#or somethin g i dunno

[incorrectchipspeech]

parsec: "your highness" is gender neutral. if you ever confused about my pronouns, that will work.

[pinkmirth]

i dunno if y’all get what i mean when i say this, but reiner looks like his name would start with a ‘g’ . . .

[iced-souls]

happy pride peoples!

imma be posting drawing of an oc for each week of pride, but I don’t have them done yet so it’ll probably start later this week-

for now though, enjoy some extra doodles of said oc’s haha—

in which they may be very much out of context but I’m probably gonna talk about it a bit more when it gets to their week

HAPPY FIRST DAY PRIDE

[obnoxiousarcade]

what's the worst thing that can happen if you just... mess with strangers sometimes??

[belleshub]

prompt 4

yanking them by their..

satoru g. — ear.

it may sound weird at first. satoru never lets anyone touch him. the strongest. he can’t be touched by his usual means of infinity.

so why did he let you do so? it’s a conundrum to him as well. why does he touch you, put on his flawed personality for display and be so vulnerable? because as much as he’d want to deny, he loves you.

he loves you so much, to the point where he in fact invited you to go shopping with him! sure, he probably would’ve done it with himself or someone else if you were to decline, but you didn’t.

that’s what matters.

youre glossing through the crowded mall, turning a head at anything that catches your eye - and that’s when you see it.

the perfect outfit, clad on the stores front mannequin. you’re just hoping and..

“that kid there has a digimon card—“

“you are such a nerd.” you throw your head back with a exasperated groan, fingers pitching the lobe of warm hearing vessels.

“cmonn, you’re not even buying anything.”

he whined. he knew very well that he was giving you an inch.

and you knew too.

immature, much?

“I was literally just looking at somethin’, what are you on about?” you bark back.

“okay, but like, I didn’t..”

“do you even know what you’re trying to argue about?” you furrow a brow.

“can’t you mentally bookmark it?”

“…” you two shortly find your way over to a gamestop. an embarrassing scene.

suguru g. — hair

more often than not, suguru doesn’t like when other people touch his hair. he meticulously grooms it, and takes care of it to the fullest. and if someone were to touch it - they’d have to be on the list of people he can tolerate. like his parents, or maybe shoko and gojo.. and without a doubt, you.

how could he not? suguru any touch of yours to be a grounding anchor to the reality he sometimes can’t even process himself. you’re his safe space. and he means it in every definition his brain could fathom.

and with you, it’s the same. you two were simply hanging out after school, and with how sassy he was - you two were prone to indulge in some banter.

sitting on some bench next to some convenience store, you chow down on some chips - him, observe the general public. it was one of those moments where, there isn’t exactly a set plan for the day - but rather more of a reprieve from your usual treacherous schedule.

so in short, you were just.. chilling.

while you were relaxing, you rant to him about your latest fixation, and then.. he gets a text message! from.. who?

“are you listening?” you lean forward, squinting as you tried to look at his screen.

“no, yeah..” he replies monotonously. you didn’t like that.

“I dare you to recount what I just said within three sentences—“

“I think satoru set me up, that snarky bastard.” his eye twitched as he tightened his grip on the flip phone. was he gonna break it?

“dude, relax, maybe he’s like.. I dunno..”

then you pause when you read the message.

“who the hell is misaki sato? and why does she have your number?”

“I told you, satoru set me up, I don’t know that girl!” he frowned, and you gently grab a tuff of hair, tugging just enough so you don’t place tension on his oh so tender scalp.

“oh shit! I think I know her!” your eyes widen, an accomplished smile gracing your features.

“was pulling my hair necessary?”

“shut up.”

yuji i. — arm.

you two were relaxing after just exiting from the movie theater. yuji just convinced you to watch a boring, dramatic and theatrical slasher. given that you genuinely had no other pastime, you took him up on his offer.

rookie mistake on his end, because for you, your knack for unconventional garbs was going to be the death of him.

“oh my god, oh my— yuji!” you exclaim. “it’s a flash sale, you know how much I love this stores stuff.”

“are you gonna even use half of the things in there?” he said sheepishly - until he saw merchandise. merchandise of his favorite movie!

“oh..it’s..its!”

you give him a side glance.

“oh, human centipede…”

“that’s like an entirely different thing!” he complains, and you simply push his back and your hand lands on his arm. circling around it, you pull him forth.

“my bad, that weird murder shit you like..” you correct yourself. awkwardly.

“it’s not weird!”

megumi f. — collar.

to be frank, megumi wasn’t to chatty type. he was more for the tiny things, the things that made it matter.

acts of service. that his niche. so.. why was he here.. crafting all these.. origami gifts.. why? because he wanted to surprise you. particularly because you just passed exams. he’s been routing for you, studying.. buying your energizers..

yuji brought up the idea, and megumi decided to entertain it. for once.

he presses the youtube video back, navy eyes narrowing further as he scrutinized the screen just one more time.

pink hair blurs his vision, and immediately, he’s over it again.

“maybe we should ask nobara. she’s a girl, she probably knows a lot about—“ yuji fell short of his exclaimation as megumi pressed him off to the side. he may or may not subtly have elbowed him in his side as well.

“I think I know my girlfriend, yuji..” he rolled his eyes, maybe at this point, he should give up. but if it’s one of your favorite..

clink.

the noise of a door unlocking throughout the dorm room sounds, and megumi feels like his soul has been snatched. hastily, he slams it close.

yuji, on the other hand, turned to the side, front obscuring the accumulated supplies in the front of them.

“ohh, heyy! we didn’t know you were..coming so soon?”

with your arrival, you don’t exhaust haste to trot your way over to megumi.

“the air in here doesn’t feel right.” you say.

“what the hell is that even supposed to mean?” yuji barked, hurriedly pushing the papers under the bed.

“I meant what I said! you guys are doing somethin’, and it’s suspicious! why else would yuji be in here?”

“I mean, he’s not always an unwanted presence..” megumi looks off to the side, a snicker escaping his lips.

“are you insinuating there has been times where I was a unwanted presence?” his friend yells, jaw hung low in appall.

you tsk, and pull his collar, trying to see what was behind him.

he didn’t seem.. particularly bothered by your proximity.

“now, what exactly are you guys try’na do?”

[under-the-dirt]

sleep talking.

hihihihi!! this is a continuation of my previous post with price and sleeptalking reader!

anyway, a part 2 was requested and i love delivering!!

pairing: price x fem!reader

tags: reader is referred to by feminine pet names, oral (fem!receiving), unprotected p in v (guys literally do not pretty please :3), creampie?, cockwarming, overstimulation, UNDER 13 DNI!!!!! SHOO SHOO SHOO!!

taglist: @cloudyeventss @airghostlyfox

The following day was difficult, to say the least. It was hard to meet John’s eyes or even look at him the same. Everyone noticed how awkward you seemed for what appears to be no reason. The first one to approach you was Soap, who found you in the kitchen gnawing on your lip.

“Somethin’ wrong, lass?” Soap asks, and you chuckle and shake your head.

“No uh.. long night,”

“Hmm.. What ‘appened between ye n’ Price? Poor fella looks like a kicked puppy,” Soap chuckles, looking down at you and seeming surprised at the blush on your face. “Oh shit, now I gotta know,” He laughs.

“Nothing, it was nothing..”

“Sure of that? The way yer lookin right now ‘s tellin’ me ye got up to somethin’ you shouldn’ ‘ave” He teases, and you look up at him.

“Fine- yeah, we had sex.”

“Shit, how was the old man?”

“I’d think he was jus’ fine,” Price purrs from the doorway, walking in and standing beside you. “Can we talk real quick?” He whispers, and you nod, walking outside of the kitchen.

“I’m sorry..” You whisper, and he shushes you.

“No, nothin’ t’ be sorry ‘bout lass, nothin’ at all.” He coos, rubbing your arm gently.

“I just.. I’m confused.. what are we?” You ask softly, looking up at him with doe-eyes.

“Well, fer now, I dunno. If ye wanna be fuckbuddies or somethin’, that’s perfectly fine w’ me.” He explains, and you nod. “Then there it is, tha’s what we are.”

“Are.. Are we still going to sleep together?” You ask, and he laughs and raises his eyebrows. “No! Not like that!! Just.. are we still going to sleep in your room?”

“Of course, unless you don’t want to.”

“No- No I want to..”

“Then tha’s all” He smiled that sweet, crinkled eye smile, the one that drew you in, in the first place. He leans down and presses a gentle peck to your lips before walking off to do god knows what.

—🌙—

That night was far more eventful than any other, with him bending you over almost the second you entered his room. He’d eaten you out like a man starved, like his favorite meal. You were a moaning, writhing mess beneath his large hands.

“Oh god- John.. Mmhm..” You mewl, squirming to try and escape the overstimulation of his scratchy beard between your soft thighs. “Ohh.. oh god John,” You whine and moan, and he chuckles, kissing your cunt and pulling his head away, beard soaked with your juices. You hear him drop his pants, heavy belt clinking to the floor.

“Ohh.. god look what ye do to me, bunny,” He groans, stroking his painfully hard shaft. he presses his chest to your back as he slowly slides the tip in, the stretch causing you to moan and squirm. “Cmon, stay still for me darlin’,”

“Mmh! So big,” You whine, and he just pushes further until he’s buried to the hilt in your sweet cunt.

“God, such a pretty pussy. Just milkin’ me fer all I have, aren’t ya?” He chuckles as he begins to slowly thrust in and out of your tight hole, huffing and groaning all the while. Heavy balls slap against your ass which each thrust, his rough chest hair rubbing your soft back raw.

“Mmh! Oh- Price!” You moan loudly, and he shushes you with a laugh.

“Don’t want the others hearing, do we lass?” He purrs, using his free hand to open your mouth and put two fingers in which you dutifully suck on. He laughs and rubs your clit gently with his other hand, slamming his thick cock into your g-spot and making you moan louder around his fingers. You cum hard around his cock, forming a small ring at the base as he continues pounding into you before following and cumming deep inside you with a groan.

He rests his chest on your back, kissing the back of your neck sweetly and leaving gentle hickies.

“I’ve got some paperwork to do.. mind staying like this?” He asks softly, and you nod tiredly. He picks you up, still deep inside you and sits down at his desk with you in his lap.

About 30 minutes later you wake up again, head tucked into the crook of John’s neck as you deeply inhale his woody scent. You begin to feel something inside you, and your muscles involuntarily clench around it.

“Oh- fuck, darling, relax,” Price coos, rubbing your lower back gently with his free hand. You hear the gentle scratching of pen on paper behind you as he works, the soft rumble of his chest as he breaths and chuckles. The silence was like a lullaby, lulling you to sleep.

After he finished working, he picked you up and ever so gently pulled out while placing you on the bed. He went to his bathroom to grab a rag, wet it with warm water, and walk back to clean you both off. He first cleaned his sticky cum off his own cock, then cleaned his mess up from your thighs and abused cunt. You really were a deep sleeper, even the sensations of the rag bumping your clit didn’t wake you. After cleaning, John laid down next to you and pulled you to his chest, pressing gentle kisses to your head as he fell asleep.

this was such a silly moment! sorry it took so long to write!! <333 i hope this was good!!!

[belliesandburps]

You know I gotta ask for Ace Trappola immediately

Burping in public

"Haha! Not too shabby, right?"

"HA! Beat THAT!"

"Heh, s'cuse me."

"Tch, that was weak. Hold up... (gulps down air and lets out a louder burp) Ahhh, there we go."

"Oof! Heh, dunno where that came from."

(hits his chest a few times and expels an afterburp) "Mph, sorry, think I drank my water too fast or somethin'."

(rubs stomach) "Dude, those tarts were soooooo good..."

(grunts and rubs his chest) "Ugh...heartburn...huUrp...mph..."

"Tch! Deuce, c'mon, man, show some manners!"

Post-stuffing burp

(smacks his lips) "Ahhh, my compliments to the chef..."

(rubs his bulging belly) "Ohhhhhh, man, I'm STUFFED..."

(pats his belly heartily) "Whew...that was a good one..."

(grunts and hits his chest to knock loose another deep burp) "Guhh...man, I'm feelin' gassy..."

"Gruuuooohhhh man...I'm gonna bu-uuUUUurrrp....ooohhh...b-burst...urp...ugh..."

(goes cross-eyed) "Ooooohhh FINALLY...duuuuude, that one was freakin' DYIN' to come out...!"

(lazily rubs his belly) "Mmmmm, tastes just as good comin' up as it did goin' down, heh..."

"Ooooohhhhh dude, I'm gonna explode..."

"Mph...that wasn't all of it... (slaps his belly and expels a GIANT belch) ...oooohhhh damn, there it is...WHEW...!!"

Nausea burp

(covers his mouth with one hand) "Mph...pretty sure somethin' came up with that..."

(grimaces and firmly rubs his aching belly) "Ugh...baaaarrrp...guh...brrruuuUUUuuuuhhhhp!!!! Gruuooohhh...I don't feel so go-oOourp...g-good..."

(groans as he rubs his gurgling gut) "...Urrgh...my stomach hu-UUUOOOOoorrrph-guuuuh...h-hurts so badly..."

(lurches and covers his mouth) "Mph...h-hold up a sec...I think I'm gonna... (barely stifles a large, wet belch that puffs his cheeks) ...ohhhh, I'm gonna be sick..."

(leans forward, one hand gripping his knee and the other clutching his stomach) "...Huuurgh...that one didn't feel too great comin' up..."

(frantically covers his mouth) "...B-Bathroom..."

[bloodybreakupscene]

heyyaa, HOW ARE YOUUU? ｡ ﾟ(ﾟ´ω`ﾟ)ﾟ｡

i hope you’re doing well!! i was wondering if i could request some gwen stacy x fem! reader dating headcanons! 🙏🙏

please and thank youu!!!<33

-> 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊.

gwen stacy x fem! reader

-> gwen stacy dating headcannons (⁠◠⁠‿⁠・⁠)⁠—⁠☆

-> hello!!! i'm doing good thank u for sending this in, the idea is so cute ^__^ hopefully i did ur request justice (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠) , n e wayzz she def listens to alex g she is the number one alex g fan ♡⁠(⁠˃͈⁠ ⁠દ⁠ ⁠˂͈⁠ ⁠༶⁠ ⁠)

• i feel like she’d confess first, but it’d be in private and right after you two hung out so that way if you'd reject her she could quickly run back home never to be seen again. but, her overthinking was all in vain, as you accepted her confession.

"and i've felt this way, for. . a while! and it's okay if you don't feel the same way—"

"aw, i'd love to be your girlfriend, gwen."

"i know i know it's weird—"

"gwen i like you too."

"i knew you wouldn't feel the same way but i just—"

"GWEN."

• at the beginning of your guys' relationship she feels very insecure and is unsure of herself, she knows she's closed off, she knows she's not the prettiest, but all of these thoughts seem to vanish as you hold onto her hand and give her a soft smile, a smile that reaches the depths of her heart and ignites a feeling of emotions she hadn't felt in a long while.

• all of your hangouts before felt like dates to her, so she doesn't really have the need to go out to a fancy restaurant or go to the park for a picnic, she feels as if there's enough romance and passion within your hangouts it could count as a date.

• she keeps her identity from you, it's a huge secret, like a lock it in a safe and throw away the key kinda secret. her identity already cost her one lover, she doesn't want it to cost her another.

"what are your thoughts on spiderwoman?

"hm? oh! uh, i don't really care for her."

"haha that's kinda funny, i don't either but i thought you would!"

"what makes you say that? 😒"

"i don't know, i always see you after i see her, so i thought you were a fan or somethin' i dunno 😣"

• loves touring music stores with you, she'll always try and show off her knowledge about the drums because it's the one thing she feels confident in, she'll go on and on about it as you watch how her face lights up and lips curl up in a smile as she talks.

• speaking of music, she loves, LOVES, listening to music with you. she believes that music says a lot about a person's aesthetic, personality, taste, etc. so when you both are just sitting on the school bus, on a field trip, you'll share a pair of headphones listening to a playlist you both contributed to.

• she doesn't deal well with jealousy, she'll let it bubble inside her until it goes away, which it eventually does. whenever gwen sees you with another person she can't help but imagine that you like them better than her, that you'll eventually see that she isn't the best and that you deserve better.

• aside from this, you guys are a very cute couple! no denying that. she'll most likely spend more time at your house than hers, being around you and your family is (embarrassingly) one of her favorite things, just watching a movie or helping with dinner makes her life feel normal and domesticated.

"do you wanna come over for dinner tonight? my mom's making [insert dish here]."

"duh, oh my god her food is so good!"

"pfft, you're so cute 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩"

• cuddling is her favorite thing to do with you, whether its at your home or hers she just enjoys embracing you because it's a situation where she feels calm. her father walked in on the two of you holding each other, fast asleep on the couch completely disregarding whatever movie you were watching. he's glad his daughter has moved on and finds comfort in you.

[gaymurdersalad]

David, in the few minutes of knowing you, you have already made it onto the list of people I would sell my soul to keep safe. Besides from that!! Is there anything you want?? Any items, any food?? You mentioned giving that soup the soup anon gave you to Jack,, but come on!! You need something too, pal!! <:]

[ 🪰 - Fly Anon ]

>… I-… I-I dunno how t’…

>Y-You all don’t know… what yer sayin’. I’m not someone of that kinda value.

>… I-I’m not sure how t’— I dunno how to respond to this, I… Uhm… Nobody ever says this stuff to me, no one ever… U- Uh…

>I s’pose…! S-Somethin’ I’d want is fer Sportsy to be happy! He… Uh, he didn’t end up eatin’ the food y’all gave, but… S-Sorry, that ain’t the kinda answer you’re lookin’ fer, I’m sorry… Sorry.

>G-Go speak to Sportsy, he seems to like talking to y’all…! He might be gettin’— uhm, he might be… Gettin’ a little sick of me…

>… is he gettin’ sick of me?

[sweetnsour1]

4:34

Fluff, Bakugou x g/n reader

You followed the crackle into the kitchen, breathing in the smell of him cooking bacon the crispy way you preferred. You were a little surprised that he still woke up before you considering how drunk he'd been yesterday. To be fair, it's not as if it had been a ton of alcohol in his system. The tall blonde had always been a lightweight. You squinted at the open windows, but swallowed your groan as you made your way past him. He was in those grey sweats you liked him in, no shirt, but an apron was hanging loosely from his neck. You hesitated, but didn't pause at his back, didn't snake your arms around his waist, didn't kiss between his shoulder blades. You padded over to the pot of hot coffee he'd already made for you.

He set the tongs on the counter, turning at the sound of your mug being filled to the brim. You let your hair curtain your face, still too shrouded in sleep to know what to say to him about last night. You breathed in the heavy scent of caramel and let your eyes close. His breath brushed against your ear, but he didn't move any closer, waiting for you to turn to him like you did every other morning. You hummed and took a sip, but your eyes flew open as you forced yourself to swallow.

"Ow. Fuck."

"Yea. It's hot coffee, idiot."

You frowned, turning further away from him as you felt your eyes doing something truly idiotic. This was so stupid. You both called each other names, empty of insult and heavy in affection...but...but today the word stung. It stung in a way it never had before. You had fallen asleep feeling like an idiot. You had woken up with the lingering sense of it, hoping it'd fade quickly. Yet, here you were feeling more stupid than you ever had.

"Hey, you burn your mouth or somethin'?" The harsh tone was interlaced with worry. He moved around to see your face, but growled when you turned away from him again. "The fuck is your problem, brat?" He grabbed your waist this time, locking you in place as he tugged you to face him.

You couldn't pick out the right words. You wanted to just forget the night before. You wanted to erase it the same way he probably had. The way he had slurred the words. The way his eyes were glazed and hazy, while he said them. You knew he didn't mean them. You knew they had fallen out by mistake. You knew...

"I don't wanna talk about it." You flushed, hearing how childish the words sounded.

"Yea? Well that's too fuckin' bad. Can't fix it if you don't tell me what's wrong." You glared at him as he grabbed your chin and forced your teary gaze to his. The red eyes were narrowed, but softened as they scanned over your face. The fingers holding your chin in place, slid up your cheek. "Y/n..." He pulled you against his chest, holding you tightly. His next words sounded deeper now that your ear was pressed against his chest. "Talk to me."

You pushed against him, wriggling against his grip. He let you move back, but kept you caged in his arms.

"I'm mad-"

"Yea, I can see that." He chuckled as you tried to tug free of his arms. You glared at him again before continuing.

"-at you..." He stopped laughing and you dropped down and under his arms. His brows furrowed and he stepped towards you as you backed away. You felt the kitchen island press into the small of your back. Your shoulders fell and you looked at your feet. This was all so stupid and you really were being ridiculous. You sighed and lifted your head. "...you told me you loved me last night, idiot." He froze. He blushed. He looked...so confused. You groaned and covered your face as you continued. "Of course you don't remember. It was an accident. I wasn't even gonna' bring it up, but fuck...I just...I dunno-" You yelped as he lifted you onto the counter.

"You’re right, I don't remember that." His fingers pulled your hands away from your face. The asshole was smiling at you, so you glared at him. He had the balls to laugh at you this time. You crossed your arms.

"You are such a fucking asshole."

"True...but I do love you, brat."

"Don't make jokes like that!" You tried to shove him away, but he grabbed your cheeks with his hands. He made you look at him.

"The fuck? Do I look like I'm joking, idiot?" He was glaring at you. His cheeks were red. His hands were gentle. You pouted and glared back.

"Love you too, ass-" His lips were on yours. You could feel his grin against you. You started giggling when the smoke alarm went off. He let a string of curses loose as he put out the ashes of your breakfast, but you noticed he couldn't stop smiling either.

Masterlist

[im-no-jedi]

Nothing To Worry About

an independent oneshot set during the time of TCW/TBB

rated: G warnings: none relationships: Echo & Fives, Fives & Jesse & Hardcase, Echo & Hunter word count: 1300+ words

notes: this was a request by @better-to-bee for a story about Fives and some of the other 501st watching Echo from “beyond”. I absolutely love this concept and had a lot of fun putting my own spin on it. hope you enjoy the feels! 😋💙

A/N: this story has not been proofread by anyone other than myself. so apologies for any uncaught errors 😬

______________________________________________________________

“You worry too much.”

The sound of Jesse’s voice shocked Fives out of his watchful gaze.

“Haven’t you seen enough?”

Fives sighed and gave a small shake of his head. “Not sure why you’re so concerned. Also, do ya blame me?”

Jesse’s hand came to rest on Fives’ shoulder. “Well, I could blame ya for a lot of things, but this one is understandable.” His lips curled up into a smug smirk, making Fives chuckle.

“Thanks for the support,” Fives sarcastically replied. His eyes turned back to the one he was watching before, and he gave another sigh. “I know you’re right, but... I can’t help but worry about him.”

Jesse joined Fives and looked over at the one he was watching. “I get what you’re saying. But also... if there’s anything I know about you two, it’s that you’ve always been resilient. For as stubborn as you are, Echo’s the only one who can even come close to matching that. Unsurprisingly.”

A pleased smile spread on Fives’ face. That wasn’t the first time he’d heard something like that about him and his brother, and it definitely wouldn’t be the last. From the time of their creation, he and Echo had been practically inseparable. The “twins”, the others called them. Wherever one of them went, the other was close behind. It was hard to even imagine what life would be like without the other. Ironic, all things considered.

“Are you guys watching Echo again?” Hardcase’s voice was the one to knock Fives out of his thoughts this time. He suddenly appeared next to Fives, on the side opposite to Jesse. “At least tell me he’s doing somethin’ interesting this time!”

“Depends on what you find interesting,” Jesse replied, tone laced with sarcasm. His hand gestured out ahead, towards the man in question.

Several yards away from them was Echo, datapad in one hand, doing a thorough walkaround of a starship. His head continually went from looking down at the datapad to looking up at the ship, face scrunched in concentration. It was a familiar sight to Fives, who knew all too well how much his brother liked doing inspections and running diagnostics. Quite different from what Fives found interesting. But at least it was better than having to endure his brother’s continual spouting of random rules and regulations at any given opportunity. A “human droid”, Echo had often been called. Again, it was ironic.

None of that affected Fives’ feelings towards him though. If anything, he loved his brother more for all of his quirks and tendencies. Just like Jesse’s weird sense of humor and Hardcase’s hyperactive personality. They were all unique and special to him. 

They were his family.

“I swear, you only like to watch over him when he’s doing somethin’ boring, Fives.” Hardcase elbowed Fives in the ribs playfully.

“Well, that’s the thing,” Fives responded, placing his hands on his hips. “I don’t need to watch him doing the soldier stuff. I already know what Echo is capable of. He’s just as much of a badass as the rest of us. I know he can take care of himself.” His eyes turned fondly towards Echo again, solemness hidden behind his gaze. “Doesn’t mean I don’t wanna keep an eye on him though. And... I dunno, I guess I just appreciate this kinda mundane stuff more than before, ya know?”

Hardcase squinted his eyes and shrugged. “Not really. But what do I know?”

“Not much,” Fives joked while giving Hardcase a playful shove.

“It’s alright, Fives,” Jesse said, giving Fives another pat on the shoulder. “I get it.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. I mean...” Jesse’s expression turned uncharacteristically solemn. “There’s a lot we’ve taken for granted in the past. Didn’t used to think much of it. But well, times change, I guess.”

The way Jesse kept his face away from Fives spoke more than his words did. Even Hardcase seemed to understand what he was trying to say, surprisingly. He wedged himself in-between Jesse and Fives, wrapping his arms across both their shoulders with his signature boisterous grin spread across his face.

“C’mon boys, don’t feel down. No regrets, remember? There’s still plenty of time for us to make the most of! We’ve still got each other, after all! And Echo’s got all the support he needs and more; isn’t that right, Fives?”

Hearing that, Fives couldn’t help but smile again. Although it was unusual to admit, Hardcase was right. They would always have each other, no matter what happened in the future. They were brothers for life; nothing or nobody could ever change that. And Echo... 

Fives turned his eyes to his brother again. His “twin”. He was so proud of him. Of course he had nothing to worry about. That wasn’t even the point. It wasn’t worry so much as longing. Longing for his brother to flourish and live the life they’d always wanted for each other. And Echo was well on his way to doing just that.

“Hey, guys!” Tup’s voice suddenly called out from behind them all. “Rex is about to head out on another mission! Let’s go!”

“Be right there!” Fives called back.

“I’m not waitin’!” Hardcase exclaimed before rushing off in Tup’s direction.

Jesse let out a laugh and began to follow behind Hardcase, but stopped just a few feet from Fives. “You don’t have’ta come, you know. You can stay here if you really want.”

Fives kept his eyes on Echo as he spoke. “Nah... it’s fine. He’ll be ok without me. He has been this long already. And besides...” He turned back to Jesse with a fond smile. “I won’t ever be that far from him anyway.”

After one last look back at Echo, Fives sighed through his nose and followed the rest of his brothers back into the night. His corporeal form faded into the shadows, but his spirit lingered. Just like it always had.

**************

“Alright, that should do it.” Echo tapped a few buttons on his datapad and let out a satisfied sigh. His eyes scanned over the folded-up wing of the Havoc Marauder thoroughly, and he nodded proudly. “Three times is enough. For now, at least.”

A familiar figure stepped out of the ship and walked over to Echo with arms crossed. “Everything lookin’ good, Echo?” Hunter asked.

“Yup!” Echo proudly replied. “Should be good to go for our next mission. We can go get the others now.”

A small smirk grew on Hunter’s face. “Ya sure you don’t wanna run the tests a fourth time?”

Echo rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Make fun all you want, but don’t come crying to me when something suddenly stops working mid hyperspace.”

“Just messin’ with ya.” Hunter patted Echo on the shoulder playfully. “And that could still happen regardless, you know.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me...”

Smirk still on his face, Hunter urged Echo to follow him out of the docking bay to where the rest of the squad was waiting for them. Echo gave one last look at the Marauder before beginning to follow his brother out.

A twinge on the back of Echo’s neck suddenly stopped him in his tracks.

“Ya alright?” Hunter asked, seeing that Echo had paused.

Echo said nothing at first. It was strange. A feeling he’d felt before, but still foreign to him. His eyes scanned the area for any anomalies, but found nothing. Something about the way the shadows lingered nearby was... curious. Like something was watching him that wasn’t even there. A presence of something both terrifying and welcoming. It wasn’t intimidating, it was... comforting.

Like an old friend coming back from a long trip away.

“Hey, Hunter...” A smile spread on Echo’s face. “Did I ever tell you about the time Fives and I helped Rex take out a whole battalion of clankers with a stolen Separatist tank we’d hijacked?”

Hunter seemed both surprised and intrigued by the question. “Uhh, don’t think so. Sounds interesting though. You wanna tell me about it while we walk?”

Echo’s smile grew immensely. “I would, actually.” His eyes gave a quick glance over at the shadows again, like he was silently thanking them. Then he happily stepped up next to Hunter as he began to recount one of his many memorable moments of the past with his “twin” brother. And the smile on his face never faded.

[a-dirty-secret]

Johnny's Girl - Part 16

tw: dub/non-con, hematolagnia, dacryphilia, blood, violence, stalking, rough sex

You were out back, laying alone in the bed of an old truck that Johnny had previously filled with blankets and pillows. He'd picked up food from a diner you'd mentioned before and set it up in the back of the truck. You'd mentioned it being your ideal type of date, and of course Johnny remembered.

It quickly became one of your favorite places, so Johnny wasn't surprised to find you there. "Hey, been waitin' for ya'. Why didn't you tell me you were comin' out here?"

"I wanted to give you some time with any new whores you have locked in the basement." You say bitterly.

"You ever gonna let this go? I dunno what you want me to do about it, I keep tellin' you it won't happen again."

You sit up and glare at Johnny. "Maybe I should go out and let some guy stick his cock inside of me. Let him cum inside of me. Then we can have a competition to see who lets it go first."

Johnny reaches out and grabs you by the shirt, yanking you out of the bed of the truck. One hand keeps a tight grip of your shirt, the other grips your jaw tightly. "You. Belong. To. Me." He says through gritted teeth.

"See? You can barely even handle the thought of it."

He releases his grip and takes a step back as you rub your jaw. "It's not the same." He says, avoiding your gaze.

"How is it not the same?! Am I your girlfriend or your victim?! I hate to fucking break it to you, but in an ACTUAL relationship, it's a two-way street Johnny."

"Oh, you feel like a fuckin' victim?! Maybe I should tie you up and throw you back in the basement!"

"Don't avoid the actual point, Johnny!"

"I said I won't do it again, what more do you want from me?!"

"Oh, excuse me for thinking the cheating, cannibalistic serial killer may have a hard time keeping his word!"

"If that's all I am to you then why are you even here?!"

"BECAUSE YOU WON'T LET ME LEAVE!"

With that Johnny turns, lighting a cigarette as he walks away. You sigh, getting back into the bed of the truck. The truth is, you had a hard time planning out an escape, because you couldn't bear the thought of leaving Johnny. In your mind that fact further confirmed that getting out was necessary.

Johnny walked to the front of the house and sat on the steps as pain radiated through his body. He felt like he was losing you. He had to figure something out, some way to make it up to you.

The door opened and Sissy poked her head out. "Your mama's on the phone, sugar!"

Johnny got up and made his way to the phone. "Hey mama."

"Johnny, I need some help over here. There's been some people snoopin' around and I can't handle it by myself. Need you to make your way over here first thing in the morning."

"I... Yes ma'am."

"You what? You got somethin' to say? Don't wanna leave your little whore all by her lonesome?"

"I'll be there." He says, hanging up the phone. His mama would yell at him for that when she saw him, but he didn't care. He sighed, heading through the house and making his way back to you.

He got in the bed of the truck and sat there silently for a few moments. "I don't know if you give a damn, but I gotta leave to go to my mama's tomorrow." A few more moments pass before he speaks again. "Look, I know it don't make it better, but I wish I could take it back. I never felt like a monster until I hurt you."

You sit up and move to Johnny's side. He links his fingers with yours as you rest your head on his shoulder. "How long will you be gone?"

"I dunno. Hopefully only about a week. I don't much like the thought of being away from you for longer than I have to be."

"Don't worry, Sissy will still be here to babysit me." You say flatly.

"Goddamn it, I can't say nothin' to you! I just wanted to spend one more night with you before I left, but it's clear you don't want me around. I'll just leave now, make it easier for ya'." He gets up and makes his way to the house.

You sit, unmoving, watching him walk away. Johnny being gone would give you the perfect opportunity to escape, so letting him walk away without even one more kiss...

"Johnny, wait!" He stops, turning around and crossing his arms.

You walk up to him and place your hands gently on his arms. He lowers them, allowing you to close the distance between you as your arms wrap around his neck. He kisses you tenderly, pulling you against him tightly.

"C'mon, we'll have a private going away party." You say with a wink, grabbing his hand and leading him back to the truck.

*** You woke up to the sunrise the next morning, a sense of dread filling your chest. Johnny ate breakfast quickly, letting the family know he was going to be leaving. Far too soon you're following him out the door and to his truck. You quickly run in front of him and lean against the drivers side door.

"Not gonna let me leave, huh?" He says with a smirk, wrapping his arms around you.

"I'm gonna miss you, Johnny..." You say quietly.

"Don't worry darlin', I'll be back before you know it." He says, taking your chin between his thumb and index finger and placing a soft kiss on your lips before you step aside. You watch him drive away until his truck is no longer in view, then make your way inside to start your chores.

*** You were quiet for the next couple of days. Sissy assumed it was because you missed Johnny, but she was only partially right. Escaping should be easy, you'd gone over it in your head a thousand times. They didn't trust you enough to give you keys to the property, but it wasn't difficult for you to find something to pick the lock with while you were cleaning.

You sat in the bed of truck, staring at the house. It was a dark and cloudy night, perfect conditions. Feeling like you'd laid there long enough, you quickly and quietly make your way to the back gate and begin working on the lock. Your hands shake as the lock finally gives way.

You turn off the battery that's electrifying the exit and run. You run for what feels like hours until you reach a road you recognize, then continue running. Just as your legs are about to give out, you make it to your house. You open the door and collapse on the floor, tears streaming down your face as you desperately try to catch your breath.

You force yourself to stand on shaky legs, knowing you need to get on the road as soon as possible. As much as you'd like to stay here, you knew it wasn't possible. You grab a flashlight from a drawer in the kitchen and head for your bedroom. You grab a bag and throw in some clothes before reaching your hand behind the bottom dresser drawer. You let out a sigh of relief when you find your savings right where you left them.

You put the money in the bag and rush to the car, thankful you'd just filled up the tank before finding yourself in the Sawyer basement. You start it up and get on the road. You didn't know where you were going, but for the first time in a long time, you were free.

[twilightmalachite]

Christmas Live - Epilogue 1

Author: Akira

Characters: Tetora, Chiaki, Hinata, Yuuta, Kanata, Shinobu, Yuzuru

Translation Team: Mika Enstars & 310mc

EN Proofer: ryuseipuka

"C’mon 2wink, you rush over here too! If you take too long, Taichou’s gonna snatch away all the good bits~"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Winter

Location: Park’s Live Stage

Tetora: Alright, everyone! There’s not much time left ‘til the Eve’s Eve Live is over!

While we’d love to keep the enthusiasm up with more and more hype—Christmas Eve and the actual performance have yet to happen, so~

Let’s not overdo it and end things early so that nobody catches a cold!

Tetora: But to anyone hoping for way more—don’t worry! We’d love to have you join us over at Yumenosaki Academy’s StarFes, on Christmas day!

As a present, we’ll bring even more passionate, glittering bright dreams to everyone there…☆

Chiaki: Mhm! Wonderful MC! It’s so full of excitement, Nagumo!

You’re informing them about everything that needs to be conveyed as concisely as possible! There’s really nothing else I could teach you at this point, huh…☆

I’m so moved! I can feel my eyes begin to water! My tears are so passionately hot, not even the winter’s cold can freeze them! Fuhahahaha! ☆

Tetora: Taichou, you’ve been performin’ this whole time, so how come you’re still so energetic? Gonna be real with ya—It’s just getting in my way. I’d rather you not snatch the spotlight from your junior.

C’mon 2wink, you rush over here too! If you take too long, Taichou’s gonna snatch away all the good bits~

This guy always does that!

Chiaki: Nagumo, why do you always say things that pierce deep in my heart… What can’t you stand about me!? Do you hate me!?

Yuuta: Ahaha, you just can’t help but have mixed feelings when someone more talented raves about you with such high praise, you know.

When the sun shines bright enough, the stars around it become overshadowed and invisible to the eye.

And then that sun comes around and tells you something like, “you can shine brighter than that!”…

It’s hard not to feel angry, or rather, pathetic. You understand, don’t you, Tetora-kun?

Tetora: Ooh, Yuuta-kun! The outfit suits you perfectly~♪

Yuuta: That’s ‘cause it was tailored to fit Aniki exactly. So it fits me perfectly as well. At least for now, as frustrating as that is.

Hinata: Well I’m happy that we can still wear the same outfits… We’ll get to make even more memories this year as just the two of us, right? ♪

Yuuta: It’s no longer just you and I, Aniki. Come on, things aren’t the same as “back then” when we were on the streets, shivering in the cold. We’re surrounded by the many, many stars of RYUSEITAI.

This year will probably be a much “warmer” Christmas than ever before.

Hinata: Though, with so many stars, it'll be way harder to stand out! But if we huddle close and stand together, we can shine brighter than any sun!

Behold the brilliance of 2wink, the twin stars! Make sure to burn it into your eyes, everyone~! ☆

Yuuta: 2wink, the two-in-one twin idols, are pleased to meet you! ☆

Tetora: (…Whew, what a relief. They’re still a li’l awkward around each other, but… looks like they made up, huh?)

(Guess it was a good thing that I really ripped into them—Or well, more specifically, swinging my fist at ‘em.)

(I might’ve done somethin’ unwarranted for their sake, but… That’s how an ally of justice rolls, right… Probably, I dunno~♪)

We shouldn’t get in their way, huh? C’mon Taichou, how about we go and hand out presents to the kids~?

Chiaki: Yeah! ☆ You can count on me for that, it’s my field of expertise! C’mon kiddos, gather around~! Santa-san’s got gifts for you! Come and get them!

Theeere, there, there~♪ (pat, pat, pat) You kids must be so sleepy by now, so we’re grateful that you stuck around with us for this long!

Ah—Hey, hold it, Kanata! Don’t give out live animals—! Where did you get those sea creatures from!?

Kanata: ehh~… [winter] is the season for [seafood], you know~?

here you go, a [sea cucumber] for you~♪ and for you, a [sea anemone]~…☆

Chiaki: Stop right there, you’ll traumatize the kids! Nagumo, hold Kanata down at once! Sengoku, come with me! We’ll split the work between us to distribute the rest of the presents, alright?

Shinobu: Roger that~! However, Taichou-dono… The Eve’s Eve Live can be viewed for free, so there is barely any profit to this…

If we were to distribute presents as well, wouldn’t we make a net loss here?

Chiaki: Mm? Oh yeah, true! But, well, the kids’ smiles are our reward! In that regard, Santa-san is the same as a hero! ♪

Yuzuru: Hmm… You could simply make up for your loss at StarFes instead. By working at a deficit to put on a great display of hospitality as a way to entice people to attend, you can increase the profit production margin at the actual event.

It may appear as if you don’t think about these things in advance, I see that your methods do make quite a bit of sense. I’m impressed. Although, well, I suppose rather than calculated, it actually came naturally, perhaps?

Chiaki: Woah—!? You surprised me…! Ermm, you’re Fushimi from fine, right? I-I’ll have you know, this live show has been formally authorized…!

Yuzuru: Fufu, even if it were unauthorized, I do not have the authority to intervene as I am not a member of the student council.

That being said, even President-sama has given out silent approval for unauthorized matches.

More importantly, I had been told that Anzu-san would be here… Where could she be?

Chiaki: Mm? You’re looking for Anzu?

She’s been busying herself with all sorts of things—from making preparations for the Eve’s Eve Live to tailoring our outfits, even setting up a merchandise booth and working as a vendor, so…?

I assume she’s decorating the Christmas tree at the moment.

Yuzuru: Is that so? Goodness gracious, even though I had asked her to head into town hoping she would take a break for once…

I see she’s back hard at work before I even knew it.

If you turn your hobbies into a job, then you won’t have any refuge… However, well, it’s Anzu-san’s life; she can do as she pleases, I suppose.

[ ☆ ]

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[starlitwishes]

@melodicbreeze​ Wanted Venti to face the Music!

Evan was quite intoxicated.

He didn’t want to see it anymore, Venti getting along with that tyrant, a concept he couldn’t even understand. How could Venti befriend someone who essentially imprisoned a whole city’s worth of people for hundreds of years, who ruined so many people’s lives--including his own? Evan couldn’t comprehend it.

At least he understood the idea of being attracted to someone--that was an involuntary feeling, right? However... having such obviously friendly banter with the god of storms, that was a choice. One that, apparently, Venti was willing to make for... some strange reason. What reason could Venti ever have to forgive him?

In his drunken state of mind, Evan came to the conclusion that there was no possible, logical explanation. So, the next logical leap to make was--if Venti was not friendly with the old god of his own free will, then... naturally, something was making him as such, right?

With that misconception, his mind spiraled and spiraled, until Evan had blacked out and found himself out in the wilderness. Drunk and dazed, not quite sure how he got there--but upon seeing a familiar face, his blood began to boil.

Decarabian.

Decarabian was sitting on the ground, mindlessly looking up at the stars above them. He didn’t seem to notice him, and Evan’s thoughts turned into a blinded rage of chaos.

Kill the tyrant now, he thought. Before it’s too late, before he hurts everyone again--

With a heavy breath, Evan took a step towards him, only for Decarabian to scoff. “I can sense you, child of war,” he started, turning around to face him. “Did you really think you could sneak up on me?”

Evan took a step back, and scoffed. “You... what’re you planning?” He growled. “What do’you... think you’re gonna accomplish... stayin’ here in Mondstat?”

“Ah... you are very drunk,” Decarabian murmured, with a heavy sigh. “Where is your friend, that sprite? Have you lost sight of him? He is not here.”

“I know he’s not here... G-good thing, too, ‘cause you’d be...” Evan’s voice trailed off, and he growled again. “Y-you’d be... making him... think you’re not so bad, right? That’s what you’ve... been doing this whole time...”

Evan stumbled forward, his fists curled into tight balls.

“You... you’re doin’ somethin’ to him, right? I know you are... I dunno what, but I know you... you’re hurtin’ him, and I won’t... I won’t let you anymore, you hear me?!”

Decarabian raised a brow at Evan’s accusation, unsure of what he was even accusing him of. Still, with another heavy sigh, he stood up and brushed his pants off. “I am not here to cause trouble, child. Furthermore--I will not engage with you while you are intoxicated. Perhaps you should find the sprite and discuss things with him.”

“N... no, you need to leave,” Evan snarled. “Leave th-this place--this nation--and never... never come back here... o-or else...”

[queuebird]

23. gossip in the salon

G, Hannibal, Will, ~150 words

For day 23 of Domaystic 2022

“I’m worried about that Graham child.”

The ladies mm-hmm.

“He’s been running around with a bad sort of crew.”

“Sweet kid.”

“His daddy don’t keep an eye on him at all.”

“Pretty face like that, he should get a girl. She’d keep him in line.”

“I dunno. Kid’s too busy getting into trouble.”

“Saw him and the other fish kids down by the creek pullin somethin out.”

“Or puttin somethin in.”

The ladies tsk and shake their heads.

“I just don’t know what he’s gonna do in life, you know?”

“Told me he wants to be an FBI agent.”

“An FBI agent? My goodness. What’s he gonna do there?”

“Oughta stay home and take care of his daddy.”

“Yes ma’am, Mister Graham isn’t looking a good way.”

“Specially not with his son going around doing who-knows-what.”

“Well you know who else’s daddy isn’t in a good way…”

[ginger-canary]

Blue Roses & Nannerfly Lights

2474 words

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Not Another D&D Podcast (Podcast)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Lucanus Aer'Tea & Jolene Cybin | Mee-Maw, Alanis & Jolene Cybin | Mee-Maw, Alanis/Jolene Cybin | Mee-Maw, Lucanus Aer'Tea & Alanis

Characters: Jolene Cybin | Mee-Maw, Alanis (Not Another D&D Podcast)

Additional Tags: Valentine's Day, do i look like i care that it's march this is a valentine's day fic, This ship started as wouldn't it be funny now here we are, Friends to Lovers

Summary: It's Valentine's day and Jolene misses her home festival. Instead of going home, she brings part of it here as best she can. After all, Alanis is here.

Read on AO3 here or take it from the cut!

Admittedly, Jolene didn’t understand that much about high elven society. There seemed to be a lot of semantics. Entire lectures spent talking about how one spell component isn’t the other even though they’re both green gems. Wizards weren’t sorcerers and apparently that difference was important. But to her they were both just squishy spellcasters who didn’t spend a lot of time outside. The most confusing part of high elven society? The way everything has to be a competition.

Jolene resisted the urge to throw her hands up as she watched a group of illusion students compare their Silent Images and critique each other’s details.

“What’s with the stink-eye?” Alanis popped out of the shadows, leaning against the wall of the tower Jolene had set her backpack against. Her hair was a mess and there were stains on her robes but she was grinning like a maniac.

“Sweet Melora, I told you not to do that! Who even taught you how to shadow step?” She clutched her chest.

Alanis laughed. “Don’t worry about it. So why do you look like you bit into a lemon?”

“Wizards are ridiculous,” Jolene muttered. “The competitive thing’s pissin’ me off again.” She gestured to the illusion students.

Sitting down with her back against the tower, Alanis nodded. “I mean… It’s not something we’re all born with- it’s what’s taught here.” She scratched the back of her neck. “What’s taught at every wizard school. They believe competition helps students improve.”

Jolene huffed, wrinkling her nose. “What it does is breed jealousy and distrust. How would you make friends if at any point they may try to take your job or place in the world for themselves?”

Alanis shrugged. “You find the ones that aren’t infused with hatred and a drive to win at any cost. Or you don’t befriend high elf wizards. You know there’s warlocks and sorcerers around too, right?”

“I technically know they’re there. Don’t ask me to pick ‘em out of a line though.” She sat down next to Alanis, bumping her leg against hers. “So wanna tell me why you look like a mess?”

“Are you going to tell Lucanus what I did?” She raised an eyebrow.

Jolene snorted. “He’ll figure out it was you without my help. So what is it?”

“Well.. wait. Do you know about Valentine’s day here?”

“I know what Valentine’s day is, that’s everywhere. I dunno what y’all do with it but I know about the day.”

“Right, so. Here they handle it by having red and pink food with heart shapes in the dining hall, but also they let people send out roses to people they want to appreciate. Except it’s a bunch of competitive high elves- for the most part- so you know that’s not exactly how it’s being used.”

Jolene raised her eyebrows. “So how is it being used?”

Alanis groaned and rolled her eyes. “There’s some guys who send cursed roses to people who’ve rejected them or bested them in some way. They can explode and leave splatters of paint over the person which’ll stay for several days. Sometimes it’s embarrassing, sometimes they pick something more painful. Either way it’ll be a bad experience for the victim.”

“And none of the staff has ever done somethin’ about it?”

“They try. But the thing about magical roses is that you can’t just detect magic the problem away. Plus they’re pretty sneaky,” she said with a grudging respect.

“So what’s your solution then?”

“Oh, I’ve made it so that anyone who tampers with a rose, casts any kind of spell on it will get the paint splatters.”

Jolene tilted her head from side to side. “Seems like a good enough solution to me. So why shouldn’t Lucanus know about it?”

“He doesn’t love when I mess with things that are ‘none of my business’ and ‘are school property’,” Alanis faked a fancy elf voice.

“Fair enough. I look forward to seeing your results.”

“So what do you do for Valentine’s day?” She leaned forward.

“Ah, for us it’s more or less a festival.” She paused. “Of course I’m here now so I’ll be missing the festival.”

“What does the festival look like?”

Jolene went on to describe the festival full of flowers, romance and silly pranks. The more she talked the more she wondered if maybe she should go home just for a visit. Homesick isn’t something she felt often, but once in a while she missed the simpleness of the Crick. Plus, it was a lot harder to have fun around a bunch of stuck up high elves.

“Wow,” Alanis sighed, propping her head up on her hand, elbow against her knee. “That sounds awesome. I wish I’d gone there as a kid, instead of being forced to give everyone in my class a valentine’s day card when no one else did.” When Jolene raised her eyebrows, Alanis added, “My parents are nicer than the average high elves.”

“I figured.” The bones of an idea were starting to form in the back of her mind. “So other than watching chaos unfold, what’re ya doin’ for Valentine’s day?”

Alanis shrugged. “I dunno, homework probably?”

Jolene rolled her eyes. “Just meet me in the garden at noon, you’re free then right?”

“Dang, you know my schedule. Alright, I will.” She waved at some other wizards in the distance, starting to get up from her spot. “I gotta go work on a project, but I guess I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“Bring the themed foods from the lunch hall! Lucanus got tired of my stealing them!” She called after her.

“If he gets mad I’m blaming you!” Alanis yelled back over her shoulder.

Jolene grinned, grabbing her backpack and slinging it over her shoulders. It was time to do some preparing, and she had no clue where to start.

~~~

That next morning, Jolene arrived in the gardens with a backpack full of items and MawMaw on her leash. The possum didn’t quite agree with it but it was a long leash, and Jolene needed to focus. After attaching the end of the leash to one of the normal trees, she dropped her backpack with a thunk.

From there she pulled nannerfly string lights, a large picnic blanket, and her spellcasting focus. “Now MawMaw,” she said, crouching down holding the nannerfly string lights.

MawMaw stopped scrambling around and looked up at her.

“Can you hang these up for me?” Jolene held out the string lights. “Be careful with the nannerflies, we don’t want them to escape.”

With a serious nod, MawMaw took one end of the nannerfly string into her maw, then scrambled up the tree.

While MawMaw arranged the lights, Jolene spread her picnic blanket out under the tree, then took her spellcasting focus. Near the trunk of the tree, she pressed her hands against the soil and focused on all the flowers she wanted to see. Casting Plant Growth, Calla Lilies, Dahlias, Mask flowers and Bleeding Hearts burst out of the ground, spreading over the remainder of the open space and blooming right before her eyes.

Casting Grasping Vine took care of her other nannerfly string lights, and lastly she cast Druid Grove to make sure the area wouldn’t be trampled by random wizards. Sitting down on the picnic blanket, she pulled the last items from her backpack and spread them out. A flask of crick water (naturally), some sodas from home, and a tupperware of homemade jambalaya. Melora, it had been hard to find a crawdad around these parts. Sitting back, she admired her work when MawMaw interrupted her with a noise.

MawMaw had managed to intertwine the nannerfly fairy lights with the branches just so that they were in the shape of a heart and was looking down at Jolene proudly.

“Thank you, buddy.” She reached a hand out and MawMaw scrambled down to receive the pets. “Now we wait, hm?”

It didn’t take long for Alanis to appear, her robes once again a mess but grinning. Behind her floated a rose. “Hey, happy Valentine’s day. Thanks for the rose.”

Jolene grinned. “Course. Happy Valentine’s day.” She got up and hugged Alanis.

“So, I uh.” Alanis tucked her hand inside her robes and pulled out a rose that was stained a violent blue. “I tried to send you a rose.. But the rose didn’t want to go to you because you’re not technically a student… so it cursed me.” She held out the rose, blushing.

“You were pricked by your own thorns,” she laughed. “Really that seems about right.” She eyed the large splotches of blue dye on Alanis’ robes. “I still appreciate it.” Taking the blue rose, she pulled Alanis down onto the picnic blanket. “What’d ya think? It’s hard to have a place like this reflect the Crick but in this garden, ‘s pretty good.”

Alanis smiled. “It’s so pretty. I love the lights and the flowers, it must’ve taken a lot of effort. Oh, I brought some food.” She slung her backpack off her shoulders and started digging through. “They didn’t love it but, y’know.” She shrugged. From a tupperware she pulled some heart shaped donuts, raspberry turnovers, and a piece of red velvet cake.

Jolene wrinkled her nose. “Damn they put a lot of sugar in these, huh?”

“I mean, yeah. They want it to taste good,” she laughed.

From behind her back Jolene grabbed her jambalaya. “Listen, things can taste great without being sweet. Ye ever had this?”

“What is it?”

She popped the lid off the tupperware. “Jambalaya. Try it, I made it this morning.” Jolene held out a spoon.

Alanis tentatively took a bite. “I like it. It’s different from what I'm used to, but it’s nice.”

“We eat this a lot back home… It’s basically impossible to make here, though.”

“Why?”

“Y’all barely have crawdads, I had to go fishing and it was weirdly hard.”

She raised her eyebrows. “What does fishing look like for you?”

Jolene mimed sticking her hand into a river. “You just- you just grab one. I had to lurk over your ancient moat for so long!”

Alanis snorted. “Your definition of fishing is fascinating. Thank you for showing me your food, I wish we were shown more cultures here. They’re so obsessed with being high elves and being wizards.” She rolled her eyes. “I guess when you live for 500 years you have a long ass time to get attached to your own culture and ignore others.”

Jolene shrugged. “I left the Crick for a reason. It’s great to appreciate your own culture but if you want to see anything outside of it, it’s easier to find that outside of your home.” She grabbed her own spoon.

“That’s fair.” Alanis eyed Jolene. “Sometimes the culture comes to you, though.”

The two ate the jambalaya in a comfortable silence, stealing looks and pointing out cool details in the garden. When the jambalaya was gone, Alanis pulled out her wizardry book.

“What’re you doing?”

“Looking for a spell to fix the sugary things I found for us so you can also enjoy them.” She flipped the pages.

She smiled quietly, watching Alanis’ eyes narrow in concentration, speeding through the book.

“Ugh, pages and pages of spells but nothing to alter this food,” Alanis sighed. “I could set it on fire or freeze it?”

Jolene laughed. “I could just send MawMaw to go find some hot sauce?”

“Yeah, that seems like a better idea.” She slammed her spellbook shut.

With MawMaw off to find some hot sauce, Jolene and Alanis cracked the Crick sodas and settled against the large tree. Alanis wrapped her arm around Jolene, idly playing with the straps of Jolene’s overalls. “You know, I’m really glad I got to know you.”

Jolene leant her head against Alanis’ shoulder. “Feeling’s mutual. I know I haven’t been around for that long but this place isn’t particularly friendly to me and I think it would’ve been a lot worse without you.” She looked at the blue stains on her robes and grinned. “Not just any wizard would take a paint bomb to send me a rose.”

“Laundry day is going to suck,” Alanis said as she plucked at her robes, showing that her leggings were also stained. “I ruined so many clothes this week.”

“I do that all the time. Not with magic paint but, y’know.” She traced the stains. “I think you look more fun like this.”

“I will admit I’ve tried to go to class in my messy robes and they didn’t love it.” Alanis shrugged.

Jolene rolled her eyes. “Well, I do. I think you look cool as hell.” She tangled her fingers in the robes.

Alanis made eye contact with her. “That’s all that matters.”

She stared at Alanis’ mouth. “At the risk of readin’ this moment wrong… Can I kiss you?”

“Yeah.”

Jolene grabbed Alanis by the front of her robes, swinging a leg over her lap and sat down on her lap. She traced Alanis’ jawline and smiled. “Oh Melora, you are so fun,” she whispered. And she kissed her.

Alanis tangled one hand in Jolene’s red hair, the other pulling her closer by the overall strap when they broke apart. “Fuck, Jolene,” she sighed.

She grinned and bit her lip. “I mean…” Her eyes flicked down, taking in the way their bodies pressed together.

Before Alanis could respond, MawMaw reappeared.

She scrambled into view and dropped a bottle of hot sauce onto the picnic blanket with a thud.

“Always with the incredible timing, MawMaw.” But Jolene reached out and scratched MawMaw behind the ears.

MawMaw chittered, then went for the red velvet cake without a single moment of hesitation.

“Oh no, is that good for her?” Alanis tentatively reached out a hand to attempt to pull that cake away- at the risk of being bit.

Jolene caught her wrist. “It’s fine, she’s my animal companion, she’s made of sturdier stuff.” But she did make sure to tuck the other sweets into the tupperware before MawMaw could eat them all. “Besides, I think she’ll like it more than us.”

She placed her hand on Jolene’s hip, hooking a finger into the belt loop. “I’ll admit my focus has shifted.”

Jolene moved her hand to the neck of Alanis’ robes, fingertips brushing against her skin. “Alanis…”

“Yeah?” She made eye contact.

“I’ve been learnin’ y’all like things to be private. Do you wanna go somewhere more private?” Her face heated up, blush spreading across her cheeks.

Alanis smiled. “I’m good. I got all I need right here.” She pulled Jolene in for another kiss.

Underneath the large tree in the college garden, invisible to most, lay a very full possum on a picnic blanket. Next to that, Alanis and Jolene kissed each other like there was no tomorrow. After all, it was Valentine’s day.