#now i just need to hear sleep awake to cross off the list

[rose-skunk]

Sleep Awake is the Creep to Mother Mother's Radiohead and I won't be taking any questions about this unless it is to have a scholarly discussion about how right I am

[saturnsorbits]

Benefits Denied

Fandom: My Hero Academia, Warnings: Smut, Audio Voyeurism, Sero is a Whore with a jacob's ladder. Word Count: 1.8k.

Summary: Sero has fucked everyone, everyone except you.

A/N: Another thing I started, but I'll never finish...

You’re not curious.

You’re not.

Not even a little bit.

‘I’ll call you.’

Hanta's voice drifts into the living room from the hallway. It's low, gravelling in the back of his throat in the way it does when he hasn't had enough sleep. He's barely had a handful of hours, from what you can guess – the soft mewls and harsh grunts that seeped in through your wall only dying down around three in the morning. Humming low, you hear the tell-tale wetness of a kiss; the squeakiness of a parting giggle and then, the door closes.

When Hanta reappears, he's shirtless and sleepy. He scratches at his stomach, flaking black nails itching at the thick trail of black hair that slinks teasingly below the waistband of his loose sweatpants. He cocks an eyebrow while stifling a yawn with the back of his hand as he notices your staring.

No. You're definitely not curious.

Not at all...

You chew your lip, eyes dropping into your lap as you squirm under his gaze. After almost a year living together, you'd have thought you'd be used to it now: Used to him. And, yet, with every passing day there's less hope denying the way your stomach begins to burn when you catch him fresh out of the shower, or straight from his work outs. How something nestled deep inside of you seems to flutter whenever you lie awake listening to him rail the living daylights out of his chosen fancy for the night. ‘Hanta…’

‘Hmm.’ He hums, twisting at the waist to look at you.

'I...' You thought you'd be used to it, be over the butterflies by now; but you know what they say about curiosity.

His eyebrows scrunch as he crosses to the sofa, perching on its edge beside your feet. ‘What’s up…’

'Are you… Are you going to see her again?’ The words feel odd as they fall off your tongue, a thinly vailed question that disguises what you really want to ask.

Sero's eyebrows scrunch on his forehead as he processes your words. ‘Who? Mina?'

You widen your eyes and you shrug, pretending not to have learned her name from Hanta's own curled tongue. He's loud, something you've learned over the past year as his list of conquests has grown, unafraid of his own pleasure as it rolls from his mouth in a series of groans and graveled, whispered commands.

'Nah - she just needed to scratch an itch, y’know.’

Your stomach clenches. An itch. You could laugh. Living with Hanta has you feeling like you've got hives. ‘Oh.’

‘Why?' Flicking up his eyebrows, he twists more fully, laying his back against the arm of the sofa. Kicking one leg up, he wriggles it down between you and the back of the sofa and sinks deeper into the cushion.

‘Just asking…’ You swallow, trying not to focus on the way his hips jut out just enough for you to catch sight of a soft bulge below the grey of his sweatpants – or the way that, should you want to, you'd be able to crawl between those legs and nestle into his lap. 'Jirou hasn’t been around in a while either.’

Sero shrugs. ‘Started seeing some girl.’

‘And Kaminari?’

‘Going steady with Shinso.’

Your eyebrows furrow. Kaminari had been one of your favourites to listen to. His voice was low and sweet, a beautiful contrast to the ragged sounds he managed to pull from Hanta. You've never cum harder than when you've listened to Kaminari make Hanta beg for his cock. ‘Shinso?’

‘Yeah' He laughs, reaching up behind his head to grip the back of his own neck. The gesture makes the muscle of his bicep stretch, highlighting the purpling veins that pulse along its underside. 'That’s the face I pulled, but - they’re happy, y’know.' He pauses, debating. 'It's nice.’

Sinking deeper into the couch, you tilt your head and bite the inside of your cheek. ‘Yeah. Bet Monoma’s thrown a fit -.’

‘Nah. He’s doing alright.’ His tongue flicks out over his lips, doing a poor job of disguising the smirk that follows after.

‘You’re fucking Monoma?’

The muscle in his jaw ticks.

Something flares in your stomach, your mouth dropping open as you huff. This is the ugly bit. The rise of jealousy and insecurity that burns like a match in your chest, stealing your oxygen to fuel itself. ‘Is there anyone you aren’t fucking?’

Sero smirks, his eyebrows arching up on his forehead. ‘You?’

'Fuck off.’ Your glad your mouth manages to summon the insult instead of the filth playing out in your head. It's hard not to, imagine it, you mean. Sometimes you indulge, allow yourself to think of what it would be like...

How would his hands feel? His fingers, long and lithe – would he press gently inside you, or curl his fingers against the sponginess inside of you until you clenched around him and cried? Would he get lost between your thighs? His nose bumping against your clit as he licked inside of you, tongue twisting and flicking until you shook. You wonder if his cock is as big as you've heard. If the stretch would steal your breath, or have you feeling him for days afterwards.

You shift, trying to quell the heat burning between your thighs.

'Oh?' There's smoke in Sero's voice. It curls in the air and lingers, growing thicker by the second as he hitches himself a little more upright on the sofa.

'What?'

He licks his lips, wriggles until he's almost tipped over, his knees pulling up towards his chest. 'Oh...' Tilting his head, he smiles. It's large, still too large for his face despite that growth spurt back in his late teens. He wears it well now, uses it, much like he's doing now.

You try and push yourself further back into the arm of the sofa, arms crossing your chest even though you know it'll do nothing to disguise the beating of your hummingbird heart.

‘Are you -.'

'Fuck off, Hanta.' You stand, almost knocking yourself over in the process. You can't take his teasing, not now, not about this. There's only one person Sero Hanta hasn't fucked, and that speaks more volumes than you care to think about.

Storming into the kitchenette, you tip-toe to reach the tallest cupboard and pull down a cup. Your hands are shaking, a bubble swelling in your chest as you bite back the emotion threatening to swallow you whole.

'Hey...' Padding on bare feet, Hanta gives you until the kettle boils to approach. He's stooping, head tilted as he digs his hands into his pockets, pushing down until he can ball his fists against his thighs. He swallows. 'I didn't mean -.'

'It's alright.'

'It's not, I've upset you.'

You snort. 'No you haven't.'

Stepping closer, he leans against the counter besides you. 'I have...' He smiles, soft and real, the light glistening in his eyes. 'C'mon, I've known you long enough to know when I've fucked up. I didn't mean to tease, it was just banter - y'know.'

You clench your jaw. 'I know.'

Sero chews at his lip. 'Why do I feel like I'm not quite getting something?'

You shrug, but the string of your patience is already pulled taut and fraying, liable to snap at a moments notice.

'Hey...' Reaching out, he lets the pads of his fingers brush against the bone of your wrist. 'Talk to me.'

His softness hurts, causing you to flinch away. You huff, turning to face him as you let the question you've kept locked in your chest surface. 'Why haven't you fucked me?'

'What?'

'You've fucked all of our friends, you bring a new person home every week, but -.'

Sero steps back. 'Hold on, hold on... You want to -'

'Is there something wrong with me? Is it because we live together, or am I just not your type?' Now that you're talking you won't stop, it spills out of you, pooling in the air between you. 'What is it, because you haven't even made a pass at me Hanta and I'm starting to take it personally.'

Biting his tongue, he rolls his lip until he can catch hold of the black ring wrapping the plush bump. There's a spark in his eyes, one that vanquishes the slither of deep chocolate brown that is often dismissed by those less observant.

He's about to laugh, you can see it.

His eyes crinkle, mouth twisting, tongue darts out from behind his lips. He cocks his head.

You think you might slap him.

When his voice finally slips from his mouth, it's like liquid sin. 'I fucking knew it..'

Narrowing your eyes, you cross your arms across your chest; hackles risen. 'I already feel stupid there's no need to...'

Sero stalks closer. His shoulders roll, the muscles there tensing as a flash of vein glows from beneath his tanned skin. He doesn't stop until he has you boxed in against the kitchen counter, his arms bracketing you at either side even as the edge begins to dig into the middle of your back.

'Han -.'

'I knew I could hear you last night...' He smiles wicked and wide. 'How many times, huh? How many times have you fucked yourself listening to me? That is what you're doing, right?'

A shiver races up your spine forcing your straighter. There's a flood of embarrassment in your stomach, one that burns hot like bile forcing your to swallow to keep it down.

'Dirty bitch...'

You choke...

'Oh, c'mon. No point in being so shy now...' He chuckles. Lifting one hand, he strokes his knuckles down your arm and across your hip, until he can rest his hand just above your pubic bone. 'Not when I can see how wet you are for it.'

You want to deny it, but you can't. Your arousal drips from you, soaking into the old cotton underwear you wish you'd exchanged for something sexier this morning. You inhale, swallowing the shaky breath. Yeah, you'd spent the last three months listening to him rail everyone in the city, but seeing him like this first hand is enough to make your head spin.

'You know the only reason I've not had you tucked up under me is because I didn't think you wanted it, right?'

'What?'

He nods, some of his softness returning to him.

It makes your nerves settle, seeing the fracture in his persona as he returns, slowly, back to the goofy, laid back man you share an apartment with.

'Everyone I've ever slept with has chased me...' There's a blush colouring his cheeks. 'Never really done the asking out before.'

Summoning what little nerve you have left in your body, you straighten your spine and raise your eyes to meet his. You stretch, looping your arms around his neck and pulling him close until you can feel the thrum of his heartbreak through your chest. 'Hanta...'

'Mmm.' He hums, canting his hips back a touch to prevent the hardness of his cock from pressing into your stomach.

'... I'm asking.'

-> Masterlist

[captain-mj]

Trials of Change

Ghost overhears Soap and a couple of recruits complaining about him and decides maybe he does need to be fixed.

Ghost had never been happier honestly. Really. He and Soap had been dating for… two months, four days and, he checked the time, six glorious hours. 

Maybe that happiness made him blind. Foolish or even just stuipd. 

Ghost slipped into the room where the other people were. It wasn’t on purpose that he was undetectable. His natural state of being was… well… Ghost. 

So he heard the conversation.

Price hummed. “How’s it going with him?”

Soap smiled. “Oh, he’s great.”

“Is he planning on wearing the mask less?” 

Ghost internally winced. He understood Price was just asking out of concern. Price was one of the first people to understand that Ghost and Simon were both different people and the exact same. 

Soap shrugged. “Don’t know. I wish he would.” 

Ghost knew that was true so he didn’t mind it, but he decided to wait a second and not announce his presence. He just sat back to listen. 

“Thank God.” One of the rookies piped up. Ghost tensed and glared at them, though they couldn’t feel it unfortunately. “Tired of him walking around all scary. We were all hoping he’d get better when you guys started dating.” 

Ghost didn’t understand.

Better? What did they mean better? He was happier. Wasn’t that enough?

Soap looked rueful. “Yeah. I’d like that too. He spooks me sometimes.” 

Ghost felt his heart just drop. He was sure if he strained he could hear the sound of it snapping. Ice shards being sent off everywhere. After a moment, he decided to stay where he was. Safe and sound. 

As everyone seemed to list off his transgressions. 

Did they know he was there and deciding to mess with him? It was right up Soap’s alley, but the rookies usually feared him enough to stay quiet. He doubted they would pick up on what was going on fast enough. 

“Please make him wear something with color.”

Soap shrugged. “His closet is nothing but black.”

“Tell him to put something besides his music on.”

Soap rebutted that one too. “He hates my music and you guys don’t get a vote.” 

Then the complaints came a bit faster. 

“Make him actually talk to people.” 

“And stop hiding in his room. It’s a bit creepy at this point.”

“Also why can’t he ever make friends on base?”

“Anger issues. He’s constantly getting pissed for no reason.”

“Please make him take off the mask.” 

“And stop staring.” 

“And also please stop letting him out at night.”

“Why are you breaking curfew to see him out at night?” Soap remarked, crossing his arms. The recruits cringed and quickly found something interesting in the room to stare at. That’s when Ghost made his escape. 

He wasn’t an idiot. He knew people wanted him to change. Always something off putting. It had been like that since he started wearing long sleeves at all time to hide bruises and sleeping through class because his dad kept him awake all night. 

But this was new. Did Soap want him to change?

Of course he did. 

“Better” 

What did better mean?

Soap had been asking him questions lately. Simple things. How was your day? How are you feeling? What do you feel like doing? And Ghost would answer honestly. The bad days had definitely decreased. Ghost enjoyed being around the 141 more. He thought he had been talking more. Just to the 141, Alex, Farah, Alejandro and Rodolfo, but really who else did he need? They all saw him as he was and he thought that was enough. 

Apparently not. 

Apparently that was not better.

Well, he had a list of things that he could be better at now. Ghost felt stupid. A silly teen trying to keep their boyfriend around. 

For a moment, he thought of forgetting this conversation happened. Of taking what Soap would give him and waiting to be abandoned when Soap realized that Ghost was incapable of being what he wanted. But already, he knew this would poison everything. Anytime Soap put his scarf around Ghost because he ran so much colder than his angry Scott or when he asked him to take his mask off when they were alone or every time he introduced him to someone new, he’d wonder if it was somehow a way to change him. 

Could he just break up with him? It was the smartest and easiest thing. Shove Soap out of his life and stay exactly where he is. But that meant not having Soap. No more late night tea trips with someone by his side. He’d no longer be there to put hickeys on his neck that he’d grumble about and then secretly like. All the jokes and stolen clothes and the touch. He had forgotten how nice it was to have someone touch him. To put his head on someone’s chest (he hated weight on him because it reminded him of the dirt from the coffin) and hear their heartbeat. Nice and steady and sweet. 

Fuck, Ghost couldn’t give that up. He’d also never be able to drink enough of it in to get his fill. So he’d have to be… better. 

Maybe he could start small. It was silly, but color was probably the easiest. Wear something besides black. 

He didn’t own anything not black. 

Fucking hell. 

Ghost took a deep breath. Maybe he could start with… music? When did they even play music? During exfil occasionally if Nik was driving? But he didn’t have a mission with Soap for the next few weeks so he could see it regardless. 

Anger issues? Yeah, Ghost had them but he didn’t think he ever blew up for no reason. Maybe his reactions were occasionally over the top, but he never hit anyone. Never hit objects near them to show he could either. His last meltdown was months ago and he had, with shockingly no protest but still with a very hurt pride, apologized to the person.

Goddamnit, he just needed a starting place. That’s all. So color it fucking was. 

Ghost went to Gaz, hesitant and nervous, but he was the only person he could really ask about this without it being suspicious since he wasn’t there. 

“Hey, Garrick.”

Gaz looked up from what he was reading. “Riley!” He liked that about Gaz. When he had first referred to him as Kyle, Gaz had called him Simon. If he used his rank, Gaz responded with his rank. Ghost had learned to stick to last name or callsign with him. They felt more like equals than most of the other people on base. 

“Can you help me with something?”

Gaz sat up. “A mission?”

“Where can I get… clothing?”

Gaz paused. “You… The Ghost… want me to help you with shopping?”

Ghost nodded awkwardly. “Yeah… Can we go… shopping?”

Gaz slowly stood up. “Why?”

“I’m going to try changing my style.”

“Why?” 

“Just… want to try something… different?”

Gaz frowned and Simon remembered why he didn’t usually go to Gaz for assistance. They could see straight through him. Every time. “You want to try something… different? Why? You’ve never changed in the years I’ve known you.”

Ghost just shrugged awkwardly. 

“Alright. Let’s go.” Gaz stood up and pulled his shoes on. “What are you searching for?”

“Something with… color?” 

Gaz frowned but obliged. He couldn’t bring Ghost to a mall, worried the people would get him worked up. So instead, he brought him to a strip of stores and picked the most abandoned one. Gaz didn’t really do much, having a feeling he was more playing moral support for whatever breakdown this was. It wasn’t… completely uncommon for Ghost to get the urge to do things. Almost like a mania. However it was never something as simple as this. 

He gave Ghost’s a thumbs up when the man grabbed a blue hoodie. Dark blue, so still in theme. Then he grabbed a camo green and ruby red. Nothing but hoodies. 

“You going to stick with your normal dark color scheme?” It was a genuine question from Gaz, who was worried about him. Also, depending the answer, it would be easier to help him find things. 

Ghost wondered if this was… different enough. “Can you pick something that… isn’t?”

Gaz tilted his head and looked around. He found a polo shirt in a softer green color. “Do you want to try it on before buying it? Make sure you’re comfortable.”

Ghost bounced between his feet, debating. “Yeah.” He found a dressing room and slowly slipped off his black hoodie. The mirror was there. His arm tattoos covered the scars there, but he still felt nervous. 

Now his shirt. 

Just… take off the shirt. 

Take it off. 

Ghost pulled it over his head in a rush but he still caught himself in the stupid mirror. 

Ugly scarring. 

Did Soap not like those? Ghost had tried things to make them fade. Balms and creams and keeping them clean. They were still there. Dark, thick lines. Giant pieces of flesh that were marred for one reason or another. 

What if Soap hated those too? Ghost certainly did. It’s why he stayed covered up. 

He pulled the new shirt on and didn’t look at himself. The fabric was… fine. Not the best, but fine. The color looked weird against his pale skin. 

This was stupid. Again, the feeling of being a teen girl appeared. Was this childish? Of course it was. 

He bought the clothing anyway, even though it made his skin crawl. 

Gaz smiled at him once they were back in the car. “I’m proud of you.”

Ghost nodded. “Thanks, Gaz.”

“No problem, Ghost.”

Ghost grabbed food and hid in his room to eat. He perched on his desk. 

Soap arrived moments later and smiled, sitting on Ghost’s desk chair so they were right next to each other. “Hey, haven’t seen you today.”

“Went out.”

“You went out? By yourself?” Soap sounded so shocked. 

Ghost shrugged. “I had Gaz with me.”

“That’s nice! I’m glad you’re doing that.” Soap smiled at him. “Have fun?”

Ghost thought about it. Honestly, when he wasn’t focused on what they were doing, it wasn’t too bad. Hanging out with Gaz, even if they didn’t really talk much, was pretty fun. 

“Get anything?”

“More hoodies since you keep stealing mine.”

Soap smiled. “Hell yeah. It’s not my fault you have better taste in hoodies. They’re always so soft and big and smell like you.”

“They’re big because they’re meant to fit me.”

Soap leaned up and kissed his cheek. After having to deal with the people at the store, Soap’s presence was honestly a bit of a balm to his frayed nerves. 

Until he thought of why he had gone out. 

“Are you content with me?”

Soap paused, looking a bit confused. “Simon, I’m happy with you. Why do you ask?”

“Nothing. Just wondering.”

Johnny hummed. “Take your mask off for me.”

Simon did. He wanted to be what Johnny expected. To change how he was supposed to. Callused fingers ran over his cheekbones. Touching his jaw. 

“Beautiful.”

Wrong. 

“Did something happen?” Soap was too perceptive. 

“No.” 

Soap frowned and leaned up, kissing him more. “Alright. Ye won’t talk to me. I won’t push ya.” He cupped his face. “Just talk to me when you’re ready then.” 

Ghost frowned. “Nothing wrong. But I will if anything comes up.”

Soap smiled. “All I ask.” 

The next time they were in the car, Ghost put on some pop music. It wasn’t what he’d normally listen to. It was just a random list of the top 100 hits. Soap noticed and looked at him oddly. “Where’s your normal rock music?” 

Ghost normally made a radio each time they were going to do something together. All of it heavy rock music or metalcore. That was… bad though. Price called it his angry mix and he was trying to not do that. Not to be like that.

Be different. 

“Wanted to change it up?” It came out too much like a question. 

Soap frowned. He liked all types of music just fine, but Ghost didn’t. Ghost was predictable. Ghost only “Changed it up” when on leave when he listened to classical music. A fact only Soap got to know.

“You’re acting different.”  

Ghost shrugged and focused on driving. The other guys seemed on edge now Something was clearly off about him now. It made everyone nervous. 

It was exacerbated when Ghost wore colors at the next taskforce meeting. Even Gaz, who had been there when he bought it, looked very uncomfortable when he wore a soft shade of red hoodie and medical mask instead of his balaclava. They all kept glancing over and… looking confused. 

Ghost looked at Soap. He ignored that his skin prickled at the attention and the change. That the fabric was itchy against his skin. Or that being so exposed made him want to die right there. None of that quite mattered as much as Soap’s expression. He didn’t look pleased at all. No excitement that Ghost tried to be different. Just… a strange look. 

Ghost felt sick. He felt nauseous. 

Soap cornered him after the meeting and took him to his bedroom. 

Ghost felt like a kid, just sitting on his bed as Soap stared at him. 

“I was just trying to be what you wanted.” Simon admitted, yanking the hoodie off. “I heard you and the recruits complaining about me. I just… wanted you to like me.”

Johnny paused and softened. “Simon. I’m sorry. I was letting them complain because you’re their boss. Which I shouldn’t have. Gotta so caught up in you being Ghost, my Lt, I let them disrespect Simon, my boyfriend.” He sank down, getting on his knees in front of him. “All of this… Making yourself so uncomfortable and forcing yourself to change… You tried to do for me?”

Ghost winced. “It’s pathetic. I know. Just…”

Johnny laughed and pulled the medical mask down to kiss him. “Mo chroí. It’s not pathetic. I’m so sorry. If I had known, I would’ve cleared it up for you.” He kissed him a few more times. “I love your angry music and your dark clothing and the fact you only casually show your face to me. And I wouldn’t change you for the world.”

Simon relaxed a little. “Keep going.”

Johnny laughed. “Alright. I like that you’re mean to recruits because you want them to toughen up. You don’t listen when anyone suggests anything because you know you’re going to ignore it and I find it fun. Especially because you listen to me. I like that you’re a little pretentious about your music and that I get to wear your black hoodies. That you have two pairs of pants and that’s all you wear. On leave, I love that you wear a ton of rings. That you’re grouchy in the mornings even though you get up at 5 am when working. I love you, Simon.”

Simon pulled them back so they were laying in bed and Soap continued without a beat. “I love that you wake up at 2 am and make you tea and me a cup of coffee. Love that you sneak into my room all the time and that you steal the blankets. I-”

Simon kissed him. “Alright. You can stop now. I get it.”

“I can keep going. Anytime you want me to.” Johnny promised. “Also, I tore into them later. I wanted you to know. Made fun of all of them.”

Simon laughed and relaxed more into the bed, feeling Johnny pepper kisses on him. “Love you too.” 

[moonspirit]

For that send a ship thing, I was hoping Levihan, but if you don't ship them then eremika??

(or maybe AruAni?)

Hiya!

And I definitely do ship Levihan haha xD So here goes:

{Edit: Whenever Hange is referred to as "she", please feel free to read as "them" if you prefer! I revert to using "she" by default because I've been doing it for a long time :<}

Who said “I love you” first

The way I see it, Hange probably always says "I love youuuuu" in that casual unserious kind of way - and its not just Levi who hears it, it's everyone. She needs someone to do her a task? It's a "Hey will you please do this for me, oh you will? Great, thanks I love youuuu~~"

Similarly Levi gets "I love youuuu~s" every so often when she's being annoying and needs him to put up with her rambling.

But the Real "I love you" probably comes first from Levi himself. It's hard to get him to be vulnerable with words, simply because he's a man of few words in the first place, but he says it quietly, and from his heart, taking Hange by surprise. There's no doubt he means every bit of it, and suddenly, she can't really come up with any silly joke to laugh it off.

Who would have the other’s picture as their phone background

Hange, lol. Levi looking grumpy and tired and cute, that's her wallpaper. He on the other hand, probably has a picture of the sunset (because he's secretly a sentimental man, but shhhh) with a shopping list widget stuck on the side so it's easy for him to see what he's got to do grocery runs for.

Who leaves notes written in fog on the bathroom mirror

Hange. And Levi fucking hates it because by the time he's reading it, the words are getting all runny and watery and blurring off, and asking her what the fuck she wrote on the mirror only gets him a "teehee! you're so slow, levi!" in response.

Who buys the other cheesy gifts

Listen, listen. I know it's easy to say Levi would get Hange very functional and useful gifts, but the man is a soppy romantic at heart. He's the one getting her a boquet of flowers, doing her a candle-lit dinner, and maybe a box of chocolates for valentines. It's his old-school gentlemanly side kicking in every time he goes gift-shopping. Hange on the other hand? Maybe a free-hot-springs gift voucher or a pair of boxers with rainbow ducks on them for him. She's a scientist, for god's sakes, don't expect her to spend time picking out the best gifts! (Secretly he finds them all cute).

Who initiated the first kiss

It was an accident. She meant to kiss him on the cheek, he turned, and smack, there it goes on the lips. She's shocked because that wasn't what she'd planned to do, and she's worried Levi will storm off, finding it to be crossing a line they've never spoken about crossing - and Levi would be disappointed inside, because that's not how he'd planned on kissing her, carelessly and without enough emotion put in. But accident it is, and now maybe they'll finally fucking talk about that stupid line - and cross it.

Once they recover, ofc.

Who kisses the other awake in the morning

Levi. I did say he's a romantic at heart. Hange sleeps late and wakes late, she's all over the bed and drooling into her pillow, he's the one getting up early to get the coffee and breakfast going. So he gives her a kiss with a scratchy "it's morning. wake up." before heading to the bathroom (because brushing teeth and shower comes first before anything else).

Who starts tickle fights

Hange! And she always loses! Cuz she's all pomp and victory at first but she's the ticklish one, not him, so when he finds an opening and stops grumbling, it's game over for her.

Who asks who if they can join the other in the shower

Hange. Because she's running late, she's got an experiment to get started on in her lab or a lecture to give, and she's got no time to wait until Levi finishes scrubbing himself spotlessly clean. So she asks him if she can join, and is stripping before he even says yes, prancing into the steamed-up bathroom shortly after.

Who surprises the other in the middle of the day at work with lunch

Levi. Because Hange forgets to eat when she's neck-deep in a lab-test or studying the results of a hypothesis. So he's there with all the food she hates, because she sucks at nutrition and whatnot, and she needs to get something in her system besides just junk. But he does have a very nice milkshake for her he thinks tastes like shit. But she loves it, and he loves her, and as long as she's polished off that broccoli piece she's trying to hide, then it's okay.

Who was nervous and shy on the first date

Levi!!! Romantic at heart, didn't I say! Is secretly worried and bothered about making sure Hange has a good time! Genuinely wants her to really enjoy the date, and make it as memorable as possible!

Not that you could tell any of this from his "fuck-this-shit-I'm-out" face.

Who kills/takes out the spiders

Levi. No spiders are taking up residence in his house. Nu uh. He doesn't want the cobwebs and spider eggs. Besides, he feels bad shooing them off or killing them. Better not to have them in the first place.

Who loudly proclaims their love when they’re drunk

Hange. She does it even when not drunk. Need I say more?

[deanwritings]

FwB: Chapter 10 - Blurred Lines

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Summary: FwB - Friends with Benefits.

After walking in on Y/N following a fun encounter, Dean and Y/N decide it would be beneficial and much easier to use each other for their needs. But can they keep it just about sex?

FwB - Master List

Word Count: 2,132

Warning: 18+ themes and language.

Gif:

A/N: This is it!! The final chapter!!

The drive back was excruciating, and not just because of how beaten up you were. You and Sam, despite how tired you both were, were working overtime to make sure Dean wouldn’t fall asleep. You were still worried about a potential brain bleed with how hard he smacked his head, and if he got more than an hour of sleep, you had to wake him up and check his vitals. To say he was cranky was an understatement. He would swat you away any time you tried to check him, and any attempts to keep him awake with conversation was met with a wall of silence. 

You weren’t sure if it was because he got his ass kicked or if he was still pissy following your talk. All of your anger and pain had faded away when you saw him crumpled up on the car. Now all you cared about was making sure he was okay. But Dean seemed to be holding a grudge either against you or the monster. Maybe both. 

Sam, who is normally happy to keep to the speed limit, hightailed it back to the bunker, managing to get you back in under eight painful hours. 

As you drag yourselves through the garage and into the bunker, you let your bags fall at the table. Sam disappears down the hallway, his brother right behind him, but you reach out to grab Dean before he could follow.  

“Hey, I know you’re exhausted but you can’t go to bed.” You offer gently. You and Sam would need to still keep an eye on him for the next sixteen hours. If he managed to go a full day without any worsening symptoms, he would be in the clear. Until then, he would have to have to be under someone’s observation. Since Sam drove the whole way back, you offered up the first watch.

“I don’t need you to babysit me.” He snaps, pulling his arm out of your grasp. You frown at him and cross your arms. 

“I’m not babysitting you, I’m taking care of you. Don’t be an asshole about it.” You huff, turning away from him and digging into your bag for a hoodie, the bunker cold from a lack of heat while you had been gone. 

“It’s not like I want to sit around and watch you. I would much rather grab some sleep, too.” You remind him. It’s not like you were doing this for fun. You were going on about an hour or so of sleep, maybe, not to mention all the alcohol that had been in your system when you had been abruptly awakened. And it’s not like Dean was the only one injured. Your side was still aching, as was your shoulder, but you kept that to yourself, considering Dean was much worse off than you. 

“I’m not your problem.” He grunts, but settles himself down at the table anyways, replacing the first aid kit ice pack back on his head after taking it off when you first arrived back. 

“I could definitely argue that you’re a problem right now.”  You mutter under your breath as you pull your sweatshirt over your head, but as you settle into the fabric, you catch a roll of Dean’s eyes. He’s heard you. 

“Stop being a baby and suck it up.” You say louder, meaning for him to hear you this time. 

Dean grumbles something, but unlike him, you can make it out.

“What?” You snap.

Between the pain of your likely broken rib and your exhaustion, mixed in with Dean’s nonstop shitty attitude, you’ve just about had enough. 

So let’s just say you weren’t in the mood for whatever bullshit he was about to start with. 

Dean just stares you down, his lips pursing as he decides if he wants to actually speak up louder. 

“Just say it,” you order. If he wanted a fight, so be it. Anger was a great replacement for pain. If he wants to have a temper tantrum like a toddler, you’ll stomp your feet and yell just as loud as he can. 

Bring it on, bud. 

“Why’d you end it?” He asks quietly, his tone a complete shift, and you're thrown off by his question. 

You open your mouth, but words evade you.

Why the hell was he bringing this back up now?

“Why does it matter?” You turn away from him, rezipping your bag as a way to distract yourself from the question. 

“Because I want to know – that’s why.” He states matter of factly, as if that’s the only explanation he needs. And maybe it is. 

You take a deep breath and shake your head. Is it even worth telling him? 

Once Dean was in the clear, you weren’t planning on staying around. You had made up your mind last night that you were going to leave the bunker for a while. You weren’t sure how long, and if you would make your way back, but you needed space from Dean. You needed time away to let your heart heal. Because if you had to see Dean every day, watch him fall back to his normal patterns of flirting with waitresses and disappearing on Friday nights, you would never recover.  

So if you did decide to tell him, you wouldn’t have to deal with the awkwardness that would surely follow. 

But with how pissed Dean was, it didn’t seem like the right time to pour your heart out to him. 

Instead of answering, you just sigh, not able to come up with a good enough lie that would get him off your back. 

Without a word, you stand up from your bag. If you weren’t going to answer him, you might as well walk away from him. Maybe if you take long enough, his concussed brain will forget he even asked you. Which was an awful thought, but this was an awful conversation. 

“For the record,” Dean’s voice follows you as you’re about to step into the hallway. “I wasn’t ready for it to end.” 

Your breath catches as your feet stop. 

What the hell did he just say?

You pivot, not fully turning towards him, but enough to make sure you could see him.

“What?” You don’t mean for it to come out harsh, but your disbelief is short circuiting your brain. 

Dean drops the ice pack from his head onto the table and stands up. He takes a few long strides towards you, but you don’t move.

“Look,” he waves his hand. “I know you had that rule that you can back out at any time.” He continues getting closer. “And I respect that.” You now turn your full body to him, only steps away. “But you owe me why.” He stops in front of you, his green eyes staring down at you.

You swallow down the lump in your throat as you look up at him, your heart pounding in your chest as you can almost feel him he’s so close.

“Why can’t you just let it be?” You whisper, your voice failing you. 

You watch as his eyes scan your face, and as you feel tears prickle at your eyes, you hope that in the dimness of the bunker, he can’t see them. 

“Because I don’t want to.” His voice matches yours as he continues to watch for your reaction.

When you don’t answer, he leans in closer, and without thinking, you close your eyes and lean into his touch, until your lips find his, moving slow and steady, both of you taking your time, savoring the feeling as your fists ball up against his chest and his hands cup your cheeks. 

Your heart feels like it’s going to explode, completely overwhelmed. Your lips begin to quiver.

It’s too much.

“Dean,” your voice breaks as you pull away. You feel a tear push past your lash, trailing down your cheek. “Please don’t do this.” You swallow hard. It was all too much. The pain, the exhaustion, the fighting, and now, whatever the hell this was. Your thoughts were completely jumbled and your head felt it was going to explode from the pressure of confusion. 

You feel him recoil away from you, his hands dropping from your face as you open your eyes. He’s somehow already put space between you, his head cocked away from you, his eyes shut and jaw tight. 

Your hands shake as more tears pool in your eyes, spilling over without hesitation. 

“Dean,” you call out to him, but he won’t look at you as you watch his cheeks flex at the sound of your voice.

He was right. You at least owed him this. And it felt like it was going to crush you if you kept it in any longer. 

“I broke it off because I blurred the lines.” You admit hastily, part of you hoping your words were jumbled enough that he won’t fully hear you. But as he slowly finds your gaze, his eyes are glossy and confused. 

You take a deep breath, shaking your head, tears splattering on the ground.

“It started off as sex, but somewhere along the way, all the late nights together, I.” You take a deep breath as your heart pounds in your chest, your hands tingling. “I wanted more. I want more.” You correct yourself with a humorless laugh, knowing that’s something Dean can’t give you. You shake your head and lick your dry lips.

“And I know that’s not what you do, Dean. You don’t do relationships, and that’s okay. That was never the agreement. But I can’t just be your fuck buddy anymore, Dean.” You feel resolution flow through you at your honesty, the words and feelings you had been battling against for weeks finally set free, and you take a deep breath and square off your shoulders, your tears subsiding. 

“Why?” His eyes find yours, and your shoulders drop as your heart breaks all over again.

Because now you’re seeing what you had missed when you were in the motel; it wasn’t a bruised ego. It was Dean Winchester’s worthlessness enveloping him. Just another person in his life he wasn’t good enough for that was leaving him. 

“Dean,” your voice breaks. This time, you walk towards him, and his eyes never leave yours as you take his large, calloused hands in yours. You refuse to break his gaze, and it sets your resolution for your next words.

“You are the best man I have ever met. You care and love like no one else.” You swallow, a smile painting your lips as your next words come to mind. “All wrapped up in one handsome and sex-defying package.” You laugh as more tears fall, and your chest warms as a smile breaks out on Dean’s face, his tongue running over his lips as he shakes his head.

His fingers play along your palm, and he swallows before speaking again. 

“Sweetheart, all I want from you is more.” He whispers. “And yeah, me and relationships have never really worked, but if you let me, I’ll give you everything I’ve got.” His eyes shine down at you, and you can hear in his voice, he means every single word. 

You nod your head vigorously, your hands jumping up to his face and pulling him down to meet your lips. His arms encircle your waist, lifting you off the ground as he pulls you against him as you smile against each other. You wince as he unknowingly digs into your injured side, breaking the kiss as he sets you down on your feet, concern etched onto his features. 

“I’m fine,” you assure him before he can ask. “Just a bruise,” you fib, knowing that if you tell him the truth, he’ll go into doctor mode and begin fussing over you, and you aren’t willing to lose this moment just yet. 

You move your hand from his cheek and brush his hair away from his forehead, careful to avoid the bump.

You frown.

“This better not be the concussion speaking.” You narrow your eyes at him, though a smirk tugs at your lips. 

Dean just shakes his head at you.

“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that?” His arms tighten around your hips this time to avoid your “bruise” again as his eyebrows quirk up.

“Well I think I’m your pain in the ass now, so you better get used to it.” You grin, your hand falling to the nape of his neck. 

“I think I can get used to that.” His eyebrows raise with a grin as his hands find your ass, giving it a squeeze. 

“You're incorrigible.” You huff with a smile. 

“Well you better get used to it,” he mimics you, leaning back down and finding your lips again.

That's all folks! Hope you enjoyed it. See you next time!

FINAL FwB TAG LIST

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[omgkatherine01]

Moonlight Beta: Chapter 6 - Burn Alive... Almost

Series Masterlist

Chapter 5, Chapter 7

Pairing: Scott McCall x Fem!Liam Dunbar

Please comment, like and share

Sleep wasn't Lia's friend anymore, not since the Berserker fight. Those things, those creatures haunted Lia every second they could. So, instead of going back to sleep, she texted Scott and asked if she could come over, which she received a yes for an answer.

Ever since he died and had those awful nightmares involving Lia, he felt extra protective of her, scared that she might die like she did in his mind. With her around him, he felt better knowing she was there beside him, alive.

"How's Kira's Mom?" Lia asked as she sat on Scott's bed with him. "She was taken to a hospital in Palo Alto," Scott said, "They put her in a helicopter. But she will be alright, she just doesn't heal like she used to."

"Does this mean..." Lia trailed off. "Kira is leaving for a couple of days, yeah," Scott said. "She needs to be there for her mother, especially if she's still on the list." He sighed and laid his head on the pillow, "And, I actually have to go back to the hospital too. They want to do a bunch of tests since I was kind of officially dead."

Lia scoffed, "Yeah, I figure my Dad has a lot of questions to you." Scott nodded, "Yeah."

Lia looked down at her hands, "I just wish it had all worked." Scott frowned and sat back up, "Yeah, I've been thinking about that too. And actually, I think maybe it did work. Not that I know exactly who The Benefactor is but we might know a lot more about him now."

Lia frowned as they faced each other, "But no one came. And no one got visual confirmation, right?"

"That's why it might have worked," Scott said, "Remember what I told you about everyone in our pack? Think about it. Who has the power to know when someone's dead, but doesn't need to see the body to know it happened?" Lia thought for a moment with a frown and then looked at Scott,

"A Banshee."

Scott smiled softly at her.

--------

Another night, and Lia was tossing and turning because she couldn't sleep. As she did so, a familiar noise made her stop and sit up.

Now fully awake, she noticed her printer was on. The girl got out of her bed and walked quietly over to see that it was printing something. It was the Deadpool and it had names crossed off of it.

"What the hell?" She muttered to herself as it kept trying to print. She tried pressing the off-button but it kept on printing until she finally unplugged it.

--------

The next morning seemed like hell for Lia as she walked down the halls of the school. Her paranoia was increased and the laughter of the students in the hallway was so overwhelming until Mason greeted her, Lia's focus then finally having something productive to shift to.

"Hey," he said, "Am I gonna see you at the bonfire tonight? Or are you gonna be busy with lacrosse team things?"

Lia frowned, forgetting that they had the bonfire party coming up. With all the supernatural crap going on, she was too tired to do anything else.

"Uh, I'm thinking about skipping," she admitted sheepishly.

"You're not skipping," Mason told her.

"Why not?" Lia asked. "Because you're on the lacrosse team," Mason answered, "Don't you have to go?"

Lia looked nervous. "I don't, uh..." The girl suddenly froze when she started to hallucinate a Berserker in the school. Whether it was from lack of sleep or trauma, she didn't know. Either way, she was hallucinating one standing right in the middle of the hallway.

"I--I don't think I can make it," she lied, grateful that Mason couldn't hear her heartbeat.

"You're coming," Mason said, "We're gonna find you a nice boy--or a nice girl that you can embarrass yourself in front of and find me a lacrosse player. Because statistically speaking, someone on your team has gotta be on my team. Alright?" While Mason was rambling, the Berserker seemed to be getting closer.

"Lia?" Him calling out her name seemed to snap her out of the trance. "Yeah, I'll be there," she spoke quickly before running off, hoping to get away from the beast-like creature.

--------

The entire lacrosse team was in the boys' locker room, including Lia since no one was actually getting changed and it was just a team meeting.

Coach walked in, "All right. Now, I know the start of the season bonfire, it's a big deal for you guys. I also know it gets out of hand sometimes. The alumni show up, there's other teams, and alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol." The team, aside from Lia and Scott, cheered.

Scott had his eyes stuck on his Beta. She wasn't paying much attention, her eyes were looking down at her shoes. She smelt of sadness and fear, something Scott wasn't used to smelling on her.

"All right, shut up," Coach said, "Now, what I don't understand is why anybody would ever want to get stumbling down drunk in front of a massive open fire. I'm also resigned to not being able to stop you guys." The team, aside from Lia and Scott, cheered. "I also remind you, your team captain, McCall, will be there. And I can count on him to narc on any and every one of these little bastards. Get back to class."

Everyone scrambled off after Coach's speech and Scott lost Lia in the small crowd. He took a deep breath, following her scent to the stairwell.

Lia was sitting on the stairs since everyone else was back in class, fiddling with her lacrosse stick. She flinched slightly when she heard someone getting close, but relaxed slightly when she realized it was only Scott.

"Hey," Scott said softly as he sat on the step behind her and put his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

"You okay?" he asked. Lia shrugged and looked down at her feet. Scott frowned in confusion, "Lia, hey, you can tell me anything. You know that right?"

The girl sighed softly and spoke, "Last night, my printer went off by itself. I couldn't turn it off. I hit the cancel button, but it just kept printing."

"Printing what?" Scott asked. Lia took the list out of her pocket and gave it to Scott.

Before he could read it, the two heard Coach yelling. They ran over to his office to see papers among papers being printed out like crazy. "What the hell is this?" he asked as Scott picked a paper up.

"You see the difference?" Lia asked.

"Derek's not on the list anymore," Scott answered, and Lia wasn't worth 3 million anymore, she was now worth 18 million dollars.

"I don't know if I want to feel special or terrified," Lia muttered as Scott looked from the girl to the papers.

--------

Mason dragged his best friend out, despite her not wanting to go to the bonfire party. Her father urged her to go out and have fun, while her mother was hesitant on letting her go out to a party that would most likely result in drinking.

Mason has practically made her his Barbie doll, dressing her up in a semi-casual black dress. It was something Lia couldn't see herself ever wearing again. To feel less naked, she wore Scott's lacrosse zip-up sweatshirt.

Lia, despite knowing that she couldn't get drunk because of her healing abilities, decided to drink anyway and was pleasantly surprised when she started to feel a bit buzzed.

"Hey, I wanted to ask, what's your relationship with Scott McCall?" Mason suddenly asked. "Oh, you know, we just became friends after the tryouts," Lia answered.

"Is that Scott's sweatshirt?" Mason asked with a small smirk. Lia looked down at herself before back at him in hesitation, "Yeah... is that bad?" Mason shook his head, letting out a soft chuckle.

His smile disappeared as he watched her take another sip. "Not gonna tell me to slow down right?" she asked when she noticed him giving her a confused look when she chugged down a whole flask of captain. A smile was on her lips, something that she had been lacking since the Berserker incident.

"Actually, I was gonna say keep drinking," Mason said, "I think you should get drunk. And I mean stumbling down, fall on your ass, passed out with your face in the toilet drunk."

Lia couldn't help but giggle, "Why?"

This was when it got serious.

"Maybe then when I ask you what's going on, you'll be too drunk to lie," he answered.

Lia's happy smile fell, guilt consuming her for keeping him in the dark and worried about her. "I'm not asking this because I want to know," he said, "I'm asking because I want to help. Are you seriously okay?"

Lia didn't notice that Scott had shown up, he was too looking over along with Malia with a sense of worry.

"I'm getting another drink. Yeah. I'm getting drunk."

--------

It was not long after that she felt drunk, like stumbling drunk. Scott and Mason had both Malia and Lia sit down, both girls intoxicated despite their massive healing abilities that would've prevented this.

"How much has she had to drink?" Scott asked Mason. "Not enough to get her like this," Mason answered, knowing he's seen Lia drink more than that and not be this affected before.

"Something's happening. We need to get them out of here. I think we're gonna have to, uhm..." Scott was cut off as his vision got blurry.

"How much did you drink?" Mason swore everyone here were literally alcoholics.

"Nothing, not even a sip," Scott answered and then realized it was the music, just like the hunters from Mexico had done to them. "It's not the drinks. It's the music. I have to… I have to turn off the music. Don't let them out of your sight." Mason nodded, and watched Scott walking away, stumbling a little along the way.

Mason turned back to Lia and handed her a bottle of water, "Hey, drink some water." Lia took it, "Mase, I don't feel so well."

"Yeah, I get it, you--you'll be okay," Mason said and turned back to check for Scott. A few seconds after, two guards walked closer and each grabbed Lia and Malia by the arms.

"Let's go," Guard 1 told them, starting to pull Lia up by one arm, and the girl didn't even fight back.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Mason asked. "These are my friends."

Guard 1 turned to Mason, putting a hand on his chest. "Your friends are overly intoxicated. They need to be escorted out."

"Okay, I'll go with them," Mason told them.

"That won't be necessary," Guard 1 told him, turning back to Lia.

"I said they're my friends--" Mason started forcefully, but the guard pushed him down to the ground.

Two guys went to help him up. "You okay, man?" Guy 1 asked, and he nodded. He looked back to the guards as they took Lia and Malia away.

The assassins dressed like security guards dragged Scott, Malia and Lia inside, placing them on the floor, leaned them against the lockers, and started dousing them with gasoline.

Scott was the only one conscious at this time, "What is that? What are you doing?"

The guy smirked, "It's gasoline. Haigh says we gotta burn you. It's too bad though, your girl is pretty hot," he said, gesturing to Lia.

Scott growled, his eyes turning red in protectiveness over his beta who was clearly underaged compared to this man. "Oh, shut up," the man scowled, dousing them with more gasoline.

Malia and Lia gained consciousness when they felt the gasoline on their skin. Scott was hoping that Mason would pull through and get the music shut off even though he didn't know why it was affecting them.

And luckily for the three, he did.

Scott was able to recover easily due to his status as True Alpha. Scott grabbed Guard/Assassin 1's hand, closing the lighter, squeezing his hand until it broke, making him groan in pain. Scott punched him in the face hard, making him fall unconscious.

The other hunters were taken care of when Derek and Braeden came in, fighting hand-to-hand combat with them. Though, it was mostly Braeden since Derek was a bit new to fighting without werewolf powers.

Malia and Lia helped each other up, subconsciously leaning on each other in support. Malia could tell the girl was shaken up, and although she didn't know how to comfort people very well yet, she let the girl hold onto her arm.

"What happened to the gun?" Scott questioned Derek as he got up. "You're covered in gasoline," Derek pointed out the obvious.

"Oh, yeah," Scott muttered and then he turned his attention to the girls. Malia had her arm wrapped around the youngest beta protectively even though the danger has now passed, and she nodded to Scott that they both were alright.

[blush-and-books]

19!!! 🫶🏻

19. back scratches (from this intimacy prompts list)

Donna didn't realize how much tension that Harvey had in his back until they were together and she was faced with it almost every day. He never seemed to sleep on it right - granted, he was often sleeping on her - and sometimes even twisting it a certain way to reach for something while he was cooking would lead to a groan from him as he reached to rub an aching spot that he couldn't reach.

One morning, Harvey woke up before Donna from stress over Mike's handling of a case. By the time she joined him, awakened by his stirring, she found herself frowning at his back as he was sitting up on his side of the bed, legs dangling off the edge. It's a sleepy instinct she feels to reach out to him; so she sits herself up behind him and sits with her legs crossed in front of her. Before he can even turn around or react to her being up, she rests her hands at his shoulders and drags her nails down his back.

She can feel, see, and hear the sigh that it elicits.

Neither of them say anything, they don't need to. Her nails start to make waves in his shirt, and her hands circle in patterns that she isn't really thinking of. It comes to her, abruptly, that Harvey probably hasn't allowed himself a moment to stop and breathe in nearly all the time she's known him. Probably longer - probably over half of his life has been spent in motion. Forcing his body to keep up with his fast-moving mind.

As her hands sweep down by his hips, then up his spine and down again, she wonders if it's all crashing down on him now. She feels like she's just accidentally pressed pause on their day, and they are frozen in the intimacy of her touch and his silence. The thought of stopping starts to scare her. He deserves a decade's worth of back scratches and catching his breath; not a meek five minutes.

But she feels it build up - tension, not in his back, but in the air. A natural conclusion racing towards them. The need to actually move with time.

Leaning into him, she presses a kiss into the back of his neck and wraps her arms around him from behind, allowing herself to hold him for just a moment longer. His hands come to rest over hers on his sides, so that his arms are partially wrapped around himself, too.

"I love you," he tells her. She marvels that she lives a life where those are the first three words out of his mouth in the morning, and they are meant for her.

She fires back: "I love you." And smiles against his back. "You okay?"

He turns his head, then; looks over his shoulder, and she leans forward to meet him, catching his lips in a brush of a kiss. Her own body relaxes. "Better now," he murmurs against her mouth. She hums in acknowledgement before finally opening her eyes to meet his, big and beautiful and tired.

"Do you need another minute?"

Sincerely, he seems to contemplate it. His eyes flicker to her mouth again; thumbs rubbing back and forth across her hands.

"That's okay." A pause, and then: "Same time tomorrow?"

And if that isn't one of her favorite things to hear, second only to "I love you," but Harvey actually vocalizing his needs and finding ways to ask for them to be met. She'd never be able to say no. She'd never want to.

Right now, she could tell him that he could have this whenever he wanted, he'd just have to ask. But that can be a discussion for when they're both more awake, maybe over dinner tonight or as they're in the car, on their way to the office. In this moment, they know they need to rise from bed and emerge as the professional weapons they've become, so her response is cheekier:

"Hmm, I'll have to check my calendar."

And he plays into it with ease. "You have other plans?"

"I'm a woman in high demand, Harvey."

"Don't I know it." Another gentle kiss; she's sighing when he pulls away. "I'm lucky you ever managed to fit me in."

Not like that was ever difficult. "You were always there," Donna's whispering between them, "you fit before there was ever a question of making room."

Harvey finds himself falling into a silent smile. Donna gives him one last kiss, her lips against the corner of his grin, before pulling away with renewed energy for the day ahead.

"Same time tomorrow, Specter. I'll be here."

[ghostinthelibrarywrites]

23 geraskier? feel better soon! <3

23. Covering them with a blanket when they’ve fallen asleep on the couch

Geralt knows that he doesn’t need to bother with stealth as he lets himself in through the front door of his and Jaskier’s townhouse. His boyfriend can sleep through just about anything, especially when he’s been spending lots of late nights working on his and Priscilla’s next album. Geralt could probably fight a kikimore in the foyer and Jaskier would be snoring away happily upstairs.

Except as Geralt shucks off his boots and his armor—Jaskier gets grumpy if he tracks gore on the Metinnan rugs—he realizes that the snoring that echoes through the house isn’t coming from upstairs. Geralt peers into the living room to see Jaskier sprawled across the couch, his head tilted back and his mouth open. The TV is on, playing a rerun of an old sitcom, and there’s an untouched mug of coffee cooling on the end table.

Geralt’s lips twitch into a fond little smile. Tonight’s hunt for a leshen had the potential to be a nasty one—and would have been, if Eskel hadn’t been able to come with him as backup. Jaskier must have been worried if he attempted to wait up for Geralt’s return. He never stood a chance of staying awake, not after two late nights at the studio with Priscilla in a row, but it makes Geralt feel warm inside that he even tried.

Geralt crosses to the couch, bending to brush a kiss across Jaskier’s forehead. Jaskier responds by snoring loudly right in his face and snuggling back into the couch. There’s no point disturbing him now, not when he looks so ridiculous and adorable with his mouth hanging open and his face slack in sleep. Geralt will wake him in a bit, after he’s washed the mud and blood out of his hair and had something to eat.

He snags the quilt that Jaskier’s mother gave them as a housewarming present when they bought the townhouse, tucking it around Jaskier. The quilt is the same blue as Jaskier’s eyes, embroidered with little yellow buttercups. His boyfriend makes a contented noise, eyelashes fluttering, but doesn’t wake. Geralt smooths his hair out of his face, smiling when Jaskier lets out another snort, and starts to head upstairs to shower.

“Geralt?”

Geralt pauses on the stairs and turns to find blue eyes peering up at him.

“You’re back.” Jaskier smiles sleepily. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“That’s because you were asleep.”

“Asleep? No, I waited up for you. I even made coffee to stay awake. See?” He gestures to the mug, eyes already fluttering shut again. “Good hunt?”

“Good enough.” Geralt can hear the fondness in his voice. “Go back to sleep.”

“Told you, I wasn’t asleep. I always wait up for my witcher.” He snuggles deeper into the quilt. 

“Sure you do, Jask,” Geralt says softly, but his boyfriend is already snoring again, cocooned happily in the buttercup quilt.

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[dumbass-tumbler-cryptid]

I wonder what if the sedative drug Quaritch gave Spider didn't work and Spider woke up halfway to the Cabin

Oohh- very interesting question.

First it would depend on how the sedatives work on Spider. I’ve been put under multiple times and it alway affected me in different ways. Once it was like waking up hung over - a little disoriented and not feeling great but fairly with it. A few times I had started moving around, and talking before I was even truly conscious, like I don’t remember this happening at all but I was told I was having full on conversations where I answered questions and everything. Once I was told I cried before waking up. And a couple times I woke up and through up/ got super nauseous.

So just from my experience Spider would have to get lucky with his side effects for him to really be able to process everything and then try to formulate a plan of escape.

More than likely Spider would start to stir, without actually becoming conscious, and Quaritch would pull over somewhere unpopulated and just inject him with more sedatives. Now that I’m thinking of this, this probably would have actually happened because the whole trip to the cabin took three days, about two days of driving and one day of climbing. So Quaritch would have had to give him more drugs. I can imagine Spider talking in his sleep and starting to move around a lot. It’s two a.m and Quaritch is exhausted. The Sully’s reported Spider as missing eleven hours ago. The amber alert is only for surrounding states though and Quaritch is well away from that so he feels a little safer but he wasn’t about to take any chances. He pulls off the highway, parking at the most run down, poorly lit gas station, one that no other car is stopped at. He already has every doses of drugs loaded up into syringes, all neatly placed in a black carrying case he keeps in the glove compartment. He quickly slips one out and jabs Spider in the bicep with it. Then he gets out to refuel the car (he doesn’t actually need to, he’s got gas cans in the trunk but he’s stalling for time to make sure his son is really out for the count.) When he’s done he opens the back door to check on Spider. If anyone was watching he’d just look like a normal dad tucking in his sleeping teen on a long road trip. Quaritch feels his pulse, his breath. It’s all perfectly even. Before he sets off again he grabs one of his multiple thermoses full of coffee and begins chugging it. He’s still got a lot of driving to do.

But on the chance that Spider just woke up and was alert….

First he’d hear the music softly playing from the radio. 70’s and 80’s dad rock. No one he knew listed to that. Next he’d register the movement under him. He knew immediately from all his cross state moves that it was the sway of a car barreling down the highway. Then his mind flashed to the last thing he remembered, falling. He’d hit the ground after something had tripped his board. A man had come up behind him saying, “here son let me help y’a up.” The very last thing he remembered was his blood running cold as the familiarity of that voice registered in his mind. Quaritch. He finally did it…

Spider forced his breathing to stay calm and even despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins, keeping his eyes shut tight. The panic makes his usual hyperactive mind feel like it’s dialing in, becoming single mindedly focused on one thing. Escape. He feels that his hands and legs aren’t tied down, but his waist is strapped to the back of the seat. He can’t feel any kind of release and he can’t open his eyes in case Quaritch looks back and sees he awake. Then he’s screwed. He could feel that the restraint weren’t tight though. He could probably wiggle out of them if he had the space. He just needed to wait until they stopped.

It took hours but finally he heard Quaritch mumble about needin’ to fill up. Spider ready himself. They pulled off onto a dirt road. Spider could tell from how bumpy it got. To Spider’s horror the first thing Quaritch did when they stopped was check on him. He adjusted the blanket around Spider. Stuck his finger under his nose to feel the breath that Spider was using the will Eywa to keep steady. And then Quaritch put a hand on his chest, feeling his racing heart. Spider could also feel the man’s grin. “Oh you’re wide awake.” Spider didn’t hesitate after that. He flung the opposite door open and started twisting out of his restraints, slowly sinking to the ground. Quaritch was moving on the other side. There was a rustling of the glove box. A zipper being pulled open. Spider just had gotten his feet past the restraints…

Quaritch latched onto his ankle pulling him in like a fish on a line. Spider dug his fingers into the dirt, kicking both his feet out while Quaritch tried to jab him with a syringe. He got lucky, his foot connecting right with Quaritch’s face. While the man recovered Spider slips out of the car and starts to run. They’re in a cornfield. Probably somewhere in the mid west he thinks with horror. They were midway through the country.

Spider runs trying to find somewhere to hide. There’s no sign of life out here. No one to help. In the distance he can hear the rev of an engine as Quaritch’s SUV comes speeding after him. Spider makes a harsh right turn, the a left hoping running serpentine will slow down his father’s ability to chase him. Once Quaritch catches on though he completely floors it, doing half a donut around Spider, stoping right in his direct pathway. Spider can’t stop in time and runs right into the front of the car, crumbling to the ground.

He fights to get up as Quaritch gets out of the car. Spider rises and starts to run but he’s slower now. Quaritch stalks after him tackling Spider to the ground. There’s a fight but it’s hardly a match. Quaritch is able to stab the needle into his flank. Spider keeps trying to hit him even as he’s slowly pulled under. As the fog starts to consume his brain his limbs go limp. Quaritch throws him over his shoulder carrying Spider back to his doom. The last words Spider heard before everything went black. Don’t worry son. We’ll be home soon. 

So yeah he still wouldn’t escape. It’d really just add to the ✨drama✨ Quaritch is just way too prepared for Spider to be able to get very far.

[kpopjust4u]

Kinkmas - Day 14: Lingerie W/ Ten

Post Date: 14th December 2022 Content: Smut - SuperM/NCT/WayV Ten x Reader WC: 1K TW?: Lingerie/ SoftDom!Ten/ Body worship

Summary: To cheer him up after a hard time over the holidays, you try on something a little special for him. 

Masterlist               Kinkmas Masterlist                     Prompt list

“Are you okay baby?” You asked him, pouting when he turns to you with a pout on his face, shaking his head slowly, eyes barely open as he tries to keep himself awake. 

He’s been so busy for the last few weeks with the promotions and comeback, everything. He’s barely had time to even sit down for even five minutes just to relax, and now being home with you, it all catches up to him and he’s ready to sleep for days on end. You couldn’t blame him for that, it hurt you to realize how hard he’s been working, and understand that he may need a few hours to come around. 

However, you couldn’t help but feel the need to cheer him up, but the ideas that come to mind made you cringe, not that they were bad ideas, but you just wanted to treat him extra special. He deserves to have something special at the end of the day, he deserves a month-long holiday, doing whatever he wants but you know you can’t easily give him that. 

“Anything I can do for you?” You ask quietly, taking him in your grasp as he lays his head on your chest, resting to the sound of your heartbeat as he hums happily, just happy to be cuddled up to you. 

“No thank you, angel,” He whispers, nudging his head into your chest a little more, arms snaking around you and getting extremely comfortable on you, happily giggling when you’re playing with his hair. “I’m just really happy to be spending time with you”. 

Just as you were getting comfortable, a lightbulb flashes in your head, trying to think of a sneaky way to get into the bedroom so you can try something to surprise him. You were going to feel guilty for ruining his comfort but you had your fingers crossed that he’d love the surprise and it’ll be so worth it.

“Baby, I know you’re comfortable but let me go grab some blankets from the bedroom, I won’t be too long,” You lie through your teeth and the guilt already sets in when you notice his little puppy dog eyes when he unwillingly moves off of you. “I’ll be two minutes”.

Getting up off the couch, you make a dash for the bedroom. You were definitely not going to be two minutes and you know that, but you needed to find something you were looking for in particular. Digging through your wardrobe, you find the little gift bag right at the back, which you put there ages ago, containing sexy Christmas lingerie. 

With fingers crossed, you slide out of your pajamas and snake yourself into the red and white lacey set, white fur resting on your bust, the rest of it making the contours of your body stand out. You couldn’t that even you found yourself to be so sexy in this set, pairing it with a pair of red and white thigh-high socks, holding them up with a red garter. 

Just as you let your hair fall out of the hair tie, you could hear Ten calling out for you, wondering where you are since it shouldn’t take so long to grab the blankets. 

“I’ll be a moment, baby,” You call out to him, rushing to get some blankets and going to wrap one around you but the second you turn around to face the door, he’s standing there with a massive smirk on his face.

“Going to grab blankets, huh?” Pacing towards you, he tuts to himself, eyes completely glued to your body, wetting his bottom lip with a swipe of his tongue, “I didn’t realise that meant putting on the sexiest lingerie ever”.

You couldn’t help but get shy and giggly, wanting to cover yourself with the blanket but he pulls them out of your grasp, letting them drop to the floor as he takes you into his embrace. 

“Don’t cover up baby, I want to see all of you,” His voice is smooth and sultry, hitting you right in your core, burning for his attention but you try to keep yourself composed. 

Twirling you around slowly, he hisses in admiration at your body in the lingerie, throwing his head back satisfied with his hands covering every inch of you. This really boosts your confidence as you carefully watch him, skin igniting with every touch he was making on your now sensitive.

Pulling you right up against him, he guides you to the desk, taking a seat himself and pulling you onto him, head in the crook of your neck as he places light and delicate kisses across the skin and up your jawline to your chin. 

Against your skin, he whispers, “Your body is so perfect, how can it be so perfect?”, making you writhe on his lap with every kiss he plants on your skin, holding you against him tightly, “I love everything about your body”. 

Unable to hold back the shy giggles, you breathe out lightly, getting sensitive from the kisses as your hands hold onto his shoulders, not letting him out of your grasp. 

“These shoulders,” kisses them, “Perfect”. 

“These beautiful collar bones,” another kiss, “Perfect”. 

“This chest,” tongue swiping across it with more kisses to follow, “So perfect”. 

He continues this, planting kisses on your breasts, grabbing onto your thighs and hips, claiming them as perfect, then his. 

“I hope you like this set?” you breathlessly moan from the affection, from the contact, making him nod against your chest, humming as he continues to kiss the rest of you.

“Like it? I love it, baby, it’s made my month for sure,” he replies, cupping your face as he kisses you passionately, the other hand reaching around to grab your ass before giving it a harsh slap. 

“Please wear this more often, over this Christmas period,” He whispers in your ear, licking and kissing your lobe and really messing with your mind and your eyes roll to the back of your head from the way he’s being with you.

Of course, you were going to wear this more often, especially if you’re going to get this type of attention and it’s going to cheer him up more, like tonight. Which was a complete success. 

~

Tags: @scuzmunkie, @ateezreactionsandscenarios, @trashlord-007, @fanfictrashlord-007

[vanfleeter]

Bloodshed: Part 5 - Danny

Author's Note: We return with another installment of Bloodshed. Apologies for the long wait but now we get into the good stuff. A huge secret gets revealed.

Warnings: Pretty tame but still 18+. Language. Secrets. Lies. Fire. Anger. Yelling. Mentions of war. Injury (if you squint).

Bloodshed Master List (Get caught up!)

Awoken the next morning to the shouting of David outside of his window, Danny grumbles and pulls himself out of bed. Ever since dreaming the nightmare, he had a difficult time falling back to sleep. He kept still, not wanting to keep Irridessa awake at his expense. So he lay there in bed all night, willing sleep to come and take over again. But to his dismay, he’d cat nap and then be awake even longer.

David’s hands grab hold of the window frame and he lifts himself up. “Daniel, get up!”

“David! Not the window!”

“Well you weren’t answering your door! Come on, get up!”

“Why?” Danny groans as he staggers over to the window.

“We’re going to check out the Winter Realm! See your new palace and meet the people! Father wants Winter and Spring to create a new treaty with each other. Winter will no longer rely on Spring but we still want to be able to trade and commune together.”

Danny sighs and runs his hands down his face. “And why you? Why not Sam?”

“Oh uh.. I have nothing planned until later today when I travel with Joshua to the Mining Realm. So I offered Father my presence in accompanying you to the Winter Realm for the morning.”

“Are you even prepared for the Winter Realm?”

“I have at least five layers of clothing on and I packed an extra fox fur hat just in case I need it.”

“Mm..” Danny hums. “Alright, give me ten minutes to get ready and I will meet you outside!”

“Aye aye, your majesty!”

“Don’t call me that..” Danny mumbles.

“Uh, right.. Sir?”

“Just get off the window!” Danny says as he shoves David off the sill. “Meet me out front!”

Flinging the door open, not even ten minutes later, Danny emerges from the cottage and adjusts his knitted hat over his head. He looks over at David who simultaneously looks like he’s going to go hike the tallest mountain while also sweating buckets because of the Spring warmth. Danny slightly scoffs and shakes his head.

“You look like a buffoon..” Danny says as he adjusts his sword to his hip and slings his pack onto his back.

“Won’t you be cold?” David says, pointing out Danny’s light layers. Just like David, he’s starting to perspire along his forehead. The warmth of Spring slowly heated him up, more than normal. Guess that comes with the territory of now ruling the Winter Realm.

“David, I have ice flowing through my veins now.. This heat is practically melting me.”

“You’re telling me..” David pulls at the scarf around his neck. “I’m getting a bit toasty underneath all of this.”

“Well you won’t be once we reach the border,” Danny says. “So stay close. I won’t be responsible for losing you in the winter woods.”

He doesn’t want to be responsible for David’s death at all. Unknowing what the vision was from last night, he fears taking his eyes off of David for even a second. So he makes him walk ahead of him so he can keep him in his sights at all times.

This war that he had dreamt of, has been at the forefront of his mind. Who knows if this adventure to the Winter Realm begins the rippling effect into this war and ultimately David’s death. But he isn’t one to find out, so keeping in close steps with David will ensure his safety into the Winter Realm and back to Spring still alive and intact.

As they begin to cross over the border and into Winter, Danny can feel his body adjusting to a comfortable temperature. Cold. He can feel the ice rebuilding in his veins. He flexes his hand, watching as his skin pales in comparison to David’s. His once perfect tan was now diminishing as the cold settled into his body. But he isn’t cold, he just feels comfortable.

“Woah..” He hears David gasp. Danny looks over at David, his jaw falling open as he watches Danny transform from his former Spring-self and into his new form–King of Winter. “That is incredible.” Danny flips over his hands as he still examines himself. “If that happens to you, I wonder what it’s like for the other rulers. How awesome would it be to have fire blazing through your body in the Autumn Realm?”

Danny scoffs and adjusts his clothes on his body. They’ve become a little tighter and slightly uncomfortable. He turns to Spring’s youngest prince and straightens out his shirt. “There’s one thing you should know about the Autumn Realm.” He says. “They do not have magic.”

The youngest prince’s brows furrow together as confusion covers his face. “They don’t?”

Danny shakes his head. “Long ago,” He begins the story as they continue on their journey through the Winter woods. “Before you were even born, there was a war between the Autumn Realm and the Spring Realm. About what? No one really knows the full story behind it, still to this day. Or so one thinks..” He inhales and continues on with the story. “Powers were abused.. You know how Spring has the gifts of growing plants, creating new life and the gift of shapeshifting. Summer can fly, they soar on the summer breezes and they can use levitation. Note to self, don’t piss off a Summer dweller or else you’ll end up with a vase being thrown at you.”

David’s eyebrows perk. “And did you?” He smirks. “Piss off a Summer dweller?”

Danny chuckles. “It was very benign and she hasn’t forgiven me since. Anyways–Autumn used to be gifted with healing as well as fire.”

“What did they do that got that taken away?” David asks.

“It’s not what they did..” Danny says. “It’s what one of them did. According to the legend of this war, one rogue healer from the Autumn Realm was having an affair with someone in the Spring realm, which is forbidden.”

“Scandalous..” David chuckles. “How did they find out?”

“The rogue healer was caught sneaking around the village. He was tortured by the King’s men until he confessed the truth of him having this affair.”

“So because of him, the whole realm was punished? None of them have powers?”

Danny shakes his head. “Not a single soul in that realm can heal by their hands or conjure fire. A forbidden rule was broken, one that was agreed upon between all four realms.”

“So did he ever confess who he was having an affair with?”

Danny narrows his eyes at David. “You’re asking an awful lot of questions.”

David shrugs his shoulders. “There’s a lot of things that I know nothing of.” He says. “Mother keeps the history of Spring locked up in the library.”

“Think she might be hiding something?” Danny winks.

David rolls his eyes. “She has been secretive about it. Telling me not to pay mind to it, it’ll scare me.” He scoffs. “I am twenty-two years old, Daniel. I can handle one scary book.”

Danny smiles and nods his head. “I’m sure you can, but Spring has an awful history. It’s best if you don’t know about it.”

“Do you know what it is?”

Danny shakes his head. “I know only what the realm speaks up–which is mostly gossip and myths.”

–

The two of them finally reach the edges of Winter’s village. People are bustling around and chatting with one another. But a few slowly pause as Danny and David make their way down the roads. Some were confused but others bore smiles and relief when they recognized Danny. David took notice of the attention and he stayed as close to Danny as he could.

“There he is!” A man shouts from the window of a village cottage. “He’s here! Sir Daniel from the Spring realm has arrived!”

Suddenly they were flooded with the village people. Some were excited to see Daniel and meet their new king and ruler. Others stood by, grumbling and groaning about how Winter doesn’t need a new ruler and they were surviving perfectly well with Spring as their aide.

David laughs cheerfully as his arms are being filled with food and clothing, weapons, and all kinds of gifts. They all seemed to think that he was Danny’s footman.

Not wanting to lose sight of David, Danny keeps a tight hold on the strap of David’s pack and guides him through the crowd. He gives the people his thanks, shaking their hands with his free hand. Eventually they make it to the gates of the palace, which stood tall atop of a snowy mountain with a long, winding road leading up to it.

“We have to walk all the way up there?” David says as he adjusts the load in his arms.

“No,” A male voice says behind them. They turn around to see a carriage with a male sitting on top of it. David’s eyes bug out as he gets a good look at it. It’s completely made out of ice, even the wheels themselves are ice. Pulling the carriage are two horses, all white with piercing black eyes like coal. “Your majesty, I am the driver of your stagecoach. Would you like a ride up to the palace? It would be a nasty walk otherwise.”

“Yes, of course.” Danny says. He’s starting to think he might just get used to this realm fairly quickly. Although he’ll miss Spring and his brothers, and keeping his eye on David, he just knows this is right for him.

The ride up the road to the palace was smooth. Pine trees covered in ice and snow line the road all the way up. Danny thought he was imagining things when he thought he saw a creature bolting between the trees at an alarming rate. But he isn’t imagining it at all. Running up beside the carriage on either side is a pack of wolves. They howl in unison and follow the carriage all the way up to the palace gates.

“Wow..” He hears David gasp. “I know this is Winter but is everything made of ice?”

Danny chuckles. “Not everything.” He says.

Once the carriage comes to a stop within the palace grounds, he opens the door of the carriage and steps out. He helps David with the multitude of items in his arms. Coming out of the palace and rushing over are three servants and who Danny can only assume is the butler.

“Be careful of the butler,” David mumbles under his breath to Danny. “It’s usually the butler who did it..”

Danny jabs his elbow into Danny’s side causing him to laugh. “Quit listening to Jacob’s stories..” David snickers and shifts his weight from one foot to the other.

“Welcome, Sir Daniel, to the Ice Palace.” The butler says as he approaches. “Do let the servants handle all of that for you.” He says.

Danny and David both hand off the items to the servants who quickly rush with them to the palace. “Is this palace really made of ice?”

“David..” Danny warns. “Knock it off.”

“What?” David exclaims, his voice pitchy. “This is amazing! I’ve never been outside of Spring yet, so I find all of this fascinating.”

“I do apologize if I sound rude, but who are you?” The butler says, turning his attention to David.

“This is David, Prince of Spring.” Danny introduces him. “He’s joining me this morning.”

“Oh wonderful, it’s been a while since we’ve had any Spring royalty visiting this realm.” The butler says. “If I recall, I do believe the current king was the last to visit. How is he?”

“He’s seen better days,” Danny says as the butler begins to lead them inside the palace. Hopefully David will get some warmth. He can already feel his toes beginning to freeze and that is never a good thing. “His health isn’t what it used to be.”

“I can assume the twins will be vying for the crown?” The butler says. “I do hope Prince Jacob is given the throne. I very much like him better.”

“Everyone does..” David grumbles. Danny, once again, shoves his elbow into David's side and gives him a warning look.

The butler shows them around the palace and eventually brings them to the library where a fire is already burning inside the fireplace. Danny grabs David’s attention and nods his head towards the fireplace. David takes this opportunity and goes to warm himself up.

“This library holds all of the history of Winter. Everything you’ll need to know is right here in this room.” The butler turns on his heels and begins walking towards the door. “Please do make yourselves comfortable and I will send someone up with a warm drink for the young prince. Winter is never kind to Spring.”

“I couldn’t agree more..” David says as he shivers.

There was something about the fire. It made him feel lively and refreshed his body, but it was not the warmth filling his body but a different feeling. Strength and power–as if the fire longed to exist within him, to make its presence known.

Danny, who stood on the other side of the room and reading the titles on the spines of the books on the shelves, glances over at David. He’s frozen there, his eyes fully locked on the flickering flames. Something has its grip on David. Walking over to him, he notices something flickering in his hands. A small but warm glow. The warm beverage hadn’t been brought up yet so the fire’s light couldn’t be reflecting off of anything in his hand.

Stepping closer, he sees a small flame dancing within the palms of David’s hand. His eyes are still focused on the fire in front of him and not his hands.

Fire?

He can conjure fire?

Danny’s eyes widen and he quickly lunges for David’s hands, sizzling out the flames with his icy hands. David’s trance dissipates and he looks up at Danny. His eyebrows knit together. “Are the drinks here?”

Danny shakes his head and pulls his hands away from David. “No, not yet..”

“Well, let go of me so I warm up,” David chuckles. “Unlike you, I don’t do well with the cold–in case you haven’t picked up on that yet.”

“David.. I need to know..” Danny says as he sits down cross legged on the floor beside David. “Have you ever done that before?”

“Done what?” David says. “What did I do?”

“You..” Danny pauses and looks around to make sure no one had quietly slipped inside of the room. Once he knows that no one is around, he turns back to David. “You conjured up fire.. I saw it–in your hands.”

David’s eyebrows once more knit together and he shakes his head. “You’re nuts, Daniel. I didn’t do anything.”

“I know what I saw, David.” Danny says. “If you can conjure fire then that means..” Slowly his eyes grow wide and he pulls David off of the floor.

“Daniel, what are you doing?”

“There’s gotta be something here that talks about the war between Spring and Autumn.”

“I don’t understand,” David says as he begins to shiver again. “Can I please go back to fire?”

“No!” Danny snaps. He freezes in place when he sees a maid stepping into the room holding a tray with a steaming, hot cup of tea and freshly baked brownies. He quickly apologizes to her, making sure that she knew he wasn’t angry with her. She shyly nods her head and quickly leaves the room. Danny inhales deeply to calm himself before turning back to David. “You cannot, I repeat–cannot–repeat any of this to anyone.. That includes your brothers and your parents.”

He starts to shuffle through the books on the shelves until he finds a book spine labeled in a gold print. War: 1703-1705. “Aha!” He exclaims as he grabs the book. “There’s gotta be something in here that will say what really happened to start this war.” David walks over and peers over Danny’s shoulders, his eyes flickering over the pages as Danny whips through them. Clicking his tongue and reading through the pages, Danny skims his index finger down the page until he finds what he’s looking for. “Oh..”

“Oh?” David says from behind him. “What do you mean, by ‘oh’? What did you find?”

“Remember when I said that you cannot repeat any of this?”

“Yes?”

“I mean it.” Danny moves over and slides the book into David’s view. “The affair that I told you caused the war between the two realms?” David nods his head. “It was between the rogue healer and your mother..” David’s jaw falls slack. “What makes this even more ridiculous? This is all around the same time you were born. The war began when the affair was discovered in June of 1703. You were born–what, nine months later?”

“Ten..” David corrects him. Danny perks up his eyebrows. “Normally a woman’s gestation period is ten months.”

“How do you even know that?”

“I help out at the hospital occasionally and I’ve learned some things.”

Danny shakes his head. “Makes sense why you would be there–because if this is true, you’re a healer who can still conjure fire. You’d be a halfling.”

“A half-what?” David slides down into the chair next to Danny and leans against the table.

“Halfling.” Danny repeats. “It means you’re born of two realms–which rarely happens. Last time a halfling was born was over two hundred years ago. Born of Winter and Autumn–you can only imagine how well that went over. Fire and ice? Not a good combination.”

“At least the Autumn dweller is a healer, eh?” David winks.

Danny groans and smacks the palm of his hand to his forehead. Why have none of the brothers been born with any sense of humor? “Anyway..” Danny says, bringing the conversation back to the subject at hand.

“Okay, okay..” David says as he leans back in his chair. “So this means that I’m a halfling, made of Spring and Autumn and I can conjure fire and heal people?”

“Along with the powers of Spring.” Danny says.

“That makes sense now because I may or may not have healed Samuel yesterday.”

Danny slowly turns in his chair to face David. “You did what?”

“I kind of knew that I could..heal..people..”

“Did he even notice?”

David shakes his head. “He thinks that Joshua’s fencing sword never touched him–both him and Joshua think that.”

Danny raises his hands in the air before standing up from his chair. He begins pacing back and forth as he digs a hand into his curls. “Okay..” He sighs. “Here’s what we’re going to do.. We are not going to speak of this to anyone.”

“I think we’ve established that twice already–three times if you count just now.” David says, turning around in the chair and leaning his arm over it.

“Well that’s the first thing.. Second. Stay away from fire and stay away from the hospital. If someone, namely your brothers, gets injured again, it will stir up questions.”

“How so? They’d never notice..” David says. “Time tends to slow down when I do it.”

Danny’s eyes bug out of his head and his arms flail in the air. “SAMUEL WASN’T THE FIRST?!” He shouts. David slowly shakes his head as he sinks in on himself, beginning to feel the rage spilling from Danny’s pores. “That is incredibly dangerous, David!” He lowers his voice and steps closer to David. “If this gets out that you’re the halfling, this could be the start of another war, David…”

“I can’t control it half the time,” David says. “I get this feeling that someone is injured and they just kick into overdrive.”

Danny sighs and rubs the heel of his palms into his eyes and begins his pacing again. “Stop doing that.. Immediately.. Use natural remedies.”

“Are you seriously giving me a set of rules now, Daniel?”

Danny stops pacing and glares at David. “This is to protect you.”

“Protect me?” David stands up from his chair. “I don’t need protection! I’m tired of always being protected! I can handle this!” As he screams, the fire in the hearth grows bigger and bigger making Danny lunge himself at David.

“Look!” He says pointing to the fire. “This is why you have to stop! Not only will you be putting yourself in danger, but you’ll put someone else in danger!”

David simmers down and the fire simmers too. “I want to go home.”

“David–”

“I want to go home! Now!”

“But David, we need to–”

“We don’t need to do anything! I have a job to do with Joshua!”

David storms out of the library leaving Danny alone in the room. Grabbing the book, Danny stuffs it back into its place on the shelf before running out after David.

Ripple effects. They can make good things happen. Or in this case? Deadly things. Danny only hopes that David will listen and keep this contained.

_____________________________________________________

tag list:

@freefallthoughts @gvfmelbourne @lvnterninthenight @vikingsisthenewsexy @fleet-of-fiction @writingcold @watchingover-hypegirl @losfacedevil @ignite-my-fire @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @writingcold @jaketlove @mackalah @lexii-nv-c @em-gvf01 @katiegvf @joshkiszkaenthusiast @takenbythemadness @jakekiszkasmommy @objectsinspvce @gvfmarge @heckingfrick @bluemeadows77 @laneygvf @sacredmachine @jordie-gvf-admin @gvfpal @killerqueengvf @jaketlover @jordinlkiszka @alwaysonthemend @hellowgoodbye @anythingforjtk @hi-hi-hello11 @anthemofgvf @gretasfallingsky @songbirds-sweet @wildbluesorbit @klarxtr @stardustsecret @sunandthemoontwinflames @everyglowinthetwilightknows @sinsofstardust @sparrowofthedawnsworld @josh-iamyour-mama @dannys-dream

(Combining lists for a general one to keep my brain straight lol)

See you all next week!

[druidx]

Snippet 2 from Elowyn Investigations

CW: Implied kidnapping, mind/body control, blood This raw, unedited, plot-holey snippet from Elowyn Investigations is to provide context for a later chapter of Her Countenance was Light. Tagging HCWL list: @aquadestinyswriting, @hannahcbrown, @jacqueswriteblrlibrary, @babyblueetbaemonster

"Since it's our night off," Farren said. "Do you want to go out for dinner? Somewhere slightly more genteel than the Pit. My treat?" "I don't know…" I said. "I feel maybe we should be sleeping more." "Ah it'll be fun – quiet night at the Scholar," he said, and looked around. "Oh, looks like it might just be thee and me," he added. None of our usual crowd in sight. "Sorry, but I don't think so," I said, wary of being alone with him and booze. "Alright," he said with a shrug. "Your loss. I'll see you tomorrow then." He threw on his cloak and wandered towards the door, pulling out his baccy pouch as he did. I watched him go, and sighed to myself. I knew it was safer not to. I knew that, right now, I needed safe to counterbalance the events of the past two days, but still, it was difficult to watch him go. Not least because of Withnail's Rule of Two. "He'll be fine," I told myself as I wandered on down to the canteen for my own tea. "He's a big boy, and only going to get dinner. He'll be fine."

–– The next morning I woke as usual. I fetched water, put the coffee on, and wrote some reports until the kettle began to sing. I automatically looked towards the upper bunk, expecting to hear Farren stirr, but he wasn't in it, and it appeared to not to've been slept in. I frowned, poured only the one mug and went back to my reports in silence while I drank the bitter brew. When I had done, I gathered myself, and walked through the squad room on my way to the Garden of Galana. I glanced over at our desk, thinking I might see Farren, somehow, awake before me, but aside from the paper garlands, and stacks of paperwork it was empty. Henson was at her desk though, as was Allmers at his own desk, behind hers. I wandered over. "Morning. Either of you seen Breakwood since last night?" I asked. Henson shook her head. "Sorry, no. Last I saw him was when he left for the pub," she said. "I think I saw him in the Scholar last night," Allmers said. He nodded to the door. "Broughton was with me last night, she might remember. Hey! Vic!" Broughton looked blearily at us, and ambled over. "Could you maybe not be so loud," she said. "I've got a minging hangover." "Yeah, well maybe you should learn to not drink so much," Allmers said, with the sympathy of a brick. "Listen, half-pint's lost her partner. D'you remember seeing him at the Scholar last night?" "Remember?" she scoffed. "Why do you think I've got such a headache. Bastard got me completely wankered last night, challenging me to a drinking contest. Then some gnome bird started chatting him up, and off he went with her." She sounded a little bitter I thought, like maybe she'd been expecting something more for her drinking. I ignored the tiny sliver of jealousy that prodded my heart. I sighed. "Okay, so he's gone off for a one-nighter with some lady. That explains why it looks like he never came back last night." I nodded, trying to be unconcerned. "He'll rock up like a stray cat around noon, I've no doubt. Okay, thanks." Broughton nodded the careful nod of someone who thinks their head might fall off if they move it too much and wandered in the direction of the coffee machine. "I've got to get to the Gardens," I said to Henson, Allmers having turned back to his work. "If he does show up, that's where I'll be." She nodded with a little frown. "Look, I know you're both adults, and it's your day off, but, um, with all that's happened…" "I won't go off with any strange men, or chase leads where there are none. Cross my heart," I said, and drew an x over my chest. She rolled her eyes at me. "Fine then, Little Miss Sarcastic, off you go. Have fun," she said. I grinned and headed out the door. The day had come out fine again, with a fresh breeze coming in from the plains, bringing the smell of grass. I smiled, looking forward to the Feast, and trotted off along the street.

–– [time skip of ~5 hours over preparations for the feast of Galana, description of the feast table and some general world-building & character fluff] ––

I was coming back with them to the main table when I saw him. Farren was wandering up the lawn from the main entrance, towards the feasting tables with an odd aimlessness. "That's strange," I said. "Here, Wick, take my plate back would you?" I added, as I handed it to him. "Okay… Elo? What's up? Oh," he said, catching sight of Farren. "I'll let Mam know." He took the plate, and went back to the table, but Ashbury loitered. "Does this mean you have to go back to work?" He asked, sounding disappointed. I touched his arm. We were around the same age, and in another life we could have been twins. I knew he was sad; we didn't get to spend as much time together as he would like. "I don't know, Ash," I said. "He doesn't seem in a hurry… I won't go without letting you know, I promise," I told him with a squeeze to the arm and went to speak with Farren.

By now my partner had reached the tables and was walking down the far side. He didn't seem to be looking for me, but just wandering up the way, through the revellers, towards the top tables. I couldn't think what he might be doing here besides looking for me, but that didn't seem to be his plan either. An inkling tickled in the back of my mind, my gut telling me something was not right about this situation. I looked around. It would take too long to go around the tables, either way – the quickest was through the middle. I spotted a gap, the occupants of the seats away at the buffet table. I ran over, crawling underneath, and out the other side. He was still wandering, not gotten very far as I pelted across the gap. A few people pointed, shouting at me, but most gave me no mind. I ran along the wrong side of the tables, trying to keep Farren in sight and maybe get ahead of him, until I found a gap in the table. "Here, what are you doing, love?" asked a human lady, as crawled under and I popped up on the other side. "Trying to find my friend," I said. "Sorry!" I stood up, scanning the crowd. There! A gap was forming around him, and as I moved forward to intercept I could see why. Blood covered his chest and face, dripping from his nose maybe, or his mouth – the amount of blood made it difficult to tell. "Farren!" I ran towards him. "Farren what happened to you!" As I drew closer I could see that there were bloody welts on his wrists and scraps of rope still dangling from them. "Oh all-gods!" I swore. "We need to get you to a healer…" I said, reaching out, but he brushed me aside, like he didn't even see me, his lips silently moving. "Farren stop!" I yelled, grabbing his arm. He slowed, glancing down at me, before turning his attention back to the top tables. "Can't," he said, distracted. "She wants me to keep going. I have to complete the mission. I have to do what she wants." "Farren, no. No you don't." I said. I looked around. "Someone, please, help me! This man needs a cleric!" A few people looked in our direction. A burly human and an elf stood up. "Here, lad," the human said. "The girl's right. You look like maybe you should take a seat and let us go fetch you a cleric." "Can't " he said again, this time actually looking at me. "She has a sniper. Gonna take you out, little bug." "What?" I stopped cold, and he walked past me. The man and male elf looked askance at me. I held up a hand, warning them off. I wasn't worried about myself, only – if there was a sniper out there, there were a lot more innocent people, with a chance at being hit, between that bow and me. "Okay, okay. So what's the mission Farren, what does she want you to do?" We'd come a fair way, even wandering as we were, and were maybe two bread-rolls-throw from the top tables. "She wants me to say a word," he said. "Okay…" I frowned, confused, looking back at the elf and man. They shrugged. "What word is that?" I asked. Farren stopped suddenly. "I'm sorry," he said, tears standing in his eyes. He looked at the top table, his arm out-stretched. "Nemoćan!"

[inafieldofdaisies]

🤫 for Calahan

He needs a break

Prompt from this post | 🤫 - Some peace and quiet

The closest I can give him, so sorry, Cal, I love ya, I promise.

The Spread Eagle was unusually empty when Calahan entered, his day had started at 5 am with a couple of Peggies stumbling across his camp and ruining his chance at some needed rest. "You've been marked, Sinner! John is coming to get ya-", was the last thing their leader said before Hartley send him to meet his beloved maker. And since then, his day was going just peachy. He needed a drink, or more like five. No rest for the wicked.

"Rookie, the usual?", Mary May shot him a smile from behind the bar. "Why is it so quiet, gorgeous?" Seeing a friendly face was already brightening his mood. "Take a guess." "What do I win if I guess right?", his wink made Mary May roll her eyes. Her reaction caused him to think of Sabrina and how she never took his charm too seriously either. Where the fuck are you, Gray? Who has you? He couldn't go 5 minutes without thinking about all the people close to him that the Seeds had captured few days back. It made him restless, angry, ready to lash out at any Peggie that crossed his path. "First drink's on me." Calahan gave her his best "I'm so lost in deep thought" face, the same one he used anytime Whitehorse lectured him on how he should be behaving as a Deputy. Damn. Can't believe I actually miss you, old man. "I'd say-" A cracking sound from his walkie cut him off followed by the voice of no other than John Seed himself. The man was high on the list of people he couldn't wait to punch in the face.

"Depuuuutyy."

From Mary May's expression he guessed she was thinking the exact same thing. Calahan was in no mood to deal with John's childish games.

"Now, I know you're hearing this, Deputy… Hudson sends her greetings."

That did it, made him cave in, entertain the fucker. "Where is she, sinnerman?"

"Don't worry about that, soon you will be joining her. You took care of the men I sent today, but know this- the time for your Cleansing is nearing, Deputy. Running from your sins is pointless. I-" "She's awake, boss."

A voice interrupted whatever he was about to say next, his line going silent. "The fuck was that?", Calahan looked at Mary May in confusion, "Did I hallucinate all of that just now, God knows I need sleep…" "I know. I've never heard that man ever shut up so quickly." Mary May set a glass in front of him.

"It's on me. Seems like you need it after whatever that was.", she gestured to his walkie, "And you can go lay down on the couch upstairs, get some rest, you look like shit." "Thanks, gorgeous." Hartley finished his drink then headed up to the office, fully expecting for John to resume his villain monologue any minute. And yet it never happened… whoever had just woken up was keeping him busy, giving Cal a chance to recharge.

[lickmeleclerc]

Hello <3 idk if you’re still taking requests, but can you please write 53, 10 and 11 from the prompt list for Carlos?

thank you for requesting! && i hope this isn’t cheesy lol

53. “Please be okay. God please be okay!”

10. “We’re not just friends and you fucking know it.”

11. “Please don’t cry I can’t stand to see you cry.” 

Nothing but a thin sheet lay covering your body as you lay soundly. The sun hidden behind thick curtains keeping your sleeping form sound. Carlos laid awake beside you, back propped up against the headboard. His hand slowly tucking strains of hair behind your ear and out of your face. Once all was back in place he opted to gently trace the curves on your face not ready to stop admiring you. His finger curved over your nose and down your chin, then back you to your eyebrow. The gestures slowly pulled you awake as you stirred slowly.

“Good morning princesa.” He whispered his voice deeper due to the early morning. You hummed in response stretching your arms and back. The rustle of the sheets all to be heard.

“Good morning… I should get back to my room.”

You laughed rolling away from Carlos and grabbing your phone from the night stand. The split in the curtains guiding your hand in the dark room.

“Ai no. Stay a little longer.” He pouted reaching to pull you into his chest. A full laugh leaves your lips as you accept his touch.

“I know. I know. But we have so much to do today. Media events before the race are the best.” You laugh again. The noticeable sarcasm in your voice rumbles Carlos’s bare chest with a laugh. Your nails absentmindedly trace shapes on his torso as you soak in the few moments of this. Moments of tender touches and no words said rarely happened.

“My trainer is going to be here in 20.” Carlos spoke after a few moments breaking the blissful morning and sucking reality back into the environment.

“Right. That means I need to be down at the press conference in 30. Those McLaren boys better not be late.” You respond with a smile getting out of bed and grabbing your thrown around items of clothes from the previous events that night. Carlos rolled his eyes at your comment.

“Hey now. If I wasn’t late that day we wouldn’t be what we are now.” He jokes back as he slips into his boxers.

“What are we?” You question an eyebrow raised continuing the antics but eager to hear an actual answer. When Carlos was still with McLaren he was late to a meeting and when you went to find him, he had enough courage to explain himself

~~~

“I swear I’m gonna kill him. Last race of the season and he chooses now to be late for the group press conference.” You speak quietly to yourself as you sped walk to the drivers room, Carlos’ drivers room. A quick knock and you’re turning the knob. Carlos has his back toward you, his arms crossed and foot tapping anxiously on the ground.

“There you are!” You announce and he quickly turns.

“Sorry to scare you but we gotta go. We’re already late.” You continue and motion for him to follow.

“Wait.” He quickly says running a hand through his hair adding to the volume of it. You stop and turn to face him. He’d made distance trying to stop you from rushing out and now stands right in front of you. He opens his mouth to speak but pauses as you being to fix his hair and put it back in place. The press has already gotten too many clips of his crazy hair after the races when he shed his balaclava. His next move stunned you. His lips were on yours, his hands on your hips pulling you into him. You’d be stupid to deny the feelings you had pint up for him all season and returned the kiss, hands finding his hair ruining the work you just put into it. His body relaxed against yours, the gutsy move paying off eased his tense body and he hands began to travel. Carlos slipped his tongue in to deepen the kiss and began pulling up your McLaren polo. You let him continue removing the article of clothing, getting caught up in the moment. Finally expressing the desire between you both. Your hands found the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head revealing his tone stomach you’ve only caught glimpses of. Your hands eagerly ran over his torso and slid to undo his jeans. As you were about to slip them down, your phone began ringing.

“Fuck!” You cursed breaking the kiss with Carlos and grabbing your phone out of your back pocket. “We have to go. That’s Zak asking where we are. Later?” You question nervously looking into his eyes.

“por supuesto, of course Y/n.” He responds a smirk held on his face as his eyes gaze down your exposed half. You smile back and redress yourself while Carlos does too. And that was the beginning of this. No confessions made, just sex.

~ ~ ~

“W-We’re just friends.” He finally responds after stuttering before finding his words. The three words hang heavy on your heart. You nod slowly throwing your shirt over your head before the raw hurt sets in. Every time you’re questioned about long glances, lingering touches or teased by Norris about how “close you two are and he’s not even on the team anymore.” that sentence that just left Carlos’ mouth is reiterated. “Just friends.” But as your mind has had to convince your heart many times, that is the truth. Every time the subject is touched on the ache in your heart is opened again with those two words. “Just friends.” But having a piece of Carlos had to be enough because that’s all you’d ever get. That’s all this ever is going to be.

“We’re not just friends and you fucking know it.” You retort the forced sarcasm hinting under every word. You turn and smile at him. A pit grows in your stomach searching for confidence to articulate how you actually feel.

Carlos has opened the curtains letting the light in making it easier to gather all your belongings. He laughs lightly his smile not reaching his eyes and opts to just nod instead of speaking.

“Solo amigos.” He mutters quietly to himself as he looks down at the shirt held in his hands. A sigh escapes as he runs his thumb over the material before putting it on. He eyes don’t find yours, gaze stuck looking out the window. Carlos had many moments of deep in thought always being one to internalize rather than speak it out, he’d really share what’s going on inside his head because if he did, this would be more then just friends. And Carlos wasn’t ready to face that no matter how much he new it hurt you.

“Good luck. Be safe.” You call as you peck his cheek and sneak out of the room. That goodbye was your signature when he was at McLaren, always spoken to him and Lando after you were done doing media obligations with them. But now it’s become just his personal goodbye from you on race days. That salutation just for his ears now.

~

“That’s a Ferrari in the wall. 55. Sainz in the wall. Oh and we have a red flag. That does not look good.” Crofty’s voice announces. The words ring in your ears as your eyes stay put on the big screen showing the Ferrari crumbled against the barriers. Your hand has shot to your mouth as hot tears prick your eyes. Carlos still hasn’t exited the vehicle and each passing second brings your anxieties to a new peak.

“Please be okay. God please be okay. Please.” You beg repeatedly to yourself as the scene is at a stand still, your leg bouncing up and down as anticipation builds. Finally a hand is shown raising from the car and you see Carlos emerging pulling himself from the car. You finally breath as the sounds around you seem to fade back in. He walks away and the marshals meet him half way wrapping an arm around his back to support his slow moving figure. He enters the medical car and disappears from your view again. Your eyes finally break their fixation on the screen and find themselves looking at the ground as a sigh leaves your lips. Your chest continues heaving, your bodies way of trying to calm itself. Ripping the papaya orange headset off you begin rushing to the medical area on the track hoping to reach Carlos before they send him to the hospital. The noise around fades back in from ringing to the sound of your sneakers scuffing against the carpeted hall.

The door into the medical area used all your strength to push open. The door itself not being heavy, the fear of what you’ll go into subconsciously holding you back. Always easier to hold back rather than push through, just like your feelings for Carlos.

The medical team is surrounding a bed and all that’s to see is legs in a red race suit. You feel the hot tears bridge your eyes as you slowly take a step closer. Between the medical staff Carlos’ eyes find yours. His eyes widen and he clears his throat trying to sit up a bit before wincing and reaching to grasp his shoulder. Seeing his reaction to a small movement speeds you up and you enter the circle of people. His fireproofs discarded as doctors examine his shoulder. The tears freely slide down your cheeks as you stay silent listening to what is being said.

“When the ambulance arrives we’ll transport to hospital just to be safe and get x-rays. Looks like just scrapes and bruises though.” You hear the head doctor explain. Carlos nods along to his words and tries to adjust his position again.

“Gracias.” He says curtly holding a wince in as his shoulder brushes against the bed again while scooting himself into a more sitting position. Your heart aches seeing him in the position he was in this morning when you woke but in a battered condition. The medical team finish’s the check and clear the bed leaving the two of you with some privacy.

“H - how are you?” You mange the slow stream of tears still finding their way down your cheeks checking on your nose or lips, the same spots Carlos spent admiring this morning.

“Princesa…Please don’t cry I can’t stand to see you cry.” He responds ignoring the question as one hand comes to cup your cheek wiping a tear from your eye before it can cascade down the same track the others had. You nod softly leaning into the warmth of his hand and let your eyes slowly examine his body, a few small bruises already show on his torso and an ice pack lay over his shoulder.

“I’m okay really just precautionary checks now. You didn’t have to come but thank you Y/n.” He speaks again clearing his throat as his eyes avert themselves around the room spotting all the people around within ear shot. He removes his hand and nods, signaling an end of conversation and holds his gaze down to the hand that was just comfortingly on your cheek. Taken aback by his actions you step back and feel your eyebrows involuntary furrow.

“No no I can’t do this anymore. I can’t stand by and be this person.” Your words come out in a whisper trying to protect his reputation from listening ears. To others it seems his old media aide is checking in, but the longer you linger the more eyes are on you.

“What do you mean?” He questions leaning forward slightly to hear your better. He expression matches yours.

“I care about you Carlos.” You state holding firm to this new courage inside of you. No sarcastic comments masking the hidden meaning in your words, just the truth. His eyes bore into yours, mouth ajar at a loss for words. You ache to run your fingers through his hair calming the volume like the day this all started. He does the task for you and fails miserably his hair wilder than before but still doesn’t speak. “And this right here, says enough for me to know.” You speak again referencing his silence at the confession.

“You know we can’t-“ He tries to reason licking his lips as his mind searches for the right words. Carlos doesn’t look away trying to read your expression.

“I think you’re scared and afraid, afraid to love me.” You respond finishing the sentence for him. He winces not from the pain of his shoulder but because of the way your words pierced his heart.

“Amor mio please we can talk about this tonight.” He pleads reaching a hand back out to you. You step back away from the bed.

“Don’t call me that Carlos because you don’t. I was nothing but someone who kept your bed warm.” You find the words he didn’t have the courage to say himself.

“Y/n please?” His voice cracks hoping those two words are enough to keep you here, enough to have a few more moments to get his words together and explain himself. You see the tears brim in his panicked eyes as realization hits the small part of you he had has slipped from his grasp. How all he wanted that day you showed up in his drivers room was to ask you on a proper date and take it slow, but he didn’t have his words like he doesn’t right now. He blew it. Carlos had no other option to watch you turn and walk away from him.

a/n: thank you to my besties for the help @timetoracewrites @diorleclerc @libraryofloveletters 💓🤍

[cherrycocaineee]

22. Sodapop Curtis - Clear Skies

*This is the second part of “A Love Too Real.” Enjoy!*

*Anni’s p.o.v*

   For as long as I could remember, I’ve never been a light sleeper yet somehow I managed to sleep through a bunch of loud ass group of men. And even still I didn’t fully wake up because I thought I was dreaming when I heard the sound of their laughter. All I did was grip the blanket tightly against my naked form when I felt a cold breeze wash over me. There was a part of me that knew Soda and I had been caught but that same part of me couldn’t be bothered enough to yell at them or even wake up. What finally did wake me up was the sound of Sodapop’s voice telling them to leave; along with the unmistakable voice of Darry scolding his younger brother.

  “How was she?” Dally’s voice intruded, “a hot piece ain’t she?”

  “Shut up, Dally,” Soda defended.

 I could hear that jackass snickering and making jokes about the two of us sleeping together, calling me a hot tail or whatever snarky comment he had left in him. My eyes opened, a small sigh escaping my lips as I stared at the door in front of me. I was facing the opposite way so they hadn’t noticed I was awake yet.

  “Wake her up Soda,” Darry ordered, “and once the two of you are dressed, come inside. We need to have a talk.”

 I started sitting up, my hair falling against my bare shoulders while I held the blanket against my naked chest. My eyes shifted to them and I noticed that they were all staring at me now. Ponyboy and Johnny were blushing like some middle schoolers who were just learning about the female body. Annoyingly enough, the other boys, besides Darry, were looking me up and down like I was a slice of cake.

   “Enough with the staring,” I muttered, rolling my eyes, “haven’t you guys seen a naked girl before?”

“Not one as beautiful as you,” Dally flirted.

  “Please,” I huffed, “if you spent less time chasing away the few girls who did look your way maybe you’d have someone to touch that sad, lonely little cock of yours. And if you’re expecting to get the same taste of what Soda had, you’re barking up the wrong tree because I’m not interested in some wannabe gangster who can’t even last longer than a pubescent middle schooler.”

  Every single guy watching the encounter burst into fits of laughter and were now teasing Dally, who had stormed off shouting a list of profanities. Darry informed the both of us to get dressed and meet him inside when we were finished before heading with the others. They were still laughing at Dally once inside. When the two of us were left alone, we started putting our clothes on. Soda looked over at me and smiled sheepishly.

  “Sorry,” he said, “I completely forgot about wakin’ up before Darry came out.”

 “It’s alright,” I replied, slipping my shirt over my naked body, “I slept great regardless.”

Sodapop chuckled before leaning over to me and planting a sweet kiss against my lips. My tired eyes widened at the sudden gesture of affection. When Soda pulled away from me to continue getting ready, I almost craved for him to come back and continue kissing me.

  Once the two of us were finished putting our clothing back on, the two of us headed inside ready to receive a chewing out from Darry. Darry was standing in the living room when we came in, the others could be heard in the kitchen where Darry had probably sent them. I plopped down on the sofa, crossing my arms over my chest and then my left leg over my right. Sodapop sat down next to me, keeping a little distance. Darry was having a hard time finding the right words to form before confronting the two of us.

   “Look Darry,” Soda started, “I’m sorry we did, you know, in your truck.”

  Darry was looking at his kid brother, his arms crossed over his chest. Finally, he sighed and rubbed his temple.

  “I know you guys are goin’ to do stuff like this a lot,” he muttered, “and I know that there isn’t anythin’ I can say to stop you or stuff but I do want to talk to y’all about bein’ safe.”

  Both of our eyes widened. I threw my arms down next to me and pushed myself forward. The others had taken a break from taunting Dally and turned their attention towards Darry’s talk.

  “There’s no way I’m sitting here listening to you give us the talk!” I snapped out.

 “Someone needs to give it to you,” Darry said, “I didn't see a condom in the truck.”

  “Come on, Darry,” Soda said.

 I slammed the palm of my hand into my face. This was not how I expected my morning to go and though I liked what happened last night, I was starting to regret it. And from the look on Soda’s face, he was too. So for the next thirty minutes, Darry gave Soda and us “the talk” with our friends standing there laughing. We had to endear his talk about the proper use of a condom, when to use a condom, how effective a condom was and what other ways we could stay safe, and most importantly we were told never to fuck in his truck again. Once Darry was convinced he’d given us a proper talking to, he said goodbye and headed off to work. Sodapop was sitting there silently while I was sitting there with widened eyes, still shocked that I had just sat there listening. Why didn’t I get up and leave? It’s not like it would have been the first time.

   Two-Bit walked in with Steve hot on his tail. Two-Bit dropped down on the chair and started flipping to the channel that normally had Mickey Mouse on.

  “Well that was definitely awkward, huh?” Steve snickered.

 “That was brutal,” Sodapop said.

  “I think Darry traumatized Anni,” Two-Bit laughed.

I rolled my eyes. Ponyboy walked in with the others, he was carrying a bowl of cereal in his hands as he sat down.

  “I thought you were still in love with Sandy?” He questioned, taking a bite of his breakfast.

That caused another wave of looks at Soda and then at me. My eyes shifted to Soda as I remembered what he had told me last night. I was waiting for my earlier previous assumption to be right, that the only reason he said that to me was to get in my pants. He didn’t really mean them. I was some used up, battered bitch who people typically forgot about when they got what they wanted.

  “I’m not anymore, Pony,” Soda confirmed.

  “But what if she comes back?”

 “Come on, Ponyboy,” Two-Bit said, “why are you asking about her? She’s gone.”

  “I’m just curious, that's all. She could pop up at any-”

 “Fuck Sandy,” I sneered.

I pulled myself up from my seat and grabbed my bag which I had brought in with me. Soda looked at me. Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the house and slammed the door behind me. I don’t know why Pony’s question bothered me so much. Or maybe what bothered me the most was thinking that Soda would still be in love with her after he told me that he loved me. All I knew was I didn’t want to hear her name again. I didn’t even want to see her face.

    “Anni, wait!”

  I turned around and saw Soda running out of the house after me. I crossed my arms and watched him come up to me.

 “What?” I grumbled.

  “Hey, look, don’t mind Ponyboy,” he replied calmly, “he’s just a kid. He’s completely clueless about things sometimes.”

  “Well is he right?” I muttered.

 That seemed to shock him a little.

  “I mean do I need to worry about this cunt coming back and you forgetting all about me?”

 “Of course not, Anni. I told you last night that I was in love with you. I told you I’d even wait for you to be ready to love me back. Sandy and I are through.”

  “Stop worrying Anni!”

 Soda and I turned our heads. Steve, Two-Bit, Dally, Johnny, and Ponyboy were walking towards us.

  “Soda’s been in love with you the moment you came into the DX shop to hide from those Socs,” Two-Bit laughed.

 “She’s so beautiful, Steve. I can’t stop looking at her. I have to ask her out.”

  “Ponyboy, don’t even think about goin’ off alone with her. She’s mine.”

    “I bet our children would be cute.”

  All of them were teasing Sodapop for having a massive crush on me. I could see Sodapop’s face turn a faint red from blushing but he tried to hide it by attacking Steve and Two-Bit playfully. The six of them start roughhousing right in front of me. Watching them, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight before me. Despite everything, I loved my time with them. They treated me like family and took care of me. And if Sodapop really was over Sandy and was only head over heels in love with me then maybe I could let my guard down and enjoy being wanted for once. I couldn’t hide from my feelings forever and if I was going to put my trust and love into anything it was these guys.

   A small laugh came from my lips causing them to look at me. Their smiles grew bigger as they saw me laughing.

  “You guys are absolutely crazy,” I laughed.

  Sodapop removed himself from his friends and came over to me, wrapping his muscular arm around my shoulder.

  “How about we all go get somethin’ to eat?” He questioned, “I’m starvin’.”

 “Wooo!” Two-Bit cheered, “Dairy Queen!”

 Something was said by Steve about how Dally was paying and we should order whatever we wanted. This prompted Dally to put Steve in a headlock for the majority of the walk. I looked up at Soda thinking he’d be watching his friend's roughhouse but he wasn’t. He was staring at me, a loving smile placed on his lips.

  “What?” I asked skeptically.

  But he didn’t answer me, instead he pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, keeping his arm around my shoulders. When he pulled away, he didn’t say anything and neither did I. We just followed the others to Dairy Queen but I couldn’t help but think about how much I was falling in love with him, with my new life, with everything. I never wanted this feeling to end.

[anonquack]

| Best Friend |

Alex Quackity x Reader, Oneshot!

Word Count: 10661

Warnings: Some curse words and overthinking. This one got a bit long!

Summary: After a CC Convention is announced, you and your friends plan to meet up for it. You expect to enjoy yourself with friends but instead are forced to deal with feelings you didn't even know you had. Luckily, your friends are there to give you a push in the right direction.

"Okay but height comparison between Quackity and Sapnap when??" You asked midst all the chaos occurring on that wonderful night. Despite your busy schedule, you'd gotten some time off to finally stream and some friends to keep you company.

Which resulted in this mess of a stream you were now broadcasting.

Your question caught their attention, and a soft scoff could be heard from Sapnap's mic.

"You're kidding, right? You're basically saying you need to CHECK that I'm taller when we already know that's true. You're insulting me." Sapnap said, the cockiness evident in his tone. You couldn't help but stare at your monitor in amusement at how sure of himself he sounded.

"That's not true. Literally check the height check Karl and I had versus the one Sapnap had with him." Quackity argued back, earning scoffs from almost everyone on the call.

"I know you're trying to use that to back you up, but you're just proving my point." Sapnap was intense whenever he became competitive or got into arguments, so you could only raise your brows as you watched chat fly by with their own opinions on the discussion, including their very questionable comments regarding Sapnap and how attractive he was being.

"Well, personally," Bad quipped in, "I think Sapnap's the taller one. Just makes the most sense since Quackity gives off Short Person Energy."

"Yeah? Well keep that WRONG opinion to yourself. That shit's embarrassing-"

"Language!" Bad interrupts Quackity, eliciting a laugh from everyone on call.

"You know chat," you call out after pondering on a solution for a bit, "We can figure this all out during the meetup!"

"Meetup?" Bad asked, confusion evident in his tone. You could almost see his furrowed brows and confused smile.

"Yes, Bad, meet-up. All four of us. Plus the others. And you guys, if you decide to go." The last bit was directed at the viewers. "Don't you remember? The convention is a thing that's supposed to be happening this year."

"Ohhh." He let out a small sound, as if his memory was finally coming back. "I haven't decided if I'm going yet." He admits softly.

"You most certainly are! You have to be there so I can beat BOTH Sapnap and you up once we all find out I'm the taller one." Quackity chimes in finally, teasing tone evident.

"As if," Sapnap scoffs, "Bad and I will literally kick your ass."

"Language." Soft as ever, and also a sign that it's getting late. You look over at your monitor, which displayed the time before letting out a small gasp.

"Oh- it's late. I hope I haven't been keeping you guys awake for too long. It's probably best we end for tonight anyway." You hum softly as you click some tabs away, noticing the faint sounds of stretching heard in the background of the call.

"It's fine, I wasn't even tired until you mentioned how late it was. You should've kept quiet." Quackity says with a patronizing tone, to which you simply chuckle.

"Thank you guys for sticking around. I really had a lot of fun.. we should do this more often. Us four." It was an honest confession, but perhaps too soft for them all and too personal for the audience to listen in on too.

"I had fun too, you should invite me to your streams more often, or, whatever." Sapnap mumbles, sounding a bit tired as well, but sincere despite the lack of care in his words.

It results in a small smile on your face anyway.

"Bye!! Thank you for inviting us, I'm gonna miss messing around with you all. Sleep well." Bad adds, a small whine to his voice as they all start saying their goodbyes.

As they finish up their goodbyes, you quickly deafen to start saying your own goodbyes to chat and thanking the last minute subs rolling in.

After all is over, you finish closing up the tabs, leaving the discord one last. As you're about to officially leave the call, you realize there is still one person there. He hadn't left.

"Quackity-?" You'd voiced out in confusion after undeafening. You'd thought they'd all leave while you took your sweet time saying goodbye.

"Yeah?" He sounded confused by your own confusion. You couldn't help the small smile that appeared on your face.

"Were you waiting for me to end or did you just forget to leave the call?" It was a genuine question, but perhaps a teasing tone slipped in towards the end.

"I was waiting, I'm not an asshole nor a dumbass." He lets out a laugh before continuing. "I just wanted to say I had fun tonight."

You hummed softly, "I'm glad you did. I had fun too."

"If I'm being honest, I wasn't feeling all too well, and just, joking around with you.. Sapnap, and Bad.. well it was just really nice. Thank you." His tone was soft, filled your headphones so nicely and brought comfort into the air.

"Oh, well it's good that you're feeling better now, but if you ever aren't feeling up for a stream.. please tell me, okay? Your wellbeing is much more important to me than a scuffed stream."

"No no, it's fine. I needed something to distract myself with and you all helped so much. It really got me excited for the meet-up. I- I can't wait to hang out with you in person. With all of you, I mean."

The smile on your face grew, almost to the point where it had your cheeks hurting. "I can't wait to hang out with all of you either. Good thing we won't have to wait long, hm?"

Faint sounds in the background of stretching and even softer yawns. "Mhm. Do you wanna switch to phone call?"

It was the usual invitation to fall asleep on call together. At this point, it almost felt strange whenever you headed to bed without Quackity mumbling stuff about his day to you or hearing the soft breathing sounds from his end of the call.

"Sounds good. Talk to you in a bit." You smiled, hearing a small bye from him before leaving the call. You turned off your whole setup for the night and headed straight to your bed.

It didn't take long for the phone to start ringing a few moments after you'd managed to lay down.

"Hi." You answered softly, placing the phone next to your head as you covered yourself with your blankets. It was only a matter of time before the sleepiness took over, but for now you'd enjoy Quackity's company.

"Hey." Was his response, voice sounding much closer now that you were laying down with your phone so close to your ear. It almost felt like he was laying down beside you.

You wondered for a split second what that would be like, if he'd be warm and welcoming or if he'd value his personal space while sharing a bed. As friends, of course.

You refocused on his voice as he began talking about his plans for the meet-up, and all the things he wanted to do once you all were in person. It was so sweet to hear how excited he was, and just how much he wanted to do with you all.

Sweet moments like these make you hyper-aware of the amazing friends you have, and how much love you have for them all. Tonight couldn't have been better, all thanks to them.

—

As the meet-up date gets closer, and more interactions happen during streams / calls / messages, it becomes more evident how much your friends mean to you; just how badly you want to meet all of them.

And as the date for the meet-up gets closer, responsibilities such as packing for your trip join your very long To-Do list.

You're on the phone with Bad as you both choose clothes to take, folding and packing them nicely. Making conversation, with Rat barking in the background occasionally, as the cherry on top.

Moments like these make you realize how good of a friend Badboyhalo is. He's kind, always knows what to say to help people feel better. He's funny, he's charming, full of love and support for his friends.

You two had been joking around on FaceTime for quite some time after you'd packed all essentials. He showed you tricks he'd managed to teach Rat, and you gave him an apartment tour.

Neither of you seemed to be getting tired, so you stayed on call until somehow you ended up sprawled on your sofa, laptop at hand, screen sharing YouTube videos. Bad was resting comfortably on his bed as small giggles left him at the absurdity of the videos you two were watching.

Every few minutes a small "We should do that," or a "Imagine Sapnap doing that," or a "I want to meet you all so bad," would be murmured into the air with only a hum of agreement to compliment it. It only made you yearn for your friends even more.

"Bad." You called out after quite a few random videos and lids getting heavier with each second.

"Yes?"

"When I see you, I'm gonna hug the shit out of you. I hope you know that." You said, small smile on your face as you watched his head lift up from the pillow at such a fast speed.

"Language-! But well, that would be nice. I will also be giving you tons of hugs. To all of you." He pauses for a second before continuing. "I was actually kinda nervous for the meetup, but now I'm just so excited."

"I'm really glad to hear that, Bad. I will make sure you enjoy yourself to the max."

"Thank you y/n," he replies softly, resting his head against the pillow again, "I will make sure you enjoy yourself too."

You smiled at the state he was in, you two would fall asleep in no time, so your thoughts were honestly incoherent, and your tongue could not be tamed as your thoughts wandered aimlessly.

"Do you think I can take Sapnap and Quackity in a fight? In case they try to beat me up?"

"I doubt they'll try to beat you up, they'll be too busy fighting each other, and he'll be too busy thinking about how cute you are." His words were slightly slurred at this point, and all you could do was laugh as you imagined a fight between Sapnap and Quackity as fans tried getting a picture with them.

It crossed your mind for half a second to ask who exactly would be thinking such a thing, but any sign of a functioning brain between you two was nonexistent at that very moment. So all you really said was, "Good. But I'm still going to be prepared just in case."

—

After so many excited calls and planning, the day was finally here. Everyone would be traveling out today to meet up at the house you'd all managed to rent for the week / weekend you guys would be staying there. This way, you'd all be able to maximize the time spent together, and also save money. It sounded like a wonderful idea, really.

After arriving in the city, you patiently waited for the driver that'd be taking you there. You couldn't help but realize just how anxious you were starting to feel. The moment when you'd meet all your friends was getting closer and closer. What if it wasn't everything you'd expected? Or if it was awkward?

The ride there was too quick. Before you knew it, you were pulling your luggage out the trunk and heading up the path that lead to the front door. You stood still for a few seconds before your knuckles were knocking against the firm wood. The noise echoing for a few seconds as you stood in anticipation.

The door swung open, and with a big grin, you were pulled into a hug by no other than Badboyhalo. You quickly wrapped your arms around him as well, not wanting to let go. He was finally here! And he was real! Real, so so real. Any concerns you had on the way here slowly dissipated the longer he had you in his warm hold.

"Bad!" You said happily, slightly squishing him as your embrace tightened for a few seconds. Seriously too good to be true, but true nonetheless.

As he finally pulled away to smile at you, you felt lightheaded at the insane rush of dopamine in your system. As your head finally cleared up, you realized someone else was walking towards you two.

He wore a small smile on his face as he approached, it slowly growing as he got closer and as excitement became harder and harder to contain.

"Quackity." You called out, face lighting up immediately at the sight of him.

"Hi." He responded, sheepish smile on his face. Had he always looked this good?

It only took a few steps before your arms were around him, pulling him close. Although your firm grip caught him off-guard, he managed to melt into the hug soon after, arms wrapping around you as well.

"Big Q! Quackity! Alex!" You smiled as you pulled away, hand reaching up to give his cheek a light squish. You couldn't really help yourself, he was just too pleasing for your eyes. If the dopamine from earlier wasn't already too much, having him this close and feeling oh so real was even more deadlier.

He laughed at your affectionate touch, obviously not having enough of you either. It didn't take long for him to pull you back in for another embrace. "Holy shit." he mumbled into the hug, "You're actually fucking here. I can't believe it y/n." His tone was soft and it had you melting into his embrace all over again. It was intoxicating in the best way, but eventually you both pull away, smiling at each other with so much appreciation.

You hadn't really taken into account just how excited you were to see all your friends, especially someone as important as Quackity. The one you told almost everything to during late night calls, the person you could honestly consider a best friend. All of them were that to you, but it just felt so much stronger with him. You didn't really know how to explain it.

Before you could even give your mind time to dwell, Quackity was being pulled off you by none other than Sapnap and Karl, which quickly replaced Quackity's arms with their own.

"Guys!!" You called out happily as you hugged them back just as tightly. "Am I really the last one here? Where's Dream, or George?"

"We've literally been waiting like an hour for you to get here! We were all getting impatient." Karl laughed as he finally pulled away from the hug.

"Seriously impatient." Mumbled Sapnap into your shoulder before letting go from the warm embrace. "What took so long?"

"Sorry that I don't live as close to here as you guys do. My flight took longer than expected too."

"Who cares! At least you're finally here." Dream's voice, followed by heavy footsteps on the floor, and laughter as George ran over to where you stood with your suitcase.

"Y/N!! We're all finally together." You almost closed your eyes instinctively from how bright his smile was. George's energy was so contagious, you couldn't help but return the energy he was giving you.

Finally, you turned to Dream, who was standing there in all his tall glory.

"Holy shit." You mumbled as you eyed him from head to toe. "You're so fucking tall."

Laughter erupted from everyone before big arms wrapped around you, filling you with warmth and love. You were finally here with all your friends, and it was better than you could've ever imagined.

"Okay," Karl announces once everyone had greeted each other and given all the much needed hugs, "We were actually thinking movie night so we can all just relax and enjoy each other's company. What do you think, y/n?"

"You aren't getting any complaints from me. What movie are we watching?"

At that, Karl and Sapnap raced off to see who could get the remote control faster. You assumed it was in regards to who had the power to choose what everyone watched.

You watched in amusement as Karl and Sapnap argued over what movie to watch, George chiming in here and there just to fuel the lighthearted argument.

"Did you think they'd be just as annoying in person?" You jumped slightly at the sudden voice coming from behind you, but quickly relaxed as Quackity stood beside you.

"No, I also didn't think it was such a big deal who got to choose the movie." Your eyes trailed back to the arguing pair.

"Oh hush. The food Dream ordered isn't even here so really we're doing you all a favor. Taking our time to choose wisely." Karl argued back, to which Dream laughed.

"I guess that's one way to see it, but it's almost here according to the app, so hurry up."

Silence, before the arguing resumed and filled the living room with a pleasing buzz.

You watched as Dream headed over to you and gently placed his hand onto your shoulder, "Let me show you where your room is so you can get all comfy before movie night starts, yeah?"

"Thank you, Dream. I'd actually really appreciate that." With that, you gave Quackity a small wave before following after Dream. Freshening up after sitting in a plane for hours would certainly help make the rest of the night 10x more pleasant.

—

Once you'd walked back out into the living room, you saw everyone had their plate of food, everyone already comfy in their spots.

You looked around before spotting the empty seat beside Alex and the plate of food you assumed was for you.

"Hurry! He's not gonna bite. Sit down so we can finally start movie night." Sapnap whined the longer you stood around.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that.." George mumbled before receiving a stiff elbow in the ribs from the person seated next to him.

"Language." The last fatal blow.

Dream chuckled before pointing at the available seat. "We even waited for you in order to start eating, so sit your ass down."

You playfully rolled your eyes as they all started complaining about how long you were taking. You sat down beside him, giving him a glance before picking up the plate of food before you. It was still nice and steamy, just like Dream had said it would be after dropping you off in your room. You hadn't realized just how hungry you were until now.

After taking a few bites and hearing the movie start, your gaze returned to the person peacefully sat next to you, taking a few seconds to truly take in the sight before you.

He was wearing a plain black short-sleeve shirt, and some basketball shorts. He looked so comfortable. And even indoors with friends, the beanie kept his hair away from his face and hidden, poorly, but hidden nonetheless.

You smiled as you got comfortable as well, admiring how the light from the TV illuminated his face before finally deciding to focus on the actual entertainment Karl and Sapnap had worked so hard to pick. All for movie night.

The movie was interesting, and you couldn't help the few times you almost choked on your food due to all the jokes being slipped in throughout the movie. Maybe Karl was right about how it takes time to pick the perfect film that fit the mood. A good laugh, some good food, and the company and comfort from friends was the best thing to do on the first day together.

Before you all knew it, you were 2 movies in and all in drowsy states.

Everyone excused themselves, the exception being George and Quackity whom had fallen asleep towards the end of the second movie. Dream agreed to wake George up, meanwhile you turned to the sleeping figure next to you.

He looked too cute, mouth slightly open from the uncomfortable position he'd fallen asleep in. You gently shook his shoulder. "Alex." You called out a few times, until finally his eyes fluttered open and he slowly looked around in confusion.

"You fell asleep during the movie. We're all heading to bed for the day, come on."

Regardless of his sleepy state, he stood and followed as you two headed to your rooms.

"Goodnight, Alex."

"Night, y/n."

As you finally laid in your bed for the next week, you couldn't help but feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful opportunity to meet all of your friends and share a home with them.

You couldn't wait to see what tomorrow had in store for you all.

—

It was a lazy morning and lazy afternoon the next day, the only exceptions being going out for lunch, but besides that everything was done in the comfort of their home.

Dream, Sapnap, and Karl were busy playing a multiplayer game in the living room while Bad, George, and Quackity messed around in the kitchen, eating snacks and making up the absolute dumbest shit to stay entertained.

It seemed difficult to choose which group to spend time with, but you found yourself headed towards the kitchen within seconds of contemplation. Sitting on a chair laughing at George's dumb jokes, egging Bad on, and laughing along to Quackity's contagious laughter.

You found yourself coincidentally seated beside Alex as you all continued to chat and mess around. After some time, the other three joined in, and dinner was ordered so they could all eat together after a long day of lazing around.

You'd all rented out the house for a few days before the convention in order to be able to enjoy more time together, so lazing around today hadn't really seemed like a waste of time, or like it could've been spent better. You'd definitely suggest actually going out for dinner rather than just ordering online for the rest of your stay though.

Before you knew it, chaotic dinner was over and people were headed straight to bed, a certain pair deciding to stay awake just a bit longer in the living room.

You rolled your eyes at their bullshit excuses before heading straight to your room. You quickly changed into sleepwear before sitting in bed and simply scrolling through social media. Honestly, you were tired but not to the point where you could easily doze off. Something felt like it was missing, and you silently racked your brain for answers while continuing the mindless scrolling on your phone.

About 30 minutes later, there was a soft knock on your door. Any distraction was welcome at this point, so you called out to let them know they could walk in.

Before you stood Alex, who seemed to be fresh out of the shower. He was in his sleepwear as well, but the beanie was nowhere in sight. His black hair was out in display, most likely to let it dry, but such a sight still had you in shock.

Not that you hadn't seen it before, but it always surprised you. No matter how many glimpses Quackity provided you with.

You stared in shock for a few seconds longer before snapping out of it and telling him to come in. He smiled and sat down on the edge of your bed.

"I couldn't sleep." He stated, before deciding to further explain. "I almost called you right now before going to bed.. I guess that's just how used I got to our calls-? But then I realized you're literally in the same house as me."

Ah. So was that what was missing? The reason why you couldn't doze off as easily? Because you weren't on call with him?

"That's true, I guess." You hummed before chuckling, "What's wrong with talking on the phone while we're here too?"

"You kidding? I'm not trying to be like Dream and Sapnap who still voice call and barely see each other even though they literally live together." You laughed at his comment, making him laugh as well at the absurdity of that situation.

"So what does that mean? You came to sleep here or something?" It was a joke, really. But I mean, why else would this dude be standing here by your door, talking about how he wanted to sleep call but instead found himself here.

"If you'd let me."

You almost choked at how easily he answered, was he joking too or was he actually expecting you to let him climb into bed? To sleep, of course, but it still had you taken-aback.

"You're serious?"

"Does it look like I'm joking?"

You stared at him for a bit before shrugging, "Get in then."

Nothing wrong with 'sleep calling' in person, right? Laying in the same bed, chatting until each other's voices lulled them to sleep. I mean, just because it was in person this time didn't make it any weirder. They'd slept on call together too many times to count. This was fine.

Alex smiled as he closed the door behind him and headed onto your bed, starting to get comfortable.

As you two lay there, you couldn't help but turn to your side and simply stare over at him. His hair to be exact. He'd never had it visible for this long, on group calls, normal calls, or just showing glimpses. It felt so surreal.

"What?" He mumbled.

"It's just- your hair. It looks so nice. You look nice." You smiled at the sight before adding, "You should do a hair reveal already so everybody can see this."

He turned to lay on his side as well so he could be facing you. "Hell no. Plus, doesn't it make you feel special? Being one of the few people who have seen it? Especially up close and personal."

The last part made you realize just how close you two had gotten within the last few seconds. Being at this proximity made you realize a lot more facial details you hadn't noticed before, probably due to camera quality and pixels.

Your hand slowly reached out, coming to a halt next to his head. He realized what you were trying to do and came a bit closer, letting your fingers gently run through his hair. After a few seconds, it all felt too natural.

There you were, laying in bed with Alex, gently playing with his dark locks as you talked about who knows what and simply enjoyed each others company.

This is basically what those late night calls felt like. Except this was definitely way better. It had the physical aspect of it that calls did not. You got to see him in such perfect resolution face to face, without worrying about any possible lag. You both were real. Basking in each others presences happily.

It didn't take too long for you both to fall asleep, and it didn't take too long either for your sleeping bodies to find comfort in the heat sources nearby.

What started as a simple arm draped around the other to steal a bit of body heat turned into having him close enough to smell the scent that lingered on him from his shower. Close enough for his grip on you to feel just a bit too intimate. Close enough where maybe their noses touched.

That was possibly the comfiest 9 hours of sleep either of them had gotten in a long fucking time.

—

The warmth you find yourself surrounded by makes it hard to get out of bed. As you attempt to fall back asleep, you realize that you're not tired. On the contrary, this might be the most satisfied (in terms of energy and sleep) you've felt in a long time.

What the fuck??

That's when that warmth you'd loved not even a minute ago comes to mind. At first you'd thought it might've been the blanket, but one glimpse to the side answers all your questions.

Alex was the one providing you with this comfortable and lovely warmth. He'd come over last night talking about 'sleep calling' in person. How could you forget?

The tension that had spiked in your body at the realization that someone was in bed with you oozed away as you looked at his peaceful state. He looked.. cute.

A few hair strands were on his face, and you couldn't help as your hand instinctively reached out to get them off his face. You hoped it wouldn't wake him up. He looked too peaceful.

As his face came into full view now, you openly stared, noticing the little moles he had all over his face. It was like stars splattered on the night sky.

As your gaze lowered and lingered on his lips, you realized just how pink they really were. And how unbelievably soft-looking they were. It brought you back a memory of his smile from yesterday while you both ate and watched the movie. You hadn't really caught the bit that had made him laugh since you were staring at him. He had a really pretty smile.

Your thoughts were interrupted at the realization that his eyelids had fluttered open, and were now staring up at you.

Oh God. You probably looked like such a creep right now. The heat that was rising up your spine and onto your cheeks must've been obvious, since he let out a small laugh.

"Were you enjoying the view?"

His morning voice took you by surprise. Sure, you'd heard it during calls sometimes, but this was on another level. It was wonderful.

"I was debating whether or not I should wake you up. You looked too peaceful." You answered, trying your best to steady your embarrassment. It wasn't necessarily a lie. He just didn't have to know all the other thoughts that crossed your mind.

He chuckled at that, before stretching a bit. "Thanks for letting me wake up on my own." He sat up, looking over at you with a small, satisfied smile. "That might've been the best sleep I've gotten in a while."

"Me too." You admitted, soft smile on your lips meant for him and him only. He stared back before returning the smile.

You two stayed in peaceful silence before deciding now was probably the best time to get up and get some breakfast with the rest of them. "We should get dressed so we can go eat."

He simply nodded before giving a small wave, heading back to his own room.

It didn't take long before you were heading out of your room and following the faint laughter into the kitchen. They were seated at the table, barely setting plates down and getting ready to eat. Just in time.

"Y/N! Good morning." Karl smiled, waving you over to the available seat beside him. Everybody else called out their good mornings as you got settled into your seat.

"Was wondering when you'd wake up." Sapnap mumbled from the seat across you. "You and Quackity sleep so fucking much."

You tensed a bit at that. Did they know you two had slept together? In the same bed? Had they tried waking you up and found you two together?

It's not what it looks like, is what you'd probably say as an explanation. Even if they didn't ask for one.

George nods in agreement, "Sapnap and I almost went and knocked on both of your doors. But we figured you both must be tired, so we just came to get breakfast ready."

Okay, perhaps they didn't know. Afterall, they were suggesting that Quackity was still in his own room. "I'm sure he'll get here in a bit." You responded, thanking Dream as he set a cup down on the table for you.

"Finally! Sleeping beauty chooses to come grace us with his presence." Sapnap greeted. You turned your head to see none other than Quackity flipping Sapnap off as he walked into the kitchen. He was dressed for the day, and had his hair hidden away with a beanie.

"How'd you sleep?" Bad asks as Alex finally sits down at the table.

"Wonderful. Best sleep I've gotten in a while." His eyes meet yours for a bit, and you can't help but smile at the implications of his words. You'd helped him sleep well. He felt comfy with you. He smiled back before looking back to the cup being given to him.

"Mm that's good." Bad nodded, before serving whatever breakfast him and Dream had managed to cook for everyone. Bad never failed to amaze you, talented as always.

"We were planning on going out today, is everyone up for it?" George asks, looking around the table for any signs of complaints.

"Honestly I'm all for it. I want to spend time with you all, exploring or just looking around." Sapnap answered, to which you cooed.

"Aww Sapnap, we'd love to spend time with you too."

"I'd fucking hope so. Now where did you want to go, George?"

"Dream and I were researching fun things to do here and we found a pretty good list. Just need you all to say yes and we can head out after breakfast."

He wasn't getting any no's, so the plans were set. Everybody ate their breakfasts before heading out the door to wherever Dream and George planned on taking them.

As you all walked to your destination, which wasn't too far according to George, you found yourself walking beside Bad.

"So, Quackity huh?" You ripped your eyes off from where they were to look back at him.

"Huh?"

"You and Quackity." He wasn't elaborating any further, which left you confused.

"What? What about him?"

"Well, you were staring at him right now and-"

"Oh. I zoned out, Bad. I'm sorry. Hopefully you didn't get the wrong idea." You interrupted him, letting out a small laugh.

"Well, that's not really what gave me the 'wrong idea'.. it was mainly the smiles and stares you two were giving each other this morning. And well, in general. Wanna fill me in on something?" He raised his brow, putting some space between you two and the rest of them by slowing his pace.

Your eyes widened slightly as you slowed down as well. "He was staring at me?"

He nodded, before adding "As much as you were staring at him."

You opened your mouth to try and explain yourself, before you heard Dream calling out to you two, saying they found the place. You gave Bad an apologetic smile before walking with him to where the others stood.

You'd come to a place with food, alcohol, and arcade games. You couldn't have expected less from Dream and George. It was perfect for this group.

You watched as Karl and George bought the cards you'd all be using to play the games. Soon after, they came back and handed everyone their card. Everyone was ready to split off to play different games.

"Y/N and I are going to fetch a table so we can leave our stuff there." Bad said with a smile. You looked over at him knowingly before nodding in agreement.

The rest of them nodded, Sapnap grabbing Dream's arm and racing off with him to the games. Karl, George, and Quackity went off to another game, excited chatter following them.

You walked beside Bad in search of a table quietly, watching as he looked around before finally approaching a table big enough to seat you all.

He sat down, looking at you expectantly. You did the same and cleared your throat as his gaze remained on you. You let out a small sigh.

"Okay, okay, I'll tell you." He smiled a bit at that. "I mean, he came to my room last night, said he couldn't sleep, and then we slept together. That's it."

You watched as his eyes widened slightly at the information he'd just gotten before your own eyes widened.

"Wait- no no! Not like that. I meant he literally slept with me. Like we fell asleep together." You could feel the heat rushing up to your face. "He said he got used to our sleep calling and I just let him sleep in my bed. It was really comfy."

You looked up, his stunned face making the heat rise faster. "Woah. I thought the cheeky little glances you guys were giving each other was things starting to get good, but you already shared a bed with him??" He let out an amused laugh.

"It's not that big of a deal, Bad. We sleep call all the time.." You felt sort of embarrassed, hearing his reactions and telling him things that felt more intimate than they should be.

"Uh? Not a big deal?? You're kidding right?" He let out a laugh, happy smile on his face. "You guys like each other!"

"Bad-! Keep it down please.. and we certainly do not." You were sweating at this point, Bad was so energetic and happy right now, and the thought of Alex hearing any of this had you on edge.

But the most discomforting part of it all was how much truth his words held. Did you actually like him?

"Am I lying, y/n?"

I don't know, is what you would've said, if it wasn't for the confusion clouding all your senses.

"y/n?"

You looked over at him, mouth slightly open, trying to form your thoughts. "You really think I like him?"

"I mean, I've been having a feeling. Since before the meet up."

What? Was it obvious for everyone? How had it taken this long for you to realize it? Those intrusive thoughts while you were staring at him this morning in bed. Had those always been there? Was he aware of your possible feelings?

"Holy fuck, Bad. A lot of it is starting to make sense." Your eyes were slightly wide from the fear of what this implied. What this meant for your friendship with him. "I-I think I do like him."

He seemed to notice how tense and shocked you looked, so he reached out and held your hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

At the moment, you were connecting all the pieces, and things were slowly starting to make sense. Why you acted a certain way around him, random thoughts thinking he was cute, the need to meet him as soon as possible. God, why had it taken so long for you to realize?

"I mean, at least you ended up liking a nice muffin, right?" It sounded more like a question, which had you letting out a laugh. "What I mean is that he's a good guy, liking him isn't horrible. I can see why you'd end up liking him. Plus- I think everyone can see you two are pretty close."

His words helped ease the tension building up in your shoulders, but your head was still spinning. "I know he's nice, but in what sense? As in, I'll confess and he'll reject me nicely?" You paused, tensing up at just the thought of how awkward that would be. "I'd hate to ruin our friendship just because my dumbass caught feelings."

"Language." He mumbles, before letting out a small sigh. "He's nice as in he'll be understanding if he DOES reject you. But did you miss the last part of my speech? I said your friendship with Quackity is very different, anyone can tell you guys are really close. I can see where these feelings might've come from."

"Just because we're close doesn't excuse me having feelings for him. I mean, what does that say about me? Unable to have close friends without growing romantic feelings for them?" Your voice sounds hushed, as if it's dangerous to admit your feelings out loud.

"I'd say we're close friends, do we have romantic feelings for each other?" He asks softly, playing with your fingers absent-mindedly.

"I mean, I love you tons."

"I love you too, but it's not in the way you like Quackity, right?"

You kept quiet, gently biting at the inside of your cheek. Your brain was looking for ways to invalidate your feelings, tell you it wasn't right, but Bad was fighting through that and trying to reason with you.

"We both love all of our friends, and are really close to them.. but what you and Quackity have is different. I can see why you ended up liking him. Plus.. I really don't think he'd reject you. In fact, I think he likes you too."

"Bad." You warned, unsure you could handle overthinking the possibility that he liked you too right now. The realization of your own feelings was already too much.

"I'm just saying." He says, raising both hands in playful surrender. The sight elicits a small laugh from you.

But maybe.. maybe you were a bit curious. "You really think so?"

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't. Plus, this is coming from someone who's been friends with both of you for a very long time. I see and notice things."

"Thank you, Bad. I really appreciate you and just‐ thanks for talking this through with me." It's honest and raw. He'd watched you sit at this table, trying to work everything out in your brain, and had just been endlessly supportive.

"Of course. I'm here if you need anything, alright? Now, just relax and let's go play some games, yeah?"

"Okay.. let's go!" You smiled and tugged at his hand, leading him over to where Sapnap and Dream were playing.

There was no way you were letting your own feelings ruin the fun of good food and some arcade games. You'd deal with that later.

—

Bad's advice and pep talks are top tier, but sometimes he oversteps. He doesn't mean any harm, but at times it is just too much. This is one of those times.

There's just a few days left before the big convention, and honestly the time spent together so far has been an absolute bliss. And well-spent considering you've all been out and about more often.

You find yourself in the living room with all of them, joking around and making up stupid songs while Quackity plays a beat he claimed to have made himself on his phone. It's peaceful, and no joke is taken too far. Until Bad starts trying to be the 'best wingman', as he likes to claim.

"Quackity, you should write a song for them, and perform it here in front of everyone." He says as he nudges you suggestively, a knowing smile on his face. It's so sudden and you need to make sure you heard correctly. You can feel yourself tense up at the thought of Quackity making a song dedicated to you. Specifically you. No one else.

Of course, it comes off as a joke, but since Bad knows you like Quackity it just seems way more personal. It seems like he's making it so obvious, but maybe everyone else is painfully oblivious. Clueless.

"Wow Bad. You just want him to roast the shit out of me, don't you? That's messed up." You make a noise of disappointment, trying your best to sound calm and collected.

George laughs at that, "Wowww Bad, that's pretty messed up. But you should, Quackity. Make one about Y/N and their muffins. It'll be funny." George didn't know a thing, but it felt like he was making it worse. As if there was a specific reason why they teased him into making a song about you.

With the playful cheering of everyone around him, he cleared his throat and a new beat started to play on his phone. Before you knew it, he was singing about your fictional muffins and how he would order a dozen, and found a way to include Rat slander in there as well.

Maybe you were stressing out for no reason at all. Perhaps you were the only one taking it weirdly and everyone else was just joking around making stupid songs up on the spot. You took a deep breath, and began to relax.

As the night continued, you tried to avoid any possible spotlight, focusing on getting George and Sapnap to go at each other, and the others egging them on so all you really had to do was watch the chaos ensue. It would all just lead to Sapnap calling the rest of them out and starting more playful fights.

As arguments kept coming up, the one you'd all been talking about on that one stream came to mind.

"Wait.. we still haven't done that height check between Quackity and Sapnap." Karl said with a shocked laugh. "How many days have we been together exactly?"

"Too long." Dream chimed in, eager to see the short people fighting over height they didn't have. At least not compared to him.

"Oh yeah huh." Sapnap said in realization. "Stand the fuck up right now, Quackity." He stood to his full height, puffing up his chest to try and appear taller or bigger.

Quackity rolled his eyes, "You guys only brought that up because I was clearly beating you guys in that argument."

"Okay? Stand up then."

If you were a person passing by hearing this conversation, you'd think a brawl was about to break out. Maybe you'd call security. But having context, it really was just Sapnap in his arguing mood, petty and trying to prove a point. There was no way he was sitting down until he proved he was taller than Quackity.

A small grumble of disapproval left Quackity's mouth before he stood to full height. Bad walked over and lead Quackity towards Sapnap, telling them to stand back to back so everyone could see the height difference.

You sat there in anticipation as Bad got them set up, watched as they compared heights very carefully, watched as the results were announced, and watched as Sapnap cheered and screamed some shit in Quackity's face when it turned out he was a few inches taller than Alex.

To make things funnier, Dream walked over in amusement and checked their height difference himself, making the other two look so much smaller than they already did. It was always a pleasant shock seeing just how tall Dream was compared to the average person.

This lead to height checks between all of them, trying to figure out who was the tallest (easy) and who was the shortest.

After everyone had gotten tired from the playful arguments and day they had, they began leaving to their rooms to freshen up or get comfy, probably needing a break from the banter.

Dream, George, and Karl had agreed to go pick up something to eat while the rest of you guys stayed in the living room. Just chatting now, relaxing, no height wars or petty arguments. Kinda.

"By the way, I found this one cool shop with a bunch of anime stuff. You're coming with me to check it out, right?" Sapnap asks, breaking the peaceful silence that surrounded you all while scrolling on your phones.

You looked up in confusion, not sure who he was talking to. His eyes met yours, and he gave you a look that said he was waiting for your response. "You wanna go with me?" You ask, a bit shocked since you'd expect him to go with Karl or something.

"Duh. We could look through the whole shop and see what we can find. Maybe go eat afterwards." He explains with a smile. He seems excited, and his energy is just so contagious, you can't help but smile as well.

"Well, since we're all here I'm assuming we're invited as well. Right, Sapnap?"

It's Quackity, inserting himself into the conversation, eyebrows raised and lawyer voice on, ready to fight Sapnap on this. This earns him a scoff from Sapnap.

"Don't think you'll wanna come with us. I know it's not really your thing."

"Sapnap, I'm sure he can join. Don't you see he's pouting? Plus, I'm sure food will cheer the baby up." You tease, watching as Quackity's facial expression changes into a scowl.

"Yeah right. Plus, it's rude to ask them out in front of Bad and I. We're literally their plus twos."

Bad snorts. "Plus twos? He's definitely not letting us tag along now."

Sapnap nods. "You literally have so many other days you can spend with them. Let me have my moment. Ask them out yourself if you want later."

You stiffen at the implication he's making, unable to stop the confused frown that appears on your face.

"Whatever." Quackity mumbles, before quickly switching the conversation to his beanie and what he should do to stop fans from snatching it off his head.

The topic of conversation is interesting, and quite frankly very funny, but you can't help but focus on Sapnap's comment.

Surely, he meant no harm. But you can't help the feeling that your little secret you'd shared with Bad was growing more noticeable. And if Sapnap knew? How long would it take for Quackity to realize and push you away?

"Y/N?"

You blink away your state of confusion as you refocus on the conversation. "Huh?"

"I said, how does superglue sound? For his beanie and stuff." Bad had been calling out to you, trying to reinvite you into the conversation. Apparently, you'd been quiet for a while.

"You're such an asshole, Bad. You just want to see me bald so bad." Quackity huffed.

"Not true! Also language."

Bittersweet. Your own thoughts were ruining the fun conversation your friends were having. How to answer this without seeming too obvious? Not like a pining idiot?

"I mean, so what if your hair falls out? The beanie will cover it. It's worth it."

"Plus," adds Sapnap, "your fans have been saying you're bald anyway. Prove them right."

"You're all no help to me and my problems." Quackity finally mutters, earning a laugh from the three of you.

His problems. You wouldn't wanna add another by making him have to deal with a friend trying to get out of the friend zone. You really need to get your feelings in check.

Honestly, you need to get better at hiding this shit. You can't just keep going quiet or getting lost in thought whenever someone suggests anything NOT platonic between you and Alex. I mean, it's ridiculous at this point. Bad is giving you stares, Sapnap might know by now, George might know. Hell, maybe even Quackity knows.

Too much. As soon as the others get back, you excuse yourself and call it a day.

—

Sapnap had been serious about going to that Japanese shop. He'd woken you up early, made you get dressed, and was dragging you out the house before the others could bat an eyelid.

Honestly? You'd had a lot of fun. Watching him look through all the items, picking out everything he wanted, getting matching plushies and these tiny figurines that ended up being too fucking expensive for their size. He'd been so happy, you even offered to pay for his meal in exchange for what he'd bought you earlier.

Throughout your adventures with Sapnap, you received a few notifications from Quackity, asking what you guys were up to, when you'd be back, and whether Sapnap was forcing you to stay over there with him. Sapnap and you rolled your eyes at that last bit, sending him a picture of you two flipping off the camera. All jokes, of course, and in return you received a picture of Quackity doing the same. Then he began claiming that you guys could stay there all day for all he cared.

"Seems like someone is jealous." Sapnap had said after reading Quackity's messages. You looked over at him in surprise before he quickly pocketed your phone, dragging you along to a new section of the store he'd wanted to check out.

Did Sapnap really think so? Could there be a chance Alex actually liked you, like Bad had suggested?

Beside your overthinking, the day had been well-spent, and by the time you got home, you were ready to get out of your outside clothes and into your PJs.

As you finally walked out into the living room, you watched with an amused smile as Sapnap sat with the rest of them, showing them everything he had bought at the shop, including little gifts he'd brought for them all.

No matter how 'careless', he came across, Sapnap was truly a softie. It was endearing watching him hand out the gifts you two had bought at the shop.

You made your way over to the couch, sitting beside Quackity and giving him a smile as he raised his brow. "Don't think I forgot that picture you sent me earlier today."

"You know I didn't mean it." You mumbled as you returned your gaze to Sapnap and his cheerful smile.

"You owe me an apology. And you need to make it up to me."

You scoffed at that, "You flipped me off too."

"And? You did it first. I'm the injured party here."

"Fine." You sighed, turning you gaze back at him. "How can I make it up to you?"

"Mmm.. how about we 'sleep call' again?" You froze at his suggestion, looking over at the others to see if they were listening in on your conversation.

They weren't, all too entranced with the small rant Bad was going on about a certain manga Sapnap had bought.

How could this man just admit that you two slept together with his whole chest. Without a care in the world for who was listening.

"Is that really all you want?" Stunned was the only word to truly describe how you were feeling at the moment.

"I mean, for now. I'll have to see tomorrow if I feel any better."

You rolled your eyes at that. He would most likely take advantage of that and drag it on for as long as he could. "Did you really miss me that much, Alex? Need to make up for the time lost today?"

"Wow. You're trying to make me look desperate now?"

"I just think that's how an outsider listening in on our conversation would interpret it."

"Y'know what? Let's go right now. Since you wanna call me desperate."

Again. Stunned. How was this man acting like it was nothing? This shit wasn't normal. Last time wasn't too bad because you didn't know, but now? You'd be too focused on not making it seem romantic, just purely platonic laying on the same bed together with your friend who you don't have feelings for.

It didn't take long for everyone to start heading to their rooms. He excused himself, and you followed a few minutes after, heading to your room in a daze.

As you waited for him to come to your room, you couldn't help but wonder if it'd be the same as last time. Would you be able to play with his hair or cuddle close in a strictly platonic way? Maybe you could call him bro a few times so it didn't seem like you liked him.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the door opening and revealing him in all his glory. He looked so comfy, and the beanie was once again nowhere to be seen.

Perhaps you were overreacting, but you felt this was his way of letting you know he trusted you. That he was truly comfortable around you.

This time, he felt more at ease entering your personal space. He got into bed and got comfy on his own. It didn't take long before he was facing you again, just like last time.

You smiled at him and did the same as him, your previous plans of putting distance and calling him bro getting thrown out the window at this new sight of him.

He looked so cute, just laying there and looking at you. He looked so warm too, you couldn't wait until you actually got to pull him close and blame it on your sleepy state.

"So," he started, "how was your date with Sapnap?"

Huh? The tone really caught you off guard.

"It wasn't a date. We just went to look at some manga he wanted, and got little gifts for everyone. Went to eat."

"Sounds like a date."

You narrowed your eyes at him. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

"Well, it wasn't. Why does it matter to you though?"

"It doesn't."

"Then?? You jealous or something?" You raised a brow, genuinely confused, but also wanting to see his reaction to the last bit. Maybe it'd give you some insight on his feelings for you. If there was any.

"I'm just making sure! Sue me for trying to respect anything that could possibly be going on between you two." He paused. "I wouldn't want to be asking you to sleep with me and then it turns out you and Sapnap are a thing."

You paused and simply stared at him. Was this dude serious? He was worried about you and Sapnap dating, when in reality you liked HIM? Sick and twisted.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that. Sapnap and I aren't a thing. I like someone else." You answered, and honestly you don't know why you said that.

He paused for a bit, expression unreadable before simply nodding. "And is it possible to know who this someone is??"

How did you end up in this position? It wasn't that long ago that you were confessing to Bad about your feelings for Alex while surrounded by fucking arcade games. And now you were in bed with him while he asked who your crush was. Leave it to you to mess up this badly.

You took a few more moments to just lay there with him, hand eventually going to his hair and gently playing with it. "I don't want to ruin anything." You finally responded.

It was the truth. You could just tell him, but you wouldn't be able to live with yourself if your revelation lead to him growing distant, or him rejecting you and ruining the rest of the trip.

At that, he sat up, making your hand slip out from where it had been playing with his hair. "Are you afraid you'll hurt my feelings?"

You sat up as well, staring at him for a bit before shaking your head. "I'm afraid you'll hurt mine."

"I wouldn't dare." He said reassuringly, hand reaching out to intertwine with yours.

It might've been the adrenaline rushing through your body, or the pessimist in you just telling you to get over with it, but you sat there and confessed that you liked him.

At first, there wasn't much of a response beside his wide eyes and stunned smile. You didn't necessarily know what that meant. Was he on the verge of laughter or was he shocked because he liked you as well?

The silence was killing you, and you swear you could feel tears threatening to spill as he continued to just stare. Nothing could've possibly been worst than his silence at that moment.

"You really do like me? Me, Alex Quackity?" Were his first words, and you watched as he shook his head, as if he was trying to make sense of it all.

"I don't expect you to feel the same or-"

"No no. You like me?"

He was trying to get you to repeat it, or admit it again, but it was torture.

"... I do."

He smiled at that, coming closer and using his free hand to cup your cheek. "Yeah? Well, it's your lucky day because.. I like you too."

You really couldn't believe what you were hearing. Bad had been right about him liking you as well. If he found out, he'd brag about being right and being the 'best wingman' for so long.

"Seriously?" It never hurt to double check.

"Yeah."

And with that, the distance between you two was closed. Soft lips pressed against each other awkwardly at first, not used to kissing your best friend, but it soon melted into a sweet first kiss.

After he pulled away, you gently cupped his cheeks as well, smiling at just how unbelievable this was. The guy you'd been unknowingly pining for this whole time actually liked you back, and you'd just kissed him on your bed. Bonus: he was staying the whole night for some cuddles.

You laid back down, pulling him with you and simply wrapped your arms around him, leaving small and shy kisses on his cheek, not used to this at all, testing what was okay and what wasn't. But his smile and kisses he was giving you as well told you he was more than fine with this.

"Does this make up for it?" You mumble against his own lips, teasing tone evident.

"Yes, yes it does."

—

The next morning was when the countdown finally came to an end. The day you'd all been waiting for; The Convention.

You knew this meant getting up, eating breakfast, and starting to get ready. It was a big day.

But when Quackity wanted to lay down for just a bit longer, how could you possibly say no?

This lead to you both having to walk out of your room and head straight to the kitchen 15 minutes later. There was no time to waste by pretending to have come out of your own rooms and at different times.

As you both approached the dinner table and sat down, you realized the table was dead silent, all eyes on both of you.

You looked up, making eye contact with Bad. He had this knowing grin on his face, and you couldn't help it as you felt the heat rushing up to your face. Quackity seemed unfazed by it all, simply yawning and beginning to eat his breakfast.

"So did it work or what?" Sapnap broke the silence, an expectant look on his face as he stared between you and Quackity.

"What are you talking about?" You asked, now feeling very confused.

Bad couldn't hold in his laughter any longer, and burst out into happy giggles.

"Well we were trying to make Alex get jealous so he could finally make a move. Did he do it?" Sapnap asked. Karl was smiling wide, trying to cover it with the sleeve of his sweater.

Did this mean that Karl, Sapnap, and Bad all knew you two liked each other? Had these three plotted this shit? Getting you two to realize your own feelings?

"What? You did that shit on purpose?" It was Quackity's turn to be dumbfounded.

"Duh. We figured we'd give you guys a little push in the right direction." Sapnap had a satisfied smile on his face.

You couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Your friends had worked together to make you both come to terms with your feelings. Since you two were so oblivious. Wow.

"I hate to say it since it means you actually helped,,, but it did work. We talked last night and well.. we both confessed." There was a soft smile on his lips as he told the others about what had happened.

Bad let out a small cheer, clapping his hands excitedly before congratulating you both on talking out your feelings.

"Okay now that the lovebirds are finally together, let's finish breakfast and start getting ready. Remember today is a big day!" Dream said, sounding quite excited himself.

You'd honestly forgotten for a few minutes because of the whiplash of your friends confessing they were playing cupid.

Today was the convention. The whole reason you'd all traveled out here. This whole trip had been lovely, leading up to the final event.

And you'd be leaving with a date, and good memories spent with fans and friends.

<3