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alwaysfeelingsaintlike · 4 years

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Driving Me Mad [G.W] - Part 6

Series Description: You and George come up with a plan to pretend to date each other. But what happens when you actually start to catch feelings...

Pairing: George Weasley x Gryffindor fem!reader

Word Count: 3.7k

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

taglist: @obsssedwithjustaboutanything, @fadesbrina, @sweetlyblushedbouquet, @streetfighterrichie, @thatguppienamedbae, @wolfiepirate

Description: It’s time for the first task and you find yourself surprised once again by the tricks up George’s sleeve.

The weeks went by and word quickly spread that George and you were officially an item. Much to your delight, Fleur and Roger quickly faded into the background of the social scene to the point where you weren’t entirely sure if they were still seeing each other. The only noteworthy pairing who came close to your status was Hermione Granger who had managed to catch the eye of the one and only Viktor Krum.

You had to commend George on his stellar performance. While playing the girlfriend wasn’t a challenge for you, George was completely convincing as a boyfriend. He had a knack for sneaking up behind you and kissing you on the cheek or grabbing your waist, creating a genuine element of surprise for all to see. At first, George would join you in eating with your crowd but you started to drift ever so slightly to spending more time simply with each other for meals. Even when you were alone, it felt as if you were a couple. You would sit on the couch and laugh about nothing for hours and hours. You’d stay up late and talk about life as you rested your head in his lap and he would play with your hair as you drifted off to sleep. It got to the point where you had to remind yourself that you were not actually dating George and this was all a ploy.

The only person who appeared strictly opposed to this pseudo coupling was Fred. Despite your best efforts, he still suspected you were using George for something. And he was right about that; but he didn’t know the other half of it. So many times you considered telling Fred or instructing George to tell him about the arrangement, but you didn’t think it would help anything. Fred’s opinion would likely remain the same and he would probably just chew out George for keeping secrets from him. Instead, Fred kept his distance from you, and it pained you terribly. You knew that this was affecting their relationship and you only hoped that everything between them would clear up as soon as your deal was over.

Your plan didn’t have a set timeline, but you knew your arrangement would end with a very public breakup. You would run off and “cry yourself to sleep” while George would mope around the common room in the hopes of accepting some sympathy from Angelina Johnson. You figured by that point that Roger would be sick of pampering Fleur and would consider reconnecting with newly single you. However, gaining Roger’s attention didn’t seem to be a priority to you anymore. You just wanted to help George find his happy ending.

“Hey you, ready to go?” George interrupted your thoughts and you found him bundled up in a matching hat and scarf set, surely knitted by his mother. You were dressed in a similar manner, preparing for the brisk air about to reach your cheeks. It was a day full of excitement as the first task of the tournament was about to occur. You convinced George that you should sit with Fred and Lee for the task and he reluctantly obliged. You knew things between them had been tense and you wanted them to spend some more time together whenever possible. You walked down to the arena designed specifically for the task. George had hinted that the first task involved dragons in some way, since his brother Charlie had helped to deliver the beasts. You were ushered into the crowd where you saw Fred and Lee sitting with two seats open that they seemed to have saved for you.

You made your way through the crowd and walked through all of your peers to reach your seats. George took the space next to Fred and squeezed your hand through the mittens you were wearing. You sat down as you waited for the event to begin. The scene in front of you was a rocky terrain with giant boulders and miniature cliffs arranged in an uneven and jagged manner. In the middle of the arena was a golden egg that appeared to be the size of an ostrich egg. You were about to inquire whether George knew anything else about the task when you heard the bellowing voice of Albus Dumbledore amplify through the arena.

‘The first task of this tournament requires our champions to retrieve a golden egg that is being protected by a dangerous creature. This task is designed to test each champion’s daring and bravery, as well as their ability to think on their feet and utilize the magical knowledge and skills they have learned. At the sound of the cannon-“ Dumbledore was interrupted by the blasting of a cannon, which seemed poorly timed and must have been an accident. Yet Cedric Diggory made his way into the arena as he was up first. You cheered for your friend as he sauntered into the unknown terrain and you elbowed George to join you. You knew he was pulling for Harry to win the whole thing, but Cedric was one of your own too. Cedric looked confident, yet very alert, almost as if he was looking for something to come at him. Seemingly out of nowhere, a blue dragon landed on top of the egg that had been sitting in the middle of the arena. The crowd gasped in surprise and shock as they realized what the champions were being asked to do. George whispered in my ear, “That’s the Swedish Short-Snout. Charlie told me all about them over the summer break.” You nodded at his comment but you were unable to peel your eyes from the scene in front of you.

Cedric took a few steps closer to the Short-Snout as the dragon zeroed in on him as a new target. Steam came out of the dragon’s nostrils as he prepared to barbecue its newest intruder. Cedric was quicker though. He cast a spell and one of the boulders lying near the entrance was transformed into a dog, what looked like a German Shepherd. The crowd cheered as the dragon now chose to focus solely on the animal running circles around him in a taunting way. The shepherd made its way toward the edge of the arena and the dragon slowly followed, planning its attack. With each step the dragon made away from the golden treasure, Cedric ran a few steps closer. Just as Cedric was about a foot away from taking the egg, the dragon lost interest in playing games with the dog and headed back toward the egg he was guarding. Cedric froze as the Short-Snout grew angry at his intrusion and flames shot from the dragon’s mouth. You squeezed George’s arm, unsure of what was about to happen to your friend while also feeling slightly amazed at the power of the dragon. You could feel the heat from the stands which meant Cedric must have been close to frying. The flames hadn’t quite reached him as he lunged toward the egg, covering his face with his arm. Once the egg was in his possession, the dragon vanished and Cedric celebrated by holding up his treasure and key to the next task. The crowd went wild with applause, even though Cedric just barely made it out alive. His face was almost entirely black with dirt and soot and it appeared he sustained some sort of burn on his face. Regardless, he had defeated the dragon.

Fleur was next to take on her dragon which she did with utter finesse and minimal difficulty. She enchanted her green dragon to sleep and scurried over to collect the egg. The only mishap occurred as the dragon was snoring and exhaled the slightest bit of fire which ignited Fleur’s light blue skirt. She quickly put out the flames with her wand and continued towards the golden egg.

Viktor trudged out onto the pitch and bravely faced the Chinese Fireball that was ahead of him. He circled around the dragon, deciding what to do next, as he dodged the occasional flames. George nudged you and you turned to look at his grinning face.

“This is pretty awesome isn’t it?” he said to you.

“Yeah, I mean completely frightening and borderline unethical but very entertaining.” He put an arm around you and brought your head to his shoulder where you stayed until something exciting happened. Viktor had his wand raised and conducted a very forceful spell which seriously impaired the Fireball. It was difficult to determine what exactly he had done, but it seemed to be working. The dragon was wincing in pain and Krum took the opportunity to trudge toward the golden egg.

“What’s he done?” you asked George, hoping he understood what had happened.

“I think he’s blinded it…” George replied. You nodded and almost immediately George’s suspicion was confirmed as the dragon was stumbling around, disoriented. The beast became agitated and he let out an angry, fiery breath while lashing his tail about, striking Krum to the ground. You gasped and unconsciously grabbed George’s hand with nervousness. He turned to you with a smirk on his face and you casually recovered saying, “Sorry.” He chuckled and shook his head, gripping your hand tighter.

Krum was thrown a few feet across the pitch and appeared to be in pain, however he found his strength again as the dragon blindly trekked around the arena. Krum was determined to collect the egg and once he did so, he let out a masculine grunt and held the egg up, to which all the Durmstrangs began chanting “Krum! Krum! Krum! Krum!...”

“Three down, one to go. How do you think Harry’ll do?” George asked you.

“I mean these three made it look kind of easy. But I don’t know if Harry has that sort of knowledge or confidence even. We’ll see if he can pull it off.”

A few moments later Harry emerged into the arena, seeming a little shaken and nervous, much like the other champions. His dragon must have been released but was still hidden behind some boulders. This dragon was smart. Harry looked confused, shrugged and started walking toward the egg, under the impression he might just be able to grab it.

He was wrong. The dragon leaped from behind a boulder and flames and steam were erupting from its nostrils. Harry jumped back and was completely startled. His only move was to hide behind a boulder, which didn’t seem like a long-term solution. The dragon, which Fred mentioned was a Hungarian Horntail, was slowly burning the rock Harry was hiding behind and the outcome seemed pretty bleak. You grabbed George’s arm and nuzzled your head into his shoulder as a reflex, not wanting to see the fiery event occurring in front of your eyes. You suddenly realized you were doing all of this stuff without even trying to act coupley. It was just happening. Perhaps you were overthinking things or you wanted to hide your feelings but as George looked down at you to make sure you were okay, you gave him a wink and a soft smile to assure him this was just for show. Even if maybe it wasn’t.

At that moment, Harry cast the Accio charm and his broomstick appeared just in time. Harry hopped on and flew a circle around the Horntail. Everyone started cheering at this sudden turn of events, including you and George. You soon realized that Harry didn’t quite seem to have a plan and was simply just escaping the dragon at this moment. Harry’s sudden ability to fly seemed to disturb the dragon and it was fighting the chains holding it toward the ground. Seconds later the Horntail ripped the chains from the ground and this chase suddenly became much more real. Harry recognized the dragon was no longer being held down and flew up over the section where all the teachers were seated and out of the arena towards the castle. The dragon followed suit, taking out the teachers section on its way.

“Well done dragon!” Fred and George shouted in unison, high fiving each other. It was a rare moment with these two as of late and it made you smile. Harry flew towards the castle and all the excitement was gone as there wasn’t much to see. The crowd was hushed and whispering about what might be going on off the pitch.

“Now what?” you whispered to George. It was a very high tension moment and not being able to see anything was stressful and also a little dull. People around you were speculating the outcome of the event, whispering theories and extremes.

“He’ll make it through this, I think. Harry may be young but he’s got good instincts. And a lot of luck.”

“Very true.”

You made small talk as the crowd started to lose focus on Harry’s current absence. You spotted Hermione a few rows ahead of you beginning to panic as Ron tried to calm her down, assuring her things were probably fine.

“What’s that?” you heard Dean Thomas say, as he pointed to something appearing in the sky. The clouded, grey sky became a bit brighter as some royal blue sparks appeared in the middle of the arena. The sparks took the form of a quill and began to write a message in calligraphy.

Y/N –

Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Yule Ball?

George

You felt the blush creeping up your cheeks as everyone turned to look at you, awaiting your answer.

“So, what do you say?” he asked you.

You tried to hide the surprised smile that was spreading across your face. “I would love to,” you replied.

George wrapped his arms around your waist and surprised you with a kiss. You put your arms around his neck in response and you heard the people around you start to cheer and clap. You pulled away and gave George a hug. He really had a way of making you feel special. You knew he was different, but you didn’t expect anything like this. You weren’t even sure you were going to the ball together. You thought he might want to ask Angelina, but apparently not. Maybe this was real.

As you were hugging, George whispered in your ear, “Had to put on a show right?” Of course, this was all for show. Had to make people jealous of you. You assumed it also was a ploy to impress Angelina with his thoughtfulness and romanticism. You were fooling yourself by thinking you actually had something special.

The attention was shifted off of you and back to the arena as Harry slowly flew into sight. The arena erupted into cheers, particularly the Hogwarts section. Harry flew down and scooped up the golden egg, holding it high above his head as if he had just caught the Golden Snitch. The buzz in the arena was wild. Barty Crouch came out to give the rankings based on time it took to defeat each dragon but no one was really listening. Everyone was just happy they had all succeeded and made it through alive. While the task itself was exciting, you knew there would be some sort of celebration in the Gryffindor common room that would be equally as fun.

The common room was alive with excitement. Gryffindors of all ages were gathered around to celebrate Harry’s victory. He was currently being hoisted up in the air as everyone cheered him on. You and George laid back a little and let the younger Gryffindors grovel over the famous Harry Potter. Harry was enjoying the glory and he suddenly quieted everyone down. He was holding the golden egg in his hand and everyone was waiting to hear his next word.

He casually lifted up the egg and said, “Who wants me to open it?” Everyone erupted in cheers and Harry played dumb and egged the crowd on. Finally he twisted the top of the egg and the sides fell open. You weren’t sure what to expect, but you were taken by surprise when a high pitched shrieking sound filled the room. You covered your ears and turned toward George instinctually. He put his arm around your shoulder and held your head to his chest. Harry struggled to close the egg but once he did everyone sighed a breath of relief. That event seemed to disperse the crowd a little bit and encouraged more socialization. Of course Harry was surrounded by a crowd of friends and admirers. You and George took a seat on the couch away from much of the excitement.

“You have a dress for the ball yet?” he asked.

“I don’t actually. To be honest I kind of forgot about it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I was so excited for the ball when I was with Roger, but when he ended things I sort of avoided thinking about it. I didn’t know if we’d still be doing this by that point.”

“I thought about that, but this just seemed like the right thing to do. I figured we might still be acting a couple and since people are starting to solidify dates I didn’t want either of us to be dateless.”

“Good thinking there Weasley,” you remarked. You realized you were actually looking forward to going to the ball with George.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something,” he started. He looked…hesitant, and it made you nervous.

“Yeah, sure,” just as you replied, Fred and Lee came in with some butterbeers. Fred looked over towards you, seeking George’s company. You saw George’s eyes light up and you knew he was dying to join them. “Go ahead, we can talk later.”

“Meet me in the stairwell in 20?” he suggested. You nodded and assured him you would be there. You couldn’t help but feel butterflies in your stomach. Maybe things were really happening for you. You were trying not to live in a fantasy world and be more realistic about things but everything seemed to be falling into place. You caught George’s eye for a moment as he was chatting with Fred and Angelina, but he soon redirected his attention to the conversation ahead of him. You decided to head to your room and freshen up, looking for a way to waste 20 minutes.

You were making some small talk with Hermione when you glanced up at the clock and realized it was just about time to sneak away. You made a quick exit and scurried away to the spiral staircase within Gryffindor tower. You would be a few minutes early but you were okay with that. You crept quietly down the stairs when you realized there were people here already. You froze unsure of whether you should continue or not, but your curiosity got the best of you. If this was a new couple, you wanted to be the first to know. You cast a charm that kept all your movements hushed as you climbed quickly down the stairs, anxious to see who was…snogging it seemed.

You could tell you were getting closer to the two lovebirds so you slowed down to ensure you didn’t interrupt them. You spied around the corner and found a familiar red head facing away from you. Your heart dropped. It was George. And pinned against the wall was Angelina Johnson. His hand was cupping her cheek, exactly like he had done with you before, and Angelina was softly moaning and giggling. She pulled away for a moment and whispered to him.

“I have to say, I’m surprised. I did not expect this at all. Especially with everything that’s been going on with you lately. But I’ve been waiting for this to happen for years. I always thought we would end up together and here we are. And now you can ease the tension with your brother.”

You put your hand to your mouth to keep quiet. Even with the charm you cast, you were worried you might make a sound anyway. George didn’t even respond, he just returned his lips to hers and resumed the macking. You retreated, seeing all you needed to see. You tried to hold back the tears that were welling in your eyes. You felt like an idiot. George probably wanted to break off your arrangement because he had won the attention of Angelina. You were dumb enough to think he wanted to become a couple for real. Your heart dropped into your stomach and you felt nauseous. This feeling was all new to you. Even your breakup with Roger didn’t make you feel like this. You panicked with where to go, since you knew the common room was full of people and you certainly didn’t want to be seen like this. On impulse you ran down the hall and made your way toward the Room of Requirement. It was the only place you could think of where you could truly be by yourself.

“Y/N, I missed you last night. What happened?” George found you at breakfast. You were there pretty early and were eating by yourself, still not ready for company.

“Hey,” was all you offered him.

“You okay?”

“Oh yeah. I’m fine.”

“So about last night.”

“Don’t worry about it, honestly. We created this easy out clause for a reason and I don’t want you to feel guilty about cutting things off.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know about you and Angelina and I’m really happy for you guys. I always thought you would make a cute couple. Oh and you’re off the hook for the Yule Ball too.”

“Y/N, I-“

“George, don’t pity me. I’m fine on my own. I don’t need you to fake this relationship anymore okay? We weren’t even a believable couple. In what world would I move on from Roger Davies and start dating you,” you snapped. As soon as the words were out of your mouth, you regretted saying them. Truthfully, you were hurt and you were taking that pain out on George. He gave you a look of disgust before storming off. You watched him go and tried to call after him but it was too late. You dropped your head to the table in defeat. You had ruined another relationship and this one was with someone you genuinely cared about.

#george weasley x you #george weasley x y/n #george weasley fanfic #weasley twins fanfic #hp fanfic

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tastyliltina · 4 years

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SnackInc 1/?

A/n: This has been sitting in my drafts for a while and I've been meaning to post it...kind of a worldbuilding thing I made back when Fern was still a newer character of mine. Not really sure if I'll continue it or not, but the basic premise is that Fern works at a corporation that commissions humans out to be used as snacks for more feral giants/predatory creatures. This keeps random attacks on humans down and helps settle cravings the giants might have. Fern's a pretty well known snack but fell on hard times and had to resort to more shady deals outside of the corporation. So...yeah, have a worldbuilding thing ;;w;; If you enjoyed and want a story for yourself, feel free to inquire about commissions!: tinascommissions.carrd.co/ All stories are on sale 50% off until Dec. 10th! Now, onto the story! ~~ Fern stumbled through the street, clutching his wad of cash. Thick, warm liquid slimed his clothes as he moved away from his client. The giant looming behind him chuckled, and Fern turned to face the beast.

“Look, man…” Fern sighed, trying to brush back his hair. “Keep this quiet, alright? Don’t want it getting around I’m offering this...service to random giants on the street.” He thumbed through the payment, ensuring the bills were all there. Once he was sure, he glanced back up to the grinning giant.

Pearly peaks of white shimmered in the moonlight. Something about fangs in the dark was much more terrifying. Still, Fern held his ground.

“Heh. Whatever you say, morsel~.” A tongue traced over smiling lips, and Fern rolled his eyes.

“If that’s your best compliment, I’d hate to see an insult,” he muttered. The giant scoffed, but straightened. Deals like this weren’t appreciated among watchful eyes. Departures needed to be discreet.

Fern sighed. He watched his client stalk away, and tried to grasp what little pride he had left. The fact the ground shook with every step the giant took did little to help. Being treated like food for a quick cash grab...how humiliating. Still...money was nice. And with more wealthy clientele, maybe working in the food industry wasn’t so bad. Turning, Fern descended into the dim alley. He shivered as the drool clinging to him reacted with the wind…. Getting home would be hell.

Slowly, he traversed the desolate streets. Runoff from a recent storm splashed beneath his feet, though hardly drew Fern from his thoughts. With the money he’d gotten from tonight, he’d almost be able to pay off rent. If he did that, maybe he could find some more high-end clients. Spending night after night in another mouth, in another reckless giant was getting old. Most of the bastards didn’t use mints... Others liked to bite. At least through SnackInc, he got the clinets that cared about their treats a little more...he missed the days of pampering.

But damn, having extra cash felt so, so good. Fancier outfits and attending clubs where the high-end clients frequencted wasn't cheap. The reassurance dinners would be easy was well worth a few showers, he supposed. As long as rates didn’t spike, maybe there’d be enough for something hardy. A soup, or...maybe just burgers. Either sounded fine, as long as it wasn't a steaming bowl of ramen.

Soon enough, Fern found his apartment. The building was silent as Fern ascended the stairs. He supposed that made sense at this time of night. Just as he slid his hand into his pocket, Fern heard a rustling behind him. He stiffened. Giants and humans alike knew not to visit the others' living quarters, especially this late at night. It wasn’t worth the jail time or the fees. Some, though…

“Easy, pal.”

The voice was calm. Casual. Fern blinked. He turned, and was met with a pair of golden eyes. The rings of yellow peered down at him, squinting in the dark. Fern didn’t miss the reptilian features on the creature before him, and felt part of his blood run cold. Reptiles were the worst for rando attacks.

“What.” Fern snipped. His tone wasn’t aggressive enough. Fern didn’t care. He didn’t want to be yelling at a giant he didn’t know, especially one that knew where he lived.

“Said easy, man,” the giant continued. He was small, green-skinned and husky. Scales patched across his face, and a black sweater draped the giant’s torso. Unlike Fern, he appeared calm and collected. “Not gonna try anything. Just wanted to know where the nearest gas station was.”

Fern raised a brow. Oh. Though he didn't know if he trusted that answer or not, Fern could take it. He lifted a hand, pointing south. “‘Bout five miles that way. You can’t miss it.” The giant followed his gesture, squinting again. Then, he nodded.

“Cool, thanks.” Instead of leaving, or moving at all, the giant remained seated. Fern furrowed his brow.

“Well...okay. I’m-I’ll be going,” he mumbled. The giant nodded, not seeming intent on leaving. Fern felt something twist his stomach as he stepped into his place. That had been...unnerving, almost as much as approaching random giants to get them to eat him.

Slowly, Fern stepped into his living room. He flicked on the light, and was greeted with the familiar sight of...mediocrity. Beige walls, a beige couch, dirty carpet. Even the flickering light emulated half-assed effort. But, this was home. For now. Fern stretched, sighed, and made sure to lock his door behind him.

He sauntered down the hall, the thought of a shower making everything a little less horrid. Clean clothes, a clean bed… Even with the uncleanable stains of previous occupants on the mattress, sleep sounded so wonderful right now. Fern stepped into his bathroom. He stripped, tossed his clothes aside, and turned on the shower. God, hot water felt good.

Several minutes and layers of body scrub later, Fern scooped his soiled laundry up. His nose wrinkled at the stench of unmasked slobber. He tossed the clothes in the washer, ran a hand through his hair, and returned down the hall. The bed creaked as he collapsed into it, the scent of occupants past filling the air. Fern didn’t care. By the time the smells registered, he was already asleep.

Fern woke up to the sound of his alarm. He groaned. Another day, another customer to please. Sitting up, he snatched the offending device from his nightstand. Who was on the calendar today…

Wait. Fern’s eyes scanned over his clientele list. There was a new face among the regulars... Green skin, yellow eyes, red Mohawk...damn. It was the giant from the other night. Fern grimaced, setting his phone down and rubbing at his face with a sigh, taking a moment to collect himself.

Normally, the ones that approached Fern outside of business were scouting for fresh meat after some kind of falling out. They were the ones that made this job hard. Fern stood, looking over his calendar. For today, at least, there weren’t any taken slots. He had that much. Maybe he could do some cleaning? Cleaning sounded great.

He stood. No point planning the day without getting it started, he supposed. Fern stretched, sighed, and ambled down the hallway. He scouted the kitchen for food, and settled on some bacon and eggs. There was always a sense of pride that came with making his own food. Fern stepped up to his stove, twisting the stove knobs.

Soon enough, a steaming pile of eggs and bacon littered a paper plate. Fern grabbed some silverware, once again checking his schedule for today. Nothing new. He rubbed his chin, opening the file of his newest client. As expected, there wasn’t much available. Most clients went by a first name basis, and the majority didn’t include any other information but a phone number and place to reach them. Fern wasn’t sure how the new guy found out about what he offered, but decided to shrug it off.

Breakfast was quick. Fern took his time cleaning his plates, wishing he didn’t have to go out to the store today. But, one couldn’t get by without dish soap and food. Fern was too much of a neat freak to live a day without one, and food wasn’t a necessity when some clients bought him dinner before having him for dessert. He trudged down to his bedroom, throwing on a simple sweatshirt and jeans.

Fern slid out of his apartment, slipping his hands into his pockets. The jingle of keys signified him locking his door before he peeled away from the familiarity of home. Human-sized creatures traversed the narrow sidewalks, hustling and bustling to and fro. Fern didn’t miss the stares of those passing him. Word got around. Some people looked to him with admiration, being able to take on such an important, and yet demeaning task. Others scowled at him, and some took things to a physical level. Fern ignored those that bumped into him without saying anything, reserving his battles for those that had the guts to say something and make a scene.

Walking to the market never took too long, one of the perks of living in a small town. The building smelled like cinnamon, a warming reminder of the chilly air outside. Fern slid in with a small crowd. He headed for the cleaning section first, rubbing his hands together as he searched the shelves for his usual dish soap.

“Hey.”

The voice snapped Fern to attention. He blinked, turned, and smiled at the familiar face behind him. Kenny stood with her hands in her pockets, oversized sweatshirt complimenting her ripped up jeans. Fern relaxed. It was nice seeing a familiar face, even if it was of a cranky and potentially crazy bitch.

“Hey, Ken.” Fern nodded. He took pride in the ability to shorten her nickname without getting shanked. Kenny stepped up next to him, sliding her hands to her hips. Unlike Fern, Kenny had a more vanilla career. She was a well-renowned tattoo artist. Fern’d debated going to her for a few years, but didn’t know if their history justified her making a few creative decisions while he was under her needle.

“What brings you to market? Finally decide to crawl out of your slimy cave?” Kenny’s voice lowered. While she wasn’t a friend per se, Kenny was one of the few people Fern opened up to about his career choice. She’d never given him a hard time about it. If anything, she almost seemed in awe...or disgust, it was really hard to tell as far as Kenny was concerned.

“Ran out of soap,” Fern shrugged. “Can’t go without it,” he paused to pluck a bottle from the shelf. “Got a new client today. Some giant approached me after a rough one last night… Had to scrub myself for hours, the guy had way too many drinks before he gave me a call. Starting to think he ate me on a dare, y’know?” “Shit man,” Kenny shook her head, somehow without disturbing her loose bun. “I still don’t get how you deal with those assholes day in and out. Doesn’t it get...I dunno, gross after a while?”

“It does get gross, but really...someone’s gotta do it. If not me with all the magical guards in place, then it’d be someone else, or no one at all. And we know how big folk can get if they don’t get their...fix.” Fern tried to hide the bitterness in his tone, but he could still feel it in his voice. Anyone who didn’t live under a rock knew how bad things got before the Snack business stepped in. Disappearances, random attacks on towns… Even if it wasn’t a well-liked profession, it was an important one in order to keep the peace among different species. “But, there’s perks,” a crooked smile plastered Fern’s face. “Don’t gotta worry about a giant trying to mess me up, y’know? I’m...valuable.”

Kenny scoffed, “Valuable my ass,” she shook her head and sighed. “But yeah, you gotta point. Still...”

“Don’t you go worrying about me,” Fern laughed. “You’ve got a badass persona to keep, y’know?” He yelped as Kenny’s hand whacked the back of his head, but snickered at the fuming woman. She crossed her arms and sneered at him.

“Oh, shove it up yours.”

“Sorry, only know how to go down, I’m not into that-” “Fern I swear to God if I didn’t like you I’d shove my foot so far-...you know what, fuck it.” Kenny grabbed the back of Fern’s sweater, and the next thing he knew, he was flat on his back. A dull ache spread along his back and head, and he groaned.

“Nice...seeing you, Ken…” Fern mumbled as he pushed himself up. As usual, Kenny’d vanished into the crowd. Fern expected as much. Kenny never liked being forced to admit she had other emotions besides anger and rage...Fern liked to tease it out of her when he could, even if the result was almost always the same. Rubbing his head, Fern grabbed the soap from the shelf and headed towards checkout with a chuckle.

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stardancerluv · 5 years

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Creative Fervor

New Year, Truly New Beginnings

Part 1

Summary: You are dating the king of Gotham, what does that mean for you since you are a famous furniture designed? Will it last?

Roman Sionis x Reader

Warning: Fluffy and smutty.

Disclaimer: Had to balance their rough present with lots of fluff and smut...I hope you don’t mind. 😉

There are song lyrics in italics...I chose the lyrics because I found them to be fitting for the charactes in question.

It was New Year’s Eve, you and Roman were going to one the most sought after party in Gotham. It was elegant, dream like masquerade. Anyone who was anyone would be in attendance. At the moment, nothing else was important. It was one of the few holidays in Gotham that everyone would just celebrate.

“So you would like some soft curls?”

“Yes, please.”

Roman, had a person stylist visit you. They not only were they going to help you with your make up and hair but finalize your choice on a dress. “Sometimes, you truly loved being pampered and this was one such occasion.

You watched the lady work her magic. You were tickled to the core to attend. It had been something, you had always wanted to do.

“Feeling good kitten?” Thinking of him, and he popped his head in. You smiled.

“Yes! Shoo you...no more peaking till we are ready to leave.” You tried to contain any giggles to not give this lady a hard time.

“Alright....” he gave a very dramatic, playful sigh. “See you later.”

You thought you would forever read about it in the magazines or watch clips on the news but now you were attending with the handsomest man in Gotham, your Roman! Just the thought made your heart flutter harder after just seeing him.

*****

You gasped when you saw the mask that Roman had chosen for you. The rose, the designs, wow. It delicately waited for you on a pillow. Thankful it was attached to a rod, so you held it to your face. It was so lovely.

“There’s my queen.”

“Roman!”

He held up his hands, “Don’t send me away again?” He chuckled and drew closer to you.

You smiled, rolled your eyes and shook your head happily. “Ok, come here.”

You could feel as his eyes moved over you. “Do you like what I chose Roman?” You put the mask down on the pillow.

He soon drew closer still then easily wrapped his arms around your middle. He made a very happy sound. “I will be the luckiest man there.”

You flushed. “Oh, Roman.”

He let one of his hands drift up till he cupped your cheek. “You know I speak the truth.”

You gently leaned into his hand. “I know.” Moving, you placed a soft kiss on his hand. You loved his gloves, they certainly heightened intimacy and were well down right part of who he was but when his hands were bare, you did enjoy how soft and solid they were.

“Keep kissing me like that, Y/N and we may just have to stay here.” He paused, his blue eyes were filled with mischief. “However, I do love showing you off, and that makes it worth while.”

“Well, I will just have to start kissing you like that when I want to head home.”

Smirking, he drew close. “You have my permission to do that anytime you want time for just us.” He kissed you then.” You sighed and melted into his kiss.

****

Back, in his walk-in closet, he took out the small box that held a little something special and tucked into the inside pocket of his tux, the he slipped on a pair of snow white and black gloves.

He was beyond thrilled to be taking you to this party. Your dress, your curls everything had come together so nicely for you. It pleased him greatly.

He grabbed the mask he had designed especially for this evening. Tonight he was moving forward, life was finally infolding as he wished it to bed. He ran his fingers through his hair before turning on his heel and went to meet you at the elevator.

*****

“Those flashes will be far more daunting then the ones they had for your event, I must warn you.”

You nodded. “I just hope I won’t trip.”

“You won’t,” He squeezed your hand. “Hold my hand and I won’t let you fall.”

For you, he loved sharing the spotlight the longer you were together. You supported him and never judged. If anything when he came home, he enjoyed that you didn’t mind the mess sometimes came along with keeping things in line.

“Let’s do this kitten.”

He slid out and gave the cameras one of his most radiant smiles. He turned towards you and offered his hand. He smiled wider as you took it.

You had such grace, it pleased him to no end. Together you walked the carpet, pausing for photos with and without your masks.

*****

The food was exceptionally good. There was a wide assortment. All food desires were easily there on trays here and there. Speciality plates moved around on the trays that the waiters brought weaving between the groups of people here and there. As wide of a selection the food was the array of drinks.

Mostly with your arm linked with Roman’s you smiled and made small talk with people. Some wanted to discuss your creations but you made the promise that once the new year was well on its way would you want to discuss your creations. Roman, as well did not discuss anything about his club or Janus Cosmetics.

*****

As midnight was soon, approached you sipped on your third glass of champagne. When Roman, came your way, “Y/N, I asked for a special song, dance with me?”

You put your glass down and let him sweep you away.

How sweet it is to be loved by you

I needed the shelter of someone's arms and there you were

I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were

You met his eyes, as the singer began to sing, your eyes began to fill. “Roman, I don’t know what to say.”

He shrugged. “Sometimes I can be sentimental.”

You saw his attention get distracted but then he smiled and swished you around and around till be was able to dance you out onto the balcony.

“Now, we can have a moment” Cupped your cheek he placed a quick kiss. Was his gloved hand shaking. You thought for a moment. But you barely were able to react as he slipped downed right in front of you.

“Roman..” You looked at him confused.

He smiled up you, “yes? I have to tell you something.”

Oddly, you were slight confused and but he was making you feel all tingly.

“Y/N, before I met you I was, fuck I am ruthless beast at times. I do what is necessary. Though the longer, you are around I do not want to be alone anymore. Y/N, will you be the beauty to my beast?”

Tears, came then and you nodded. “Yes...yes. I want to be.”

He got up then and slipped the ring onto your finger

“Oh Roman, you are no beast you are man, a king of this great city and you just do what is needed.”

“Oh, Y/N this is why I love you.” He kissed you then.

Fireworks rose, climbed higher and higher then exploded into colorful radiance.

“It must be new years!” You squealed as Roman, picked you up and swished you about. “Kitten, we’ve survived till midnight. Let’s go home.”

“I’d like that.”

*****

Once the door closed and the car began to pull away, he pulled you close.

“I have quite the naughty idea.”

You were intrigued. “What is it?”

He smirked, “I will tell you once we’re home and once I am done checking in with all the New Year festivities in the club. He gave you a rather chaste kiss, then he moved so he could comfortably hold you as the driver managed to get you back.

You eyed him, in the pit of your stomach excitement began to knot up. What could he possibly have in mind. A little over a year of being together and you two have done more things then you could ever imagine. Roman was insatiable and well you never knew next what he’d be up to.

You still remember how the two of you broke in your studio he had put together for you...

You were more the willing to work close to him. That kidnapping had really shaken you up, so you also were rather fond of having protection now that you knew how easy it was for things to go awry.

One particular, afternoon you were at your drafting table, sketching away. Your favorite music was blaring away, feeding into creativity. When, one of the earbuds, was gently removed from your ear.

“Kitten,” Roman’s voice, dark voice filled your world. “Continue working but you must remove your panties for me.”

You started to turn back to him.

“Nope, keep focused on your work don’t look back at me. Just do as I say. And open those sweet legs of yours more.”

Truth be told sometimes you would straddle or just have a very wide sitting stance so you could rest your elbows on your thighs...or just because hey..that is just how you sat.

You nodded. “Ok.”

“Good girl.” He remarked then placed the ear bud back into your ear.

You out your pencil down in the cradle for any tool you decided to use.

Standing almost hovering, you removed your panties. Not looking back, you dropped them beside your chair. You did as you were told and backed the seat up. Feeling like you were on displaypmay it a little harder to breath but then you started working again and easily to fell into the rhythm of the music.

Drifting in the world of your creativity when you first felt his gloved hands on your exposed thighs almost made you jump. Stressing to keep your hand steady you stared hard onto the paper in front of you. Though with each movement of his hands the more breathless you became.

You reached down and lowered the volume on the music. To remained focused, you bit your bottom lip. Though you couldn’t stop from moaning as your felt the scruffiness from his cheeks, chin as he placed nibbles on your thighs.

A smirked curled his lips before he continued. An ache began to throb between your legs hoping he’d pay you some attention to you there.

“Roman,” you pleaded, squirming a little.

You attempted to draw your newest creation from a different angle. That worked for a little while but that was when he licked you. It made you shiver. Then he licked a litter deeper. You tried desperately to do as he told you to continue working but you couldn’t. You dug your fingers into his soft brown strands and opened yourself wider if that was even possible.

“Roman,” moaned, as you finally had to look at him. His blue eyes were electric as be tilted his head up to look at you. You panted and moaned since he continued lick at you as his eyes remained locked with yours.

You were jostled out of the memory when the car came to a stop.

“We’re home.” He announced. You slid from and let him get out of the car first then holding his hand you slid out yourself. He pulled you close. “Stand with me while I wish the crowds a happy new year, then be a good girl and get upstairs. Change into something playful then I want you to go and hide. After I am done downstairs I will come upstairs and find you. And don’t you dare make it easy on me.”

With his arm tightly around your middle he brought the party crowd that was wild with drink and food to an absolute silence, “Happy New Year!” He hollored, “Are we having a good time?” There were wild cheers and whoops. “Fantastic! A round of a shots for everyone in here!” He made a twirl with his finger. “Turn it up!” He handed you his mask, patted you on the backside, “Go now like a good girl.” You then watched in relish as he went to move among the crowd, attending to business.

@spn-obession @thehybrid666 @xxxeatyourh3artoutxxx @zodiyack @ewanfuckingmcgregor @vintagemichelle91 @emyliabernstein @top-rumbelle-fan @rosionis @johallzy

#roman sionis pov #roman sionis smut #roman sionis x reader #roman sionis fanfiction #roman sionis #ewan mcgregor #fanfiction #bop #birds of prey #creative fervor #part one #new year truly new beginnings #smut #fluffy

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razieltwelve · 5 years

Text

Substitute (RWBY AU Snippet)

Gone but not forgotten.

X X X

Death sighed as she took in the massive statues that filled the area. Every single one of them was of Zwei. At least now she knew what he’d been doing in his spare time.

Right on cue, her dog appeared. Rather than walking, he was sitting on the lap of a young woman who bore a vaguely disturbing resemblance to Weiss. They were being carried on a palanquin, and she was feeding him treats. Death’s eye twitched. She was really going to have to talk to him about this.

“Zwei…” Death trailed off as she realised why the courtyard looked so familiar. Apart from the giant statues of Zwei, it was an almost perfect replica of the courtyard Weiss had liked the most in her palace.

The dog gave her his most innocent look as several people began to wave banners and flags in the air to signal his approach. There was even a marching band accompanying him, and he had his own herald too.

“Zwei… did you found some kind of religious empire in your spare time? It’s one thing to sneak treats from butchers, but they’re worshipping you like a god.”

In fairness, Zwei was a god, or at least a Divine Beast of similar standing. But wandering over to another world to start what looked an awful lot like his own empire-sized cult? That was a little too much. Knowing Zwei, he hadn’t done it out of megalomania. Instead, he’d most likely done it, so he would have a comfortable place to hang out where his every whim was indulged and to ensure that he always had a nice, comfortable lap to nap on.

“Greetings!” his herald boomed. “Master of Zwei!”

Death raised one eyebrow. “Master of Zwei?”

“Yes! Supreme Overlord Zwei has told us much about you.” The man gestured animatedly, and several of his fellows hurried to unfurl a vast tapestry that had been made with exquisite craftsmanship. “Many years ago, we were a people living in constant terror. Demons and horrors from beyond the mortal world assailed us without mercy, and we could only dream of a life without such terrible suffering. One glorious day, Zwei appeared before us on a cloud of fire and ushered in an era of peace and prosperity. All that we have today is because of him, so it is only right that he should be held in the very highest esteem!”

Death studied the tapestry. Although the artwork was highly stylised, it was still easy to follow. Zwei had appeared in his cute and cuddly form and had proceeded to slaughter the demons and horrors with little more than the occasional bark or growl. He must have known that appearing in his titanic, Divine Beast form would not have produced the kind of devotion he was interested in. Nobody was going to pamper a colossal hound that looked like it had been born from their worst nightmares. However, people would pamper an adorable corgi that just so happened to annihilate their enemies.

“I see… and how often does Zwei visit?”

“He comes and goes, for he has many other worlds to save. However, there is always one day each year that he visits.” The herald beamed. “We keep a retinue waiting to attend to him upon his return, and we celebrate his return each year on Zwei Day.”

“And when is Zwei Day?”

The herald replied, and Death sighed. That was the day Weiss had died. “And his choice of young women to carry him upon their laps?”

“Nobody knows why he seeks out young women of this particular appearance,” the herald replied. “But we do our best to find them.”

Death knew exactly why Zwei picked young women who looked like Weiss. Zwei had met many mortals over the years. It was inevitable in their line of work, but she could honestly say that he’d loved Weiss most of all. Oh, sure, he’d had mortal friends before, but none of them had been as dear to him as Weiss had been.

Having someone who liked Weiss pamper him in a courtyard that resembled Weiss’s favourite courtyard let him pretend, if only for a little while, that his favourite mortal was still around. Divine Beasts were mighty, but they were not unfeeling creatures devoid of emotions. Certainly, she had not made Zwei that way. She had given him a heart that could feel love and hate and sorrow and joy and all the things in between. For him to remain steadfast to his duty through all the long and endless aeons, he would need a reason.

And what better reason than because the worlds he watched over contained people that he loved?

Death did not have the luxury of pretending. Hers were the eyes that saw the truth. No deception could fool her, and no illusion could deceive her. She would know Weiss when she saw her, when the great cycle turned and she was born into the world again. Until then, she would not - could not - accept any substitutes.

Such was the majesty of death: it permitted no lies even the ones that spared the heart.

“I see.” Death’s expression softened. “Well,” she said quietly. “I’ll be leaving now. Zwei has other duties to attend to, but they can wait a while, I think.” She paused. “You should build a garden near here, one with a large oak tree in the middle and a small stream nearby with trout in it. Zwei would like that.”

One of Weiss’s favourite places to go that was outside the palace was a small stream with a large oak tree nearby. Weiss had tried to go fishing there, but she’d hardly ever caught anything. She’d been awful. Death, of course, had no such problems, and Zwei had enjoyed many a freshly cooked trout while Weiss grumbled about Death cheating and using her powers.

“And see if you can find roses, white and red. Zwei knows the ones I mean.”

X X X

Author’s Notes

Death is an expert in waiting. After all, she’s done a lot of it over the years. After Weiss’s passing (the Weiss mentioned in most of the snippets is the first one to encounter Death), Death ends up waiting millennia before Weiss is reborn. But it’s worth the wait, and what are a few thousand years to a god?

You can find me on fanfiction.net, AO3, and Amazon. If zombies, humour, and action sounds interesting, check out my newest story on Amazon. It’s called Two Necromancers, a Dwarf Kingdom, and a Sky City. It’s the fourth part of The Unconventional Heroes series, and if you like my sense of humour, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

#rwby #fanfiction #ruby rose #zwei #white rose

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space-romantic · 6 years

Text

A Reunion in Owari

Part three of “Our Lucky Dogs” is here! I’m really thankful for last year, to be able to write something that makes people happy and even be able to make them laugh hahaha. I have nothing left but to thank everyone, I hope you continue to support me this year~

Happy 2019, everybody! Tagging: @ravenhaired-mc @aldreaoakley @otome0heart

And don’t forget you can read this on AO3 too!

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Genre: Fluff? Maybe comedy? MAYBE DOGS? Fandom: SLBP. Word count: 2376 Summary: Ieyasu travels to Owari with the intention of having a meeting with Nobunaga... and someone else.

----

“Make sure you clean my desk in my absence and take good care of the hairball.”

While giving instructions, Ieyasu mounted his horse. He feigned disinterest as he settled into the saddle, but on the inside there was a feeling to which he had not grown accustomed to: the anxiety of returning home soon.

The sun hadn’t yet risen on that spring day, so only a few small lamps illuminated the buds that were ready to bloom. He looked at MC, who was holding Daifuku in her arms. The pup was wearing his triple hollyhock collar with pride. Even without the proper light, he noticed that both of them had the same stupid look on their faces, which had him chuckling softly. Once everything was ready for him to leave, he approached them both in a gentle gallop.

He was surprised to discover that Daifuku didn’t fear his horse, and even looked at his steed curiously. Maybe he thought it was a giant dog? Upon returning from the trip, if he wasn’t tired, he would make sure to analyze each of the little one’s reactions.

MC's words interrupted his thoughts, a soft "Please be safe, milord" bringing him out of his musings. Ieyasu bended slightly in her direction and put his lips on her forehead.

“Just who do you think I am, you dullard? Of course I’ll be fine. When I come back, I expect that you’ve done all your work so you can come receive me and remain at my side.”

His lips found the warmth of her temple, and MC's concerned expression softened.

Just as the blond finished kissing his wife, Daifuku licked the cheek of his master, in a burst of affection. The display of love was so unexpected, it had the lord’s eyes widening in surprise.

Ieyasu smiled and responded to the dog, giving him a couple of pats on the head all the while wishing Daifuku could understand him. If he could speak and understand human speech, Ieyasu wouldn’t hesitate to give him instructions to take care of his mother.

Once the lord began his trip, he wiped his cheek with the sleeve of his haori ridding himself of Daifuku’s lingering saliva.

Looking at the dark horizon, deprived of the first rays of dawning sun, Ieyasu thought that since he had married, his trips to Owari had become less frequent, which was truly a relief in itself. He had never liked going there, had never liked being "Tokugawa Ieyasu" and not himself, and had never liked being so far from his Hamamatsu… more so now that he had someone waiting at home for him. But now his duty was all about his family.

He had sent a letter to Nobunaga a couple of weeks ago, explaining his reasons for going promptly to Owari. The note explained that the last time the Europeans went to visit him, they gave him a dog, but his wife wanted it to be a girl. Along these lines, he asked Nobunaga to be a link between him and the Europeans to get him a female dog of the same breed, no matter the cost. Money wasn’t an issue.

Once the blond finished writing the letter, he noticed that a couple of strokes on his kanji were crooked, as if announcing his lie. He frowned when he noticed it, but didn’t want to write the note again, telling the truth about why he was asking for the dog.

Days before the trip, he had received a short answer, saying that his commission was ready and he was welcome to look for it in Owari. Even though he had not mentioned it to the Lord of Fools, the Lord of Mikawa planned to go just for the day, since there wasn’t any problem that needed to be discussed, only to pick up the dog and leave.

With a gallop, he arrived sooner than he had anticipated. Since his mind had been elsewhere, he hadn’t realize how quickly he had been travelling. Once again, he was greeted at the castle's gate by a vassal, who took him directly to the main hall. Ieyasu definitely hadn’t expected to find something like what he was seeing at the moment.

“You’re here earlier than expected, Ieyasu. Don’t you have other things to do than come here, looking for this brat?” Nobunaga called out from his position on the dais.

Sitting cross-legged, with his elbow resting on his leg and his chin resting on his fist, the Demon King of the Sixth Hell looked the picture of smug amusement. With his free hand, the redhead stroke the white fur of a Pomeranian. Calmly, the puppy directed her black eyes on Ieyasu. Her ears lifting expectantly before the stranger.

The puppy was a replica of Daifuku, but color-swapped; a gorgeous and fluffy white winter fur, pink paws, and a little nose. In the eyes area, her tone was a little darker, more reddish (like the mask of a tanuki). Nevertheless, there were differences that made her unique: her way of sitting was more imposing than Daifuku (did this dog think she was of the nobility?); haughtier… And on its forehead was a white spot between the copper tones. Was it like a gem? A diamond? No… it looked like… A strawberry.

“Stop making that face. That woman of yours must be something special for you to come all the way here just to find this thing.”

Putting on his classic fake smile, Ieyasu laughed at those words.

“What else am I supposed to do? I have never met a woman as annoying as the little kitchen wench, Milord Nobunaga.”

Ieyasu knew he was lying. He knew MC could never be a bother to him; he knew she hadn’t asked for this new dog. And he knew MC couldn’t even imagine the real reason for his visit to Owari. But ah! It seemed so difficult to be honest with himself and the others.

Nobunaga put the little one on the floor and she immediately went to sniff at Ieyasu to become familiar with him. Trying to get its attention, Nobunaga took a konpeito from a jar next to him and offered it to her. This gesture only received the dog’s indifference as it was more interested in the blond and trying to lick his hand as a show of sympathy. Meanwhile, Oda merely shrugged his shoulders at the rejection, and ate the candy he had offered to it.

“Let me see if I understand correctly,” said the redhead while taking another konpeito between his fingers and playing with the sweet. "When you closed the deal for the ships, Francisco gave you a male pup and now you want the female." The silence threatened to interpose between them, but the Lord of Owari merely gave him a crooked smile and an ironic comment. "What is this? Are you pretending to have an army of puppies now?”

Nobunaga laughed at his own joke and Ieyasu forced himself to do the same, without confirming nor denying anything. He just wanted to end this exchange as soon as possible. The sun was already high, and it wasn’t even lunchtime yet, which meant that if he hurried up, he could be back in Mikawa before sundown.

"I assume you'll be staying until tomorrow, right? It would be ridiculous to have made a trip just to come and look for this little beast."

Ieyasu knew at that moment that he had the opportunity to end this matter quickly and return home. He bowed before Nobunaga, his forehead almost touching the tatami.

"I humbly thank you for the reception; nonetheless, I believe that this time I must pass, milord." As he lifted his head, he found Nobunaga staring at him intently. "You see, in Mikawa we are somewhat busy. I preferred to come looking for this creature myself, so that my wife could be at ease. As thanks for your generous act, please accept this gift."

From his sleeve, he pulled out a medium-sized bag full of konpeito, which he put before the Lord of Owari. Nobunaga frowned daringly as he looked at the sweets.

"You are not so stupid as to believe that I did it for a fee, do you?"

Ieyasu laughed again in a fake way. This adulation game was already exhausting him. He preferred to respond promptly, before something happened.

"Of course I don’t, Lord Nobunaga. I would never dare to assume something like that. I know all too well the good intentions of my Lord."

“Sometimes I do things out of good will, even if you don’t believe me.” Nobunaga's normally cold expression softened when he noticed how the little dog tried to bite Ieyasu's sleeve.

The blond just nodded silently at the statement. He was really more interested in looking at his newest acquisition, trying not to show his emotion.

"However…,” Nobunaga reached out to take the bag, before the blond withdrew it. "I'll accept this as a gift from you, Ieyasu. If you have nothing else to do here, leave. And take that dog with you."

Ieyasu nodded and stood up, bowing again. He bent to pick up the dog in his arms and said goodbye. However, before leaving through the door, a voice interrupted him.

"When I went to look for her, one of the Europeans mentioned that she is worthy of kings. Is that true?"

"The same was said to me, milord."

Before silence could form between them, Nobunaga nodded and whispered, "I see."

After meditating for a moment, he added "You’re lucky, Ieyasu. This thing is a pampered and shrill brat, so much so that it’s annoying-- an ideal pet for you. However, it’s also quite entertaining to watch her. If it weren’t because I usually respect my agreements, I would keep her here for myself. So the next time I go to Mikawa, I expect her to be present."

After their respective farewells and the re-saddling of his mare, Ieyasu placed the dog between the fabrics of his kimono, and together they departed back to Mikawa.

The return was slower, since he didn’t want to scare her away. Still, it didn’t matter much as she fell asleep shortly after the trip started. There were a couple of occasions that he woke her up for such as when he had to stretch his legs or let his mare rest. During those times, he left her on the ground. As with Daifuku, he didn’t take his eyes off her for even a moment as he let her do as she pleased.

He sighed in relief when he noticed that she had gone to the bathroom and this time he did have the dog with the gender he was waiting for.

Hours later, just as he had foreseen, the sun was setting on Hamamatsu when they arrived back.

He entered the castle as fast as he could, somehow disappointed but grateful that MC hadn’t gone to receive him at the gates. He figured she was cooking and that's why she couldn’t go. Upon arriving at their chambers, he gave the order to notify MC that he had returned and that he wished to see her.

He sat with his back to the door, still with the little dog in his clothes.

She was looking at him and moving her ears every time he smiled at her and stroked her back. Very little time had passed, but he knew it was what he needed to complete the family they were forming.

Daifuku could finally have his own partner.

"Excuse me, milord," MC said as she entered. Behind her came Daifuku, who rushed at his master's back, biting his hair to get his attention and wagging his tail with joy.

And then, they saw each other.

Ieyasu laughed heartily. MC’s eyes widened in disbelief at what she was seeing and, after a moment, she rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn’t seeing double.

Daifuku found himself face to face with the newest member of their family, who took a defensive position at his appearance. He took the first step, sniffing her head, her torso and then her rear. She was very still and then, when it was her turn to do her own recognition, she wagged her tail and gave a little bark of joy. Both dogs ran around the room, chasing each other.

"What is this?" MC muttered.

"Can’t you see it, dung beetle? Once again, the Europeans sent us a gift.” Ieyasu offered her a lopsided smile. He would have liked to admit that he had bought it as a gift for her, but it didn’t feel natural. "Her name will be Ichigohime, but we can call her Ichigo."

“… Princess Ichigo?” Her eyes kept staring, amazed, at both dogs running and playing.

"A daifuku needs a strawberry to be perfect, no?" As he explained this to her, he had got up to stand by her side and look at their puppies from there.

He took a lock of MC’s hair in his hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it chastely. He heard her gasp and she looked at him, flushing at the action. Both were enjoying this moment of intimacy. The silence filled all the space between them, uniting them, until the blond decided to break it by taking her hand and speaking to her in a whisper.

“According to this… European system, as the barbarians like to called it, she is the princess of this castle because she can’t be the queen. The only queen of this castle is you, Lady Tokugawa.”

MC's arms wrapped around his husband's neck, while she muttered "Thank you."

The blond reciprocated the action, sliding his arms around the waist of his wonderful wife. He rested his head on her shoulder, inhaling the delicious scent of camellias from her hair.

"You ... you have changed me for the better. I cannot wait to expand our family."

A kiss on her neck was all he needed to finish expressing his feelings. The best complement of daifuku was strawberry. And, in their case, the best complement for him was her.

He wished he’d never have to wake up from this dream.

#slbp #slbp ieyasu #slbp tokugawa ieyasu #Daifuku OC #fluff will save this fandom #fluffiest fluff #a new challenger approaches

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aly-the-writer · 6 years

Text

To be Family

Read on Ao3 | My Ao3 | Word Count: 1300 |

Fandom: Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

Characters: Vilkas, Arainna (female Imperial Dovahkiiin)

Pairing: Vilkas/Arainna (pre-relationship)

Description: Set immediately after "The Silver Hand" quest, Vilkas finds himself taking care of the Jorrvaskr's newest werewolf as she processes what happened and tries to sort out how she feels. Meanwhile he contemplates his own changing feelings towards the Dragonborn Arainna.

Vilkas set the bowl of water on the table in front of the girl, setting himself in the chair in front of the one she sat in with a heavy sigh. Then he pressed a cup into her hand.

She accepted it with a nod and drank a little, shivering despite the cloak around her shoulders and the fire in the hearth. Neither of them was willing to break the silence that stretched between them.

Aela had retreated to mourn Skjor in private. She would need time and space before she could face the rest of the Jorrvaskr – and the ghost left by her lover’s absence.

It had left the newest member of their misguided little family looking lost and staring empty-eyed around the hall on her own. She’d still had blood at the corner of her mouth. Caught and tangled in her hair. Staining beneath her nails with what was left of the Silver Hand the two women had found in their hunt. Dressed lightly in only loose pants and a shirt too large to fit with the sort of modesty the woman usually preferred.

Arainna was a small woman – completely dwarfed in his fur cloak that he’d wrapped around her after getting her to sit – with her long black hair tangled rather than in its usual neat braided bun. Her blue eyes still lost in the distance of her thoughts as she focused on the fire rather.

It was a good thing Aela had returned them in the dead of night. The guard would not have overlooked the state of either of them in better light. Particularly not with so many stories of vampire attacks.

It’s not been an easy change and she’s even worse than your brother was, Skjor had said before he’d gone to follow Aela in protecting the newest werewolf in their pack – Vilkas had gone to confront them for making her one of them at all.

And she was being left to process it – and her grief - on her own.

So he had brought her to the privacy of his own room, wrapped her up in his furs because he hadn’t thought to stop and fetch her own belongings from the room she shared with the other whelps and set about doing what he could to make it easier.

Taking up the cloth from the bowl, he dipped it in the warm water and wrung it out before dabbing it gently where blood had dried on her lips and face.

“Your control gets better,” he knew his tone was still rough, a little too harsh with his frustrations at the situation. Not that gentle was something he knew how to make his voice but he still tried for his shield-sister.

“I didn’t just dream that did I?” she finally spoke, though her voice was barely a whisper.

“No.”

It wasn’t a comforting answer but there’s very little that’s comforting in being a werewolf.

The blood in her veins is still too new for her to sort through the scents in the air the way he can – The scent of lavender soap still clinging stubbornly to her hair beneath the rest of it. His brother’s snoring in the other room too soft to be heard through the thick walls by a human but clear and comforting in its familiarity. Kodlak’s pacing as he turns over how to respond to what has happened. The sounds and scents of the Jorrvaskr and its inhabitants signaling home to him as they had since he had first been gifted the Beast-blood.

It will take some days for her to learn to sort through the new sensations.

She was a fine Companion but not every Companion was suited to controlling the blood. And Aela and Skjor had not consulted Kodlak on that question as tradition called for. Some part of him suspected, though, that she would learn that control swiftly enough.

“What were you thinking, Arainna?”

He took her hands in his to clean the blood from them next, gently as he could, and to pretend not to notice the regret caught in those blue eyes.

Vilkas remembered spotting the pretty Imperial in the shadows of the Jorrvaskr what felt like an age ago as he spoke with Kodlak about his own difficulties with the beast-blood.

She’d smiled and barely stopped herself from curtsying in greeting when Kodlak had spoken to her. Like some kind of proper Cyrodiil lady from the empire’s capital. He’d seen the aborted movement and frowned at it.

A bit of dented armor and a sword barely sharp enough to cut couldn’t make a pampered lady into a Companion.

Back then her hands had still been soft. The starts of the callouses he felt beneath his own fingers had begun to build but her fingers had still not the rough swordswoman’s that he was so carefully holding now.

She’d even apologized for wasting his time in the training yard before they’d begun when Kodlak asked he test her.

He’d expected to see a few clumsy swings and have it end with him telling the old man that he’d been wrong about the stranger having any potential. Instead she had shown herself to be adequate.

Her technique more unsteady by a lack of confidence than an absence of skill. She had a few of those poor habits that some developed when they had a teacher unfamiliar with teaching (he’d guess someone much larger and with a preference for two-handed weapons) but nothing that could not be corrected through training.

And he’d insured the newest whelp got plenty of it with her sword and shield too.

Still, it had been the side eye the whelp had given when he told her to fetch his sword to Eorlund that had earned her a real chance at his respect though. She’d known she was being hassled but still opted to say nothing at being made to earn her place further.

She was an easy woman to warm to, even with his misgivings at bringing a stranger into the Hall at a time when the Circle itself was split. He’d liked the way she smiled and ducked her head to laugh when he made some jest.

The way she’d thrown up on his shoes when he’d walked her back from the Bannered Mare the night after she’d slain the dragon at the watch tower had been a little less charming.

“Don’t know that I was,” she finally answered, drawing her hands back from his. Some foolish part of him wished to keep hold of them but she needed to be allowed her independence now that she was reacting again, he knew that. “I wanted to prove myself – to show that the Companions really are my family now.”

He glanced up to her expression - something in her face suggested she wasn’t trying to prove that truth to them so much as to herself.

“You’re a fool,” he informed her.

She’d been their Shield-Sister for some time now, being a werewolf wasn’t going to make her more family, all it did was get her entangled deeper in the problems at the heart of the Circle…though, perhaps that is what family was supposed to mean?

A tiny smile graced her lips – weak still but it was honest – “You’re probably right.”

“You should go wash your hair,” he said, sitting back. “And get dressed properly. I’m not explaining to Ria why you’re in my room dressed like that. Come back once you’ve done that – I’m sure you have questions. I’ll see if I can’t find where Tilma hid the sweetrolls this time.”

This time there was a slightly larger smile and what might qualify as almost half a laugh, her gaze lingering on his for a moment before she nodded, “…thank you, Vilkas.”

#Skyrim #elder scrolls: skyrim #Elder Scrolls OCs #Vilkas #CW: blood #OC: Arainna #Ari has a rough time adjusting to being a werewolf

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higuchimon · 7 years

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[fanfic] Birth of a Knight: Chapter 4

Forward. Back. To the side, right and then left. Over and over Shou practiced his moves, focusing with laser-like intensity on the placement of his feet and hands. Later he would work on developing strength in his arms and shoulders, strength that would serve him one day on the battlefield. Right now he needed speed and agility.

I can’t fail. I won’t fail. I won’t fail Barbamon-sama. I won’t fail my mother. I won’t fail Peckmon.

Balance remained one of those necessary components of what he trained for and at the thought of Peckmon, Shou’s feet slipped out from under him, not at all helped by the slick grass he worked out on. Rain wept down from greasy gray skies, turning the training field into a soggy, pit-filled mess.

This wasn’t even close to the first time he’d fallen today. He stared at the dull green grass in front of him, drawing in breath after harried breath, before he shoved himself to his feet again.

I will avenge them.

That thought rattled around repeatedly in his head. Whenever he grew too exhausted to move, whenever he opened his eyes in the morning, whenever he closed them at night, when the pain of overexertion demanded rest, he held it close and refused to let it go. If he made a mistake, if he somehow failed to do everything right, if he didn’t train himself to the absolute heights of perfection, then all of this, his very survival, the oath he’d pledged to Barbamon-sama, would be for nothing at all.

Shou refused to let that happen. He would make it through.

He’d taken little more than two steps once he was back on his feet before he crashed down again. This wasn’t due to exhaustion or even a simple misstep. He flipped himself over to see who stood behind him, scrambling to his feet after a breath, knowing better than to let himself be vulnerable. Vulnerable got one killed.

Musyamon stood behind him, arms folded over his chest, staring down at Shou as if the human were little more than a vaguely interesting bug, and not one that would be around for very long.

“So you’re Barbamon-sama’s new pet human,” the Digimon said, eyes scraping up and down over and over. “I don’t see why he’s wasting time when you’d be more useful doing work you’re suited for. Cleaning out the privy, perhaps.”

He burst into hideous cackles and Shou could not have wanted to slam a fist into his face harder if he’d wanted to. He breathed in and out, and just as Musyamon turned, launched himself forward, fists flying, intent on bruising at the very least.

Musyamon didn’t even look up. Instead, he brought his hand up and seized Shou around the neck, the grip tightening in a matter of seconds.

“You think that you can fight?” Musyamon sneered at him, holding Shou high enough off the ground so his feet barely brushed it. “You’re a human. Worse, you’re a child! You barely have enough strength to feed yourself, let alone fight!”

Shou seldom missed his voice. Encounters with Barbamon-sama made it happen the most, since he longed more than anything to actually tell his benefactor how much he appreciated everything and how he would serve Barbamon=sama to his last breath.

Right now, he would have given what little he had to be able to scream in Musyamon’s face, to silence that mocking voice with one of his own.

Instead, he scrambled harder, his feet battering at Musyamon’s legs, his hands wrapping around the hand at his throat, straining to do something, anything, that would allow air back into his lungs. Nothing worked. The harder he tried, the worse he failed, and the tighter Musyamon’s grip became, until spots of red and black began to flower before his eyes.

Then he hit the ground again, and when he gasped for air it came, sharp and harsh and welcome into his lungs. He trembled, staring down at the damp brown earth, and soundlessly gasped when Musyamon’s foot kicked his side.

“Get up, human. You’re useless and worthless. You’re going to get yourself killed, especially if you think you can fight like this.”

Shou wanted to stay on the ground. He wanted to get up and jam the practice sword – now halfway across the training ground and broken in half – into Musyamon’s face.

Another kick and a spike of pain that drove him to his feet as surely as the rage ignited when he’d seen his village ruined and his people slaughtered.

Musyamon nodded, circling him as a beast might its prey. “If you can kill me, I’ll let you do it,” he said after a few silent moments of observing Shou. “Now try.”

Shou didn’t wait another moment. Once more he launched himself at Musyamon, hands trying for the throat, knees attempting to hit anywhere they could.

Once again he found himself on the ground, Musyamon casually knocking him there, showing no more concern than if a small gnat buzzed at him. He didn’t let Shou rest, either. Another kick. Another promise. If Shou could kill him, he would let it happen.

But Shou couldn’t. He couldn’t even raise a welt on him. Landing a blow – the one or two times Musyamon allowed him to do so – did almost nothing. Musyamon only smiled at him, finding all of this far too amusing for words.

Shou spent almost all of his time training and practicing. He’d come out here today after breakfast to put himself through his paces. Musyamon interrupted roughly halfway between breakfast and lunch.

By the time he fell to the ground the final time, barely able to move and without a single part of his body that didn’t ache and throb, stars littered the night sky.

Musyamon stood over him, calm and at rest and without a shred of sweat on him. Shou no longer knew the difference between his own sweat and the rain. It all soaked him regardless.

“I told you. You’re useless. Worthless. Barbamon-sama wastes his time pampering you. You’ll never be of use to him.”

Shou had no idea of where that last spark of energy came from. But it came from somewhere and he launched himself upward, piledriving his fists into Musyamon’s throat as if his own life depended on making the hit. He could feel the flesh under his fingers and he strained to squeeze, to make it count, to prove that he was of use, he just needed to learn.

Musyamon knocked him down one more time and pressed one foot into the small of his back, grinding it ruthlessly.

“Yield, human.” Musyamon ground his foot even harder as Shou wriggled underneath him. “Yield.”

He beat me.

Part of Shou wasn’t surprised. Musyamon had likely forgotten more than he would ever live long enough to learn about fighting. But another part of him screamed to get up, to keep fighting, to find a way to win this no matter what.

Even if there was a way, he had no more strength left to try it. He slumped down, all of the fight draining out of him, and didn’t move even when Musyamon’s boot left his back. Hot tears of anger and shame pricked at his eyes. If he’d had an ounce of energy left and a weapon to do it with – and if Musyamon had let him do it – he would have cheerfully stabbed the warrior Digimon.

Footsteps. Very familiar ones. He dragged his head up in time to see Barbamon-sama striding closer. For a heartbeat he dared to hope that Musyamon would be punished for this somehow. That hope died the moment Musyamon bowed to their liege lord and Barbamon-sama bent his head in acknowledgment.

Shou forced himself to his knees. He had no idea of how. But he knew he couldn’t stay on his stomach, not like that.

Barbamon-sama said nothing to him, only stared measuringly, before he turned to Musyamon. “Well?”

“I think it’s a waste of time.” Musyamon replied right away. “Not at all worth the effort.”

Shou’s heart sank as Barbamon-sama nodded. It sank even further when the old Digimon spoke yet again.

“Train him. I want him to be better than you in all ways. Make him a warrior to be feared.”

Musyamon tilted his head, then stared down at Shou dismissively. “I don’t think that’s possible, Barbamon-sama. He’s human. You know how breakable they are. Look at him now.”

Barbamon smiled viciously. “Do it anyway.”

To Be Continued

Notes: This chapter was written for WIP Week, day #6, newest WIP. I may write more later, but I can’t say for certain. Also, there are three arcs to this. Chapters 1-3 were Shou meeting Barbamon & swearing his revenge & allegiance. Chapters 4-6 will be his training with Musyamon. Chapters 7-9: you’ll see when we get there.

#higuchimon writes #fanfic #digimon next #kahara shou #chapters: birth of a knight #barbamon

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arawynn · 7 years

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Marvel - Masterlist

Bucky

Look into my eyes - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

Soulmate AU - You work as cashier in a supermarket near Avengers Tower. What happens, when a certain soldier comes along? - Finished

A Whole New World - Masterlist

Werewolf AU - In a world of werewolves you are the scapegoat of your pack – the Hydra pack. When another pack attacks, you become a captive in the famous Avengers pack. Is it a jump from the frying pan into the fire? Or will you find somebody to love? - In progress

Be my Gràdh Cridhe

Fairy AU - You are the newest member of the Avengers. As a fairy, you are able to wield magic. When James Buchanan Barnes decides to join the team, your whole world is turned upside down. - Finished

Blind Dates

After a gone wrong blind date your best friend Bucky Barnes comes to you for consolation. - Finished

Date Night

You are being pampered by Bucky. - Finished

A mermaid’s kiss

Merpeople AU - You are the princess of the underwater kingdom Gaear. You are in love with your best friend Bucky, but there’s no chance that the two of you will become mates. Or is there a chance when your parents host a ball to find you a mate? - Finished

Fairy tales are told by time - Masterlist

Fairy tale AU - You are the unloved adoptive stepdaughter of Lady Hela Redhorn, Countess of Essex. As a slave in your own home, your life is miserable. But one encounter in the forest and a royal ball give you the chance to escape the misery. Will you get your fairy tale ending? Or is it doomed to fail? - In progress

The Fate of fairies

Fairy AU - You are supposed to be the newest member of the Avengers. But a certain dark-haired soldier thwarts those plans. And suddenly, his choices decide your fate. - Finished

The best birthday

Biker/veterinarian AU - Bucky is a biker and veterinary who also runs an animal shelter. It’s his birthday and his situation looks everything but rosy. - Finished

Equality

Based on this post - Bucky notices the protests at Planned Parenthood clinics and decides to help. - Finished

Guardian Angel

Angel AU - Every person has a Guardian Angel. And you are the Guardian Angel of the one and only James Buchanan Barnes. You are by his side at every moment of his life. Only as his Guardian Angel or can it be more? - Finished

Fall Leaves

Just a happy morning in fall with the love of your life. - Finished

The Princess and the Dragon

Beauty and the Beast AU - In order to get more money for his constant wars, your brother Alexander sells you to a Dragon. Is he nothing but the selfish beast or is there more beneath his terrifying exterior? - Finished

Flirts and deals

Mobster/Stripper AU - You’re a stripper in a club of the Mobster Bucky Barnes. - Finished

Amazon Island

Soulmate AU - You’re suffering from menstrual pain. Your day gets better when Bucky comes over to take care of you. - Finished

Love Olympus

Percy Jackson AU - Olympus is in danger. The Gods have lost on power while more and more monsters are appearing. You – the daughter of a Minor Goddess – are staying behind to protect Mount Olympus from the wiredrawer while the Gods are gone. You get mixed up in a scheme that endangers everything. And then there’s a certain brown-haired God… - Finished

Love Olympus 2 - Date Night

Percy Jackson AU - 8 months after the attack on Mount Olympus, you have returned to your normal life. Bucky has plans for a date night, but your work spikes his guns. - Finished

Lightning and Love

Firefighter & Veterinarian AU - What was planned to be an evening of watching a thunderstorm turns into something much bigger. - Finished

The Princess and the Naga

Naga AU - In a world of Nagas, you’re nothing but a common human. Will you get a chance at love when your father sells you off for a political marriage? - Finished

Conversation with a stranger in a waiting room

CEO AU - You’re waiting for your job interview and talking to somebody who’s in the room as well. - Finished

Friendship and secrets

Falcon and the Winter Soldier - How could the relationship between Bucky and Yori continue after Bucky realized he’s the one who killed him? - Finished

Deerly beloved

Cervitaur AU - You’re a young Cervitaur – a human-deer hybrid, akin to centaurs – who hasn’t found her mate yet. Will the attractive Stag you meet one day have a chance? - Finished

When the family grows

Foster Parents AU - You and Bucky are the foster-parents. A piece of news that’s supposed to be happy causes a mess that needs a lot of Fingerspitzengefühl to be solved. - Finished

Cerberus, Hades and Love

Percy Jackson AU - You’re the daughter of a minor God who runs an animal shelter specialised on dogs. Meeting a certain very not normal dog changes your entire life when its owner falls in love with you. - Finished

Between cake and Bikers

You own a Coffee Shop that’s frequently visited by a Biker called Bucky. One evening, a gang robs you while he’s there. - Finished

T’Challa

Art and Culture

You are a worldwide approved expert of African art and culture. The visit of an old friend turns everything upside down. - Finished

Bruce Banner

Royal deliberate confusion

Royal AU - A trip to the kingdom Ariandriel changes your whole life. A life full of new chances, and problems. Will you be able to grow with these changes? - Finished

The hurt in your eyes

Soulmate AU - After a massive confrontation with your Soulmate Bruce, you avoid him. Reconciliation? Seems impossible. Until it seems like you might lose Bruce. - Finished

The pain in your eyes

Soulmate AU - This is basically “The hurt in your eyes” from Bruce’s perspective. - Finished

Other

The End Game

Infinity War AU - What if Infinity War didn’t end as it did? - Finished

Fish are people too

Mermaid AU - The Avengers are being given the mission to rescue a member of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s research team. She’s not what she seems to be. Will they come in time to save her? - Finished

#Masterlist #arawynn #marvel #bucky barnes #Marvel-Masterlist #Black Panther #Infinity War

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jesusvasser · 6 years

Text

Hauling for Charity in a Lexus NX, RX, and LX

PHOENIX, Arizona — Unless you’re caning Ferrari’s newest drop top up the Italian coastline or sliding around icebound Finland in the latest Aston Martin, the driving portion of automotive press events is usually the least compelling portion of the event. Us pampered writers don’t deserve an ounce of pity, but know this–driving the latest mid-size hybrid sedan on a predetermined route is about as thrilling as renting one for yourself.

Lexus clearly took this into consideration when putting together its latest drive program. As part of the RX 450hL and two-row LX 570’s launch, the automaker gave participants a shopping list, a gift card, and a fueled-up SUV to pack full of items purchased for charity, a welcome change of pace from the usual cut-and-dry routebook.

2018 Lexus NX 300h

My initial charity beast of burden was a loaded NX 300h, the most diminutive of Lexus’ SUV family—at least until the subcompact UX arrives later this year. Despite the NX’s small-ish proportions and 16.8 cubic feet of donation space to fill, my assignment was at Bed Bath and Beyond, so that cash was going to go quick, and the payload wouldn’t be substantial enough to necessitate folding the rear seats to access the NX’s full 53.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

An empty gift card and a cartful of baking dishes, silverware, measuring cups, aprons, dinnerware, and other assorted culinary accouterments later, the rear cargo space was brimmed. Back on the hot Phoenix tarmac, the NX was as smooth and easy-to-drive as the segment demands, with an adequate 194 hp from the hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

The drive to the lunch stop was neither dynamic nor exciting, but that’s how a Lexus SUV should be. In spite of the NX’s comparably stiff ride, the plates and cups arrived without fracture. It was quiet, refined, and an easy way to haul a chunk of kitchenware.

2018 Lexus NX 300h AWD Specifications

ON SALE Now PRICE $39,330 (base) ENGINE 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline-4/154 hp @ 5,700 rpm, 152 lb-ft plus two electric motors/141 hp and 67 hp; combined/194 hp TRANSMISSION Continuously Variable LAYOUT 4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, AWD SUV EPA MILEAGE 33/30 mpg (city/hwy) L x W x H 182.6 x 73.6 x 64.8 in WHEELBASE 104.7 in WEIGHT 4,180 lb 0-60 MPH 9.1 sec (est) TOP SPEED 112 mph (est)

2018 Lexus RX 450hL

With lunch finished and charity goods dropped off, it was time for a trans-city hike in a 2018 Lexus RX 450hL. The destination was Taliesin West, the wintertime haunt of Frank Lloyd Wright, nestled in the sandy rocks at the base of the McDowell Mountains.

The RX is in its fourth generation, but the 2018 RX L is the first variant to incorporate a third-row. Although I only had myself to haul around AZ, it makes a whole lot of sense. The RX isn’t the compact SUV from 1999 anymore, and the popular midsize market segment necessitates an additional row. Still, even with an additional 4.3-inches of sheetmetal, the L is the smallest of the three tri-row SUVs in Lexus’ arsenal.

Engineers worked hard to ensure the third row is nearly as comfortable as the middle row (or in the case of the RX 450hL, a pair of standard captain chairs). For headroom, the liftgate glass is steeper, and for improved legroom, the third row sits slightly higher than the second row. Third-row passengers in Phoenix will be particularly fond of the tri-zone climate, including third-row vents and A/C controls.

Say what you want about Lexus’ current design language, but you can’t say it doesn’t stand out. It’s a bit heretical to say, but the RX wasn’t entirely out of place parked outside of Taliesin. Wright’s sprawling half-habitation, half architectural school is a collection of sharp edges, jutting angles, and hard corners. The RX isn’t nearly as groundbreaking or historically significant as Taliesin, but it’s one of the more striking options in the segment.

2018 Lexus RX 450hL AWD Specifications

ON SALE Now PRICE $51,615 (base) ENGINE 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6/259 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 247 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm; three electric motors, 67 hp/165 hp TRANSMISSION Continuously variable LAYOUT 4-door, 7-passenger, front-engine, AWD SUV EPA MILEAGE 29/28 mpg (city/hwy) L x W x H 196.9 x 74.6 x 67.7 in WHEELBASE 109.8 in WEIGHT 4,905 lb 0-60 MPH 8.1 sec TOP SPEED 112 mph

2018 Lexus LX 570 Two-Row

The next day, I had a few hours to myself before I flew back to a decidedly more temperate Los Angeles. I commandeered the latest LX variant for sightseeing duties, specifically opting for the more spacious two-row.

With the extra chairs donated to the RX L, the two-row LX packs six cubic from Performance Junk WP Feed 4 https://ift.tt/2w3fUDh via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Performance Junk WP Feed 4

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nowherelinnea · 7 years

Text

unedited translation - exit wounds

Silver was still sitting there where he had left him yesterday, at that table hidden in the corner of the usual cafe, near the window; headlights from the passing cars under the cold winter rain danced on his aphatetic figure. Still in time, the copy of 1984 he had gotten him laid forgotten beside the cold tea; hands in his lap, eyes empty.

Only the day before Gold had occupied the seat before him, they had discussed two different things at the same time through frantic whispers, both of them had said, “i want for it to end”, “I love you”. Silver, who had said that second statement cringed visibly, pale, chapped lips parted; he looked right through him as if someone had turned off his brain, then he said “sometimes I really wish to kill myself”; ten minutes later he was out of the cafe, kicking a trash bin over in his rage struggling in his chest, his shoulders tense and his hands fisted in the pockets of his hoodie.

Their relationship, it had always been puzzling – it was kind of like a black hole of lust and sighs and words left unsaid, in those six months it had drained his will to live, it had left him with many questions about himself he didn’t like – he was a straight teenager, and that’s exactly what he wanted to be.

But Silver – he was so different. He was ice with his cold demeanor, but also scalding hot water with those malicious teasing eyes… but it was never enough, and that was far from healthy.

Even when they were younger, they had been obsessed with each other; the desire to let go of everything – apperances, friendships, goals, it wasn’t healthy. The fire that licked at him at every physical contact they shared and that pain so burning it encroached on pleasure, the lust crushing his heart costantly- Silver was never enough.

So he told himself he was never enough ‘cause he was filling a position in his heart not fit for him. Silver and Gold were two universes that should have never crossed, they were not compatible and the energy they shared was useless and easily exhaustible.

Silver was such a black abyss in his perfect life – full of friends, with a loving mother, so pampered, he was a winner, and Silver was something to hide.

So the day before they had met at that cafe and he’d told him they needed to end things, and Silver had interrupted him by saying he loved him. But curiously, all that feeling had been gone the moment after he said it, and Gold knew those self defense mechanisms, those walls before him all too well – they hid him everytime he was hurt. But then he confessed to him that silly suicidal idea of his and it was clear the tip of the iceberg made of filth and pain swimming in the depths of his soul, it was terrifying. For that moment alone, the dam had been broken once more and Gold had realized it wasn’t that boy’s fault, if he felt that way. Looking at it by Silver’s point of view, he was just clinging to what felt solid in the storm that was going on inside of himself; to Gold’s opinion, it was quite pathetic for someone who carries themselves with such pride.

And now he was sitting there, like every other day in his lonely life where everyone had left him – even his so called sister and his best friend which he proclaimed he was in love with, with an old paperback copy of 1984 and nothing else to lose or gain, stalling.

He didn’t even seem to notice him, he just stared into the void, looking like some sort of china doll, white skin and unruly hair of that weird impossible color, orange-brown reddening toward the tips. They looked so fake now, dirty and stiff.

Crystal chose that moment to enter the scene, the bell on the door dinging merrily as she opened the door. She noticed immediately they were sitting at different tables, stiffly she walked over to Gold and worriedly asked,

“What’s wrong with him?!” eyeing Silver.

“I have no idea” responded Gold, void of any emotion; he regretted getting out of his apartment that day. He had just wanted to live his life as if nothing happened and now he was paying the consequences – a beast eating at his insides. That lecherous pain just told him to walk to Silver and cling to him, tighten his hold ‘till they became one – to be forced to break away from everything and finally, finally not having to worry about anything anymore.

Gold got up and walked to a cubicle in the bathroom – he puked.

A month later his ears were ringing. It was the empty static sound of his life, it was unnerving and accompanied him in every taks he usually did but with a hole punched in his chest.

He’s heard from Red Silver had found a boyfriend. On the contrary, Silver did not need to prove anything to anyone and wasn’t ashamed of showing off his newest catch, a Brian who was also a danseur and was tall and thin and graceful with a soft boyish face. He was so different from Silver, who was all edges in his sharp cheekbones and the curve of his nose and his pointy chin, long and thin spidery limbs, his skinny waist and bones poking from his toned fisique, his body clearly having suffered of a lack of adequate nutrition growing up. He always felt like throwing up. He oh so much missed the sex had in silence on the creaky bed in his dingy apartment in the dirty suburbs of Goldenrod. He missed his body half naked and cold after a shower pressed against his once he laid down to sleep, he missed waking up and watching him cringe in his sleep, do that weird noise in the back of the throat he did, “mmmhh”, and then waking up the next day all stiff. So terribly, he missed him even when his head, the rational (or irrational?) part of him told him it was all wrong, and the shame of what he had done in the space of those four walls was swallowing him whole.

He’d sit on those same old couch on which Silver had used to watch his stupid mecha cartoons and his brain would trick him into believing his scent was still trapped into the fabric.

Someone fumbled behind his door, then Crystal walked into the apartment with her spare key; that they at the cafe Silver had walked out and he had come back from the bathroom still feeling dizzy and had spilled all his feelings to her. And from then on, they had understood each other better, and she was a good listener and had an insight he could not have, being both parts’ best friend.

She sat beside him and stated:

“Maybe Silver was never enough ‘cos you never gave him the chance to be”; he looked at her, unsettled.

“You are suffering, Gold. Silver is too”

“No, he’s not. He has Brian”

“He’s just trying moving on – but I talk to him everyday. He clearly told me he’s in love with you.” Gold looked at the sun filtering through the blinds, painting the walls with long golden stripes; thinking about what it was like just a month before. They weren’t ones for cuddles, they’d fuck and fall asleep together on the unmade bed, never quite spooning; those were the moments they could have loved each other. They had never joked around on the rumpled blankets like he had done so many times with his girlfriends; it seemed a stupid thing to do with another man. Suddenly, he had so many things to say – but he didn’t say a thing. He was exhausted.

“I feel bad for you two”, commented so Crystal, getting up. “Let’s get a drink, uh?”

They walked till the cafe that until a month ago used to be “the usual”. The sun tinted the sky with his rays but black clouds were looming over their heads, and the air was cold.

As they got inside the immediately noticed Silver and Blue sitting at their usual spot. As they walked past them Silver did not look up from his cup of tea, but Blue gave him a resentful look. He was quite bothered that so many people knew about him and Silver. Blue looked like an adult, suddenly, and Silver looked so, so young. “I’m sorry” said Crystal, “do you want to go somewhere else?” “Ah, it’d be distasteful. Take a seat, I’m going to the bathroom”. And when he got out of the cubicle he had locked himself in to take a breather Silver was there washing his hands; he’d followed him on purpose. “Hi”, he said calmly, maybe wary; Gold felt himself drown in his beauty and his stomach lurched in protest, the stress overtaking him – his mouth suddenly went dry and his muscles lax. “Hi”, he replied. He couldn’t watch him in the eye so he settled for his left cheekbone – he loved the way his visage was built, his skin only slightly rough from his beard and his scent thick and masculine on his lean neck. His eyes twinkled full of energy, they studied his face for a moment; his lips parted as if he wanted to say something, then stopped in shock as Gold let himself slam against the closed doors of the cubicles.

“Are you okay?!” he murmured, upset.

“I think my blood pressure is suddenly decreasing”.Between black lashes he observed his worried expression, he felt his knees almost give out. The redhead’s chapped hands wrapped themselves around the fabric of his sweater, keeping him upright and a whiff of his scent suffocated him and like that Gold understood he loved him; he freed himself of his hold. He was sad and angry and in pain, it was difficult to breathe and his jaw was clenching so hard it was producing this unpleasant sound.

“Let go of me” said, bothered by the other’s presence breaking into his personal bubble and trying to get him off without actually touching him. Silver retreated suddenly, offended by that connotation of hate, abhorence maybe.

“Wait” and his voice was melancholic, a bit childlike, “why?”

“what, why?” Silver looked for something that wasn’t there, then looked at him in the eye.

“Why did you want to end it? Did I do something wrong?” And his tone was hurt but his eyes full of pride. Gold watched him, his strength quickly draining from his body till even speaking seemed too much of an effort.

“You’re gay. I hate gays.” And Silver, although was usually really good at reading between the lines did not understand the cry hiding in those words; I don’t want to be gay.

“Hypocrite” he murmured full of resentment, then walked out.

He was him again in June after word-vomiting his feelings to Crystal, he gathered up some courage and went to the apartment he had shared till may with Brian – Crys had refused to clear up what had happened between the two to make them break up.

He lived up in the highest story of one of the new buildings in the outskirts of Viridian City. Read his last name on the list on the intercom and walked in. He took the elevator and then knocked on his door. Immediately he heard his quiet steps toward the door, then saw his tired face peeking out as he opened it.

“Hey”, he said, but Silver only blinked once and the Arctic Monkeys played I wanna be yours somewhere inside the apartment.

“I- am sorry. For everything.” he continued, and he really meant it. The pain in his chest was still there, the hate for himself and that difficult love was still there, but finally he had understood he had to walk toward his own healing and growth, and that Silver may or may not be there with him along the way. He also owned him an apology as much as they were worth it – and an explanation. Not always the knowledge of having hurt him had been there, but since it had taken a recurring spot in his mind he could not endure the stabbing remorse anymore. Silver swallowed and his Adam’s apple danced uselessly up and down and his eyes seemed to be struggling to stay open.

“Let me in, please. Let me explain why all of this happened.” Silver still did not say anything, and let him inside; so Gold walked directly into the living room. It was bright with a big balcony, and it was sparsely furnished with taste. It really felt Silver’s, it so much resembled his smart witty mind and his attention to detail; it smelled so much of him, and that song seemed to sing of them through the speakers.

“I always thought you were never enough”; he started the discussion so as he had planned it, “but in reality it was me who wouldn’t let you be enough; I thought you were supposed to find all the pieces to my puzzle for me, but I later realized that was my duty, and that you couldn’t do anything for me even if you wanted to”.

Silver watched him from his spot leaning on the armrest of the couch, arms folded and eyes big, inexpressive.

“I’m not good with words, but I’ve thought so much about it that it is all clear in my head, now. I destroyed what you tried to build despite me not cooperating, ‘cos I didn’t want to admit to myself I was in love with a guy – that I was in love with you. So I want to tell you that I’ve realized – and I’m sorry, so much so. I was unhappy and frustrated that I did not correspond to the ideal I had of myself in my mind, and I took it out on you.” For long moments Silver stayed silent, and his expression was still unreadable. Then: “If only you said anything, I would have understood you better. I could have gotten my mind at peace” finally he lowered his eyes, but instead of feeling relieved he felt even worse, as he was expressing so much grief.

“If I could have said anything, Silver, then I would have never left you” The redhead looked at him again; was it hope in his eyes?

“I’m so in love with you; I feel like I destroyed anything – but if there was anything, anything I could do… I’d finally be ready.” Silver just like that time at the cafe looked right through him, his eyes so big, his expression thoughtful.

“I felt like I was gonna die” Gold felt his own hope spark up; he wanted Silver to hurry up and tell him what he wanted to.

“I had this feeling inside my chest – kinda like a ball, it was burning and it was making me crazy and everytime I looked my ex in the eye I thought, I only want Gold, oh lord I only want him – and I never even felt any remorse. But now, finally that ball it’s getting colder like Earth’s surface all that time ago after the Big Bang. And that’s what we were, the Big Bang, ‘cos we had this – this energy, both positive and negative at once that we shared constantly and that hurled pieces of us in all directions, but now… now I don’t know anymore. It hurts, like an old scar. It burns still, under all that concrete but the surface is cold and now it’s me who’s missing a piece of the puzzle. I feel like this sadness would not go away even if we got together. Even if I started to feel like my feelings for you were something negative I still cherish our memories together; I don’t wanna ruin that.” Silver was hurt, was suffering just like he did and needed time. And Gold would have waited – hoping for something to happen, to still feel that warm body under his and his soothing breath against his ear as he fell asleep.

As they now lived in two different cities, it was hard for them to still hang out. They made it work though. They’d grab something to eat from Subway and talk about anything and everything. Or to be more realistic, Gold did all the talking, and Silver listened smiling quietly and it was like some sort of balance had been restored. Something in Gold’s chest still ached, some nights he regretted every mistake he had made and every woman was never Silver – no one was ever Silver. But in the short while it was allowed of him to bathe in the purifying waters of his serene eyes, peace showered his wounds. The perfection of his face, the soft inflection to his lips, his gentle thoughtful eyes, everything left him breathless but at ease.

That particular night was pouring; Silver led him toward his home for the first time after that night in June and Gold’s mind was suddenly invaded by the memory of all the times they had sex, something in his groin stirred. It wans’t lust proper, more like that feeling of loss… the sweetness hidden in those moments, the pleasure of beloved flesh- Again that pain in his chest reared its head up, sweeping away all the colors of his normal self. Again his sould floated in a body empty of energy, clinging to Silver’s good mood to avoid loosing itself to invasive thoughs.

While they were sitting in front of the balcony with two beers in hand, Gold had to let that pressure out somehow.

“You are so gorgeous I can’t breathe” Silver was bewildered and truly mesmerizing, so much his beauty swelled in his chest till it obstructed his lungs.

“I miss your kisses- everyone should get a kiss from you, experience that shock only you can give as if you could express yourself only through the contact of your lips” But, Silver had said his love for him had died down and it felt like someone really had gutted him. He felt dizzy as he stood up and said he should go, he was so confused, and disoriented, and in so much pain. Silver jumped on his feet too, he had lost those few centimetres he had gained on him years before, touched his arm and the contact burned even through his hoodie.

“Sometimes you scare me”, he started; “you say stuff like that, yet I never know what to expect from you”

“I don’t even know what to expect from myself – I only know I love you-” Silver did this half smile, it completely erased any thought going on in his mind.

“I love you too, Gold; there’s no one else I could ever want – but will you stay with me? In a real relationship? Will you put in it that amount of effort?” Gold nodded aggressively, hunger exploding in his bell, and their lips met with ardor, their tongues explored themselves finally releasing all the energy pent up in their bodies; and they clung on each other as the rain outside pattered on the window the rhythm of their frantic hearts and the pain they had so long felt turned in a soothing warmth that lulled them, and finally they found home in the embrace of the other. That kiss was as overwhelming as the tide sweeping over someone unexpectedly, and fresh air after a long time in apnea all at once, and when they finally parted, Gold felt as if he was dying and fluctuating away from his body, toward peace – love tingling under his skin; right after, Silver was playfully nipping at his lower lip: the intimacy he had for such a long time longed for, sighed about.

That sentiment had exploded again between them, just like a Big Bang two point zero, and he felt like he was going to the speed of light inside a tunnel that lead to himself, finally whole – all the pieces he still missed falling together, making him one with the man in his embrace.

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