#the most beautiful man in all of space! he gave me such trouble as a boss the first time around but i still love him to pieces. i hope he

[revserrayyu]

One HSR Character a Day Day 2: Argenti

[gtgbabie0]

-Benjicot Blackwood x smallfolk!reader

{The Realm seems to have spiralled into disarray, Benjicot makes promises of protecting you}

Short and sweet because I can’t help myself, Enjoy my lovelies 💕

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺

The days seem much longer since the crowning of Aegon Targaryen, the Realm quickly swearing their fealty to whatever side could offer up the best deal or come across as the most threatening. Men were quick to take up swords, training all through the day and deep into the night.

Benjicot was not exempt from this, immediately following suit. Although it came naturally to him, a sword in his hand gave him a boost of confidence like you’ve never seen before and suddenly he was ready to take off into battle with an eagerness that would put anyone on edge.

It took up most of his time, unfortunately. The growing space between the pair of you was noticeable, you wouldn’t hold it against him, you couldn’t. Especially not when he visits you at the end of every day with a boyish grin and messy hair.

“Missed you today.” He breaks the silence, standing awkwardly at the doorway, watching you potter around the small kitchen.

Several moments pass and you still don’t even give him a glance, focused rather stubbornly on the task of scrubbing down the already pristine countertops. He makes a popping noise with his lips repeatedly, trying to gauge a reaction or at the very least your gaze.

With a groan he steps over to the dress you have been working tirelessly on, you have a talent for weaving threads and fabrics with your very hands, crafting the most beautiful dresses for the pretty ladies of the Vale for a rather pretty sum.

“Do not touch that with your filthy hands unless you wish to spend coin on new lace.” You tell him, turning around to meet his grin.

You have to bite the inside of your cheek to stop your lips from curling into a traitorous smile, the sight of him all dirtied and bloodied looked so out of place in the backdrop of pastel colours and the softest fabrics.

He puts his hands up in mock surrender, allowing you to tug him over to the wash basin with a chuckle that passes through his chapped lips.

His expression softens as he watches the way your gentle hands begin to wash the mud and blood from his own, so much more delicate than his, not sullied by violence and battle, no, they only knew needlework and he vows to keep it that way.

“I said I missed you today.” He repeats his earlier statement, tilting his head slightly towards yours to meet your eyes.

“I suppose I should be grateful then, Lord Blackwood.” The words leave a bad taste in your mouth, despite the fact that there was no malice behind them, but still, that doesn't stop the regret that immediately swells up inside your chest at the deflated look he gives you.

“I sense I’ve done something wrong, have I?…” he treads carefully, his eyes searching your expression as your hands carefully work to free them of muck.

You shake your head, drying off his hands as you stare down at them with a troubled look. “No… forgive me I have been rather on edge as of late.”

He hums in understanding at your words, glancing around the room, trying to think about the right thing to say, before finally looking back down at you. In truth, he has never been good at this, words, but for you, he’ll try.

“You got me and I’m better than anyone in battle, you’ve seen it yourself, I’ll protect you.” He states with so much confidence in his tone you can’t help but chuckle, it was true he became a wildly different person on the battlefield, a man possessed by the thrill.

You avert your eyes to the sword that stands, leaning up against the wall with your brows pinched together in worry. Benjicot’s hands immediately cup either side of your face with care, the feeling of his calloused hands keeps your mind from drifting off to every worst possible scenario.

“Hey, look at me.” He whispers, tipping your head up ever so gently. “If anything happens you’ll have refuge at Raventree.” He promises, his tone carrying a seriousness that he does not always have.

“You sound so sure they’ll just take me in…” You whisper, unsure if you’d be welcomed at all.

“I will demand it, and so will my Aunt, she loves you especially after you made her that riding jacket.” His words warm your heart, a soft smile gracing your lips at the memory of Alysanne, the gratefulness of her tone and the excitement in her eyes.

A warm smile spreads across your lips, his rough hands still cradling your face as if you were the most precious thing across Westeros, the pads of his thumbs caressing the space under your eye.

“Now, no more worrying, hmm?” He announces, pressing a kiss against your forehead with a smirk as you agree with a small whispered ‘Alright’

The pair of you soon find comfort in the warmth of your bed, listening to him ramble on vividly about his day, his hands moving all over the place to get his point across and for the time being everything seems to be peaceful.

[lurkingshan]

10 Things I Love About Mr. Mitsuya's Planned Feeding

This wonderful little show has come to an end, and I feel compelled to tell folks why I loved it, and why you should watch if you haven't yet. First, a big word of thanks to @isaksbestpillow for providing her excellent subtitles and making this show available to international fans. You can find all seven episodes here, get them while you can!

This drama understands that sometimes we really do want to fuck that old man

I don't know what to tell you, the man is hot. He is kind, patient, and generous, he's a master chef, he has a beautiful home with a garden that he tends himself, he is a loving dog owner, and on top of all that he has a hilarious dry wit. Who wouldn't want to fuck him??

Ishida is an endearing protagonist having a relatable quarter life crisis

Ishida certainly does! Which is a nice little revelation for him in a time when he's already struggling to figure himself out, as it's his first time wanting to fuck a man and his work colleague to boot. Ishida has hit a stumble in his original career choice and is feeling pretty apathetic about his job when he meets Mitsuya and gets his world rocked.

Mitsuya is a weary older man who has been burned

Mitsuya is quite a contrast to Ishida as an older adult who very much has his shit together, but has also survived some deep hurts living as an out gay man and grown reluctant to let people in. He and Ishida both see something in each other that the other needs.

It's a food drama that will make your mouth water

The food Mitsuya makes and serves to Ishida in this show looks so delicious that I had to make sure I was fed before watching each episode. Mitsuya can feel free to bait me with food any time.

Shige is my idol

We get to spend ample time at the neighborhood bar, where Mitsuya's old friend Shige serves drinks and hot goss. Shige is a great mix of the wise elder gay dispensing advice and the mischievous trouble maker who likes to stir the pot. I love him, and this show's understanding of the realities of men their age living out and proud.

Frito is a very good dog

FRITO! I'm not always too hype about pets with prominent roles in my shows, but in this story Frito is an important character and an emotional support to Mitsuya, and often provides impetus for Mitsuya and Ishida to grow closer.

Have I mentioned this show is hilarious

Truly, so funny. I laughed out loud during most episodes. Ishida is a walking comedy show as he flails through life, and the few moments when Mitsuya's dignified exterior cracks will have you howling.

It gave us one of the best dates I have ever seen on my screen

I still think about this date all the time. It was so beautifully written to underscore why this couple fits and how they each meet the needs of the other. Just having seen this one day spent together, it's easy to understand how a life between the two of them would unfold.

This show has a mature and nuanced understanding of relationships

We get deep into the show's perspective on love and romantic relationships via the return of Mitsuya's ex, Kaoru, a plot which the story handles with remarkable grace. I loved the space they gave to Mitsuya's former love and need for closure, and that Kaoru was not treated like a villain. He even got to provide an assist to Ishida!

The main romance feels deep and compelling

All of this adds up so that by the time we got to the finale, I really believed in this romance and why Ishida and Mitsuya needed each other, and the way the show dug into their hesitations and fears around that was so moving. My only regret is this show is short and we can't follow them to keep watching their lives together, but we got what we needed to feel confident in their future. I will miss them.

[ddaz3d-and-cc0nfused]

hi! is there any chance you could write a scenario for spencer with a plus sized reader? love your writing!

༉‧₊˚. 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 || 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐝

― pairing: spencer reid x plus size neighbor!reader

― summary: every day you and spencer talk to each other on your balconies, but you want more, and spencer is more than happy to - albeit shyly - oblige.

― warnings: mentioned/referenced marijuana usage, the reader smokes cigarettes, reader with a potty mouth, a tad bit of emotional hurt/comfort but not really, mutual pining, polar opposites, opposites attract, black cat and golden retriever vibes, neighbors to lovers, balconies as the main plot point of this fic somehow, fluff, the fluffiest fluff to ever fluff :[

― wc: 1208

⋆ a/n: okay would you believe me if i told you that this was not only supposed to be a drabble, but was also for a whole other request entirely? 😭 i really got lost in the sauce that was this fic and i really hope you enjoy because this is probably my favorite work that i have done in a while :]

masterlist | AO3

This has got to be a skill issue.

Maybe it was because of his job, but Spencer often finds himself attracted to danger – or most of the time danger finds him.

Now technically speaking, there’s nothing dangerous about you, but just one look at you and everything just screams trouble; you’re covered in tattoos, and you always seem to smell like a mixture of your perfume and whatever you bathe with along with a hint of weed and cigarettes. 

You’re sarcastic, witty, and above all else, you’re beautiful. So beautiful that sometimes Spencer feels the breath get stolen from right out of his lungs. You wouldn’t have to be doing anything, just hanging outside on your balcony shrunk into your lawn chair early in the morning, the sun hitting your sleep-ridden face, a cigarette hanging delicately between your fingers.

Your first meeting hadn’t been ideal, but it truly was an honest mistake.

You had a large gathering inside your apartment when you had first moved in, metal music and music along that genre blasted through the thin layers of the wall separating your respected spaces.

Spencer couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning in his bed. He thought that maybe once it had hit later on in the night it would quiet down, but it had been just as roundy as it was in the afternoon. He had willed himself to get up, mentally preparing himself for an unpleasant conversation that would no doubt be unfriendly.

He hadn’t been expecting you to open the door with a beer dangling in your hand, perching yourself against the door frame with crossed arms.

From what Spencer could see from behind you, there was quite a crowd of people dispersed about. A wave of liquor and marijuana infused air hit his nose and tried his best to keep himself from grimacing, but you had caught it.

“Hey uh-” Spencer was strangely intimidated by you, by your dark beauty and his hands came together, fingers picking at a hangnail nervously. “I live next door and um- would you mind uh… keeping the music down?” 

A flash of guilt graced your features for a moment before you spoke. “Oh shit, sorry man, yeah totally, no problem. Sorry about that.” You gave him a once over before smirking. “What’s your name?”

And after that, the rest of your friendship was history; sometimes he’d catch you coming up the stairs as he’d leave his home to run an errand, or he’d run into you getting your mail.

It was a slow building friendship, but it was one that he was happy he was able to make, because he really really did not want to have a rivalry with a neighbor. The feelings came later though, but maybe they had always been there.

The mornings when Spencer had a day off had a different kind of air to it, one that allowed him to feel at ease, relaxed. He had been deep in thought as he stared out at the quiet, empty street below him when he heard the sliding glass door of your apartment open, and there you were, tumbling out groggily.

You had stepped out with a cup of coffee, much like him in a way; you had a severe case of bed head, your black tank top and sleep shorts did nothing to hide the curves of your body as well as the art that painted your skin like an ethereal canvas.

You were drowsy, he could see it in the bags under your eyes and the frown that you normally adorned after a long night at the diner you worked at.

Maybe it was weird that he was watching you, but there was nothing more that he enjoyed than seeing you in your natural element.

You traded your coffee for the carton of cigarettes on the small table you had outside, slipping one of them safely between your lips before attempting to light it to no avail. He could hear you struggle with the cog before huffing and tossing the lighter on the glass table with a small ‘piece of shit’.

“Maybe it’s a sign.” Spencer called out from where he stood. There was no need to shout, seeing as though there was only a couple of inches separating your patios.

You threw a look at him, a lazy smirk dancing on your lips as you tucked the stick of tobacco behind your ear.

“Oh yeah? A sign of what?” You egged on. You rested your arms on the railing that faced his left side. “A sign that you should quit.” You scoffed. “No, it’s a sign that I should stop letting my friends swap their shit out for mine and pretending I don’t notice.” 

That pulled a chuckle out of Spencer, the man lifting the coffee to take a leisure sip of before continuing. “Long day at work last night?” He inquired.

You sighed, burying your fingers in your hair before dragging your hands down your face roughly.

“You could say that. I feel like my job does shit just to fuck with me, because every table I was given had people that were total fucking assholes.” You groaned, “Plus most of them didn’t even fucking tip! It’s like God Spence, I’m just about to fucking quit and get paid minimum wage somewhere else.”

Spencer feels a pang of sympathy in his gut. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He says with a frown. You just wave him off. “No, no. I’m sorry. It’s too early for my bitching.”

“I…” He begins with a gulp, “I don’t mind your bitching.” He adds with a sheepish grin. You laugh, and the sound is almost like bells in his ears. “You’re too sweet to me, Spence.” He gives you a noncommittal shrug, hiding his quickly reddening face behind another sip of his coffee.

“You’re off today right? What’re your plans?” You ask. You retreat for a moment before grabbing your own mug and taking a sip. There’s a slight grimace on your face, “God this tastes like shit.” You mumble beneath your breath.

“Nothing much if I’m going to be honest.” Spencer hadn’t really thought about what he wanted to do. He mostly planned on having a lazy day that was made up of tv show reruns, his new book he had bought and a nice dinner.

“There’s some grocery shopping I need to do, so you’re welcome to come with me if you want.” You say before you can stop yourself. You can feel nervous butterflies flutter around in your lower belly. You had never gone out of your way to invite the genius out anywhere, but you yearned to spend time with him.

It’s not like you guys don’t hangout, but it mostly consists of domestic conversations like these, speaking to each other from your balconies either during the morning or at night.

There’s no hiding the redness that completely overtakes Spencer’s face, his gaze falling for a moment before meeting your eyes.

“That sounds great.” Spencer says sweetly, and he really hopes his voice isn’t as breathless as it sounds.

“Cool.” You feign nonchalance by taking a hefty drink out of your mug.

“Cool.” Spencer reiterates with a small smile on his face.

ೃ⁀➷ my lovely taglist!: @alina02 @louderfortheback @minervadashwood @their-love @fandomsarelifee @theendofthe70s @nomajdetective @mgg-theprettiestboy @phoenixblack89 @celtic-crossbow @hallecarey1 @bunnybabe-babydoll @alixwriter @dixonzzgirl @violettavirus @khxna @moonysreid

[ramp-it-up]

Greater

Pairing: Pilot!Steve Rogers x Publicist! Reader

Word count:~3K

Summary: You let Steve know how you felt about him leaving you hanging.

This is part two to Great.

Warnings: 18+ ONLY Minors, DNI. Enemies to Lovers, and there was only one bed, angst, secrets, sexual frustration,allusion to dildos, Captain/Sir kink, praise/degradation kink, tight t-shirt and grey sweats on Steve, dirty talk, graphic sloppy oral, make receiving, face slapping. Not Beta’d. All errors are on me.

Notice: I no longer operate a taglist. Follow @rampitupandread to be notified when I post.

DO NOT COPY, REPOST, OR TRANSLATE MY WORK.

———-

Steve knew he should have avoided you when he came through the hotel lobby after his run to go back up to the room, but you eating breakfast solo on the terrace made him feel some kind of way. He watched as you gazed out over the Gulf of Genoa, feeling like a heel for leaving you in bed alone, but if he had stayed, you two would still be there.

Having you the way he did last night did not help his heart problem right now. You were taking up too much space in it, and he was afraid that the feeling wasn’t reciprocated. It couldn’t be. It was too soon for you. He’d fallen for you the moment he first saw you, and you didn’t even know when that was.

Your sister Aria, as clueless as she was, told your story: you hadn’t been with a man in a long time. Last night was just dumb luck for Steve, and physical need for you.

Being forced to stay in a space with such close quarters presented him the opportunity to get close to you, but it was disconcerting. He didn’t expect to be able to touch and kiss your most intimate places last night, but giving you pleasure was everything he’d dreamed of and more.

After putting you right to sleep, Steve felt a sense of accomplishment. But as he held you, he felt like a fraud, and soon escaped to go for a run on the beach to clear his head and calm his body.

Steve wanted nothing more than to give you more of the physical, which you clearly wanted. But what you needed was the truth. What he needed was your heart.

He looked down at his watch when he got a notification that Bucky had texted and planned to escape to the room, but when he looked back up, he was caught.

——

After you awoke in bed alone, you got out of bed and showered, frustrated. And why wouldn't you be?

Steve gave you the best head of your life last night, didn’t let you return the favor, and then ghosted you. You looked in the mirror and tried to figure out if your pussy was broken or something.

At least Jake appreciated it.

You nodded as you tried to convince yourself that a hunk of latex was sentient.

Aria texted you that she and Topher were staying in their suite today, and to reschedule the yacht ride. Your troubles were forgotten as you once again tried to move heaven and earth for your darling little superstar sister.

Aria’s change of plans, despite being a pain in the ass, was a definite plus. You could spend the day exploring this beautiful town on your own.

You sat on the terrace solo, after trying in vain to obtain another room in the sold out resort. You were torn between pettiness and being a simp for Steve Rogers. The sound of the ocean sent your mind drifting back to the night before, how good Steve’s hands and mouth felt on you. You shivered, and you felt the hair raise on the back of your neck.

You looked around, and finally, behind you, to catch Steve’s eyes, as blue as the Gulf, watching you. You gulped, and before you could stop yourself, waved him over. You saw him blanch, hesitate, but come over. You frowned.

He clearly couldn’t stand you, but you were going to set the record straight.

You weren't going to spend this whole week on pins and needles with him.

No way.

—--

Steve approached you hesitantly, squaring his shoulders to combat his nerves. He stood before you in military posture, hands behind his back. When you looked him up and down and raised your eyebrow, almost ready for anything, he couldn’t help the smile that began to form on his face.

You were trouble.

You watched Steve approach and your stomach did a somersault. Damn, he was fine. The sweat at the collar of his t-shirt, which was hanging on to his torso for dear life, was some kind of powerful magic. Your panties were about as damp. And when he stopped in front of you, perfect posture, cock so close, well, it took serious willpower to not get down on your knees in front of all these people.

You looked up at his sexy smirk. Damn him. You needed to know what was up.

“Morning, y/n. Did you sleep well?”

You crossed your legs, making his eyes follow the motion, and it was then that he gulped, fantasizing about reaching down and grabbing you up to take you back to bed.

“I slept very well, Steve, but did not wake up that way? Please, sit down. We need to talk.”

The words tumbled out before you had a chance to think, and you frowned.

Steve watched your face as he took a seat. You were not happy. And it was never a good thing when someone said that phrase. He had a feeling he knew exactly the way this conversation was going to go.

“I know what you are going to say, last night was a mistake. And I agree with you.”

“Oh?”

You exhaled as you sat back in your seat. That is not what you were going to say at all, but you were glad that Steve was coming out with what he really felt.

“We were caught up in the moment, jet lag, emotional…and I… I took advantage of that. I’m sorry.”

Steve looked up at the waiter who’d appeared and ordered water. You sipped your mimosa as you watched him, the red creeping up from his neck to his face, his cheeks flushed.

He was being genuine.

And sweet.

Being in the entertainment industry as long as you had, you learned to read people quickly.

“Taking advantage of me would entail making me suck your cock like I wanted to, Captain Rogers. Not you eating me out like a pro. I feel like I took advantage of you?”

Steve’s eyes got wide as he gulped down his water. He coughed.

You watched that tongue dart out and lick those ruby red lips after he caught his breath. Whew, that side smile. You began to take this as a challenge. Steve’s words didn’t match his actions right now, and you were determined to find out why.

His deep voice gave you a clue.

“‘D’you like that?”

The way Steve was looking at you right now was everything. You smiled and leaned forward, noticing how his eyes went to your cleavage. The way his pupils were blown told you more.

You were beginning to change your mind about how Steve Rogers felt about you. He at least wanted your body. You had power.

“Yes, Captain.”

Steve almost moaned. The way you looked, your sultry tone, the fact that you said ‘making you suck his cock.’ He cleared his throat as your words raced around his brain. ‘…like you wanted to…, Captain…’

Fuck, he was screwed.

He straightened up.

“I mean… that wasn’t cool…”

You straightened up as well, jutting your breasts out as if an invitation. Steve shifted in his seat. You were making things hard for him.

“No. No it wasn’t…”

You pouted, thinking of the way he left you hanging.

“Fix that face, y/n.”

Holy hell. That command. He did want you to hit the ground right there. But you had to push back.

“Hmmmm. I guess I’m supposed to say, ‘Yes, Sir,’ Or you’ll spank me like you promised…”

You smiled at him mischievously.

You were such a brat. You had to be stopped. Before he lost control again.

“I didn’t promise that, y/n…”

Steve’s voice was broken and he licked his lips before taking another drink of water.

“Oh? I thought you said that?”

You twirled your finger around the rim of your glass and then dipped two into your drink, placing them into your mouth and slowly pulling them out of those lips. Steve licked his in response

Steve knew what you were doing, but it was long past time to turn back now. Blood was rapidly leading his brain. He grunted unconsciously, determined to stay in control.

“I’m not doing this with you. I need to take a shower.”

Steve got up and stalked toward the elevators, and you sat, steaming, in your seat. You were shaking with emotion. You realized the true source of your frustration. You wanted Steve, you were sharing a room, and you were in a beautiful setting. You didn’t have to be a love match, but why not go for it?

You called the waiter over and asked him to charge your breakfast to the account.

~~~~~~~

As soon as the elevator doors closed, Steve wanted to pry them open to run back out to you. But space was the best answer right now. You were amping him up to do something reckless, something that would be irreversible. It was best that he kept his distance.

He entered the room and took off his shirt, going to the bathroom to turn on the water. He shook his head as he thought of you. You were such a menace.

When he turned around, there you were.

The look on Steve’s face was a little scary. You didn’t know if he was angry… or something else.

“....I need to get my…” Your eyes searched the bathroom. “...my lipgloss…”

You walked closer to him then turned toward the vanity and picked up a tube of your Glossbomb, leaning over toward the mirror, smearing a slick shiny across those lips.

Steve’s resolve began to crumble as he inhaled your scent and watched your lips shine. Your words came back to him. He wanted that mouth of yours.

You turned around.

“You didn’t answer my question, Captain.”

“What question was that, Doll?”

Steve moved closer to you, backing you up against the vanity. Your heart beat faster, but you pressed on.

“About the spanking…”

You felt dumb, but in a good way as Steve stared at you, seeing right through you. And then he smirked. He looked you up and down as he leaned forward and caged you in, hands on either side of you on the sink. Steam filled the room and came out of your ears.

“What I said was that I wanted to spank you when you were giving me attitude on the plane. Seems that was warranted. You don’t know when to stop.”

Steve’s voice broke as his breath fanned across your face. His mouth was so, so close to yours.

You sighed, and pouted again.

“I never stop, Captain. So does that make me a bad girl? I thought I was a good girl? It’s what you said last night.”

“I said that was a mistake.”

“What happened last night was a mistake, or saying that I’m a good girl?”

You were quick to reply as you cocked your head at him.

“Y’know, I wasn’t going to say that it was a mistake earlier. You put words in my mouth. That’s not what I want there…”

Steve slid his hand up your arm to your throat, and closed his fingers around it. It was nothing, almost, but enough to show you his power. You whimpered in his grip.

“You are maddening, you know that? You should leave well enough alone…”

You looked him in the eyes. You felt his hard cock against your stomach, even felt it jump as he searched your face and settled on your lips. You decided to try it.

“Let me go, and I’ll leave it alone… Don’t, and well, you can teach me how to be good again…”

Steve’s mind said to let you go, but it was his cock and his heart that made him do what he did next.

He whispered as he moved toward you, brushing the line of your jaw with his fingers. Your head was reeling from the sexy tone as you realized that he’d said, “Teach you a lesson…”

His lips slammed into yours, and his hands roamed your body, laying claim to what he wanted. You moaned as his tongue decimated you, letting him take what he wanted. When you separated, he asked you a question.

“What do you want in your mouth, y/n?”

“I want your cock in my mouth, Captain.”

“That sounds… “

Steve rested his forehead against yours. Your words gave him the image, and he couldn't resist. He cleared his throat again, then his blue eyes captured yours. Steel.

“Go sit on the edge of the bed…”

“Yes, Sir.”

The way he clenched his jaw had your pussy doing the same as you practically skipped to the next room and did as you were told. He was standing right in front of you again, running his palm down his hardness outside of his sweats. Your heart beat with anticipation.

You whined when he reached inside his sweats and pulled it out. It looked so big, so hard, the peach mushroom tip weeping and pretty, but big. You looked up at him with wide eyes.

The way you suddenly looked scared made Steve get even harder.

“You sure this is what you want?”

He was stroking his cock, and using his thumb to lubricate himself. He was restraining himself from touching you, but you didn’t know that, all that you saw was the sexy veins bulging down his arms as he jacked it in front of you.

“Y-yes…”

You reached for it and Steve moved closer, moaning when your small, cool hand closed around his hot throbbing staff. When you started pumping him was when his head started swimming.

“God, Doll…”

Your mouth fell open, those glossy lips a magnet for his cock. He didn’t know if you were leaning towards him, or if he were moving closer to you, but none of that mattered when your lips and tongue made contact.

He hissed at the sensation.

“SSsssss, y/n,”

He looked down at you as you stared up at him. You were entranced, his smell of musk and sweat was intoxicating.

“Those eyes. That mouth. Open. Wider.”

He had a grip on your chin, firmly pulling your jaw down to accommodate him.

As you kept eye contact, you saw a ferality that made you shiver. You wanted that look on you forever. You tried to unhinge your jaw as Steve slid his smooth cock inside your mouth.

He stopped once your mouth was full, but you continued, allowing his access to your throat.

“Ohhhhh. So goood...”

Steve pulled out of your mouth and stuck two fingers in, watching as you licked and sucked them, pumping his wet cock with your hand.

“That mouth. You’re not giving me any sass now, are you?”

He held your chin again and looked you in the eye, lighty slapping your jaw.

You gasped, then smiled and shook your head as you eagerly sucked along the side of his dick.

“No, Sir,” you replied, your mouth full of Steve.

You stuck your tongue out and deep throated him bobbing slowly as you pumped him with your hand.

“Go ahead. Get sloppy with it.”

You spit on his dick as you went to town, going faster when Steve gathered your hair in his hand and moved you at his preferred pace.

“Look at me when you do that.”

Your eyes snapped to his, thighs clenching at his tone.

“Look at you. Are you a slut for this cock already?”

You pulled off with a plop to spit again.

“Yes, Captain.”

And you started glugging him, moving your hand and making Steve’s knees weak.

“Holy Fuck, that’s good. Yessss.”

You smiled at the praise and started jacking him against your outstretched tongue.

“Yes, yes, yessss. Suck the tip again. That fucking mouth.”

You did as you were told, taking him inside and jacking what didn’t fit.

Steve started moaning and pulled your hair so that you looked up at him.

“Stop if you don’t want my cum in your mouth.”

You jacked him even faster.

“I want it, Captain..”

You slapped his cock against your lips and then resumed sucking as Steve grunted and buried his fingers in your hair.

“So… fucking… good… good girl…fuckkk! I’m cumming. Dirty girl. That mouth is so damn good.”

Steve was full of contradictory praise as he held his balls and you jacked his cock fast, allowing your mouth to make the most pornographic sounds around him.

“Oh! Oh shit ohshit oooooh oooohh shitttttt!”

You slowed down when you felt the first spurt against your tongue and you let it fall out of your mouth. Steve was hypnotized as he took his cock and pumped it into your mouth as you swallowed.

“What a dirty little girl. Good girl gone bad. You love this, don’t you?”

You nodded as you swallowed, your eyes tearing as the cum squirted into your throat.

“Fuuuuuucckkkk.”

Steve was profane as he watched you swallow it all and clean him up.

“That was amazing, Doll. Thank you.”

He reached down and traced your swollen lips with his thumb. He knew what you wanted, what you needed next. But there was really no turning back from that.

“I think we’re even now. I’m going to go take that shower.”

Steve turned and went back into the bathroom, leaving you to wonder which was greater, your need or your pride.

———

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[bmoon17]

My Personal Fox Rankings

I saw @yourleftpinkytoe-blog do this and thought I'd give it a go! These are just my personal rankings and obviously I'd love to talk about why or hear about anyone else's.

Kevin Day (I relate to his mental health struggles and his need for perfection, he's giving gifted kid syndrome, autistic af)

Andrew Minyard (Devoted to his family, enforces his boundaries, relate to his mental health struggles, killing for his brother)

Neil Josten (Most of my love for him is because of his love for other characters, his loyalty and protectiveness over the family he found in the Foxes and his absolute devotion to respecting Andrew's boundaries)

David Wymack ("It's about second chances, Neil. Second, third, fourth, whatever, as long as you get at least one more than what anyone else wanted to give you." I think that covers all my reasoning)

Seth Gordon (We don't get to learn as much about him as the others but Seth hit me a lot harder than I've seen most people feel. He wanted to prove himself, he wanted to be better, he wanted to win. He's the what if. The almost. Every kid who couldn't be saved, Who gave up or was given up on a minute too soon. He was almost there. And then he was gone.)

Aaron Minyard (I have a weak spot for sibling relationships, killing for his brother, the urge to protect your siblings and to stay by your siblings side and at the same time wanting to prove you can be more or different or better than them, not understanding each other completely but knowing you stand and fall together always.)

Matt Boyd (100% projected every urge I've ever had to have a big brother onto him. The way he's always there on the Court to physically protect his teammates, he's big and strong and powerful, but off the Court he is kind and caring and gentle. He loves the Foxes and he has their backs. His relationship with Neil was everything.)

Nicky Hemmick (I loved his blatant and unavoidable queerness, for a character who has canonically been shammed and abused for his sexuality and coming from a world myself where I don't feel safe or brave enough to be unapologetically queer it's so beautiful to read. He took in the twins, he never gave up on them, never walked away. The twins weren't easy, not before the story started and not when we get to arrive in it, but he loves his family and he wants them to have better than he did, and that means something.)

Dan Wilds (Oh Captain my Captain. Dan is an amazing leader and my love for her comes from her devotion to her team. She is tough and she worked her ass off for the role she has, she's more than earned her share of respect. She believes in her team even after years of failing and bullshit.)

Betsy Dobson (The therapist we all dream of having. If Andrew could trust her I can't imagine anyone couldn't with enough time. She is a safe space and a constant, and clearly has patience for days with the twinyards as her clients. The fact that she provides hot chocolate is 100% a huge plus for me.)

Abby Winfield (Always there for the Foxes, whether that's patching them up, giving them a roof to sleep under, or cooking warm meals. She's a safe adult like Bee and Wymack and they are so very important and precious.)

Allison Reynolds (I love Allison, her being this low is NOT Allison hate, I simply did not connect with her as much as other characters, she is still dear to me, all of the Foxes are. She is devoted to the Foxes and found them somewhere safe to run off to and have some fun after shit went down. and even when the worst possible thing happens and she loses the man she loves she comes back ready to fight because she knows it's what he would've wanted.)

Renee Walker (Once again NOT Renee hate, all of those Foxes are dear to me. I had trouble with her "religious angel girl" attitude in a similar way to Neil, I just couldn't trust it. Renee is an amazing force within the Foxes, the bridge before Neil arrived, providing Andrew with an outlet and a friend, protecting the upperclassmen Foxes. I admire her for pulling herself out of darkness, even if I can't connect to the religious aspect, and I admire that she acknowledges and respects her old life, not burying it but not letting it control her future or her present day.

[shadowsof-thenight]

Bound for Ruin

Summary: When Jenna meets Bucky it takes her a while to realise they both want very different things. But Bucky is a stubborn man, who rarely hears no and he's not about to take it for an answer now.

Ship: Bucky Barnes x OFC 

Warnings: Angst, sugar baby/daddy dynamics, some toxic attitudes.

Words: 4949 (just under the max amount!)

A/N: It's been a while since I entered Suz' (@targaryenvampireslayer) Blind Date challenge. The quote is bold.

She really put me to the test as the trope she gave me was Sugar daddy and that's far from my usual work. But instead of asking for something more familiar, I liked the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone. This isn't at all like I first imagined though, so I hope you'll like it.

And I apologise for any mistakes. This wasn’t beta’ed. 

She stalked into the club, paying no mind to the bouncers or security. They knew who she was and wouldn’t bar her entry. Her strides were powerful and confident, despite the fact that she’d realised there was no plan upon entering. She hadn’t thought that far ahead at all. She’d simply been too angry to think when she’d left her house, clutching the letter that tipped her over the edge. 

She took a breath as the loud music, the amount of people and the heat washed over her. Jenna never really liked clubs like this, preferring smaller bars where conversation was an option. Alas, this was where she’d find the object of her anger. It was his first business, the place where it all started and he came here every Saturday as it was the busiest day. Jenna looked to her left and saw girls dancing on the various platforms, as they did every weekend. 

She couldn’t suppress a smirk as an idea sparked in her mind. She could’ve sat down at the bar and he would’ve noticed her quick enough, but this might just be better. 

A devilish smile played on her lips as she walked over to one of the higher platforms and climbed up. Stepping on it, she told the girl already dancing to take a small break. The girl looked utterly confused and her eyes sought out the security guard that always stood nearby. He probably signalled for her to agree, because she backed off towards the steps.

“Don’t go far, you’ll have your spot back in no time,” Jenna added with a smirk as she took of her coat and threw it aside. She then looked straight at the camera and flipped it off, before unbuttoning her blouse to show some cleavage. Just enough to get a reaction from the one man she was doing this for.

As expected it only took Bucky mere moments to respond. He was out of his office and making his way towards her, scowling as he did so. Jenna schooled her expression as best she could, feigning innocence as she smiled and waved. She kept dancing, finishing the song that was playing, before signalling the girl to return. 

As she stepped back down, the security guard that had been quietly observing handed her her coat. She thanked him with a wink—knowing it would annoy Bucky further.  That was Bucky’s cue to grab her arm and pull her none-too-gently back to his office that was situated behind the bar. Inside the confines of his office he released her arm with a huff and began pacing the space between her and his desk. Seeing his frustration gave her an odd sense of satisfaction. She saw it as payback for all the trouble he’d caused her these last few months. 

She took a moment to quietly observe him. His handsome face was twisted into a grimace, his blue eyes hard and his beautiful soft lips pressed to a tin line. He really was an impressive specimen, she thought to herself, if only he was less stubborn. 

When Jenna had lost her job four months ago, she hadn’t imagined her life would become entangled with the man before her. Bucky Barnes had been nothing but an enigma to her. One of the most successful men in the city, incredibly private and therefore mysterious. Even though she’d met him several times through her friend Abigail, she never quite got a read on him. She still didn’t feel like she really knew him, but at least she knew which buttons to push for a reaction. 

For years Abigail had had an arrangement with one of Bucky’s best friends, Sam. He treated her like a queen—luxurious gifts, trips, a stellar apartment in their expensive city and a generous allowance. All she had to do was be available to him at all times. Abigail had tried to make the arrangement sound enticing to Jenna. Tried to convince her that this was a great deal, but Jenna care for it. She was ready for something more serious. For love, equality—freedom. The arrangement that Abigail loved so much, felt too limited to Jenna. And constricting. 

When she’d first gone on dates with Bucky, she wasn’t aware that he had expected the same arrangement. He’d buy her drinks, take her to dinner and charmed her better than anyone had ever done before. Jenna was certainly beguiled. Then he had offered to pay her rent and she’d gotten the gist of his intentions. It felt wrong. She had diploma’s, a good resume and interviews lined up—she didn’t need his money. She didn’t want to be a kept woman. Bucky had obviously been disappointed. He’d even offered her a job with one of his companies, but that didn’t seem all too different to Jenna. 

Then one by one her interviews were cancelled. People didn’t want to cross Bucky. They didn’t want to risk doing wrong by her and invoking his wrath. While she couldn’t really blame them—he’d proven himself a ruthless businessman—it still hurt that her abilities no longer mattered now that he was involved. She’d achieved everything before then on merit. She studied hard, worked hard and pushed through when things got tough. Yet none of that carried any weight now. 

Bucky hadn’t been ready to budge–unable to accept that any of her current state was due to his interest. He was enthralled. She was beautiful, smart and headstrong. Her ability to say no to him made her more interesting. He had been convinced that she’d come around to the arrangement he wanted. He was used to getting his way. 

When he discovered her financial strain, he’d imagined himself swooping in like a knight in shining armour, while she simply wanted to be her own saviour. She liked him, but she wanted to be an equal partner, not subservient. The massive mismatch had caused strive. 

He refused to help her get a job and she had fought his desires. But now, without a job and an eviction notice to boot, she was getting desperate. Going into his place of business and antagonising him had been her last attempt to get the upper hand. Just so she wouldn’t feel weak for bending to him. 

“What was that?” He growled. He stood straight, breathing deep in an attempt to curb his anger, but she could see him clenching and unclenching his fists. He was simmering, anger still close to the surface. Funnily enough, she thought he looked rather sexy. 

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” She asked, her tone haughty, the fingers of her right hand playing with her still opened buttons. 

“Are you here to accept my proposal? Or a job?” He asked, stepping close to her. 

“You really haven’t given me much choice,” Jenna exclaimed, pulling the eviction notice from her pocket and pushing it in his hands. Looking it over quickly, he had the good sense to cast his eyes down. 

“This was never my intention,” he said gruffly, taking a step back from her. 

“Then what was? You wanted me at your mercy, did you not?” She asked. “To control everything.” 

“I wanted you to want to be here.” He looked rather defeated as he still stared at the letter in his hands. 

“That doesn’t happen by forcing my hand,” she said, her words icy. She stepped closer to him as she spoke. “You arrogant asshole, why couldn’t you have left me alone?” 

Her words made him snap his eyes back to her. She stood close, perhaps too close she realised as she looked from his eyes to his lips and back. Why was he so hot? 

He closed the gap between them quickly, pressing his lips to hers before anything else could be said. They were soft as they moved against her own. His movements held no urgency as he pulled her close. She pulled back at first, but he moved with her—trapping her against the wall and she sighed into the kiss before returning it. She did like him, regardless of their issues. Not to mention that she was here to accept his conditions finally, to be his sugar baby. At the very least she could enjoy herself. 

Her hands found his shoulders, fingers gently tickling down his arms and he groaned into the kiss. The response intrigued her. If a simple touch could make him increase his eagerness, what else could she do to him? Her hands explored further, heat exploding inside of her as his actions mirrored hers. 

The following hours were spend mapping out what the other liked, wanted and was good at. Jenna wouldn’t call it mind blowing exactly—that was reserved for their first night together months ago—but it was good. Really good.  

“I don’t think control is that bad,” he said as he put his shirt back on, his back turned to her, and she smiled bitterly. How a few simple words could ruin her mood so quickly. She shook her head as she remembered that this was a business deal, even if she couldn’t help but feel like she caught the short end of the stick.

***

Five weeks later 

Jenna pulled away reluctantly. She was tired. She hadn’t had many full nights sleep in weeks. Bucky liked seeing her after work, but insisted on sleeping alone. Leaving her to pack her things and go home every night, while he turned around and slept. During the day, he was a gentleman. He took her on dates, listened to her, asked for her opinions, used her insights to make decisions, made her feel important to him. But at night, he kept her at arms length. Never quite opening up to her. That was until now. 

“Stay,” He whispered. 

She was already dressed, so she knew he’d been debating this. Standing by the door, she looked back in surprise. His arm was tossed over his face, so she couldn’t see his expression. Still his words had shown a kind of vulnerability he hadn’t offered her before. 

She assumed it was to protect himself. Still, this was him trying, wasn’t it? Jenna moved back towards the bed and sat down on the edge, pulling his arm away from his face. 

“You don’t want to sleep alone tonight?” She asked, looking him straight in the eyes. When he tried to look away, she gently took hold of his cheek and held his gaze. “Talk to me,” she added softly. 

“I don’t,” he said. The look in his eyes had never been quite as open as it was now. In all the months they’d known each other, there’d been a mask. One that didn’t falter, even during their arrangement. Not until this moment and her heart warmed at the thought of really moving past his walls. She knew she shouldn’t get her hopes up, shouldn’t read too much into it, but she wanted it so badly. 

Jenna took a deep breath, kicked off her slippers and climbed on top of him, holding him tight. He sighed, pulling the covers over the two of them and melting into the hug. His eyes closed and he fell asleep holding her tight. As his breath slowed, she allowed herself to ponder this change in attitude. He didn’t open up as a rule. She’d realised a while back that it was why he preferred their arrangement over a real relationship.She wondered what changed tonight—apparently he needed more than he’d been asking for and she wanted to give it to him. 

She knew this was a messy situation that would bite her in the ass soon enough, but she couldn’t help herself. She was falling for him, despite his attempts to keep a firm distance. With him now opening up to her even a little, that distance grew smaller.

***

Three months later

“You’re gorgeous,” his lips were close to her ear as he spoke. His warm breath sending shivers down her spine, as his fingers lightly danced over her lower back which was exposed in her dress. 

One thing she’d found in the last few months was that he liked touch. He liked being close, physical, even when it wasn’t sexual. Jenna definitely didn’t mind. Even if it complicated her feelings, she didn’t fight his proximity. Since that night where he’d asked her to stay, she hadn’t spend a single night alone. The distance between them seemed to have evaporated and her heart was ignoring the reality of their situation. 

They walked around the banquet greeting other guests. He was soft, gentle and comfortable and she liked being here with him. He knew how to make her laugh, how to make her swoon and how to make her cry out his name in ecstasy. She wasn’t just getting comfortable, she was falling in love. And it was dangerous. 

With his hand still on her back, he went back to the conversations around them. Business people discussing new plans or boasting about their latest successes. She smiled as she observed him, he was in his element and it looked good on him. Bucky was strong and confident as he explained his own latest venture. He was charming, making sure everyone around him felt seen. And when he smiled, it lit up the room. So she stared, she couldn’t help it. 

“You’re staring,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes. He pulled her even closer. 

“I was admiring the view,” she winked. Bucky smiled and leaned in for a kiss. 

“Thirty more minutes,” He promised with another kiss. 

“I’m okay. It’s a good view.” 

“Idem, but I know a better view,” he said and she didn’t need to guess what he meant as the fingers on her back teasingly dipped beneath the fabric of her dress. 

True to his word, Bucky pulled her from the conversations thirty minutes later. He told the people they’d been speaking too that they had an early start the following morning and it was time to go. She didn’t protest, even though there was nothing that would urge them out of bed the next day. 

His hands were on her sides as soon as they left the large hall. His lips tracing a feather light trail from her ear to her cheek as they waited for their coats. His lips found their way to hers as he first kissed the edges, first left, than right, before he smushed her lips and pushed his tongue inside her mouth. There was an urgency to his kiss, like he needed it. 

When he stopped, he looked deep into her eyes—a hauntingly enthralling look in those dazzling blue orbs of his—and he smiled happily. With a sigh he touched his forehead to hers, keeping eye contact and creating a stillness between them. It felt like he could see into the deepest part of her soul and she felt heat creeping up her neck and cheeks. 

“I want you,” he finally whispered, placing another kiss on her lips, this one more sensual. 

Their coats were brought out then, interrupting them, and they made their way outside where his driver was already waiting for them. Her hand warmly clasped in his as they walked and his lips close to her ear, whispering sweet little nothings. 

Bucky gallantly opened the door for her, before quickly walking around the car to join her on the backseat. Once seated the driver drove off and Bucky turned his attention back on Jenna. It started slowly, one hand trailing up her leg, finding the hem of her dress and then moving past it. His lips found her neck, finding the little pressure points he knew would make her sigh when he kissed them. Her hands made their way to his chest, playing with the lapels of his three-piece suit. Then she placed on hand on the back his neck and playing with the tips of his slicked back hair. 

“I love you,” she spoke the words before she could think. She meant them in that moment, more than she ever had with anyone in the past. But that wasn’t want this was and she quickly pulled back with a gasp. He still held her close, staring at her face while the seductive heat on her skin changed into cold sweat—had she ruined it? 

He cupped her cheek, not saying a word, the look in his eyes unreadable. Then he plunged his lips on hers and kissed her deeply, the urgency to his actions a stark contrast to the languidity of before. When he pulled back, his pupiles were enlarged. Jenna imagined hers were as well. Neither of them seemed to realised that they were still in the car. Not until a small knock alerted them of the driver’s presence. 

They offered apologetic smiles as they got out and quickly moved across the sidewalk and into the apartment building where Bucky lived. Thankfully the lobby was empty at this time of the night and they were able to walk through it and into the elevator without anyone speaking to them. Once in the confined space he pushed her up against the wall, pressing himself against her. She could feel his hard length pressed against her thigh and it ignited a heat in her core that could only be quenched by him. She pulled his face towards hers and hungrily kissed his lips, while his hands freely roamed her body over her dress. 

***

By the time Jenna woke up, Bucky was gone. He was supposed to have a day off, but he was nowhere to be found in the apartment. It wasn’t until she walked into the kitchen for a glass of water, that she saw his note. He’d gone into the office regardless. 

She sighed, they hadn’t spoke about her confession yet and she was eager to know what he thought. How he felt. Eager and scared. So instead of waiting, she looked at the clock and decided to visit him for lunch. No sense in postponing the inevitable.  

“Hey, love,” she said walking into his office after the secretary had let her in. Bucky was on the phone and held up a finger to silence her. She held up the bag of food to tell him what she was doing there and he pointed at the small seating area by the window. He soon ended the phone call and walked over to her. 

“We have to make this quick,” He was brusk. She hadn’t seen him like this before. “I have a meeting soon.” He added as he pulled her into him. “Lets eat then,” she offered, pulling back slightly. 

Bucky ignored her words and kissed her neck while his hands roamed over her body. His movements were rough, rushed and Jenna pushed his hands away. He halted his movements momentarily, looking at her and showing her that the wall they’d been breaking down was back up completely. Instantly she knew her words the night before had scared him off.

“Buck, what’s going on?” She asked, not ready to face her reality. 

“Are you saying no?” He questioned and suddenly she wondered what his intention was. Did he want her to walk away?

“I want to know why you’re acting like this,” she pressed. “This isn’t like you."

“I’m horny, you’re here. That’s how this works,” he stepped back from her, his fingers angrily combing through his hair. He’d been letting it grow out these last few months. She focussed on his movements to ignore the effect his words had had on her. ‘That’s how this works’. She’d thought or hoped that last night had changed things, but it hadn’t. This was still a business arrangement to him. Which wasn’t sufficient for her, not anymore. Her eyes pricked with unshed tears as she really let it sink in. 

He stood in front of the large windows that overlooked the city below, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his trousers. His silhouet in the weak winter sun was beautiful and she wished she could walk up behind him, like she had done many times before in this very room. She wished she could wrap her arms around him, just to feel him close. She wished to see the gentle side of him that he had shown her. Still, she knew better than to set herself up for failure. Fighting the tears that were burning her eyes and throat, she walked around the seating area and grabbed her wintercoat, her trendy tote and walked towards the door. 

“I’m sorry,” she said softly as she looked back at him—part of her hoped that he would stop her, but he didn’t even turn around. Finally she let the tears fall. opened the door and walked out. 

She knew what she had to do, even if it hurt. Jenna knew she could not ignore the situation they were in and she needed to act. She was not some damsel in distress—even if she let him put her in that position for months now. It was time to change that and get back to who she truly was. 

Getting back to the apartment felt heavy. It would be the last time she viewed this space. Walking in she moved quickly, grabbing a trash bag from the cupboard underneath the sink. Moving through the place, she grabbed everything that was hers from before and put it in the bag. Part of her was angry that she’d tossed her old tattered travelbag, even though she knew it had been on his last legs years ago. She could’ve used it now. Instead the trash bag would have to do. She didn’t take anything that he’d given her.

She wasn’t left with much, but she hadn’t entered their arrangement with much either so it seemed only fair. Looking at her cheap wallet, all hers, she took out the money and cards that were his. She only kept a little money to help her move—promising to pay it back as soon as she was able. 

She wrote as much in the note she left him, along with much more mushy comments. She apologised for the destroying their house of cards, for ignoring their initial agreement and trying to make it more than it was. And when she was done, she placed her copies of the keys on the table and left. 

She repeated much of the process at her own place. Thankful that one of her old suitcases had not been thrown out yet. It was old and ugly, but it was all hers. She opened her laptop and devised an email to be let out of her lease and anything else that could keep her in this city. Then she booked a bus ticket for that evening and wrote another letter. A longer one this time, telling him to let her go. She couldn’t remain where her love wasn’t wanted. 

***

Five months later 

It had taken her a some time to find her bearings. A broken heart was tougher than she had imagined it to be. She hadn’t felt the energy to do much of anything. None of the activities that used to bring her joy, felt more like a chore now—shopping, going out with friends, it was all too much. 

Jenna did manage to get herself a proper office job, not unlike the one she had last year. It paid the bills and even restored her savings little by little. After two months she could move out of the motel she’d been staying at and into a small but modern studio apartment. She was lucky that the cost of living was lower in this city. 

Then last week, some of her co-workers even invited her out for after work drinks. She found out that her co-workers were actually pretty fun. So much so, that she was meeting them tonight as well. 

It was Friday evening and in about thirty minutes she would be able to close her computer, freshen up at home and meet them at the diner across from it. Afterwards, her and Stacy were having a drink at a local bar. Stacy had been the one to show her the ropes at work. She was bubbly, eager and fun-loving. She reminded her of Abigail. 

Jenna missed her friends and made a mental note to call them this weekend. When she first left, she’d postponed calling them for a full week. Despite knowing they’d worry. She was crying too much to talk. But, Abigail hadn’t been mad at her sudden disappearance. She also promised not to tell Sam or Bucky where she was. And just to be sure, Jenna hadn’t given her a precise address either. Now, they tried to talk weekly, but they’d missed each other last week. 

In the first few calls, Abigail had kept her informed of Bucky’s movements, but eventually Abigail had realised just how painful it was for Jenna. So she stopped mentioning him. She barely even spoke of Sam and Jenna was grateful for it. 

“Are you ready to go?” Stacy asked, interrupting Jenna’s pondering. 

“Just about,” she said. 

“I have to run to the store quickly, meet you at the diner?” Stacy offered and Jenna nodded in agreement. Turning back to her screen, Jenna quickly saved her work and closed the program. Time for the weekend to begin. 

***

It had taken him quite a few months to finally find her again. When Jenna had gone, she really wiped every trace of herself from him life. She hadn’t taken her phone or the creditcards. She didn’t rent anything in the city, hadn’t applied to any companies as far as he could tell. Finally he had to accept that she left town. That’s when the real work started and he hired a private investigator—telling himself that it was just to ascertain that she was alive and well. Bucky tried to convince himself that all he needed to know, was that she was fine. He told himself that if he found her, he would let it go. 

Instead, this Friday evening, he found himself standing on the street where she lived, watching her greet people in a diner. He realised that she had rebuilt her life, to create it much like the life she’d had before him. A life where he wasn’t footing the bill or having any say. Just as she had wanted from the start. 

He couldn’t even be bitter about the turn of events. He knew he had ruined it himself. She said she loved him and pulled up a wall. It’s what he had always done before. Though he hadn’t quite regretted it as much without anyone else. One month after she had left, Jenny had sent him a check for the money she had taken with her on her hasty departure. The money had been the last thing he wanted. He wanted her back. To tell her that he loved her too, that he’d just been too scared. 

He realised that even in his fear, he managed to make it all about him. Like a spoiled child, used to getting his way. He’d gotten so comfortable in his life. People rarely said no to him. Only Sam and Steve wouldn’t join the yes-sayers. In the last five months he had realised that this wasn’t enough. He needed to have more people opposing him, willing to be honest with him.

As he watched her sitting down in the booth with her friends, he noticed the bright smile on her face. One of the woman had stood to hug her before scooting in to make space in their booth. He couldn’t interrupt now. He wasn’t sure he could interrupt her life at all. 

She deserved to be happy. His heart broke as he stared a little longer, before finally hailing a taxi and leaving. It was time to let her go. 

Except, unbeknownst to him, Jenna had seen him get into the taxi. He didn’t see the mad dash she made from the diner or the single tear that slid down her cheek as she watched him drive away from her. 

It made the surprise that much bigger, when he got a knock on his door one week later. 

“Why didn’t come talk to me?” Jenna asked as soon as he opened the door. He looked a tad confused, so she added; “ I saw you last week.” 

Bucky didn’t know how to respond. He hadn’t expected her to see him, he’d been so careful. And he certainly hadn’t expected her to show up at his door. Jenna didn’t exactly know what she wanted him to say either. She’d gone back and forth all week in her mind, would she go see him? Would she keep her distance? What did she want? Had he changed his mind about what he wanted? 

Eventually Stacy had told her that she would never know, unless she asked him. And living with the doubt could easily become too much. So at the risk of ripping open old wounds, Jenna had books another busticket. This time in the opposite direction. 

“Well, are you going to say anything?” She asked.  

Unable to form any coherent sentence, Bucky did the only thing he could think off. The one thing he truly wanted—he stepped into the hall, his hand cradling her cheek as he leaned in for a kiss. Jenna smiled into the kiss and kissed him back happily. 

“I love you too,” Bucky said as he pulled back for a moment. 

“Well, it’s about time,” Jenna smiled and pulled him in for another kiss. 

[techtalksfics]

Headcanons - Shy S/O

Author's Note: This was another anonymous request, it was non-specific so I ran with it. Prompt 61: A Shy S/O. Hope it's okay!

Wrecker

How did you meet? Over a shared love of Mantell Mix. You’d seen him at the stall several times. He was somewhat hard to miss, due to his size, even when he was on his knees sharing with Omega. You’d overheard Cid’s name mentioned so you figured if you hung out at the parlour enough, you may run into him eventually.

Who approached who? He approaches you. He’d seen you staring and at first, he was self-conscious. Assumed you didn’t like clones or the way he looked. But after speaking to Hunter, it became clear that you were interested…just shy. You introduced yourself and that was that. He may have been a little less nervous than you, but he could feel his heart hammer in his chest as he got closer to you. . His introduction was far from perfect, he scratched his neck and sort of mumbled out “uh – hi, Wrecker,” his eyes went wide, “my name is Wrecker.” Smooth. Real Smooth. When he spoke to you, you blushed immediately and stumbled over your words. He realised just how shy you were, so he may have overcompensated a little bit. More than a little bit. He talked a lot, he laughed louder than normal, and he made the first move for a date, for a kiss, for more.

Do they talk about the shyness? After your first kiss, you’d panicked and tried to run away but he simply followed you. When he finally got you to talk and, believe me, it was a struggle, you simply told him, “I guess I…you just make me nervous.” He gave you a look as if to say no shit. He placed his hand on your cheek, but the sheer size made it cover you face and that made you giggle. He giggled along with you. “You don’t need to be nervous with me. I’m just some big,” he kissed you, “idiot. But if you are nervous, that’s – uh – okay too. I like you, for you. Nerves and all.”

Hunter

How did you meet? Hunter had gone for a walk, just to get some space, some peace and quiet in his mind. They were on some distant planet and once again, Tech and Echo needed to repair the ship. He’d sighed at that. They couldn’t seem to go anywhere without damaging their home. What he hadn’t told the others is that he just needed some time to himself, and he had wanted to try this ‘meditation’ thing Omega had been going on about. He’d settled himself in a secluded area and closed his eyes, trying to focus on his breath.

Who approached who? Now normally, you would never approach a stranger, but he was sitting next to a pretty potent and poisonous plant and you worried that with wrong move, he’d find himself in a lot of trouble. You tried clearing your throat, but it was so quiet, you were certain he hadn’t heard you. Come on, you can do this, you thought, gearing yourself up. What you didn’t know is that he knew you were there, but he just did not want to open his eyes. He’d been peaceful… until you cleared your thought. “Um, excuse me,” you mumbled barely above a whisper, “I…I just thought you oughta know that plant is pr-pretty dangerous.” With that his eyes whipped open and he saw you. You were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen even with the crimson dusting on your cheeks and the nervous twitch of your hand.

Do they talk about the shyness? Yes, definitely. He’d probably notice your nervous twitches, the way you bite your nails, the way your heart races and unfortunately, the man has heightened senses so can smell the nervous sweat as it pours from you. Before he could pursue you, with a clear conscience at least, he had to discuss it with you. You talked for a long time, about trauma and just the way certain situations made you feel. Explaining that’s why you came to the middle of nowhere, why you lived the life you did, and he seemed to understand. When he eventually took your hand in his, he affirmed “there’s nothing wrong with being shy, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious. That smart head of yours just understands that there’s a balance of good and bad in this world.”

Tech

How did you meet?  You did some repair work for Cid when she wasn’t able to do it herself. You were quiet, cheap and didn’t ask too many questions, particularly about her newly acquired clone friends. But you didn’t ask for fear of introduction. You were often around when mission briefs were happening, either fixing something of Cid’s or completing contracted repair work which Cid let you do in her parlour. She said you needed the company – she was probably not wrong.

Who approached who? Tech would approach you, though not that you hadn’t tried on several occasions. But on those occasions where you’d tried, he’d be working on something, and you thought perhaps you could help. You’d walk towards him with purpose and then divert away before actually reaching him. He’d noticed. Of course, he had. He couldn’t understand why you couldn’t simply talk to him. In his eyes, you had much in common and he had admired your work ethic from afar. It wasn’t until after he realised that you were distracting his otherwise streamline thoughts that he approached you, asking some innocuous question about your work. He already knew the answer, but he thought it might make it easier for you to speak to him. He knew you were shy, and he had been right. Talking about your mutual love of tech kickstarted a beautiful friendship and when the time eventually came, a beautiful romance.

Do they talk about the shyness? Yes, but not really in the way the others would discuss it. It would more be a case of fascination. A fascination with how he made you feel shyer than his brothers, about the things that trigger anxiety, about how your body feels, what your brain experiences. Almost like a scientific experiment. When you finally asked him about it, as you sat next to him in the cockpit, you asked why he was so fascinated. “I am fascinated,” Tech choked on his voice for a moment, “but only in so far as I have learned that talking helps with shyness and anxiety or panic attacks. I hoped the talking may ease your worry.” Tech was helping you strategically – the best way he knew how.

Crosshair

How did you meet?  You were a medic for the Empire, though not really by choice. You’d sort of inherited the role from your work with the Republic but after the fall of the jedi, your safest option was the Empire, as much as you hated it. You were a steady medic and often had ingenious ideas. But people were not really your thing. You were far worse around a certain silver-haired clone than you were any of the regs. He seemed tired and lonely – feelings to which you could relate. Not that you’d tell him. You could barely string to words together in his company.

Who approached who? Approached may not be applicable in this introduction. He was injured and you were the medic on call. Although he made the effort to get you talking. “You don’t talk much, huh?” Was all he could think of to ask you. It’s not like you’d given him much to go on. Blushing pink, you mumbled, “unless you want an update on minor injuries, I don’t have much of interest to say.” He smirked at that. So, there was little bit of fire in your belly and that’s when he realised, you really were just shy. Fiery but shy. A combination he liked in a woman.

Do they talk about the shyness? Your relationship with Crosshair didn’t rely a great deal on talking, particularly in the early days. Every once and while, he’d nip at your earlobe and whisper things like, “who knew such a shy girl could be so dirty.” Or he’d joke that it’s always the quiet ones. But, as your connection deepened, it drifted into deeper thoughts, he wanted to know why someone as capable as you could be as shy are you are. You’d be vague, call it a rough childhood, bad family, hard times, whatever worked. Given more and more time, you’d become more and more specific and he cherished that, though he’d never admit that out loud.

Echo

How did you meet? Rex introduced you. A rebel fighting the cause, alongside the clones. You’d fought with clones throughout the wars, and you weren’t giving up now. The introduction was so very vague. Rex had given a sigh and a little shrug, he pointed at you and said your name and your rank and then pointed at Echo, spoke his name for your benefit and announced as a member of “Clone Force 99”. That piqued your interest. All you could muster after the lacklustre introduction, was a small ‘hi’ and a little wave. Well, truthfully, everything about him had piqued your interest. You’d watched from afar as Rex had walked through the room with his arm around the new clone and you’d continued to watch discretely. But that’s all you ever did…watch.

Who approached who? This one’s tough for Echo and it’s tough for you. You’re both incredibly shy, particularly when attracted to someone, but you both have a lot of questions you wanted to ask each other. Rex could spot the interest a mile off. He sighed at you attempting communication – hopeless. So, Rex had sat you both down for a makeshift dinner and almost forced you into communicating with one another. Once the conversation began to flow and the whole thing became less painful for Rex to watch, you became inseparable.

Do they talk about the shyness? You both eventually discuss your fears and insecurities with one another. Your biggest self-deprecating thought was how incredibly shy and introverted you were. He pointed out that so was he, but you still liked him. Luckily for you, he had no idea just how much you liked him. It would’ve been inappropriate at a time like this. One evening as you sat together watching the sunset, he turned his head to you and simply said, “you are fierce, and wise, and capable. Your shyness is just one part of you and I… I like every part of you.” You didn’t know your whole face could flush so much, so quickly.

[candiedspit]

salvation, new york

The air was fragrant with emergency; I was high on prescription cough medicine, the red valentine syrup. The night was a lake and we were wading, knee deep in the midnight marsh. I watched the red lights attack the ceiling in thousands of streaks and heard the sirens weep It was dazzling to be witness to. I felt my cells rise in alarm then nod off, again and again. I always feel most like myself when there’s trouble. I llke when things are larger than I am, larger than my thoughts which I swat at like summer swarms. I fall to sleep with the word grotesque on my tongue, heavy as an anvil in cartoons. 

In the morning, the gossip was fresh. Amanda on the third floor was dead. Heart attack at forty one years old. Her children stood in the street, motherless and dumbed by the news. I watched them from the kitchen window as I licked a sour popsicle, as the television read advertisement scriptures. I envied them. I could imagine the oldest–a blonde daughter studying law upstate–walking through the streets, sobbing. Open arms. I could imagine the world treating her like a child again in response. Here’s a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. Here’s my hand. 

That night, I met Jeremiah on the terrace. He was a year older than I was and demented as a stumbling, bleating goat. And he was too smart for his own good. I passed him a pill, something my neighbor gave me. And as we sat there in the cold, waiting for the pill, whatever it was, only God knows, to kick in, he began to speak aloud. Jeremiah’s head couldn’t hold all of his ideas, sometimes it came out in random, inspired passages. 

What people don’t understand is the mathematics of the universe, he began. 

I tilted my head back so it pressed against the back of the bench. I held my knees to my chest. From where I sat, I could see a distant helicopter fizzing out through clouds. 

This is an optimistic approach, all things considered. And all things must be considered. But energy cannot be destroyed or created. Kindergarten shit. All things are planned. I see it here in the city where the space must be conserved and used wisely; proportions squared off and people very divisive on where they stand, sit, fuck. If you look down the avenue, you can see what I’m talking about. Just stand there for a moment. Forget the mother at home with the hot comb, the blue worries. Forget the teacher and her antics. Just stand and watch. The man misses his bus. The woman carries her purse with two hands. The child screeches, sometimes speaks. It’s all fucking planned. It’s the most beautiful dance. Just watch. 

Then, Jeremiah was quiet. I felt as though I were covered in snow; snow angel in the flesh. I couldn’t speak. I didn’t want to. But after years, I looked over at him and blinked.

Do you feel it?

He nodded. 

I wanna go to the opera, I said. 

I’ll take you, he said. Don’t worry, I’ll take you. 

Then, something happened. I leaned over and kissed Jeremiah on the cheek. His skin was warm. He smiled at me. And kissed me on my lips, on my stupid mouth. I laughed. 

Are you real? I asked. 

I think so, he said. 

A quiet fell upon us. I wanted stars. I wanted more drugs. I wanted the world in my mouth, on my cock. I wanted someone to cry over me. I wanted a window to leap through. I stretched my arm over Jeremiah’s shoulders. 

I love you, I told him. 

I said it once, I couldn’t stop saying it. 

A week later, I was with my mother as she braided a friend’s hair with the radio on. I was high again. But this one made me feel like my nerves were electrified. I talked in a high pitched voice about everything the anchor said while doing a puzzle on the floor beside the cat. 

It made my mother laugh to see me like this. I was a quiet kid, always mulling over my observations. But now I was slapstick, clown on stilettos. 

Boy you too silly, my mother said with a laugh. 

Boy’s lost his damn mind, her friend said. I couldn’t remember her name. 

I gave up on the puzzle and made pancakes while singing Otis Redding into the spatula. I tried to make the pancake in the shape of a nebula; the blurry stars. But all I could manage were car wheels, dirty swirls. 

I didn’t sleep that night. I called Jeremiah in the early morning.

Should I go to the hospital? I asked, rubbing my wrist. I feel weird, I don’t feel good. Jeremiah, what do I do? 

Relax, he said. Just wait it out. Don’t take anything else. If you’re still a spazz in the morning, maybe you should go. Okay?

I nodded though he couldn’t see me. 

In the morning, I cried in my mother’s arms. I hadn’t had to tell her anything, she found my stash beneath the toilet cover and came to confront me. I'd crashed by then, no need for Bellevue. But she didn’t understand. I couldn’t stop crying. She rubbed my back and let me weep through whatever the fuck I was feeling. 

It’s alright, she kept saying. No more, she said. No more of this stuff. Can you stop?

I shook my head with force. 

I don’t want to, I said. Mama, there’s nothing without it. The world is empty and there’s nothing. I need it. 

Jesus, she said. Let me make some calls. Okay?

I nodded. And slowed my breathing. I still had some pills. There was a gap in the carpet in my closet and I’d put some pills there. I took whatever was there and laid back down. I could hear my mother talking in a low voice to someone, one of her friends perhaps. 

I don’t know how long, she said. I don’t know what it is, how much, how frequently. But the boy was crying like I’ve never seen him do. 

After a while, her words got muffled. And the room dimmed. And I fell into the greatest sleep of my life, as though I were being born in reverse. 

Jeremiah came to visit me in the hospital. He brought chocolate and socks and some books. For a while, we talked about the other patients or what the neighbors were saying. 

I was surprised, he said. I didn’t hear about it through your mama or anything, but through Susan. I heard her talking about how she heard gasps for breath, screams from downstairs. Then the presence of the ambulance on a Monday morning. And how stunned she was when it was you. I think everyone was surprised it was you. 

I’m full of surprises, I said. 

A lull. A nurse sat at the door of the cafeteria where we were. He was nice to me. When I can’t sleep, he lets me pick a book from the book cart. And he gave me extra shampoo which is against the rules. 

That’s not true, I said. 

What?

What she said. I died very quietly; with grace. 

That’s not what I’ve heard, he said. 

But, he continued. What was it like? Did you see anything?

I can feel my skin get hot at the question, pricks of white heat run through my cheeks. And my face twists. I want to get away; I wring my hands and look at Jeremiah. 

I saw nothing, I said.

The morning runs through my mind. I was laying on my bed in the clothes from the day before, listening to my mother speak in the other room. And as my eyelids descended only one thought brimmed; why am I alive why am I alive why am I alive why am I alive why am I alive 

[edwinspaynes]

A little treat for Wessa fans...

For those of you who don't know, I've been in the TSC fandom for 10 years come this March. I didn't write fic for a few years when I was traveling and then in my MA program, but back in my undergrad years I wrote some fic. Looking back at them, they're awful - I cried laughing at a couple of weirder ones. But I did dredge up this Wessa gem called "A Very Wessa Christmas." I wrote this on Christmas of 2014, and I thought it would be fun to share here (not on Ao3) so you can get a kick out of its awfulness. It's 100% unchanged and unedited. Also, it's cute, and I wrote it 10 years ago, so sue me. (Actually, don't sue me, please).

@emmalovesfitzloved @imabitchforjemcarstairs

Tessa looked up from the book in her hand and peered out the library window leading into the hall to see what the ruckus was. Though could not see anything, she was not surprised when her husband burst suddenly into the room with a big smile on his face. "Merry Christmas, Tess!" he announced loudly, walking over to pull her into a tight hug. She smiled back, looking into his midnight blue eyes, eyes that she loved so much. She loved the way that they lit up on occasions like this, Christmas, in his anticipation for the institute party. Even ten years into their marriage, ten years older and ten years aged, he was still the most beautiful man in the world to her, especially when his eyes lit up with that boyish wonder and recklessness that she had first fallen in love with.

"Merry Christmas to you too, my Will." She placed a bookmark between the pages of the novel that she had been reading and moved her hands up to caress Will's face. He smiled at her and then looked at the book.

"What're you reading?" Tessa peered down at the book and sighed. It wasn't a sad sigh, Will thought, it was a loving sigh, and he chuckled. He always had trouble believing that one could be as passionate about anything as his wife was about books, but found himself able to believe it possible when he remembered that he was just as passionate about them as she was. And just as passionate about her. Tessa pulled the book off the table again and held it up to will. A Christmas Carol. Will smiled. "More Dickens?"

"Always Dickens," she sounded sure as she placed the book pack on the table. "Your collar is undone. Do try to maintain your appearance when I am not around to coddle you, William, or I shall be forced to ask Gabriel to do so." Will rolled his eyes.

"Not Lightworm!"

"He may enjoy it."

"He most certainly would! Tessa, you simply cannot leave me with that vile-"

"He is your brother in law, Will." Tessa, Will thought, was trying to sound harsh, but she came off more as teasing, bringing another chuckle out of Will. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing. I just…" Will pulled Tessa's shoulders in and pulled her in close. "I love you, Tessa. Merry Christmas." Tessa smiled and leaned in to kiss Will. Even after all these years, her beautiful, sarcastic Will was still very much the same- he still tasted like vanilla and smelled of the midnight flower and had the eyes of a deep blue nebula in faraway space. Tessa loved times like these- rare times when their children did not run rampant, rare times when there were no Clave matters to be settled requiring Will as Institute head- where she could just be with her husband and enjoy her day with him. She ran her hands along Will's arm and he pulled her in closer- she felt his hand on the small of her back, making motions in circles, so lost in the feeling of kissing him, of loving him, of-

Suddenly, they heard a knock at the door of the library and jumped a little too far away from each other. The knob turned to reveal Cyril, looking disgruntled and exhausted. "Master William, Mrs. Herondale, I am sorry to interrupt," he gave a small bow, "but James has eaten a good majority of the cake intended for tonight's party. I was putting Lucie in her crib before the guests began to arrive, because you know how she begins fussing with everyone around, and left Jamie alone for a while in the kitchen with his puppets to play with. When I got back, he the cake was more or less gone-" Cyril was cut off by a loud laugh from Will. Tessa gave both Cyril and Will a horrified look.

"Will! I do not see how the matter is funny- Oh, our poor Jamie- is he okay?"

"Little bastard," Will chuckled, but in a loving way. Tessa glared at him.

"He should be fine. I have Bridget baking a new cake, and I was actually coming to ask you if I should administer him his medicine before Miss Cecily and Master Gabriel get here- they sent a fire-message, they're on their way-"

"Give him the medicine, warn him about the dangers of the impending Demon Pox that is to come, do not allow him to be alone without supervision!" Will was confident, striking. Cyril looked exhausted. Tessa could no longer contain her amusement and playfully hit Will's shoulder.

"Will, that isn't how you contract Demon Pox."

"You don't know, Demon Pox could creep up in the most unexpected of places. I heard a story once-"

"So, yes to the medicine, then."

"Yes." Tessa's voice was firm, commanding. Will thought that she was the strongest voice in a room at all times; he often told her that no one's conviction could ever match up to hers. In an instant, with an enjoy your day, Cyril was gone, leaving Will and Tessa once again to their own devices. Will closed into Tessa again, putting his fingers to the angel around her neck. Though it hadn't ticked for over ten years, Tessa still wore it- she never said why, but Will knew that honoring her brother's last wish was important to her and she wore it to remember the brother she had once had. He never pressed the issue. He locked his fingers around the cogs and began to spin them, causing Tessa to imagine the tick, tick, tick that her second heart once had made. Suddenly, Will took his hands off the necklace and pulled her in tightly to his chest. She felt her face warm up against him, and then nestled in close to hear the beating of her husband's heart.

"Oh, dear. Touchy today, are we, William?"

Will flashed a brilliant, white smile. "Only to think, the party is in mere hours! Whatever shall I do about this touchy pathogen?" With a laugh, Tessa brought her face up to his. Against his lips, again,

"Merry Christmas, my Will."

He smiled. "You too, Tess." Pulling her in for a kiss, they became one.

[styxbugg]

Transcription of Uncle Matt’s postcards from season 1 of the og series

Rb s1

101: The Beginning…

(No postcard)

102: Wembley and the Gorgs

Dear Nephew Gobo,

I have made yet another amazing discovery about this weird world…

Today I observed certain types of creatures here that live in the sky. They swoop and soar and seem altogether as carefree as Fraggles. Then I realized that these wonderful creatures were being held captive. They were trapped on the end of strings! Suddenly, I saw a second kind of flying creature. When I saw that, I just had to act. 

I waited for an opening and then I set about freeing the captive flying things. The first ones flew away into the sunshine. But, when I set free one of the other flying creatures, it immediately landed and waited for its master! Evidently, the world here is much the same as Fraggle Rock, in that some creatures value freedom more than others.

More news soon.

Love, Traveling Matt

103: Let the Water Run

Dear Nephew Gobo,

I have recently made a most amazing discovery. I found a race of creatures who can pull water down from the sky! These extraordinary bipeds actually produce droplets of water with long, stick-like objects called “umbrellas”. As I watched, the water ritual began. 

First, the silly creatures gathered around a sacred pole. The creatures then looked up at the sky and held out their hands in a most curious fashion. Then suddenly, the creatures transformed their sticks into upside-down bowls. These they positioned over their heads. At that very moment, water poured from the sky!

An umbrella is a wonderful object! Not only does it get you wet, but it also keeps you dry. This has been an enlightening experience, to say the least. For one, I now appreciate how much simpler and more efficient it is to have Pipebangers.

Love, Traveling Matt

104: You Can’t Do That Without a Hat

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Sometimes exploring is exhausting. The other day, I was sitting down to rest my feet and wipe off the grime of traveling when one of the Silly Creatures in this world approached me.

“Oh, you poor man!” she said. “You look like you could use this.”

And then she gave me a most unexpected present. It was a beautiful, flat, shiny object, a real treasure! I was so overcome with this magnificent gift  that I ran to show it to someone. Unfortunately, he liked it so much that he took it. I’d given up my treasure! But all was not lost. This generous creature gave me yet another and even more interesting treasure. It was soft to the touch and smelled utterly fantastic. Just then, one of the small, furry beasts that inhabit this world came along. So I showed him my treasure… 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this bizarre world, it’s that treasures come and treasures go. Of course, this time I ended up with nothing less than I started with. So I didn’t really lose anything, did I?

I hope all is well back home.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

105: Wembley Finds a Job (30 Minute Work Week)

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Exploring Outer Space is hard, so hard in fact, that sometimes I wonder if I’ve chosen the right job in this life. For instance, today I decided to investigate one of the transportation systems of this world. At first, it was so pleasant, I stood up to enjoy the view. 

You know, they call this train system “rapid transit”. At first, it wasn’t very rapid at all. But after a while, it lived up to its name. Rapid transit is not for this Fraggle… After one ride, I have decided to walk everywhere. Although, walking doesn’t seem so easy at the moment. I never had this trouble back in Fraggle Rock.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

106: The Preachification of Convincing John

Dear Nephew Gobo,

This morning, I was walking down the street in this strange world. I turned a corner and there I saw something familiar: Doozers! They have Doozers in this world! The biggest giant Doozers imaginable. They were building a wonderful Doozer construction. Just looking at it, I grew so hungry I could hardly stand it. 

I waited until I was alone, and then I prepared myself for a feast. But then I learned something else about this world… The food is terrible!

Love, your Uncle Travelling Matt

107: I Want to Be You

Dear Nephew Gobo,

The strangeness of this world never fails to challenge my resources. Recently, I was walking by a place that the Silly Creatures call a farm. It was a beautiful day. I wanted to study the farm’s inhabitants, so I decided to drop in.

I received a touching welcome from a very distinctive creature and I decided to investigate further. I put on a disguise. In all modesty, it was brilliant. The farmer was completely fooled!

“Where do you think you’re going, little pig?” she said.

It seems my disguise worked too well. So I may stay here longer than I planned. I wonder if you can send out for food? It’s always difficult being something you’re not, particularly in the name of science.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

108: The Terrible Tunnel

Dear Nephew Gobo,

The other day I saw something so strange, I just had to write to you about it. It started when I discovered an enormous Fraggle Pond. As you can imagine, I felt very, very comfortable being around water again. I saw many creatures who make their homes around this pond, but the strangest inhabitants of this region are the hole-sewing creatures. Apparently, holes are very powerful in this world. So powerful, in fact, that these creatures devote their lives to ridding the world of holes.

First they sew them together, and then they load the captive holes into boats, take them out into the middle of the Fraggle Pond and dump them in. I’m not sure why a simple hole is so dangerous. But I think holes are best avoided, don’t you?

I’ll write again soon.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

109: The Lost Treasure of the Fraggles

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Today I discovered something very strange but useful about this world. As I was walking along, I found something that looked like the Fraggle swimming hole. It was a pool of water with more water splashing into the middle. I was enjoying the sight, when one of the Silly Creatures came along and did something very strange. 

“Excuse me, sir,” I said to this man, “but can you tell me why you did that?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” he said to me, “everyone throws money in fountains.”

I was delighted! For months now, I have been collecting this stuff that is called money, but I have never known what to do with it. Now at last, I know. You throw it in fountains.

Well, Gobo, I certainly am finding my way ‘round this strange world at last.

Much love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

110: Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk

Dear Nephew Gobo,

I can’t tell you how lonely it is for a Fraggle in the outside world. I’ve been trying to make friends with some of the creatures here… and believe me, some of them are strange. I am currently exploring a big city, so I have donned an appropriate disguise. It was here that I discovered that strange and sad little animal: the Sidewalk Creature. Sidewalk Creatures have very large heads and long, skinny bodies that appear to be rooted to the ground. They cannot move about to gather food. When they grow hungry, their faces turn red.

Interestingly, the Silly Creatures of this world seem to like the Sidewalk Creatures. They carry pockets of food for them. But the sad thing is that sometimes the Silly ones forget all about the dear little Sidewalk Creatures, so there they stand, starving for hours. 

Once I found a bit of Sidewalk Creature food on the ground. So I fed one of the creatures. It made a grateful sound. I think I’ve made a friend! I hope so because I get lonely out here.

I miss all the good Fraggles of Fraggle Rock.

Love, Traveling Matt

111: Catch the Tail by the Tiger

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Well, my adventure has officially begun now that I’m in the outside world. The first job is to learn the language spoken by some shiny creatures I’ve met here.

“MAH.” It said, “MAH MAH.”

Before I could reply, another shiny creature greeted me with exactly the same words. The shiny creatures were trying to communicate! They wanted to make friends. Fortunately, I have an excellent for foreign languages. In no time, we were conversing fluently.

After a few exchanges I was able to compile a Fraggle dictionary of the shiny creature language. It consists of a single word… “MAH”. Translated loosely into Fragglish, it means, “Howdy, neighbor, move it or lose it.”

Anyway, I’m alright for now, but if you ever stop getting postcards, then you’ll know I’m in trouble.

Love, Traveling Matt

(Note: This is Uncle Matt’s first postcard he sent back.)

112: The Finger of Light

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Today I made contact with a tribe of mysterious beings I call the String Creatures. It’s curious, but right away I was drawn to them. It was almost as if I saw a family resemblance. It is still not entirely clear to me why these creatures choose to spend their lives attached to each other with string. There surely must be some mutual benefit.

Their leader was such a charismatic person that I inadvertently fell under his spell. This lifestyle may prove to be a little strange. [Somehow, I don’t feel quite in control anymore.] I’ll probably go off on my own again as soon as I find a pair of scissors.

Love, Uncle Traveling Matt

113: We Love You Wembley

Dear Nephew Gobo,

The Silly Creatures love some pretty bizarre things, you know. And the Fraggle-sized Silly Creatures especially love something very odd. Naturally, I was curious, so I decided to try one for myself. It seemed to be a Silly Creature’s moss pack. However… the foolish thing didn’t even keep my head warm! I think I’d rather have the real thing.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

114: The Challenge

(Postcard segment removed from AppleTV. Originally about smokers.)

115: I Don’t Care

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Sometimes it’s impossible to get rid of something you don’t want. For instance, the other day, I observed a Silly Creature throwing away a curved stick. Not very remarkable in itself, but the sticks proved to be magic. It came back! The Silly Creature tried to throw it away again and again and again, but with no success. The Silly Creature was obviously sad, so I decided to help. Fortunately, Gobo, I am an expert in such matters and can get rid of any stick, even a magic one.

Just remember this lesson, Nephew. It is often painful to part with magic objects.

Your Friend, Traveling Matt

(Note: Matt starts to say the closing before the last paragraph, before getting cut off and continuing the postcard.)

116: Capture the Moon

Dear Nephew Gobo,

If you look at the other side of this card, you’ll see a wondrous object. I was walking down a country road when I saw a sign. It said, “Rainbow Farms.” I was so excited! So, this is where they grow the rainbows. Soon, I found what I was looking for… A rainbow egg. I decided that, at all costs, I was going to watch the actual birth of a rainbow.

I waited and waited and waited. But unfortunately, I fell asleep. And when I woke up, it had already hatched! I looked out the window and there, arching over the sky, was the rainbow. How quickly they grow up.

Your friend, Uncle Traveling Matt

117: Marooned

[Dear Nephew Gobo,]

I was resting by the giant Fraggle pond, feeling very hungry, when I saw two of the Silly Creatures eating an interesting kind of food. It must've been very tough. They chewed and chewed and chewed. But they seemed to like it so much that I hinted politely that I might be pleased to share their snack. The clever girl creatures got my message and gave me a taste of this odd food. It certainly was chewy but it tasted delicious. 

I was enjoying it, when suddenly, I noticed the two Silly Creatures again. It was awful! Their tongues inflated and exploded! Naturally, I spat out the food at once. Who would eat things that make your tongue explode? These creatures are weird.

[Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt.]

118: The Minstrels

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Today I stumbled upon a new form of the ancient art of meditation. I discovered certain highly trained individuals standing behind a sheet of transparent material. Their method is simple. They never move a muscle. I was anxious to give this interesting technique a try.

Six hours later, I felt a marvelous sense of exhilaration. I’ve never experienced anything quite so inspiring. You ought to try it sometime.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

(Note: Doc reads this one!) 

119: The Great Radish Famine

(No postcard)

120: The Garden Plot

Dear Nephew Gobo,

The Silly Creatures of this world love rolling stuff around. They have rollers on everything. Yellow things, blue things, red things, and even things they sit on. Why, there are even some highly evolved ones who have grown actual rollers on their feet! I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to watch the way these creatures moved. They were so graceful. You can imagine how happy I was when one of these creatures noticed my interest and gave me some rollers of my own. I couldn’t wait to try it! I simply had to experience that wind-in-the-hair feeling for myself…

Believe me, there’s nothing like it in Fraggle Rock. Keep it that way.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

121: Gobo’s Discovery

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Sometimes it gets very hot here in Outer Space. And today, I thought I’d found the perfect place for a weary Fraggle to have a nice, cool rest. I looked around and I was amazed at what I saw. A couple of Silly Creatures with hungry buzzing machines were slicing the fuzz off some defenseless fluffy creatures! And then throwing the poor things out the door, with nothing on. 

I tried to interview one of the fluffy creatures. However, I received no answer.

Well, Gobo, I’ve never been a hothead… and I guess now I never will be.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

122: Mokey’s Funeral

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Today is very sad for me. I found a great treasure, but I lost it again. 

I was strolling about in a place where many of the Silly Creatures of this world congregate when, all of a sudden, I saw one of the creatures drop something. I rushed to see what it was and made the most amazing discovery. Inside of a brightly colored container was a cold stone! I mean, it was very, very cold. Furthermore, it sparkled like a diamond. Obviously this was a stone of great magic. 

I quickly put the cold stone in my pocket and went in search of its true owner. But it was no use. The wizard who had dropped it was nowhere to be found. Eventually, I had to give up. And then I went to a quiet corner to examine the wondrous stone again. And I learned the awful truth… Somebody had stolen the magic cold stone.

All that was left in my pocket was a lot of water. And so it was that I learned that in this world there are magic cold stones which cry if they are stolen.

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

123: The Beast of Bluerock

[Dear Nephew Gobo,]

I was passing through an area known to be inhabited by Silly Creatures. Everything appeared to be peaceful. Then I first laid eyes on two Silly Creatures taking their garden pets for a walk. The garden pets seemed tame, but rather noisy and boisterous. They appeared to be herbivorous, or grass-eating. Judging from their appetite, they seem to go a long time without food. 

In the interest of research, I decided to get a closer look. Confidence can tame any beast – but don’t count on it.

[Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt]

124: New Trash Heap in Town

Dear Nephew Gobo,

Outer space is very big. It can sometimes be quite tiring just finding places to explore. An explorer’s feet are his most valuable asset. And I was giving mine a well-earned rest when I saw a most peculiar sight.

It was a strange, bouncing thing, followed by more strange, bouncing things with huge tails. It wasn’t until I saw their pouches and the little passengers inside, that I realized what these bouncing things were. Transportation systems!

Love, your Uncle Traveling Matt

[vyuntspakhkite-l-darling]

"My family has some Selvesh blood..."

I've been meaning to write this scene forever, kept running into trouble because it didn't really feel right. Still not completely satisfied with it, I think it's something about the pacing, but I also think it's pretty good for a first draft. At the very least, writing this gave me a lot of ideas!

Warnings: no big ones this time, just Arsioly internally shaming Siba for being promiscuous and also being vaguely xenophobic now that I look at it.

Feedback is appreciated!

Fire cracked and sputtered in the pit. There was a ring of soggy, exposed grass around it where the heat turned the snow to dirty sludge.

Soldiers sat on half-decayed logs which had been haphazardly placed in a circle around the firepit. Even if he hadn’t been able to see their uniforms or hear their accents, Arsioly could have picked out the Selvesh soldiers easily; all of them, if they weren’t gawking openly, at least stole curious glances at the fire between words or sips of stew.

“Is this something you do often?” Asked a clumsy, accented voice from beside him. He looked over, finding himself uncomfortably close to a tall woman who had welcomed herself into the space between himself and Sibatol, who was chatting with Virava while sitting on the same damp log as him. There was a rank patch on her shoulder, but it didn’t look like any of the ones the nationalists used. The Selvesh must have used a different system.

Arsioly scooted away without trying to be subtle. “Is what something we do often?”

“This– you know.” She motioned vaguely to the fire pit. “Fire. Just… in the open?”

“It’s in a fire pit. That’s what it’s for.”

The woman nodded slowly, chewing her unnaturally pink lip. “Oh. We don’t do that in Selvarem."

Arsioly grunted in response and nodded. 

“Must be hard to have fires in Selvarem with all those trees, hm?” Sibatol piped up, apparently more interested in conversing with a random woman than with his own teammate.

Smiling, the woman nodded. “Yes, it is. Really, there are almost never fires. It is warm there, so there isn’t much need for them.”

Sibatol nodded and hummed, turning to sit with one leg on each side of the log in a way that couldn’t possibly have been comfortable. His tail rested behind him over Virava’s thighs, who didn’t appear to mind the disrespect to her personal space. “I’ve heard it’s a beautiful country,” the man said with a foxlike smirk. “If it’s half as beautiful as the people that come out of it, it must be true.”

“Oh-” she giggled, ducking her head away. “Well, thank you.”

“So, what’s your name? Or should I just call you Sergeant?” He cooed, reaching up to flick the patch on her shoulder. Arsioly silently wondered how Sibatol had managed to learn what those things meant so quickly. 

The woman, whose name turned out to be Arelia, was ushered into a conversation about her homeland, prompted by ‘ooh’s and ‘ah’s into sharing the minutiae of a Selvesh soldier’s typical day. Sibatol laughed and fluttered his eyes and asked question after question as if anyone could possibly be interested in the answers Arelia provided. 

“You know,” he said easily, “my mom used to tell me that my family has some Selvesh blood…”

Arsioly stood and left for somewhere less crowded at that point, not at all interested in listening to Sibatol whoring himself out to a foreigner.

He shrugged off his coat, letting the air sting his skin as he walked back towards his tent, his legs taking him there without conscious decision. The area was quiet. No doubt most of his fellow soldiers were wasting valuable resting time, choosing to uselessly mingle with people they would never see again once the war was over. 

In the empty tent, he laid in his corner, knees tucked to his chest. The spot where the tip of his ear should be felt hot and itchy, and he reached up to rub it, but the feeling didn’t subside until he fell asleep.

[oogalaboogalabich]

Posting my current list of things i wanna draw cause honestly, id much rather see someone elses take on a lot of them.

Most of these are labeled under "degenerate art ideas" so take from that what you will.

Please feel free to use any one of these.

-----

- The Kiss from fallout. If you know you know. Bane and bhaal with a dead durge and gortash.

-Comic: Astarion in trouble and drizzt comes out of nowhere all heroic and saves him and hes all doe eyed n shit.

-Halsin and mr meadhoney. "Do you have a particular fondness for large and...heavily armed men, mr. Meadhoney?"

-Lucretious the necromancer and astarion dancing the tango together with the skellies in the back playing music."The dead are always such superb dancers."

-Comic: Lucretious topping astarion, bent over the stages edge. "What if we put you in my show darling. Im sure we could find something for a star like you...something youd love as much as the crowd."

"Youd make a spectacle of me?"

"In front of THOUSANDS who come just to see the most perfect beauty in all of the planes."

"Oh yes i quite like the thought of that."

-Comic: "Orin: you suck up the tyrants vapors like a babe sucks milk."

"Durge: tch fuckin yeah i do."

"Astarion: D:<!!?"

"Orin: *quinten terantino scowl that she does*"

-Vellioth as the "i yearn for the urn" tiktok

- astarion amputee doodles (thank you godey for that idea)

-3 musketeers quote "i love that in a man." "What. Passion?" "Violence" but ghoap or durge. Maybe make a version of both?

-when (doodly dude) hit me real hard that one night and my jaw rattled in my skull all nasty, but make it durgestarion hehehehehehe

-Astarion licking blood from durge in one of the pools of blood (idea from mignon scene)

-Durgetash comic of demon slayer masochism abridged thing with the lady man demon

- bg3 crew bein a bunch of rly cute parrots doin dumb cute things.

-same idea but theyre all shoebill storks.

-comic: "Mighty sanctum" bit, then durge pulls astarion into his lap and kisses him. "Fairly certain you would castrate me if i tried to fuck you right here like i want...im still not sure if thats a deterrent or temptation" but ya know...better written.

"bloody degenerate...unhand me."

"Let go of my neck then."

"No"

"Well then...")

-Mungojerrie from cats and astarion both comolimenting each others pearls and casually holding something they swiped from the other. Riumpleteaser and durge are snickering and sharing a look, while RT has swiped something of durges, durge is pulling out his/her dagger

- Durge/Tav painting astarion in gold, and feeding him blood in a hedonism date night. he thinks the gold paint is just for tav. But he keeps saying "i just want you to see yourself as i see you." And stuch things.

He leads him to a giant ass mirror and lo and behold, there he is. In the flesh. The colors arent there of course. Hes looks like a statue, but its still...its more than the statue, its more than a portrait.

-Lyrical comic of durgetash ritual by ghost

-comic: Astarion is walking with the gang. He looks up to see something and narrows his eyes. He suddenly bursts into bats, flies up onto the space he was trying to peer at and reappears in a panic. Somethin like....

"I was eight bats...how...fuck...gods how am i supposed to even process that!?

Astarion are you alri

"I WAS IN EIGHT FUCKING PLACES AT ONCE TAV I AM NOT ALRIGHT"

-comic- Volothamp talking to tav about a rat exodus from "a mysterious "red castle" " where their bretheren kept going missing. So they gave up the territory and moved to a "red cave" just beneath it, where blood flows even more freely.

Astsrion recognizes the palace, and remembers a time where rats were in such short supply that cazador had simply switched to insects for a while. Well with astarion he had, the rest had been treated to cats and dogs, in order to lessen the threat against the local rat population. Durge in the meantime, has an odd memory about commanding rats to find reconnisance if they wish to find safety with (fuzzy writing that doesnt quite translate to words)

-Astarions ascension but its happy with evil hugs.

-Durge reacting to the gnoll birth holy hells that was funny.

-Durge eviscerating astarion while he arches off the ground as if in ecstacy rather than pain. Theyre both laughing in wild, crying hysterics and theres those timasks spores everywhere.

-Comic: A -Astarion in the mirror frowning and looking distressed, even a little pissed in a mini panel, as he pinches a small amount of belly fat. Hes a very healthy weight but like 200 years o trauma dawg. Next pannel he looks thoughtful (considering that hes never had enough to eat before to warrant gaining rather than steadily losing weight), third panel he looks up in a catlike manner and fingertip taps his stomach near his hip. Very silly smug cat face meme feels here

-Chaste kiss canon durgestarion/tash vs nasty canon durgestarion/tash

-Comic of vellioth uncovering mummystarion from crypt.

-Comic of astarion fucking posessed n bound durge in the shar library.

-An archer in general doing leg archery. Maybe two goofballs doin it at each other with silly faces. I can see any combo of minsc and lazel and astarion doing this weirdly enough.

-spit/ blood exchange between s/a astarions.

-That moment when astarion is blissed out in the sauce under durge in the grove. Maybe a pov where theres drops of blood mid fall, and theres two hands smearing it all over his chest.

-A astarion sitting on bhaals altar while durge and gortash dogfight.

-Gortash with his hand inside a lasceration in durges belly, squeezing himself off all slowlike inside durge. bloody handprints everywhere, though some have turned to black sooted handprints. Theyre kissing all disgustin

-Slayer and a predator Shilouetted gwtw style

-Astarion getting railed by a Predator.

-Lazel getting railed by a Predator.

-Honestly just put everyone in every fandom with a predator at some point like fu c ks sake

-Comic of the superimposed cazador murder/thunderstorm blood frenzy xex scene from that one fic i never finished

-The king E x Ragnar bath scene but nasty. (Also durgetash?)

-Astarion with floorlength hair and dripping with pearls, looking a little emaciated, or perhaps just extra slender themes to the art

Two smaller panels where vellioth h it away and carefully styles it while figaros corpse lays in the corner. Vellioth should look younger but less pretty.

-Durge slips his hands into astarions back pockets (in this comic he has invented ass pockets) "butt"

He goes "no, butt." And walks away. Durge looks down at his hands that are still right there where his butt was. And he squeezes the air with a smile

[xdarkestdesirex]

When Faith Meets Juvenile - Chap 3

This is a Dale Holt x reader story. There's no (y/n) insert. I'm just avoiding the use of the reader's name, and it is female-based. There are hints of physical appearance but nothing in-depth.

This writing contains highly sensitive content like violence, drugs, the use of weapons, abuse, mental illness, hostage situations, talk of suicide, religious abuse, smut, and other mature themes. Reader discretion is advised. MUST BE 18+ TO INTERACT.

I do not allow anyone to copy, alter, or repost my work as their own.

1681-word count

prev

Two months later

The first week of my senior year of high school has finally ended. I sat in the school library, polishing my outline for the school year. Every year, I create a timeline from the syllabus’ I get from my teachers to make sure I’m getting things done on time and staying on track with my schoolwork. My list this year wasn’t very long since I got ahead of my classes in the previous years. I technically only have three classes every day, but I still show up when school starts and leave later than most kids; ever since that one Sunday two months ago, my parents have had me on extreme lockdown. I haven’t been allowed out of the house to see friends and could only go places if one of my parents took me. The way they’ve been treating me is suffocating, and James, my brother, is loving every minute of it. They usually treat him like this for about a week or two when he gets in trouble, but I feel like they won’t stop with me. 

So I did what every average teen would do; I lied and told my parents I took some extra classes, so I would need to be at school all day. They loved that. Being here gave me the space to be away from them. The clock struck five o’clock, and I began packing my things to head outside. As I was about to exit the library, the librarian told me my father had called, saying I would need to walk home as he needed to be at the church, and my mother could not pick me up. For the past week, my father would be outside the library for at least thirty minutes before I would come out. I think he was trying to see if I would try to sneak back to the library from elsewhere. I never told them what happened and who I was with that fateful Sunday evening. I’m sure my father imagines the worst-case scenario, and I will let him believe whatever he wants. 

Thankfully, I had my MP3 in my bag, so I pulled it out, put my headphones over my head, and blasted my music while I walked on the sidewalk. The sun was setting on the horizon, creating a beautiful painting of pinks, oranges, and yellows in the sky. The air was starting to get cool at night, and the faintest shiver ran down my spine. I was coming up to a mini market that sold various snacks, drinks, alcohol, and cigarettes when I saw a familiar-looking truck. Without realizing it, my feet started to move in the direction of the car. I couldn’t fully see who was in it, but I could see a man’s head. Their hair was brown, and I could see a white t-shirt clinging onto their shoulders. A muscular arm fell out from the driver’s window, holding a cigarette with smoke billowing out into the air. When I got close enough to see the guy’s face and confirmed it was Dale, I stood there staring at him, not knowing what to do next.

“You just gonna stand there and stare at me, Doll?” He said while blowing out another cloud of smoke. 

“I-uh, sorry,” I said. He probably thinks I’m a creep now. 

“Did you want something?” His face turned directly at me, showcasing a dark bruise surrounding his eye.

“Are you okay?” Concern arose in my chest, and I instinctively moved closer to him. My arm reached out to crease his face, but he swatted my hand away with a stern look.

“It’s none of your fucking business.” He spat. 

I was slightly hurt by what he said, but at the same time, it wasn’t my business. I shouldn’t have expected him to tell me anything when we barely knew each other. Without responding to him, I reached into my bag and grabbed my notebook and a pencil. I wrote the number to my family’s phone, ripped the paper from my notebook, and handed it to him. “If you ever want to talk, here’s my number. My parents are strict, so just say you’re in my class and we’re working on a project together. They won’t question you.” It took him a moment before grabbing the paper. “I have to go. Hopefully, I’ll hear from you soon.” He didn’t say anything else as I walked away.  

It didn’t take me much longer to arrive at my house. When I walked in, my mother was finishing dinner, and my brother sat at the dining table with his collage work spread about. He attended a Christian college just a few hours away from Two Rock, studying to become a pastor like our dad. When he announced what he would do, my parents were ecstatic, and my father had already bragged about it to everyone he knew. Ever since James threatened me, our relationship had strained. I always thought he was a good big brother, and I appreciated how he used to look after me. At school, people weren’t the nicest to me, and he would always protect me. He was never rude to me before but would throw side-handed compliments every once in a while. I just thought that’s what siblings did, so I never thought about it, but it was like he saw an opportunity to be better than me. So he took it. It was nice not having him home during the weekdays, but every Friday after his classes, he would drive back home for the weekend. How everything has shifted at home has made my heart hurt in a way I didn’t know was possible.

I walked to my bedroom and set my backpack on my desk chair. Then, I headed into the bathroom and freshened up for dinner. I washed my face to clear it from the bit of makeup I wore during the day and to eliminate any grime that may have formed. I pulled my hair into a braid and returned to the dining room. My brother cleaned his mess up and helped our mother set the table. Across the table sat pasta, spaghetti sauce, salad, and bread. It was my favorite meal my mother would make. Once everyone sat at the table, my brother prayed over our meal, and we started eating. Usually, we would wait for my father to get home before eating, but he informed my mom that he wouldn’t be home until late. “How was your week, darlings?” A question my mom always asked. She acted as the sweet, doting mother in public and at home. I felt like her mask never left. Which was kind of sad to think about because I didn’t know who my mom was. I just knew this persona of her. 

“I got assigned a pretty big project in school today. It will take up the whole year, and then we have to turn it in as a part of our final.” I spoke after swallowing my food. 

“Well, I don’t doubt you’ll do a good job on it!” My mother smiled at me.

“It’s also a partner project. I gave the guy assigned as my partner our number so we could work on it over the phone together.” 

“Thank you for the heads up, sweetie.” 

I knew that telling her this in advance would show her I wasn’t hiding anything from them and that working over the phone would be better than going out with some guy. Unfortunately, I couldn’t give him a personal number because I don’t own a phone. My parents don’t think having one while I still live with them is necessary, but they said they would buy me one as a present if I were to move away for college.

“Could your partner’s name possibly be Dale?” My brother said with a devilish smirk.

I stopped mid-chew to glare at my sibling across the table. “His name is Luca Smith,” I flashed an innocent smile at my brother. I used the name of a guy in my class that my brother knew so he couldn’t question whether this person existed. 

“Who’s Dale, sweetie?” My mother inquired. My brother opened his mouth, but I spoke before he could say anything.

“Just a guy in my class who doesn’t put effort into anything and relies on others to get him a passing grade.”

“He must have made quite the name for himself if your brother knows of him,” My mother shook her head. She’s acting disapproving, but little does she know James would do the same thing.

“Oh, you have no idea,” James leaned back into his chair. He’s playing a game with me, making one move at a time until he gets a checkmate. And I don’t doubt he’ll get there eventually. Maybe I should just be honest with them? It would be better coming from me than having my brother tell them. He would probably make it out to be something it’s not, which would be even worse. And if I tell them first, it wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of ‘busting’ me. The distant ringing interrupted my thoughts, and my mother excused herself to pick up the phone stationed in the living room. I could only hear faint mumbling and then her walking back to the dining room. 

“Honey, it’s Luca,” She extended her slender arm out to me with our Nokia in the palm of her hand. 

“Oh, uh, can I be excused from dinner?” I hesitantly grabbed the phone from her.

“Of course! And don’t worry about cleaning up. Your brother can do it for you.” I said a quick thank you and walked down the hall to my bedroom. I bet my brother is happy about doing my chores. Once the door was closed behind me, I sat on my bed and took a deep, shaky breath. Why am I so nervous to talk to him on the phone? Another second passes before I hold the phone to my ear and say,

 “Hello?”

next

AN:

AHHHH, YOU GUYSSS. If you haven't seen my recent news, I'M ENGAGED!!!!! I'm excited about this new chapter of my life, and so many things will change. I will be planning a wedding while also preparing to move halfway across the States to be with my fiance. In a previous post, I mentioned that he's in the military. We'd been dating for a few years before he enlisted, and it was EXTREMELY hard having him gone for about 9 months. So thank you, everyone, for being patient while he was home again so I could give him my undivided attention before he moved. Even though things will be a bit crazy, I don't plan on slacking with this story; in fact, I've been itching to write with all these ideas and storylines just floating around in my head. I'm excited for y'all to be a part of this journey with me and to have this story as my baby through it all, too, lol.

Stay tuned for another post soon 👀

[edith-hyde]

Norman Osborn X Female Reader

I Forgot My Umbrella - Part 42

Word Count: 1635

Summary: One of the things Norman feared comes true. What will happen now?

Warnings: Age gap. PG/PG-13.

A/N: ..... I've been busy. And sick. And suffering from writers block. IDK when the next chapter will come out. Thank you for your patience. I am so sorry.

Tagging: @druigswh0ree @digital-demise @maskmare931 @b1ueoff1ine @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky @wtfhasmy-lifecometo @ghnaim24

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——

You took your time crossing the floor. Norman had already gone down the hallway and you didn’t want people to notice you were following him. As you leisurely strolled towards your secret rendezvous, you felt your heart begin to pound. Somewhere in the back of your mind you knew this wasn’t smart. 

But that made it all the more exciting. 

You were also trying to figure out how to tell Norman that his son apparently had a crush on you. 

However, you didn’t really have much time to think.

The minute you turned the corner, you felt Norman’s hand upon your waist. He pulled you to him, leaving very little space between you. He had taken his mask off, allowing you to see his full visage as he smiled at you. 

“Norman-”

Norman silenced you with a kiss. Your world spun for a moment and you forgot what you were going to say. When Norman pulled back, he pressed his nose against your ear and whispered softly. 

“Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight?”

“I think so, but I don’t mind hearing you say it again.”

Norman smirked as he pulled back to meet your gaze. 

“I would tell you a thousand times a day if you wanted me to.”

“That would get old fast,” you laughed. 

Norman chuckled as he caressed your cheek. 

“I’m glad the two of you are getting along, but I was quite envious of Harry tonight,” Norman laughed, “He was able to stay by your side and keep you company.”

You averted your gaze. 

“Yeah well… about that.”

Norman gave you a quizzical look, but before you could explain, you heard the music change in the other room. 

The live band was playing the most beautiful instrumental version of As The World Falls Down. 

“Wait is that-?”

Norman grinned as he took your hand in his. 

“Rosie told me.”

The two of you began dancing and you were utterly lost in his ocean eyes. The world melted away along with all your worries and troubles. As you danced in the hall, you imagined that the two of you were in a grand ballroom. You were the princess of a fairytale and Norman was the prince. 

No. 

He was the King. 

Harry was the prince giving you unwanted attention in this scenario. 

And that thought made you come crashing back into reality. 

“Norman… I have to tell you…”

As the song faded, Norman kissed you as if he was a man stranded in the desert and you were an oasis. Taking several steps forward, he pressed you against the wall and began kissing your jaw and neck. 

“Norman…?”

“Hmm?”

Norman remained as he was- with his hands upon your waist and his head tucked into the crook of your neck. Overall, he was making it very hard to form a coherent thought. Your ribs started to hurt but it barely registered in your mind.

“Not to ruin the moment… but I have to tell you something important-”

Norman brought his mouth back to yours, silencing you. His right hand gently held your neck, keeping you from escaping. You got a bit caught up, but finally managed to free yourself by tilting your head back. Norman continued to pepper kisses along your neck and down to your collarbone as you tried to talk. 

“It’s about Harry,” you said with a breathless sigh, “He-”

Crash!

You were interrupted by the sound of shattering glass. 

Norman pulled back in surprise and the both of you looked in the direction of the noise. 

Harry stood at the end of the hall, two broken champagne glasses at his feet. 

“Crap.”

——

Norman’s entire world came to a screeching halt. The sight of Harry made his blood run cold. This was not how he wanted to tell his son about you. To be caught like this… Norman felt like a teen who just got caught with his girlfriend by his mother. 

“Harry-”

The younger Osborn immediately turned and left. Norman watched him go, unsure of what to do. You however, seemed to have a plan. 

“Go after him!” You urged. 

“But.. What do I say!?”

“I don’t know, but you can’t just let him go! I was trying to tell you that he has a crush on me!”

Norman bristled as he whipped his head in your direction. 

“He… WHAT?!”

“GO! After him!”

Norman did as you commanded and gave chase. He ignored the confused and judgemental stares of the partygoers as he followed his son out the front doors. Norman caught Harry at the corner, grabbing his arm to make him stop. 

“Harry!”

“LET GO OF ME!”

Harry’s shouted words made Norman freeze in his tracks. The boy was giving him a glare of angry bewilderment and Norman couldn’t blame him. 

“Harry… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Y/N and I- I didn’t know how.”

“Y/N is your mystery woman? Seriously??”

“Yes.”

Harry scoffed. 

“First I lost MJ to Pete and now the girl I had a crush on is… necking my father?! I just told you that I liked her and you do this!”

Norman’s features darkened. 

“I didn’t take her from you. You never told me that the woman you liked was Y/N. Had I known, I never would have encouraged you to pursue her. Y/N and I have been in a relationship for almost a month now.”

Harry gave a look of disgust. 

“Seriously?! You’re old enough to be her dad! I thought you promised-”

“I promised she wasn’t younger than you and she’s not,” Norman cut in. 

Harry shot his father a glare but didn’t respond. It was a technicality, but Norman was right. That was the agreement. 

With a sigh, the older Osborn hung his head.

“Harry… I’m sorry you had to find out this way. I never wanted to hurt you. And please, don’t blame Y/N. It was my choice to keep it from you for so long.”

Harry looked at the ground with a heavy sigh. He took a long moment to think, mulling over everything. Norman knew him well enough to know that he wanted nothing more than to stalk off and mope. 

That was the Osborn way- Get angry and then brood about it.

Norman was eternally grateful Harry wasn’t cursed with the Goblin. If he had been, this conversation would not be nearly as civil. Though, Harry still looked as though he might punch his father in the face at the drop of a hat.  

“Do you love her?” Harry asked quietly. 

“Yes,” Norman answered without hesitation. 

“So this isn’t some CEO messin’ around with his assistant kinda thing?”

“No. She’s not just some passing fling.”

Harry scoffed, eyes going skyward. 

“You can believe me or not,” Norman stated, “It makes no difference. Y/N and I are together.”

“And you expect me to just be okay with it?”

Norman took a deep breath. 

“I would like you to be, yes. But I understand it may take you some time. You don’t have to like it… Just… don’t punish me over it. And don’t punish Y/N either.”

“Yeah… I’m gonna need time.”

Norman nodded and took a step back. 

“I understand…”

Harry rolled his eyes and moved to flag down a taxi. As he got in to leave, he turned back to his father. 

“Tell Y/N I’m sorry for earlier. It’s not her fault you met her first.”

The words felt like a knife in Norman’s stomach. He watched his son leave, struggling to maintain his anger and pain. He wanted Harry to like you, sure. But for him to develop a crush on you… 

‘You scared she’ll leave you for the younger model?’

Norman rolled his eyes and made his way back to the party. As he went inside, he held his head high so as to appear like everything was fine. He spotted you standing in the hallway and he could tell- you had been crying. He quickly crossed the floor, ignoring anyone who tried to get his attention. He took you into one of the side rooms, making sure to shut and lock the door.

“Did you talk to him?” you asked as you wiped your eyes, “Is he alright?”

“It’ll be fine,” Norman assured you, “He needs some time, but he’ll come around. He wanted me to tell you that he’s sorry…”

Norman took a deep breath, choosing not to tell you Harry’s exact words.

“I should’ve said something as soon as I suspected but…” you shook your head, “I am so sorry Norman. This is my fault.”

Norman scowled. Gently he took your hands, locking his eyes on yours.

“This is not your fault, Y/N. I know you didn’t lead him on.”

“Still…”

Norman reached up to caress the side of your face with the backs of his fingers. He wiped away some of your tears as he whispered.

“I can hardly blame him for falling for you. After all, I did.”

“I just wish we could’ve told him in a less humiliating way…”

“As do I. I didn’t expect him to find out like that,” Norman chuckled as he recalled the scene.

In hindsight, it was rather humorous. 

“Ugh! I am so embarrassed!”

You took a step back from him, covering your blushing face. You took a moment to take a few deep breaths before removing your hands.

“We better get back out there before people start to talk…. Is my make-up ruined?”

“No. You’re beautiful.”

You scowled and rolled your eyes.

“I better go check a mirror. You need to go.”

You went to walk past him and Norman caught your arm. As you met his gaze, he smiled.

“After the party, I will drive you home. Alright?”

“Okay…”

[lustrous-dawn]

Abilene hesitated, eyes on the ring she twirled in her grasp. She had secrets of her own, not willing to utter them. It would pale in comparison but she looked up as she felt a gentle touch. 

"Hey, you know I was joking, right?" 

There was a time when Abilene rarely said so much of two words between them. Troubled, filled with worry. It was always him taking the first step. Always listening. It went unspoken, not unheard. 

"It's so hard to hide things from you. But tonight, it isn't about me," she smiled, slowly placing the ring on her finger. "It is about you." 

Zhen blinked once. Twice. 

He sure as hell was not imagining the beautiful woman in front of him, who nervously bit down her lip as she idly twirled a loose strand of golden hair, speckled with white. When she tilted her head to face him, her hazel eyes gleamed, a golden glow in her irises. 

"Your jaw is dropping to the ground, Zhen." Her voice was a melody, filled with amusement. Dimples formed on her cheeks as she smiled, the moonlight highlighting a splash of freckles on the bridge of her nose. Her skin of a bronze color, she placed her hand beneath his chin as if to raise it. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you were crushing me instead of Pecs in there." 

He shook his head. "Pecs?" He focused on her words when his mind was in such disarray. 

"He does have a chest, no?" 

Zhen stifled his response to her cool words. A sharp reaction to her playful interest. "I can't tell." His voice came out sharper than intended. He was, of course, none of his damn business. 

"Zhen." She held his hands in hers. Still, she was small in this new form, barely coming past his abdomen as they stood in the silence of night. "I'm not interested in your man. Put the talons away."

"I-"

"I know." She understood he was trying to figure his way around. "I was much like you, remember?" A lingering smile on her lips. A sad one. "I lashed out at you when you said he wasn't good enough for me."

Zhen's gaze went flat. "He wasn't. That's something different altogether." 

She gave a small shrug, tugging him along out of the gazebo, into the open space, onto the pathway. "It's not so much different at all. We do wild things when we love someone. I can't fault you." She adjusted the garland upon her hair, sunny blooms of carnation coming to life when fully exposed. "You're still learning. One day you'll not bite my head off for making shots at him," she grinned.

"How can you be so-"

"Happy? My friend realizes there is someone he wants to spend time with. How can I not be happy for my friend? The jealousy thing is natural for first-timers. It happens and I know it's not on purpose. As long as he makes you happy, I'm happy you see." She answered this nonchalantly as if it was the most obvious answer out there while he struggled to wrap his head around it. "He is making you happy, right?" 

He pursed his lips, reluctant to answer. When he did, he let out his breath, his posture relaxing. "...Yes." 

"Then let him in, Zhen. Let us all in. Tell us. We can't see what you're going through. We really mean well, just as you helped us out." 

She was flawless at this moment, a glimmer in the darkness that had been all-so-encompassing as of late, suffocating. 

Zhen finally smiled, the emotion reaching his eyes. "I don't deserve a friend like you. Fine…" He mustered up the courage, falling into step as he took her hand. "Now I haven't danced in a decade. You can't fault me if I trip up."

"Avoid the hooves and we'll be peachy~" 

At first, the pair stared, unmoving, Zhen hesitant while Abilene was one of confidence. Then she began to move with him following suit, her slow movement leading the flow. It was this when it all fell into place for him, the slow rise and fall of his chest as he followed the rhythm she set, following the reassuring confidence of her flow. 

They danced to no music but one of their own, one of calm that reaffirmed his footing. 

He was moving.

He grinned, her smile growing wider in response.

This heat she felt emitting from him, the subtle glow on his chest as he became more graceful, even mesmerizing. It was warm. 

It healed the subtle aches she felt in the tips of her fingers.

For a moment… this moment. 

It connected.