhaustion. his eyes raked over your body, in awe of your glowing complexion as your breathing slowed to a steady rhythm.

Butcher crawled over on top of you to shower you with kisses and praises. “that was worth the wait..” you smiled at him, giggling softly. “ good things come to those who wait love…” he whispered to you, placing another kiss upon your lips.

“how’s about… we grab some grub, curl up in ‘ere and watch a movie? your pick babe…” he winked, making you blush. you nodded, smiling up at him. “i love you, Daddy.” you looked at him, batting your lashes at him as he smiled at you.

“i love you too baby…”

[scatteredskittless]

Hiii! If you’re up for it, would you write an Angel Dust x platonic fem reader fic who has PTSD from SA, and she has a really scary encounter with Val that triggers her and Angel is super comforting? Sorry it’s super specific 😅

Platonic fem! Reader x Angel Dust

A/n: Of course !! Also super specific requests are fun to write so don’t be afraid to request them :)) I hope this was okay (∩˃o˂∩)♡

Warnings: Mentions of SA, Mentions of porn, Sexual themes, Talk of PTSD, Valentino in general is a warning In of itself tbh

Fluff✔️ Comfort✔️ Angst✔️ Smut❌

It was just like any other morning in the Hazbin Hotel, you woke up, got ready for the day ahead of you and then walked yourself down to the lobby to see all your friends.

You woke up a little later than everyone else did so when you got to the lobby, they seemed to be already doing one of Charlie’s little games. As per usual though with these games, no one was really paying attention to what was going on. Husk was too busy drinking, Niffty was running around and torturing bugs, Alastor was nowhere to be found and Angel Dust was on his phone.

He looked rather unimpressed as he scrolled through his phone, it vibrating every few seconds in his hand as he got notification after notification from none other than his boss, Valentino himself.

Once he got a call, he got up and took it. Charlie looking visibly upset once he had eventually told everyone he had to leave early for an “emergency shoot”

So you decided to be helpful and try to get Angel back to the hotel

“No, [name] seriously, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go after him.” Vaggie said, attempting to encourage you not to go after Angel and you couldn’t quite understand why?

“Why? It’ll be fine! I’ll just pop in and pop out.” You said with a shrug, turning around and leaving the hotel before anyone could get another word in.

And so, you were off to Angels studio.

Once you got there, it didn’t take long for Angel to recognize your presence. His eyes widening and excusing himself from the set for a moment. Valentino didn’t exactly look too pleased by that, considering what happened last time.

“What the fuck are you doin’ here?!” Angel Dust would whisper shout with a look of worry written all over his face as he approached you.

“I was just seeing if you were done… and if I could somehow convince your boss to let you off early if you weren’t?” You said back with an eyebrow raise, wondering what the big deal was.

He let out an incredulous titter, shaking his head no. “Toots, I’m not letting you anywhere near Val—”

Speak of the devil. Valentino cuts him off as he was now standing right in front of the two of them, not looking thrilled with your presence.

“And who might this be? Another one of your little friends, Angie?” Valentino would say condescendingly, making Angel glance away from him and at the ground beside him instead.

Another? What was up with everybody and not telling you things??

“Uhm.. I’m [name].” You introduced yourself as you glanced at the moth demon with a smile, a Cheshire worthy grin spreading across the demons face in return.

“Ahh sí? A beautiful name for para una mujer tan hermosa~” he said, taking your hand and licking up to your elbow, causing you to cringe slightly but you held it together for now…

Angel looked very uncomfortable, his eyes trained on you to makes sure nothing too crazy happened.

Of course, Valentino knew this.

“How would you like to watch? Maybe even join? Hm? I could make you a star muñeca..” He purred, raising a brow as he got uncomfortably close to you. This was starting to freak you out a little, as it would anybody. This guy was clearly a fucking creep.

You slowly shook your head no. “Nooo… thank you? Uh I can just sit and wait until he’s done.” You said, figuring it would be better to settle for that than to go further with this guy

“Perfect! From the top everybody!” He’d announce, turning his back to you and walking back to the set as he sat back down in his chair, making both you and Angel let out a sigh of relief as you both followed. You were a little shaken but you figured that was all the interaction you’d have with Angels boss for the day…

And oh, were you sorely mistaken. ⚠️ !! TW !! ⚠️

You sat down in an extra chair that Valentino had made his robot “Kitty” bring in for you to sit beside him on. you tried not to watch what Angel was doing on set as it felt weird to watch your friend suck some guys dick..

After a few minutes of scrolling on your phone, you felt a hand on your thigh.. slowly creeping upwards towards your skirt. Immediate warning bells went off in your head. Immediate flashbacks started happening.

You froze. Not knowing what to do but you knew damn well who was touching you. That fucker Valentino.

“What’s the matter, amor?” Valentino spoke with that shit eating grin on his face again, his head titling ever so slightly to the side as he glanced over at the feared expression on your face, pretending he had no idea what he was doing.

His hand slipped up to your panty line and that’s when you started to freak out, you stood up, looking quite startled. “Fuck off!” Was what came out of your mouth, causing an unamused expression to fall on Val’s face as he stood up again, practically towering over you…

That’s when Angel stepped in, immediately placing himself between you two, the porno he had been in the middle of shooting long forgotten.

“Val.” He said surprisingly firmly as he glared up at him before looking behind him at himself at you, and his expression softened as he sighed.

“Cmon, we’re goin’ home.” Angel said to you as he grabbed your hand with one of his, walking past Valentino.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going bitch? You’re not done recording for the day” Valentino spat, a furious expression on his face and his words laced with venom.

Angel didn’t reply, walking out the doors with you as quickly as possible. He knew damn well he’d probably get punishment for this tomorrow but he couldn’t let whatever the fuck was going on between you and his boss go on any longer.

The walk back to the hotel was silent, you still trying to process everything that had just happened to you and shaking like a leaf as you gripped onto Angels hand.

Once you got back to the hotel Angel was quick to check up on you now.

“Hey baby, you okay? I… I’m sorry you had to deal with that, deal with.. him.” He’d say, worry written all over his face.

That’s when you started to tear up, crying and wrapping your arms around him.

He’d sigh once more and place a hand on the top of your head, his lower set of arms wrapping around you as he shushed you.

“It’s alright, you’re safe now.. okay? I’m never gonna let anythin’ like that happen to ya again.” he promised soothingly, silently blaming himself for letting it happen in the first place. This could’ve been prevented.

After a while of Angel Dust cooing gentle words and letting you cry as he held you, you started to calm down, sobs turning to sniffles as he rubbed the top of your head.

“There.. better?” He asked softly as he looked down at you, giving you a smile when you met his gaze, your makeup running if you had any of it on and your cheeks tear stained, pleased when he got a little nod from you.

“Good. Now we should probably actually go inside the hotel because I’m sure we look stupid just standing out here.” He quipped, earning a soft chuckle from you as you released him from your hug, giving another nod.

So that’s what you did, the both of you went inside the hotel and you settled yourselves in his room for the night as you had a little movie marathon, Fat Nuggets joining in with you two <3

Please do not repost, translate, or plagarize any of my fanfictions/writing/headcanons without permission ◟( ˃̶͈◡ ˂̶͈ )◞

ᯓ★ Scatteredskittles

[deathbecomesthem]

Flower Cntd.

Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader - `700 words

+18 ONLY - Minors DNI

*slight voyeurism - PIV

His hand stays on your thigh the entire 6 minute drive back to your place, fingers pressed hard enough into your flesh to leave a mark. Like he’s worried you’ll evaporate if he doesn’t grip you, hold you tightly in your vinyl seat, you will evaporate. 

For the third time in less than a minute, you open your mouth to speak only to find nothing but air. No words. You close your mouth, and watch your knuckles turn white as you hold on even tighter to the steering wheel. Let it skate under your skin as you turn the wheel a final time, tires bumping as you pull into the narrow entryway of your building. 

It stays just like that, only now with Eddie’s hand now gripping your side tightly, the tension between the two of you pulled tighter than a well-tuned piano wire. You vaguely wonder if it will break before you bleed all over the pavement in front of you.

A step. Another. Another, another, another. Tighter and tighter as the door to your apartment looms ahead. Like a moth to the flame, you focus on the puddle of yellow illumination that brings it more into focus. You fiddle with your keys without looking, thumbing your way to the right one. You open your mouth again, and then you close it. You think you’ll be wearing the marks of Eddie’s fingers on the soft skin of your waist for a week.

The faux gold metal knob is already dusted with summer night dew when you slot the key into it. Eddie’s behind you now, both hands on your hips, you’re flush with his body. You can feel him against you, hard and hot, and you fumble.

The clatter of the metal keys hitting the concrete ground is the accompaniment to the spiritual snapping of that wire. You separate from his hold and step to the side. You sigh a private laugh as you reach down to pick up your keys. You shake your head and close your eyes. Time catches up. The door swings open for you now. You open your mouth and find words this time -

“Well, what do you think, Ed, wanna dri-”

It’s one move, almost too quick for you to see. A step inside the door while he’s pulling you into him, his left booted foot kicking the door closed. 

Hi lips. They’re soft and wet. His hot tongue pushing inside your mouth before you’ve considered the lips. You think that’s ok, and open wide to receive him.

You think about the stairs, a quick image of you and Eddie making out while crawling backwards up the carpeted stairs to the sanctuary of your living room flashes through your mind. And then it evaporates, because his lips are on your neck.

“Oh,” it bubbles out of your mouth while his teeth skim across your collarbone. “Should we go upstairs, Eddie?”

Eddie answers with a grunt through his nose, warm breath fanning across your skin. He looks up at you, even in the dark he gazes into you, and then he’s kissing your mouth. He’s nipping at your lips. His hands are raking across your body, catching on the fabric of the evil clothes between your skin and his.

“No,” he tells you while he pulls your shirt up over your head. “I’m gonna fuck you like a dog right here, because that’s what you want right? You want me to fuck you like a bitch?”

Your hand snaps out, grabbing his face. You squeeze. 

“Take off your pants, Munson.”

And he does. He takes them off while you wiggle out of your own. Both of you have a desperate need to connect. Eddie’s relieved to find you open and ready for him, slick with need. One heavy thrust and another. Your tongues dance together, mouths open wide for each other, until he reaches a place inside of you that makes you throw your head back with a tiny grunt.

“That feel good? How’m I doin’? This what you wanted?” Eddie tilts his hips a little to the left. You arch your back to bring him further into you. Your exposed skin burns along the nylon carpet, the sensation pulling you even deeper into the moment.

“Yes,” you breathe out into the open air of the staircase. “Oh my god, Eddie.”

You distantly hear the sound of a set of keys jingling. You hear a door open. The click of a lock. You know it’s your neighbor, Jim, he’s probably home from work. You hear and know that on the other side of the thin apartment wall your neighbor can also hear you. And yet…

“Yeah, you wanted this. Now I’m gonna fuck you until you can’t fucking walk up these stairs.”

[midheavenastrology]

Random Astrology Observations # 3

~hey y’all back with some rando astrovations 😇 these ones are pretty personal placements 🍀

Thank u so much 444 reading 💜💜💜

❁❁❁Is it because I have Chiron in Gemini that I’m always cold around my arms and shoulders 💪 when it’s cold 🥶 outside, like I’ll legit be wearing a short skirt with no tights but have three layers on top with a thick ass coat but I’ll only be cold around my arms and shoulders+hands !!! what is this sorcery ? 🤨

✾✾✾Having both Venus AND mars in the 11th house is both beneficial and unfortunate because 11th house is the internet, it’s ur hopes+dreams and friends. This means when you achieve ur dream life, u might have tons of people loving it for you (Venus) while the other half will give you the evil eye (mars) 🧿. This also brings in haters/rivals (mars) but also huge fans/besties (Venus) on the internet.

✿✿✿Gemini and Virgo placements (honorary mention Sagittarius placements) how many tabs u got open on safari rn ? I’m a Virgo moon and I got 153 rn lol 😆

❀❀❀Someone said being a life path number 8 isn’t about obtaining power but it’s about EMPOWERING others and that really hit. My personal fave thing to do is gas peeps up. It’s like that weeknd song ♬star girl♬ “I just wanna see u shine cus I know u are a star girl~” ✨🥹✨

✯✯✯Taurus placements are just as “gothic” and dark as Scorpio placements - remember they’re sister signs so they’re similar yet different. Taurus tends to express it more in how they dress/how it manifests in their physical realm. Like my Taurus sun ex was covered in tattoos and wore all black all the time. For Scorpio its def more internal. I know tons of Scorpio suns who wear bright colors and floral patterns lol. They actually tend to have more of an aversion to scary things- like horror movies and death metal etc. I think it’s because they feel it internally already so they don’t need the outer world to affirm it for them.

★★★ Mutable signs are actual legit crazy tho- lol, if you have a ton of mutable placements, you’re probs a little coo coo bananas and that’s ok. I’m mutable dominant and I get called out for changing my mind every two seconds ! Probs broke some hearts because I’d be obsessed with someone one minute and next my pisces venus will be like ..hmm maybe not..Oops 😬😅

✦✦✦Did u know most serial killers are mutable signs ? It’s because our mood are changeable, as are our personalities. One minute they think they’re doin a sin and the next they’re like “oh I’m eating this man’s heart and it’s cool” 😂

✩✩✩ Speaking of which did u know ur mood changes from day to night ? I think u embody ur sun sign in the daytime and moon sign at night. They say that you also embody ur moon sign when ur inebriated. Lol

✦✦✦ I’m so tired of the stereotype that Virgos are all clean, anal neatfreaks- I actually find virgo placements to be some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. True freaks (not neat freaks thank u- although that stereotype is actual truth lol) They get this rep for being these bookish, boring germaphobes but if u dive rly deep they’re visionaries- they notice everything, every little detail of ur stupid life. They probably know u better than u know yourself.

★★★Also they have the BEST style- probs because again they notice all the details-they study every fabric, every style icon, touch all the different textures and come to a style that is completely their own.

❏❏❏I’m sorry but if u have Taurus + Libra placements prominently in ur chart, u really DO care about how ur partner looks- physically. Like it’s rly hard 4 u to date someone who isn’t ur type physically. It’s because of the Venusian influence. Again, the low vibration of Venus is vanity. We are attracted to beauty like moths to a flame 🔥

☾☾☾ having lots of oppositions in ur chart can make you feel one way but act completely different. For ex: moon opposition Venus manifests as someone who wants to be a quite pleasant and charming, in fact you probs are naturally a charmer and really lovely to be around, yet you don’t allow yourself to express it emotionally.

✪︎︎✪︎︎✪︎︎Libra placements are such devils advocates lol. 😈 It’s def because you see two sides to everything, just like Gemini (also devils advocates) you can empathize with the other, so when ur friend is bitching to u about someone, u see the opposing sides view as well and try to “justify” their perspective. Hence the scales of balance ⚖️ that’s why a lot of y’all are lawyers lol

✡︎✡︎✡︎ 8th house placements are ur secret superpower 🦸‍♀️ 8th house is power, 8th house is dying and coming back stronger, like the Phoenix rising from the ashes 🔥 for ex: I have Uranus in Sagittarius in the 8th house: my power:shared resource that I gift is the awakening of ur higher mind. (Sagittarius is the sign of the higher mind and Uranus is the great awakener) I basically open ur third eye 👁 wide open lol (legit tho, my friends who have become closer to me have progressively become more spiritual and witchy since meeting me lol) tell me what ur 8th house placement is in the comments ✨✨✨⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️💪😉⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

[innocent-cat]

I love your writing. I have more Percy ideas if you want. You can add as many Vox Machina characters to this as you want but I mainly want Percy. Him and acolyte background reader (they just need to have been a part of some temple, can be whatever class you want) are in that shy, flirty, mutual pining stage. While out at a tavern with everyone someone hits on reader rather brazenly and they just go "I'm sorry, but my faith demands I remain a celibate and solitary life." Meaning no sex or dating. After the guy goes away dejected and everyone is like why didn't you tell us that reader just goes "oh no I can do whatever, but people tend to leave me alone quicker if they think I've taken a vow of chastity." I know it's really specific but the idea of Percy's thought process is adorable.

I love your requests!! thank you.

Percival x Reader

Warnings - Alcohol, Sexual implications

"Moths to a flickering light", Percy x Reader

.·:*¨༺༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺༻¨*:·..·:*¨༺༻

After a long, tiring attempt of an adventure and capturing a bounty, Vox Machina decided they wanted to blow it all on a larger tavern tab.

Obviously, who could say no to a tradition so engraved to your ragtag crew that it's expected we do so? So, the whole group went without argue.

You guys should definitely figure out a new way to cope.

Upon entering the only bar left in Emon the group wasn't banned from, the group sat down at a table by a window. 7 seats. You sit on the windowsill built by the table, and Percy lean beside you.

"A round of drinks for the large group of weirdos in the corner, hun."

The wife of the bar owner told her husband, monotone surprisingly cold for someone who looks so bright. Lost the color over the years of a loveless busy marriage hmm?

Well. That sucked. You pitied them, but you couldn't do much. But, you could drink it away and pretend you never saw it.

Pushing off the wall, you decide you actually do want a drink. You walk through the bar, your footsteps light, but every noise drowned out by another within the loud clammy bar.

'Sorry. Excuse me. Oh, I'm so sorry!' You repeated these words as you pushed through people, hoping they'd understand they didn't really need to be standing in the middle of the bar. Chairs please.

"Hey, you mind if I get a beer?" You slid over the charge for the drink, quickly grabbing the frothed drink made for you. Taking a sip, you sigh.

you make a 180, and start walking back to the table you found your favorite scruffy pockpick, Vex'ahlia.

"Hey, what'cha doin without the group?"

"Whatever the hell I want, darling! We have funding that'll last us till the world falls!" She laughs, smiling, leaning, revealing a pile of drink cups on the table already.

"Alllrighhhtt.. you do that, Vex." You scoot pass the girl, likely to pickpocket 7 people by the end of the night.

"Still no drinking for you, Percival? You'd think you'd warm up to the drinking by now, truly." You took a large swig of your drink, sighing after swallowing.

"No, None for me. None of you can think straight, or at all for that matter, when drunk. You'll thank me one day."

'Tight-ass.' You whispered to him, giggling softly.

He looks at you from the corner of his eye, eyebrow raised. He shuts his eyes and he lets a smile peak.

"You know, one day you will get on my last nerve."

"Nah. Definitely gonna be Scanlan who makes you lose it. Speaking of Scanlan, where is he? Is he already balls deep in some random girl?"

"Uegh, likely. Don't get me started on him." Percy brings his hands to his face, fixing his glasses and pushing them farther on his nose ridge.

You let out a laugh, "I personally think he's funnier drunk, but I also think anyone can be funnier drunk, so take it with a grain of salt."

"..I think he's just.. odd." Percy retorted, expressing dislike for the poor habits of the bard.

"Maybe just a little. We all are anyway. Keyleth is an exception though. I wont make fun of her. She's normal."

Percy gave you a weird face before picking up the conversation you lead.

"We are all weird. Some of us less weird."

"You and Pike are definitely the most normal. Pike is our little morality compass, and you're just too polite for your own good. Sometimes you know when to be a dick, though."

Percy laughed.

You finish off your drink, and grab one of the group's table. They can't say no, you live off everyone collectively anyway.

"Ever been romanced, Percy?" You sip off the foamy drink, looking up to him as you did so.

"What? Oh. No, I guess I never had a chance to seek nor fall for sappy relations yet."

"I guess." You groaned out, growing bored of conversing with an garrulous man.

You take another drink out of your mug, and set it to the table, with a Grog, Pike, and Vax all collectively trying to come up with a reason to why it would be a good idea for Grog to take a bite out of one of the mugs.

'Ouuhhhkayyyy i'll ignore them, Percys' got it.'

When you turn around, you're met with a women directly behind you, practically literally breathing down your neck.

"Oh- do I know you?" You lean your body backwards, shifting your weight to the table behind you, your arms stretched to reach the table.

Her hand pushes a hair dangling in front of your eye behind your ear, and leans in to the uncovered ear.

"No, but I'd love to learn more about you, doll."

You shiver. Major bad vibes.

"My faith demands full purity, and celibate or abstention from the acts you're insinuating towards me."

You put one hand to her chest, pushing her off you. She groans and shuttles off.

"Oh, you didn't tell us you had to be deep in the purity thing before?" Pike babbles quickly, probably not understanding herself either.

"Not really.. I'm allowed to do whatever I want. People just leave me alone if I tell them I took a vow of chastity until marriage. Drunks aren't the most romantically interested, per se."

Pike, Vax, and Grog turn back to each other, now conversing on why the Tooth Fairy is very real and very dangerous. What did she do to them? Take the tooth and leave? Uegh.

You pause, figuring out what you're gonna do. You go back to the windowsill, sitting next to the Chaperoning Percy.

"Ever been romanced, 'Vow of chastity'?" Percy mocks your excuse to shake off the women.

"Yeah yeah whatever. I bet you're just jealous I actually have dated people all round' the clock." You looked away from him, rolling your eyes.

"You have?" Percy asks, a bit surprised and just the tiniest pinch of envy in his voice.

"..No." You stifled a laugh looking at the face he was making towards you. He cleared his throat.

"You're a good liar. Maybe it's just your poor drinking habits."

"Probably. I'd never lie this hard otherwise."

"Yeah right, let's all forget the time you tripped Grog purposefully and pretended it was an accident." He scoffed.

"You vowed to me you'd never talk about it again!"

[st4ydelusional]

Ｓｗｅｅｔ Ｄｒｅａｍｓ– 𝒎. 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒐

𝙄𝙉 𝙒𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙃, Julie Wayne continues having reoccurring dreams of Matthew Sturniolo, what does she do?

Julie's pov!

I woke from another dream of him, matt sturniolo.

i guess i just cant get my mind off of him, ever since i first laid my eyes on him.

he's so pretty, it hurts. i just wish he'd get out of my head, but at the same time i dont.

i really dont know what i should say or do.

but... i guess i could text him?

🎀Julie🌷

hi. u up, matt?

💙matt💤

yea, you need smth?

🎀Julie🌷

can u call? ft btw.

💙matt💤

that rlly a question, jul?

🎀Julie🌷

no.

💙matt💤 is calling you!

Julie immediately answers the phone.

"Hi matt!" she said, in her usual bubbly tone.

"Hi jul! So, why'd you wanna call all of a sudden?" matt questioned.

"ahhh, i guess im just bored and lonely?" julie replied, shrugging.

"i can come over." matt says

"really? you want to?" she asked.

"well i mean obviously??" he said, and the sound of grabbing keys could be heard over the phone, and then a car starting.

"oh! okay." julie replied, "see you later."

"yep! see ya in a few, Jul." matt said, before hanging up.

julie sat her phone down, and waited patiently for him to arrive, it was atleast 20 minutes before there was a knock on the door.

julie stood up quickly, and opened the door, immediately seeing matt's blue eyes looking into hers, she got a little nervous, and she got butterflies in her stomach.

"Come in." julie said, her voice sounding a little timid, she moved over to let matt in.

"you nervous or something, jul?" matt asked, stepping inside.

"no, okay, well a little..." she replied, closing the door and sitting down.

"why, hmm?" he hummed, following after her and sitting next to her.

"well, we've never been alone together. we're always around people." she mumbled.

"oh? so i make you nervous?" matt teased.

julie rolled her eyes, "that's not what i meant."

"is that so, hm?" matt replied, leaning closer towards her.

"You're really pretty, by the way." matt added, his gaze drifting down to her lips.

julie immediately got more nervous, "matt."

"hmm?" he hummed, still staring at her lips.

"what're you doin'?" she asked

"mmm... nothing." he looked back up into her eyes, before placing his hand on her cheek, caressing it softly.

she leaned into his touch, his hands were so gentle, so soft, she loved how his hands felt on her skin.

"can i... kiss you?" matt asked, waiting for confirmation.

julie couldnt believe this was happening, she nodded, and then she felt his lips on hers, she kissed him back of course.

matt pulled her closer, his hand resting on her cheek, his other resting on her waist.

julie put her hands on the back of his neck, the kiss lasted a few minutes before they both pulled away, breathing heavily.

"i haven't been able to get you off my mind." julie admitted.

"me either." matt replied, before pulling julie onto his lap, resting her head into the crook of his neck.

they stayed like that the entire night, just cuddled up on the couch, julie fell asleep in his arms, and he eventually fell asleep aswell.

EMMA'S SPEAKING!!

so like tell me if this is good, this is my first story so thats why there's no smut but there's an enemies to lovers story with chris coming soon!! the main song for that story is going to be "Moth To a Flame" by Swedish house mafia (with the weeknd) anyways lmk if u enjoyed this story! I LOVE YOUUU.🫶🏻🫶🏻

[perspectivestarters]

Perspective's Sentence Starters; Speak Now (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift (Part II)

ENCHANTED

"There I was again tonight."

"Same old tired, lonely place."

"Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy, vanished when I saw your face."

"All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you."

"Have we met?"

"This night is sparklin', don't you let it go."

"I'm wonderstruck, blushin' all the way home."

"I'll spеnd forever wonderin' if you knеw."

"I was enchanted to meet you."

"The lingering question kept me up."

"Who do you love?"

"I wonder 'til I'm wide awake."

"Wishing you were at my door."

"This night is flawless."

"This is me praying that this was the very first page, not where the storyline ends."

"My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again."

"These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon."

"Please, don't be in love with someone else."

"Please, don't have somebody waitin' on you."

BETTER THAN REVENGE

"Now go stand in the corner and think about what you did."

"Time for a little revenge."

"I had him right there where I wanted him."

"I never saw it coming, wouldn't have suspected it."

"I underestimated just who I was dealing with."

"She had to know the pain was beating on me like a drum."

"She underestimated just who she was stealin' from."

"She's not a saint and she's not what you think."

"She's an actress."

"He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches."

"Soon, she's gonna find stealing other people's toys on the playground won't make you many friends."

"She should keep in mind there is nothing I do better than revenge."

"She looks at life like it's a party and she's on the list."

"She looks at me like I'm a trend and she's so over it."

"I think her ever-present frown is a little troubling."

"She thinks I'm psycho 'cause I like to rhyme her name with things."

"Sophistication isn't what you wear or who you know."

"They didn't teach you that in prep school so it's up to me."

"No amount of vintage dresses gives you dignity."

"Think about what you did."

"I'm just another thing for you to roll your eyes at, honey."

"You might have him, but haven't you heard?"

"I always get the last word."

"Can you take it back?"

"Do you still feel like you know what you're doin'?"

"Show me how much better you are."

INNOCENT

"I guess you really did it this time."

"Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days?"

"Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything?"

"It's alright, just wait and see."

"Your string of lights are still bright to me."

"Who you are is not where you've been."

"You're still an innocent."

"At night, you live it all again."

"If only you had seen what you know now then."

"Wasn't it easier in your firefly-catching days?"

"Wasn't it beautiful running wild 'til you fell asleep before the monsters caught up to you?"

"It's okay, life is a tough crowd."

"(Age) and still growing up now."

"Who you are is not what you did."

"Time turns flames to embers."

"You'll have new Septembers."

"Every one of us has messed up, too."

"I hope you remember."

"Today is never too late to be brand new."

"It's never too late to get it back."

HAUNTED

"You and I walk a fragile line."

"I have known it all this time."

"I never thought I'd live to see it break."

"I can't trust anything now."

"Something's made your eyes go cold."

"Don't leave me like this."

"I thought I had you figured out."

"Something's gone terribly wrong."

"You're all I wanted."

"Can't breathe whenever you're gone."

"I'm haunted."

"Stood there and watched you walk away from everything we had."

"I still mean every word I said to you."

"He will try to take away my pain, and he just might make me smile."

"The whole time, I'm wishing he was you instead."

"Something keeps me holding onto nothing."

"I can't go back now."

"You're not gone."

LAST KISS

"I still remember the look on your face."

"The words that you whispered for just us to know."

"You told me you loved me, so why did you go away?"

"I can still feel your arms."

"All that I know is I don't know how to be somethin' you miss."

"I never thought we'd have a last kiss."

"I never imagined we'd end like this."

"Your name, forever the name on my lips."

"You're showin' off again."

"I'm not much for dancin'."

"I love how you walk with your hands in your pockets."

"There's not a day I don't miss those rude interruptions."

"I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep."

"I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe."

"Hope it's nice where you are."

"I never planned on you changing your mind."

LONG LIVE

"Remember this moment."

"The crowds in stands went wild."

"We were the kings and the queens."

"The night you danced like you knew our lives would never be the same."

"You held your head like a hero on a history book page."

"It was the end of a decade, but the start of an age."

"Long live the walls we crashеd through."

"How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you."

"Long live all the magic we made."

"One day, we will be remembered."

"All the years that we stood there on the sidelines wishin' for right now."

"You traded your baseball cap for a crown."

"The cynics were outraged."

"A band of thieves in ripped up jeans got to rule the world."

"Long live all the mountains we moved."

"I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you."

"Long live that look on your face."

"May these memories break our fall."

"Will you take a moment?"

"Promise me this."

"When they point to the pictures, please, tell 'em my name"

"Tell 'em how I hope they shine."

"I had the time of my life with you."

OURS

"Strangers' silence makes me want to take the stairs."

"If you were here, we'd laugh about their vacant stares."

"Seems like there's always someone who disapproves."

"They'll judge it like they know about me and you."

"The jury's out, but my choice is you."

"Don't you worry your pretty little mind."

"People throw rocks at things that shine."

"Life makes love look hard."

"This love is ours."

"You never know what people have up their sleeves."

"I don't care, 'cause right now, you're mine."

"It's not theirs to speculate if it's wrong."

"Your hands are tough, but they are where mine belong."

"I love the gap between your teeth."

"I love the riddles that you speak."

"Any snide remarks from my father about your tattoos will be ignored."

"My heart is yours."

"They can't take what's ours."

SUPERMAN

"It's the same thing to me."

"He's got his mother's eyes, his father's ambition."

"I wonder if he knows how much that I miss him."

"I hang on every word you say."

"I love you forever."

"You've got a busy day today."

"Go save the world, I'll be around."

"Come back, I'll be with you someday."

"I'll be right here on the ground when you come back down."

"He's complicated, he's irrational."

"I hope someday you'll take me away, and save the day."

"He's not all bad like his reputation."

"I can't hear one single word they say."

"You'll leave, got places to be, and I'll be okay."

"I always forget to tell you, "I love you"."

"I loved you from the very first day."

"I watch you fly around the world."

"I hope you don't save some other girl."

"Don't forget about me."

"I'm far away, but I never let you go."

"I'm love-struck and looking out the window."

"Don't forget where I'll be."

"Wishing the flowers were from you."

"Wishing the card was from you."

"Wishing the call was from you."

[land-of-holly]

Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 1 Liveblog

It's time!!! Let's see what we've got waiting for us!

Recaps! They really streamlined the season 1 story and hit some parts harder than others. Looking back, this appears to be a more S2E1 centric recap, presumably there will be more that showcase other plotlines.

You know, I think having let season 1 settle, I'm more willing to take it as a given and just see how season 2 builds on it.

Ooh, big pointy crown.

Oh, who is this guy? Okay, I'm guessing immediately post War of Wrath Sauron, with Adar at his side. Where do they keep finding these ordinary-ass looking dudes?

Like the makeup on New Adar is good, but he doesn't have the...slightly weird looking guy-ness underneath that really made Mawle stand out.

And Sauron looks like a televangelist about to solicit donations

Ooh looks like one orc was a little too trigger happy. If you're gonna fuck with Sauron you gotta make it stick.

What are they calling Sauron in the Black Speech? I'm gonna have to go back and check that

Come on, Adar is not going to crown himself. Sigh, they have not entirely gotten the urge toward petty fakeouts out of their system. It makes this show tedious to watch sometimes, seeing them unnecessarily draw out the tension as they try to force you to guess which way they're going to jag

But he is gonna BACKSTAB!!! Gotta be careful with making your crown too pointy. Yay, we're getting the Obliteration right off the bat! Just a fuckton of stabbies when he's probably already weak.

FROSTSPLOSION

Ooh there he goes, slithering down the cracks.

Oh no poor rat fremb :(

See, this is why Huan and Luthien had his ass dead to rights. Surrendering his body SUCKS.

oh no poor nice wagon lady.

Welcome back, Hal

The humans are looking for refuge...across the sea? Who is telling them this?? I mean Numenor is out there and legends of it probably exist, but still. Who made them a ship??

My read is that Sauron at this point is just flailing about for any path to power that might present itself. Bold move getting on a ship going west tho.

poor wise old steward dude

Title!

Wow you guys are in a hurry where u goin?

If this ends up being just a friendly race I'm gonna Object

Oh shit no this is The Real Shit, we're starting out big

Galadriel learns that there are consequences? To her actions??

Why are they switching languages? What language were they supposedly speaking before? What is the rationale behind this writing decision?

Oh yeah, Galadriel was 100% just embarrassed to admit she got hornswoggled by Sauron.

Well at least Gil-galad has a good argument. He cares for everyone left behind in Middle-earth

Okay, though are Elrond and Gil-galad ever going to be friends?? Is Gil-galad ever going to be something other than an Unreasonable Authority Figure plot device to oppose Elrond?

Elrond says fuck you I do what I want

Okay Hal is back in the Southlands. Is this present day, or back in the latter half of S1?

Really dude? The full Moses? What script writer is getting gratification from this?

Hal what r u doin??

Wizard friend? Where is Nori?

He is in touch with the Music

Oh hi Nori! Wait if it's so dry and dead out where'd she get her hair foliage? Looks like she got some fake leaves and olives from Michaels

Sauron's fur baby!

I hate this so much. We are in dramatic irony territory now--we know who Hal is. There is only one way to read this scene. So why is he here? What is his play?

Cirdan? CIRDAN!!

Heh, you CANNOT find a scion of Luthien who does not want to be found

Lol, drag her ass Gil. She is not out of trouble just because they are on the same side.

Wait is that the chasm Mae threw himself in? Is there already a Silmaril in there and ur gonna put some rings in it too?

:o POPPY!!!!!!! I am so blessed :DDDD Love wins!

I like the greyed out twilight lighting

O no the skull telescope guys are this season's evil moth ladies?

Okay I think I see Sauron's goal. He's pointing the Orc army at Eregion without fully taking command of it yet. And massively flexing on Adar just because he can. When it comes to concealing his identity, he is simply the best there is.

Oh he promises to "serve the Lord of Mordor", huh? I guess that one's hard to catch if you're not looking for an internal betrayal

RIP Waldreg, lol. Fur baby gotta eat. I wonder if that's supposed to bear fruit later or is just another flex.

shit that's some nice singing

More interfacing with The Elves Must Leave Because Reasons but at least it's brief. Really feels like unnecessary conflict still.

O no Cirdan got got! Poor Elrond :(. Not gonna argue with whether Sauron can actually put the whammy on an elf that old and powerful from 5000 miles away. It is what it is and we will see where it goes.

Love Gil's super-bling. Gotta make room for some more.

Go go metaphor tree powers activate!

I liked the far shot of the three OG ring elves, and the hand shot was cool (tolerable) for one second, but then it just looks silly, especially with the actors obviously trying real hard to keep their hands still for that long.

Tyelpe! Finally!!

He's coming as hal?? What is he doing???

And that's it! We didn't check in with Arondir and Theo or the Numenor crew at all, but I'm sure we'll get around to it. So far I think it's going well and I'm excited to see more!

[cosmos-coma]

Blood and Vengeance - Part 6

A/N: Part 6 is here! I hope you like it! I know I was getting chills as I wrote it haha

Pairing: Dettlaff x Reader

Words: 1697

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4| Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 (Final)

_______________________________

Voices floated around you unintelligibly, dancing on the edge of your waking mind. Though they were still fuzzy at best you began taking in bits and pieces of what was going on. Regis and Dettlaff’s voices- you now came to realize- were the ones floating around you as they argued in the hallway in hushed but urgent tones.

“... Blood… bandits…” 

“... Monsters…tell her…. we are…” 

“.. can’t… Not yet…”

The softest groan vibrated from your chest as you tried to open your eyes and all semblance of conversation quickly ceased. Swift, almost silent feet approached you before a heavy weight dipped the bed. Cool and loving fingers caressed your cheek, urging you to wake further from your slumber.

As the light finally eased its assault on your eyes Dettlaff’s worried expression came into view, his face now clear of blood stains and its bat-like features. 

Perhaps the fangs and claws were all another delirious dream?

“My moth…” his low voice rumbled with relief as his eyes swept over you in a cursory glance. 

“What happened..? Where..?” you asked. Your body was cradled in unusual softness and warmth that your basement dwelling just did not have. You tried to sit up to get a better look, but pain ripped its way through your stomach in a humbling memory of the evening's events. A yell tore away at your throat and your grip on Dettlaff's hand tightened like a living vice.

“Ahhh! FUCK!” you screamed as you laid back, your breath lost from the simple effort and your face contorted with pain.

“Please do be careful or you’ll tear your stitches…” Regis advised from his place in the doorway, right behind a very concerned-looking Amelia. 

“How are you doin’, girly…?” Worry painted her face like a picture as her hands wrung together in front of her, “can we get you anything? How about some soup? I have just the soup for you, it’ll heal you right up…!”  she nodded as she rushed off toward the kitchen to get you some food-based medicine.

A faint smile played on Regis’s lips as Amelia hurried off in a way that only the redhead could, “And I’ll get you something for the pain…” He said, nodding at Dettlaff before taking his leave to give you two some time alone. 

You looked down to examine yourself, lifting the neckline of the clean, loose dress you now wore to see bandages wrapped securely around your midsection. Blood just peeked through the top layer, old, brown, and dry, but nothing fresh so far.

You nodded a bit as you turned to look about the room, noting the familiarity of it. 

“I brought you to my room…” Dettlaff admitted in answer to your unspoken question, “I couldn’t stand the thought of you recovering in that ice box of a basement.” 

“But… how did you?” You started, but Dettlaff seemed to already know what questions plagued you. 

“Regis has a knack for making medicinal items,” he explained, “And we had Amelia change you from your blood-soaked clothes…” 

You nodded slowly, taking in all of his answers as your hands idly touched the soft sheets below you. Your lips had just parted to speak when the higher vampire beat you to the punch. 

“I thought I’d lost you…” His voice was a somber whisper as a hint of grief laced his words. Though he turned his gaze away from yours, you could see the storm of his irises had slowed their perpetual storm to dark, suffocating clouds.

“I should have been here to protect you,” you could hear the trace of a self-loathing growl building in his voice, “Instead, I was traveling needlessly. I should have heard them coming. I should have-”

“Dettlaff…” your voice was gentle like the nighttime breeze, yet still pulled his spiraling attention to you in an instant. “It’s okay, I promise. I’m still here… and I’m safe now, thanks to you…,” You assured as your fingertips grazed his cheek, nimble fingers tucking away a few spare hairs.

He nodded, his eyes fluttering closed as your touch left a trail of loving warmth across his cheek. His heart slowed its rapid beat as he listened to the breath fill your lungs. The light sigh from your lips tingled his senses as he turned into your palm, his lips tenderly brushing over your skin.

You were still here. 

Still with him.

That's what mattered.

“Y/n? Oh-! Sorry to interrupt…” Amelia said bashfully as she entered, but the moment was already broken. 

His chest ached as your hand fell away from his face, far too fleeting of a touch to satisfy him and a territorial rumbling threatened to spill from his chest, but he knew better. “You should eat… “ He urged.

You nodded in agreement and strained to sit up, grunting as you gradually pulled yourself upright. 

Amelia, always the wonderful friend, stayed by your side the entire time as you ate, entertaining you by regaling the epic tale of her beating the living shit out of that bandit. 

You chuckled at her bubbling enthusiasm, holding your stomach as each laugh pulled at your crude stitches. “Ow, oh, ah… too much, you're too much…,” you said through dwindling laughter.

“Well, laughter seems like as good a sign as any…” came Regis’s voice as he stepped in from the hallway with a small container. “Let’s get your bandages changed and then I think we all should get some sleep. It’s been… an incredibly long day.”

----

Darkness surrounded you when you woke, stirring the residual fear from your most recent nightmare. Only the sliver of moonlight coming past the curtains and the cooling embers of the fireplace broke up the monotonous black and gave your mind some relief. 

A sigh escaped you as you rolled over slowly into the empty space beside you, the cool sheets chilling your skin uncomfortably.

Something was missing.

The sheets crinkled beneath you as you sat up and looked blindly into the dark room, “Dettlaff? Are you there…?”

Silence. 

“I’m here, moth…”, finally came the familiar rumble of his voice from the far corner where he attempted in vain to sleep. Footsteps creaked the floorboards as he came closer until he finally stepped into the sliver of moonlight darting across the floor. 

Your breath escaped you as pale light illuminated the graying strands at his temples and highlighted the silver that flecked across his blue irises. His fair skin sang a siren song, beckoning for your touch under the magical light. He seemed somehow both otherworldly and right at home in the light of the night and it made a different kind of chill run through your limbs, one that couldn’t be solved with the warmth of a fire. 

“I’m cold…”  You explained through a yawn, a testament to your body's exhaustion, “Would you lay with me?”

His body froze for a moment in surprise as your imploring tone rattled a part of him he had long since set aside, but he could never deny you. “... Of course, my dear…” 

Your hand reached out as you heard him come closer, your eyes finally seeing him in the dark of the room as he peeled away his heavy outer clothes. 

A small flame of desire flickered to life in him as your hand ran down his bare arm, the thrum of his heart at your fingertips as your alluring touch stilled. He propped his back up against the headboard and let his hand find its home in the soft strands of your hair.

But you were still cold.

“Hold me…?” 

Oh, you were going to be the death of him.

Wordlessly, one strong arm wrapped around your waist as the other moved under your legs. 

Your nose tucked away into his neck as he lifted you to his side with little effort. Dull pain radiated from your wound, even more so as you were moved, and caused you to let out a shaky breath as you winced. 

Your shuddering breath danced like mist over his sensitive neck and made blossoms of fire bloom beneath his skin in its wake. His fingers pressed into your soft flesh as he fought back the inklings of desire, its flame now licking at what would surely be pure gasoline. 

Surprisingly strong arms held you safe and secure against his chest as your legs draped over his lap. You looked up into those silvery-blue eyes as you settled into his warmth, their storms dancing just inches away from your own.  Your gaze flowed along the fine lines and features of his face; the tiny imperfections that gave him character, the painted beauty marks that freckled his skin, all the way down to the gentle slope of his lips.

“Dett…” you whispered, afraid to shatter the moment in the already quiet night. Your fingers answered the relentless siren call of his skin, your fingerpads smoothing over his jaw as your thumb traced the curve of his bottom lip. 

An intoxicating buzz ran like static across his lips, and he could feel that swelling flame inside his chest finally catch the gas-soaked wick alight. 

“May I…” You started, your thoughts struggling to stay coherent as his warm breath puffed against your skin, “may I kiss you…?” Your lips parted of their own volition, your head tilting to the side in an open invitation. 

“Please…” his words came out as a desperate plea. He watched your eyes flutter closed as he leaned in slowly, still trying to stave the growing fire in his chest from the fuel you so readily supplied. 

He leaned in, the heat of your breath gracing his face as your lips came excruciatingly close…

Before you’re head lolled away from him, and your divine touch fell away from his face. 

“Moth…?” 

Your sleeping form let out even breaths through your still-parted lips, waiting for their promised kiss. Your entire being radiated pure peace for the first time since you had been so grievously injured, and Dettlaff would not be the one to wake you from it. 

A shallow sigh filled the air between you but didn’t diminish the lingering smile on the vampire’s lips. 

“I love you too, my dear….”

_______________________________

Taglist: @writingmysanity, @open--till--midnight @unstable-kiwi @madamemelancholysstuff @tigerlyla-of-metinna @bluppulb @shit-i-say-shit-i-think

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[whenimgoodandready]

We’re all goin’ through emotions here. It’s the perfect advantage for bad influencers to seek out and use for their own benefit. If those are strong enough, especially the negative ones, we’re f*cked! Then when the bad influencer needs extra help, they call upon some back-up like oh idk, a sentimonster! That’s where The Peacock Miraculous comes in. The peacock represents integrity, vision, and vibrancy. First lost and damaged cuz of Master Fu (“Feast”), then found by Gabe, Emilie and Nathalie (“Passion”), then used by Nat for an emergency last minute use (“Heroes Day Part 2:Mayura”), then fixed by Gabe (“Truth”) and then exchanged to by trade for Felix (“Shadow Moth’s Final Attack Part 2:Strike Back”) which lead to more emotions in Season 5. Speaking of which, has any one heard word from that little sh*t yet? Last we saw he activated The Peacock Miraculous after fooling the dynamic duo that he wasn’t around (“Multiplication”). No? Oh well, guess that’s it….or is it!? Let’s see:

*Emotion-There’s this big fancy ball called “The Diamonds Dance” where all the fat cats and big wigs go and bring their children along cuz it’s just like that party from “Gabriel Agreste”. You know, the one where everyone wears masks that were creepingly animal themed like in “Squad Game” to show how morally corrupt the rich are (what happened to a simple yet sophisticated black tie event huh?) and pass that on to their spoiled selfish little sh*ts. Ok, again, where’s Felix? You guys haven’t seen him around? No? Ok.

Anyways, all the rich kids will be there, Chloe, Zoe, Prince Ali, Lil-Oh no, wait! SHE’S NOT INVITED! HA! :P. A daughter to an ambassador and she gets left out in the cold! (laughs) Oh that’s rich!😅. Also, Adrien and Kagami are made King and Queen there cuz their evil parents are still trying to raise the Adrigami ship even though it’s soups awkward cuz Adrienette is sailing and Kagami is still interested in Adrien, but still supports Adrienette. Seriously, has any one seen Felix!? His mom, Amelie, is even asking about him to Gabe, but he’s acting like he’s deaf about it! Dude! Where’s your a**hole nephew!? Why isn’t he goin’ to the ball!? Huh, look at that, neither is Zoe, well good for her! She’s got better things to do! The only good “brain-eating zombies” are in the movies, so Marinette goes in her place. Adrien never told her about it and it was because Gabe “told” him not to cuz he’s subtly trying to drill holes in the Adrienette ship. Maybe if Gabe hadn’t done that, Marinette wouldn’t have been suspicious and snuck in to find out why! That’s on you Gabe!

The whole Diamonds Dance thing is pretty “secure”. The eye masks are digital invitations that only say the name on it regardless of who it is and to me, that’s not so impressive. Especially since it didn’t even have a face recognition (which is how Marinette got in) and only applied to the invites! :P. Not so smart tech! You’d think with a room full of upperclass, they could afford better security. I mean, you instantly change clothes when you go in, but you can’t put up a more efficient identity scanning system to know a fraud! Pathetic! Last time people! 👏Has👏any👏one👏seen👏Felix!? Felix Fathom!? He’s about “Yay-tall”, blond hair, green eyes?…….No! That’s Adrien!✨The golden boy!✨I mean Felix his little sh*t of a cousin! Oh no, wait, that is him! Don! Don! Don!

Actually, with The Peacock Miraculous, he calls himself Argos. This little peafowl summons up his look and unleashed a sentimonster named Red Moon. A glowing red moon that whomever it shines on makes Argos snap them away from existence.꒰ఎPoof໒꒱ There goes Chloe. ꒰ఎPoof໒꒱There goes Gabe.꒰ఎPoof໒꒱There goes Tomoe. ꒰ఎPoof໒꒱There goes, well, just about everyone else actually. WTF!? WHAT’S GOIN’ ON!? Is he doin’ that douchey Spiderman infected with darkness song and dance!? To the music from when Gabe was doin’ his “victory dance”!? (“The Kwami’s Choice Part 2:Deflagration”). What is up with these Agrestes/Fathoms men and singing and dancing!? I’m surprised they didn’t get rich from show business! ꒰ఎPoof໒꒱ There goes Ladybug!?😳….(screams)😱.

Well, well, well, look what the bus dropped off for us! It’s Felix Fathom! After so long, he’s finally come into the season. Just what was he up to and what did he want with The Peacock Miraculous? Hmmmmmmm. Turns out, Felix wanted The Peacock Miraculous so he can use its sentimonster creating powers to threaten Ladybug into giving him hers and Cat Noirs miraculous to make his own wish! BAM! But why you ask? Well, that’s complicated actually. See, the reason is despite his treachery of stealing almost all the miraculouses from Ladybug (which she was pissed af about and gave him a big lashing out for it let me tell ya) and making Monarch more powerful than ever, he did it for the sake of his beloved cousin, Adrien. He wanted himself, his mother, Adrien, and Kagami to be liberated from the controlling oppressors of the world so as not to live like “living puppets” to uphold the status quo of the rich and be themselves in their own little world. As noble as that is, HE DIDN’T FEEL ANY F*CKING REMORSE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES THAT OCCURRED AND NEVER EVEN APOLOGIZED TO LADYBUG ABOUT THE THEFT! Guess this use of The Peacock Miraculous falls into the category of Anti-Villain. One who does evil, but for good intentions. Is that how it goes? On one hand, Argos was looking out for his cousin, whom he genuinely loves (in a rather twisted way), and Kagami cuz the three of ‘em are more “similar” than we think and giving them the freedom they so longed for and not be paraded around like trophies. On the other hand, he never thought to ask what Adrien and Kagami thought about it and assumed they’d be grateful and relieved. They call him out on it and how he has no control over his powers. That and cuz Adrienette needs to sail (nice to see Felix/Argos supports that). Both of these were the reasons Argos fixed everything. I’ll elaborate more on his thoughts in the next review when the English Dubs come out. Even though by then all of Season 5 will be done and it’s fine cuz I’m spoiled by it any way so :P.

[femme-enby]

So I watched H. Hotel, for free- love the multitude of websites available to do so.

Firstly… clearly they can manage to animate an Afro, plus they had no problem giving Velvette like… 4 different hairstyles, which I LOVE, but also… so… they can do it… so why don’t they? Instead of claiming that like 1/4 of the characters are black, while there is no indication of such in character design, such as their facial features or hair… make characters who are clearly black? Even POC in general?

Like yeah they do struggle with that, anyone can see that if they bother to look.

For example… Val. He’s black. Now of course there are black Latinos, but… I ain’t the only person rubbed wrong by the fact that they made the rapist abusive pimp a black man. Dude could have just as easily been a white guy who speaks Spanish. Ain’t like there is ANYTHING in his character design that says “bro is black” dude got a flat bug (literal, p sure he’s supposed to be a moth?) face, no hair, nothin.

Another one that has been beat to death is Al. Al? With his early 2000s vibe straight yet fluffy hair? Is black. Bc… they wanted to give him a reason to use… voodoo. Plus, the design of him bearing a strong resemblance to the media’s common interpretation of a w3ndigo? Bro could have just as easily been a white dude messin around with shit he shouldn’t have been messing with!!! They’re DEMONS AND SINNERS IN HELL!!!

Those angels are judgmental af, that would just be another tally against Al. Plus I don’t think we are (or should) be able to just fully agree with everything the demons and the sinners in hell do/have done. They are bad people. They were bad people on earth, that’s why they’re THERE. So why make a character who is visually white coded, a black character just so you can have them practice voodoo? Make dude some white pagan who was doin some fucked up shit on the side to boot. Boom, bro still maintains the magic that I presume followed him after death resulting in his quick climb to power.

Honestly it almost makes it worse that if they cared they really could make some amazing BIPOC, I’ve seen plenty of redesigns that look great and still in style for the show (not just in like… art style, like I’ve seen folks draw in the style of a show yet still do “too much” so it kinda stops resembling the more simplistic style?? But truly in the same style) yet they haven’t, considering how the story, and PERSONALLY the writing, ain’t half bad.

Yeah still plenty of the “jokes” are just about sex. Bc apparently that’s the only form of humor adults have?? Putting things in holes, threatening to fuck others… like, come on. They’re rarely actually funny, often times seeming almost forced? They could more easily fit in a dead baby joke honestly, than the amount of sex/assault jokes they do make.

Other than that tho… if, you can hold those things in one hand, and then look at what is left… it isn’t bad. The animation ain’t bad, the story is decent, the character development and growth is good, to me. I enjoyed it.

Still ain’t gonna catch me payin money to watch it, and if that means it doesn’t get a second season then such is life.

[deucedeus]

The Young'un of the Bayou

There was an old woman who was a bayou guide. She wandered about the bayou at night and searched for those that had tripped and became lost in the trees and reeds. She carried a lantern and clean food and drink, so that the lost might regain their strength enough to get out of the bayou. One night, the woman decided to go further into the bayou as the parts she often searched became somewhat well known. The trees in this part of the bayou were knarled and crunchy, the water rose to the woman's elbows, the mud to her knees. But old as she was the woman continued further still, balancing her satchel with the food, drink, and lantern on her head. Eventually, the old woman came to a dry patch and decided to take a nap, for it was already the witching hour. No sooner had she fallen asleep that a small moth had paddled onto the dry patch. Tired from dragging its heavy and waterlogged wings around the bayou, the moth made a little nest on top of the satchel by the lantern where it was warm and dry. Soon it fell sound asleep. The old woman had noticed the moth after she'd awoken but thought it dead when it didn't move after lifting it from the satchel. The moth was fuzzy, with cute stripes of pink and yellow. The old woman thought to take it home and put it in her satchel and went on her way. The moth awoke and before it was clean food and drink, and the moth without a second thought ate and drank every last bit. The woman heard the moth rustling about and stopped on a large tree root and opened the satchel. What sat in the pocket was neither the food, drink, or moth, but a small little thing. Older than a babe, but not quite a child, it had large and pink sparkling eyes, sunny blonde hair and had round chubby cheeks that reminded her of bread rolls. "What are ye doin' there?" She asked it. But there was no response, as the young thing was too small to speak and just stared at the woman. She looked around but could not figure where it came from or when it got into her bag. "Well if ye got folk around, they would be smart to stay close. I will find yer kin tomorrow and should I not, I should raise ye myself." and the old woman carried the small thing home with her. The next night, she looked high and low with the young'un on her shoulders, shouting for its kin. But no one answered. The next night, they ventured out again, but still no one answered. Every night for the next month, the two set out, but no one answered their calls. Finally, the old woman said, "Then I suppose I'll raise ye, for I have gotten used to ye bein' around and have found myself to be quite fond of ye." And so the woman raised the young'un, and as it became old enough to speak and walk, the old woman taught the child to cook and clean and where to look in the bayou for those that have become wayward and need a light back to the town. Now, at the edge of the bayou is a house built by hand and wooly like silk, covered in carpets of moths. This is where the old woman and her kin, the new bayou guide lives. Handsomely dressed, with eyes like raspberries and hair like the afternoon sun, the new bayou guide could scour half the bayou in just a matter of hours, as though flying through the trees. Some wanderers found by the new guide swear on their lives they were rescued by a gentle giant with wings of a behemoth size and a great fluffy chest. But when questioned, the old woman laughs and gives a hearty pat to her kin saying,

"That's just this here young'un of the bayou!"

[jorrmungandr]

your moby dick stuff on beige moth is helping me get through 15-30 page nightly readings for class, thanks.

Aww, thanks!

I'm always glad to hear from people reading it. It gives me encouragement to continue on (speaking of which, I should really do another chapter soon).

I hope I can help you untangle that inscrutable tome, though you shouldn't expect academic rigor from me, I'm just doin' for fun.

[sporadicthingcollection]

Idea: How would Cad react to Hondo being introduced to The Little Lady, and Hondo immediately claiming her as his goddaughter/niece/future apprentice?

oh my god this is genius

The Bounty Hunter's Guide to: Job Training

Summary: In which the Little Lady bags a little bounty -- with some help, of course.

Pairing: Cad Bane x F!Reader

Words: ~3.1k

Rating: General

Warnings: Mild child endangerment.

---

"Are you sure about this?" you ask.

Bane sits on the edge of the bed, pulling his boots on. "Positive," he says. "Just want her to get a taste of it. See if she can really shoot. If she doesn't like it, den she goes back to appreciatin' her regular life."

You sit up and kiss his cheekbone. "Come back in one piece. Both of you."

He smiles to himself as you lay back down. It's nice to be worried about. He finishes lacing his boots up. "Always do, missus."

You pull the blankets up to your chin and let out a loud yawn. "Just get out of here before I change my mind and drag you back to bed."

He chuckles and stands. "Don't threaten me with a good time."

You poke a hand out to flap your fingers at him. He takes the hint.

He walks into the hallway. Todo hovers outside of the Little Lady's bedroom, clutching something in his fingers. He sees Bane and putters over.

"I tried to wake Miss Mezerel, but she refuses to get up," he says nervously. He holds up one of the Little Lady's shoes. "She threw this at me!"

The jogan really doesn't fall far from the tree. "Go get de speeder warmed up. I'll take care o' her."

"Yes sir." He hands Bane the shoe and putters off.

He enters the room and almost immediately steps on the other shoe. He gently kicks it to the side.

The Little Lady is cocooned tightly in her blankets. He'll never understand how she manages to sleep fully beneath the covers without the stale air getting to her.

He gives what he thinks is her shoulder a gentle poke. "Wake up, li'l lady," he says softly.

She lets out a sleepy trill and pokes her head out, red eyes blinking in the dark. And then a second head pokes out of her side, its red eyes also bleary.

He jumps, but once the shock wears off, he can't help but chuckle to himself. "Boy, what're you doin'?"

Bambi yawns loudly. "I was sleepin'," he says, "an' then ya woke me up."

"Yer supposed to be in yer room," Bane says.

Bambi casts his eyes downwards, but the Little Lady speaks up for him. "He got lonely," she murmurs. "Can I have five more minutes?"

Her eyes drift back closed, and he gives her rostrum a tap. "If ya wanna come, ya gotta get up."

She huffs, but does sit up. She wriggles out of her cocoon like a drowsy moth and stumbles over to the dresser, nearly tripping on toys at least twice.

He chuckles to himself again, then scoops Bambi up. "Let's give her some privacy."

Bambi doesn't say a word, just wraps his arms around his father's neck and buries his face in his shoulder. He lets out a little trill as he settles in.

Bane steps into the hallway. He stands there a moment in the darkness, feeling his son breathe, his thin chest rising and falling. His frame is so narrow now, with his baby fat almost gone. Muscle has yet to replace it.

He smiles a bit, thinking about what a little marshmallow the boy used to be. Chubby little arms with fat wrists and little jogan cheeks that dimpled when he smiled.

How time flies.

He considers putting the boy back in his own room, but has a better idea. He opens the door to the master bedroom and steps inside.

Carefully, he peels back the corner of the blanket, revealing your sleeping face. You don't stir as he slips Bambi inside and tucks the fabric up to the boy's chin.

He steps away into the darkness. Moments later, he hears a string of slurred, high-pitched Zeltrian and a surprised trill. Satisfied, he closes the door and heads for the kitchen.

Breakfast is toast and scrambled eggs. Neutral in acidity, high in protein, and high in carbs, but easy on the stomach.

He's finished his own when the Little Lady trots down the stairs. It's odd seeing her in a simple shirt and pants instead of the loud dresses you usually put her in. But he always insists on neutral clothing -- less to snag on, less to fuss over, less chance of her getting snatched up by a man with ill intent.

"Eat up, girl," he says, pouring himself a cup of caf. "We'll head out when yer finished."

---

It's about as simple of a job as it could possibly get, and he was lucky to spot the listing when he did. Some nobody smuggler on the next planet over that's been undercutting a Hutt grunts' operation. Simply find, shoot, and bring to the middleman alive so they can teach them a lesson.

Perfect for a beginner.

"As soon as you see them, pull de trigger," he says, handing her a blaster. "It's already on stun. Drop 'em like a sack o' flour."

"What if I miss?" she asks. "Or it doesn't work?"

"You won't miss," he says, "and it'll work. Trust yer ol' man and trust yer instruments."

She gives him a cautious look. "It's a gun, Daddy. Not an instrument."

He chuckles to himself. "Just means don't hesitate. And one more word of advice." He places his finger on his lips. "Keep yer mouth shut. Don't let anyone get you talkin'. You'll get distracted."

It's the truth, but the real reason is that she's just too damn cute. Trying to sound intimidating will only make her even more adorable.

---

Warehouse security is non-existent. They walk right through the front door and split up after entering.

And by 'split up,' he means he tails her at a distance. Far enough away that she thinks she's on her own, but close enough that he can swoop in if a Battle Droid shows up.

...Not that a Battle Droid will show up, but now he's irrationally worried. He hasn't discussed fighting droids at all with her. He adds that to the top of the lessons list.

But she seems to be doing okay so far. Walking on her toes, hand on her blaster, scanning and listening carefully before rounding any corners. If anything, she'd make a decent scout. Or a burglar, which she probably gets from you. You oughta take her prowling sometime.

Bane hears the movement before she does. Muffled footsteps and the soft swish of moving cloth, coming right towards them.

He withdraws into a shadow before she doubles back. She climbs up onto a crate to literally get the drop on whoever is coming. Unwise and risky. He docks a few points for that. What she should have done is waited for them to pass and then got them in the back...

She hits the ground lightly, and he hears the click of her blaster.

And then he hears a laugh he could have gone the rest of his life without hearing again.

There's no fucking way. He sticks his head out to confirm. Hat, species, stature...

That's Hondo Ohnaka, all right.

Maker damn it all.

Ohnaka looks utterly nonplussed. "Careful where you point that, youngling. You might hurt yourself."

He's about to step in when the Little Lady replies. "Make this easy for both of us and come quietly, smuggler."

Just as Bane feared, Ohnaka throws back his head and laughs. "Ah, what is the galaxy coming to? Adorable little children threatening me." He crosses his arms. "Tell me, girl, what's your name?"

"None of your business," the Little Lady says.

Bane sneaks a big closer. Better angle to shoot Ohnaka in the face if he has to.

The pirate has changed a lot in the decade since he last saw him. His coat is gone, and he's less bejeweled. He's let the tendrils on his chin grow longer as well. Must have fallen on hard times. Same stupid hat, though.

Ohnaka shifts his weight to his back foot. "Well, Miss None-Of-Your-Business, Hondo is in a hurry. Step aside."

The Little Lady stands her ground, even taking a step closer. Her aim doesn't waver for a second.

Ohnaka stares at her a moment, then laughs again. "Such spunk! If you were a little taller, I might actually be afraid."

He walks around and past her. The Little Lady blinks at him, then chases after him. "Where are you going?!" she says, flustered. "I told you to--"

Ohnaka whirls on her. "Listen, youngling," he says, voice low. "I am in a good mood. Do not test me. Turn around and walk away."

She recoils slightly. Her gaze flits around, likely looking for Bane. "N-No," she stammers. "I'm a bounty hunter and you're my bounty. I'll shoot you. I mean it."

Something like anger flashes across the pirate's face. But it vanishes, replaced with a contemplative look. He strokes his chin. "Awful short for a bounty hunter," he mutters to himself. He returns to his normal voice. "I have a proposal, youngling."

Just shoot him, he wills the girl. He'd do it himself, but he doesn't have a good angle...

She keeps the blaster on him. "If you're gonna try to bribe me--"

"Bribe you? Never! A girl with such conviction would never fall for such a thing," he says. "I am in need of a... Diminutive personage. Hondo is tall, ship maintenance shafts are small, and his joints are not as well-oiled as they used to be. Why not be my cabin girl, hm? Join the crew of the legendary Hondo Ohnaka!"

The Little Lady lowers her pistol, looking somewhat intrigued.

Bane is reasonably certain that you'd never let him hear the end of it if your daughter joined a pirate crew. Time to stop this.

He clicks the safety off of his LL-30 as he steps out of the shadow. "Dat's enough."

The Little Lady jumps out of her skin, but Ohnaka's face lights up like a carnival when he realizes who he's looking at.

"Well, blast me to Corellia!" he chortles. "Cad, my old friend!"

He tries to hug Bane. Bane levels his LL-30 at Ohnaka's gut. "Touch me and I plug ya."

Ohnaka just scoffs. "Glad to see nothing has changed," he says. "Tell me, what are you doing here?"

"Wanted somethin' easy," he says. "Lookin' fer a two-bit smuggler. Guessin' dat's you."

It's subtle, but Ohnaka flinches slightly. "We all fall on hard times now and again," he says. "But Hondo is on the up and up!"

Bane lets out a low, rumbling chuckle. "Not if I got anythin' to say about it."

That seems to put the fear of the Maker back into the Weequay. He pales a bit, but keeps his nonchalance as he stands aside. "Well, you'll have to compete with the youngling for it. Go on. Have it out."

"She's with me," he says.

Ohnaka breaks into a broad grin. He's even more nervous now. "I always knew you had a soft side. Let me guess, a street child you took a liking to? No, no..." He thinks a moment, then snaps his fingers. "Ah! Long-lost relative died and you're her remaining living family? Or perhaps--"

And here comes the migraine. "She's my kid," he says. He hopes the shock of the statement will shut Ohnaka up.

And it works, for a moment. His jaw clicks shut and his eyes widen, but soon he's chatting again. "That Zeltron girl with the nice--?"

It's been so long since Bane has seen Ohnaka sober that he's forgotten how fast the pirate can move when he wants to. He closes the gap between the two of them in moments to grab Bane's shoulders.

"And you didn't tell me?!" He actually sounds offended.

Don't engage. Don't engage. He engages. "Why would I tell you anything?"

"Because I'm your friend!" he says. He releases Bane to pace around. "And I'm the reason you two got together, after all! That practically makes me the girl's godfather!"

The Little Lady tips her head. "You know Momma?" she asks.

Ohnaka laughs. "I do! Very well." The laugh turns... wistful. "Very, very well. If your father hadn't come along, I'd have stolen her for myself."

Bane literally bites his tongue and resists the urge to put a few holes in the Weequay's torso. Even a decade later, that's still a sore spot for him, but it's not worth losing the money.

Ohnaka squats down in front of the Little Lady. "Ah, you look just like her, too. Don't know how I didn't see it before. Let's try this again." He straightens up into a bow. "Hondo Ohnaka, my dear."

Despite not wearing a dress, the Little Lady crosses one leg behind the other and dips. You just have taught her that. "I'm Mezerel. Nice to meet'cha."

"The pleasure is all mine!" Without warning, he scoops her up into his arm. She squeals and giggles as he spins her around, her previous aggression forgotten.

Bane sighs inwardly. He should have just shot him. But, as per usual, just being within a meter of Hondo Ohnaka actively makes him stupider.

"Alright, enough." Ohnaka stops spinning the girl, though he keeps her in his arms. "Drop her."

"Oh, I don't think so. I think I may keep her for myself." The pistol is out before Bane even registers it, pointed right at the Little Lady's head. The poor girl goes stiff. "You let me go on my way or I put a hole in your little girl," he says, voice no less bright.

Bane grinds his teeth, trying to ignore the rage blooming in his chest. He should have seen that coming. It's just so hard to tell when Ohnaka is bluffing. That's why he never played sabacc with him after the first time.

"Ya really wanna piss me off like dat?" he asks. "Her mother would rip ya apart, too."

The Little Lady starts to speak, but he cuts her off. "Daddy--"

"Mez, shut up," he says. He feels bad being so harsh, but it's a necessary evil. "Drop her, Ohnaka."

Ohnaka does not. He starts to step back. "Here's what we'll do," he says. "I walk to my ship. Once it is ready for takeoff, I release little Mezerel. Unless you want to see her cold and lifeless?"

He does not want that. He cannot express in mere words how much he does not want that. But the credits--

He's mentally preparing himself to give up the reward when the whir of a stun round echoes through the warehouse. Ohnaka blinks a few times, then slowly falls forward. He hits the ground with a thump.

Bane pokes him with his boot before letting out a sigh of relief. "Nice timin', kid."

The Little Lady wriggles out from underneath Ohnaka, her rostrum scrunched. "He's weird."

He huffs a laugh. Good judge of character. "I don't like him either." He clips the binders on the pirate's wrists and heaves him up onto his shoulders. “Let’s go.”

---

Ohnaka is still out cold when he tosses him at the client's feet. He gets paid a nice stack of credits -- not massive, but fair.

He had the Little Lady wait in the speeder. She looks up as he climbs into the driver's seat, and her brow wrinkles as he places some of the credits in her lap. "What's this?"

"Yer cut," he says.

She counts them quickly, then compares it to his stack. "This isn't half. Where's the rest?"

He chuckles as he slips his creds into his wallet. "Seventy-thirty split, li'l lady. I told ya dat."

"I thought it was like a bowling term or somethin', not actual math," she grumbles. "I want hazard pay. He almost shot me."

"Ya negotiate dese things before de job," he says.

He goes to give her a little pat on the head, but she flinches away. He frowns. That's not like her at all.

"Y'alright?" he asks.

She avoids his gaze, preferring to stare at her boots. "... why didn't ya shoot him?" she asks quietly.

He has no idea how to answer that. The honest answer will just upset her, but he doesn't want to lie to his girl.

He takes a deep breath. "Sometimes, ya gotta make tough decisions," he says. He starts the speeder, and the engine purrs to life.

She finally looks at him, red eyes burning into him. "Answer the question, Daddy."

He drums his fingers on the steering yoke, trying to think of a diplomatic way to put it... Or he could deflect. "He wasn't gonna shoot ya. He was bluffin'."

"That's not the question."

Maker on high, she sounds so much like you. "No," he says finally. "I trusted ya'd come through. I trusted my instrument."

The poor girl's face falls and it falls hard. She looks away from him, back to her little boots. "Is that what I am?" she murmurs. "I thought ya liked me."

"I do. I like ya a lot." He reaches his hand over to take hers. It's still so little compared to his. "But de job's over," he says gently. "An' yer back to bein' my li'l lady."

After a moment, her little fingers curl around his. She lets out a sigh. "Okay."

He squeezes her hand before letting go, returning it to the steering yoke. "You want anythin' from anywhere?"

She shakes her head. "I just wanna go home," she says.

That's really unlike her. But he doesn't push it. "If ya think of anything, speak up."

"Mmhmm."

---

The sun is just starting to go down when he lands gingerly on the balcony, careful not to disturb the sleeping girl in his arms.

You open the sliding door for them. Bambi is at your feet, peering around your dress. He breaks into a smile and tries to run to him, but you hold the boy back.

"She alright?" you ask Bane.

"Dozed off as we were gettin' into orbit," he says. He gives Bambi a nod. "Evenin', boy."

You smile warmly. "It's the engine noise. Puts her right to sleep." You kiss the crown of her head. "Sweet dreams, sweet girl."

Bane tramps up the stairs and to her room. He sits on the bed and pulls her boots off before peeling back the blankets and slipping her inside.

The Little Lady chirps as she stirs, opening her bleary eyes. "Are we home?" she asks.

He nods. He lifts his hat off and rests it on his knee. "Ya did good today." He gently touches her cheek. She has his cheekbones, sharp and shapely. "I'll make sure ya don't get grabbed next time. Teach ya how to get out of a hold."

She nods, then lets out a loud yawn. Pulling the blankets up and over her head, she rolls over and curls in on herself. A perfect little cocoon.

"Sleep tight, missy," he murmurs. She gives a response, but it's so muffled he can't understand a word of it.

He stands and walks to her door, leaving her to get her beauty sleep.

But, as he walks out the door, he can't resist one last glance at her.

---

"Catch Us If You Can Masterpost" | To the Mastahpost | Tip Jar

[thiswasinevitableid]

29 for indruck nsfw? i am already amused thinking about what sport either of them would play

Here you go!

29. I’m a professional athlete and I just fired my personal assistant and my manager sent you over but you don’t even know what sport I play or who my team is

When you’re in an aggressive profession it’s best, in Duck’s experience, to be as calm and friendly as you can the rest of the time.

But this whole shit-show is testing his fucking limits.

It’s been two days since he found out his perfectly fine P.A was working for the Wallstreet Journal, hoping to learn that Duck was somehow using his T or his identity to gain an unfair edge in matched. Ned fired him on the spot, thank god, but it took less than twelve hours for the guy to publish some fabricated piece on his attitude and for Duck to remember why he needed an assistant in the first place. He’s gotten so used to having one that he keeps forgetting stuff or dropping the ball on appointments, and the last thing he needs right now is to look like some stupid hick.

When Ned texts him to let him know his new P.A is en route, Duck groans “thank fuck” loud enough to startle the cat from her tree.

He goes to the door when someone knocks, but doesn’t open it.

“Who is it?”

“Indrid Cold? I, ah, Mr. Chicane said this was Duck Newton’s address and I’m supposed to start as his assistant tomorrow.”

Duck opens the door, “Fuck tomorrow, you’re startin today. I gotta focus on strategy with Minerva the next two days if I don’t wanna show my ass Friday night and it’s real fuckin hard to do that with people callin me left and right.” He guides the startled young man inside, then stops to take a deep breath, “sorry, lemme try that again” he holds out his hand, “Nice to meet you, Indrid.”

“Likewise, Mr. Newton.”

“Duck is fine. It’s a nickname. You bring your stuff with you?”

“Yes, it’s all in my car.”

“Good. Here, lemme give you the, uh, the grand tour, so to speak, on the way to your part of the place.”

Indrid smiles and nods, hanging back slightly as Duck leads him through the house. They cover the living room, kitchen, Duck’s bedroom, then come what was once the garage door.

“This here’s the gym; you can’t find me in the rest of the house, I’m probably here.”

“Goodness” The other man’s eyes widen behind his red glasses, “that’s an impressive array. I mean, I know professional athletes need to train but I, ah, I assumed you did it on site with the rest of your team.”

“Team?” Duck closes the door, spots Indrid’s fingers diving into his pockets to hide their twitching.

“Yes.”

“Which team?”

“Your...sports team?”

“....you got no fuckin clue who I am, do you?”

“No.” Narrow shoulders sag in his sweater.

Duck chuckles, “Figures.”

The silver haired head snaps back up, “Mr. Chicane didn’t say it was a prerequisite for hiring me.”

“Guess he didn’t. And I guess it ain’t. Just hoped they’d hire someone who knew what the fuck he was gettin into.”

Indrid crosses his arms, “They gave me a very thorough job description. I assure you I can do every part of it. Laying out your pre-workout and scheduling appearances isn’t rocket science, and it doesn’t matter if the dry cleaning I pick up is for a, a baseball after party or some sort of charity basketball fundraiser.” It dawns on the taller man that he’s just snapped at his boss. He contracts in on himself, staring down at his black converse.

Duck takes the chance for a more careful look; all of his clothes are second hand, chosen as if he’s cosplaying a jock who went into white collar work. There are piercing holes in his ears, flecks of silver polish on his nails. This job application was a hail mary and Ned Chicane went ahead and caught.

“No harm done, slim.” He rests a friendly hand on Indrid’s arm, “think it’s time I enlightened you.”

His office doesn’t get used much, so a sprinkling of dust greets them as he flips on the lights and reveals posters, magazine covers, and newspaper clips bearing Duck’s face. The gloves he used to win his first fight hang in a place of honor, right above the photo of him and the other fighters from Amnesty Boxing. It’s an older photo, taken the first time they sent a team out of state, sun-faded to the point the writing on it is disappearing. It makes him smile all the same.

“This does explain the set of instructions for helping you cut weight if needed.” Indrid takes in the posters, then turns his attention to the corner dedicated to Duck’s model ship collection. He cocks his head, says more to himself than Duck, “boxer. Interesting.”

“Were you just gonna bluff about knowin who I was until I said somethin?”

“That and look for clues in the rest of the house.”

He smiles, “Like a man with a plan b. C’mon, lemme show you your room.”

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

Alright, so Indrid should have researched Duck Newton before turning up at his house so he didn’t come across as ignorant and unprepared. But he was busy running every Taskrabbit and UberEat he could get just to scrape up enough to keep his landlord off his back. Sue him for not wanting to sleep in his car again.

He never expected to get this job; live-in P.A who doesn’t have to pay for groceries (buy them, yes, since that’s one of his jobs) is not the kind of luck he’s familiar with. He keeps waiting for the catch, so nervous that when Duck pops in on him unpacking he assumes he’ll scold him for his wardrobe.

“I, should I buy some more professional clothes?”

Duck takes in the two duffle bags and backpack, “Up to you. I don’t mind you lookin like the little art punk you are, but a dress shirt or two might help if we gotta go somewhere real upscale. Don't worry about buyin it yourself; just use the same card we do for groceries.”

Indrid is still hung up on why the fact a man three inches shorter than him calling him “little” makes his chest burn. Luckily, the phone rings and distracts him. Then it rings again. And again. And again. All while the inbox doubles every time he looks at it.

This turns out to be the catch; the work is actually hard. Everyone and their uncle wants to interview Duck, get him to sponsor something, or proposition him. Four hours in, he’s overwhelmed, overstimulated, and ready to hide under the desk. His fidget necklace isn’t helping, so he pulls out his chewable one; it often helps him think in high pressure moments.

The phone rings again and he growls at it.

“You’re allowed to let things go to voicemail, y’know.”

He spins in his chair, black rubber moth still in his mouth. Duck leans in the doorway, tank top soaked in sweat and towel around his shoulders

“I, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to drop anything important.”

“Ned handles the fights and the money, and anyone I care about has my private number for emergencies.”

“Right. I knew that.” Indrid can’t have his boss thinking he’s a total space-case.

Duck smiles, “What I’m sayin is; ain’t the end of the world if you don’t get back to everyone right away. Besides, right now you need a lunch break, slim. Lemme go rinse off and I’ll join you.”

By the time Duck enters the kitchen in an old “NIN” shirt and jeans, Indrid has his protein bowl laid out for him and is finishing microwaving a hot pocket for himself. Before he can scurry away, Duck pats the seat beside him and Indrid sits down, preparin to politely listen to Duck talk about himself or his sport.

He talks for ten minutes about the trees he saw on his run that morning before asking Indrid what he did before coming to the house. Indrid explains about his art and his side hustles in tarot and palm reading, about the run of bad luck that saw him without roommates and lost him his steady gig at a coffee shop. Duck makes genuinely sympathetic noises, lets Indrid change the subject when the fact he was on the edge of disaster makes Indrid’s chest tighten. They’re still talking about music as Indrid returns to his desk and Duck goes to meet Minerva in the gym.

By the time Duck’s fight rolls around that weekend, Indrid is feeling much better. He has a system of sorting emails that works for him, some mothman stickers to help him organize the paper calendar on his desk, and more confidence in his ability to spot callers with ulterior motives. He’s shut down two separate ones looking to trap Duck into interviews where he’d be forced to defend his very identity. Duck overheard his responses to the second one and brought him back a fancy creme brulee latte from his breakfast as a thank you.

He doesn’t go to the fight; it’s a small one for charity and Duck has Ned to manage him, Minerva to train him, and Leo to coach him ringside. He doesn’t need his P.A. Instead, Indrid finishes up his correspondence for the day, makes sure Duck’s breakfast is all set in the fridge, and confirms the masseuse is coming in the morning.

Once in bed, Indrid gets sucked into the commission he’s doing and is lost to the world until a tired, satisfied face pokes through his door.

“Oh! Hello Duck. Did it go well? Do, ah, is there something you need from me?”

“Yep, I won like I thought I would. And nope; was just poppin in to say goodnight.”

No one’s said that to him in a long time. The bitterness of that realization is sweetened by Duck’s smile.

“Goodnight to you too, Duck.”

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

Minerva is sick, which wouldn’t be a problem except for one part of his workout. He could skip it, but he needs to keep everything sharp for when they go to L.A.

“‘Drid? You got a few minutes?”

His assistant appears in the doorway, black jeans and white “Cramps” tank-top fitting him in a way that makes Duck want to hold him face down on the floor and find out how to take his breath away.

“What do you need?”

Duck points to the heavy bag, “You up for bracin this while I hit it?”

“I...I am not as strong as Minerva.”

“You don’t gotta be; this is just to keep the damn thing from swinging while I’m doin this speed drill.”

“Alright.” Indrid takes off his glasses and sets them on the folding chair, joining Duck, “how do I hold it?”

Duck shows him, does a few test punches to make sure he won’t send the poor guy flying. The round clock dings green, and he’s off. The bag wobbles for the first few seconds, then Indrid seems to find his footing and holds it stable enough for the drill to work. When the round ends, Duck steps baack, “okay, you can let go until the next round.”

“Goodness.” Indrid stretches his hands, “I feel for your opponents. I’m jarred just from that.”

“You need to stop? I got two more rounds at least, but if it’s hurtin you I caan skip ‘em.”

Indrid shakes his head, smiling, “nono, I like helping you with this. It’s exhilarating.”

The bell dings.

“Glad to hear it. Now brace it again.”

By the end of round three, Indrid is panting loud enough for Duck to hear him over the fan. He looks up, glove still on the bag, and finds them face to face.

“Minerva said three to five rounds for this. You wanna keep goin?”

Indrid, breathless and grinning, nods, “Can’t have you slacking off, now can we?”

Duck wants to bite his lip, just to see what happens. Blames the thought on the adrenaline. Then discovers the exact same thought waiting for him when Indrid, cleaned and in his most respectable clothes, joins him in the car to go to an interview.

Ned gave the P.A a list of likely questions, so they practice those as they creep across the Bay Bridge. But Duck notices that on both the trip there and back, whenever there’s a lull in conversation Indrid is on his phone reading about boxing. Duck knows the other man fixates on topics that interest him; knowing one of Duck’s passions has earned that distinction makes him smile.

After that, he starts inviting Indrid to watch him train, or shares his thoughts about matches with him. That’s all it takes for Indrid to start drawing him into long, animated conversations about his sport. When Indrid asks why there’s such debate over the proper way to wrap hands and also how does Duck do his, Duck demonstrates.

“Here, ‘Drid, now you try it on me.”

The P.A moves the wraps slowly, deliberately, moving Duck’s hand like it’s a priceless treasure he’s readying for transport. Every time he bites his lip in concentration or brushes hair from his forehead, Duck has to remind himself to breathe.

“Done.” Indrid is still holding his left hand, “Did I do well?”

The boxer tests the wraps, wiggles his fingers and clenches his fists. Then he squeezes Indrid’s hand, “you did perfect, slim.”

Duck can wrap his hands in his sleep. But whenever he’s home, he finds Indrid and asks him to do the honors. Indrid does them every time. Perfectly.

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

Indrid stands in the green room with Ned and a cluster of arena employees. The roaring crowd a few walls away echoes through the screen. He’s never seen Duck fight, but this event required all hands on deck to handle P.R, scheduling, and making sure Duck had what he needed to win.

Duck and his opponent enter the ring. Touch gloves.

Indrid’s pulse climbs.

Then the bell sounds and no useful noises come through the T.V. Just the announcers shouting and being drowned out by the crowd. Indrid gives up on parsing the cacophony, focus only on Duck. He’s seen him practice, but in a true match he’s a different beast. His opponent is faster, that much is clear, but Duck is patient, steady, blocks and weaves until he can land blows that make Indrid hurt just watching them.

Duck is magnificent like this. Indrid has to draw him like this, has to capture this and keep it forever, he has to, he has…

He has a hard-on in the middle of the green room.

He sticks it out long enough to see Duck win and then bolts to the bathroom so it can be taken care of by the time the boxer is done with the post-fight interviews.

They go out to celebrate, and Duck never nudges Indrid aside to let someone more important sit next to him. And as the drive to the hotel, he nods off with his head on Indrid’s shoulder.

It only gets worse after that.

Duck will coax him into joining him for a run with the promise of a fancy breakfast. On cheat days, Duck orders food to the house or takes Indrid out to lunch, and somehow the thing he wants when not focused on macros is always the thing Indrid mentioned he’d been craving. He invites Indrid on hikes with him, starts taking him to all his events even though he seldom needs help or herding at them (“yeah, but it’s nice to have someone to crack jokes with”). And on days when Indrid needs to be alone, or wants to see other friends, Duck simply smiles and closes the door.

The most dangerous days are the ones without anything on the schedule. Then it’s all too easy for Indrid to pretend that they’re something they’re not while he draws at the table across from where Duck is building his model ship. Too easy to imagine that the water-wise garden Duck tends is something he put into their house, not his house that Indrid happens to live in. Too easy to admit that Indrid wants to look after him for no payment except being looked after in return.

Duck reciprocating his feelings is within the realm of possibility. Indrid’s caught him staring when he walks in on the P.A doing yoga, and the casual touches long ago made the leap from accidental to deliberate. He also knows that Duck can’t fire him--only Ned can--and hopes that might lead to the boxer slinging him over his shoulder and tossing him on the bed one of these days.

There’s also the tabloid site circulating a photo of them with a caption claiming he’s Duck’s “boytoy” in spite of them only being two years apart. They’re not even sitting that close in the picture; Duck’s just smiling at him like he’s the only thing in the world, that’s all.

Currently, he’s having an easier time keeping his feelings buried because--ever since they landed in Vegas-- Duck has been a dick the rest of the day. Well, as much as a dick as he can be; his offenses are mainly snapping at people and lacking his usual patience.

When he scolds Indrid over something silly in the hotel that night, Indrid turns and stares at him over his glasses.

“Duck, what’s wrong?”

“Wh-uh, fuck, nothing, why do you, uh, fuck, I’m fine.”

“You just snapped at me in a way that was completely uncalled for.” He crosses his arms, “is it the fight? I know it’s a big one but that’s no reason to be rude.”

Duck scratches the back of his neck, “You’re gonna laugh at me.”

“I swear I won’t. Or, if I do, it will be after you leave.”

That gets a smile, “I’m uh, well, I’m what you’d call ‘horny as all fuckin get out.’”

Indrid’s immediate thoughts would solve the problem at hand while creating a new and far worse set, so he keeps them to himself and replies, “If need privacy, I can come back later and hold all your calls.”

“Nah.” Duck sits on the bed, “You’re not supposed to get off before a fight. Makes you too relaxed.”

“That strikes me as an old wives tale. Old boxers tale?”

“Either way, it’s one Minerva still believes. If I lose, she will ask about every possible cause, includin that one. Better if I just cat nap before I start all my pre-match stuff. Come get me in fort minutes?”

“Of course.” Indrid waves and closes the door before he offers to lay down in the hopes of Duck having a wet dream while holding him.

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

Duck wins, though it’s a tough battle to get there. He fucking hates these Pay-Per-View fights, they try to make it sound like he’s got beef with the other guy. In reality, once he’s down from a knockout, Duck is the one who helps him to the other side of the ring.

There’s a flurry of press afterwards, of questions and congratulations while all he wants to do is shower. He gets clean, promises Ned they can all go out to celebrate later. As he and Indrid finally escape to his suite he’s forced to admit that--if the thoughts of hitting the “fire” button and fucking Indrid against the wall are any indication--his problem from earlier hasn’t gone away.

“Do you need me to see if I can get a masseuse up here? You look very stiff.”

“Just uh, just tense.” Why did he tell Indrid he liked those jeans on him? He’s worn them as often as he can since.

Indrid cocks an eyebrow, “Still pent up even though the fighting is done?”

“Yep.”

The P.A shakes his head, hiding a smirk, “Do you need me to find something for you to watch?”

“No.”

“I mean it, this place has all the good channels.” He’s so earnest, picking up the channel guide like it, rather than those fucking jeans and shirt with Duck’s name on it, has what Duck needs.

“No.” He growls.

Indrid sighs, sets the book back down, “This mood is annoying us both, so just tell me what kind of porn you want and I can go out and buy it.”

“Unless they got somethin called ‘boxer jackhammers skinny artist until he cries’ we’re gonna be shit out of luck!”

The P.A blinks, “Duck, this is Vegas, I can probably find that. Or look for it on your laptop…” he trails off when their eyes meet. Duck knows he must look like he’s ready to jump him. Indrid licks his lips, “Duck? What, ah, what exactly lead to this situation?”

“You really wanna know, slim?” Duck steps across the carpet, notices Indrid padding over the black and blue patterns to meet him.

“Yes.”

Duck removes Indrid’s glasses, “Had a dream about you while I was on the plane. Woke up havin just finished fuckin you open. First thing I thought was “no big deal, ‘Drid’s right here. We can do the real thing once we get to the hotel.’ Then I fuckin remembered that we couldn’t, and I know for damn sure that if I jerk off I won’t feel satisfied because you’re be over there” he jabs his thumb at the door connecting their rooms, “so close and completely outta my reach.”

“So keep me right here instead.” Indrid purrs, fingers tentatively finding Duck’s hips. The light contact splinters his self-control and he practically tackles Indrid onto the bed, kissing him as the taller man moans and paws at his clothes.

The kiss takes the heat off enough to clear the steam fogging up his head and sits up, “This really okay?”

“I would have said if it wasn’t now for goodness sake please get back down here.” Indrid yanks him forward by the front of his shirt, smashing their lips together. He’s humming and sighing every time Duck touches him, rolling his hips to display a quickly forming hard-on.

“Aw, sugar, you gettin excited just from kissin’?” Duck grinds down just to see him gasp.

“Y-yes. I, Duck, I’ve wanted this for months.”

The implication of those words slam his desire into overdrive, “You sneaky little thing, that why you kept runnin around in tight clothes?”

“Most of my clothes h-hang off me.” Indrid holds tight to Duck’s thighs as the boxer strips his shirt off, “but yes I, I did start wearing what you liked more often.”

“Ain’t that thoughtful. And what were you hoping would happen, slim?” Duck yanks his sweats off and kicks them to the floor.

“This.” Indrid’s eyes keep slipping down to stare at Duck’s dick.

The boxer strokes himself lazily, “like what you see?”

“So much.”

“Then how about a closer look, sugar?” He crawls up Indrid’s body to straddle his face. It looks even better than normal framed by his thighs.

“Do I get to touch too?”

Duck guides his hands onto his ass, “As much as you want. You gonna be sweet and let me fuck your face, or am I gonna have to hold your mouth open?”

Indrid opens his mouth instantly, a whimper creeping out of it as Duck strokes his hair. The sound morphs into a louder, but muffled, moan when Duck sinks down. He teases his dick against Indrid’s lips, drags slick across his chin, feels his jaw tremble with wanting to close. Duck shifts so his dick touches Indrid’s tongue, “get to it. Oh fuck” he braces a hand on the wall, “heh, didn’t know Ned screened for cocksuckin skills.”

Indrid shakes his head, brown eyes wide as Duck roughly rides his face.

“No? He didn’t make you demonstrate on some of the other fighters? Didn’t make sure you could make a whole gym cum to prove your mouth was good enough for me?”

“‘O” Indrid shakes his head again, silver strands sticking to the pillow as he kneads Duck’s ass in a way that makes him groan.

“Too bad for them. Because now they ain’t ever gonna get a chance.”

A whimper and write of the torso; Duck glances over his shoulder to watch Indrid buck his hips in the air, pre-cum clear on his crotch. His feet, still in their shoes, point and flex as he moans around Duck’s dick.

“You like that, don’t you sugar?” He threads both hands into Indrid’s hair, pinning his head down or pulling it closer as it suits him, all the while gently rubbing his scalp “like knowin’ that you’re doin well.”

A harder suck in reply.

“Then be a good little cocksucker and make me cum.” He holds his head down and let’s loose, grinding and grunting in pursuit of the heat that starts at Indrid’s tongue and is steadily curling up into Duck’s belly. The other man holds him tight, moaning and licknig and sucking until Duck cums on his mouth, the lasts bursts of it happening against a slackening jaw.

As soon as his legs cooperate, he climbs off and guides Indrid to sit up in his arms. His attempt to check on the other man is interrupted by a frantic kiss.

“I was gonna ask if you wanna keep goin’, but I think I got my answer.”

“Yes, I mean no, I mean please don’t stop yet. Please I, we can do whatever you like, we can do just this, you can drag me out on the balcony and fuck me in full view of the city-”

“Easy, slim, easy.” Duck cups his cheek, “let’s start with somethin simple. Get naked and get comfy on your back for me. I gotta go grab somethin from down the hall.”

His memory turns out to be spot on; the vending machine on this floor has toiletries, including condoms and a travel bottle of lube. He buys ten of one and three of the other, drops them in the pockets of his robe and hurries back to Indrid. Sprawled on the bed, he looks painfully vulnerable, like someone who got used to life kicking him and telling him to stay down.

It’ll be different when they’re together, Duck can promise that much.

“Seem to recall you wanting me to keep you here.” He grabs a handwrap, holds it where Indrid can see, “how do you feel about me usin this?”

“Extremely good. Oh, oh hello.” He laughs when Duck rolls down beside him to pepper his face with kisses. The process of trapping his hands to the headboard is prolonged thanks to their mutual need to keep kissing every five seconds.

“Now” Duck kisses his shoulder, “I didn’t bring any toys to fuck you with, so it’s just gonna be my hand.”

“You say that as if it’s a disappointment to me and not incredibly sexy.”

“Some folks don’t think you’re fuckin ‘em unless you use somethin dick-shaped.” Duck shrugs with a flicker of sadness from the last time he had that conversation.

“Tell me who insulted your body or your skills in bed and I shall stand outside their window with a megaphone informing them of how terrible their manners are and how they missed out on the finest man in the world.”

“That’d be funny” Duck leisurely kisses his belly and hips before sitting up, “but you’d have to get outta bed.”

“True. Ah well, a sternly worded email will have do OOOh, oohhhyes.” He wiggles his hips as Duck presses in the first finger, relaxing under his touch.

“Get the feelin you’ve done this before”

“Yes.” Indrid’s chest is flushed and Duck reaches up his free hand to play with his nipples.

“What’s the most you’ve taken?”

“Th-three, I believe. I, ah, I’m usually facing away so I sometimes lose track.”

“You're takin four tonight. Can’t believe anyone would wanna miss out on how you look when you’re getting fucked.” He teases the second finger to prove his point and Indrid’s mouth curves with bliss.

“My ass is many people’s type; my face not so much.”

“Fuck that.” Duck pushes the second finger in. Indrid arches, then sighs as Duck keeps working him open.

“I find it difficult to care what they thought right now. I, ahhhn, it’s much more fun to think about you.”

“About me…?”

“About right you’re doing right now and, AH, what we can do next. I do so want to sit in your lap in the hot tub back home.”

“Can manage that. What else?”

“I’d very much l-like to fuck you, however you’ll let me and, and I want us to do it right after you train some day, you look so good like thatAHgod.” The third finger is in and Indrid is now steadily pushing down on them, “and one of the times you get me to run with you I expect a blow job in reward oh, ohfuck” his eyes are wild and eager, “please do the last one, I’m ready, I want it so badly, please.”

Duck begins teasing the fourth finger, “Think all those wants of yours sound real good. You wanna know mine?”

“Absolutely. AHaahnnnahgod” The wrap tightens as Indrid clings to it, trying to stabilize himself as Duck fucks his hand into him hard.

“Soon as we get home, I’m gettin the strap-on and fuckin you for a solid hour at least. Gonna leave you so fuckin raw and relaxed you won’t wanna do anything but lay there, and you’ll goddamn get to because you’re mine and I’m gonna take care of you.”

“Duck” it’s a happy sob, Indrid’s cock bobbing in the air.

“Gonna take a trip somewhere private, just the two of us, and you’re gonna spend the whole fuckin time tied up, to the bed, a chair, whatever the fuck else I feel like so I can ride your dick whenever I want.”

“Yes.” Indrid is barely getting out words between his cries.

“And the next time you have the fuckin nerve to wear tight jeans the day I gotta fight, I’m gonna shove a vibration plug up that cute little ass and lock your cock in a cage so we can both be horny without bein able to get off.”

“Duck please, I’m close, please touch-”

He wraps his fingers around Indrid’s dick and works him over hard and fast, “Soon as I’m done with that fight, you’re gonna blow me in the locker room so I can focus on nailin your ass into next week when we get--ohfuck!” Cum hits his chin as Indrid gasps and squeaks, scratching at the wraps and the headboard.

If Duck ever loses his memory, he hopes this is the last moment to go; Indrid Cold, happy, safe, and satisfied while he moans Duck’s name.

Indrid is boneless as Duck undoes the bonds, though he rallies enough to pull the boxer into a hug so he can cuddle him like a teddy bear. He kisses his throat, feels his pulse even out beneath his lips.

“Duck? Does, ah, does this mean what I think it does?”

The phone rings right as he’s about to answer. It’s probably Ned, so he holds up a finger and grabs the receiver.

“Go for Duck. Yeah, yeah that’ll be fine” he nods as Ned explains the plan for their exclusive, late night dinner, “yeah, tell ‘em five; you, Minerva, Leo, me and” he winks at a beaming Indrid, “my boyfriend.”

[mimicteruyo]

The Little Teahouse Around the Corner

[Touhou Ship Week Day 7: Free day. KomaEiki + AkyuSuzu, 2.7k, crack/fluff]

---

If described very charitably, the construction before Eiki and Komachi could have been called a teahouse, exactly as the bamboo plank above the entrance claimed it was. More accurately, it was simply a large tent lit with red lanterns, standing conspicuously close to the Human Village.

"At least it's open?" Komachi eyed the obviously wet paint on the sign, then peered within. "I figured that at this hour, we'd have a choice between grilled lamprey and nothing this close to the village."

"Indeed." Eiki followed Komachi's example. There were certainly plenty of people within, each with a beverage in front of them, but the overall mood in the tent was quietly puzzled. Besides chairs and tables, there was also what looked bafflingly like an oden cart. "Something about this seems wrong."

"No worries, Sis! It ain't anything weird! We're runnin' a perfectly nice temp teahouse!"

They straightened up in unison. The speaker was a calico cat perched on a stool just barely to the side of the tent's entrance, grinning at them. "Lookin' for a cosy place to chat? We've got ya covered!"

Komachi grinned back. "Mike Goutokuji, right? Don't tell me this is your shop."

"It ain't. I'm just workin' here for a bit." Mike's tail swayed gently from side to side as she talked, its many-coloured fur catching the light of the lanterns. "I'm a barker! Which I know sounds really weird since I'm a cat an' all, but I can do the job. For a few days, anyway. Steady work doin' the same thing over an' over again ain't really my thing."

Komachi chuckled. "I know that feel— er."

Eiki chose to ignore the aborted remark. In any case, Mike's plans made it sound as though she was doing precisely what she supposed to do. Losing interest in things and loafing around were some of the chief goals in a cat's life, after all.

"Anyway," Mike curled up her palm. She beckoned three times. "Welcome to the Juniper Teahouse."

The next moment, Eiki found herself within the tent with no memory of stepping inside.

She halted, blinking in the sudden light. There were half a dozen customers within, humans and youkai alike, nursing teacups and expressions ranging from vexed to serene. Although there were multiple chairs for each table, every single customer was solitary. What had looked like an oden cart from the outside was precisely that; no-one appeared to man it, although the occasional bang and tuneful whistle from within it told her that someone was indeed there, just beyond sight.

"Komachi," she began, more puzzled than troubled even as she clutched the Rod of Remorse closer to her chest. "We should keep our eyes—"

It was at that moment that she became aware of a distinct lack of Komachi by her side. Only Mike was there, waving her legs in the air and looking very pleased with herself.

Eiki spun around. "Komachi?"

No answer. No sight of Komachi, either.

Standing by the entrance feeling foolish wasn't going to do anyone much good. Ignoring the slow blink Mike was giving her, Eiki stepped back outside.

And collided with an invisible barrier with enough force to momentarily bounce her off her feet. She staggered back in surprise.

Mike gave her an apologetic wince. "Sorry, Sis." Her tail swished low as Eiki studied her forehead for bumps. "After I've invited ya in, ya've gotta stay a while."

"Is this your ability?" Eiki prodded at the barrier with the Rod of Remorse. It proved as solid and unyielding as a ten-foot block of ice. "What happened to Komachi?"

"She'll be fine," said a familiar voice behind Eiki. "At least, she will be according to what Mike told me. You'll be a better judge of whether it's true or not."

Eiki turned to see a slightly less familiar face smiling at her close to the back of the tent and responded in kind. "I didn't notice you before. May I join you?"

Hieda no Akyuu assented with a nod. She waited for Eiki to take the seat opposite of her before continuing. "I hope you've been well. This present situation expected, of course."

Eiki crossed her hands on the table. "I would say so. The situation in Hell remains both confusing and volatile, but that's to be expected. Has your work progressed well?"

Akyuu took a careful sip from her cup. "It has, thank you. I've kept comfortably busy. And Kosuzu..." Akyuu's smile, which bore a distinct resemblance to that of her previous incarnation, brightened and then immediately dimmed. "I hope you don't mind my saying this, but I expected her to sit where you sit now." Her smile grew more rueful still. "Especially since she's the one who wished to come here."

"Has this establishment..." Eiki gestured at their surroundings and discovered that she couldn't call them that without correcting herself. "...Tent been here for long?"

"It appeared yesterday. As for me, I have been here for ten minutes. Mike informed me that it takes at least an hour for her invitations to be considered fulfilled."

"That's longer than I had hoped." Eiki frowned at the innocuous-looking exit and Mike, who was currently occupied with a moth circling the lantern nearest to the entrance before turning her attention back to Akyuu. "Can you tell me precisely what's going on in this place?"

"I can explain that!" a muddled but cheery voice called from the bottom of the oden cart.

---

Komachi had walked merrily along for several minutes, taking in the twilight air and seeing if she could get her breath to fog up in the lingering cold from the past winter, when she realised she had at no point decided to take an evening stroll. Moreover, she was now alone, something which was the exact opposite of her plans for the night.

She halted in the middle of the path and turned to look over her shoulder. The greenness of the teahouse tent blended into the evening behind her, but she could still see it when she squinted. Distance of course meant little to her: she could be back there nearly as soon as she decided upon it.

But first, it was best to figure what had happened. It was likely nothing serious: the situation had the feel of a fairy prank to it. Still, the fact that she couldn't actually remember what had passed rubbed her the wrong way.

"Alright..." She adjusted her scythe to rest more comfortably on her shoulder. "What happened here?"

So, there was the weird teahouse, and Mike, who did strike Komachi as bit of a prankster, but who had seemed earnest enough inviting them in. Had Mike addressed her invitation to Lady Eiki alone? No, Komachi was sure it had been extended to them both.

She recalled her only previous encounter with Mike, on a lazy afternoon not that long ago when she had wandered into Gensokyo and struck up a conversation with the cat upon meeting her on the road. Mike had mentioned arriving in Gensokyo not that long ago, having only recently left behind the temple she had been born at, and that due to circumstances she had done so before she had completed her training as a maneki—

"Damn."

At the moment of realisation, Komachi became aware of of running footsteps rapidly approaching her, just in time not to be entirely surprised by someone small but fast-moving crashing into her.

"Ow!" The person who had collided with her tottered back, holding a hand to her nose. Even in the dying light and with half her face covered, she was obviously Kosuzu Motoori. "I'm sorry! I just..."

Kosuzu trailed off. Her eyes travelled first up to Komachi's face, then to the blade of her scythe. She took a startled step back.

Komachi grinned. "No need to fret. You're not dying tonight."

Kosuzu relaxed quickly in that quietly alarming way of humans who made of habit of traipsing too close to the border of the mundane and the supernatural. As her shock drained away, it was replaced by an almost mournful expression, so out of place it was almost comical.

"What's the matter?" Komachi almost began walking to see if Kosuzu would follow, but she had a funny feeling it would only result in Kosuzu crashing into her again. "It's not wise for you to run alone on a dark night like this. Did someone refuse to return your favourite book?"

Kosuzu fidgeted with her sleeves. "No, nothing like that." For a moment, she looked hesitant to speak, but once she did, the words spilled out of her in a tumble. "Actually, it's our anniversary today."

"Whose?"

Kosuzu's cheeks flushed pink. "Mine and Akyuu's."

"Really?" Komachi couldn't help but chuckle. "That's a funny coincidence."

"What is?"

"Never mind." Komachi relaxed her stance. "Let's see if I can guess what happened. Since it was your anniversary, you decided to go out to celebrate."

"That's right."

"And you happened upon a new, strange teahouse."

"Exactly!" Kosuzu halted her eager nodding to blink. "How did you know?"

"Because it sounds like we're in the same figurative boat."

"Oh." Kosuzu smiled weakly. "I suppose that's better than a literal boat. Um, I mean..."

Komachi laughed. "That'll be another day." Before Kosuzu could become too unsettled, she nudged her head towards the road behind them. "Come on. Let's go find our dates."

---

"Here you go." Suika Ibuki slammed the teacup onto the table with enough force to make half the liquid within leap into the air. Miraculously, not only were both the table and cup undamaged, but the drink returned into the cup without so much as a single drop spilling. She winked. "I'd say it's on the house, but I'm guessing you'd take that for a bribe."

Eiki took the cup gingerly. Seeing its contents in the air had already made it obvious it was filled with anything but tea, but the scent confirmed it. "Is this sake?"

"Well, yeah."

"The sign outside said you're running a teahouse."

"Yeah, yeah. Is there a law saying you can't serve sake in a teahouse?"

Eiki had to concede the point. "Not in Gensokyo, no."

"See? Try it. It's good." Suika turned towards Akyuu. "Care for a refill?"

As Akyuu murmured a demurral, Eiki took a sip from her drink. It was indeed rather good, but that was beside the real matter at hand. She looked up. "Suika—"

Suika had already left the table. Eiki watched her stalk around the tent, grinning as she went, gathering empty cups and refilling others with seemingly no input from the patrons.

"So where was I?" She returned and cheerfully pulled out the remaining seat for herself. If she was discomfited by any lingering memories of the less than auspicious circumstances during which she had last encountered Eiki, she showed no signs of it, instead beaming with the brightness shared by the very innocent and inveterate liars. "A story of some kind?"

"You were about to explain why we can't leave."

"Yeah, that's right. So this teahouse is just a bit of fun. I'll get going as soon as Reimu finds out I've set up shop this close to the village." Suika grinned. "Actually, I think I'll wait for her to show up. It's more fun that way."

Akyuu offered her a polite smile. Eiki pushed her cup aside. "And then you hired Mike?"

"That's right." Suika took Eiki's cup and downed it in a single long swig before continuing. "Of course, I don't really need her to gather customers. I can use my foregathering ability to bring people over just fine. But it feels more like a proper teahouse with an employee, doesn't it?"

"A floor might have a similar effect," commented Akyuu dryly.

"Anyway, since Mike can only invite one person in at a time, I decided to gather people into the area so that even if only half of them got in we'd still have plenty of customers. It worked really well, too. Until people tried to leave. I tried making the people disperse once they got stuck, obviously, but for some reason it only worked on those who hadn't been invited in at all. I'm guessing our abilities got entangled in some mysterious way."

Eiki nodded. "I see."

"Anyway, you don't have to worry. Everyone gets to leave eventually. Even the person stuck for the longest managed to walk out after two hours."

Akyuu set her cup down. "At least one of us may not have to wait for that long." She raised her voice. "Mike?"

Mike, who was no longer paying attention to the moth and was instead swinging her leg back and forth, jerked her head upwards. "What's up, Sis?"

"Can you step out for a moment?"

"Sure." Mike dove out. "Now what?"

Akyuu stood up and nodded at Suika. "Thank you for your hospitality." She gestured at Eiki to join her at the tent's entrance and waited until they were both there before speaking again. "Mike, can you attempt to invite us outside?"

"Oh, I see." Eiki smiled as she grasped Akyuu's intent. "Even if the invitation can only work on one of us, it still means one of us will be free to go."

"I hope you're the one invited out." Akyuu's smile was thin but sincere. "Unnerving as it is being this close to multiple youkai, I have made my peace with waiting here. After all, by remaining in one place I have better odds of re-uniting with—"

"Akyuu!"

They turned to look outside. Kosuzu hovered right behind Mike, bopping her head around in an effort to see past her. Behind her, calm but still curious, stood Komachi. Upon noticing Eiki, she gave her a cheery little wave.

Akyuu's smile immediately warmed to the point where its brightness was a match to the lanterns. "Everything is fine, Kosuzu. It's only a small supernatural obstacle."

Kosuzu gave a distracted nod, then turned towards Mike, looking almost ready to put hands on the cat. "Please invite us in!"

Mike's eyes darted from Komachi and Kosuzu to Akyuu and Eiki and then back. She frowned. "Kay, how about we try somethin' like this?"

She positioned herself in the tent's entrance, one foot in, one foot out. Before anyone could do anything to stop her, she beckoned with both hands. "Welcome!"

The next thing Eiki knew, she had collided with something unyielding but relatively soft.

"Oof." Komachi staggered back, then reached out to steady Eiki. She grinned. "At this rate I'm going to be qualified to work as a roadblock."

Back on her feet, Eiki looked around. She was outside again, with Komachi's hands on her arms and the tent securely behind. "Who knows how far I would have walked if you hadn't stopped me. Thank you for catching me."

"Did you ever doubt I wouldn't?"

Eiki smiled back at her. "No. I didn't."

They looked back. Within the tent, Kosuzu was clinging to Akyuu's arm, speaking rapidly but too quietly for any discernible words to make it outside the tent. Mike was watching them from her perch, smiling with self-satisfaction.

"Well, that worked out great." Suika came to the entrance, beaming as though Mike's success was hers as well. "Must be fate." She winked. "And don't worry about paying. The drink was on the house after all."

Given that most of the drink remained in the house, Eiki found little cause to complain. "Thank you." She frowned. "Don't invite more people in until you have understood what causes this. Consider—"

"Yeah, sure." Suika made a sweeping wave. "Have a good night!"

She retreated back into the tent. Only Mike remained near the entrance, still pleased with herself.

"That didn't exactly work out, huh?" said Komachi, smiling all the while.

"Yes, I suppose it didn't." Eiki watched Akyuu and Kosuzu retake the table Akyuu had previously occupied, smiling at each other all as though they were the only two people in the world. "But it doesn't seem to have done any harm, either. Should we consider the grilled lamprey stand?"

"Funny. I was just thinking I was in the mood for some fried fish." Komachi let go to adjust her scythe, which had nearly fallen from her shoulder in the collision, then held out her hand. "How about we go see what else fate has in store for us tonight?"

And so they did, continuing down the road together, filled with newfound appreciation for the beauty of spring nights.